IT was a toss up, who was having the most fun at the Estia Health Open Day in Tea Gardens last weekend.

There were smiles all round, from the residents of the Aged Care Facility, to the staff, the volunteers and the hundreds of visitors who enjoyed a great day out.

The focus was on families and there was plenty to keep everyone happy from Queen Bee, the Balloon Twister, to entertainment in the form of line dancing, a ukulele group and market stalls.

But a special mention needs to go to long-time Estia volunteer Pat Burnett.

The 82 year old has just been named NSW Estia Health Volunteer of the Year.

And no wonder!

For the past seven years Pat has been volunteering her services four days a week at the Spinifex Avenue facility.

“I do anything they want, from bringing people to the podiatrist, I bring the residents down when there are activities, I mark all their clothes when new residents come in,” Pat told News Of The Area.

“I go on all the bus trips, to keep an eye on everyone.”

“They gave me a big bunch of flowers, a big box of chocolates, and two certificates.”

It’s the volunteers and the staff who make the Aged Care Facility such a happy place.

Trevor McNair also volunteers his time.

“I live over the road and my wife is a resident here, it’s brilliant, the staff are wonderful and facility is very good, what more could you want,” said Trevor.

Kerry Pring works as a Carer at Estia and after 30 years in the industry she still loves her work.

“The best part is when you walk into a room and make someone smile because you’ve actually made their day better.”

 

By Margie TIERNEY