By Matthew Sims
Clyde North local Carla Johnson has received a nomination for the Southside Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Community Hero Award in the 2023 Victorian Community Achievement Awards.
The Community Achievement Awards started in 2002 and are designed to encourage, acknowledge and reward the valuable contributions that individuals, communities and businesses make throughout Victoria.
Ms Johnson said the death of her mother after a long battle with cancer spurred her on to enter the disability and aged care sectors.
“Prior to my Mum passing, I had never had any experience within the health sector,” she said.
“After my personal experience, I wanted to help more.”
Ms Johnson entered into the aged care industry for five years and has recently moved into the role of business development manager at disability services and support organisation My Life Accommodation and Care Solutions out of their recently opened Cranbourne office.
“I am absolutely loving it,” she said.
“I enjoy known that I’m helping people.
“I go home each day feeling good.
“I don’t see it as a job.”
Ms Johnson has also worked within the insurance industry and co-ordinated fundraising for Daffodil Day and commenced a number of small businesses to support various charities including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Beyond Blue and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
“I am always creating new ideas to help people,” she said.
“It’s a good feeling.”
Ms Johnson said her goal was to help her local community find strength together.
“In the face of adversity, I turn challenges into opportunities to assist others,” she said.
“My main goal has been to support local individuals and businesses.”
Ms Johnson said she was grateful to be nominated for the award.
“I feel very thankful that I was nominated,” she said.
“I am very passionate about cancer disability and mental health.”
My Life Accommodation and Care Solutions also received a nomination for the Awards Australia Charitable Foundation Mental Health and Wellbeing Award.
Directors Jismon Joseph and Bony Joseph have been working in the aged care, disability and mental health fields for more than 15 years.
My Life Accommodation and Care Solutions offers accommodation, 24/7 care, activities and programs based on their clients’ interests, counselling and more services across Casey.
Judging will take place throughout October, with the winners to be announced on Friday 1 December at the 2023 Community Achievement Awards gala presentation dinner.
For more information on the 2023 Community Achievement Awards, visit awardsaustralia.com/viccaa.
