For Elaine Dalli, the 20 years she has spent living at Doutta Galla Woornack in Sunshine have meant more to her than most.
“Woornack is home for me and will always be for a lifetime,” she said.
Mrs Dalli moved into the residential aged care facility on June 6, 2003. On the same date, exactly 20 years later, celebrations were in order to mark the milestone for the long-time resident.
Personalised chocolates, flowers and balloons were rolled out on the day as Mrs Dalli celebrated the occasion at home in Woornack, a place she has come to grow very fond of across her 20 year stay.
“I will never leave this place,” she said.
“Every staff member here is like family or friends to me. They are all very nice and very caring.”
Overlooking the willow trees and grasslands of Kororoit Creek reserve, Doutta Galla Woornack is a community based not-for-profit organisation that has served Melbourne’s West and regional Victoria since 1991.
Doutta Galla Woornack lifestyle and leisure coordinator Carina Hollenkamp said she has known Mrs Dalli for more than 10 years.
“It is important for us to look after the overall happiness and well-being of our residents,” she said.
“Elaine lived with us for 20 years and has loved every single day that she is here.”
Hannah Hammoud
