We understand that people feel comfortable in their own home, maintaining their independence. We offer a range of services across metropolitan Adelaide and beyond so you can stay at home doing the things you love.
In our retirement living units you’ll have more time to enjoy doing the things you love without the maintenance of looking after a big home and garden.
Our care homes offer a comfortable, safe and homelike environment with activities and care individually tailored to suit the needs and wants of our residents.
Aged Care is so important. Some people forget that. You don’t and neither do we. Join our team and be part of something bigger. Together we’re there to care and here for good.
We understand that people feel comfortable in their own home, maintaining their independence. We offer a range of services across metropolitan Adelaide and beyond so you can stay at home doing the things you love.
In our retirement living units you’ll have more time to enjoy doing the things you love without the maintenance of looking after a big home and garden.
Our care homes offer a comfortable, safe and homelike environment with activities and care individually tailored to suit the needs and wants of our residents.
Aged Care is so important. Some people forget that. You don’t and neither do we. Join our team and be part of something bigger. Together we’re there to care and here for good.
We understand that people feel comfortable in their own home, maintaining their independence. We offer a range of services across metropolitan Adelaide and beyond so you can stay at home doing the things you love.
In our retirement living units you’ll have more time to enjoy doing the things you love without the maintenance of looking after a big home and garden.
Our care homes offer a comfortable, safe and homelike environment with activities and care individually tailored to suit the needs and wants of our residents.
Aged Care is so important. Some people forget that. You don’t and neither do we. Join our team and be part of something bigger. Together we’re there to care and here for good.
To mark the start of our $22M redevelopment of Yeltana and Copperhouse Court Residential Care Homes, Helping Hand held a milestone event at Yeltana on Thursday 5 March 2026. Respected local Barngarla elder Yvonne Abdulla opened the event with a traditional Welcome to Country, with residents, families and community members attending.
Whyalla is experiencing a high demand for aged care, and this development will ensure that more residents have access to quality care locally. The project includes the addition of eight new residential care rooms, six at Copperhouse Court and two at Yeltana.
Beyond the new rooms the development also includes upgraded resident rooms and amenities, new flexible spaces for dining and activities as well as enhanced outdoor areas. The long-term benefits of this upgrade are immense as Helping Hand remains the only residential care provider in Whyalla and one of the biggest employers.
Mr Chris Stewart, Helping Hand’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “After much consideration and careful planning, we are delighted to see this redevelopment get underway. Thanks to the support of the Australian government, we are expanding our services and ensuring that more Whyalla residents can age in place, close to their family and community.”
Helping Hand has appointed Kennett Builders to deliver the project, having worked successfully with them on previous regional developments in Jamestown and Port Pirie. Kennett Builders has appointed a local site manager, Ben Butler.
General Manager of Kennett Builders, Anthony Carbone said, “We’re committed to maximising local trade involvement on this project, creating genuine opportunities for businesses in Whyalla and across the Eyre Peninsula. Strong local partnerships are critical to the success of this development. To date, 25 per cent of engaged trades are registered in Whyalla, rising to almost 40 per cent when including the broader Eyre Peninsula region.”
Given the scale of these improvements, works at Yeltana and Copperhouse Court will run consecutively to allow project completion as efficiently as possible. Copperhouse Court is expected to be completed by August 2026, with the Yeltana redevelopment continuing for approximately two years.
Photo (L-R): Phill Stone – Mayor of Whyalla City Council, Chris Stewart – Helping Hand Chief Executive Officer, Samantha Giorgatzis – Helping Hand Executive Manager People, Strategy & Engagement, James Kennett – Director Kennett Builders, Eddie Hughes – MP State Member for Giles
Home/Celebrating International Mother Language Day
21 February is International Mother Language Day, a reminder that language is more than words. It carries culture, identity, history and belonging.
At Helping Hand, our residents and clients speak more than 20 languages, and our staff speak nearly 60. Every language represents a lifetime of stories, traditions and memories. That richness shapes the way we deliver care every day. When someone can express themselves in their first language, especially in later life, it builds trust, dignity and connection.
