Ela is a Momentum student and has been at Alkira for 3 years. She is known for her friendly nature and lively personality. Ela is always keen to help others, is open to new ideas and has grown her independent living skills over the last year. Ela is a confident young woman who has not only completed her certificates at Box Hill Institute during times of changing learning environments, but also does her best to become more independent outside of class time.

Alex has attended Alkira for close to 25 years and she currently attends programs at Connections Thurston Street and out in the community with Home and Choice. She is known for her empathetic, supportive and caring nature. Life, as it happens, does not always go to plan. For Alex, in uncertain and difficult times she has taken her situation in her stride as an opportunity to grow. Alex pushes through to do her best and tries everything she can, even coming up with creative solutions, to do things independently. Alex truly can do anything she puts her mind to. We are so proud of her for being the driver of her own life.

Over the last 50 years, he has attended Community Supports services at Thurston Street, Serpentine Street and then at Jolimont Road. He has also lived at Gracefield Drive until the early 2000s. Doug is a very friendly man who can get along with anyone and is always keen for a good chat and a laugh. Those who know Doug have probably never, ever met a bigger Elvis Presley fan. When you first meet Doug, before he asks for your name or how you are, the first thing he asks you is – “Do you like Elvis?” – it’s absolute top priority information for Doug when he is getting to know someone. As a true fan his favourite movie is, of course, one of Presley’s best films Viva Las Vegas.

Vera Moreira has lived and breathed everything Alkira for 13 years. She has worked across not one, not two but three completely different departments at Alkira – Home Supports, Community Supports and now Support Co-ordination. Vera is well known across Alkira because of her friendly and outgoing nature, always introducing herself to new faces and getting to know people. She is approachable, easy to talk to and has a good sense of humour. Vera’s passion to support people to live their lives to the fullest is evident to anyone who knows her. She cares about the people she supports and their families. Vera encourages people to challenge themselves, she promotes participants to step out of their comfort zone to try new things and meet new people. Participants and families express they are lucky to have Vera supporting them, and we are lucky to have her at Alkira too.

David Clarke, known as Eddy, joined Alkira in August 2021 as a Support Worker in Home Supports. Heavy Covid restrictions were at play, and Melbourne went back into lockdown right after his first day on the job. Despite this, he soon settled into the team and since has been providing incredible support at Shady Grove. Eddy was new to the disability sector, having a background in a variety of customer service roles, however he has consistently shown over and above dedication to the residents he works with. ​​People at Alkira say Eddy’s contribution has proven to be flexible, responsive and proactive. A true advocate, he is respectful of participant’s choices and their rights. Eddy is caring and shows initiative in a lot of aspects at work. In particular, he put up his hand to support a young resident in palliative care. Eddy supported this resident by making their last days comfortable, providing them with a homely environment in the hospital medical setting, and maintaining the participant’s social connection with their peers and family.