Staff spotlight | Leonie Irvine – 35 years of service in aged care

Leonie is one of our dedicated Lifestyle Assistants at Karingal Residential Aged Care community in Devonport, Tasmania. She recently celebrated an incredible milestone – 35 years of continuous service at Baptcare.

In a sector where long-term service is increasingly rare, Leonie’s 35-year journey stands out as something truly special. Looking back over her career, it’s clear Leonie is deeply passionate about aged care.

“I love the fact that I’m able to work in aged care – I don’t think I would have coped anywhere else or in another profession,” she says. “I’m lucky to work with a great team here at Karingal. We bounce ideas off each other and we all look after one another. It’s a really positive experience.”

A lifelong commitment to aged care

Leonie joined Baptcare in the 1990s, shortly after returning to Australia from a working holiday in the United Kingdom. At the time, she had no idea she was stepping into a career that would span more than three decades.

“Life works in mysterious ways,” she laughs. “I never thought I’d be in the same workplace for 35 years. It does feel incredible that I’ve come this far.”

When asked how aged care has changed over the years, Leonie reflects on the cyclical nature of industry trends.

“Things have really come full circle,” she explains. “I remember working to the Montessori program years ago – and now we’re embracing those principles again through our Living Well Together model of care.”

Living Well Together: a Montessori-inspired model

Baptcare has partnered with Monash University’s Health and Social Care Unit researchers to implement Living Well Together (LWT), which has been co-designed with our aged care residents and staff. Based on Montessori principles, LWT focuses on person-centred care, environment, integration and coordination, clinical care and workforce training. It’s about supporting residents to focus on what matters most to them and supporting employees to enable that journey.

“I’ve spent 25 years in Leisure and Lifestyle teams and you are continually seeing the old ways come back – they worked so well,” Leonie adds.

Her journey into aged care began at just 16, when a nursing home was built in the Kentish community where she grew up.

“There weren’t many job opportunities in the area, but this was something that allowed me to stay close to home,” she says.

Support, friendships and lifelong learning

Of course, no one stays in the same career — or with the same employer — for 35 years without strong support. Leonie credits her colleague Jayne, a Registered Nurse at Karingal, for being a key part of her journey.

“I did my degree in dementia care and during those four years, I was able to put my learnings into practice. Jayne was doing her degree at the same time and helped me along the way – it was an invaluable experience,” she says.

Leonie also treasures the relationships she’s built with residents.

“I love chatting with them and hearing their stories – they have so many interesting stories to tell,” she adds. “They really are a wealth of knowledge and life experience.”

Outside of her busy work schedule, Leonie is an avid reader and enjoys crafting. Both are creative outlets that reflect her thoughtful nature. Her favourite author is Ann Cleaves – “I love a good murder or thriller,” she says, ‘along with historical novels.”

Finally, Leonie’s advice is pragmatic when asked what message she would write to her younger self if given the chance. “Do more training, save money and listen to others,” she says.

Sage advice indeed.

Thank you, Leonie for your 35-year commitment to Baptcare. Your dedication is a rare and inspiring achievement, and we are proud to have you as part of our team.

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