Nobody has met and cared for more residents of the Carinity Colthup Manor aged care community than Esther Arulogun.
She has served as a nurse for more than 50 years, with the last four decades supporting Ipswich seniors.
Reflecting on her 40-year milestone working at Carinity Colthup Manor, Esther admits that "time has gone so quick". But she says it is "most meaningful" to support the elderly in her role as a Registered Nurse working night shifts.
"We have a good team that works together and understands each other. I enjoy making friends, the staff are very friendly and they appreciate me. They are like family," Esther said.
"I enjoy every night with the residents; we enjoy a joke together. Sometimes it can be a tough night, but we work together to make it a good night.
"I have been thinking that I can stop working any time if I'm tired. But I'm not tired; I just keep going and going."
Growing up in Hong Kong, Esther was often sick as a child and was hospitalised several times. This inspired her to become a nurse.
She studied nursing and undertook post-graduate study in London on a scholarship. She then worked abroad for 15 years before moving to Queensland.
Prior to joining Carinity, she served as nurse at the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane and Ipswich General Hospital.
"I'm glad that God gave me this opportunity to work - and to have good health to work," Esther said.
Last week Carinity CEO, Kevin Griffiths, and Executive Manager of Residential Aged Care, Heidi Wiebe, attended a celebratory morning tea with Carinity Colthup Manor staff and residents and presented certificates to long-serving employees.
Heidi applauded Esther's selflessness and her enduring passion for supporting seniors for most of her lifetime.
"Esther has been a wonderful blessing for Carinity and for the residents who have lived at Colthup Manor over the past 40 years," Heidi said.
"She has positively touched the lives of thousands of older people entrusted into her care, as well as supporting, inspiring and guiding hundreds of fellow aged care nurses and staff members.
"It's rare to find someone who has remained working in aged care with so much passion and enthusiasm for so long."
In recognition of her care for seniors and contribution to the betterment of the aged care sector, Esther was presented the Lifetime of Achievement Award by Aged and Community Services Australia in 2018.
