When Sue Wilson’s two sons started school, she knew she was ready to re-enter the workforce. In March 1999 as part of her aged care study, she completed 100 hours of training at Willowbrooke Aged Care, Upper Ferntree Gully. After completing her training, she was offered a role as a PCA which I commenced that June. She has been working at Willowbrooke for the past 20 years, assisting residents, administering medications, and completing resident assessments.

What is the biggest change you’ve seen from when you started to now?
When I first started residents were all low care. Today there is ageing-in-place, and resident are not required to move to another residence when their care needs become higher. Of course, along the way there has been a change of ownership to Catholic Homes, followed by the merger with Villa Maria.

What does it mean to you to work at VMCH?
I love being a part of a larger group that is built around caring for people.

What do you love most about your role?
Looking after the residents and the wonderful friendships I have made.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I adore the time I get to spend with my grandson and all my family. I’m a coffee/cafe enthusiast and relish those chat times with friends and family. I also have two dogs, a cat and 10 goldfish.

Sue in her first year of working at Willowbrooke in 1999.