Last year, our colleagues nominated Sydney-based Accommodation Services Support Worker Orinthia for 2024 STAR Employee of the Year. We caught up with her to talk about her role and the surprise of winning the award.
Ability Options’ STAR Awards recognise the hard work and commitment of our staff and celebrate their contributions and dedication to supporting people across our communities from frontline workers to those in support roles behind the scenes.
Orinthia was among many to be nominated in record numbers by colleagues that have worked with her across the organisation for her consistently high standards and dedication to her role.
“She embodies dedication, integrity, and compassion in every aspect of her work, standing up for her beliefs, demonstrating a strong sense of duty and upholding high ethical principles.”
Orinthia says hearing about her nominations was a really rewarding experience, adding that, since the Ability Options annual STAR Awards, she has been continuing to provide high-quality support in the home.
“Life’s been great since STAR! It has also been lovely to hear a consistent, wide range of congratulations from my fellow colleagues right across Ability Options,” she says.
“My job is all about supporting people, and it’s something I am passionate about doing.”
One day while on shift supporting people in the home, Orinthia was paid a surprise visit by Ability Options CEO Julia Squire. We gladly brought the award experience to her in recognition of all her hard work and dedication to Ability Options and our people.
Pictured above: Orinthia receiving 2024 STAR Employee of the Year from CEO Julia Squire.
”I can honestly say I was in complete shock and that I couldn’t have seen that coming. It was truly a pleasant surprise,” Orinthia says.
Ability Options CEO Julia Squire pledges year-on-year to visit as many of our sites across New South Wales as possible to meet colleagues, participants, and oversee the fantastic range of support we provide from across our services.
Ability Options has over 1200 dedicated employees who have worked for the organisation for decades. Orinthia joined the team more than a decade ago in 2011 and has been proudly supporting people in the home since day one.
Orinthia loves her job and does it to the best of her ability, and it really shows. She really enjoys spending her time with residents, brightening their day, supporting them to the fullest, and having a great time with them.
“What I’m looking forward to most this year is to continue doing what I’m best at; supporting people to achieve their goals and aspirations, all while having fun along the way.”
