Excellence Awards winner profile: Perry Cooper
Continuing our profiles on the winners of our inaugural Anglicare Southern Queensland Excellence Awards, this month we meet Symes Thorpe Maintenance Officer Perry Cooper.
Perry started at Symes Thorpe almost seven years ago, after previously working as a truck driver in the Transport Industry.
In the early days he worked locally, for the last 25 years doing interstate long hauls. His favourite runs were carting exploration gear into the desert.
Recently Perry won the Client Services Award, which recognises and celebrates individuals who have made a significant contribution to delivering outstanding client services outcomes.
Symes Thorpe Maintenance Officer Perry Cooper was recently recognised for his hard work and dedication at the inaugural Anglicare Southern Queensland Excellence Awards in May, 2021.
“It was lovely to win and totally unexpected. I am very appreciative of those who voted for me,” he said.
“My partner and I attended the awards ceremony which was lovely. It was great to also have the support of some of the team from Symes Thorpe there to cheer me on.
“I know some of the other nominees and I would’ve been happy to support them if they had won. Anglicare has some great staff.”
Symes Thorpe Facility Manager Toni Hynes said Perry was a joy to work with and always goes above and beyond to help out the residents.
“Perry is such a joy to have around, the residents love him, and he is so willing to help with anything they ask of him,” she said.
“Perry buzzes about, doesn’t stop and is always happy to chat have a laugh and smile which is wonderful for Symes Thorpe. Perry is so respectful, courteous and kind.”
Perry said he enjoys working for Anglicare Southern Queensland as it provides him the “satisfaction of providing a service that others benefit from, ensuring staffs and residents are happy.”
“I love my job, it’s very rewarding and I really enjoy working with generously minded people. If you can say something that helps another and encourages them to enjoy the day, it’s a bonus.”
As a Maintenance Officer, Perry is continually working around the clock to ensure all systems and equipment are working at Symes Thorpe.
This month he will embark on a motorbike trip to Western Australia with some friends, which he is looking forward to.
“I love reading, doing woodwork, motorcycling, and spending time with family. I like to travel all over Australia seeking out the places that I have read about,” he said.
His favourite saying is: “Everyday above ground is a great day.”
A huge congratulations to Perry and the Client Services Award category nominees Tacy Tillet and Tanya Atkins.
