“I wanted to make a difference.” Working in childcare, while maintaining both horse-drawn gypsy wagons and an animal nursery, is where Madonna Logue began her career journey toward aged care, a path which keeps evolving over time as her passion grows. Madonna is the Lifestyle Coordinator at Violet Town Bush Nursing Centre, who even today continues her training as if it goes hand in hand with employment. Madonna began her study with Certificates II and III in Aged Care and Disability before a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment. This was followed by a Diploma in Community Services. Her jobs have been as numerous as her many qualifications, one in her ‘early days’ being the training of students at Euroa Secondary College in community services. “That’s when I did my Diploma in Careers Counselling,” and the qual’s just keep coming, leading to this year where she has just completed her Certificate IV in Dementia Care through Dementia Australia. On top of all this she completed the Fairley Leadership Program with the focus on the Violet Town community and leadership in recognition of an aging community. “As my interest grew, the opportunities grew,” she said. “I just followed this pathway into aged care, first helping those socially isolated in their own homes, preparing lunches, making jams, and playing cards.” In keeping with her modest style, Madonna loves to promote her fellow workers, but she has a simple message for those starting out in a career that requires training. “There is so much out there that you can do to gain training,” she said. “Learning is lifelong; I am over the fifty mark, but learning is life long and an active brain is the hallmark of a productive person. “I was what we called a ‘remedial’ student at school, never above C grade, no HSC, and diagnosed with ADHD at 40 years old. “So, the pathway can be a long one, but if you have a passion then you will find a pathway that will fit. “Learning is power.”
