Lakeside Living’s new manager loves her role

After 10 years of acute nursing in the Philippines, Lady Anne Vidal moved to Australia with her family in 2019 and after completing her bridging course, she started as a registered nurse in the acute ward at what is now Grampians Health’s Edenhope campus. Soon after her move, Anne said she became interested in aged care because it was non-existent in her homeland.

“In the Philippines there is no such thing as aged care because in our culture we look after our parents and grandparents in our own home,” Anne said.

“As that culture comes natural to me, I was fascinated by the aged care community here and wanted to work in that environment, so I completed a post-graduate certificate in aged care and then made the transition.

“It has been a great move for me. Now that we have the brand new facility it makes it even better because the rooms are so beautiful and clean and everyone loves being here.”

Edenhope campus manager Tricia McInnes said Anne was the ideal candidate for the management role because she had worked the past four years as the associate nurse unit manager at Lakeside Living.

“Anne is very popular with both the residents and her colleagues,” Tricia said.

“She was a dedicated team member who stepped up as acting manager in the interim and she was willing to go the next step so naturally we supported her to do that.”

Anne’s husband Christian is also a nurse working in Edenhope’s acute ward. The couple love to travel with their six-year-old son Paulo and see as much of Australia as they can when they are not working.

“So far my favourite place to visit has been Adelaide but I also liked Geelong because they are both fairly peaceful compared to Melbourne,” she said.

“But we love living in Edenhope because of the peace and quiet and there is virtually no crime. The locals are very friendly and helpful.”

Grampians Health Chief Operating Officer Community and Aged Care Craig Wilding welcomed Anne to her new position.

“This is a great example of Grampians Health recognising and utilising strengths within the organisation to share knowledge, solve problems and build relationships.

“Anne has deserved her opportunity and I know she will be well supported by her colleagues.”