Debbie Jardine of Eden couldn’t be more surprised or thrilled.
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On the weekend she was presented with a cheque for $3000 from Bupa Aged Care for her efforts to give her personal best to residents at Bupa’s Eden facility.
Debbie and 14 of her workmates from Bupa Eden were selected to travel up for the gala.
Each was chosen for giving just that little bit of extra care, above and beyond their daily duties, to the aged care residents.
Debbie’s surprise win was made at a gala, Gatsby-themed event at the Sofitel in Sydney.
She and her work mates had their flights, accommodation and meals provided as part of the reward package, paid for by the health and aged care provider as a ‘thank you’ for a job well done.
For Debbie, giving that little bit extra to the aged care residents is easy.
“As a kid my parents always brought me up to respect my elders.
“I know the residents here appreciate what I do for them, even if it’s only making a hair appointment for them, or helping them to the reception area,” Debbie said on Monday.
Debbie’s friendly face is usually seen delivering a cuppa and cake to residents or in the kitchen where she also helps out as a kitchen hand.
“I’ve worked here since 2010, about eight months after they opened.
“I keep coming back because I know they appreciate what I do for them.
“I like being able to interact with them.
“Bupa has this rewards program. Each month we jump on the computer and note down those things we do outside of our ordinary duties.
“They go through to the manager here and recommendations go up the line,” Debbie said.
Debbie sometimes brings her 18-month-old son Xander to visit with the residents, which she says they love.
“When I bring Xander in they just adore him.
“He loves it too but he does run amok!”
Debbie works part time now that she has her toddler to chase, and family commitments to work around.
“I first started on the day shift, but now I have my son I do four night shifts, sometimes more.”
Another surprise for Debbie was taking her first plane flight with Regional Express to and from Sydney.
“That was something new for me, REX did well!”
But Debbie’s biggest shock was when her name was called out at the gala event, and she was called to the stage to receive her over-sized cheque.
“It was fantastic. I didn’t know I had won. I was actually shocked when they called my name, just speechless.
“I’m not too sure what I’ll do with the $3000.
“Put it towards renovating the house possibly?"