When the hair salon Ragheb worked at shut down in 2012, he had to find alternative employment. A friend's suggestion to check out HammondCare's vacancies led him to a new career path.
Ragheb shares: ‘That’s how I ended up working with the laundry team at Hammondville. My manager at the time had started in the laundry too, and then went onto managing the team. I said to her: ‘’it looks like you might be able to grow here.’’
Over the past 12 years, Ragheb has seized every opportunity to further his career.
Here’s his story:
Starting as a casual and moving up
Initially, I balanced my mobile hairdressing clients with a casual role in the laundry team at Hammondville. My hard work led to a permanent position.
I was promoted to shift supervisor, managing the laundry services for HammondCare’s three hospitals and expanding services to our residential sites in Miranda and Wahroonga.
When a management position opened, I applied. Although I didn't get the role, I was encouraged to apply for a position in the Quality, Safety & Risk (QSR) team. With support and guidance from my laundry team manager, I prepared thoroughly for the interview and successfully transitioned to a role as a Quality, Safety and Risk Officer, supporting food safety and enabling projects.
This encouragement and recognition marked the beginning of many growth opportunities at HammondCare.
A proud moment
Earlier this year, I flew to our new residential site in South Australia at Daw Park to support the team on the ground for their first food safety licence inspection.
Despite initial nerves about dealing with local officials in South Australia (our other sites are located in NSW and Victoria), the inspection went exceptionally well. The inspectors were impressed to see the domestic kitchen design in each cottage and our fresh food culture, where residents are encouraged to get involved in food preparation. They all agreed the cottages felt like a home.
I felt proud to be part of an organisation that truly values residents’ engagement and choice.
Investment in my career journey
HammondCare has always encouraged my career development. They supported me through an internal management course before I transitioned from the laundry team.
In my QSR role, my manager encouraged me to take a short course in Project Management Fundamentals, teaching me about goals and objectives, which I now apply daily.
This year, as part of my development, I applied for and received a scholarship to complete a Diploma of Quality Auditing. This allows me to integrate my daily work with my studies, further enhancing my role. HammondCare's investment in my education has been pivotal in my professional growth.
Being on the same page
At HammondCare, everyone shares the same goal: caring for people in need. Reflecting on my day, I always feel proud of our achievements.
HammondCare’s relationship-based approach extends to employees, creating a great work culture and team environment.
I feel valued and supported, with my manager regularly acknowledging my efforts. This recognition boosts my confidence, motivating me to encourage colleagues to pursue new opportunities, just as I was encouraged. For me, this makes every day worthwhile.
If you're looking for a place to grow, be supported, and make a real difference, HammondCare is the place for you. Discover your next career move at HammondCare here.
