13/05/2026
PEOPLE OF HELPING HAND
Meet Lesley, better known as “Wes”. A Palliative Nurse and Care Services Manager at Helping Hand Parafield Gardens, she’s also a mum of two, a grandmother of three, and a lover of long country drives.
“The country is my happy place,” she says.
“I grew up in the country, which means I can identify any breed of cow from 200 metres away, but I still can’t figure out half the features on my phone,” she laughs.
“Soaking in the rolling hills soothes the soul, as does knowing no one can hear me belting out 1980s power ballads like a wounded goat!”
Wes also enjoys karaoke. Not singing, but cheering on her friends. She calls herself their “emotional support human.”
“Karaoke is the only place where you can sing off key and still get applause. If life worked like that, I’d be unstoppable!”
In her spare time, she loves making homemade candles.
“I’ve apparently reached the age where my hobbies have to smell like vanilla, eucalyptus, or something called ‘ocean breeze’,” she cackles.
Wes’s passion for palliative care began in her early twenties.
“My mum became sick with cancer, and I saw the toll it took on my dad. That experience drew me into palliative care.”
Since then, she has built a 30‑year career in aged care, first becoming a Registered Nurse so she could support residents through peaceful, dignified end‑of‑life experiences while also caring for their families.
When she applied at Helping Hand, she expected a Clinical Nurse role. However, her manager recognised her expertise and offered her the dual role she now thrives in, requiring both adaptability and compassion.
“Every situation is unique. I hope my focus and care can be felt in every interaction.”
“For me this work is deeply meaningful. Walking beside someone during their final moments, while supporting their family, is something I hold with deep respect.”
Helping Hand’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030 sets a vision for achieving excellence, something Wes believes is achieved through a strong focus on people.
“It takes a whole team working together to achieve excellence. I’m so grateful for the nurses and carers here who genuinely want to make a difference.”
She recalls one resident with severe medical conditions and advanced dementia who became increasingly unsettled. Despite input from multiple specialists, nothing changed.
“My training told me we needed to shift to a palliative approach. Following the family’s approval, there was an immediate 180. He became settled, the family could breathe again, and within 72 hours he passed peacefully.”
“It’s moments like these that remind me why I do this work. With over 30 years’ experience in palliative care, I am confident I can bring comfort to residents and their families.”
Find out more about our Strategic Plan: helpinghand.org.au/about-us/organisation-strategy/
