RSL Care + RDNS Shine at LASA Queensland Awards

For the men of RSL Care Carrington’s residential care community, Friday is a special day. Friday is when they have their Men’s Club, an initiative of volunteer Stan Banasiak.

Last week, Stan’s work was recognised when he was named Volunteer of the Year at the LASA Queensland Excellence in Care Awards, presented on the Gold Coast.

Stan, who has been a longtime volunteer at the Parkinson site, started the club two years ago, when he approached staff with the idea of giving men a place of their own.

These days, Friday is a highlight of the week for many residents, and the club is full to capacity, with men enjoying a weekly chance to socialise, share a meal or enjoy an activity.

Stan also arranges outings to have dinner or go to a show, and is adept at finding activities that help residents explore their individual interests. A native German speaker, he enjoys speaking to residents from a German language background in their first language.

“Being a Volunteer with the residents and Staff of RSL Care Carrington is a privilege that is repaid a hundred fold,” he said.

“I have made many friends and learnt many valuable life lessons during my time here.”

RSL Care Fairview, Pinjarra Hills Clinical Manager Marie (Yoong Jung) Gwak was a runner up in LASA’s Excellence in Care Individual category.

Marie is a highly skilled nurse who earned the accolade for her outstanding commitment to residents and her team, demonstrated in a love of ongoing learning to consistently improve customer service and improve clinical care outcomes.

The LASA Queensland Awards promote and recognise excellence in a range of areas that contribute to the quality of life of older Australians, people with disabilities and their carers.

Click here to find out more about RSL Care's aged care services.

Click here to find out more about RDNS home care services.

Pictured: RSL Care Carrington volunteer Stan Banasiak