Elizabeth Zachulski, Residential Manager of St Catherine's Aged Care in Bathurst celebrated 40 years working at the Home on 14 November 2020.
In recognition of her impressive achievement, the Western Advocate newspaper in Bathurst ran a story on Elizabeth Zachulski. The article is printed below in full.
A major milestone for Liz
By Jacinta Carroll
For Liz Zachulski, it only seems like yesterday since she walked through the doors of St Catherine's for her first shift. But on Saturday, the residential care manager clocked up 40 years on the job.
Ms Zachulski said the time has gone past so quickly, she didn't even realise the anniversary had come up.
She began at the original St Catherine's on November 14, 1980, as a registered nurse and for many years has been residential manager. Her contribution to aged care has been so significant that earlier this year Liz was awarded an OAM for her leadership in the sector, though she is quick to point out the award, while in her name, is more a reflection of her team that works incredibly well together.
"I have always worked with a wonderful team; no one can achieve anything at this time in people's lives on their own," she said. Looking back on her career, Ms Zachulski said all she ever wanted to be was a nurse.
"It was definitely all I ever wanted to be. I think I had an interest working with people, and certainly community service was at the forefront of that reason," she said.
While she has spent the majority of her career at St Catherine's, nursing has taken her all over Australia. She trained at St Vincent's in Melbourne, initially working in midwifery.
After this she worked in outback Western Australia in an Indigenous community, an experience she truly loved. She eventually settled in Bathurst taking up a position as an RN at St Catherine's, initially working part time, before moving full time, and eventually taking up her current role.
She said she considers herself very lucky to work with Catholic Healthcare, and the team who have supported her.
"I have been really blessed, I am incredibly grateful for the team we have at St Catherine's, and that's in all areas, nursing, catering, laundry, hairdressing and maintenance. She said the support also extended to medical staff outside the facility; medical practitioners in Bathurst, allied health, staff at Bathurst Base, local pharmacies and ambulance staff.
"They have always been so willing to to help," she said. She is also quick to point out the joy she gets from the residents at the facility.
"The residents here and their families, they really bring light to my day," she said. "It honestly feels like only yesterday that I started, I've loved every single minute.
"You only stay at a place for 40 years if the people there really mean something to you.
"But I really want to thank the team, you can't be anybody without everybody," she said.