Narrogin accommodation wins big

Narrogin Cottage Homes’ excellent operators were rewarded for their hard work after the organisation won the Employee Excellence in Aged Care Award at the Western Australia Regional Achievement and Community Awards at the Hyatt Regency on Friday night.

Accommodating more than 120 residents in their 50-bed residential complex known as Karinya, the homes include a dementia secure unit and 58 independent living units.

The volunteer committee known as Friends of Karinya hold a number of fundraising and social activities which benefit the homes’ residents.

But it was staff retention and wide variety of shifts offered to them which led to the prestigious award.

A spokeswoman from the organisation said she was surprised by the victory.

“We are in one of the biggest growing industries in regional WA,” she said.

“I am so very grateful to be up here on behalf of my staff, but you will notice that they are not here, because they are quiet achievers who are dedicated to their job.

“If we do not look after our staff, we will not move forward.”

Narrogin Cottage Homes was up against Waratah Lodge in Wagin, Harvey’s South West Community Care and Manjimup Community Home Care.