Practical skills are the order of the day for Jon

Jon Tupou is the man that Liscombe House staff turns to whenever there is a maintenance issue that needs fixing.

He started working with Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria in June this year, and soon found himself up to the eyes in ordering in PPE, setting up sanitation stations, installing perspex screens and a host of other crucial COVID-19 safety measures.

“I am loving it,” Jon said.

“I enjoy the challenges of not knowing what the day brings, and rearranging and priorities issues that may arise. It is a job that adapts many times throughout the day, and you have to think on your feet to arrive at workable solutions,” he said.

Jon and his family have long been associated with working in aged care. They all find it rewarding employment, not least because of the people but also the varied nature of the work.

Before coming to OCAV, Jon had been helping his son establish his carpentry- construction business. Before that he had spent a decade working with a large national agedcare provider supporting many facilities with maintenance management and accreditation preparations.

A gentle giant of a man, Jon started off in carpentry when he left school. He spent four years as an apprentice, then enjoyed ten years working as a carpenter and supervisor on building sites before moving into aged care.

“For me, aged care was a natural calling because I wanted to work in an industry that impacted positively on people,” Jon said.

He especially loves working around older people, admiring their gumption and positive attitude to life.

“Every older person at Liscombe House has a wonderful life story which they are happy to share. I enjoy hearing about their contributions which have helped mould what we, as a society, are today. I love their zest for life and to have lived through an era where things were not handed on a plate to them,” Jon said.

The strong family atmosphere of Liscombe House appeals to Jon. He was born in Tonga, a South Pacific island where family is central to daily life. The family moved to Australia when his father received a scholarship to study in Queensland. After his father passed away, the family successfully applied for permanent residency and moved to Melbourne to be closer to the extended family.

“Family has always been important to me, and I know how important families are to our residents here,” Jon said.

“My role has been more than a hands-on role during COVID-19. We are engaging more with residents for a quick chat, laugh and a bit of company.”

When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his two adult children and two teenagers, all living in the same house…and he says they are all still smiling.

Best of all, though, is the knowledge that each day his work helps older people feel less vulnerable and safer.

“That makes me proud,” Jon said.