December 18, 2023This morning, Northern Health virtually hosted the annual Length of Service Awards for 2023.
More than 470 staff were recognised for achieving between 10 and 50 years of service, with many of our staff providing service since the days of PANCH. Combined, these staff have contributed to more than 6,600 years of service to Northern Health.
More than 220 staff watched on as their colleagues celebrated significant milestones. The ceremony also featured a series of fun throwback videos that highlighted major events of each year.
Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, opened the ceremony by acknowledging the large number of staff working across Northern Health.
“It is great to see how our health service has continued to grow, with the inclusion of Kilmore District Health staff who joined us as part of the voluntary amalgamation on 1 November 2023, expanding the range of services we provide to the communities of Melbourne’s northern suburbs,” he said.
Two staff members have been with Northern Health the longest, celebrating 40 and 50 years of service. Kerrin Camen, Clinical Nurse Specialist, celebrated 40 years of service, while Liuba Vulic, PSA, celebrated 50 years.
Siva Sivarajah and Debra Bourne, Chief Operating Officer, presented Kerrin and Liuba with their awards. Both Liuba and Kerrin reflected on their many years of service.
“I can’t believe it, 50 years. I love my job, I love the people who I work with. It is so important to stick together and be nice to each other. Every job can be hard sometimes, but I believe that tomorrow will be a better day – start every day fresh,” Liuba said.
“I am so happy with the people I work with. I see beauty in every person I work with.”
For Kerrin, she said she felt very proud to reach 40 years.
“In theatre, my favourite memories are the caesarean patients. It’s just beautiful and amazes me that you can make a little baby… It’s such a satisfying job because at the end of the day, you feel like you have made a difference.”
Members of the Executive team presented the awards for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35-year recipients. Wanda Stelmach, Chief Medical Officer, also celebrated reaching 30 years of service at Northern Health in 2023.
Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture, closed the ceremony by congratulating all staff on another year of providing care to the community.
“I am proud to be part of an organisation with such a rich history, and whose staff are so dedicated, passionate and hard working,” she said.
“Congratulations on providing another year of care to our growing Northern Health community, and we look forward to continuing the same level of exceptional care in 2024.”
Congratulations to all our recipients today!
Click here to watch the full ceremony.
Featured image L-R: Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture, Kerrin Camen, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Liuba Vulic, PSA and Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive.
