“I’m lucky enough to have a bit of help, the residents do a lot of the planting and growing, while I do a lot of the cleaning and general upkeep. It’s pretty rewarding.”

Theo was recognised for great attention to detail and pride in his work, his patience and kind response to all requests. His priority is always to make the residents feel safe and comfortable.

“When my shift is up, I can’t leave without sitting down and chatting to our residents.  I want to see them happy, smiling and Fronditha Care is my family. I consider it my second home.”

Magdalini received the highest accolade at the Fronditha Care Staff Awards 2019, Outstanding Contribution of the Year. She has worked for Fronditha Care for 10 years and was recognised for never being seen without a smile on her face, her enthusiasm for her work. Magdalini knows the value of laughter in a nursing home and the positive affect it has on residents, and is always cheering people up. She is inclined to dance to Greek music while working and often stays back after her shift is done to spend time with residents or to mend their clothes. She is an integral part of life at THALPORI.

“I think it’s my passion… working for the elderly. Even back home, in my native Philippines, I was looking after seniors.

When I moved to Australia, Fronditha Care gave me my first job. Now, eight years later, I am a qualified RN, and I’ve been given huge leadership opportunities.”

Ralph was nominated by several colleagues for his Excellence award. He was recognised for remaining calm in times of stress and his constant willingness to assist with any queries in the most polite and compassionate manne

“I chose this job because I love caring for the elderly. I lost my parents a long time ago, so this is my way of serving them. What I couldn’t give to my parents, I now give to the residents of Fronditha Care.”

Radhika was recognised with an Excellence award for her dedication to her work and respect towards others. Her co-workers love to work with her and are happy when she is on their shift.

“I fell in love with the people living in aged care homes. I enjoy seeing good outcomes for these people. I love knowing their history and things that they enjoy so that I can support them to continue to do these things.”

Laurey has been recognised with an Excellence award for her leadership and attitude. She recently stepped up as Acting CCC before being appointed CCC recently and she is a role model for PCW’s, always passing on her knowledge to help them do their job to the best of their ability.

“I’ve devoted my life to the care of others. I’ve been working for Fronditha Care for over 35 years. I’m 67 now, and I don’t see myself stopping yet.  I love the residents too much, and I think they enjoy my company. They even get upset when I take a few weeks off for a holiday.”

Maria has worked for Fronditha Care for 35 years and at the Fronditha Care Staff Awards 2019 she was recognised for this incredible achievement. Her dedication is inspirational.

“In geriatric care, your job is to care and be compassionate. Caring for me just came naturally. Coming from the Philippines, we always loved our parents and the elderly. When I came to Australia, I would treat my patients like I was looking after my parents.”

Peter received an Excellence award at the Fronditha Care Staff Awards 2019. He was recognised for always being available to hear any complaints or suggestions and never losing his patience. He is considered to be a great leader.

“You need to have respect for the client, because you come into their house. You need to understand where they’re coming from. They’re isolated. You have to empathise with them.”

Lilliana was recognised with an Excellence award, after receiving multiple nominations, for always going above and beyond client expectations. She is always happy to pick up any shifts and clients consistently comment on her excellent work.

“When I came to Fronditha Care as a temp, I got a new lease in life; I enjoyed the environment and the people I worked with. Part of my role is assisting families understand what is required and the costs involved in admitting their loved one in to residential care.”

Maggie received an Excellence award at the Fronditha Care Staff Awards 2019 in recognition of her diligence, attention to detail and consistent follow up of all discrepancies. Her commitment is evident as she often works beyond regular hours to meet end of month deadlines.

“Best part of my job is getting to make everyone happy. I look forward to coming into work in the morning and getting reviews about dinner from the residents. I’ve never received so much satisfaction before in a job.”

Amrinder was nominated for always being cheerful and his can do attitude. He makes sure everyone in the dining room is happy with their meal, and nothing is too much trouble for him.

“It’s important for people to understand their Home Care Package. The aged care system can be confusing in the best of times, so imagine what it’s like for someone who can’t speak English very well.

I write care plans in Greek, so clients know exactly what they’re signing. It means they can refer back to their plans and know their goals and what is expected from Fronditha Care.”

Nikoletta was awarded for taking initiative in the health and safety of the PCWs and going above and beyond for her clients. She recommended a period of respite for a care recipient when they were advised to go into permanent residential care. She also instigated the purchase of equipment to improve the hygiene standards of the vehicles used by clients.