Lesa Scholl
23 January 2025
Aged care chaplain Reverend Kirsty Brown was recently named as the recipient of Uniting AgeWell’s 2024 Excellence Award for Residential Care in Victoria.
The awards celebrate staff members who demonstrate leadership and commitment in their roles.
Ms Brown’s citation noted that her approachable manner instilled trust and confidence, which made people feel valued.
For Ms Brown, the award meant recognition not just of her work, but of the value of holistic care and chaplaincy in general.
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Ms Brown’s ministry is a part of her family heritage. Her great-grandmother was a part of the Presbyterian church in Melbourne that established one of the earliest Uniting AgeWell facilities.
Her mother was also a strong influence, taking Ms Brown and her brother to visit their elderly neighbour Mrs Kirkland when they were children.
Through this experience, she learned how important it was to care for the elderly and build relationships with them.
It was very special that her mother was able to attend the award ceremony, Ms Brown said.
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Director of Mission Reverend Clare Brockett described Ms Brown as innovative and inclusive. “She draws people in,” she said.
Ms Brown said that it was really meaningful that her community felt that their own spirituality and belief systems were honoured and respected. “It’s about being someone who listens and hears their stories and respects and honours them,” she said.
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