The theme of transformation moved thoughtfully through this year’s Staff and Volunteer Day, bringing together people from all corners of MercyCare for inspiration, growth, connection and celebration.
Taking centre stage during Mercy Week, this bi-annual event was an opportunity for the MercyCare community to reflect on the year that was, and look ahead to the future.
It was also a chance for more than 400 staff and volunteers to experience a world-class event that featured incredible keynote presenters, service focused fun and activities, and the rare chance to meet other staff and volunteers within the organisation.
Set within Perth’s spectacular Optus Stadium, attendees were privileged to hear from highly regarded presenters Brooke Blurton and Dr. Chadden Hunter, who both shared personal stories of growth and transformation from their own remarkable journeys.
For Brooke, the MercyCare Staff and Volunteer Day felt like a full circle moment, having worked with MercyCare clients many years ago as a Youth Worker.
Julian Pace from Happiness Co brought his trademark energy and wisdom to the event, captivating the audience with his own raw, heartfelt story and imploring us all to turn our pain into purpose and our sadness into strength.
We finished the day with the world-renowned documentary videographer Dr Chadden Hunter, who tied a bow on the theme of transformation through insightful, quirky humour and stunning footage of his documentary experiences. With the tip that a good cuppa can go a long way to boost morale.
A dedicated Transformation Space allowed attendees to immerse themselves in all things MercyCare, learning about projects, committees and services, and enabling them to gain a more holistic view of the organisation. Fuelled by delicious food from Optus Stadium, the Transformation Space was buzzing all day, and a great place to re-charge and connect.
While it was a privilege to listen to our keynote presenters, it was wonderful to also have the opportunity to hear from our very own volunteers Kerry and Lynne from Kelmscott Residential Aged Care, who joined Volunteer Lead Tania, and Multicultural Services Manager Jacqui, for a special volunteering panel discussion. The discussion gave the audience a 360° view of volunteering at MercyCare, with a focus on how volunteers help the business achieve its goals, and on the flipside, how volunteering can be the first step on the pathway to employment for our multicultural clients.
Another highlight of the day was the unveiling of our Values Artwork – a new series of artworks that represent the organisation’s six core values: Courage, Integrity, Justice, Compassion, Respect, and Excellence.
The MercyCare values artwork, which was created by Noongar artist Peter Farmer, was presented on stage by Vicky Gonzalez Burrows, Executive Director of Mission & Ethos along with Pam Thorley, Manager of Aboriginal Pathway Strategies.
Throughout the day, MercyCare’s Excellence Award winners were announced. It was the perfect setting to recognise and celebrate the staff and teams who have gone above and beyond in their roles over the past year. Congratulations to all of the winners.
Keeping with the spirit of the day, our energetic MC Casey Beros had everyone on their feet, dancing to close out the event. We’re already excited about the next Staff and Volunteer Day and what it will bring!
Thank you to our event sponsors for their generous support – CBA, Catholic Super, Access Pay, Mercer, Lockton Companies Australia, and OP Properties.
