IF you ask Elizabeth Zachulski, her Order of Australia Medial (OAM) is not recognition for herself alone, but rather recognition for the importance of aged care in this country.
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Ms Zachulski is a familiar face at St Catherine's Aged Care and has spent the last 12 years as the facility's residential manager.
On Monday, she joins four other Bathurst residents in becoming an OAM, hers awarded for service to aged care and to nursing.
"I feel honoured, humbled and incredibly grateful to be recognised for doing a job that I love," she said.
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Although the OAM is attached to her name, Ms Zachulski stressed that she is part of a team that works together to deliver "comfort and care to elderly people when they need it the most".
"I have always worked with a wonderful team; no one can achieve anything at this time in people's lives on their own," she said.
"It takes a team and I've always been part of an incredibly good team, both here and with all the medical and allied health services that are available, especially here in Bathurst."
Ms Zachulski started her career in aged care in 1980, working as a registered nurse prior to that.
Part of the appeal of the sector was the ability to support people when they need it most and to connect with them by hearing their stories.
She has continued to love that element of the job and that there is always variety in what she does.
"No day is the same because no person is the same, no problem is ever the same and no solution is the same," Ms Zachulski said.
"So it's about finding out - and working with all the people involved - what is the best way forward, and to make sure that it's always comfortable and it's always kind."
Aged care plays a vital role in the community, but it's not always easy to work in a job where there's a lot of loss.
Having a good team of people around that you can lean on in those tough times makes it a little bit easier.
"Some days bring joy and some days bring sadness, and on the days when it's sad, then we have to support each other and everyone who's in the building and remember people with dignity and respect," Ms Zachulski said.
In accepting her award, she thanked everyone who has helped her during her career, especially her family for their understanding.
"I'm incredibly humbled and honoured. I've done something all my life that I've loved and now I get an award acknowledging that," she said.
"I just have to thank everybody who's been on this journey with me. I'm very overwhelmed and incredibly grateful and thankful.
"Working in aged care is such a joy."
