Sarah Barker, Service (PEOPLE & PORTRAIT 2025)

Servery staff in aged care are often overlooked, yet they play a vital role in the daily lives of residents. In this facility, they transform routine meals into moments of dignity and connection - offering an à la carte menu and waiting on tables - contributing to a sense of normalcy in the daily lives of older Australians. There are approximately 456,000 aged care workers in Australia, with around 40% born overseas. Many work under increasing pressure due to staff shortages and the demands of an aging population. This portrait aims to honour these workers and contribute to a broader conversation about visibility, value, and care in Australian society.

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