General News
12 August, 2025
Local carers thanked for their passion
The tireless work of local aged care workers was celebrated on Thursday in a collective ‘thank you’ for their compassionate care of families’ loved ones.
Aged care workers, residents, and locals alike celebrated the essential work happening across the region and nation last week.
From morning teas and thank you cards, across Maryborough District Health Service’s (MDHS) and Havilah’s campuses, the essential work of aged care workers was recognised.
It’s that effort, often unrecognised despite its contribution to older residents’ wellbeing, which was appreciated in countless heartfelt moments.
Havilah’s executive assistant, Jane Symons, said the day was an opportunity to recognise the contributions of all staff — no matter their job title.
“It’s not just our floor staff. It’s our kitchen staff, our cleaners, our maintenance team, even the executive team. We all work really well together to make this place run well,” she said.
It’s a sentiment echoed by MDHS’ executive director of care Debbie Rogers.
“They bring passion, kindness, and dedication to their roles and it’s important we recognise the impact they have not only on the lives of our residents but also on their families,” she said.
Havilah’s own Michelle Serato, personal care assistant, has seen that compassion and care from both sides of the job — as a daughter and an aged care worker.
“I started working here in the kitchen and the interaction with the residents made me want to be more involved in their care so I made the transition from cooking to personal care,” she said.
The importance of connection, for Ms Serato, comes from her dad and its importance to him as a resident.
“When we as a family couldn’t be here for him it was important for us to know that there were people that genuinely care and are going to connect, interact, and engage with him,” she said.
“For me it’s really important I bring that and form those connections.”
The bond between resident and staff is critical, Ms Symons explained, both for wellbeing but also the transition into aged care.
“It makes it so much easier to transition when you know there’s going to be friendly staff, helpful staff, and that they’re actually going to care about you,” she said.
“That makes for a good working and caring dynamic for our residents.”
The efforts of MDHS’ staff across their three campuses was celebrated in a video, Ms Rogers explained, where they were asked what motivated them and what residents valued about their care.
“This prompted an outpouring of heart-felt gratitude, which was so affirming for everyone,” Ms Rogers said.
Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said aged care workers are “superstars” who ensure the dignity, comfort, and wellbeing of older Australians.
“They all deserve our thanks for their professionalism, their warmth, and their enthusiasm to help older Australians live comfortably,” he said.