Inspiring others: Kelly’s journey from support worker to aged care leader
Nov 07, 2025
When Community Based Support’s Support at Home Manager, Kelly Frerk, was invited to take part in HumanAbility, a national campaign promoting careers in care, she saw it as a chance to help others discover the rewards of working in aged care.
HumanAbility showcases real stories from people across the aged care, disability, and veterans’ care sectors, highlighting the pathways and challenges that make these roles so meaningful. For Kelly, sharing her journey was an opportunity to show that a caring career can bring both personal growth and a genuine career pathway.
Kelly’s story began more than twenty years ago, when she was a young mum with two small children. “A friend of mine had applied for a position as a Domestic Assistance Worker and said she really loved it,” Kelly recalls. “The hours suited her family life, so I decided to apply too.”
That decision opened the door to a lifelong vocation. “I started off helping people in their homes,” she says. “At that time, my husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness. I didn’t know much about his condition, but I wanted to learn. Some of the things happening to him were also happening to my clients, and that motivated me to understand more.”
Balancing work, family, and caring responsibilities was not easy, but it strengthened her desire to learn. While continuing to work in the community, she began studying Enrolled Nursing. “I wanted to remain in the community and help people stay in their homes,” she says. “I could see the difference that a bit of extra knowledge and care could make in someone’s life.”
Following her husband’s passing, Kelly’s determination to grow her skills only deepened. Encouraged by her employer, she applied for a national scholarship to continue her nursing studies. “I was one of only two people in Australia to receive that scholarship,” she says. “It helped me complete my training to become a Registered Nurse.”
Today, as Support at Home Manager with CBS, Kelly leads a dedicated team providing high-quality, person-centred care across southern Tasmania. She draws on both professional expertise and lived experience to guide and support others in their roles.
“Reflect on your personal experiences,” she advises. “It really helps when you’re in an industry like this. You can have those meaningful conversations with people because you understand what they’re going through.”
Kelly says she is pleased to see the aged care sector changing for the better, with greater recognition of the vital work support staff and nurses do every day. “With the Fair Work value case, wages have improved, and there are great career paths available,” she says. “It’s a good time to be part of this sector.”
At CBS, that same commitment to professional growth ensures staff have the skills and confidence to succeed. Through innovative learning platforms and ongoing training, team members are supported at every stage of their career. Kelly hopes that her story encourages others to explore aged care as a meaningful career. “There are real opportunities to grow, make a difference, and find purpose in this sector,” she says. “If you’re looking for more than just a job, it’s worth considering a role in support work.”
Check out Kelly’s video piece with HumanAbility below.