Some people shine brightest not because their lives have been simple, but because they find joy in the little things. Natalie Sickerdick is one of those people. She carries with her an easy smile, a love for sparkle and colour, and an infectious energy that comes from a life built on resilience, compassion, and connection.
Natalie was born and raised in the small town of Mount Torrens, tucked between Lobethal and Tungkillo. Childhood for her was filled with simple treasures: a creek running through the family property and a Disney mural her mother painted on her
bedroom wall. “Dumbo, Bambi, Mickey Mouse, Thumper—those characters stayed with me for about twelve years,” she recalls with a laugh.
Natalie with her special buddy, “Jack-Da-Cat,” one feisty and fiery companion.
At eleven, Natalie’s family moved to Murray Bridge, where she would attend Unity College and, later, finish Year 12. By then, she was no stranger to work. “I’ve always had a job pretty much since I was 11,” she says. Her first taste of responsibility came
when she made sandwiches at a little café in Lobethal. Later, she worked at Target, then as an assistant at Top Notch Butchers—what she jokingly calls being the “butcher’s bitch,” though her role was one of learning, helping, and preparing.
Like many young people, Natalie tried on different hats, searching for work that meant more than just a paycheck. It was not until the COVID-19 pandemic struck that she truly found her calling. “I wanted a job that was reliable, essential, and gave
me hours. That’s when I started studying for support work,” she explains. One encounter with her longtime acquaintance Gabby changed everything: “She said, ‘I want you.’ And that was it.”
Natalie dived into support work with both feet, handling everything from personal care and transport to more complex tasks like palliative care, catheter support, and PEG feeding. She found the work to be more than just a career—it became a source
of perspective. “It makes you very humble,” she reflects. “It makes you realise what you’ve got, and what you don’t have as well.”
Today, Natalie works as a rostering officer at Genuine Support. It is a role that suits her perfectly: ensuring clients receive the care they need while supporting the team of workers who make it happen. “I just try and fill shifts, make sure clients are covered, and help everything run smoothly.”
Despite the demands of the job, Natalie remains grounded. She has learned to find joy in life’s simple pleasures—anything that sparkles, colourful light shows, fireworks, or Christmas lights. “Little things make me happy,” she says. “They keep me going.” Her warmth and energy are genuine, but those who know her well also see her depth. “I’m usually happy,” she admits. “But yes, I can be a deep person too.”
Natalie resting with her soul mates, Eddie and Ralphie, at Homburg Park, Murray Bridge.
At home, Natalie’s greatest companions are her animals. Two lively Kelpie-Coolies, Eddie and Ralphie, bring endless energy and laughter. “They’re full of mischief, real larrikins,” she says fondly. Balancing out the household are two cats—one feisty and fiery, the other gentle and affectionate. Together, they form a chaotic yet loving
family.
Her pets are not just company; they are anchors. They remind her that unconditional love can come in many forms, and that laughter is often hiding in the smallest, messiest moments. “The dogs are the levellers,” she says, smiling.
Natalie does not carry grand ambitions of wealth or fame. Her goals are simple: to live well, be happy, and do her job to the best of her ability. It is a perspective that makes her story inspiring because it reflects a balance so many people seek—caring for others, making a living, and still finding time for joy.
“I’m just always high on life,” she says. And perhaps that is the secret. Natalie’s journey is a reminder that fulfilment does not always come from chasing grandiose things—it often comes from helping others, treasuring family, and delighting in the
glitter and colour of everyday life.
Her story shows that caring for people is more than a profession; it is a way of being. And if you ever meet Natalie, you will see it in her smile, her spark, and the way she talks about her animals. She is living proof that happiness grows when you give, when you care, and when you keep noticing the little things that shine.