A Sunshine Coast family has notched nine decades of assistance to a retirement and care centre organisation and its residents.
Grandmother Kathy Himstedt, mother Sue Kropp and daughter Amanda Collins have played key roles with Sundale.
The former started her career with Sundale at Nicklin Lodge in Nambour in 1978, as an assistant supervisor and cook.
She retired 24 years later as lead cook at Palmwoods Garden Village Care Centre.
Post-retirement, she remains committed to the Sundale community, regularly volunteering at Palmwoods.
“Volunteering allows me to give back to an organisation that has given me so much,” she said.
“The connections I’ve formed with the residents and the wisdom they’ve shared with me are invaluable.
“I feel privileged to still be a part of this community.
“I feel a great sense of pride in my daughter and granddaughter for choosing Sundale to further their careers.”
Following closely in her mother’s footsteps, Kathy’s daughter Sue started work with Sundale in 1995.
Having worked across a range of roles, from caregiving to administrative duties, over nearly three decades, Sue now works as the roster coordinator at Palmwoods.
“When my children were younger, I was allowed to bring them to work with me during the school holidays,” she said.
“How many organisations would allow you to do that?”
Completing this extraordinary family affair is Sue’s daughter Amanda, who started at Sundale as a personal care assistant, working after school and on weekends, before being offered a scholarship to become an endorsed enrolled nurse.
Having devoted 18 years of her life to Sundale, Amanda’s dedication to Sundale extends well beyond her time caring for residents.
“Sundale has been a part of my life since childhood,” she said.
“I’ve grown up within these walls.
“I have fond memories of coming to Palmwoods after school when my Nan worked there and helping Mum out on school holidays.
“Sundale residents have seen me in my debutante and Year 12 formal dresses, watched me graduate high school and complete my studies, and celebrated with me when I fell pregnant with my son.
“Now, my son loves coming to visit and telling me who his favourite residents are.”
Sundale chief executive officer Cameron Taylor said the significance of having three generations of the same family working for Sundale reflected the organisation’s commitment to fostering a nurturing community for both residents and team members.
“We are immensely proud of Kathy, Sue and Amanda and their family’s enduring legacy at Sundale,” he said.
“As Sundale continues to uphold its tradition of excellence in senior care, we’re grateful for their impact across the generations.”
Sundale is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation that has been provided retirement communities, care centres and in-home care support services since 1963.
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