Paul Davidson is much more than a building manager

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Meet Paul Davidson – the Building Manager at Benjamin Short Grove aged care facility in Orange, NSW. Benjamin Short Grove accommodates up to 60 local vulnerable women and men. This includes those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, financially or socially disadvantaged, are in unstable accommodation or who lack the financial capacity and family support to access mainstream aged care facilities. He shared with us what he loves about his job and what brings him joy. 

“What I love about my role is the variety within the position. Benjamin Short Grove is positioned on five acres overlooking a local golf course (you could easily mistake it for a resort!).

“Recently, I have introduced a daily exercise program for the residents, which consists of strength, stability and flexibility sessions. Such activities include golf, tennis and Frisbee. The exercise programs break down barriers and have dramatically improved the quality of life for the residents, and many of whom have never exercised in the past.

“I also run a gardening program with the residents, where we propagate plants for the gardens and grow plants from seeds. I have arranged a horticulturalist (expert in garden cultivation) from Community Greening to visit the facility each month to conduct workshops on pottery, garden art and flower arranging.

“The best thing about my job is the residents. The majority have mental health issues and are not accustomed to people taking a genuine interest in them. I say good morning to each resident at the start of every day and have a quick chat to them. 

“The thing that brings me the most joy is making a positive change in people's lives. My work at Benjamin Short Grove has done that by improving the mental and physical health of the residents.”