Join us as we meet some of our amazing aged care workers.
Stephen's career to date has been nothing short of pure adventure. From an explosives expert in the Navy to producing films with Netflix, he’s embraced as many different experiences as life has to offer.
The road to aged care
Stephen has only been working in aged care for a few short months but says it’s incredibly rewarding work.
In his role as Administration Officer, Stephen supports families through the process of moving into residential aged care, explaining how the costs work, showing them around and making them feel welcome, as well as alleviating any fears or concerns they may have.
Stephen says this work is totally different to anything he’s ever done – and that’s saying something given his varied career history!
Having started out as an explosives expert in the Navy, he’s worked in a wide variety of roles, including Public Relations, road safety, bus driving, bar work, and even bouncing.
“You name it, I’ve probably done it,” he laughs. “I fell in love with this town several years ago and have called it home ever since. All my recent jobs have centred around this beautiful place.”
Stephen’s most recent role was an Operations Manager for a film production company, supporting movie producers like Netflix set up and make global content in Australia.
His decision to move into something as different as aged care was about staying local and giving something back.
“At Maranoa, we’re a home through and through,” says Stephen. “Like me, most of the team live locally and so we often know prospective residents and their families from around town – Maranoa is an extension of that community and it’s wonderful to be a part of.”
Adventure, motorbikes, and antiques
Stephen’s love of adventure has extended far beyond just his work experience.
“I’m an avid traveller and adventurer,” he says. “I spend as much time on the road as I can and have been lucky enough to visit as many as 30 different countries.
“I think it’s a love of the unknown. For example, I like to book a ticket to somewhere in the world, then book the return home from a completely different country. I figure out the in-between as I go.”
Stephen recently returned from a month in Morocco, arriving in Marrakech and hiring a car, before adventuring across the country and ending up in Casablanca for the journey home.
Along with collecting antiques from across the world (including most recently a stunning Moroccan jewellery set that dates back five hundred years!), he also has a love for motorcycling - both at home and overseas.
“It’s a very mindful experience, mostly because it’s so dangerous! You can’t think about anything else other than the road,” says Stephen.
Embracing the ‘scary things’
Stephen says his tip for healthy ageing is simply to embrace life in all its fullness.
“Be actively engaged in life – do all the scary things,” he says. “Don’t wait – do, go, now.”
