Celebrating 35 Years at Garden Village
Garden Village is thrilled to congratulate Julie Hawkins on 35 years service caring for our community. Julie has seen the organisation grow from the early days with Founder Keith Westerweller to the thriving community it is today. When she commenced employment she never would have imagined COVID, mask wearing, Virtual Reality or Smart Screens. Julie always comes to work as a Personal Care Assistant and Recreational Activities Officer with a smile and caring attitude.
Julie’s time at Garden Village began as an Assistant in Nursing, and over the years, she has contributed to various areas of Residential Aged Care and been part of the growth of our organisation all whilst raising a family.
Julie knows Garden Village inside out and jokes “I could find my way around here blindfolded.”
She shared one of her very first payslips which she still has today and brought an album of photos from her years at Garden Village. This included photo of Audrey who also worked at Garden Village as the Catering Manager during the 1980s and now resides in Westerweller.
Julie began her career at Garden Village when Cheryl Pearson (current resident) was the Matron and Founder Mr Keith Westerweller operated the Village, one of the first retirement living and aged care homes in Port Macquarie. In the 1980s the Retirement Living Village grew to over one hundred units, Garden Lodge was established and the Hydrotherapy pool was officially opened.
Julie’s 10-Year Journey with Starlight Trek for Kids
Julie’s generosity and caring nature goes beyond the workplace. Along with her husband David, Julie has been involved in the Starlight Trek for Kids for an impressive 10 years. This annual event sees trekkers exploring different regions of Australia, raising funds for seriously ill children.
This year they drove with the trek from Newcastle to Mudgee, Temora, Bendigo, Beechworth to Yass in their 1967 Holden Ute. Julie’s passion for cars, sparked by her husband’s Auto Electrical business, led her to join this fantastic adventure. Julie is also the Vice President of the Hastings Koala Orchestra. She looks forward to overseas trips which have included 17 trips to Japan with the orchestra and numerous visits to America and Europe on family holidays.
Thank you presentation to celebrate years of service
Garden Village hosted a morning tea for employees and thanked Julie for her 35 years service at a presentation in December. CEO Craig Wearne congratulated Julie for her years of service.
“On behalf of Garden Village we thank Julie for her 35 years service with Garden Village. Julie has cared for many residents during her time for which we are very grateful. It is an amazing milestone and over the years Julie has displayed warmth and kindness to everyone in her care. This warmth also extends to the family and friends of residents and her many colleagues at Garden Village.”
A big thanks and congratulations to Julie pictured here with Tammie, Sharon and Cheryl.
