Values in Action Award 🥳 Worker of the Month 🥳

Under very trying circumstances Nikki dealt with a conflict incident very professionally, with calm clear demurer, she was clear and concise on procedures. While still connecting with the distressed community member she showed fairness and kindness after deescalating the situation.
Nikki showed remarkable care and compassion when supporting a community member experiencing a mental health episode. She remained calm and grounded, following her Mental Health First Aid training to ensure the person felt safe, heard and genuinely supported. At the same time, she was thoughtfully aware of her own safety and the wellbeing of others around her.

I am incredibly proud of the way Nikki represented our organisation in a very vulnerable moment. I have no doubt that any of our team members would feel the same had they witnessed her professionalism and kindness. Nikki truly lives our values of fairness, kindness, integrity, respect, connection and belonging. She is very deserving of Worker of the Month.

“I’ve nominated Ann before but seriously this women is a machine! She doesn’t stop working when she arrives at work until she leaves. She is such a worthy nominee for this award.”
”Ann is one of the hardest workers I know. She spends long days on her farm and still chooses to volunteer her time in our op shop, never shying away from the tough jobs. Even when the storeroom is overflowing with donations, she just rolls up her sleeves and gets into it. No complaints, no fuss, she just wants the job done, and done properly. She works with so much integrity. Ann checks every single item, hand-selects the best pieces for the shop, and makes thoughtful decisions about what needs to be re-donated elsewhere. She balances all of this while keeping the space organised and making sure nothing goes to waste. Even when extra hands aren’t available, Ann keeps going. She’s reliable, steady, and genuinely committed to helping the op shop run smoothly. On top of all that, she’s kind, friendly, and lovely to everyone who walks through the door. Ann is the kind of person who makes a huge difference without ever asking for recognition, which is exactly why she deserves it.”

“Hayley only has to see a job to be done and does it. Always courteous, helpful and willing and goes above and beyond. A pleasant smile puts you at ease - well done!!”
“Hayley is a true people person who puts her heart on her sleeve and fills every room with positive energy the moment she walks in. She leads with kindness and connection in everything she does. She knows everyone, cares deeply about their lives, and makes every conversation genuine, whether she’s chatting about someone’s garden, pets, family, or even what they had for dinner. Hayley embodies authentic connection. Everyone who comes into the house wants to say hello to her, a reflection of the long-term friendships and trust she has built over the years. People feel like they belong when Hayley is around because she brings a sense of ease, warmth, and happiness to the space. After 10 years at the neighbourhood house, she still arrives each day with a smile and her bubbly laugh. Her presence is a highlight of anyone's day, and everyone who interacts with the neighbourhood house would agree that Hayley is one of the heartbeats of our community.”

“Rick has shown up for the house when it comes to the renovation in the reception room, previously in the opshop and also always speaks up when he has a way or knows someone that can do a better deal on a price- saving the house money!”
“Rick consistently goes above and beyond, always willing to lend a hand wherever it’s needed—regardless of whether it falls within his role. He’s a genuine team player with a strong commitment to supporting both his fellow workers and our community. Rick also has a great sense of humour and enjoys a joke and a laugh! And of course, a special mention for his famous “Eezy Peezy” sauce— it's a winner and raises money for SPNH - very much appreciated!”