Celebrating Aged Care Employee Day: Meet Megan

For the past 12 years, Megan has been helping older people stay connected, build friendships and enjoy new experiences through Canterbury City Community Centre’s Garden Care and Social Inclusion and Wellness Programs.

With her infectious energy, genuine compassion and unwavering commitment, Megan creates experiences that go far beyond a day out. Whether she’s leading a singalong on the bus, sharing laughs over lunch or watching new friendships blossom, she brings joy, confidence and connection to every outing.

This Aged Care Employee Day, we’re celebrating Megan and the dedicated aged care professionals who enrich the lives of older people every day. We caught up with Megan to hear what inspires her, the moments that make her smile, and why helping older people stay connected is the most rewarding part of her job.

Megan, tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been with 4Cs.

I’ve been with 4Cs for 12 years. I started in Garden Care before moving into coordinating our Social Inclusion and Wellness groups for older people. Honestly, it’s my dream job.

I come to work every day knowing I can make a real difference. Seeing our clients smiling, laughing and enjoying themselves is incredibly rewarding. It’s wonderful to bring happiness, friendship and connection into people’s lives, and the joy they experience comes right back to me.

What do you love most about planning activities for your groups?

I love taking people to places they may never have had the opportunity to visit. We head to the beach where they can paddle their feet or even go for a swim, enjoy lunch with beautiful ocean views, explore op shops, visit cafés and discover new places across Sydney.

For many of our clients, these outings are experiences they simply wouldn’t have otherwise. Watching them discover somewhere new, try different foods or take in a beautiful view is really special. They genuinely love it.

Why is staying socially connected so important for older people?

Many of the people we support live on their own and can become isolated. Sometimes something as simple as a phone call or a friendly conversation can make all the difference.

We collect people from their homes, enjoy the journey together, often singing on the bus and make sure everyone feels welcome. I always say it’s okay to stay young at heart. We laugh, have fun and create a space where people can simply enjoy themselves.

For many, getting out independently isn’t easy. They may no longer drive or find public transport difficult. Being able to provide transport, good company, a lovely meal and meaningful social connection helps them feel part of their community again.

How does it make you feel when you see friendships forming?

It’s one of the best parts of my job.

I love seeing people laughing together, walking arm in arm or chatting over lunch. Sometimes they don’t even speak the same language, but friendship doesn’t always need words. They simply enjoy being together, and those connections grow naturally.

Seeing friendships develop and people’s confidence grow reminds me every day why this work matters.

What do you enjoy most about the people who come to your groups?

I genuinely care about every one of them.

I never really had grandparents growing up, so in many ways our clients have become my work family. We build real relationships, and I think they know how much I care.

One of the most rewarding things is seeing someone who may have been quiet or unsure when they first joined gradually come out of their shell. Their confidence grows, their personality shines through, and they begin to feel like they belong.

What keeps you inspired to do this work?

Knowing that what I do genuinely makes a difference.

Every morning I know I’m coming to work to help people enjoy life, stay connected and create happy memories. Seeing those moments firsthand is what inspires me every day.

What would you say to someone considering a career in aged care?

Just do it.

Working in aged care is one of the most rewarding careers you could choose. Every older person has an incredible life story, and it’s a privilege to spend time with them and learn from their experiences.

Even taking the time to sit, listen and have a conversation can brighten someone’s day.

We also welcome volunteers and students, many of whom go on to build careers in the sector. Younger people bring wonderful energy, and our clients really enjoy those intergenerational connections.

If you want a career where you can make a genuine difference every day, aged care is a wonderful place to be.

What does Aged Care Employee Day mean to you?

It’s an opportunity to celebrate not only the work we do, but also the amazing older people we have the privilege to support.

The hugs, the smiles and hearing someone say, “We missed you,” after you’ve been away reminds you that you’ve made a positive difference in someone’s life.

To be trusted to support people through this stage of their lives is a real honour. I’m proud to be part of it, and I feel incredibly grateful to do work that brings so much joy to others and to me.