SONAM Dechen has come a long way from Bhutan in the Eastern Himalayas to arrive in Shepparton and become a valued new staff member with leading aged care providerShepparton Villages.
But many people are glad she’s made the journey – and so is she.
Having immigrated to Australia less than a year ago, Sonam is getting the opportunity to apply her nursing skills and experience in a very different environment – one that’s just a little bit warmer too.
Maculata Place at Shepparton Villages is fortunate to have Sonam on board, bringing with her the benefit of a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Thailand, and five years of demanding experience in ER (Emergency Room) nursing back in Bhutan.
She’s getting to apply her knowledge and skills in a different way here in Australia and says she is enjoying the opportunity to get to know the people in her care more closely than she could in her previous role.
Overall, Sonam says life in Shepparton is busy but peaceful, with a good work-life balance.
Sonam is one of a new generation of care staff who have arrived at Shepparton Villages over the past year – employed both locally and from overseas – as part of a major recruitment drive to make sure residents are getting all the care and support they need.
Given the opportunity to move to the US or to Australia, Sonam said she chose Australia, which offered many attractions including the fact that she already had a sister living here.
She’s found there is a supportive Bhutanese community, mostly in Melbourne, but with a small and friendly group in Shepparton too, making her transition to Australian life just that little bit easier.
She’s grateful to her migration agent, Global Talent Agency, and to the staff and residents of Maculata Place, who she says have made her feel very welcome.
It’s still early days – but so far, so good: “Shepparton has been good to me.”
Shepparton Villages is the Goulburn Valley’s biggest locally owned and managed not-for-profit aged care provider, operating across three distinctive villages in Shepparton, Kialla and Mooroopna, each offering a range of independent living and supported care options.
Shepparton Villages continues to seek new team members across a range of roles including nurses (Registered Nurses and Medication Endorsed Enrolled Nurses), Personal Care Workers, and kitchen and catering staff. See ad on these pages or go to: https://sheppvillages.com.au/join-the-team.
