“I remember one resident, Wally, who loved a good old chat. He gave me a cutting from his fig tree to plant in my garden, and it’s now a tree with beautiful figs. I always think of him when I see that tree," Christine said.
When Christine first started working for MercyCare, her son was just 12 and on the verge of starting secondary school. Today, he’s 27 and a new dad.
For every year in between, Christine has managed all paperwork and office duties in her role as Administration Office Manager.
“It’s flown by in the blink of an eye,” Christine said.
“The minute I first walked in here, it felt like home and I’ve enjoyed every minute.
“You spend most of your time at work, so you’ve got to enjoy it.”
According to Christine, the secret to a long and happy working life is to continue learning.
No two days are the same in her job, but there is always an opportunity to learn something new, she said.
“There’s a great variety in my work; I love learning new things and I like a challenge.
“And I enjoy meeting people – residents and their families – it’s such a variety of people and they’ve got plenty to tell you.”
Christine recently supported the Pfizer vaccine rollout at MercyCare Rockingham, the first of MercyCare aged care homes to receive the vaccinations.
Christine was one of nine long-service employees from MercyCare Rockingham to be recognised for their extraordinary contribution.
