“I’m still just me – only more dedicated and inspired than ever,” is the way Dario Musco sums up how being Uniting AgeWell 2024 Employee of the Year has shaped his life over the last 12 months. 

With the countdown to this year’s AgeWell Awards on Thursday, Dario, who was also honoured with the 2024 Living our Values Award, reflects on a big year.   

He’s gone from being a Care Organiser at Loddon Mallee South Home Care in Castlemaine to earlier this year moving back to Melbourne where he is a Team Co-Ordinator based at our Community Hub Burwood East.   

He co-ordinates a team in organising the vital behind-the-scenes role of getting services in place for customers.  Making it all happen.  He’s also been a Training Champion delivering two training sessions to Care Advisors on the new Support at Home now in place following the Aged Care Reforms going live on 1 November. 

“Being honoured with the award was truly a proud yet humbling moment,” says Dario.  “I am honoured that the organisation believes in me.  I will continue to do everything in my power, and more, to live up to this accolade.” 

That’s how he rolls.  Dario has always lived up to his values in putting older people first, both at work and at home.  In the latter case, his partner Ric’s father, Richard.  

“I’ve always interacted with customers the same way I would like my parents to be cared for,” explains Dario.  “Suddenly life was moving full circle.  I was family of a customer needing home services.  Suddenly I found myself walking the path I have so often helped others to walk: to find the best possible care to enable this wonderful, dear man to live safely and independently at home in Melbourne.”   

Actions for Dario have always spoken louder than words.  First he and Ric moved to a house in Doncaster to be closer to Richard’s home in Lower Templestowe.  “Then I presented Richard with a list of aged care providers to consider, and I’m so happy he chose to go with the best services delivered by the most caring people ever – our staff.” 

Richard stayed with Dario and Ric while his home was being prepared for him and home support put in place.  However, it became apparent that Richard’s Alzheimer’s disease was progressing. 

“He went into respite care at our Box Hill Community for a while and really enjoyed it.  He’s moved in permanently now and is happy and being very well cared for,” explains Dario. “It’s very emotional for me, like I have come full circle.  The staff there are wonderful, the team members all certainly lead by example.  I just know in my heart Richard could not be in a better place during this stage of his journey.”

Meanwhile Dario, who has taken part in the annual Pride March under the Uniting AgeWell banner, is also very active on the Uniting AgeWell Diversity and Inclusion Committee where he feels he has made a valuable contribution. “Uniting AgeWell allows me to be who I am.  I am not afraid to demonstrate my passion and my background.”  He believes he has contributed to the organisation through his role on the committee and plans to continue down this path.

“I’m still just me,” the 63-year-old says.  “I’m excited to continue to grow and learn when it comes to serving our customers, wherever that journey takes me within Uniting AgeWell.”