90 Years of Rich & Rewarding Care: Six Members of Whiddon Care Team Share in Incredible Milestone
Six nurses from Whiddon’s Easton Park site each celebrated 15 years of service with the not-for-profit care provider – a combined 90 years of delivering quality care to older Australians.
25 March 2024
Building on a 70-year legacy of award-winning relationship-based care that connects, enriches, and inspires every day, Whiddon is proud to recognise the exceptional care delivered by six of their dedicated care team members over the past fifteen years.
For the diverse group of six women, the Whiddon journey commenced on the same day, the 16th of February 2009, at Whiddon’s Easton Park site located in Glenfield. Now fifteen years on, the group remain at the same South Western Sydney site and have come together to celebrate their combined 90 years of service and rewarding careers in aged care.
Elfreda Desouza, Princess Mansaray, Patricia Quinn, Maribeth Santiago, Elvira Tuazon, and Rosemary Wallace all first joined Whiddon as Assistant’s in Nursing (AINs). Whilst initially brought together by a collective induction date, all quickly developed a close connection bonding over their shared passion for rich and rewarding care. For the women, a love of helping people is largely what drew them toward a career in the aged care sector.
Now with a role in Whiddon’s Care and Leisure Team, Rosemary Wallace passionately believes it is the genuine connections made within her role that have made for such a rewarding 15 years at Whiddon.
“I love to help others, and caring for older people makes me happy. When l talk to our residents and share in their stories, I get to know them. I learn how to make them happy, comfortable, and to trust me, and come to me as someone who they know will be there for them. It’s especially importantly as some might not have family around,” said Rosemary.
For Maribeth Santiago, who worked as a nurse in the Philippines before relocating to Australia to be with her husband in 2008, her Whiddon career has been enriched with opportunities for professional development. Maribeth began working in higher needs care 10 years ago and now works in the dedicated Dementia Care Wing at Whiddon Easton Park’s, Taylor House.
She said, “I have enjoyed the challenge of higher-needs care, and it has truly been the most rewarding part of my job. I continue to learn each day about how l can deliver the best possible care. I thank the Whiddon team for their support in my career progression.”
A role in aged care was an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others for Elfreda Desouza, who believes equal parts patience, understanding and hard work have paved the way to making her the aged care worker she is today.
Elfreda’s advice to others considering a career in aged care is simple, “Come with a positive attitude and enjoy the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of others through building meaningful relationships.”
Speaking to the incredible milestone and recognising the dedication of the women, Whiddon CEO, Chris Mamarelis said:
“For most organisations celebrating one employee' 15 years of service is a significant milestone. To have six amazing team members celebrate 15 years of service each, or a collective 90 years, is an absolute privilege. The collective achievement of these wonderful team members speaks volumes to their commitment to our elders and our beautiful community alike.”
“The service achievement of these amazing team members, not only highlights their passion and commitment to aged care, but it also ultimately means better outcomes for our residents, through consistent quality care and long-lasting relationships.”
As a proud not-for-profit care provider, Whiddon is passionate about enriching lives and keeping older people connected to what matters most to them in life. This includes supporting the ongoing connection between residents, members of Whiddon’s care team and the wider community through Whiddon’s award-winning MyLife relationship-based care model that places relationships at the heart of great care.
Whiddon operate 23 residential aged care homes across NSW & Southeast QLD, proudly supporting regional Australia. Each of Whiddon’s care homes provide a range of innovative creative ageing programs to support a rich and valued life’s journey for residents.
About Whiddon
Whiddon is an award winning not-for-profit aged care provider that has been providing care and support to older Australians for over 70 years. With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality care and support to older Australians, Whiddon offers a range of services, including residential aged care, home care, and independent living.
With a strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, Whiddon is at the forefront of aged care, regularly introducing new programs and services to enhance the lives of their residents and clients. They are committed to ongoing research and collaboration with leading universities and research institutions to ensure their care is evidence-based and best practice.
Whiddon's approach to care is centred on the individual, with services tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each person. Their team of experienced and dedicated staff provide high-quality care and support and are committed to helping older Australians maintain their independence, dignity, and wellbeing.
