The Odyssey Way

At Odyssey Lifestyle Care Communities in Robina, a people-first culture has created something rare — a workplace where families proudly work side by side in a community built on connection, care and belonging

At Odyssey Lifestyle Care Communities, something unusual yet distinctive is taking shape. Across the Robina community, several families work with one another; parents and adult children, husbands and wives and relatives share shifts. Not by design, but because it’s the kind of place people enjoy visiting.

And the reason is refreshing as it is simple: it’s a good place to work. In a community that has always prioritised connection for its residents, the effect has organically extended to its team. Odyssey is an organisation known for putting people first and leading with a heart-centred approach and this doesn’t only benefit residents; it radiates out to the staff.

Odyssey resident with wellness and care leader Rebecca Hamer

Odyssey Lifestyle Care Communities founder Phil Usher says when a place is welcoming and rewarding to live, it’s no surprise it’s equally as good to be a part of.

“While most businesses avoid having family working together, we see it as a compliment,” he says. “Word of mouth is a powerful device and when a workplace is supportive, respectful and fulfilling, it’s no different. I always set out to create a place that puts people first and focuses on connections; couples stay together, pets are welcome and grandkids can have sleepovers, and I think the number of families working with us is a testament to that.”

On any given day, that sense of connection is easy to spot at Odyssey Robina. At the heart of operations is the Usher family, with Phil helping shape strategy and vision, his wife Rosie working in the lifestyle department to ensure residents embrace life and celebrate independence, and their daughter Laura working as a Heart Guardian to make new residents feel comfortable and valued.

Odyssey Family: Alex Myrtoglou and Rebecca Moratis

Next, Aaron Lavell doubles up as Odyssey’s CEO and a very capable Elvis impersonator, his wife Janine assures there’s never a dull moment in the lifestyle team, while their daughter Sophie brings warmth tending to residents in the restaurant.

There’s Alex Myrtoglou behind the concierge, whose friendly manner is matched by his mother Rebecca Moratis, who heads up industry liaison and Odyssey’s unique Aged Care Assist program. Elsewhere, Rebecca Hamer, incredibly capable and compassionate, leads wellness and care, while her husband Mike, runs the maintenance team. Over in the restaurant, Food and Beverage Manager Mia Bray works alongside her son Xavier, creating a seamless and spot on dining experience for residents and their guests.

Odyssey’s Head Chef Kevin Brown prepares fresh and delicious meals each daily, catering for a full range of dietary requirements while his son Bradley takes great care of diners during restaurant service times.

And then there’s Petra Mrak leading the welcome team and whose lovely Slovenian smile is complemented by her daughter Ula, who works in the food services team doting on residents.

Mr Usher says while they welcome family connections, every role is achieved on merit and professionalism in the first instance.

“Our entire team promotes and respects our vision where the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of our residents is paramount,” he says. “Ability, experience and attitude always come before relationships, and it’s been a positive outcome and coincidence that some of the people we’ve hired also happen to be related to our current team.”

Rosie Usher and Janine Lavell

Mr Usher says having family members within their ranks has strengthened the team and elevated Odyssey’s culture.

“We’ve found that when our team works alongside family, it tends to lift the standard rather than lower it,” he says. “We’ve long had a saying, ‘if it’s not good enough for mum, it’s not good enough’ and this resonates more so when you’re around family and especially so in the workplace. People do a better job when they care, not only about the work, but about one another.”

When it comes to Odyssey Lifestyle Care Communities, one thing is abundantly clear: the community is full of warmth and a genuine sense of belonging, and that comes directly from the people who get behind and support the Odyssey ethos of creating a brighter future for seniors.

Click here: www.odysseycommunities.com.au for more