Mission Australia’s aged care teams have been recognised for their dedicated work throughout COVID-19.
The teams were presented with a medallion by His Excellency General David Hurley, Governor General of Australia, and Her Excellency Mrs Hurley for their exceptional and dedicated work throughout a very difficult 2020.
In NSW, Mission Australia operates three aged care facilities for those at risk of homelessness or formerly homeless, with two in Sydney and one in Orange.
The aged care teams were awarded the accolade for their commitment, perseverance and professionalism in delivering aged care services during COVID-19 and excelling as a collective team amidst various additional changes and building works in 2020.
“During this whole COVID-19 experience, protecting and supporting vulnerable people who are living in our aged care facilities has been of the highest importance to the aged care team [as a whole] at Mission Australia,” CEO James Toomey said.
“I was always reassured by the extraordinary professionalism, resilience and flexibility of our aged care teams, especially at a time when older people have been more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19.
“Throughout 2020, our aged care teams ensured everyone received the highest level of care and support.
“I am honoured and humbled by the incredible efforts of our aged care staff, and delighted they have been recognised with such an esteemed award.
Toomey congratulated his staff for keeping the people they serve safe and supported as well as dealing with a multitude of unprecedented challenges with compassion, perseverance and professionalism.
“They have ensured that the more vulnerable older members of our community have had stable, safe accommodation where they can look after their mental and physical health and live with respect and dignity.
Toomey said with the right supports and measures in place, excellent staff, and quality aged care accommodation, Mission Australia have been able to help older people to stay well, be safely housed and feel supported and connected during the pandemic.
Stephen Brooker, Mission Australia’s General Manager of Aged Care, said in an incredibly challenging year, he’s proud that his teams have risen to those challenges and have now been acknowledged for their exceptional efforts.
“Some of NSW’s most vulnerable people were safe in their hands and I congratulate them for their tireless dedication,” he said.
“Early on in the pandemic our staff recognised the need for increased COVID-19 infection control training and to maximise hygiene and cleanliness, and put stringent measures in place.
“Not only did they go above and beyond to ensure the safety of our consumers, they also embarked on a range of other activities to ensure their wellbeing at a time of increased physical distancing.
Residents and staff at Mission Australia’s Benjamin Short Grove aged care facility in Orange also celebrated two community garden accolades in 2020.
With the help of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney’s Community Greening initiative, the team won the Australian Institute of Horticulture award for Green Space (Regional) and the Community Greening Virtual Challenge with the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
