Koora-Yey-Benang (Service) Award Winners’ Stories – Naomi Neal
We asked some of our long-service award winners about their roles and why they love working at Richmind WA. Each month, we’ll share their stories and find out what motivates them to continue to live and breathe Richmind WA values each day in their roles.
Meet Naomi, our Kitchenhand at Ngulla Mia for 10 years. Aside from thinking she was joining Richmind WA as a barista rather than a kitchenhand, she has enjoyed a flexible career working in this crucial role in the residents’ kitchens and, at times, stepping up to run the whole kitchen. She’s enjoyed the variety and connection in her roles, and ‘puts people first’ at work and at home.
- How did your journey at Richmind WA start, and can you remember your first day?
Yes – 29 Dec 2015 I did a trial day, and I can remember that day, working with Andrew, who was the chef at the time. I then worked with Justin for the first two weeks; it was Christmas, so I was thrown in at the deep end.
- Is this role something you thought you would be doing for 10 years?
I thought I was going to be a Barista, not a Kitchenhand, but the pay and part-time shifts were great, so I stayed.
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
My family – my children and husband.
- What is the best part of your role?
I get to interact with residents, but I don’t have to do the paperwork! I enjoy a chat, but don’t have to chat, so I get the best of both worlds.
- What is the most challenging part of your role and what skills do you think you need to overcome these challenges?
Probably saying no to residents without upsetting them – we’re not à la carte; we’re following dietary guidelines, so we can’t cater to everyone’s likes and dislikes. The skill needed is that you must focus on following procedures – you have to explain that you don’t make the rules, but you need to follow them.
- What do you consider your proudest accomplishment or career highlight at Richmind WA?
Being able to run the kitchen without a chef. I experience this when one chef leaves, and we don’t have another one. It’s good to know I can do it – I can cook and do the menus.
- Why have you stayed at Richmind WA/what’s great about the organisation?
I like my job. I have a brilliant manager in Reece and… and who doesn’t love a 4-hour shift!
- What is the key to finding a good work/life balance?
For me, it’s being able to enjoy my job during the four hours but still be home for my kids before and after school, and that the weekends are mine.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Being able to heal, as I don’t like seeing people in pain.
Flexibility helps people stay for the long term
Many staff highlighted how the organisation has supported them through different stages of life. Work flexibility allows our people to build long careers while still being there for their families and putting people first at work and at home. Our staff can enjoy their work, feel a sense of belonging, interact with their colleagues and teams, and know that they can still be present for their families. Staff commented that:
- “Richmind WA has always fitted in with where I am in life.”
- “The hours I work are around my family and they work for my family and me.”
- “The four-hour shifts mean I’m home for my kids before and after school.”
And, from Naomi’s first goal of working as a barista to becoming a kitchenhand and even running the kitchen at times, we can also see that many careers at Richmind WA don’t follow the path we expect — sometimes that leads us somewhere even better. You can make a meaningful contribution in whatever role you choose.
If you’d like to work alongside people like this, join Richmind WA. You’ll be part of an inclusive, values-driven team supporting recovery through innovation, diversity, and compassion.
