Denee Baker was already familiar with the Parkinson’s NSW offices when she joined the team as an NDIS Support Coordinator in late March 2021.

Denee, who is completing the final year of her Bachelor of Social Work, did a university placement with Parkinson’s NSW in 2020.

“I already knew about the organisation because of a family member living with Parkinson’s but it was great to see how things operated during my placement,” said Denee. “Now coming here to work is great because I can see the theory I’ve studied actually in practice.”

Before Denee began her degree course, she had completed a Diploma of Community Services and a Certificate III in Children’s Services. She also worked in early childhood education for nine years.

“I didn’t have a career ambition from childhood,” says Denee. “I just knew that I wanted to do something to help people and my work has developed from that.

“Now I am happy to be able to use my interpersonal skills to support people through their choices in life. This new position will also expand my skills range, too.”

While Denee has been very busy with university and work in the last few months she remains passionate about sports, gym, and the beach.

“I grew up in Wollongong and being able to splash around in the water makes me happy,” she says. “I was heavily involved in sports as a child, but I haven’t had the time for much of it for a while now.”

Denee also enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family and often drives back to Wollongong to catch up.

“Something else which has taken up a lot of time in the last year is planning my wedding,” says Denee. “We were meant to be getting married in Bali this year with friends and family there. Of course that hasn’t happened but I’m hoping that it will all be fine for the end of next year.”

Contact Parkinson’s NSW InfoLine 1800 644 189 for more about NDIS Support Coordination

Find out more about the NDIS and the benefits of Support Coordination in your plan