We are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone — Moran Kellyville General Manager, Nelly Banag has recently celebrated 50 years in the nursing profession.
Where it all began
Every extraordinary career starts with a single step. For Nelly, that step came in 1976 at Bankstown Hospital in Sydney, where she began her nursing journey. Just turned 18, she was sent to Australia from the Philippines by Mother Divine Child Flood of the Religious Good Shepherd Order to study nursing. Initially wanting to become a veterinary doctor back in the Philippines, she followed the advice of the nuns: “You bloom where the Lord planted you.”
In keeping with the era, her training was hospital-based — combining hands-on ward work with lectures and examinations that led to registration upon completion. Those early years brought long shifts, busy wards, lifelong friendships, and challenges that shaped the compassionate nurse Nelly would become.
After 28 years of working in hospitals, Nelly transitioned into aged care management. Despite her leadership responsibilities, she continued to work as a registered nurse doing night shifts for over 20 years. Throughout these years of holding dual responsibilities, she remained deeply committed not only to her profession but also to supporting others.
Nelly was able to bring her family to Australia, with many of them also pursuing successful nursing careers. She helped numerous relatives, friends, and friends’ children complete their schooling in the Philippines, opening doors to opportunities that saw them become nurses, teachers and even a priest. She also generously shared her knowledge and experience by mentoring countless registered nurses, many of whom have gone on to become leaders and managers in their own right.
A Legacy of Compassion and Leadership
Over the decades, Nelly became known for her compassion, patience, strength, wisdom, humour and enormous heart for people. Moran Health Care Group recognises the significant influence Nelly has had on the team at Moran Kellyville as well as her role in mentoring staff from other Moran Homes. She inspires her team to unite for common goals, offers guidance and enables them to grow and develop their own career paths.
Five decades since Nelly’s first experience on the hospital wards, her dedication remains part of the story for everyone fortunate enough to have worked alongside her. Moran Health Care Group values Nelly’s leadership in advancing high-quality care and continuously demonstrating true leadership qualities: kindness, strategic thinking, empowerment, and thoughtfulness.
To honour this special occasion, Moran Health Care Group presented Nelly with a beautiful watercolour painting by co-founder Greta Moran AO — a heartfelt gift from one inspirational nurse to another.
Congratulations Nelly, on 50 remarkable years! Your legacy extends far beyond the countless lives you have cared for, reaching into the careers, families and communities you have helped shape along the way.
To find out more about how you can join the friendly team at Moran Aged Care, please visit our Careers Page.