International Mother Language Day highlights the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and promoting inclusion. In aged care, this matters deeply. Communication is central to person-centred care. Understanding someone’s language helps us understand their story. For many older people, their first language is the language of comfort. It’s the language of childhood, family and home. Being able to speak and be understood in that language helps people feel safe, respected and truly known.
International Mother Language Day reminds us that diversity is something to value and protect. We’re proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer by Diversity Council Australia, reflecting our commitment to inclusion for our residents, clients, families and staff.
We celebrate every language spoken across our community, and the connections they create. To our team members who bring their languages, cultures and lived experiences to work each day: thank you. You strengthen our organisation and enrich the lives of the people we support.
We’re pleased to share our 2024-2025 Annual Review, reflecting on a year of progress, resilience and meaningful impact across our aged care and wellbeing services.
This review highlights how we’ve strengthened our services, supported our people, and continued preparing for significant aged care reforms, while staying focused on delivering person-centred, trauma-aware care.
We invite you to explore the review and see how we’re shaping the future together.
Home/Helping Hand Recognised as an Inclusive Employer for Second Year in a Row
We are proud to announce that Helping Hand has once again been recognised by Diversity Council Australia as an Inclusive Employer for 2025-2026. This marks our second consecutive year receiving this recognition and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where everyone is valued, respected and supported to thrive.
At Helping Hand, we believe diversity and inclusion are two of our greatest strengths. Our workforce represents team members from 74 cultural backgrounds, who speak 57 different languages, and come from 46 countries. This rich diversity enables us to provide culturally sensitive care and foster a respectful, supportive environment for residents, clients, staff and volunteers.
This achievement is based on insights from more than 700 team members who participated in the DCA survey, sharing their experiences of inclusion, respect, and belonging. Their voices help us understand what we’re doing well and where we can continue to improve.
Chris Stewart, Chief Executive Officer at Helping Hand said,
“Helping Hand is proud to be recognised by the Diversity Council Australia as an Inclusive Employer for 2025–2026, for the second consecutive year. This recognition reflects the culture our people shape every day, grounded in our values of excellence, respect, compassion and community. The survey insights will directly inform our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategy, guiding how we strengthen inclusion across our organisation.”
Below, you’ll find a detailed infographic highlighting our key survey findings. They provide a visual snapshot of what the data tells us about diversity and inclusion at Helping Hand, both of which remain core strengths and priorities of our workplace culture.
Home/There to Care Awards – fourth quarter award recipients announced
The latest There To Care Awards recipients have been announced! The awards, which focus on celebrating our values of excellence, respect, compassion and community, help us to celebrate the amazing work our people do every day.
Andrea, Clinical Nurse
Helping Hand recognises the impactful care and dedicated support Clinical Nurse Andrea consistently exemplifies, which has led to her There to Care Award. Not only is Andrea respected for her exceptional care but her mission to form meaningful connections with residents and their families.
“The most important job is to foster connections and build a trusting relationship, that is what truly underpins everything that I do. It helps me to liaise with staff, families and residents.”
Upholding the values of compassion, respect and excellence, as well as providing unwavering support to residents and the team has led to Thivorn being recognised in our There to Care Awards.
Though Thivorn is new to aged care, having previously worked as an optician in Cambodia, a fruit picker, and at a plant nursery, he says this is his most cherished role.
“Out of all the jobs I’ve done, being a carer is my favourite. I am so happy where I am right now,” he says.
As a passionate Care Worker who consistently upholds dignity and respect for residents, Angela has been recognised in the recent round of There to Care Awards.
While Angela loves her daily duties as a Care Worker in the Memory Support Unit, it’s the beautiful connections she has nurtured over the past 16 years at Helping Hand that truly warm her heart.
Connections and care mean the most to Zahra. Leading with compassion, respect and excellence, Clinical Nurse Zahra has been deservedly recognised in the recent There to Care Awards.
Whether is it supporting staff during challenging shifts, overseeing students, offering guidance or ensuring residents receive the highest standard of care, Zahra does it all with a positive attitude and genuine kindness.
Warm smiles and heartfelt welcomes from Jodie. Helping Hand commends Learning and Capability Consultant Jodie in the There to Care Awards, for her dedication to learning and development, and welcoming the newest members of staff to the organisation.
