Mark Fawell (Left), Judy Norris (Middle) and Sr Elisabeth Keane (Right)
Sr Elisabeth Keane receiving flowers for her 25 years of service form Mark Fawell and Judy Norris.
For Sr Elisabeth Keane, a lifetime of service has been shaped by a deep commitment to justice, compassion and walking alongside others.
After beginning her vocation as a teacher and mentor of young women, Sr Elisabeth discovered a calling to parish ministry, before later moving into hospital and prison chaplaincy. Over her 25 years with Centacare, including chaplaincy at Robina Hospital and walking alongside people at Numinbah Correctional Centre, Sr Elisabeth said her calling has been grounded in care for those who need it most.
“We are called to be the apostles of justice for the vulnerable, for those who are unable to speak for themselves,” said Sr Elisabeth.
Her story was one of many recognised at Centacare and Catholic Early EdCare Years of Service celebrations held in Aspley, Darra and Southport earlier this month.
The events are held each year to honour the organisation’s longest serving employees and volunteers who have reached 10, 20, 25 and 30 years of service.
Catholic Early EdCare educator of 20 years Chris Gray shared what makes his work so meaningful.
“It’s the relationships that you build with people over time,” Chris said. “You get to know families, support them through tough times and see them come out stronger.”
Also recognised for 20 years of service, Elisha Casson from Clarence Street Early Learning Centre reflected on her journey supporting children and families.
“Every day is different – challenging, rewarding and full of joy,” Elisha said. “Over the years, I’ve been privileged to build meaningful relationships with children and their families and support them to grow and thrive.”
Sr Elisabeth Keane receiving flowers for her 25 years of service form Mark Fawell and Judy Norris.
Chris Gray receiving his 20 years of service certificate from Centacare CEO Stuart Rodney.
Elisha Casson receiving flowers for her 20 years of service from co-worker Kassie Mills.
Across family and relationship services, aged care, community and pastoral care, and early education, the celebrations brought teams together to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of their colleagues. Centacare Executive Director Stuart Rodney, along with directors Mark Fawell and Helen Rizzoli, presented recipients with certificates recognising their dedication.
“It was my absolute privilege to celebrate these outstanding people today,” Stuart said. “I felt genuinely humbled standing alongside them and hearing about the many different ways they are called to care. Hearing about their journeys and contributions was both inspiring and deeply affirming of the mission we share at Centacare.”
Among those recognised was hospital pastoral carer Barry Guest, who has volunteered for 10 years at Ipswich Hospital. He described his role as being present in each person’s sacred space, often during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in their lives.
“You’re a person who can comfort them and simply be there,” he said. “When you leave, you hope you’ve made a small difference.”
Trish Thompson from the Family and Relationships team on the Gold Coast reflected, “What really stands out is the people I work with. They are full of love, kindness and gentleness, and always there to support you.”
Across the communities we serve, our teams share a deep sense of purpose and the belief that care is more than a job, it is a calling.
CEO Stuart Rodney giving the opening speech at the Aspley years of service event.
Director of Centacare Mark Fawell handing Evelyn Swain her 20 years of service certificate.
Director of Quality Risk and Governance Helen Rizzoli handing Mary Hood her 10 years of service certificate.
Barry Guest receiving his 10 years of service certificate from Helen Rizzoli and Judy Norris.
Trish Thompson receiving her 20 years of service certificate from Mark Fawell.