In this profile, we shine a light on two dedicated aged care team members, Sharmain and Steve Peterson—a married couple whose passion for their work brings a special energy to our community. Both work as Residential Services Lead, Sharmain at Emmaus Home, and Steve at our St Agnes’ site (St Agnes’ House, Maryknoll and Mount Carmel).

“Our message to residents – you are our family; we see each other each day and each of you are individuals. You are seen and you are heard – you mean a lot to us. You are why we get up each day and come to work.”

How long have you worked in aged care and with St Agnes’ Catholic Parish?

Sharmain: I’ve worked in aged care my whole career. At 17, I began working in a residential care home in Wagga Wagga and never looked back. I joined St Agnes’ in 2009 after moving to Port Macquarie and applying everywhere. I got the call while on long service leave and was interviewed by Sue McCann.

I started in hospitality and cleaning, then moved into caring and completed my Certificate III in Individual Support. I’ve since completed a Bachelor of Dementia and a Certificate IV in Leadership for Dementia.

Steve: I began volunteering at St Agnes’ House around 2009. I met Sharmain there, and we’ve worked alongside each other ever since. I have now worked in aged care for about 16 years.

I started my career as a mechanic. I lived in Sydney and then travelled overseas for a couple years before coming to Port Macquarie. I did truck driving for a while before volunteering at St Agnes’ Home. Anne Hicks, the manager there at the time, said if you get your qualifications, we’ll put you on and that’s were it started. There weren’t a lot of male carers at that time so I was a bit of a novelty.

What inspired you to pursue aged care?

Sharmain: I did work experience in Year 10 at an aged care home in Year 10 in Wagga Wagga and enjoyed. When I finished Year 12 I thought that’s what I want to do. The aged care home was looking for young people, so I got put straight on. That was 34 years ago and I still love it!

Steve: I found during my volunteering that I enjoyed connecting with residents and was encouraged to complete my Certificate III. I started as a care support worker and later moved into an ACFI (Aged Care Funding Instrument) role, through which funding requirements for residents used to be assessed. I am enjoying my role as Residential Services Lead.

What do you love most about your work?

Sharmain: The joy and connection. Whether it’s decorating for Christmas or redesigning the dining room, I love involving everyone and seeing their ideas come to life.

I really enjoy working on projects. It’s where I get to be creative and work closely with others to make something meaningful.

I love seeing people blossom—staff and residents alike. Empowering others to contribute ideas and watching those ideas evolve is incredibly rewarding. It encourages people to dream, to speak up and to get involved.

Steve: I love the relationships. Volunteering gave me insight into the role, and working across different areas has deepened my appreciation for the care and dedication of our team.

Being a mechanic, I used to get satisfaction from fixing things. But in aged care, you get so much more back when you help people. My mum was a nurse, and maybe that’s part of it. I love sitting down with residents, especially those who don’t have family nearby. Everyone has a story, and just listening is one of the best parts of the job.

Hardest part of the job?

Sharmain: Losing long-time residents is always heartbreaking. Conflict can also be tough. It affects everyone, but with good collaboration and communication, it can be resolved early. The hardest part is having difficult conversations with staff.

Steve: Performance management is hard, especially coming from a mechanical background. I’ve learned a lot from the nursing team. And while I love connecting with people, the computer side of things isn’t my favourite! The hardest moments are seeing grieving families. We form strong bonds with residents, and it’s a privilege to support families during those times. We want them to feel welcome, like they’re visiting their loved one’s home.

What’s it like having a partner in the same industry?

Sharmain: It’s supportive. We understand each other’s challenges and can relate when one of us has a tough day. Sometimes it’s a bit of a “hold my beer” moment—who had the bigger day!

Steve: A lot of people don’t even realise we’re married—we keep work and home separate. But it’s great to be able to debrief with someone who truly understands. We bounce ideas off each other too. Sharmain’s the visionary, and I often help bring those ideas to life—like the crochet-covered Christmas tree at Emmaus, which involved residents, families, and volunteers. Her ability to inspire and include others is part of why so much gets done.

How do relationships with others impact your work?

