2026 Residential Care Awards, Residential Carer finalist – Recognising Donna's dedication to caring for young people

Gateways Support Services is proud to celebrate Donna, who has been named a finalist in the 2026 Residential Care Awards, hosted by the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare as part of ResiROCKS. 

The recognition reflects Donna's extraordinary commitment to young people with complex needs and the profound difference she has made throughout almost a decade of service at Gateways. Reaching 10 years with the organisation in December 2026, Donna has become known for her unwavering belief in every young person's potential and her determination to never give up on those she supports.  

Throughout her career, Donna has consistently stepped forward to support young people with complex disabilities, behaviours, and support needs. She has built a reputation for providing far more than support alone, investing deeply in relationships, long term outcomes, and ensuring every young person is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Donna's practice has been her commitment to continuity of care. Over the years, she has supported several young people as they transitioned from Out of Home Care into adult living arrangements within Gateways, maintaining relationships that have spanned up to nine years. 

For young people who have often experienced significant change and uncertainty, Donna's consistent presence has provided stability, trust, and reassurance through critical life transitions. Her willingness to remain alongside them throughout their journey reflects her understanding that meaningful growth happens when young people feel safe, connected, and supported by people who truly know them. 

A powerful example of Donna's impact can be seen in her work with one young person who entered Out of Home Care at 13 years of age with very limited verbal communication. Through years of patience, persistence, and encouragement, Donna helped him develop the skills and confidence to communicate more effectively. 

By embedding communication opportunities into everyday routines and consistently modelling key language, she supported him to move from speaking only a few words to engaging in meaningful conversations.  

Her impact extends beyond the individuals she supports. Colleagues value Donna's experience, reliability, and willingness to share knowledge. She is a trusted team member who leads by example, offering guidance and support to newer staff while helping create a culture of collaboration, consistency, and respect. 

Donna's calm approach, particularly in challenging situations, provides reassurance to both young people and colleagues. Her insights, built over years of direct experience, contribute significantly to reflective practice and improved outcomes across teams. 

Those who have worked alongside Donna describe her as a nurturing and deeply caring presence. 

"The impact of Donna's work is deeply felt, even when the young people she supports cannot always express it in words. Their trust, comfort and positive behaviour around Donna speak volumes about the strong relationships she builds. She creates a sense of belonging and safety that is essential for growth, and it is clear that the young people she supports feel secure, valued and truly cared for in her presence." 

Donna's finalist recognition celebrates a career built on consistency, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping young people thrive. Through her dedication, she has helped unlock communication, build independence, strengthen connections, and create lasting positive change in the lives of the young people she supports. 

Everyone at Gateways congratulates Donna on this well-deserved achievement and wishes her the very best for the Residential Care Awards in August. Her impact is immeasurable, and her work continues to embody the very best of residential care.