Hear it from Jo:

Soon after relocating from New Zealand to Sydney, I learnt about Bear Cottage and their amazing work. 

Then a couple of  years ago I saw an online advert for a  housekeeping role that sounded perfect  for me and I applied within minutes. 

I was so excited and delighted to be offered the job because I’d been nervous at the interview!

My last job in housekeeping was working for a large private hospital in Wellington, New Zealand, cleaning state-of the-art operating theatres, surgeons’ private rooms and dealing with patients. I also have a veterinary nursing qualification, so I love working in healthcare and improving my skills.

I love an active job and one that’s never the same from day to day. I love the concept of it being “home-like” as opposed to “hospital-like” and I adore helping people, especially when they are going through so much. 

I use humour as a tool to get on with people who enjoy a bit of a giggle and I am quite clumsy so that gets people smiling, probably because they feel sorry for me. I really wanted to offer something different, and my strong Kiwi accent is always a conversation starter. 

I really love cleaning and always have, moving beds and vacuuming and running up and down stairs really helps with my fitness and helps me sleep at night. My very favourite part though, is spending time and chatting with the amazing families and staff here. It’s like a family to me. 

Bear Cottage is special because it is so comforting and homely. The staff here truly go above and beyond in their jobs, it is amazing! I get to spend time around some of the most amazing humans (and animals) that I have ever met in my life. I have also made great lifelong friends with the other housekeepers who are like sisters to me.

The families are so resilient and beautiful and always make us feel special. I am blessed to have such an amazing team of people to work alongside with. Every day I leave my little apartment alone and walk into my BC family.