Behind the Name Badge | Meet Sharon – The Warm Welcome at Carinya’s Front Door

Carinya Administration Assistant, Sharon

If you’ve ever walked into Carinya Lodge, there’s a good chance the first smile you received was from Sharon Wilson. Calm, capable, and always ready with a kind word, Sharon has been the friendly face at our reception desk for the past six years. But behind that name badge is a story of change, care, and quiet strength.

Sharon’s journey to Carinya began with a tree change. After ten years as a stay-at-home mum in the bustling suburb of Endeavour Hills, she and her family made the move to Korumburra in search of a slower pace and a closer-knit community. Once her boys were settled into primary school, Sharon felt it was time to step back into the workforce, not just for herself, but to give back to the community she now called home.

“When the job came up at Carinya, it just sounded perfect,” Sharon reflects. “I’d always loved customer service roles, and the idea of supporting people and doing something meaningful appealed to me.”

What started as a job quickly became a passion. Sharon’s role as Administration Assistant is far more than answering phones and welcoming visitors—it’s about connection. “I get to build relationships with residents, families, and friends,” she says. “I love greeting people with a smile, helping however I can, and just trying to brighten their day.”

Of course, there’s plenty going on behind the scenes too. From managing resident fees and paying bills to keeping daily operations running smoothly, Sharon’s desk is a hub of quiet efficiency. “People don’t always realise the finance side of my role,” she laughs. “But it’s a big part of what keeps things ticking along.”

No two days at reception are ever the same, and that’s exactly how Sharon likes it. “Each day brings new challenges and rewards. I enjoy the variety and having to think on my feet. It keeps me on my toes!”

Over her six years with Carinya, Sharon has seen plenty of change. She’s proud to have supported major upgrades to the facility and watched the organisation grow to welcome more residents. One standout moment for her was when a long-term resident passed away. “We formed a guard of honour” she remembers, her voice softening. “It was such a privilege to be part of something so deeply respectful and heartfelt. That’s what makes Carinya special.”

When asked what her secret is to building such strong connections with people, Sharon doesn’t hesitate. “Just being approachable. Listening. Being willing to help. It’s the little things that make people feel seen and valued.”

To anyone starting in an admin or reception role in aged care, she offers wise advice: “Be willing to step up and do what’s needed. Stay positive, use your initiative, and be ready for anything, things can change quickly, but that’s part of what makes it rewarding.”

And what makes Carinya such a special place to work? For Sharon, it’s simple. “The team. Everyone pitches in. There’s a strong sense of support and care, not just for the residents, but for each other. Visitors often comment on the feel of the place, and I think that comes from the people.”

Six years on, Sharon remains one of Carinya’s quiet achievers, steadfast, kind, and absolutely essential to the warm, welcoming heart of our home. We’re lucky to have her.