Foundation Day at Catholic Healthcare is a time to acknowledge the vision of our founders and recognise the dedication and compassion shown by all our team members. Foundation Day is celebrated across all of our Homes, Home & Community Services and Healthcare Services, with our teams gathering to mark the milestone together with some festive celebrations.
This year we’re celebrating 28 years of compassionate care, and recognising more than 430 long-serving employees with awards for service ranging from 5 years to an amazing 35 years!
We asked some of our longest-serving team members to share some highlights, memories and insights.
30 years of service - Kathy, Village Manager, St Hedwig Retirement Village
Kathy began working at St Hedwig Village in 1992 (prior to operations being taken over by Catholic Healthcare) and was appointed CEO in 2003. As CEO, she managed St Hedwig’s residential care, retirement living and home care services. In 2020, she became Village Manager of St Hedwig Retirement Village.
What has changed the most in your time working at St Hedwig Village?
There have been many organisational and structural changes during my time at St Hedwig Village. However, the core vision and commitment, (to redevelop the site in order to modernise the facilities and maintain a high standard of care) has lived on. The fact that this vision has prevailed despite the many organisational changes that have occurred is something to be proud of. Currently, a new retirement village is being developed on site, so I have the opportunity to be involved in the building project and, when completed, assisting our current retirement village residents to move into their new apartments. These are exciting times!
How did you come to work in aged care?
My professional background is in Human Resources and I worked in that field for a number of years. I made the transition to aged care later in my career and found that there were many transferrable skills between the two fields – both involve working, engaging and supporting people, including residents, families, staff and volunteers.
Do you have any advice for someone considering a career in aged care?
The motto I live by taken from the late Mary MacKillop is “never see a need without doing something about it’. This led me to a new career path where I am today in aged care. I’d encourage others to let that motto inspire them too.
What is most rewarding about your role?
Being able to help and support people and resolve their issues or concerns. I have another motto that has always motivated me, ‘He came to serve, not to be served’, and for me personally, this sums up how rewarding it can be to serve others.
35 years of service - Angela, Enrolled Nurse, Lourdes Hospital & Community Health Service
Angela has worked as an Enrolled Nurse at Lourdes Hospital & Community Health Service for 35 years primarily in the rehabilitation and palliative care wards.
What has kept you working at Catholic Healthcare for so long?
The nurses and teams I work with are naturally caring, friendly and compassionate, and make Lourdes Hospital such a wonderful place to work. I also found the flexible working hours attractive when I went from working full-time to part-time, when my family was only young.
Have you changed roles in your time with us? If so please tell us a bit about your roles/career progression
I’ve always worked in either the rehabilitation or palliative care wards while I have been at Lourdes Hospital, although in 2013 I briefly worked with the ACAT team while recuperating from an injury.
What has changed the most in your time working with us, looking at Catholic Healthcare 35 years ago to today?
There have been many technological advancements with the introduction of computers and advancements in equipment quality. This has made it easier for us to do our jobs. Things like electronic lifters, blood pressure machines and advancements in bed quality and technology have influenced positive changes over time.
Advice for anyone considering a career with Catholic Healthcare?
It is genuinely a great place to work, with friendly and approachable teams. There are many educational opportunities for ongoing learning, so this is a great benefit for those wanting a career in aged care.
What do you see yourself doing in another 5 years time?
Hopefully still working night-shifts in the wards in five years’ time, caring for patients, which is something I love to do!
25 years of service - Cecilia, Personal Care Assistant, St Joseph’s Aged Care Hunters Hill
Cecilia has worked both at St Anne’s Aged Care and St Joseph’s Aged Care during her 25 years at Catholic Healthcare. Cecilia has worked as a Team Leader and is currently a Personal Care Assistant at St Joseph’s.
What has kept you working at Catholic Healthcare for so long?
I have enjoyed working in an organisation that has strong values at its core. To be involved in a workplace with such a strong supportive community and strong values has been invaluable for me.
Have you changed roles in your time with us?
I started working as a Personal Care Assistant in 1997 at St Anne’s Aged Care. At the time, I was also doing weekend work shifts at St Joseph’s Aged Care (which is just adjacent to St Anne’s).
In my time working at St Anne’s, I worked for a time as a Team Leader in the early 2000s, and also completed by Certificate IV in Aged Care at this time. In the last few years, I have come back to St Joseph’s to work as a Personal Care Assistant. I recently completed a Bachelor of Nursing this year at the University of Western Sydney, so I also have the option to work as a nurse going forward.
What has changed the most in your time working with us?
I have learnt a great deal about dealing with different people – including residents, family members and other colleagues. I’ve developed the ability to communicate well with all kinds of people. I also find that I am continuing to grow professionally each year.
What do you see yourself doing in another 5 years’ time?
I love my job and I think I will continue to work in aged care in some way, perhaps as a Registered Nurse.
Above: Sister Nano (left) with Pauline. Sister Nano was one of Pauline's first managers and is currently a resident at St Joseph's
25 years of service - Pauline, Registered Nurse, St Catherine’s Aged Care, Bathurst
Pauline has witnessed many changes during her 25 years working part-time as a Registered Nurse at St Catherine’s Aged Care. As a Bathurst local, Pauline has raised five children, including four daughters and a son.
What has kept you working at Catholic Healthcare for so long?
The management team has always been very professional and approachable, so I’ve felt continually valued and respected as an employee. The flexibility of working part-time has also been a big reason for me staying so long, with a large family! I have four daughters and a son.
What has changed the most in your time working with us?
Twenty-five years ago, St Catherine’s was definitely a lot smaller, with about 70 residents. Today, it has almost doubled in size, with approximately 140 residents. This is a positive change, and it has been great to witness the growth of the Home over time.
Advice for anyone considering a career with Catholic Healthcare?
Make sure you have the inner drive and passion to care for the elderly. It is the sort of job where you need to be self-motivated to deliver compassionate care on a daily basis, but it must stem from an inner passion for what you do.
See below for some photos
Above and Below: Long-service award recipients at Villa Maria Fortitude Valley (above) and at Gertrude Abbott Aged Care (below)
Above: the Foundation Day celebrations at Villa Maria Eastern Heights