Carinity farewells three community stalwarts

A community is only as strong as its people. Carinity recently farewelled three dedicated employees who have retired, after collectively helping to strengthen their communities for almost 75 years.

Graham Harvey was one of the backbones of the Carinity Shalom seniors’ community in Rockhampton, overseeing the retirement village there for three decades.

He also served as the Property Manager for Carinity sites around Central Queensland including aged care communities, schools and youth support centres in Rockhampton, Mount Morgan, Yeppoon and Gladstone.

Graham was also the driving force behind fundraising and community events held at Shalom, including 20 editions of the popular Breakfast at the Lagoon and the aged care community’s 20th anniversary celebration.

Graham’s last day working for Carinity was exactly 31 years after he started with the organisation in 1994. He described the opportunity to work for a Christian-based organisation as “rewarding and fulfilling”.

“Staff in their area of service can play a part to make a difference in helping people on life’s journey reach their potential, and also help those in the senior community enjoy their golden years,” Graham said.

Carinity Bunderra recently farewelled its longest-serving staff member, Gary Turner, who retired after 20 years as a Lifestyle Support Worker with the disability service based in Boonah.

Gary said supporting people living with a disability was “both challenging and rewarding” and “a way to make one feel incredibly humble and thankful.”

“Carinity gives each employee a wonderful opportunity to help enable those less fortunate to participate in the local community,” Gary said.

“I’ve had the privilege to meet many people whom I may not necessarily have come across, if not with Carinity. This has gifted me the bonus of making lifelong friendships.

“Carinity has helped to fill a need in the area in which I live and, God willing, will continue to do so for many more years.”

Therese Crust worked at the Carinity Karinya Place residential aged care community in Laidley for 23 years. As a Diversional Therapist, she devised engaging activities for residents.

She was integral in running initiatives such as an intergenerational gardening project – a collaboration between residents and high school students that was nominated for the Inside Ageing Future of Ageing Awards.

Carinity Karinya Place Residential Manager, Tuttu Mathew, said Therese “consistently went above and beyond” in her role and “fostered a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for the residents.”

“Her commitment to enhancing the residents’ quality of life was evident through the introduction of numerous initiatives and programs that resonated deeply with them,” Tuttu said.

“Her work not only improved residents’ daily lives but also enriched the community spirit within Carinity Karinya Place.”

Carinity Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Griffiths, said the retirees were role models for the organisation.

“They have given sacrificially to support the mission of Carinity, caring deeply for those they were called to serve,” Kevin said.

“In their own ways they have impacted countless lives, but in a quiet and understated way.”