Growing up on a dairy farm in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Jan Rigby had a dream - to be a nurse in the Air Force.
Today, as a client of Carinity Home Care, she is grateful to be supported by a team of
carers and nurses that share her commitment to making a difference to the lives of others.
Jan's nursing dream was not initially supported by her father, however his discouragement of the idea was met head-on with Jan's determination and hard-working mentality.
Between school and milking the cows morning and night, she kept herself busy trying to find an opportunity to study nursing.
Her father eventually gave his blessing for her to leave school at 16 and Jan headed to Gympie to commence her nursing training. As a qualified nurse at 19, she commenced her career in Central Queensland, working between Longreach, Winton and Hughenden.
Those nursing days were busy and long, but there was always time for the long drive into Longreach to attend the Friday night dances with the local sheep shearers. Jan's passion for music was set alight, and her record collection was rapidly growing!
One fateful day in 1964, Jan was stranded in Townsville due to a train strike. Unable to return to Hughenden, pondering what she was going to do for a bed and food, a sign proclaiming 'The Air Force wants you!' caught her attention.
With her curiosity sparked and her excitement growing, Jan found herself walking up a flight of stairs to learn more about nursing in the Air Force.
After passing an IQ test - something her father had assured her she would never be smart enough to do - and her medical, Jan became a proud member of the Australian Air Force. Her childhood dream had become a reality!
Jan's service in the Air Force spanned four years, commencing in the MediVac team supporting injured soldiers out of Vietnam, then moving between each base across Australia providing nursing care. A strong believer in 'work hard, play hard', Jan did not spend her free time sitting still.
Parachute jumping soon joined her long-time love of dancing as a favourite pastime.
Jan continued her career in nursing after the Air Force, juggling a family of three children, moving between Brisbane and Cairns, before finally returning to Brisbane.
When Jan retired from nursing, she followed another passion - teaching. Over her 18 years at Taigum State School, Jan helped hundreds of children overcome their various challenges. Through supporting children with reading difficulties, or through dance, music, and arts, those days were incredibly fulfilling.
Travelling has been another great love for Jan, with her longest trip being a three-and-a-half-month trip around the world and her favourite location, Peru. Those adventurous days were wonderful times and special memories for Jan.
Making a difference
Jan's days are a lot quieter in recent years, at home in Taigum in Brisbane's north. As her health conditions advance, the support of services provided by Carinity Home Care under her government-subsidised Home Care Package enable her to remain living independently in her home of 28 years.
Her regular carers, Kelly and Alysha, support Jan four days a week, providing assistance with home tasks; transport to appointments and the shops; and personal care.
"Keeping my clients at home, being able to make a difference, and seeing them happy brings me much joy. When I leave a client's home and they're smiling, I know I've done my job," shared Kelly.
"Getting to know my clients - their life story, interests, preferences – is really key as it means I can support them in the best way for their wellbeing. And it can be the smallest thing that makes a difference.
"Last week, I pruned Jan's hedge. Sitting with me outside on her walker, we shared stories, listened to music, and laughed together. It really picked up Jan's spirits and was fabulous to see her so bright."
As a carer, Kelly shared how beneficial this is for her wellbeing too. "Being a carer is the most rewarding job I've done. It's such a privilege to be a part of our clients' lives, respected and trusted, at times when they may be feeling vulnerable. It truly changes your life – makes you look outside the box and feel so good about yourself."
Between the Carinity support four days a week, and family visiting on Tuesdays for 'card day', Jan continues to bring joy and purpose to so many lives, including her carers, through her brightness, sense of humour and wicked laugh!
