Meet the winners of the Sundale Sunny Awards 2026

In September, we held our first Sundale Sunny Awards, a night to celebrate the people behind the small moments that make Sundale feel like home.

Nine winners were recognised for living the Sundale values of Care, Connection and Creativity. Customer and team member experiences, leadership, volunteering and teamwork were also celebrated.

Here’s who they are and why they were recognised.

If you’re curious about what working in aged care on the Sunshine Coast looks like day to day, their stories are a good place to start.

Care Award: Mercy Lanyon

Mercy Lanyon received the Care Award for the empathy and kindness she brings to residents.

Her nomination highlighted the many thoughtful ways she takes time to make people feel cared for and known, from bringing flowers from her garden to singing and sharing activities with residents.

Care expressed through everyday actions and genuine human connection.

Connection Award: Mardi Jones

For Mardi Jones, activities are an opportunity to understand what residents enjoy and create experiences around those interests.

Since joining Sundale Bowder Care Centre, Mardi has brought energy, compassion and creativity to her role, introducing activities and experiences that encourage people to participate, connect and enjoy time together.

That commitment earned Mardi the 2026 Connection Award.

Creativity Award: Tayla Longland

Tayla Longland knows food can do much more than fill a plate.

At Sundale Coolum Waters, she puts thought into the way special occasions and meals are prepared and presented, looking for ways to make dining memorable for residents.

Her care, imagination and pride in her work were recognised with the Creativity Award.

Customer Exceptional Experience Award: Lauren O’Sullivan

When a friend collapsed at the pool, Lauren O’Sullivan responded immediately.

She called 000, checked vital signs and remained calm while help was on its way. Knowing the person had recently undergone major surgery, Lauren found heat packs and blankets to keep him comfortable. Afterwards, she made sure his dog was safely walked home.

Her response reflected care in its most practical form – noticing what needed to be done and being there when it mattered.

Lauren received the Customer Exceptional Experience Award.

Team Member Exceptional Experience Award: Nigel McLennan

As Maintenance Lead at Sundale Rod Voller Care Centre, Nigel McLennan is known for his calm, practical approach and willingness to help.

His nomination recognised not only the quality of his work, but also the way he supports colleagues, solves problems and contributes to an environment where residents and team members feel comfortable and supported.

Nigel was named the 2026 Team Member Exceptional Experience Award winner.

Volunteer of the Year: Kath Himstedt

Kath Himstedt has given an extraordinary 24 years of volunteer service to Sundale.

At Palmwoods, she has coordinated the community shop, worked alongside other volunteers, donated handmade items and helped organise fundraising activities, including book fests and seasonal raffles.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Kath also personally purchased and delivered requested items to residents so they could continue to enjoy some of the familiar comforts that mattered to them.

Her long-standing contribution was recognised with the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Leader of the Year: Karla May Villagracia

Leadership can often be seen most clearly in how people around a leader feel.

At Sundale Aloaka Care Centre, Residential Services Manager Karla May Villagracia is known for listening, considering different perspectives and supporting her team with respect and understanding.

Her approachable leadership style helps create a workplace where people can ask questions, seek support and contribute with confidence.

Karla was recognised as Sundale’s 2026 Leader of the Year.

Team Member of the Year: Louise Scott

For Louise Scott, creating a welcoming experience begins from a person’s very first interaction with Sundale.

Her role includes managing admissions and administration across residential aged care communities, but her nomination reflected a willingness to step outside those responsibilities whenever people needed support.

During a period of short staffing, Louise began her day helping in the kitchen before opening reception so residents could receive a hot breakfast.

That readiness to contribute wherever needed, while continuing to support residents, families and colleagues, saw Louise named Team Member of the Year.

Team of the Year: Sundale Bindaree Care Centre

The Sundale Bindaree Care Centre team received the Team of the Year Award.

Their nomination came from the experience of a family who described the kindness, respect and reassurance the team provided to their mother.

For a person who had long worried about becoming dependent on others, feeling safe, understood and at home made a profound difference.

It is a reminder that excellent aged care is not only about what people do. It is also about how their presence, patience and care make someone feel.

Recognising years of service across Team Sundale

The evening also recognised team members reaching significant service milestones, from five years through to more than 35 years with Sundale.

Paul Robinson was recognised for more than 35 years of service, while Desley Jamieson celebrated 25 years. Team members marking 20, 15, 10 and five years were also acknowledged.

Together, those milestones represent thousands of everyday interactions, relationships and experiences shared with residents, customers, families and colleagues.

Celebrating the people behind Sundale

The Sunny Awards were created to recognise people who bring Sundale’s values to life.

For residents and customers, those values are experienced in very human ways: someone remembering what matters to you, making you feel welcome, solving a problem, sharing a conversation or being there when you need support.

Congratulations to Mercy, Mardi, Tayla, Lauren, Nigel, Kath, Karla, Louise and the Sundale Bindaree Care Centre team, along with every finalist, nominee and team member recognised at the inaugural Sunny Awards.

Their roles may be different, but each contributes to something important: creating communities where people can feel known, respected and at home.

Explore aged care jobs on the Sunshine Coast

Interested in aged care jobs on the Sunshine Coast or becoming part of Team Sundale?

Explore current career opportunities with Sundale and discover how you can contribute to communities where care, connection and people come first.