Tamworth local Jenny Hutson’s daily acts of care rarely make headlines. She works the night shift in an aged care facility, dedicating herself to her residents in their times of need.

But that quiet recognition is about to get a little louder when she swaps sneakers for heels next month, heading to Sydney as a finalist in the Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution (RFBI) Employee of the Year Award.

The RFBI operates 22 residential care villages, 20 retirement villages, and home care services across NSW and ACT.

For the Tamworth carer, it’s a moment to celebrate quiet dedication to the people she has been serving for over 20 years.

Her shift starts at 9:45pm and finishes at 6:15am the next morning, but she has always stayed around a bit longer in case extra things needed to be done or colleagues needed briefing. She works seven night shifts a fortnight.

“No two nights are the same. You just don’t know what’s going to happen,” she said. “You just hear the buzzers going off and you do your rounds and do your work.”

“I just love it. I love caring for the residents, and if something is not going right with a resident, I try and come up with another strategy to help them.”

General Manager of RFBI Tamworth Masonic Village, Ben Callaghan, said he was so proud Jenny had been named a finalist for the award.

“She is not only a dedicated professional, Jenny is the kind of person who lifts everyone around her,” he said.

“Her positive impact is immeasurable, and she is truly deserving of the Employee of the Year Award.”

Hearing her colleagues speak so highly of her made Jenny feel she had already won. “I just feel like a winner now,” she said. “I’m very humbled and very appreciative that they’ve thought of me.”

When asked what she felt she had done in her work to be nominated, she said she always tried to care for residents and assist colleagues with warmth and care.

“Some people also say they learn a lot from me when they’re working with me, such as techniques, bedside manner, and just the tasks you’ve got to do on night shifts.”

Jenny said she could hardly believe it when she found out about the nomination.

“It was just a shock, and I was surprised. It was very humbling, and it’s just nice to be appreciated.”

She said she couldn’t wait for the opportunity to get all dressed up and head to Sydney for the presentation night in September.

“I’ve got to go out and buy a dress,” she laughed.

In her free time, Jenny said she loved going to the movies, spending time with her family, and going down to the local club for the raffles. She wanted to thank her husband, Greg, who had always been very supportive.

“He always wakes me up for my night shift and makes sure my tea is cooked by 7 o’clock. He’s very supportive in this way,” she said.

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