Aged Care Employee Day is a time to shine a light on the incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for our seniors. Here in Canberra and down in Batemans Bay, Goodwin stands out as a testament to the power of a diverse, engaged, and well-supported workforce. While not all heroes wear capes, at Goodwin, they wear uniforms of a team united by their unwavering commitment to compassionate care.
A 2025 workforce snapshot reveals a vibrant team of 801 employees, predominantly women (72%), reflecting the nature of the care sector. What truly sets them apart is their diversity. With staff from over 18 countries, Goodwin embraces a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences that enrich the care provided every day.
Goodwin’s commitment to their people isn’t just a policy; it’s the very foundation of the exceptional care they provide.
“Our people are at the heart of everything we do,” says Pauline Hugler, Executive Manager – Development, People and Culture at Goodwin. “We are committed to creating a workplace where individuals feel valued and supported, with clear career pathways, access to quality training, meaningful recognition and valuable staff benefits. It’s this culture that enables our workforce to thrive and deliver exceptional care to our residents and clients.”
The organisation stands out for its proactive approach to sustainable workforce development. Through the Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQN) Program, developed in partnership with Key2Learning, Goodwin provides a vital pathway for globally trained nurses to gain registration and employment in Australia. Following a successful pilot in 2024, Goodwin is now expanding the program, with more internationally qualified nurses joining their Canberra and Batemans Bay facilities.
Furthermore, Goodwin actively supports its employees through internal visa sponsorships. “By sponsoring roles like chefs, nurses, and massage therapists, we ensure continuity of care and cultivate a stable, long-term workforce,” Hugler continues. “Our visa sponsorship pathways are more than workforce solutions; they are long-term investments in people who share our values and commitment to care.”
Stephen Holmes, Goodwin CEO, concludes: “On this Aged Care Employee Day, we want to celebrate our incredible workforce. The passion and empathy they bring to their work have a profound impact on our clients and residents, and we are immensely proud of their enduring dedication to our community.”
Meet Goodwin’s Everyday Superheroes
To help the Canberra community get to know the dedicated individuals behind the uniforms, we asked some of Goodwin’s staff a few questions about their roles and lives.
They also nominated their own superheroes to acknowledge the colleagues who inspire them, reinforcing Goodwin’s supportive and compassionate team. Many of these staff also draw inspiration from their families, highlighting the deep-rooted values that drive their work.
Keep an eye out for Batemans Bay profiles too, they’re part of the Goodwin family and provide the same heroic care to the coastal community.
Kyle Zhang – Remedial Massage Therapist, Goodwin Allied Health, Canberra
Kyle’s mission is to help people manage their pain, move better, and feel their best. His unique superpower is his ability to truly listen, tailoring each treatment to a client’s overall wellbeing. The most rewarding part of his day is seeing a client smile and move more freely after a session, knowing he made a difference. A surprising fact about Kyle? He used to work on a cruise ship and has travelled to over 30 countries! Kyle nominates Kate Zhang, a Payroll Officer, for her incredible support and constant smile.
Tilly Bean – Carer, David Harper House, Goodwin Residential Care, Canberra
Tilly’s day is a bustling mix of boosting her team, fostering collaboration, and ensuring residents receive the best care. Her superpower is building strong, positive relationships with residents, colleagues, and their families, while using a great sense of humour. The most rewarding part of her job is seeing the joy on residents’ faces and listening to their incredible life stories. A former ACT representative for basketball for eight years, Tilly looks up to her Mum and Dad as her heroes. She nominates Kristine Maraon, Deputy Director of Nursing at David Harper House, for her ability to lead with both strength and kindness.
Joanne Blake – Home Care Support Worker, Goodwin Home Care, Canberra
Joanne’s ‘superhero lair’ is on the road, where she travels to clients’ homes across North Canberra. Her superpower is her gentle approach, which helps clients feel comfortable accepting the support they need. Bringing a smile to someone’s face, especially if she’s the only person they see all day, is the most rewarding part of her role. When she’s not working, Joanne is fine-tuning her sourdough bread recipe. Her mum is her hero, and she gives a shout-out to two of her colleagues: Steven McNamara for his positive nature and Dee Armour for her invaluable guidance.
Michael Leck – Café Supervisor, Goodwin Village Ainslie, Canberra
Michael’s day starts early, feeding his seven cats and one dog before heading to work to brew the perfect coffee and greet staff and residents. His special power is painting his nails and making a fool of himself, sparking conversations and adding a bit of fun. He is most rewarded by the strong sense of community, where residents have made him feel incredibly welcome. A man of many talents, Michael once broke the ‘magic minute’ for the 100m freestyle and has worked as a chef and in horticulture. He nominates Head Café Chef Tim Seeley as his hero for his support and incredible cooking.
Wendy Routledge – Resident Services Coordinator, The Manor, Batemans Bay
Wendy is the first point of contact at The Manor, and her role is incredibly diverse. Her signature move is her patient and listening nature. Helping residents, no matter the request, and knowing she made their day brighter is the most rewarding part of her job. Wendy loves a good movie, especially thrillers. She finds her heroes in the residents themselves and gives a shout-out to the entire Manor team for their dedication and passion.
Elsa Matthew – Deputy Director of Nursing, The Glen, Batemans Bay
Elsa ensures high-quality care for residents at The Glen, leading and guiding her clinical team. Her superpower is being open and approachable, believing that the right leadership and communication can “calm any storm.” Seeing residents’ bright smiles is her most rewarding moment. A shy person who successfully hides it, Elsa is also multilingual, speaking four Indian languages. She nominates Director of Nursing Leanne Turner as her hero for her immense dedication and support in every area of leadership.
Emily Banks – Resident Services Coordinator, Goodwin Village Araluen, Canberra
As the first point of contact, Emily’s lair is a busy hub. Her superpower is her genuine ability to connect with people, listening with empathy to create a sense of trust and comfort. The most rewarding part of her job is knowing that even the smallest act can make a real difference in someone’s life. A big country music fan, Emily dreams of seeing Garth Brooks live. Her Nan is her hero, and she nominates Sales Officer Sammi Pandaram for her remarkable resilience and strength, and for always making staff feel welcome.
Jeremy Chen – Senior Accountant, Goodwin Corporate Services, Canberra
Jeremy’s day is a bustling mix of reconciliation, financial analysis, and ensuring compliance, all while collaborating with his team. His superpower is his attention to detail, which helps him solve complex data puzzles and provide critical financial insights. For Jeremy, the most rewarding part of his day is successfully digging into complex data and solving puzzles. Jeremy completed his first Ironman this year and has qualified to represent Australia in the World Triathlon Championship. He looks up to professional athletes as his heroes and gives a shout-out to Finance Officer Whitney He for her exceptional work.
Goodwin’s commitment to its people is the foundation of the exceptional care they provide. “Today, and every day, we celebrate the superheroes who make a difference, because their work is so much more than a job. It’s a chance to change lives, including their own. We offer a range of financial, personal, and professional benefits to support their growth, ensuring that all our staff can build a rewarding and fulfilling career with Goodwin. We believe they matter as much as the care they provide,” Hugler concludes.
