Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis was in Moree this week for a special lunch to officially welcome the residents, family, employees and volunteers of Moree to the Whiddon family.
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It's the first time Mr Mamarelis has visited Moree since Whiddon officially took over the aged care facility, formerly known as Fairview, at the start of February.
"I wanted to come and say thanks to the residents and staff for being patient with us through this transition period," he said, while cooking on the barbecue.
Mr Mamarelis said so far the transition has been a relatively smooth one, thanks to the lessons learnt from previous experiences.
"We've learnt how to improve each time we do it, so we're getting better," he said.
"Fiona [Lysaught, Whiddon Moree director of care]'s leadership is making a real difference."
Residents, staff, family members and volunteers joined Mr Mamarelis for a barbecue lunch on Tuesday, with the event also providing an opportunity for Whiddon to introduce its Milestones Program to Moree.
The Milestones Program aims to recognise and celebrate long-serving employees for their exceptional commitment and contributions to aged and community care services.
Mr Mamarelis said it's a great opportunity to encourage employees to take some time to reflect on what they have achieved throughout their journey and how many lives they have touched.
"At Whiddon, our people are at the heart of what we do," he said.
"They inspire us and go out of their way each and every day to touch the lives of our residents and clients."
While Whiddon are new to the Moree community, the organisation recognised milestones of current employees from the commencement of their employment at the home, some as many as 40 years ago.
Collectively in Moree, 22 employees have given an incredible 255 years of service.
One of the longest serving employees is Carolyn Moore, who was recognised for an impressive 30 years of service. Carol will also reach her 35-year milestone later this year.
Carolyn has worked as an Enrolled Nurse since starting her journey in aged care at the age of 19 years old.
During that time, she moved across different roles, including physiotherapy assistance, wound care management and kitchen hand.
In 2006, Carolyn decided to undertake further training, where she completed a Certificate IV in Aged Care work and Certificate IV Enrolled Nurse Conversion Medication Administration.
She said one of her career highlights over the last three decades was when she saved her hair off in front of the residents to raise funds for a colleague who was battling cancer.
Another highlight was her marriage at Fairview.
"I married my wonderful husband in front of the beautiful fountain situated in the gardens 32 years ago by Perry James, the founder of the retirement village," she said.
One other employee was recognised for 40 years of service, while six have reached 15 years, five people have marked 10 years, and nine employees have celebrated the five-year milestone.
Ms Lysaught thanked all of the long-serving staff for their dedicated service.
"I sincerely appreciate the efforts of our long-serving staff, and the love and compassion they bring to their roles," she said.
"Whiddon staff are known for going above and beyond and this is reflected in our achievements, and the care we proudly provide."
