Koora-Yey-Benang (Service) Award Winners’ Stories – Naomi Golden
We asked some of our long-service award winners about their roles and why they love working at Richmind WA. Each month, we shared their stories and discovered what motivates them to continue to live and breathe Richmind WA values each day in their roles. Enjoy the last of the series for 2026.
Meet Naomi Golden, Intake and Scheduling Officer. For the past decade, Naomi has been the calm in the unpredictable world of intake to our many mental health recovery services. She listens deeply to help ensure people receive the support they need while keeping a very busy service running smoothly.
- How did your journey at Richmind WA start, and can you remember your first day?
I started as a student, and I remember my first day at an office in Bentley working with the Partners in Recovery Team. I loved it and the team put me really at ease.
- Can you tell us about your role and what you enjoy most?
I love the busyness of intake. Every day is very busy, and it’s always different. There’s always a lot going on. I love the variety and love my team.
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
My coffee! And I have 4 beautiful kids who get me out of bed. I honestly can say that I do really like coming to work.
- What is the most challenging part of your role and what skills do you think you need to overcome these challenges?
Being able to multitask is a huge thing in Intake. One big challenge is the unpredictability of your workflow and the juggling that’s needed.
- What is your proudest accomplishment or career highlight at Richmind WA?
Being a finalist in the Wirrin Awards in 2025 in the ‘Put People First’ category – it was so beautiful to be given that recognition.
I’ve felt really supported over the past 10 years. When I first started, I had one 6-year-old, and now I have 4 children. I have been on maternity leave over the years and felt really supported by the organisation.
- What is the key to finding a good work/life balance?
My husband and I have an evening ritual where we drink a cup of hot chocolate and decompress. When we don’t do it, I really miss it.
- What’s your hidden talent or party trick?
I’m a pretty good volleyball player.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Mediumship – to talk to people who have passed away.
Sometimes it’s the simple things that keep our staff engaged and enjoying their work every day
It’s often simply recognition for great work and commitment, and their everyday routines that keep our people grounded. Naomi was recognised as a finalist in our Wirrin Awards in 2025 in the ‘Put People First’ category, and like so many people at Richmind WA, she has demonstrated her ability to consistently juggle the needs and wellbeing of her colleagues, her family and her community.
Naomi also shared her lovely ritual of drinking hot chocolate together with her husband every night to decompress. Other staff practise yoga, socialise and spend time with friends, play soccer, and enjoy being at home with their kids. At work, people love flexibility and balance; they can tell their team they need time for themselves; they can have their own personal priorities and boundaries and have open communication about their needs.
Sometimes the key to resilience isn’t complicated — sometimes it’s simply balance and a cup of hot chocolate at the end of the day.
In summary, the strongest themes across the 6 staff interviews about why they love working at Richmind WA are:
- Purpose in helping others
- Supportive teams and leadership
- Flexibility and work–life balance
- Opportunities to grow within the organisation
- Pride in meaningful client outcomes
Together, these reflect an organisation where values, relationships and flexibility are central to long staff tenure. The interviews cement a strong belief in Richmind WA’s values of:
- We live and breathe recovery
- We’re brave and explore
- We put people first
- We’re inclusive and promote belonging
- We listen deeply and learn
If you’d like to join a great place with great people and work alongside our incredible service award winners, join Richmind WA. You’ll be part of an inclusive, values-driven team supporting recovery through innovation, diversity, and compassion.
