Getting the right person for the right job is very important – just ask Lara Mackie.
She’s in recruitment, which is a big task considering nearly 4,500 people work at Uniting AgeWell in roles ranging from frontline caring to the engine room of the organisation – the cleaning, laundry, maintenance and catering. As well as those behind the scenes, like in IT, pay roll, rostering and more.
One of Lara’s many responsibilities is the recruitment of nurses across both Victoria and Tasmania.
The Recruitment Partner for People and Culture listens deeply when interviewing people for the role to ensure they mirror our five values of kindness, respect, integrity, innovation and inclusion. Their CV is important – but what is even more vital is what makes up their DNA.
“Will they show kindness and empathy to the older people we serve? Will they support their fellow team members? These are the qualities that are a pre-requisite for the role,” explains Lara.
After all, it was witnessing these values in action that prompted her to work with Uniting AgeWell. Lara used to visit her late grandmother at Uniting AgeWell Strathdon Community every week and was blown away by the respect and kindness that staff showed the residents.
Lara knows too that being the right fit for the job is a win-win both ways. For the employee as well as for the organisation. She started with the company in 2022 and was part of the Recruitment Team led by Daniel Knox that was named the winning team for excellence at the AgeWell Awards last year.
Lara was also chosen to be part of the inaugural group of Uniting AgeWell’s BEST Operational and Emerging Leaders Course comprising 20 staff representing all service and corporate areas across both Victoria and Tasmania. The program exemplifies Uniting AgeWell’s commitment to employee development and the nurturing of potential within our organisation.
Lara says being selected for the program filled her with joy. “I was being seen and recognised for the values that I bring to the organisation. I learned a lot, they encouraged me to leverage my strengths to get the best out of myself, the team and the people I have relationships with.”
She is proud that encouraging staff to be the best versions of themselves is part of the culture of the organisation. “I always tell people, if you want to develop, then we’ll develop with you.”
Lara also supports business partners, helps with the on-boarding of people to the recruitment team and stands in for Dan when he is away.
Equally importantly, Lara knows first-hand that the career path to aged care is often not linear but maze-shaped.
Lara grew up in regional Victoria and studied to be a chiropractor and massage therapist, working in the Allied Health field for a number of years. She then branched out into health insurance, worked in banking, moved into retail store management and then followed her heart and did an HR Management Degree.
“I’m where I’m meant to be,” she says.
In her spare time Lara loves to go hiking, enjoys pastel drawing, does meditation and spends time with friends and family.
Learn more about career opportunities with Uniting AgeWellIn honour of Aged Care Employee Day we invite you to get to know our team a little better. Read their individual experiences to discover what drove them to build their career in aged care and learn what fulfils them most each day at work.
Uniting AgeWell staff bring diverse experiences through varied and interesting journeys into aged care. They work in our residences, in people’s homes, and remotely, creating a tightly woven and trusted network of professional care and support. They share a passion for making a difference in people’s lives.
Please read some of their stories below and acknowledge the contribution of all our staff by saying #ThanksforCaring.