Jodie consistently demonstrates a passion for teaching the history, mission and strategy of Helping Hand.
The There to Care Awards recognises Hotel Services Site Manager, Rita, for compassionately managing the department, assisting families and organising events with warmth, care, and professionalism.
Rita has been a longstanding cornerstone of the organisation for 28 years, working in the kitchen, catering, housekeeping, supervising and also working in hotel services, throughout her career.
A dynamic duo and their dedicated work. Testament to their consistent demonstration of care, kindness and support, Helping Hand congratulates Golden Grove Residential Care Home administrative duo Cindy and Kira on being recognised in the There to Care Awards.
As the first point of call at Helping Hand Golden Grove, Administrative Services Coordinator and Admin Team Leader, Cindy, and Customer Services Officer, Kira, always go above and beyond to foster a sense of care and belonging.
Registered Nurse Aries has been recognised in the There to Care Awards for consistently going above and beyond in her role, as she embraces any task with a smile and a positive attitude.
While her career in nursing has been extensive and varied over 30 years, including working in obstetrics in Auckland Hospital in New Zealand, it was a passion for aged care that was ignited while working in the dementia care unit. A move that was further cemented when starting at Helping Hand in 2022.
Helping Hand extends its congratulations to Enrolled Nurse Dianne for being recognised in the There to Care Awards, celebrating her exceptional dedication, compassion and professionalism.
Caring comes naturally for Dianne, who became a carer at the age of 23. She then pursued nursing in a rehabilitation hospital before starting at Helping Hand Ingle Farm 11 years ago.
Kate is the heart of home care. Living the mission to provide person-centred care every day, Care Partner Kate has deservedly been recognised in the There to Care Awards.
As a vital member of the Customer Journey Team, Kate, who has been with Helping Hand for four years, spends her days engaging with clients for in-home support and onboarding.
Kiwi, Administrative Assistant, Care Worker and Lifestyle Assistant
Three hats, one heart for Kiwi. With an enthusiasm and dedication that shines through no matter her role, Administrative Assistant, Care Worker and Lifestyle Assistant, Kiwi has been recognised in the There to Care Awards.
Kiwi demonstrates remarkable versatility; one day she is providing essential support in her admin duties, the next she is working in the Memory Support Unit, and on others, she is helping residents stay motivated and engaged through social activities.
Congratulations to Clinical Nurse, Resident Assessment and Documentation (CN-RAD) Sapana for demonstrating the values of compassion, respect and excellence in everything she does, which has led to her recognition in the There to Care Awards.
Sapana consistently goes above and beyond, playing a vital part in ensuring that new admissions are handled smoothly and with empathy. Her ability to communicate compassionately with families during what can often be an emotional and stressful time is truly commendable.
Laughter is the best medicine for Melissa. Congratulations to compassionate Care Worker Melissa for being recognised in the There to Care Awards.
Melissa, who has been working in aged care for seven years, says the most rewarding aspect of her role is giving residents purpose, sprinkled with a few laughs along the way.
The There to Care Awards honours Helping Hand Food Service Team Leader, Harjeet, for her impactful and outstanding leadership.
Harjeet wears many hats as part of her role – from training and mentoring new staff as well as assisting other sites to ensure they complete necessary audits. That is just the beginning, as she can also be found in the Golden Grove kitchen cooking up the lunch service for 110 residents.
Helping Hand commends in-house hairdresser Justine in our There to Care Awards for ensuring residents not only look their best but feel truly cared for.
A hairdresser for 36 years, Justine’s attention to detail and gentle approach makes every hair appointment something residents look forward to. Gentlemen also appreciate the regular beard trims or hair wash too.
“My joy is to see them happy. By making them feel good about themselves with a cut or blow-dry, makes me happy,” she says.
Home/Helping Hand Carinya hosts TAFE SA’s first rural oral health clinic
Helping Hand continues to strengthen its valued partnership with TAFE SA through our ongoing Student Placement Program. In 2025, we expanded opportunities for students studying the Advanced Diploma of Oral Health, with eight oral hygiene clinics planned across our residential care homes throughout October, November and December.
