Showcase Spotlight: Five Finalists from RFBI Dubbo Masonic Village Recognised for Excellence in Aged Care

• RFBI News
• Village News

Sonia Lim 22 Aug 2025

At RFBI Dubbo Masonic Village, dedication to quality care, teamwork and innovation isn’t just part of the job, it’s the standard. This year, that commitment has been recognised in a big way, with five finalist nominations in our 2025 RFBI Showcase Awards, celebrating the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of residents.

From leadership in clinical care and quality improvement to hands-on service excellence and frontline support, the finalists from our village in Dubbo reflect the depth of talent and heart that defines the village’s team culture.

“Aged Care Employee Day is when we celebrate excellence across the sector and I could not be prouder of my team members who have been recognised as a nominee or finalist for an award this year,” said Delwyn Gates, General Manager of RFBI Dubbo Masonic Village. “I wish all of our finalists the best in September. I hope we have winners from Dubbo!”

Let’s meet the 2025 RFBI Showcase Award finalists from Dubbo:

Team of the Year Finalist – Laundry Team (Sunny Singh & Richard O’Connell)

Since joining in early 2024, Sunny Singh and Richard O’Connell have turned the Dubbo laundry into a model of efficiency, pride and resident-centred care. They’ve doubled laundry cycles, introduced organised labelling systems and uphold infection control protocols with meticulous attention; ensuring residents always receive clean, well-presented clothing.

Beyond operational excellence, Sunny and Richard bring warmth and kindness to every shift. Their positive attitudes, self-management and willingness to innovate have improved staff workflows and resident satisfaction alike. Recognised by audits, residents and management, this is a team that not only gets the job done, but does it with purpose and pride.

Mentor of the Year Finalist – Kate Berryman, Nurse Educator and Care Assessment Coordinator

Since joining RFBI Dubbo in 2023, Kate Berryman has become a vital mentor and educator within the team. Calm, approachable and deeply respected, Kate has created a safe and supportive environment where staff, especially new and overseas RNs, feel empowered to learn and grow.

Kate’s leadership has led to noticeable improvements in documentation quality, onboarding, compliance and infection control. She’s developed innovative tools, including visual flowcharts, IDDSI diet guides and one-on-one mentoring sessions that have transformed learning into something practical and empowering. Kate’s influence extends well beyond formal training, she’s a trusted support for both clinical staff and residents, embodying RFBI’s values of respect, integrity and excellence.

Employee of the Year Finalist – Sandeep Kaur, Care Manager

Appointed as Care Manager in 2023, Sandeep (Sandy) Kaur has been instrumental in leading clinical excellence across the village. Known for her meticulous documentation, proactive education and high audit standards, Sandy regularly supports other RFBI villages and care managers with her knowledge and experience.

Sandy is deeply committed to resident-centred care, building strong relationships with residents and families while delivering measurable improvements in satisfaction and outcomes. Whether stepping in to assist on the floor, coordinating allied health care or resolving family concerns with compassion, Sandy is always present and hands-on. She also leads by example supporting all departments when needed and fostering a true sense of team unity. Her leadership was pivotal in the village’s flawless audit in November 2024, a testament to her dedication and excellence.

Employee of the Year Finalist – Ashley Senekal, Quality Officer

Ashley Senekal plays a critical role in maintaining and improving care quality across the organisation. Ashley supports villages through audits, mentorship and compliance planning, ensuring teams are always striving for best practice. Her honesty, attention to detail, and quiet leadership make her a valued role model within the wider RFBI community.

Whether mentoring new Quality Officers or guiding teams through system improvements, Ashley’s calm and methodical approach inspires confidence and continuous improvement at every level.

Employee of the Year Finalist – Mohammed Ashikus Salehin (Ash), Administration Supervisor

As the friendly face at the front desk and a steady presence behind the scenes, Ash Salehin has redefined what great frontline leadership looks like. His kind and inclusive approach, combined with a deep understanding of administrative systems, has significantly enhanced front-of-house services for residents, families and staff.

Ash is known for going the extra mile, mentoring team members, supporting families through complex processes and being a calming and compassionate presence in moments that matter. His commitment to putting people first is evident in every interaction and perfectly aligns with RFBI’s mission to provide warm, person-centred care.

These five finalists represent everything that RFBI stands for: compassion, professionalism and a deep commitment to resident wellbeing. Their contributions have not only enriched our village community in Dubbo, but have also raised the standard for excellence across RFBI.

The winners of the 2025 RFBI Showcase Awards will be announced at a special celebration evening in September, where finalists from across the organisation will be honoured among their peers and industry leaders.

Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the outstanding finalists from our villages across RFBI.