By STEFAN BRADLEY

 

IN the close-knit Gippsland community, with its collection of small and medium rural towns, word travels fast.

Through word-of-mouth recommendations alone, Awais Warriach has built such strong community connections, that he now supports several clients living on the same street.

For the past three years, Mr Warriach has worked as a Care Consultant with BaptistCare Home Care, which is based in Morwell and services Latrobe City and Wellington Shire. He travels to regional Victoria to support around 50 clients in Traralgon, Yarram, Sale, Maffra and Stratford.

Aged Care Employee Day, celebrated annually on August 7, was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate hard workers in the community like Mr Warriach, who makes a difference in the comfortability of the elderly in their later years.

Mr Warriach, from Pakistan, arrived in Australia on a student visa in 2011 before completing studies in Criminal Justice and Social Work, wanting to build a career focused on supporting others.

After graduating and prior to entering the workforce, Awais said he was searching for more than just employment.

“After graduating, I wasn’t just looking for a job, I was looking for purpose,” he said.

“I went for my internship at a remand centre in Melbourne for one month, and then I realised this is not what I’m looking for. So I decided to do social work because I want to work in the community rather than dealing with offenders.”

Today, Mr Warriach is instrumental in the lives of many, supporting home care clients to access services and support they need to continue living safely and independently in their own home. From coordinating care and arranging services to visiting clients and guiding them through their care journey, Mr Warriach helps people maintain their independence and quality of life.

Mr Warriach said the most rewarding part of his role has been building meaningful relationships with clients and knowing his work made a difference.

“The relationships I build with clients are the most rewarding part of my job,” he said.

“Getting to know their stories, sharing a laugh and knowing I’ve made a positive impact on their day is incredibly fulfilling. Sometimes a simple conversation or spending a few extra minutes listening can make all the difference.

“I support them to make sure they stay safe and independent in their houses.”

He said he’s also learning valuable life lessons.

“They’ve taught me the importance of patience, gratitude and resilience. Their wisdom and experiences remind me to appreciate the little things and value every moment,” he said.

The biggest challenge he says is locating community housing for his clients.

Kim Rossiter, BaptistCare’s Gippsland Area Manager, said Mr Warriach had become trusted across the local community through his dedication to clients and their families.

“Mr Warriach is a quiet achiever who consistently goes above and beyond for the people he supports,” Ms Rossiter said.

Ms Rossiter said Aged Care Employee Day was an opportunity to recognise the thousands of employees who support older Australians each day.

“People like Awais help older Australians live safely, independently and with dignity in their own homes,” she said.

“We’re proud to celebrate his contribution and all of our aged care employees for the difference they make every day.”