Aged care worker nominated for national award
An aged care worker at a Umina aged care facility has been nominated for a national award.
Peninsula Village announced the nomination of Ms Sonia Daniel to coincide with Aged Care Employee Day on Thursday, August 7.
"Being nominated by my peers meant so much," she said.
"It made me feel really seen and supported.
"Sometimes it's a bit chaotic and there's a lot going on," she said.
"But then a resident will hold my hand at the end and say: 'You made my day.'
"That's what makes it so worthwhile."
Ms Daniel worked for more than 10 years in the kitchen at Peninsula Villages.
"It was a good job and I liked it, but I felt ready for a change," she said.
"I kept seeing others come in with new energy and thought, maybe I can do that too."
She enrolled in an in-house traineeship to become a care partner.
After 12 months working as a care partner, Sonia discovered her passion lay in creating moments of joy, connection and purpose through "Leisure and Lifestyle", providing programs from music and art workshops to group outings and themed events.
She completed a Certificate IV in Leisure and Health last year.
For those thinking about aged care, Ms Daniel said: "If you care about people and want to make a difference in their lives, it's one of the most rewarding jobs you can do."
SOURCE:
Media release, 29 Jul 2025
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