Wyndham Volunteer's 28 Years of Care Honoured

Judy Geary has spent 28 years volunteering at the Wyndham and Districts Community Rest Home. On Saturday, Southland District Council made it official.

Mayor Rob Scott presented Geary with a Community Service Award from the council and the Waihōpai Toetoe Community Board, recognising what amounts to roughly 330 board meetings and nearly three decades of unpaid commitment to aged care in rural Southland.

Geary has been on the rest home's board since it opened in 1998 — the longest-serving member. A registered nurse, she brought clinical expertise to governance decisions and volunteered as the weekend on-call registered nurse for years when the facility needed cover.

Scott paid tribute to her leadership and consistency in a sector that has faced significant pressure from government reforms and rising operational costs.

"She has helped the organisation navigate the many challenges and the changes faced within the aged-care industry, always with a focus on providing the highest standard of care for older people in our rural community here," he said.

"This community wouldn't be the same without people like Judy who lead by example, roll their sleeves up and get the work done. She is a very deserving recipient of this award."

Fellow board member David Dumbleton recalled the hands-on role Geary played in the original development of the facility alongside fellow registered nurse Dorothy Marshall.

"From the very beginning, every member of the committee was heavily involved in the redevelopment project, particularly the two registered nurses on the committee, Judy Geary and Dorothy Marshall. They invested an enormous amount of time and thought into creating the facility we see today," Dumbleton said.

"We wanted the residents' rooms to be the very best we could afford, and Judy and Dorothy were at the forefront of that vision. They obtained large sheets of cardboard and marked out the actual dimensions of the rooms, including the bed, chair, and table, always mindful that these rooms would become 'home' for our residents."

Board members also noted Geary's work analysing rosters and steering the rest home through the financial and operational upheaval that followed recent government reforms to the aged-care sector.

"Her thoughtful approach, practical expertise, and steadfast commitment have helped the board navigate a path that enables the rest home to meet its contractual obligations while remaining financially responsible and sustainable for the future," Mayor Scott said.

"Judy's contribution to the Wyndham and Districts Community Rest Home has been extraordinary. Through nearly three decades of service, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and care for both residents and staff. Her legacy can be seen not only in the facility itself, but also in the quality of care and sense of community it continues to provide."