In 1988, Ruth Peacock moved into the bathroom of the Swansea Community Cottage, “sledgehammered the bath out, wedged a desk in” and began her career as a volunteer before going on to champion community and aged services in Lake Macquarie.
Now, after 30 years enabling local people to connect with their Swansea community and live at home longer, Ruth Peacock has happily retired, knowing she has left her clients in good hands.
As Manager of Lake Macquarie Support Services based at Swansea, Ruth had introduced a range of services, but she also knew that with the changes in aged and consumer directed care, the delivery of aged care packages was the future.
After considering several offers, Ruth and her board chose to merge with NovaCare Community Services to enable them to remain sustainable and deliver an expanded range of services to both new and existing clients.
NovaCare CEO, Joseph McCarthy said Ruth left a lasting mark on her clients and the organisation.
“Ruth’s love of people, sense of fun, optimism and determination have brought immense happiness and empowered countless people to continue living independently.”
Ruth retired on a high note, being named runner-up in the Lifetime Achievement category for the 2018 Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) Awards for Excellence for NSW/ACT.
When asked the secrets to her impressive achievements, she said “it’s by listening to the community, accepting change and accepting people from all walks of life”.
“Everyone has a story and everyone wants to be in their own home and to be able to do what they want to do,” Ruth said.
Now operating in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens areas, NovaCare delivers in-home support, award-winning home care packages, a calendar of social events and quality respite care.
NovaCare is renowned for bringing Cycling Without Age to the Hunter and runs the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie chapters of this worldwide movement that connects the generations, with pilots and passengers sharing their experiences and “the right to wind in their hair”.
IMAGE | Ruth Peacock with her daughter, Heather, at the awards.
