BAPTCARE Northaven lifestyle coordinator Lyn Steel got a surprise at work this week when she was singled out for the presentation of an award in the dining room.
The Baptcare award, which was judged Australia wide, recognised Ms Steel for “living the value of wellbeing”.
The award was presented on Tuesday, and came in the form of a sizable gift certificate.
In a short speech, Northaven’s residential care and services manager Jeecinta Lightbody thanked Ms Steel for the enthusiasm and dedication that often saw her put in extra hours.
She also thanked Ms Steel’s family for their support.
“Without her dedicated involvement, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” Ms Lightbody said.
A rich range of activities and outreach services are on offer at Northaven under Ms Steel’s stewardship.
In addition to community outings and activities like Bingo and trivia, the home has recently run life history writing and visual arts programs with students from Kerang Christian College.
It’s also involved in a Gannawarra Shire Council educational program with kinder kids, regularly hosts musical entertainers and at least twice a week has visits from Cycling without Age volunteers who take residents out for a spin.
Ms Steel told the Gannawarra Times Northaven has established a lot of relationships with different organisations and that volunteers were key to its activities.
“We run an extensive program and it’s fabulous,” she said.
“We wouldn’t be able to do it without the volunteers.”
Ms Steel said she was proud to work at Northaven, where there is a humorous, caring atmosphere and residents “become part of your family”.
“We walk around and hug and kiss them,” she said.
Despite her embarrassment at the public presentation of her award, Ms Steel said she was pleased to be recognised.
However, it is clear that the job itself is the main reward.
“It’s one of the loveliest jobs you could have,” she said.
