Centacare team delivers on promise

A holistic care team that supports a group of ladies to live independently in the community has received Centacare’s highest accolade – recognition for delivering on the organisation’s promise ‘It’s more than care, it’s a calling’.

Irene, 62 and Nicole, 54, both have complex care and medical needs but, 30 years ago, found their ideal home – a safe and welcoming share house with all the support and loving care they need to live their fullest lives. 15 years later, they were joined by housemate Annette, 60, and have never looked back.

Across aged care, community and pastoral care, disability care, Early EdCare and family care, Centacare operates throughout the Archdiocese of Brisbane, supporting the needs and aspirations of people from all walks of life. More than 130 people from across the organisation gathered at Brisbane City Hall on Friday 18 October to celebrate its highest achieving teams and individuals, alongside 98 of its longest serving team members.

Centacare Executive Director Peter Selwood welcomes more than 130 people from across Centacare at Brisbane City Hall on Friday 18 October.

Director of Mission and Formation Paul Jensen was one of 98 people who celebrated length of service milestones.

Centacare’s highest achieving teams and individuals were recognised at the 2024 Centacare Awards, alongside 98 of its longest serving team members..

Centacare Director Deb Clark and Catholic Early EdCare Director Chris Lugg present the awards for 10, 20, 25 and 30 years of service.

Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge with the winners of the ‘Called to Care’ award. The holistic care team at Dorville House supports a group of ladies to live independently in the community.

The team at Aspley Social and Community Hub were recognised for their commitment to creating a warm and engaging space for older people to come together and find a sense of purpose and belonging.

A Fraser-Coast based team that supports women and children who are experiencing domestic and family violence was singled out for its exceptional performance.

The Heart of Compassion Award was awarded to a team that supports the human rights of one of the most disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable groups in the community – men and women released from prison.

Speaking at the event, Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said that Centacare worked in the most critical areas of need in the community.

“Grounded in their Catholic commitment to social justice, the people of Centacare do God’s work every day, supporting tens of thousands of people from the Gold Coast to Hervey Bay, out to Kingaroy, and everywhere in between,” said Archbishop Coleridge.

“The way you bring the loving care the Gospel teaches into our communities, walking alongside people on life’s journey, is something to celebrate. A heartfelt congratulations to you all.”

The Heart of Compassion Award was awarded to a team that supports the human rights of one of the most disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable groups in the community – men and women released from prison.

Cherelle Evans and Rom Sayon, in the Spirit of the Gospel, and in recognising the inherent dignity of each person, greet every client with an attitude of kindness and unconditional positive regard. In a respectful and highly professional space, the team works with former prisoners to explore their hopes and determine their goals, to advocate for them, to ensure their entitlements, and to support them to restore a meaningful and productive place in the wider community.

A team that supports women and children who are experiencing domestic and family violence was singled out for its exceptional performance. Presenting the award, Centacare Director Centacare Services and Practice Governance, Deb Clark said the Fraser Coast-based team receive 2,000 referrals and enquiries per year and work within extensive networks to connect women and children with safe and stable housing and the services they need to commence their healing journey and rebuild their lives.

Ms Clark also applauded the team at Aspley Social and Community Hub, who were recognised for their commitment to creating a warm and engaging space for older people to come together and find a sense of purpose and belonging. “Whether it’s shooting pool, choreographed drumming to the latest hits or a laugh and a chat over a cup of tea and slice of homemade cake, Aspley Social and Community Hub is a place where people enjoy beautiful friendships and all sorts of opportunities to get the most out of life,” said Ms Clark.

Centacare is grateful for the support of its business partners whose generous sponsorship made this celebration possible – Alayacare, Support Worker Co, Winc Australia, Totally Workwear, Hunter Promotions, Thomson Geer Lawyers and Modern Teaching Aids Australia.

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