Our People
For some, 1995 may not feel all that long ago. In actuality, it was 30 years ago! It was the 23rd of March 1995 when a young go-getter by the name of Karen Parker joined SwanCare as a Receptionist at SwanCare Tandara.
11th June 2025
Much More than an Executive Assistant
For some, 1995 may not feel all that long ago. In actuality, it was 30 years ago!
It was the 23rd of March 1995 when a young go-getter by the name of Karen Parker joined SwanCare as a Receptionist at SwanCare Tandara.
At the time, Karen worked late afternoons on reception and conducted tours of both Tandara and Ningana with prospective residents and their families. Following that Karen became the lady of many hats; Ningana Receptionist, Roster Coordinator, Administration Assistant, Payroll Officer and eventually found her niche as the Executive Assistant to SwanCare’s Chief Executive Officer.
Life as a 'Lady of Many Hats’
Karen’s primary responsibilities are to assist the Board, CEO and Executive Team. From managing the CEO’s diary, attending to incoming correspondence, liaising with residents, preparing meeting papers for Board, Committees, BP Residents Council, and Exec meetings. Karen’s role is multifaceted as she also manages Administration reception, is the volunteers’ coordinator, events coordinator, a WHS committee member, grants officer… the list really does go on.
If you were to ask Karen what the typical day for her would look like, she’s quick to quote Forrest Gump “it’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get”.
What she does know is the most rewarding part of her job, “Definitely knowing that I have made a difference to someone’s life! That’s when I go home feeling I’ve earnt my keep.”
What does Downtime Look Like?
“Fun fact… I am a Mum of four fabulous kids, a Nanny to 12 treasured grandchildren and great-Nanny to one adorable great-grandson” shares Karen
“My #1 favourite thing to do is spend quality time with my family and friends, #2 travel to see my son, his wife and my two grandchildren who live in Portugal, #3 travel anywhere, even to the local shops!”
Spanning 30 years
“As my children grew, I was able to increase my work hours which provided opportunities to pursue a career. The role as an EA was initially offered as a secondment position, to Natalie Hodi who had been offered a Project Officer position. The secondment was for a 12-month period, commencing on the 17th of January 2005 and more than 20 years later, I’m still the EA.”
“After 30 collective years there are many wonderful memories but one stand out is the Residents Hawaiian Night we held in November 2008. 220 guests attended on a grassed area where The Club now stands. The area was transformed into a Luau complete with inflatable palm trees, flags, a tiki bar, a traditional spit roast, Hawaiian dancers and musicians. Everyone dressed in their best Hawaiian flare; some even wore coconuts. The laughter, the participation, the sheer enjoyment, all form vivid memories.”
What about Karen’s greatest accomplishment? “Personally, that would be when I became a ‘living donor’. Professionally, as corny as it sounds, it would have to be simply making a difference.”
So, What’s Next?
That’s easy. “In the immediate future, I look forward to being part of the next chapter at SwanCare. There’s also a family holiday to Bali, a trip to Europe with my daughter next year and enjoying watching my grandchildren blossom. In the distant future, making the most of life as a travelling retiree,” states Karen.
Thank you for all you’ve done Karen, we are sure the residents will agree that you have made a difference in many ways. Congratulations on 30 years of SwanCare!
Much More than an Executive Assistant
For some, 1995 may not feel all that long ago. In actuality, it was 30 years ago!
It was the 23rd of March 1995 when a young go-getter by the name of Karen Parker joined SwanCare as a Receptionist at SwanCare Tandara.
At the time, Karen worked late afternoons on reception and conducted tours of both Tandara and Ningana with prospective residents and their families. Following that Karen became the lady of many hats; Ningana Receptionist, Roster Coordinator, Administration Assistant, Payroll Officer and eventually found her niche as the Executive Assistant to SwanCare’s Chief Executive Officer.
Life as a 'Lady of Many Hats’
Karen’s primary responsibilities are to assist the Board, CEO and Executive Team. From managing the CEO’s diary, attending to incoming correspondence, liaising with residents, preparing meeting papers for Board, Committees, BP Residents Council, and Exec meetings. Karen’s role is multifaceted as she also manages Administration reception, is the volunteers’ coordinator, events coordinator, a WHS committee member, grants officer… the list really does go on.
If you were to ask Karen what the typical day for her would look like, she’s quick to quote Forrest Gump “it’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get”.
What she does know is the most rewarding part of her job, “Definitely knowing that I have made a difference to someone’s life! That’s when I go home feeling I’ve earnt my keep.”
What does Downtime Look Like?
“Fun fact… I am a Mum of four fabulous kids, a Nanny to 12 treasured grandchildren and great-Nanny to one adorable great-grandson” shares Karen
“My #1 favourite thing to do is spend quality time with my family and friends, #2 travel to see my son, his wife and my two grandchildren who live in Portugal, #3 travel anywhere, even to the local shops!”
Spanning 30 years
“As my children grew, I was able to increase my work hours which provided opportunities to pursue a career. The role as an EA was initially offered as a secondment position, to Natalie Hodi who had been offered a Project Officer position. The secondment was for a 12-month period, commencing on the 17th of January 2005 and more than 20 years later, I’m still the EA.”
“After 30 collective years there are many wonderful memories but one stand out is the Residents Hawaiian Night we held in November 2008. 220 guests attended on a grassed area where The Club now stands. The area was transformed into a Luau complete with inflatable palm trees, flags, a tiki bar, a traditional spit roast, Hawaiian dancers and musicians. Everyone dressed in their best Hawaiian flare; some even wore coconuts. The laughter, the participation, the sheer enjoyment, all form vivid memories.”
What about Karen’s greatest accomplishment? “Personally, that would be when I became a ‘living donor’. Professionally, as corny as it sounds, it would have to be simply making a difference.”
So, What’s Next?
That’s easy. “In the immediate future, I look forward to being part of the next chapter at SwanCare. There’s also a family holiday to Bali, a trip to Europe with my daughter next year and enjoying watching my grandchildren blossom. In the distant future, making the most of life as a travelling retiree,” states Karen.
Thank you for all you’ve done Karen, we are sure the residents will agree that you have made a difference in many ways. Congratulations on 30 years of SwanCare!
