Amana Living Stalwart Honoured For 30 Years' Service

Mandurah local Helen Gardner has been recognised for 30 years of service at Amana Living.

Helen is the cook at Amana Living’s Wearne House and has been serving thousands of meals to residents since 1987. She originally trained as a confectionary baker in England before moving to Australia in 1981.

Helen, now 71, starts work at 4.50am every day to ensure the 47 residents of Wearne House enjoy beautiful meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as morning and afternoon tea! She’s rarely had a day off in the time service manager Sharon Maitland has known her, and is renowned for her Yorkshire puddings, melting moments and vanilla slices.

Sharon said, “I joined Amana Living 15 years ago and Helen was one of the welcoming faces when I arrived.  Helen is incredibly loyal and a perfectionist when it comes to food. She kills with kindness and loves with food, and the way she treats staff and residents is an extension of how she looks after her own family.  She always makes sure the residents get amazing food, and goes out of her way to make special favourites and treats.”

Some of Helen’s treasured memories at Wearne House include celebrating Australia Day with the residents down near the foreshore and catering for a wedding reception.

Describing her time at Amana Living, Helen said, “I’ve always had a lot of time for older people. I think it’s important to retain your connection with different generations and working in aged care helps you to appreciate that growing older is a beautiful experience.

“Wearne House is a lovely and warm place, I’ve really enjoyed my time here and it’s wonderful to cook food every day that people love. It’s a happy home and food has a large part to play in contributing to people’s happiness and wellbeing.”

Helen’s contribution to Amana Living will also be celebrated at the staff awards and ball in November.

Click here to find out more about Amana Living's aged care services.

Pictured: Helen Gardner with Amana Living Service Manager Sharon Maitland