This year marked an exciting milestone: our first regional oral hygiene clinic was held at Helping Hand Carinya in Clare. For rural communities where access to dental care can be limited, the free pop-up clinic provided much-welcomed support to residents living at Carinya.
These placement experiences are mutually rewarding. Students build confidence working in residential aged care settings, gaining firsthand insight into how facilities operate and the unique challenges faced by residents and staff. For aged care residents, oral health can be a particular concern, especially when transport options are limited and local dental clinics are not easily accessible for those with complex mobility needs.
By bringing services directly to aged care homes, TAFE SA students help bridge this gap by conducting oral health checks, supporting daily hygiene routines and recommending referrals where needed.
Three dedicated students, Jordan, Kayla and Shankar, joined their lecturer, Dr Harry Perkins, for an early-morning drive from Adelaide to Clare. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by Helping Hand’s Learning Pathways team and introduced to the Carinya staff before beginning their clinic.
Reflecting on the day, the students shared their thoughts:
“I don’t know why I was so nervous — it was just what we do, but in a new setting.”
“I’d feel more confident doing this again. Why don’t more dentists come into residential aged care centres?”
“Driving through the country was beautiful — it’s nice to see a new part of South Australia while studying.”
In true country hospitality, the Carinya team made sure the visitors were well looked after, providing a delicious lunch before their return journey.
A big thank you to everyone involved in making this placement possible. We’re excited to continue this important initiative in 2026, expanding to other regional Helping Hand homes in Jamestown, Port Pirie and Whyalla, supporting students in their learning journey while improving access to oral health care for older South Australians.
The Spring-Summer 2025 edition of At Home with Helping Hand is here, celebrating the spirit of teamwork, compassion and community that shines through in every part of our organisation. From regional volunteers and dedicated staff to residents and families who inspire us every day, this issue is filled with stories that remind us what’s possible when people come together with purpose and kindness.
The cover story, Teamwork makes the dream work, takes us to Jamestown, where the Belalie Lodge Auxiliary has spent nearly fifty years raising funds to make life better for residents at Belalie Lodge. Their efforts, from new equipment to community events, show how teamwork and local pride can have a lasting impact.
Across the pages, you will find personal stories that celebrate courage and connection. Home Care client John shares how joining a walking group helped him rediscover his confidence and social connection. Dimitra’s story, Now I know… highlights how short-term respite care at Lightsview supported her recovery and restored her independence. And in Two worlds. One true love. Janet and Lyall reflect on a love that began with a letter during the Vietnam War and continues to this day.
This edition also shines a light on the people who make Helping Hand what it is. Senior Care Worker Francie shares her passion for providing genuine, person-centred care, while Nurse Practitioner Lima reflects on how her mother’s example shaped her career in nursing and palliative care.
From gentle exercise with Chair Yoga to new Wellbeing Centres in Golden Grove and Parafield Gardens, there’s inspiration for everyone to stay active and connected.
You can read the full magazine and explore previous editions by clicking here.
If you have a story to share for a future issue, we’d love to hear from you at home@helpinghand.org.au
Home/There to Care Awards – third quarter award recipients announced
The latest There To Care Awards recipients have been announced! The awards, which focus on celebrating our values of excellence, respect, compassion and community, help us to celebrate the amazing work our people do every day.
Kaye, Customer Service Officer
Helping Hand recognises Customer Service Officer, Kaye for consistently demonstrating
unwavering dedication to the needs of residents at Copperhouse Court in Whyalla.
Kaye joined Helping Hand almost three years ago, bringing with her a wealth of administrative experience from various industries. However, transitioning to aged care was truly a career highlight, inspired by her late grandparents.
Helping Hand honours Lifestyle Coordinator Rob for his dedicated mentorship of new staff,
his passion for enhancing residents’ lives, and his constant display of thoughtfulness and
generosity.
While the weekly bacon and eggs breakfast certainly brings smiles, Rob truly makes everyday fun and entertaining thanks to his background in the arts, performing, and running a clown business many years ago.
Upholding the values of Helping Hand every day, dedicated and compassionate Care Worker, Adriana, is recognised in the There to Care Awards for providing excellence in care.
Since joining Helping Hand 18 months ago, Adriana has poured her heart into the role which she says goes far beyond just caring for residents’ daily needs. It’s also the empathy and emotional support she provides and beautiful connections she builds that gives her job purpose.
