Award winning graduate brings fun and friendship to aged care

It takes a special type of person to provide the kindness and care that our elderly community deserves. Brianna Keep is one of those people. Her dedication to delivering meaningful care has always come naturally and was recognised when she was named the 2025 Work & Training Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.

Brianna’s journey with the Emmerton Park Aged Care facility in Smithton began when she was still in high school – visiting regularly as part of her Community Services studies. Now 21 and a qualified Leisure and Health practitioner, she is a valued member of the Emmerton Park team who understands the difference her work makes in the everyday lives of the residents.

“It makes me feel good when they’re happy. It’s nice to know that I’m making them live a better life. When you’re doing Leisure and Lifestyle, you’re not just a carer, you’re more of a friend,” Brianna said.

Born and raised in the Circular Head region on Tasmania’s northwest tip, Brianna brings energy and warmth to her work. She particularly enjoys taking the residents out of the care centre for coffee or a walk, adding a little extra brightness to their day. On her days off, she often brings in her dachshund, Winston, who has been charming residents with tricks and licks since he was twelve weeks old.

Throughout her traineeship, Work & Training (part of the IntoWork Group) has supported Brianna’s development. Brianna says her consultant, Ros Connolly, has always been available and offered support beyond simply monitoring the requirements of her training. “She’s been really good. We just talked about normal stuff; about work and life and everything else. She’s someone you can talk to about anything. It’s made the whole process really easy.”

Ros says the development she’s seen in Brianna since the pair first met has been nothing short of remarkable. “When I first met Brianna, she was very shy and reserved, and I wondered how she might cope in such a social, dynamic role. But over time, she has blossomed into a confident, engaging person – full of laughter and fun, always smiling. I am so proud of how far she’s come.”

Brianna says one of the highlights of her role is taking some of her regulars out fishing. “We just sit on the edge of the jetty and cast off from there,” she said. “If they can’t throw the line out very far, they can just drop it over the edge. They’ll still catch one – it’s happened plenty of times.”

For Brianna, it’s clear that the heart of her work is building genuine relationships and helping residents feel seen, valued and at home.

“We try to comfort them with anything they need or anything they’re missing.  And if there’s something they’re interested in, we try to bring it to them, to make them feel like they’re at home. It’s important that we provide them with the appropriate care, but you need to be their friend too.”