“Unwavering dedication”: Aged Care employee recognised

By Jemma Jones

Aug 13, 2024

**Director of clinicial services Meredith Hodder congratulates staff member Heather Walden for her hard work at Sheridan Aged Care.** Photo by Jemma Jones

It was Aged Care Employee Day on Wednesday, August 7 when Australia celebrated the hard workers in the aged care sector.

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But at Sheridan Aged Care, there was a diamond among the dozens.

A separate celebration was thrown for a staff member who was specially recognised by the Public Sector Residential Aged Care (PSRAC) leadership committee.

Heather Walden, a carer who works in lifestyle, was the belle of the ball on Wednesday where a dedicated morning tea was provided by PSRAC from local café, Burnt Butter.

**Heather Walden was shaken when she found out that she had been chosen as the standout employee for Sheridan.** Photo by Jemma Jones

Her co-worker, Shiela Lao, nominated Ms Walden through a 100-word competition describing Sheridan’s “standout” employee, as “innovative” and “dedicated”.

In the 100-word summary, Ms Lao wrote: “Heather’s unwavering dedication and creativity significantly enhanced the quality of those she serves, our elderly residents, making her an invaluable asset of the Sheridan community.”

Ms Walden has been a lifestyle carer at Sheridan for 12 years, entertaining residents through dance therapy and developing lifestyle programs for them to participate in.

She was away on holidays when she found out she had won the competition and said that she had not been expecting it.

“I was very overwhelmed … and I was very shaky. I don’t know, I was amazed,” Ms Walden said.

**The delicious morning tea was provided by the Public Sector Residential Aged Care and catered by Burnt Butter.** Photo by Jemma Jones

Director of clinical services Meredith Hodder celebrated Ms Walden and thanked all the staff for its hard work in her speech during the morning tea.

“Heather, congratulations, and thank you to all of you for the difference you make to our Sheridan residents day in and day out, everyone plays a really large role in the care that’s provided,” Ms Hodder said.

More than 24 staff members gathered to celebrate Ms Walden’s achievement and Aged Care Employee Day, enjoying a delicious morning tea.