The There to Care Awards honours Helping Hand Care Worker, Brenda, who demonstrates compassion in her daily work.
After years dedicated to raising children and working as a cook for a local footy club, Brenda finally focussed on pursuing a long-held passion that began in her teens – care work. In doing so, she has found her true calling.
Helping Hand congratulates Care Worker Jyoti for her genuine care, true kindness and the
constant comfort she displays in her role.
Jyoti joined Helping Hand four years ago, having moved from India in 2018. She has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to the organisation; first serving as a Hotel Services Assistant for almost three years, and now works as a Care Worker at Golden Grove and a Chef at Lightsview.
Helping Hand recognises Care Services Manager Cathy for her commitment and ability to lead by example every day.
As a Care Services Manager, Cathy oversees the day-to-day activities and quality of Copperhouse Court in Whyalla, as well as combining those key duties with her skills as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) and Registered Nurse (RN).
For the second time this year, Care Worker Bishal has been recognised in the There to Care Quarterly Awards, this time for his efficiency, compassion and gentle demeanour making residents, and their families, feel valued and respected.
This nomination was put forward by a resident’s family member, who has witnessed firsthand Bishal’s commitment to his work.
As a hardworking Enrolled Nurse who consistently puts residents’ needs first, Simardeep is recognised for her dedication to her role in the There to Care Awards.
Growing up in India, Simardeep held onto a childhood dream to be a nurse, however ended up studying accounting. When she moved to Australia in 2019, she was able to chase her ambition and is now proudly living her dream career, here at Helping Hand.
From 2020 to 2025, we achieved a great deal together. We’ve expanded our reach, strengthened our services, and made a real difference in the lives of many older South Australians.
These achievements have created a strong foundation for the next stage of our journey.
Our new Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030 builds on that foundation. It’s about taking what we’ve learned, building on our strengths, and setting our sights higher – moving from compliance to excellence, setting new benchmarks in aged care, and bringing our unique combination of local understanding and compassionate service to more people and communities.
At the heart of the plan is our mission: to create communities and experiences to enable older people to live their best lives.
We believe that later life should be rich with connection, purpose and joy. We want every person we support to have the opportunity to do the things that matter to them, to stay connected, active and valued. That’s the kind of aged care that changes lives, and it’s the standard we are setting for ourselves.
To give you a clearer picture of where we’re heading, we’ve created a short video introducing the Strategic Plan, which you can watch here.
Everyone at Helping Hand has an important role to play in our vision to be the most trusted and exceptional partner in aged care and wellbeing services in South Australia. Together, we’re building a thriving, diverse organisation that enables more people to access the care and support they need, and to live their lives to the fullest.
We’re excited about what lies ahead. This plan marks the beginning of our next five years, and it’s only the start.
When good people come together, amazing things happen.
On 7 August, we proudly join organisations across the country in celebrating Aged Care Employee Day – a special opportunity to recognise the people who make aged care possible every single day.
At Helping Hand, our staff are the heart of everything we do. From nurses and carers to cooks, cleaners, lifestyle coordinators, allied health professionals, administration teams, gardeners and maintenance crews – aged care is a diverse and dynamic sector that relies on many skilled and compassionate individuals. Together, they bring our values of Respect, Excellence, Community and Compassion to life, creating homes and services where older South Australians are supported with dignity, kindness and care.
Aged Care Employee Day reminds us that aged care is not just about a single role – it’s about the collective effort of many people, working side by side to ensure older people live well. Whether it’s delivering clinical care, sharing a meal, supporting mobility, or simply offering a listening ear, each contribution matters.
To mark the occasion, we’re holding small celebrations across all Helping Hand locations throughout the week, with coffee, cookies and conversation. These moments of connection gave us the chance to pause, reflect, and most importantly, say thank you to our teams.
To our employees: your work makes a profound difference in the lives of older people and their families. Your dedication, compassion and professionalism do not go unnoticed – and today, we celebrate you.
Aged Care Employee Day is a reminder that behind every story of care, there is a team of remarkable people. At Helping Hand, we are proud to stand beside them.
