Meet Neil and Katie from our Grounds and Maintenance Team

Neil and Katie bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to Christian Homes Tasmania’s Grounds and Maintenance team.
They keep our gardens and outdoor spaces vibrant, safe, and welcoming for residents and the wider community. As well as home maintenance and caring for the spaces of our home care clients.

Neil, our Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, has been with CHT for nearly ten years and brings a wealth of experience. Originally from England, Neil’s love for outdoor work led him to progress from Grounds Maintenance Officer to Senior Grounds Officer, and now to Grounds Maintenance Supervisor. Supported by CHT, he completed his Cert III in Horticulture at TAFE. His role now includes overseeing daily operations, handling work orders, managing contractors, and leading projects that enhance CHT’s outdoor spaces.

For Neil, building connections with residents is a rewarding part of the role. “When I first started working at CHT, I was always at Roches Beach. I got to know a lot of the old blokes there; they always wanted a chat, and sometimes we’d even have lunch together. You don’t realise what they’ve done in life until they start telling you their stories.”

Katie joined CHT around six months ago and represents a new generation in the team, bringing a fresh perspective and a background in horticulture. She works across all our sites, caring for gardens, mowing, and keeping the grounds safe and tidy. She also visits clients at home through our Home Care program, supporting those who aren’t ready for aged care but benefit from extra help.

Katie finds joy in creating appealing outdoor views for residents, especially those who may not be able to get outside. “It’s rewarding when you can see the difference it makes for people, particularly if they can’t leave their room and have the view outside. I try to make it look the best it can,” she says. Katie has also taken on indoor tasks, such as changing taps and plastering, broadening her skills and showing that horticulture and grounds work can be diverse and fulfilling. Sometimes residents are surprised to see her visit for home maintenance, but they are encouraging, "Some of the resident's say, ‘Oh, a woman’s here to do it! Are you allowed to do it?' But then they'd follow up with, 'my granddaughter would love to do this.' And I say they should go for it!"

Our grounds team is a mix of experience and fresh ideas, and together they’re dedicated to enriching residents’ lives, keeping our sites well-maintained, and constantly working on projects that support CHT’s mission of quality and care.