When Bilyara's Vanessa Warren announces this, the staff and residents know something exciting is in store.

Rewarding her passion and enthusiasm, the activities officer at Bilyara has recently been presented with an award at the NSW Aged Care Excellence Awards.

Vanessa said while she was honoured to receive the award, her reward comes daily.

"Every day I get to engage in meaningful work," she said.

"Aged care can be very challenging but I feel very lucky."

Having already obtained a certificate three in Health Service Assistance, a certificate four in Mental Health and a certificate four in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Vanessa is currently studying for a diploma in Mental, Alcohol and other Drugs/Community Services. While she's busy juggling these roles, Vanessa took time out to thank two important people for her award.

"I'd like to thank my boss Ray Harris for nominating me and mental health specialist Amanda Brooke who encouraged me to study this diploma so without either of them I wouldn't have this award," she said.

Never short of activities for the residents, Vanessa has instigated everything from bus trips to the Bilyara time capsule and a very well-received show featuring Raymond Crowe Star from Australia's Got Talent.

Other events include 'The Grateful Wall' using cognitive behaviour therapy to encourage residents to think about things they are grateful for. The collage of photos with resident's quotes continues to be a real talking point at Bilyara.

Another popular event saw a 'Boys Day Out' kick into gear, with the men at Bilyara visiting the Men's Shed and the Cowra Services Club for a free lunch; beer and a game of snooker were the order of the day.

Bilyara residents have also been enjoying a 'trip around the world' this year, with a new country chosen every month.

Spending many hours decorating Bilyara and organising country themed events, Vanessa has been everything from Mrs Dim Sim, Mr Green the Irish Leprechaun, the Statue of Liberty and a slice of pizza from Italy. In a simple gesture, Vanessa also made a 100-year-old ladies' day when she was taken to McDonalds for the very first time. Residents enjoyed their bus trip, Happy Meal and a free dessert.

With the 'Resident's Art Exhibition' featuring at the Cowra Japanese Garden next month, Vanessa said she's always working on the next activity for Bilyara residents.

""Why should life stop being fun once you enter an Aged Care Facility?" she said.

Vanessa was nominated for the award by Bilyara CEO Ray Harris who said she was a very worthy recipient.

"Vanessa has embraced the position and turned it on its head changing the whole persona of the position making it her own with unquestionable originality," he said.

"She has excelled in providing residents with fun and interesting activities to enjoy largely due to the fact that she lives and breathes activities."