G

Hello, I'm Gary. I've been told that I'm warm, open and outgoing. I can tell you that I have a good sense of humour, a caring nature and a 'can do' attitude. For three years I volunteered for ACON's community service volunteer program, where I visited an elderly LGBTQI person every two weeks to listen, chat, share stories and go on social outings. I'd bring the same enthusiasm and joy to any interactions I have with Like Family. At the beginning of my career I was a youth worker, running sessions in a youth centre for disadvantaged and/or disengaged young people. I specialised in re-engaging them with their life, their self esteem and their futures. This led to me working for children's charity Barnardo's. After that I spent 13 years in the not for profit sector, working for charities including children's cancer charity Camp Quality. In my other day job, I'm a freelance journalist and published author. I mainly write features for the ABC, the Guardian, the Sydney Morning Herald , the BBC and the Australian Women's Weekly. My book is all about psychics! So I'm never short of things to talk about! One of my most recent pieces for the ABC was 'the golden rules for communicating with someone living with dementia' - so if that's you, or your loved one, I feel upskilled in this area and very happy to help. Here's the article I wrote: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-03/how-to-communicate-with-someone-living-with-dementia/100954320 I love listening to other people's stories - that includes yours! I'm very sporty - I cycle, job, swim, do classes and do yoga. My interests include theatre, current affairs, politics, word games and reading. I'd love to hear what yours are.