From Dubai to Deniliquin, Chinchu Joseph finally feels like she’s home.

November 21, 2025

After working as a neonatal nurse in the Middle East for 10 years, she was looking to settle in a place where her young family could thrive and within just 10 weeks of applying to Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), she was welcomed into the rural community and hasn’t looked back.

Chinchu says she couldn’t have felt more included and her relocation has not only been the biggest, but the best move of her life.

“From the time I applied to Southern Cross Care, I was treated with respect and included in all the decision making in moving across the world to our new home,” she said.

“It only took 10 weeks, and we were living in Deniliquin.

“We were provided with a home, I had a great new job as a registered nurse at Orana, I was given help with enrolling my daughter in the local primary school and my husband was also provided with work at the home.

“And surprisingly, caring for babies and older people isn’t so different, they both often struggle to articulate what they want or need, and I draw on my critical thinking skills to find out what that is.

“I honestly couldn’t have asked for more, we have been made feel so welcome and included and in just a short amount of time I couldn’t imagine ever leaving.”

In just 18 months, Chinchu has stepped into the role of Acting Residential Manager, embracing the new responsibility.

She learns about Australia through the residents she supports, while sharing stories of her native India.

Her story is a powerful reflection of what Inclusion at Work Week is all about; workplaces where people feel safe, respected, and part of something bigger.

At Southern Cross Care, we embrace the richness of our diverse workforce. Insights from our recent Inclusive Employer Index Survey conducted by Diversity Council Australia show that:

• 59% of our people were born overseas
• 57% speak multiple languages
• 40% have carer responsibilities
• 7% live with disability

This diversity reflects the communities we serve and strengthens the way we live our values of Honesty, Empathy, Acceptance, Respect and Teamwork. It fuels diversity of thought, fosters innovation, and helps every individual thrive.

Chinchu feels so at home in her new rural community, she has encouraged other family members from her homeland to also make it their new home.

“My brother-in-law could see how much we love living here that they also applied and are now part of this beautiful Southern Cross Care community in Deniliquin,” she said.

“It’s so lovely having members of my family here with us, enjoying this beautiful part of the world and making it our home.

“From the beginning we have all been made feel so welcome and included and I couldn’t thank Southern Cross Care more for making our move so easy.”