Honouring Women Who Inspire

7 March 2025

Celebrating the women who influence and enrich our community.

In summary:

Saturday, March 8 is International Women’s Day
This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, reflects the importance of working together to take swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.
Thank you to all the hardworking, multi-tasking, determined women across our organisation.

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“I’m very proud to be the CEO of an organisation that employs over 80% women. I think when we support each other as females, we get a better future for all women in the workforce.”

– VMCH CEO Sonya Smart

This International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting the incredible women of the VMCH community. These women inspire us each and every day with their authenticity, strength and determination. We feel so lucky to have almost 80 per cent of our workforce and volunteer base made up of females – so it’s an important day to celebrate!

The 2025 International Women’s Day campaign theme is ‘Accelerate Action’. Accelerate Action is dedicated to recognising and promoting strategies, resources, and activities that advance women’s empowerment and support their implementation. Even though considerable obstacles to gender equality remain, the right actions and support can foster positive change for women everywhere.

So without further ado, let’s meet some of the remarkable women across our organisation.

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Meet Noela

Life is all about colour and creativity for Wantirna aged care resident Noela.

Her room is adorned with endless paintings by her own hand, categorized by her blending of colours, use of texture and realistic depictions of everyday life.

After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (also known as MS) in her fifties, Noela was introduced to the MS Society, who provided painting classes. There she met Artur, who recognised Noela’s talent and became her teacher. Artur remains a very important person is Noela’s life today.

Noela came to Wantirna in 2012, noting the residence was perfect for her, and more importantly wheelchair friendly.

Here she has become close with other residents and staff alike. Wantirna’s Lifestyle Coordinator Janine Ridley even entered one of Noela’s paintings (with her permission) into the Berwick & District A & H Society Agricultural show. And guess what – she won first prize!

Well done Noela, keep on painting and keep on smiling.

Meet Joey

Joey has been an integral member of the lifestyle team at Wantirna Aged Care Residence for almost two years, and we are so grateful to have her on board!

The Lifestyle Assistant migrated to Australia from the Philippines in 2006, alongside her husband Lito and their three-year-old daughter, in search of a better life.

Joey’s sister, who already lived in Australia, sponsored the young family to make the lifechanging move. As her way of showing thanks, Joey stayed home and looked after her sister’s son.

Her memory of that time always comes back to Melbourne’s notoriously unpredictable weather conditions. She had to shop for Winter clothes, having not anticipated that cold chill all Melbournians can attest to!

Both Joey and Lito were employed in the marketing profession when they lived in the Philippines, however Joey made the switch to the aged care industry in 2010. She began as a carer, before transitioning to the lifestyle area, where she was able to connect with residents in meaningful ways.

Residents, staff and families of Wantirna are so grateful for the energy Joey brings to her work, and for that we say WELL DONE JOEY!

Lifestyle Coordinator Joey holds a photograph of herself when she was pregnant

Meet Pushpa

In 1992, Wantirna aged care resident Pushpa migrated to Australia from Sri Lanka.

By her side was husband Kula, the couple in search of a safe and fulfilling life for their ten-year-old daughter and ever-expanding family.

After arriving in Australia, Pushpa and her family lived with her sister before securing a home in Bayswater. There, they added a wonderful son to their family circle.

At this time Australia was in the midst of a recession, making employment opportunities scarce. However, this did not stop the young couple. Pushpa’s first role was volunteering at a language school, while Kula gained employment as a Tram Conductor.

Later on, Pushpa became a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) at an aged care residence, where her hard work and determination was rewarded when she was promptly promoted to Facility Manager. Similarly, Kula left his job on the trams and became a Home Carer with Knox City Council.

As Pushpa reflected on this period of her life, she says “I like Australia for the freedom and choice of opportunities. Who knows what I would’ve done if I have been born here?”

Meet MJ

Mary Hilton (who prefers MJ) joined us in January and works in the Early Learning and Therapy service area as an Occupational Therapist – and her journey toward this role is quite a unique one!

“I previously studied a degree in Marketing and Communications in my home country of Scotland.” She says. “Once I finished, I wanted to travel, so got a job as a long-haul flight attendant based in London. I ended up working as a flight attendant for almost 11 years.”

After having her first child and moving to Australia, MJ embraced occupational therapy. She had always been drawn to the profession, having grown up caring for her mum who had a disability.

“I saw firsthand the positive impact that OT had on her life, helping her live independently and engage in meaningful activities. Seeing the difference that support made for her inspired me to pursue a career where I could help others in the same way.”

Now as a mother herself, MJ’s practice is centred around building rapport with both children and parents.

“Being a parent has certainly given me a deeper understanding of the challenges that families face, and the importance of practical and achievable strategies that families are able to use.”

We’re thrilled to have MJ on board.