Hannah Robinson says driving along the country roads breathing in the beauty of the golden canola fields, gum trees and purple-hued mountains as she heads to the homes of older people she loves caring for, pretty much sums up her working day.

“I enjoy what I do,” explains Hannah who is a home care worker with Uniting AgeWell’s Hume home care office.  “I love having a job with meaning where I make a difference to the lives of older people.”

Hannah provides domestic assistance, social support and transportation to home care customers spread across Wodonga, Wangaratta, Euroa and Mansfield

Hannah, who lives in Benalla, has country-living hard-wired in her DNA.  She grew up in the Benalla region, worked in hospitality and child care in Wangaratta for a few years before heading to Queensland and providing cleaning services for the aged care and disability sectors.  And it was there that she realised how much she enjoyed working with older people.

The pull to her roots in country Victoria was strong.  Hannah missed the stirring beauty of the area enriched by stories she learned about the region through workshops with local Aboriginal Elders.  She returned home mid-last year and joined Uniting AgeWell.

Now her knowledge of the history of the area is increasing, thanks to her daily interaction with her clients.  “I love hearing about their lives and their experiences in the area,” she says.  “They chat to me about bushfires and floods, about country fairs and wildlife.  I love hearing their stories and benefiting from their wisdom.”

Hannah is also keen to grow within Uniting AgeWell.  She is considering studying her Cert III in Aged Care part time while she works, with the aim of becoming a Personal Care Worker where she can provide a greater range of services to clients.  She’s also toying with the idea of studying nursing further down the line.

“But while my career may change, I intend staying at Uniting AgeWell.  I am part of a very friendly, supportive team who will encourage me to grow.”

Hume Home Care Program Manager Liz Grogan, who is based at Uniting AgeWell’s office in Wangaratta, agrees.  “Hannah not only mirrors our values of kindness, respect, integrity, innovation and inclusion but also has great potential to be whatever she chooses to be in her career,” says Liz.  “And we will help her achieve this.  We pride ourselves on enabling staff to be the best version of themselves.”

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