Caregiver Nicole up for national award

Published 6:00am 16 November 2023

Words by Nick Crockford

Nicole Moreton, from Margate, will carry Queensland’s hopes at tonight’s Dovida Australian CAREGiver of the Year awards.

The mother-of-two is up against state winners from Victoria, New South Wales and West Australia at the gala night in Sydney.

Nicole’s journey began when she was caring for her ailing father. She wanted nothing more than to bring him home - but did not get that chance.

From a sad personal position came a desire to help others get the care they need, in the comfort and familiarity of their home.

In the two years since, Nicole has provided exceptional relationship-based, in-home care for Dovida Brisbane North and Caboolture.

“The care she offers our clients comes straight from her heart,” Home Instead Brisbane North and Caboolture’s Robyn Knox and Roxanne Green said.

Nicole Moreton being congratulated on her win at the Queensland awards.

“Nicole is an extremely humble person. When we spoke to her about nominating her, she was lost for words.

“Resilience is one of Nicole’s key strengths. Nicole works with clients and families that are extremely complex.

“But with her commitment, dedication and devotion, she provides the best service, while maintaining a wonderful, positive, happy and approachable attitude.”

Nicole was honoured to be nominated for doing something she enjoyed.

“We have so many amazing carers on our team and I am thrilled to have won the Queensland accolade,” she said.

“It’s not just a job to me, I come from a family of aged care workers and we have always just wanted to help others.

Nicole Morton (third left) with (from left) Home Instead Australia CEO Kris Whitehead, Home Instead Brisbane North & Caboolture Office owner Simon Waigh, and Home Instead Group Chief People Officer Amanda Spencer, at the Queensland awards.

“What sparked my passion was caring for my father. Sad as it was losing Dad and my brother last year, it made me realise this was what I wanted to do.”

The winner of the CAREGiver of the Year Awards, in their 14^th year, will be announced at a gala event in Sydney tonight.

“Our CAREGivers are at the heart of everything we do,” Home Instead CEO Kris Whitehead said.

“We are incredibly proud of the contribution each of our 4000 caregivers make within the community around Australia.”

The four finalists for the 2023 are Kenneth Penaluna (Vic); Julianne Tombleson (NSW); Nicole Morton (Qld); and Michelle Allison (WA).

As well as the national recognition, the winner receives a trophy, certificate and gift voucher to the value of $1000.