Anne Stanley (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It was a pleasure to be invited to the annual Whiddon awards last week. The awards recognise exemplary work of staff across the group, with a special focus on those who go above and beyond for the people they care for. Recognition was also given to long-term staff members who had been with the group for more than 35 years. One employee in particular was retiring after 48 years of service, which is a testament to the dedication that Whiddon has come to exemplify over the 70 years it has been a part of our community.

Whiddon was established in Glenfield in 1947, when 21 hectares of land was granted by Mrs Ethel Symonds to support elderly people through the Freemasons. Whilst there have been a number of changes over the years, the group now provides both residential and home care in New South Wales in over 17 sites.

This is all with a view to ensuring that residents are well looked after and have many opportunities to grow old gracefully and are well supported.

It was wonderful to discuss issues with Mr Lesley Hicks, Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the ACT, and Mr Len Kearns, chairman of the board of Whiddon. I thank Mr Chris Mamarelis, CEO of Whiddon, and his team for the wonderful event and the great work that they do for our older residents every single day in our part of the world.

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