CatholicCare Tasmania is proud to recognise the employees who have reached significant service milestones over the past year, individuals whose dedication, compassion and professionalism continue to strengthen our mission. Each day, they bring to life our core values of Hope, Connection, Authenticity and Courage, shaping the culture that defines our organisation.
Every milestone represents far more than years on a calendar. It reflects countless moments of care, advocacy and quiet leadership. These achievements speak to the commitment our employees show not only to the people we support, but also to one another as colleagues, mentors and teammates.
This year, we were honoured to celebrate Merilyn Briggs for an extraordinary 20 years of service. Alongside her, six employees reached 15 years, 11 reached 10 years and 17 reached 5 years, a testament to the enduring dedication found across CatholicCare Tasmania.
Merilyn Briggs, Individual, Relationship and Family Counsellor, reflected on the sense of family that shaped her early experiences at CatholicCare Tasmania and the career opportunities that followed. Her advice to her first-day self is to “take the time to engage with each staff member for a few minutes.” She shared that she is proud of the diversity within the FARS team, which continues to support positive outcomes for clients. She added that the variety of clients and the approachable admin team always bring a smile to her day.
Among our 15-year recipients, many reflected on what makes CatholicCare Tasmania unique. Heather Lawson, Operations Manager for Early Learning and Care, spoke of the genuine care that has enriched her experience throughout her time with the organisation. What has kept her motivated, she shared, is “the care, compassion, empathy and support shown to us as employees.” Her advice to her first-day self reflects the spirit of growth and resilience shared by many long-serving staff: “Listen, learn, soak it all up and be willing to challenge and believe in yourself.”
For Margaret Donaghy, Administration Officer in Therapeutic Residential Care, purpose is at the heart of her work. She described a team that “shows up every day to provide young people with safety, connection and opportunities to thrive.” She also acknowledged the leadership team that has shaped her journey, noting she has learnt from managers and “how much extra they do quietly in the background.”
Jo McLennan, State Manager for Youth Homelessness Services, shared that the young people she supports remain her greatest inspiration. “The challenges of the job that bring joy,” she reflected, adding that the good days always outweigh the difficult ones. Her admiration for her team is unmistakable, describing their “unconditional regard for the clients they walk alongside” as a continual source of pride.
To all our service award recipients, thank you. Your dedication enriches our organisation and strengthens the support we provide to the Tasmanian community. Your commitment is a living expression of our mission, and we are deeply grateful for the care you bring to your roles each day.
Please see the full list of recipients below:
20 Years of Service
- Merilyn Briggs
15 Years of Service
- Allison Turner
- Dean Sullivan
- Heather Lawson
- Margaret Donaghy
- Joanna McLennan
10 Years of Service
- Sarah Turner
- Bruce Fleet
- Claire Tucker
- Gong Chen
- Marissa Burns
- Nagham Al‑Knani
- Robyn Taylor
- Sarah Turner
- Sherri Bewley
- Kate Madden
- Rachel Jenssen
5 Years of Service
- Alarna Page
- Christina Augustine
- Daniel Lane
- Ella Dargan
- Jennifer Dalwood
- Joanne Townsend
- Mariam Kaba
- Natalie Booley
- Timothy Clarke
- Charles Ward
- Daniel Cappelli
- Katie Sammut
- Keren Dewey
- Lisa Smith
- Mariela Longo
- Nurudeen Owolewa
- Teresa Dixon
