Susan O’Sullivan is a Gellibrand client who loves seeing live musicals and always thinks of other people’s needs.
When I met Susan O’Sullivan at her Gellibrand shared accommodation, she had just come back from Woodgrove Shopping Centre, one of her favourite places to visit.
“I don’t go every day,” she made clear. As she finished her lunch of a chicken and lettuce sandwich, she added, “I have to watch what I eat so I don’t put on too much weight. Or not enough.”
Susan was open about her epilepsy and physical mobility challenges and the fact that Gellibrand’s support is highly important to her. “I’m glad I’ve got help with everything,” she said, but it was striking how often she viewed her situation in the light of what others experienced. Susan spoke of a house mate with what she said are greater mobility – and communication – challenges than her own, and she was quick to ask if a certain team member had recovered from recent surgery.
“They’re all lovely,” Susan said of Gellibrand team members, asking after the wellbeing of several others who work at Gellibrand’s Withers Street headquarters in Sunshine.
Susan said her mother, father, and auntie were “up in heaven”, but she has a brother who visits her when he can.
“He lives in Queensland so it is a long way for him to come on a plane.”
Musicals that tour Melbourne are an exciting part of Susan’s calendar. This year she dressed up in costume to go and see Wicked and, at time of writing, she’d just added another musical to her must-see list.
“I’m going to see Beauty and the Beast in July,” she smiled, adding that she loves musicals, but prefers those that aren’t too loud. “I don’t like anything that’s too noisy.”
Susan said her mobility makes cooking and cleaning a challenge, but, with support, she does what she can. She also went on holidays in the past, a few years ago enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Fiji. For now, however, Susan is happy to get along to some of Gellibrand’s many activities.
“I love the meerkats at Werribee Zoo,” she said, adding that she’d get back there as soon as the winter cold had passed. For now, with many jigsaw and word puzzles spread on the table, it’s the season for indoor fun for Susan.
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