Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) names Inaugural Top Achiever – Service Advisor NSW/ACT

December 20, 2024

Pictured above: Melissa Dickson with Head of Retirement Living and Home Care, Toni Baker 

In a major milestone for Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), Melissa Dickson has been awarded the inaugural Top Achiever – Service Advisor NSW/ACT Award, marking the first recognition of excellence specifically within Home Care. 

The award, introduced during a period of significant reform in the aged care sector and as Home Care transitions to the Support at Home program in 2025, was developed to highlight staff who consistently deliver outstanding service to clients, based on customer feedback, monthly reporting statistics, and recommendations from area and regional managers.  

Head of Retirement Living & Home Care Toni Baker expressed her pride in announcing Melissa Dickson as the first recipient of the prestigious Home Care Top Performer Award with a certificate and $250 voucher.  

"In her role as Service Advisor, Melissa was chosen for her consistent excellence in managing a high caseload while maintaining exceptional client feedback,” she said. 

“As we continue to expand our Home Care services across NSW and the ACT, the introduction of this award is a testament to our belief in the importance of not only delivering quality care but also celebrating those who make it possible. 

“Melissa’s dedication and professionalism continues to set an inspiring example for us all - congratulations Melissa." 

Based in Casino, Melissa started with Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) almost 25 years ago in Residential Care, before transitioning to Home Care eight years ago. Today, she manages 40 clients between Tweed Heads and Grafton. 

She expressed her gratitude for the recognition, saying she feels very lucky to be acknowledged “just for doing what she’s loves”. 

“I started in aged care when I was 18. I have always enjoyed being with older people and have loved it ever since,” she said.  

“The best part of my role is meeting new people, introducing them to the values of Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), and helping them to continue to live in their homes for as long as possible with the support they need.  

“We are very lucky working in Home Care in that you have flexibility, you don’t have to work full time, and you can be there for your families, so it offers a good work life balance.  

“So long as you are patient, understanding, empathetic, supportive and a good listener you can’t go wrong.  

“I’m truly only as good as the team around me and I’d like to say thank you to them and to Southern Cross Care for this award, I feel really privileged to be chosen.” 

Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) looks forward to continuing to invest in and support its Home Care teams and celebrating the outstanding contributions of staff like Melissa who are making a real difference in the lives of their clients.