I met Erwin at church where I attended a physical culture group. I was on stage when the curtains were opened and he saw me from the public address box. He was impressed so made enquiries about where I would be going the following Saturday night. A group of us gathered at the railway station to go into Baptist Youth Fellowship in the City. I almost didn’t go because my hair turned out a mess! When he saw me stomping down the ramp at the station he thought he saw a “vision” coming.

We went out together for 5 years until we married just after my 21st birthday by which time we had saved enough for a deposit on a house in Newcastle. We have now been married almost 54 years, during which time we had two children and lived in NSW, USA, Victoria and Western Australia.

25 years ago a job came up in payroll with Warrigal, it was part-time and I had two young daughters in primary school, so it suited me fine. I attended the interview with one blue shoe on and one black shoe on – I had two pairs of court shoes! I arrived at the interview and thought ‘oh no.’ I just laughed about it!

I started as the payroll clerk, it was called Mt Warrigal Retirement Village back then and my office was at Warilla. It was very friendly, and very hectic. I noticed that those nurses ran, which they still do now. It is such a big job for the staff, I admire them immensely for what they do and the care that they show. And that’s what first struck a chord with me, and I think that’s why I’ve stayed at Warrigal for 25 years - I just felt that it is a caring industry, and the fact that Warrigal is not for profit made a big difference as I’ve always felt like I’m assisting or making a difference in some way, behind-the-scenes.

Payroll was very manual back then. We had hand written timesheets that we had to extend and work out the penalties and total it all up. When I started we didn’t have computers. I taught myself how to use a computer, learnt from others and I did a couple of courses. I’ve always been a numbers person, and funnily enough I’ve ended back in numbers working in the Finance team for the past 4 years.

I’ve got wonderful friends that I’ve made here over the years. Some have left and some have returned too! I think after working with an organisation for such a long time you become very loyal to the company. Three of my friends from work and myself are going overseas next year for six weeks. We’re going to the UK, France, Singapore, and Finland. 

I love sport, I’ve always played competitive tennis since I was a child. I have a bad knee now so those days are gone unfortunately. I often go and watch tennis tournaments, and I’m a cricket tragic, I love cricket, love to go and watch a match with my daughters. I like any sport really."

It was an opportunity to put something back into the community and the recognition that older people’s lives could be improved that led to Alan joining the board in 1984, “I have always had a pretty egalitarian view in society and I thought that older people in our community were a group of people that were not being looked after well enough. I felt that was an area I could possibly help make their lives better – by providing services that they didn’t have.”

Alan is passionate about volunteering, having been involved in various community groups and committees over the years. He plans to remain a Warrigal volunteer after he leaves the board. “Volunteers are vital to this organisation. We could not provide the services that we do without volunteers, it is just not possible. I think one of the real gems of being a volunteer is the benefit that comes to you through volunteering. You can see the value of volunteers to the organisation firstly through the number that we have, and secondly through the length of time they stay with Warrigal.”

It is the culture that Alan recognises as one of the greatest changes and achievements he is most proud of in his time as Chairman. “I am very proud of Warrigal, the commitment of staff is unbelievable.”

According to Alan, independence, choice and community are ingredients for a great life for older people. His contribution to Warrigal and to improving the lives of older people will be long lasting.

I’ve been at Warrigal Bundanoon for 30 years. I started in nursing. I love the one-on-one time with residents and hearing their stories. They share their life stories, and they also want to hear your life story so residents become part of your family.

I wish I had written a book, there have been so many stories. Ladies used to tell me yarns about what it was like getting around on a horse and buggy.

There was a man named John, he was very nice, he used to be a sheep farmer. He used to think I was his wife and treat me so and chase me around all the time! All the ladies would be giggling!”

Valma is a sewer and knitter and loves fashion. We talk about our family, and are both Christians. She tells me about shopping and bargains she gets, and we talk about what’s happening in the news and in our lives.

I think I get more out of it – I love knowing I can make someone’s day, it’s rewarding. I get so much out of making Valma and other customer’s happy and knowing that they are safe.

Our Connect customers are passionate about staying in their home as long as possible, so it is lovely to make that happen. They love being home.

It’s an honour to be a carer. It’s the best job I think."
Kathy, Warrigal Connect Carer

My children are the joy of my life and I am very proud of them.

I will always remember the Warrigal staff and how they treated my Husband Harold when he had his stroke, my family even spent the nights with myself and Harold, all the kids were with us. The staff in the kitchen were angels – they would bring us lovely sandwiches and refreshments. The staff were magnificent and I cant thank them enough for their kindness – they made Harold’s illness bearable."