Lifestyle has never been better at Galleon Gardens

Bolton Clarke Galleon Gardens Diversional Therapy team leader Gwen Bonney has earned national recognition, being named 2021 Lifestyle/Activities Individual of the Year in SoupedUp’s Hospitality & Lifestyle Aged Care Awards.

For more than 12 years, residents and colleagues have admired Gwen for her passion, creativity, and dedication to give residents the best they deserve in the later stages of their life.

Over that time her initiatives to support resident wellbeing have ranged from bringing communities together in the hotly contested Hi-Jinx Games to her famous themed dress up days, Halloween parties and Christmas markets.

Gwen has also been integral to the success of research-based programs and innovative solutions.  

During COVID-19, her commitment to keeping people connected saw her facilitate up to 76 video calls a week to give residents the chance to catch up with family and ease isolation, with the activity ultimately becoming a staple to support residents with family further afield.

Gwen says family – her own and her broader Galleon Gardens family - is the motivation for her work.

“Winning this award is truly an honour and nothing I ever expected. It is very humbling,” she said.

“My Mum is 88 years old and each day that I come to work, I want to do for our residents what I would want for my Mum.

“I am blessed to know and love so many of these folks.”

Galleon Gardens Residential Manager Bernadette Roney says that the impact Gwen has on the residents goes far beyond what meets the eye.

“Gwen is fearless, courageous and brave. She is an excellent advocate for all of our residents here at Galleon Gardens, as well as an exceptional role model for our staff,” she said.

“There’s not an activity that doesn’t have Gwen’s signature on it. She is constantly striving to improve what we do for our residents and creating new opportunities in the diversional therapy space.”

“Gwen is so loved by all of our residents and their families and provides support and inspiration to the whole community. She is incredibly deserving of this national recognition.”

Gwen demonstrates how it is possible to meet all residents’ goals, regardless of ability, culture or attitude – something that is at the heart of what Bolton Clarke delivers as an organisation.

On Tuesday, 8 March residents, family and team members will come together for the award presentation and a celebration of Gwen’s success.

The 2021 HLAC Awards recognise and reward outstanding team members in aged care across catering, cleaning, laundry and lifestyle services.

The 2021 Lifestyle/Activities Individual of the Year awarded is awarded to a Lifestyle or Activities Individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession and whose dedication to their site and residents is commendable.