Bethany Aged Care Centre Celebrates 40 Years

Bethany Aged Care Centre (“Bethany”), located in Port Macquarie, recently celebrated its  40th anniversary since it first opened its doors in 1984. Louise Gallagher, the Centre Manager, highlights the Centre’s local team and how they continue to shine. “We’re a really good bunch here,” she says. “Everybody has fun at work, and I feel they enjoy coming to work and I think that makes a huge difference.”  

Louise has been working at the Centre for over five years, initially starting her career as a Registered Nurse, before moving into Management roles. She notes she most enjoys caring for the aging population. “I think, for me, especially now, it’s about making a difference to the way someone older is cared for,” she says. This sense of care at the Centre is evident in why Louise says that people choose Bethany as an aged care provider. "The underpinning comment that is always there is that it’s homely and the staff really care,” she explains. “That’s definitely something that stands out here.”  

Similarly, the Centre’s Chaplain, Major Sue McGuigan, also reflects on the sense of community at the Centre. “I think that there is a real friendliness here,” she states. “We get a lot of feedback from visitors into the Centre that everyone says hello and that everyone is very friendly and open.”  

When asked to reflect on what she enjoys about her role as Chaplain, Major Sue notes she most enjoys connecting with the residents. “The residents and the richness of their lives is inspiring,” she says. “I enjoy being able to build into their wellbeing – working with them and their families about needs, not just on a spiritual level, but also on a practical level. This can be from social visits, sourcing books, craft, having a prayer, arranging volunteer visits, running Chapel services - and all as part of a team working to enhance the lives of the lovely people who live here.” 

Longtime resident, Dorrie, has been at the Centre for 12 years and highlights the ongoing sense of care and community present at Bethany. When asked what some of her fondest memories from her time at the Centre are, she tells, “it’s the friendship I have with staff, volunteers and other residents.” When asked what she most enjoys about life at the Centre, Dorrie again notes it’s the people, “mixing with other people – I am never alone,” she explains.  

A social butterfly at the Centre it seems, Dorrie also gets involved in ensuring all residents feel valued. “I like to get to know all the staff and the new residents that arrive. I like to know their birthdays, so I can give them a card from me. I enjoy handing out each card; this makes each person feel special.” 

There is plenty to be involved in at Bethany, with Dorrie listing off some of her favourite memories during her time at the Centre. From being involved in the official ‘cutting of the ribbon’ for the Centre’s new bus, to participating in The Salvation Army’s Walkathon Red Shield Appeal, to birthday celebrations, there is always something to be involved in. When asked in the lead up to the Centre's anniversary, Dorrie told us she was looking forward to celebrate with staff, residents, and family, before going on to say… “Maybe I will cut the cake!”