Our Stories

Leigh Walker and Brett Gallimore

Registered Nurse and Clinical Care Coordinator
Calvary Tanilba Shores Retirement Living

At Calvary Tanilba Shores, Registered Nurse Leigh Walker and Clinical Care Coordinator Brett Gallimore bring that strength to life in very different ways, but always with the same goal: to give every resident the dignity, comfort, and respect they deserve. 

Leigh and Brett have taken different paths to Calvary, but what unites them is a shared commitment to compassion, teamwork and calm under pressure. 
For Leigh, aged care was a natural step after years working as a paramedic. 

Through those experiences, I developed a deep respect and empathy for older people,” he says.

“Their resilience, wisdom and life stories gave me perspective on the importance of providing compassionate, person-centred care.” 

Brett’s journey began after leaving the NSW Police Force. Unsure of his next step, he began with a Certificate III in Aged Care, then completed qualifications as an Enrolled and Registered Nurse. 

For both men, the relationships they build – with residents, families and colleagues – are at the heart of their work. 
 

What keeps me motivated is knowing I can make a real difference in someone’s life,” says Leigh. “A smile, a moment of comfort, helping someone maintain independence – it all matters.” 

Brett agrees. “When a resident’s family takes time, even in grief, to thank you for the care you gave their loved one, that’s when you know why you do this work.” 

The two men share an uncommon bond – both have backgrounds in emergency response roles that require calm, composure and quick decision-making. 

As an ex-paramedic and ex-police officer, we both know what it’s like to work in high-pressure situations,” says Brett. “That shared experience gives us confidence in each other. We know we’ll perform under any circumstance.”

” When asked what qualities make someone great at aged care, both men answer almost in unison: compassion, empathy, and reliability. 

“It’s worth the heartache,” Leigh reflects. “Your heart will be tested, but it’s worth it.”

For Brett, Calvary’s mission feels deeply personal.

 This is more than a paid position. It’s a calling,” he says. “Across Calvary, every day, people are standing for our residents, just as Mary stood for her son on Calvary.” 

For Leigh, it’s simple.

 Working at Calvary means making a meaningful difference in the lives of others every day.”