Supporting carers: our commitment to inclusivity
This week, Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has proudly been recognised as an inclusive employer by the Diversity Council of Australia. For DHA team members like Alyssa Weirman, this honour reflects our commitment to providing a supportive and understanding workplace. Alyssa’s experience as a carer underscores the ways DHA is not only inclusive but also actively attentive to the challenges faced by employees with caregiving responsibilities.
Alyssa Weirman
Modernisation and Improvement Program Manager Alyssa is a proud carer for three members of her family, but her experience has not been without its difficulties. “There’s the financial implications, and your career aspirations take a hit,” she shares.
“Previous workplaces have struggled to understand and support carers, which causes more stress on top of an already stressful life.”
For many carers, the need for flexibility can lead to stigma and discrimination, leaving a feeling of being “invisible.” Alyssa explains that there is a common misunderstanding among government agencies about respite services for carers. “It’s not a holiday,” she clarifies, “It’s an opportunity to recharge so you can be the best carer you can be.” Even with respite, many carers still live on the edge of burnout, especially those balancing full-time careers with caregiving responsibilities.
Alyssa credits Carers ACT with helping her understand the broader scope of her role and empowering her to navigate the unique demands of caregiving. “They’ve developed a really wonderful support system,” she says, noting the dinners, walks, individual, and group therapy sessions the not-for-profit organises for carers.
Alyssa also finds support in the companionship of her pets, who provide comfort and joy in her daily life. She particularly enjoys taking time to recharge with a walk to Shepherds Lookout, a serene spot where she can reflect and reconnect with nature. For Alyssa, these moments of calm are vital for maintaining balance between her caregiving responsibilities and her career.
Cookie, Bread and Toast
A welcoming workplace
Alyssa describes her experience joining DHA as a weight lifted off her shoulders. “It’s not just the processes that are enshrined in our flexible working arrangements. The managers I have dealt with in DHA have all been incredibly understanding, supportive, open with their communication, and trusting of the work I do,” she says.
Carers bring resilience, adaptability, and strong empathy to their workplaces - qualities Alyssa believes can make them invaluable employees. “Trust a carer, understand what their needs are, and give them that support,” she advises employers, “because they end up being incredibly loyal, hardworking, and valuable employees.”
She also emphasises that for organisations to reduce stigma, they should be proactive in recognising and understanding the needs of carers. “It’s not just about flexibility but about creating a culture where carers feel valued,” Alyssa shares.
Improving awareness
Reflecting on DHA’s status as an inclusive employer, Alyssa feels proud to work for an organisation that values diversity and inclusion so highly. “I think everybody inside DHA knows how wonderful our diversity and inclusion policy is,” she says “but for people outside DHA, understanding what diversity and inclusion means to us will make others comfortable to apply.”
Alyssa’s pride in DHA aligns with her belief in the importance of social responsibility.
“There’s no government agency without community; we’re all intertwined. It’s really important for so many layers of DHA - not just individuals, but organisational and community as well - to be socially responsible.”
Shepherd's Lookout
A voice for carers
In addition to her role at DHA, Alyssa is a vocal advocate for carers and the neurodiverse community. She has served on the board of an ADHD consumer group, helping to develop national guidelines for ADHD, and most recently, she’s providing a carer’s perspective for the co-designed Safe Haven project at Canberra Hospital. “It’s really wonderful to contribute to community through something important, like having that safe space for people in crisis, especially in Canberra where mental health services are struggling to provide enough services,” she says.
Alyssa’s story demonstrates the critical role that supportive, inclusive workplaces play in the lives of carers. DHA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion not only benefits carers; it strengthens the organisation, fostering a culture of trust, flexibility, and respect for all employees. For Alyssa, DHA’s inclusive environment has allowed her to balance a fulfilling career with her caregiving responsibilities.