Cathy and Anna reflect on two decades at Rocky Bay

All aboard, we’re heading back in time!

It’s 2006. Twitter has just launched, Google has snapped up YouTube, and every kid is begging for a Nintendo Wii or PlayStation 3. Motorola Razrs are the must‑have accessory, Zac Efron is Hollywood’s newest heartthrob, Pluto has been bumped down to a dwarf planet (again), and Pirates of the Caribbean is taking cinemas by storm. And in a little city called Perth, Cathy Massimi and Anna Sanfead are beginning what will become their 20‑year (and counting!) Rocky Bay journey.

“It’s the people that make Rocky Bay what it is.”

Ask either of them why they’ve stayed so long, and the answer comes without hesitation.
“The people we work with are just a different breed,” Anna shares, describing the warmth and dedication she felt from day one. Cathy echoes the sentiment, saying, “Before you work in disability, you really don’t have a proper understanding of just how many people’s lives are touched by it, and you don’t realise just how nurturing and caring the support workers are. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”

Their early days at Rocky Bay were filled with daily interactions with the residents who lived on-site. Customers would often drop by the office, not just for support, but for connection, whether it was for a chat, to lend a hand with small tasks, and to simply to brighten the day. “They’d come down just to say hello and fill up a little bit of their day with us” Anna recalled.

A career that grew with them

Both women have worn many hats over the years.

Anna began in accounts, managing fleet vehicles and even coordinating car raffle displays in shopping centres. She later moved into payroll, a role she still holds today. “Over the years I moved into more HR and payroll kind of stuff, and then I took over payroll from there on,” she explained.

Cathy’s path was just as varied. Starting at reception, she transitioned through accounts, payroll backup, rostering, and eventually into her current role as a team leader. “I’ve worked everywhere,” she laughed.

Moments that matter

Some memories stand out more than others, especially the people who left a lasting mark. Cathy fondly remembered Lisa, a long-time customer and staff member who delivered the mail and knew everyone by name. “Her and I would have a joke now and then. She knew everything, knew everybody,” she said.

Anna’s favourite was Carol, a vibrant personality who would call out “Where’s Anna Seed?” whenever she visited the office. These relationships weren’t just part of the job, they were part of the joy. “Because of the work I do in Community, I love being able to make a customer’s day, helping them achieve a dream that they’ve wanted, within reason of course!”

The impact they’re proud of

For Cathy, the most meaningful moments come from supporting customers to achieve their goals:

Anna, who works more behind the scenes, finds pride in supporting staff with empathy and patience, especially when payroll queries arise. “They’re so understanding,” she said, as she reflects on the relationships she’s built.

Advice for new starters

And after 20 years, they both have a little bit of wisdom to share.

Cathy’s advice is simple: ask questions. “Don’t just think it’s going to be a stupid question, or you’re going to look silly, always go and ask, because 9 times out of 10 someone else probably has the same question.” she said.

Anna encourages new staff to give the organisation time. 

“This is a great place to work, everyone’s very caring. Hang in there, you’ll get a lot of benefits out of it!”