- Registered NDIS Provider
Our story is shaped by lived experience, cultural understanding and a commitment to supporting people in everyday life.
I founded Sunrise Support Services with an understanding of how much the right support can change a person’s life.
My experiences of displacement, resettlement and building a life in Australia shape the way I listen, connect and work alongside participants and families.
The people who cared for Alek, the opportunities she received and the challenges she overcame continue to influence her work. Explore the experiences behind her approach.
Alek’s grandmother became her primary carer during a childhood affected by war and separation. In difficult circumstances, she worked to meet Alek’s basic needs and provided the love and guidance that helped her keep going.
A devoted Christian, her grandmother also volunteered through her church to help others. Her example showed Alek that care could extend beyond immediate family, even when resources were limited.
Although Alek deeply missed her parents, she remains grateful for her grandmother’s presence. That relationship shaped her appreciation of dependable care and her desire to offer practical help to people facing their own challenges.
After years of displacement within Sudan, Alek arrived at Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya in 1995. She remained there until 2008.
Life in the camp brought a greater sense of security. For the first time, she could attend school consistently, rather than having her learning repeatedly interrupted by conflict. Humanitarian assistance through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provided access to food, shelter and healthcare.
Resources were limited and life remained challenging, but these forms of assistance made a lasting difference. Alek’s experience taught her how access to basic necessities, education and a safe place to live could create opportunities for the future.
Alek moved to Australia in 2008 through humanitarian resettlement. Here, she established her family and pursued further education while building her career in care and community work.
Starting again in a new country gave her firsthand insight into adapting to unfamiliar systems and expectations. She understands that finding information, knowing where to ask for help and feeling understood can all affect someone’s experience.
Her life in Australia has strengthened her commitment to learning and contributing to the community. She brings that perspective to her work with participants and families from diverse backgrounds.
Having received help at pivotal moments in her life, Alek wanted to extend that care to others. Her work across aged care, disability and community services reflects that motivation.
She recognises that people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds may encounter language barriers, cultural differences and the effects of past trauma when seeking assistance. These experiences can make an already complex system harder to navigate.
Her approach combines practical guidance with respect for each person’s identity and decisions. She wants participants to understand their options, develop useful skills and have a meaningful say in the support they receive.
“I have been getting help from many people to get where I am at the moment, and I want to extend the gratitude I received to others.”
— Alek Arok
Alek brings experience across disability, community services and aged care, supported by formal qualifications and further study. Her professional background has deepened her understanding of people’s needs at different stages of life.
Bachelor of Human Services, majoring in Health and Social Wellbeing, at the University of Southern Queensland.
Your language, traditions and community connections are considered in the way care is planned and provided.
You have a say in decisions about your support, including your goals and who you want involved.
There is time to ask questions, express concerns and build trust without pressure to share personal experiences.
People have different views, priorities and ways of living. These are listened to and respected, with participants’ decisions guiding the assistance they receive.
Clear, truthful communication helps people make informed decisions. Information is explained openly, questions are welcomed and concerns are addressed with care.
Personal information is handled with care and confidentiality. Participants’ boundaries are respected, including their choices about who is involved in discussions about their support.
Feedback helps identify what is working and where changes are needed. Participants, families and staff are encouraged to contribute to improvements in service quality.
A safe, welcoming environment matters for participants and staff alike. The focus is on acceptance, clear guidance and helping people feel comfortable raising concerns.
Care for others motivates the work. Each participant is valued as a person, with attention to the everyday details that can make their experience better.
Tell us about your routines, your goals and what you would like from your support. We welcome enquiries from participants, families and professionals making a referral.
