“I STILL get a buzz when I see the positive difference we make to the lives of our clients,” long-time Centacare employee and long-service award winner Desley Chorlton said.
Ms Chorlton, who is the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay regions community services area general manager, received a 20 years of service award as part of Centacare’s annual recognition program.
She said her favourite part of the job, along with “injecting fun” in the workplace, was her clients and colleagues.
Ms Chorlton said she was inspired by her aged-care and disability clients every day, especially throughout 2020.
“COVID has really taught us to be resilient, and our clients have been a great source of inspiration during this time,” she said.
Ms Chorlton was one of more than 100 employees celebrating 10, 20, 25 and 30 years of service at Centacare as part of its annual recognition program.
This year’s program is a departure from Centacare’s traditional central awards event.
COVID-19 restrictions prompted a rethink of the Centacare awards and opened up the opportunity for an organisation-wide program that celebrated the collective achievements of all employees under the theme, “Stronger together in 2020”.
Local events were held both virtually and in-person as an opportunity for teams to reflect on the year and recognise employees celebrating significant service milestones.
Videos including a message from Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge were shared with teams across South East Queensland.
More than 70 employees and volunteers across Centacare Community Services, Pastoral Ministries, Family and Relationship Services, Catholic Early EdCare and corporate services celebrated 10 years of service.
Several employees from different parts of the organisation marked 20 and 25 years of service, while two Pastoral Ministries volunteers were recognised for 30 years of dedication to caring and showing compassion for members of the community who needed it most.
Centacare executive director Peter Selwood was pleased to be able to attend various local events and hear about the unique contributions of each employee and volunteer.
“‘Stronger together in 2020’ has been a great opportunity for the whole organisation to step back and see the remarkable way they contribute to the community,” he said.
“Whether they’re on the front line or behind the scenes, each employee and volunteer is to be congratulated on the way they live out Centacare’s mission and values each day.
“Additionally, seeing the high volume of years of service recipients is a reflection of the commitment and drive our employees and volunteers demonstrate each day which is truly an inspiration to all.”
