Celebrating Joanne: A Heartfelt Journey of Purpose and Positivity

Joanne, a valued member of the Interchange team in Mandurah, has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people she supports for almost 1.5 years. Nominated by her colleague for the iThink You Are Awesome award, Joanne’s commitment to empowering people with disability is both inspiring and deeply impactful. 

In her role, Joanne supports people like Brian and Paul — each with their own unique journey. She recalls with pride how Brian, once hesitant and in pain when standing, now rises with a smile and walks with encouragement. Paul, too, has embraced a more active lifestyle, engaging in weekly activities that bring him joy and fulfillment. These moments, big and small, are what fuel Joanne’s passion for her work. 

What motivates Joanne each day? It is the simple yet profound joy of seeing the smiling faces of those she supports. “It brightens my day,” she says, reflecting on the genuine connections she built. 

Joanne is a mother of five and a proud grandmother to nine, she spent over 35 years as a businesswoman before transitioning into the support sector. Now, she finds joy in her new role, embracing every challenge and learning opportunity with enthusiasm. 

When asked what she enjoys most about working in this sector, Joanne’s answer is clear: helping people achieve their best life and reach their goals. She embodies Interchange’s core value of Respect, believing that mutual respect is essential in a team environment and in building meaningful relationships. 

Joanne’s goal in life is beautifully simple yet profound: to enjoy a happy, healthy retirement while staying active in both mind and soul. With her compassionate spirit and tireless dedication, she’s not only achieving that goal but also helping others live their best lives along the way. 

At Interchange, we are proud to have Joanne as part of our team—a true example of what it means to support, empower, and uplift others. 

Joanne – iThink You Are Awesome