Aged care facilities filled with staff who are dedicated, compassionate and who treat residents like their own families
Bayside Health celebrates aged care staff
August 5, 2026
Personal Care Assistant Minda Tingga, right, looks after resident Sumi Flanagan at Griffiths Point Lodge, San Remo.
On Aged Care Employee Day on Friday 7 August, Bayside Health Regional is celebrating the 390 amazing staff who see caring for residents as an honour, not just a job.
Bayside Health Regional operates the residential care centres Kirrak House at Wonthaggi, Griffiths Point Lodge at San Remo, Koorooman House at Leongatha, Alchera House and Hillside Lodge at Korumburra, and Killara Hostel and Westernport Nursing Home at Koo-wee-rup.
Bayside Health Regional CEO Louise Sparkes said those centres are filled with staff who are dedicated, compassionate and who treat residents like their own families.
“Our wonderful staff work in many roles: as nurses, personal care workers, diversional therapists, food services staff, support services staff and administration staff,” she said.
“They ensure our residents can enjoy life to the fullest and recognise that residential care centres are not just a workplace, but our residents’ homes.”
Jim McCulley enjoys a puzzle with Enrolled Nurse Naomi Johnston at Kirrak House, Wonthaggi.
Enrolled Nurse at Kirrak House, Wonthaggi, Ganga Bhandari, enjoys working in aged care because she can make a real difference in people’s lives.
“I love caring for residents, supporting their wellbeing, and treating them with kindness, dignity and respect. Seeing residents smile and knowing I have helped make their day better is what motivates me to do my best,” she said.
Janet Chandler, Leisure and Lifestyle Team Member at Killara and Westernport, enjoys talking with residents and enriching their lives.
“Supporting residents to enjoy the activities they love, nurture their spiritual wellbeing and continue doing what brings them happiness is a privilege,” she said.
Janet Chandler, Leisure and Lifestyle Team Member, reads with resident Dot Haines at Western Port Unit, Kooweerup Hospital.
Director of Nursing at Korumburra Hospital, Carol Pontil, said outstanding aged care is about showing up every day with compassion, professionalism and a commitment to every resident.
“I'm incredibly proud of our teams for the care, respect and dignity they bring to those they support,” she said.
Trenton Crisp, Hotel Services Manager at Leongatha’s Koorooman House, said every day working in aged care brings opportunities to make a difference.
“By listening to residents' feedback and continuously improving, from our menus to maintaining a clean, welcoming environment, we create a place where staff feel valued and heard,” he said.
To learn more about aged care services offered by Bayside Health, go to baysidehealth.org.au/services/aged-care