Cristilyn Ridden

When Cristilyn Ridden moved from Melbourne to Shepparton three years ago, she was looking for a fresh start and a place to call home. With experience in food services, she joined GV Health and quickly found her feet.

“I started in food service, then moved into menu monitoring for two years, and now I’m working in the staff dining room café,” she said.

“It’s been great, I’ve met so many people across the hospital and felt really supported.”

Cristilyn said the move to Shepparton was one of the best decisions she’s made.

“I prefer the country,” she said.

“It’s peaceful, there’s space for the kids, and the community is tight-knit.

“People know each other and look out for one another.

“We settled in really quickly.”

Reflecting on her time at GV Health, Cristilyn said flexibility and support have been constant.

“The managers are understanding, especially when it comes to family,” she said.

“It makes a big difference.”

What she enjoys most, though, is the connection with people.

“When I was doing menu monitoring, I loved talking with patients and getting to know them,” Cristilyn said.

“It made me feel like I was helping in some way.”

Now, whether she’s serving staff in the café or greeting familiar faces around the hospital, Cristilyn says the sense of community keeps her proud to serve.

“It’s been a really good move, for work and family.”