Sharmain: I’m pretty easygoing and love chatting with staff and residents. Because I’ve worked my way up through different roles, I understand what it’s like to be on the floor. I appreciate how hard it is—whether you’re in the kitchen, cleaning, or caring. I try to put myself in their shoes and encourage learning and growth. When staff come to me with ideas, I say, “Bring it on!” It’s the little things that make a big difference.

Steve: I agree. Relationships are everything in aged care. Whether it’s sitting with a resident or supporting a colleague, it’s about connection.

It’s also about creating a positive work environment—staff need to feel comfortable and supported. That bond is important.

I’ve learned a lot from residents and from working alongside people like Sharmain who bring energy and vision to everything they do.

What are your interests outside work?

Sharmain enjoys reading suspense and horror novels—Stephen King is a favourite—and she’s known for her incredible Christmas crafts, especially the festive windows at Emmaus Home.

Steve’s passions include cars and rock music. “I’ve rebuilt engines for old Holdens and went to Bathurst for my 40th—it was massive!” He also shares a love for newer music thanks to his daughter, Maggie.

Do you have a philosophy on ageing?

Sharmain: Keep the brain active—music, learning, word games. Never stop learning and growing. That’s my philosophy.

Steve: Working in aged care teaches you to live life while you can. Don’t miss opportunities. Tick off those boxes. You hear residents’ stories – regrets and achievements – and it reminds you that growing old is a privilege. Not everyone gets that chance. Sharmain lost both her parents young, so that perspective is always with us. You realise how precious time is.

Together, Sharmain and Steve bring warmth, creativity, and compassion to their roles. Whether it’s leading a team, crafting community projects, or simply sharing a laugh, their partnership enriches the lives of residents and staff alike. Their story is a testament to the power of connection—at work, at home, and in the heart of aged care.

“The future of our Residential Aged Care Services is in good hands. We are all striving to improve – we are more collaborative and connected than ever.”

A journey of care and connection -– Lord Howe Island

In April 2016, Steve and Sharmain were asked to take on a unique and deeply meaningful role – travelling to Lord Howe Island to care for parishioners Ken and Dorothy during Ken’s terminal illness.

Ken, who had pancreatic cancer, chose to spend his final months on the island he loved. He and Dorothy had long been part of the island’s spiritual life, helping run services and care for the local church. With the support of Father Donnelly and the Parish, Steve and Sharmain assisted the couple, offering both practical care and companionship.

“It was a beautiful place, but it was challenging work,” Steve recalls. “The Parish organised a hospital bed to be flown in, which was later donated locally. It was an incredible effort.”

Despite the difficulties, they made sure Ken and Dorothy enjoyed outings to cafés, restaurants, and friends’ homes while Ken was still mobile.

“The community was amazing,” Steve says. “With only around 400 residents on the island, everyone knows everyone. The way they came together to support Ken and Dorothy was really special.”

After Ken passed, Dorothy remained on the island for a time before moving to St Agnes’ House, where she lived until her own passing. “She came here for a familiar face,” Steve shares. “There’s no aged care on the island, so it was comforting for her to be with people she knew.”

For Steve and Sharmain, their time on Lord Howe Island remains one of the most profound experiences in aged care – an example of compassion, connection, and the power of community.

A wedding to remember – St Agnes’ House style

Before Steve and Sharmain officially tied the knot in Las Vegas in 2014, they were treated to a surprise celebration that has become legendary at St Agnes’ House.

Staff and residents, led by then-Manager Anne Hicks, organised a “Fake Wedding” for the couple—an unforgettable event filled with laughter, love, and community spirit.

“We turned up for work as usual,” recalls Sharmain, “and the next minute, they were pushing us aside and handing us outfits. I had no idea what was going on!” Dressed for the occasion, Sharmain was walked down the aisle by her 94-year-old bridesmaid, Mrs McCoy, while Steve stood proudly beside his best man, resident Patrick Collis. Linda Heatherington—affectionately known as ‘Loopy’—played the role of celebrant.

Held in the main dining room, the entire home joined in the celebration. Residents raised their glasses, shared stories, and laughed along with the couple. “It was completely out of the blue,” says Steve. “They even had fake rings and champagne. I just giggled the whole time—it was so thoughtful.”

The “Fake Wedding” remains a cherished memory for everyone at St Agnes’ House—a beautiful example of the love and camaraderie that defines aged care at its best.