A Christmas to Remember at Dundas

From the moment I arrived, there was a warm, joyful energy in the air. The team were already buzzing around the space, many volunteering on their day off to make the event special. Christmas carols played softly in the background, decorations shimmered from every corner, and tables were filled with delicious food ready to be shared. It didn’t feel like a work event. It felt like a big, extended family coming together to celebrate. 

One of the families who came along was Peter and his sister Leonie. Peter has lived at Dundas for nearly five years, and every December, Leonie drives six hours from Albury to spend Christmas with him. It’s a huge trip one she currently does twice a year, but she makes it without hesitation. 

“Every time I leave, I think, ‘He’s happy. He’s safe. This is exactly where he needs to be,’” she told me with a smile. “The staff here are wonderful. They care about him like he’s family, and he’s thriving.” 

Peter attends Breakthrough during the week and swims with the support of Holroyd Council’s inclusive programs. These routines help build confidence, independence, and joy. As someone who also lives with a disability, I understand how important it is to feel supported, seen, and included. Knowing how the team at Achieve wrap these elements into everyday life made the day feel even more meaningful. 

Next year, Leonie plans to break up her long drive by stopping in Goulburn for the night. But one thing she doesn’t plan on changing is this tradition. “Christmas wouldn’t feel right if I wasn’t here,” she said. 

Dundas is designed to feel like home, not a facility. Each unit supports two people, with staff available around the clock. The smaller environment helps build stability, trust, and real relationships not just between clients and employees, but also between the people themselves. 

A big part of this sense of family comes from dedicated staff like Geeta and Naduka. 
Geeta has worked with Achieve for 13 years, including the last four at Dundas. Naduka has spent two years building strong connections with people, learning their routines, interests, and comfort needs. When I asked them what they love most about their work, they didn’t hesitate. 

“We’re happiest when our clients are happy,” they said almost at the same time. 

Before a new person moves in, staff take the time to understand who they are how they communicate, what comforts them, what routines help them feel grounded, and what brings them joy. It’s not only about providing support; it’s about building trust and dignity into every interaction. 

Their favourite part of the job? 

“Solving challenges and making people smile,” said Naduka. 

“And teamwork,” added Geeta. “We have so many staff who volunteer their own time. You can’t teach that - it comes from the heart.” 

This year alone, seven team members came in on their day off to help run the Christmas event. That level of commitment says more than any brochure or policy ever could. 

As the afternoon unfolded, the spirit of Christmas settled into every corner of the room. Families chatted and reconnected. Clients laughed and sang along to familiar tunes. The team moved quietly in the background, making sure everyone had what they needed another plate of food, a drink topped up, or simply someone to talk to. 

There was a moment when everyone joined in singing carols together, and the whole room felt light and connected. Simple moments like that remind you why gatherings like this matter. 

For me, being there was personal. As someone connected to Achieve, I was proud - genuinely proud - to see care, inclusion, and dignity not just talked about, but lived. It’s easy for organisations to say the right things. It’s harder to show it every day in the way people are supported, respected, and valued. Yet at Dundas, that commitment was visible in every conversation, every laugh, and every shared moment. 

By the time the day began to quiet down, plates were almost empty, decorations were a little crooked from so much activity, and people were still smiling. It wasn’t the decorations, the food, or the music that made the day special, it was the people. The families who travelled long distances. The team who volunteered their time. The clients who brought joy, humour, and warmth to every room they entered. 

Dundas didn’t just host a Christmas party this year. It created a memory, a moment of belonging filled with kindness, connection, and simple happiness. 

And that is the true spirit of Christmas, not just in December, but throughout the year at Achieve.