Meet the finalists for RFBI’s 2026 Mentor of the Year Award

• RFBI News

Sonia Lim 11 Sep 2026

Great mentors do more than share their knowledge. They build confidence, encourage others to grow and help create a culture where people feel supported to do their best.

As part of the 2026 RFBI Showcase Awards, we’re proud to celebrate three outstanding team members who have been named finalists for the Mentor of the Year Award.

Brooke Roberts – RFBI Bellingen Masonic Village

Since joining RFBI in 2025, Care Manager Brooke Roberts has quickly become a trusted mentor and source of support for the team at Bellingen.

Brooke combines strong clinical knowledge with compassion and emotional intelligence, taking the time to coach and empower staff at all levels. Whether supporting a new Registered Nurse, helping a carer build medication competency or guiding a team member through a challenging situation, Brooke creates a safe and positive environment where people can ask questions and grow.

Her hands-on leadership also contributes to continuous improvement across clinical care, including falls prevention, medication management, behaviour support and clinical governance. Above all, Brooke’s mentorship helps build a more confident and capable team, ultimately improving the experience of residents and families.

Marni Parker – RFBI Cessnock Masonic Village

Care Worker Marni Parker has been part of RFBI since 2022 and is recognised for her positive energy, professionalism and genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

Marni plays an important role in supporting new medication-competent staff, sharing her knowledge and helping colleagues build confidence in clinical care. She works closely with the Care Manager and Education Officer to support best practice and create a learning environment where questions are welcomed and development is encouraged.

Her approachable and inclusive nature makes her a positive role model for colleagues, while her focus on safe, compassionate care ensures her mentorship has a direct impact on residents.

Joanne Mayberry – RFBI West Wyalong Masonic Village

Care Manager Joanne Mayberry has been with RFBI since 2019 and brings more than 30 years of clinical experience to her role as a mentor and leader.

Jo leads by example, sharing her expertise in areas including wound care, infection control and palliative care, while supporting Registered Nurses and care staff through informal teaching, scrums and day-to-day guidance.

One example of Jo’s compassionate leadership was her support of a resident experiencing significant distress following the loss of his wife. Through patience, reassurance and a consistent approach, Jo helped improve his wellbeing while also sharing her strategies with the wider team to ensure consistent support across shifts.

Jo is highly respected by residents, families, colleagues and GPs, and is known for combining clinical excellence with warmth, humour and genuine care.

Celebrating our mentors

From building confidence in new team members to sharing decades of clinical knowledge, Brooke, Marni and Joanne demonstrate the powerful difference a great mentor can make.

Congratulations to Brooke Roberts, Marni Parker and Joanne Mayberry on being named finalists for Mentor of the Year. Thank you for supporting your colleagues, sharing your knowledge and helping create stronger teams and better outcomes for our residents.

Want to see all of our amazing nominees and finalists? Visit our website to explore the full list of finalists across all categories of the 2026 RFBI Showcase Awards.