Mermaid Robyn is Catholic Homes Ocean Star’s Award Winner

The peak healthcare hospitality body in Western Australia has acknowledged the outstanding dedication of an aged care worker who has gone above and beyond in improving the lives of residents and staff. Hotel Services Worker Robyn Gibbons of Catholic Homes’ Ocean Star residence was bestowed the Institute of Hospitality In HeathCare’s (IHHC) Brightest Star Award at its state awards ceremony held recently in Fremantle.

In congratulating Ms Gibbons on her prestigious win, Catholic Homes Chief Executive Paul Andrew said her exceptional attitude and inspirational work ethic reflected the organisation’s values and mission to improve the lives of older people.

“As the 2021 WA Brightest Star, Robyn has shown her role is ‘more than just a job’ with her excellent ability to engage and empower residents in her daily work which is an inspiration to others,” he said.

Ms Gibbons works at Ocean Star, Catholic Homes’ popular and much loved 42-bed residential aged care service in Bunbury, where she is responsible for cleaning and laundry duties.

Her love for the people she cares for has resulted in greater engagement, joy and satisfaction, cornerstones of the Catholic Homes Care with Purpose approach to person-centred care.

“In going above and beyond, Robyn also volunteers in helping plan and organise activities and events and she motivates others to chip in and have fun,” Mr Andrew said.

“She fundraised for an outdoor water fountain and then suggested and helped her residence host an under the sea night where she set up underwater decorations with bubble machines and dressed up as a mermaid!”

Another initiative Robyn introduced was to further enable residents to wash their own clothes during personalised laundry days – thereby giving them the sense of empowerment and achievement. Robyn also takes infection control cleaning very seriously, requesting additional training for staff.

“I am very humbled, and so honoured, I love doing things for the residents because if it gives them pleasure it returns to me doubly,” she said.

Catholic Homes’ hotel services and catering departments have been recognised for excellence many times, previously taking out several IHHC awards.

This year’s IHHC awards were presented at the Western Australia Sub-Branch award ceremony on Thursday 19 August 2021.

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