Today is Aged Care Employee Day, a special moment to celebrate the remarkable people who dedicate their lives to supporting older Australians.
Across the nation, more than 456,000 aged care workers bring compassion, resilience, and warmth to their roles, making a profound difference in the lives of those they care for.
From personal care workers to nurses, volunteers, and support staff, their efforts create communities where older people feel valued, connected, and empowered to live life on their terms. Today, we share stories of their inspiring work, drawn from the heart of the aged care sector.
In South Australia, ACH Group is celebrating its 2,000-strong workforce with thoughtful self-care packages, handed out by senior leaders at events across Adelaide. These gifts acknowledge the tireless work of staff who provide hands-on care, support services, or work behind the scenes to help older South Australians thrive. The organisation also invites families to join in recognising the impact of these workers, highlighting the deep connections formed between staff, residents, and their loved ones.
In Canberra, the knitting group at Calvary Haydon is a shining example of how aged care communities extend their care beyond their walls. For 15 years, residents and volunteers have knitted thousands of blankets, beanies, and scarves for people experiencing homelessness. The group, a finalist in the 2025 Ageing Australia You Are ACE! Awards, meets weekly to create warm woollen items donated to St Vincent de Paul’s Night Patrol and the Vinnies store in Dickson.
Volunteer Helen Lundy, who has sewn together over 500 blankets, and resident Judith Paterson, who mastered double-stranded knitting, find joy in both the craft and the camaraderie. Leisure and Activities Coordinator Reshmi Cox-Brogan, who learned to knit to connect with the group, describes the sessions as a highlight filled with tea, chats, and even visits from Gypsy the dog.
In Bendigo, Eh Mu Taw’s journey to becoming a Personal Care Worker at Uniting AgeWell’s Strath-Haven Community is a testament to resilience. Born in a Thai refugee camp after her family fled civil war in Burma, Eh Mu relocated to Victoria 14 years ago and recently completed her Certificate III in Aged Care through Uniting AgeWell’s traineeship program.
Now a proud Australian citizen, she loves listening to residents’ stories and building connections while providing hands-on care. The program, designed to help women re-enter the workforce, has given her confidence and a sense of belonging in a supportive, diverse team.
At Warrigal, which serves the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, and Canberra, the focus is on celebrating their 2,200 employees who create vibrant communities for older people. Vernia, a residential service manager who retired after 37 years, embodies the impact of a dedicated career.
Starting in 1988, she rose to leadership by fostering a culture of compassion and respect, believing that caring for staff translates to better care for residents. Her story reflects the lasting influence of workers who pour their hearts into their roles.
In Canberra and Batemans Bay, Goodwin Aged Care Services celebrates its 801 employees, a diverse team from over 18 countries, including Nepal, the Philippines, Bhutan, and India. The organisation supports its workforce through innovative programs like the Internationally Qualified Nurses initiative, which helps globally trained nurses gain registration in Australia.
Goodwin also sponsors visas for roles like chefs, nurses, and massage therapists, ensuring a stable, skilled team. This commitment to training and inclusion creates a workplace where staff feel valued and empowered to deliver exceptional care.
Sarah Wilson, a home care worker with Uniting AgeWell in Victoria, brings joy to her clients’ lives through everyday tasks like cleaning, personal care, or sharing a cuppa. Having overcome a major health challenge in her 20s, including surgery for a brain tumour, Sarah found her calling in aged care.
She cherishes moments with clients like Linda Westwood, a 100-year-old World War II veteran with a sharp sense of humour, helping them live life on their terms. Sarah’s work reflects the deep personal connections that define the sector.
On this Aged Care Employee Day, we celebrate the diverse, dedicated individuals who make aged care a cornerstone of compassion in Australia. Whether knitting blankets for those in need, supporting residents to live independently, or building careers from challenging beginnings, these workers bring warmth and purpose to their roles.
Their efforts remind us that aged care is about more than care, it’s about creating moments of joy, connection, and dignity for older Australians. Today, we thank them for their unwavering commitment and the heart they bring to every day.
