Retirement village recognises staff long service

Peninsula Village has recognised the long service of 11 of its staff.

"We have one team member who has now reached 30 years with our organisation, two staff have been with us for 20 years, one other for 15 years and two staff at 10 years," said chief executive officer Mr Shane Neaves said.

"We also have a further five staff who have marked their five-year anniversaries," he said.

"When you do the maths, that's a total of 130 years of dedicated service to provide quality care and service to our residents and we felt that was an important achievement in itself for a community organisation," Mr Neaves said.

Mr Greg Smith, from Ettalong, is a groundsman at Peninsula Village, a role he has now held for 30 years.

"Mr Smith is such an iconic part of the team and shares a unique history with the organisation as one of the first on site during the construction of the Peninsula Villages facility," said Mr Neaves.

Mr Smith said: "I started with Peninsula Villages in March of 1985 thanks to a dear friend of mine, Michael Varley, who under Varley Constructions asked if I could help him for a few days to dig some footings in clay.

"That four days lasted the duration of construction and once the organisation launched in 1987, I was asked to stay on as groundsman by Don Leggett and I have proudly worked here to keep the surroundings for 30 fantastic years," Mr Smith said.

Mr Smith credits his job satisfaction to the organisation's team approach and the shared desire to ensure safety and fulfilment to the residents of Peninsula Villages.

"Peninsula Villages' team leaders and senior management are willing listeners and respectful.

"They want what's best for the village and their strong emphasis on a team approach is what makes coming to work a pleasure," Mr Smith said.

Ms Vicki Page and Ms Joan Thomsen have celebrated two decades of service.

"Both Vicki and Joan are incredible team members in their respective roles at Peninsula Villages and well respected by their fellow colleagues," Mr Neaves said

To celebrate the team members' service milestones, Peninsula Villages welcomed Central Coast town crier, Mr Stephen Clarke, where together with the Board of Directors each person was recognised for their contribution and service.

"While we celebrate staff service on a monthly basis, it was only fitting to celebrate these particularly notable milestones with a bit of a celebration and fanfare with our residents and team.

"For us as an organisation loyal staff means a skilled and knowledgeable team, but from a resident perspective it means continuity of care where our residents can build rapport with individual staff and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they enjoy their roles and find them rewarding," Mr Neaves said..

"With more than 300 staff, 80 volunteers and 450 residents, Peninsula Villages is one of the largest employers on the Peninsula."

SOURCE:

Media release, 27 Jul 2017

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