Our Paralympian and champion of the warehouse
With the Paralympic Games having just ended, we recently took the opportunity to catch up with HSS’ very own Paralympian and legend of the warehouse, Joshua Hofer.
Back in 1992, Joshua Hofer started working in the WA health system at Sunset Hospital in Dalkeith as a store person and cleaner. That same year, he competed in the Paralympics in Barcelona winning 5 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals swimming for Australia.
In recognition of him winning 11 Paralympic medals, Josh was presented with an Order of Australia Medal in 1993 by the Queen personally.
“That was quite an experience to meet the Queen, she asked me how my swimming was going,” Josh said.
Amongst his many other achievements, Josh was inducted as a sporting legend of Australia at a ceremony in Sydney in 2014.
Before working at HSS, Josh was a store person and linen hand at Royal Perth Hospital for 22 years where he was a valued and popular team member.
Josh began working at the State Distribution Centre (SDC) in Jandakot when it first opened back in 2013 and has continued his work as a store person while also helping with general duties and picking supplies for the hospitals.
Josh showcasing his medals with A/Warehouse Operations Manager Victoria Arrowsmith
Part of his role is helping to keep the warehouse organised, clean and tidy. He ensures his colleagues in the warehouse have clean, empty crates available to put items into.
Josh prides himself on always being there to help support his colleagues and supervisors and spends most of his time at the SDC helping others which he really enjoys.
“I have been working in this field for nearly 30 years and have always stayed dedicated to my work, my team and the people working in the hospitals,” he said.
The people and culture form a big part of why Josh appreciates working at HSS.
He especially likes how there are many different nationalities, and everyone works to the best of their ability.
“I love working here at the SDC and working with my friends. The people at HSS are nice people, they all do a tremendous job in their roles and we all work really well as a team,” adds Josh.
“Health Support Services is a very important service and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help my community.”
Josh is also a dedicated recycling champion and makes sure the SDC is as sustainable as it can be.
“We divert 94 per cent of our waste from landfill and are always working towards more. I often come up with new ideas to help improve our recycling,” he said.
Josh wanted to take this opportunity to thank all his co-workers at HSS, colleagues at the hospitals and HSS Management for their support and encouragement over the past eight years.
Josh with Director Warehousing & Logistics, Justin Rapanaro