FORMER Moree resident Connie Mather smiles and blames a mid-life crisis for her decision to become a registered nurse 23 years ago – now she’s back home working at Whiddon residential aged care facility doing what she does best.
Connie is Whiddon’s new residential service manager and began duties last month after returning to the Moree district with husband, Brett.
Connie and Brett have been away from the black-soil plains, especially God’s country up near Garah, for 30 years.
Connie laughs about her sudden career shift more than 20 years ago.
“I had a midlife crisis at 35 and decided to go to university to become a registered nurse,” she smiled.
“I graduated in 2001, commenced nursing in 2002 at Robina Hospital – the old St Vincent’s – and in 2003 transferred to the old Southport hospital and worked there for two years.”
Connie transferred back to Robina and worked at the acute medical unit as a registered nurse, then a clinical nurse, and became the ward’s clinical facilitator for education and training of staff and students.
“For the last five years I was in nurse unit manager positions throughout Gold Coast Health, relieving for annual leave,” Connie said.
Meanwhile, husband Brett ran a lawn-mowing business for five years before a term as a work, health and safety officer on building sites up and down the Gold Coast. He worked for a local courier service since 2014.
Connie said family circumstances brought them back home.
They returned to Garah to be with Brett’s parents, local icons Bob and Pat Mather. The tragic death of Brett’s brother Neville, better-known as ‘Gaz’, also played heavily in the decision to return home.
“The passing of my very loved brother-in-law, Gaz, and family circumstances have brought us home,” Connie said.
As Moree Whiddon’s new residential service manager, Connie’s duties are complex and varied.
She is responsible for the day-to day-operations to ensure the facility meets all governance requirements and follows aged-care accreditation standards.
“I’ll also be handling the financial management of the facility and overseeing and co-ordinating all activities within the home,” Connie said.
She is also responsible for staff management as well as the supervision of maintenance and repair work at the facility.
Connie and Brett were welcomed to the Moree Whiddon family at a special barbecue lunch for staff and guests early last month.
“I look forward to the challenges ahead and want to ensure and maintain good relations with residents, families and the local community,” Connie smiled.
