General News
25 October, 2023
Dedication recognised
LAUREN Benallack’s unwavering commitment to others saw her named the recipient of Cooinda’s 2023 Darkie Lee disability support worker award.
LAUREN Benallack’s unwavering commitment to others saw her named the recipient of Cooinda’s 2023 Darkie Lee disability support worker award.
Ms Benallack was recognised for her dedication to others, positive attitude and approachability for everyone she works with.
Cooinda chief executive officer Janice Harris said the award, created in 2019 in memory of beloved Cooinda disability support worker Darren ‘Darkie’ Lee, had been well deserved again this year.
“(Ms Benallack) was nominated by a team leader due to her mentoring of new staff, her willingness to pass on knowledge and work alongside new staff to help train them,” she said.
“Her communication skills are wonderful and she has a willingness to engage participants on what they want to do.
“She has a lot of the qualities that Darkie had, taking and interest in people and really getting to know them.”
Ms Benallack said she loved working with her colleagues and participants, and was grateful to have been recognised.
“I’m very honoured,” she said.
“Thank you to all the team leaders.
“As a care worker, I try to get everyone out in the community as much as we can and try to have lots of laughs along the way.”
Additional staff were also recognised for reaching employment milestones with Cooinda including:
• Isaac Rothman – 10 years;
• Paula Duynhoven – 15 years;
• Janice Harris – 15 years; and
• Briony Blake – 20 years.
Mr Rothman, who works with high and complex needs participants, said the past 10 years had flown by.
“I really enjoy it,” he said.
“I get to work with wonderful people, make the day a bit better and it’s different every day – which keeps me on my toes.
“I can always go home happy and know I’ve made a difference.”
Ms Harris said she enjoyed the challenges the industry had presented over her 15 years.
“We’ve got new and exciting projects happening all the time,” she said.
“I’ve always felt that if I got bored with where I was working or didn’t feel challenged I would probably leave, but I still think I’ve got something to give so I’m happy to be here.
“The board and staff have been very supportive, so it's a great place to work.”
