Mercy Place Yarrawonga Woods Point clinical care manager Diane Adduru, along with staff, was shown appreciation and received heartfelt messages of thanks from residents last week as part of Aged Care Employee Day.
Aged care providers, residents, clients, families and loved ones showed their appreciation with celebrations and heartfelt messages of thanks to the dedicated workers who care for their loved ones last week.
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Last Thursday was Aged Care Employee Day, an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the dedicated people who work tirelessly to ensure the dignity, comfort and wellbeing of older Australians.
One of those devoted workers who deserved recognition was Yarrawonga’s Diane Adduru from Mercy Place Yarrawonga Woods Point.
When Diane first started working in aged care six years ago, she wasn’t sure if it was for her.
Today, she’s leading a team as clinical care manager at Mercy Place Yarrawonga Woods Point, proof that with the right support, passion can grow into leadership.
Originally from the Philippines, Diane moved to regional Victoria to be with her husband and began her nursing career at Mercy Place Yarrawonga Woods Point as a grade five registered nurse.
With limited aged care experience and no extended family nearby, it was the residents who quickly became her community.
“In the Philippines, aged care homes don’t really exist, we care for older people at home,” Diane said.
“But once I started, I realised I loved it. The connections you build are so genuine.”
When Mercy Health assumed operations of the Yarrawonga home in late 2024, Diane found herself stepping up.
With both the service manager and care manager roles vacant, she accepted a temporary leadership position to support her team through a challenging transition.
By May 2025, her role was made official.
“It’s a big job, but the heart of it is still the same; looking after our residents and supporting the team,” Diane said.
“The Mercy Health team has been incredible. They’ve given me the space and tools to grow, and I’m excited to go even further.”
Diane is now a pillar of calm, trusted by staff and residents alike.
Diane, now in her seventh year of aged care, is now a pillar of calm, trusted by staff and residents alike.
Known for her compassion and curiosity, she leads by example and is quick to jump into anything new having recently stepped into the acting service manager role.
When asked what drives her each day Diane said there was one thing in particular - the people.
“I don’t have family here, so work is more than just a job,” she said.
“The residents know me as more than a nurse. We share stories, laugh, and learn from each other. I’ll always cherish those relationships.”
Ageing Australia chief executive, Tom Symondson said workers in aged care had gone above and beyond the call of duty in this past year and continued to face immense challenges in providing care and support for older Australians.
“We want to keep in mind the almighty effort put in by everyone working in aged care, from leaders to frontline staff and those working behind the scenes,” Mr Symondson said.
“Aged care employees care is personal, selfless and often unsung, and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of older people every single day.
“Be they managers, personal carers, nurses, kitchen and laundry staff, allied health professionals, cleaners, administrators, gardeners or volunteers, going above and beyond the call of duty, to keep older Australians cared for and safe.”
“We congratulate our aged care heroes for their dedication, their compassion and their resilience and we encourage the public to give them the recognition they are so deserving of.”
Diane’s story is a reminder that aged care is not just a career, it’s a community where nurses can grow, lead and make a lasting impact.
