Tash’s story - caring for her son
Tash’s story – First Nations carer looking after her son
Mum’s the only that really understands me cause I got a learning disability
Mum really helps me a lot more than anyone else in my family
She knows my problems because she’s done nursing
She worries about me a lot and she cares for me
I’m Tash, I live in Port Pirrie on Nukunu Country
I’m from the Adnyamathanha tribe in the Northern Flinders Ranges of South Australia
I’m a mother of 4 beautiful children, one who I care for, Joel
He is 19 years of age and he has a diagnosed intellectual disability
He and I have a special connection
I’m probably the only one in our family that understands Joel more than the others
I just love my son with all of my heart and I know he loves me too
I believe I found Carer Gateway through an Aboriginal Liaison Officer
Yeah, it helps me to have a bit of freedom to care for myself
I will reach out to Carer Gateway, they’ll link me up with other services that they know can help with my questions, or whatever I am looking for help with
It’s very important to all Aboriginal people to have an Aboriginal Liaison Officer within all services so that they can help all Aboriginal people from all across Australia because you get people from different communities and different socio-economic areas
Joel’s had some challenges in his life being around negative influences in the community
So that’s probably one of the hardest challenges for me, as his mum
Him being 19 years of age, I have to allow him to find out how life works and to experience some stuff as well, in the journey that he’s on
But there are challenges definitely, and we just work one day at a time
I’ve completed a Diploma of Nursing in July of 2023 and I did it over a period of 5 years
I did lose my mum, it was suddenly and she was the one that motivated me to keep going and to complete it because I was almost going to quit
The way I was able to complete my Diploma of Nursing was to receive some support to help care for Joel
It’s a fulfillment and I feel proud of myself that I was able to achieve that even being a busy mum of 4 children, and a grandmother, as well as looking after extended families and then I was able to achieve and complete that even though I was a busy, busy woman
For Joel’s future, I hope that he can just live a quiet normal life, with a partner
I just want him to be happy, and safe, and to look after himself as well, when mum’s not watching him
Our communities are strongest when everyone is strong and its okay to reach out for support
I am an Adnyamathanha woman living on Nukunu Country in Port Pirie, where I’ve lived most of my life. My Dad is from the Flinders Ranges and my Mum was a part of the Stolen Generations. I’m now on the journey of reconnecting with Mum’s family in Queensland.
I’m a proud mum to 4 beautiful kids, a grandma and sister to 6 siblings. A lot of people in my family lean on me as their rock.
One of my sons, Joel, has an intellectual disability, so I’m a mum and a carer. I make sure he gets his medication at the right time and is ok when I’m not with him. I often worry about him being safe, doing the right thing and making good choices. This worrying takes up a lot of my energy. Even with all these responsibilities, it’s the best when Joel and I sit and chat and spend time together.
Carer Gateway has helped me with looking after Joel. Sometimes people don’t know where to get support or might be too shame to ask. It’s so important to look after ourselves, do things that keep us strong and take a break.
For me, I enjoy going back to Country, sharing language, creating art with my family, and supporting First Nations businesses. I also love doing self-care activities like going to the hairdresser or getting a massage.
I found Carer Gateway through an Aboriginal Liaison Officer in Adeliade who has been a big support.
It’s important for us mob to speak to Aboriginal people in these roles. She even inspired me to share my story to help others. Carer Gateway is doing a good job supporting us carers so we can look after our families.
Carer Gateway is there to support me and anyone caring for someone in their family or community. Carer Gateway provides free and easily accessible support, practical information and skills courses to improve your social and emotional wellbeing.
Our communities are strongest when everyone is strong and it’s ok to reach out for support.
To find out more about what services are available in your local area, call 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM or visit carergateway.gov.au/First-Nations