It’s a quality that has been widely acknowledged by her peers, so much so that Courtney recently took home the Catherine McAuley Excellence Award at MercyCare’s 2022 Excellence Awards Gala in September.
Having begun her Early Learning career as an Assistant Educator at MercyCare Bennett Springs Early Learning Centre in 2017, Courtney has poured her heart and soul into helping children from toddlers to pre-schoolers learn and grow.
Last year, Courtney stepped into the role of Mission and Strategy Project Lead working across MercyCare’s Early Learning Services where she has been involved in a variety of projects including commissioning a local Aboriginal artist to paint colourful murals at five MercyCare Early Learning Centres that reflected both their service and local community.
Nominated by her colleagues, the Catherine McAuley Excellence Award recognises an individual who demonstrates strong values and the drive to carry out MercyCare’s mission to help others.
“I feel so humbled to have been recognised,” Courtney said.
“Each day I come to work hoping that what I am doing makes a positive impact on not only our team but the children we work with.
“For that to be acknowledged on such a high level is surreal, but more than anything, I am grateful to work for an organisation that has provided me the opportunity to thrive.”
Executive Director of Mission and Ethos Vicky Gonzalez-Burrows
Courtney credits her career progression to her team, who have helped nurture her professional growth and development.
“I have the most amazing support from a down-to-earth and collaborative team,” she said.
“I cannot look past those that believed in me, guided and mentored me, without so many I wouldn’t be where I am today and have so much gratitude for the team that surrounds me.”
Courtney said the awards were a great way to acknowledge the incredible people who work or volunteer at MercyCare.
“I think recognising staff efforts and achievement big and small reinforce the importance of what we do,” Courtney said.
“We can all have moments when you forget the true impact, we have but for it to be acknowledged pulls things back into perspective and is a bit of a reality check that ‘Hey, what I am doing really does matter and I really am improving lives of those around me’.”
Want to join a team of passionate and dedicated people? Find out more about MercyCare’s Early Learning career opportunities here.
