Braemar Team Members Gain Recognition in Care and Friendship Awards

Six team members from the Braemar Presbyterian Care workforce have been acknowledged in the organisation’s annual Care and Friendship awards, which were hosted this week at the Raffles Hotel.

The awards, which are based on nominations from residents throughout Braemar’s three facilities in Fremantle and the surrounding area, together with their families, acknowledge the dedication shown by the individual staff members concerned.

The award winners were chosen from a pool of over 80 nominated staff and include:

• Susan Bradley from Braemar House who was awarded the Commitment Award, which acknowledges an employee who has consistently acted with pride and passion in their work. Susan was recognised by residents for her hard work, professionalism and care to residents.
• Deborah Zygadlo from support services who was awarded the Accountability Award, which acknowledges an employee who demonstrates accountability and ownership of their actions in their work. Deb was recognised for her excellent work ethic, her timely follow ups and dedication to Braemar.
• Gagandeep Kang from Braemar Village who was awarded the Respect Award which recognises an employee who has consistently demonstrated that they listen to, acknowledge and include their residents and colleagues in decision making at Braemar.  Gagan was recognised for her diplomatic nature, positive influence on other staff and also for treating her colleagues and residents with respect.
• Demi Wilson from Braemar Cooinda, who was awarded the Empathy Award that recognises an employee who demonstrates an understanding and willingness to share the feelings and wishes of their residents and colleagues.  Demi was recognised for her kindness to both residents and staff, in addition to her excellent communication.
• Andrea Grandon Gonzalez from Braemar House, who was awarded the Friendship Award that recognises an employee who consistently demonstrates that while they may not agree, they value and acknowledge the ideas, wishes and beliefs of their colleagues and residents. Andrea was recognised for being both a hard worker and having a genuine interest and positive energy towards others.

The overall employee of the year was Jennifer Russo from Braemar Cooinda, who was recognised for her outstanding and consistent contribution to Braemar residents over the year.

Wayne Belcher (OAM), Chief Executive of Braemar, said the annual Care and Friendship awards were an important opportunity to recognise employees who demonstrate excellence in their work in aged care.

“Staff at Braemar strive for excellence in every area and it gives us great pleasure to acknowledge a number of team members in particular who consistently go above and beyond what is expected,” Mr Belcher says.

“Aged care is a difficult and dynamic industry to work in, however it is also very rewarding and makes a real difference to the lives of those in our care. Susan, Deborah, Gagandeep, Demi, Andrea and Jennifer embody the Braemar care and friendship values, and we’re very proud to acknowledge their achievements in this way.”

Sponsored by HESTA, the awards honour Braemar staff who display the values of Care and Friendship that are characterised as Commitment, Accountability, Respect, Empathy and Friendship.

Braemar has lived by these values since 1952 – hence Care and Friendship since 1952, and they represent the tagline of the organisation.

Braemar Presbyterian Care is a community ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Western Australia. Braemar operates three residential care facilities providing 220 residential places. 

Pictured: Employee of the Year Jen Rosso with CEO Wayne Belcher