From volunteer to valued leader: Perla’s 29-year journey with SMRC

Stepping through the door

When Perla first arrived in Australia, she found herself caught in a familiar cycle—job applications knocked back for lack of ‘Australian experience’. So she decided to visit the Migrant Resource Centre, now known as SMRC, and ask if she could volunteer.

“I walk in… and said, uh, you looking for volunteer or is there any available position here?” she says. “From then on, that’s the door that opens up… I said to myself before anyone who could offer me anything, I’ll pledge my loyalty and dedication 101%.”

Perla began volunteering at reception and was immediately struck by the warmth of the team.

“They make you feel welcome… very homey,” she said. “It’s a good experience, like very close-knit family.”

Learning, growing and leading

As SMRC grew, so did Perla’s responsibilities. Though her background was in education and administration, she was asked to step into the finance team to support the payroll function.

“I said I didn’t have any experience. [The CEO] said to me, I’ve got a belief in you and we will support you. We will guide you through and see how you go.”

Perla accepted the challenge and ran with it, managing payroll for more than 150 staff and learning everything through dedication and note-taking.

“I only survived there because of my determination and the support of the management. Without the support, no matter how determined you are, you go down.”

In the background, she was also studying community services and case management. She even used her 10-year Long Service Leave to complete the placement hours required for her Diploma in Community Services.

“I didn’t use my annual leave… I combined everything to lump up with the 510 hours placement.”

Finding her place in Diverse Care

Perla eventually moved into her current Diverse Care Client Support Officer which was a perfect fit for her heart and skills.

“For me, my heart goes with community services,” she said. “Making the life of a client a difference… [you] bend backwards because you put yourself in the situation—what if it’s my family?”

She believes that compassion and collaboration are key.

“You respect them as they will respect you. So respect is earned, not asked.”

Whether she’s helping a care worker take on an urgent Friday afternoon shift or supporting a lonely older client, her sense of purpose is clear.

“If there’s a will, there’s a way. That’s my mantra.”

Loyalty through life’s hardest moments

Perla’s connection to SMRC has been more than professional—it’s deeply personal. She remembers how the organisation supported her through the loss of her mother and a period of homelessness due to domestic violence.

“I became homeless. I stayed in emergency accommodation and the CEO, he visited me,” she said. “The support they gave me was really good… which place that you work can do that?”

That care and understanding left a lasting impact.

Giving back with heart

What keeps Perla going is simple: knowing she’s making a difference.

“Being able to support [the] ageing population, being able to give… to those highly in need support, especially those lonely… that’s [what] keeps me here.”

Her advice to anyone wanting to join the community care sector is clear: “If you’ve got a passion to support, to work in the aged care industry, then follow your heart… [Commitment and dedication are] the important ingredients of being an all-rounder.”

When asked what SMRC means to her, Perla’s face lights up with a smile.

“It’s my second home… where I feel valued, appreciated, and the comfort is here.”

Inspired by Perla’s journey? Help SMRC continue to support the community with care and compassion.