This year we are privileged to share the stories of staff who have worked with Uniting AgeWell for 30, 35 and 50 years.
It is inspirational that while these committed individuals talk about the huge changes within the aged care sector, their dedication and commitment to serving the needs of our residents and clients has remained constant.
While each has a unique story, the joy they receive in helping older people live their best lives, underpins all that they do. Poignantly, many could have retired years ago, but they’re still with Uniting AgeWell for the best possible reason. Because they want to be.
Many also say when they finally decide to retire, they’ll return as volunteers. We both appreciate and understand their sentiments. After all, it’s hard to say goodbye to what has been a second family for so many decades.
Celebration of Ageing Well
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Maureen Donaldson
Lifestyle Assistant
Maureen Donaldson counts herself fortunate to have worked for the same organisation for 50 years in her “forever job” – the only full-time job she’s ever held.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be in a role that is both rewarding and satisfying and where I make a difference each and every day to the lives of older people,” says the Lifestyle Assistant at Uniting AgeWell Kings Meadows Community. “I love my job. Why would I change?”
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Josie Hall
Lifestyle assistant
“They offered me two weeks’ work – and it turned into 30 years,” laughs Josie Hall.
The Lifestyle Assistant at Kings Meadows Community recalls how she’d been working in the bakery down the road, when her shifts were reduced under new management. “Someone in the kitchen at Kings Meadows was off with a wrist injury, so they asked me to step in and help out, and I’m still here!”
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Doris Vasquez
Home care worker
Doris Vasquez gets emotional about what her 30-year career working in home care in Melbourne’s west means to her.
“There can be no greater honour than to look after the elderly,” the Home Care Worker says. “They have given so much to make Australia the great country that it is today. Taking care of them has always been a passion of mine, and always will be.”
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Cheryle Hague
CHSP Team Leader
Cheryle Hague’s life has been so entwined with working in residential and community care in Bendigo that 35 years with the organisation have passed in a busy, happy blur. What is constant is the feeling of belonging. Of being part of a team that supports her and allows her to grow.
The CHSP Team Leader, who is based at the Bendigo home care office, recalls enduring friendships formed over the years; the feeling of pride in being able to make a difference to the lives of older people, and their carers; and the certainty that she is in a role that matters.
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Barbara Punton
Personal Care Worker
Personal Care Worker Barbara Punton is still in the role 30 years later for the best possible reason. She thoroughly enjoys her career.
The 71-year-old started off as a cleaner at Strath-Haven Community in Bendigo, and two years later became a Personal Care Worker (PCW), a job she says keeps her mentally and physically fit – and happy!
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Julie Pinnington
Food Services Assistant
For 30 years Julie Pinnington has been serving meals, beverages and cheery greetings.
The Food Services Assistant at Rosetta Community Strathaven also works at special occasions held at nearby Queenborough Rise, which she thoroughly enjoys.
“The reason I’ve been here so long is the residents,” Julie explains. “They all have different stories about their lives, I love hearing them all.”
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Noleen Clark
Administrative Officer
“Change is ongoing – but it’s always been for the best,” says Noleen Clark.
She should know. The Administrative Officer at Hawthorn Allied Health Service has been with the organisation for 30 years and is proud to be part of the fabric of the history of Uniting AgeWell and the years leading up to its formation 20 years ago.
“My role has certainly evolved over the years too,” she says. “I just can’t believe how the time has flown.”
Our Team
At Uniting AgeWell, we don’t just talk about person-centred care. Everything we do is about making a difference for those we care for.
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Career
Careers
At Uniting AgeWell we believe that every person has the right to age with dignity. Discover how you can make an impact and explore our development opportunities.
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