Benjamas Hamilton is making her hopes of being in a senior managerial position at Uniting AgeWell one day a reality through hard work and steady progression.
In five short years, Benjamas, who prefers to be called by her nickname Key, has progressed from her initial role as a cleaner, to working in the laundry to becoming a Food Services Assistant at Strath-Haven Community in Bendigo.
Now the 38-year-old mother-of-two is studying to become a Personal Care Worker, and when she’s got that qualification under her belt, plans on studying nursing.
“I came from Thailand to Australia for a better future and my aim is to improve and challenge myself to be the best that I can be,” she says firmly. “Nothing less will do.”
Key, who worked as an ICU nurse in Thailand, joined her husband Brendon Hamilton in Bendigo and spent two years studying English at a TAFE. Brendon, who worked as a Chef Supervisor at Strath-Haven Community for a couple of years, encouraged her to apply for a role there.
“I enjoy working here,” explains Key. “The staff are supportive and friendly and the role is meaningful.” Best of all, Key says, she is encouraged to be the best that she can. “Everyone wants me to succeed,” she says. “Do you know how incredibly important that is?”
One of the not-for-profit organisation’s top five strategic priorities is to be an Employer of Choice. As part of its investment in staff, the Uniting AgeWell Scholarships Program was launched which saw 26 staff awarded in the first round in 2024.
It’s not just lip-service - inclusion is enshrined in Uniting AgeWell’s DNA with employees of all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and ages championed.
International Women’s Day on 8 March is an opportunity for Uniting AgeWell, with women making up over 80% of its workforce, to celebrate the daily impact women make through their work.
On International Women's Day and every day in many ways, women employed by Uniting AgeWell are making a difference to people’s lives.
This is an opportunity to recognise the impact of valued members of the Uniting AgeWell team and to re-affirm our commitment to providing truly inclusive career pathways.
