Last Wednesday’s celebrations began with Filipino staff showing off an Oasiwas, a gentle, swaying lantern-dance associated with fishing communities.
Observed officially on June 12, the celebrations reflected the aged-care home’s initiative in representing and harnessing the diversity within its workforce.
"We hold meetings and brainstorm," activities manager Stacey Edgar said.
"We look for things coming up throughout the year, think about our people and resources and plan for them."
Staff had been practising for about a month before presenting their dance-set to their audience of residents and visitors.
Manager Steph Leith said learning about staff’s diverse backgrounds was stimulating and interesting for residents, and showed staff they were valued by welcoming culture and tradition as well as hard work.
