Koonambil brings clarity, colour and confidence to aged care uniforms

A professional, easy-to-manage uniform programme that helps residents and families recognise who’s who

In aged care, uniforms need to do more than look smart. They must make staff easy to recognise, support people through busy working days and help create a professional first impression for residents and their families.

That was the goal for Koonambil Aged Care. The organisation wanted a consistent, branded uniform range that reflected the professionalism of its team while making different roles across the home immediately identifiable.

Working with Deane, Koonambil introduced a coordinated uniform programme with role-specific colours, embroidered staff names and simple online ordering through Silk.

The challenge: creating a professional and recognisable team

For Koonambil, first impressions mattered. The organisation wanted visitors and families to see a team that looked professional, consistent and ready to provide care.

Just as importantly, the uniforms needed to help people quickly identify different members of staff. Koonambil selected different colours and garments for different roles, including green scrubs for care staff and black tops for catering staff. This created a clear visual distinction between teams around the facilities.

Lance Payne, Chief Executive offer said “The biggest thing was getting that professional appearance and consistency, as well as knowing who’s who.”

The solution: staff input, real samples and thoughtful details

Deane supported Koonambil with uniform storyboards and garment samples, giving staff the opportunity to see the colours, try on different options and assess how each garment looked and felt before the range was finalised.

This hands-on process helped Koonambil make informed choices based on the people who would wear the uniforms every day.

Staff names were also embroidered directly onto the garments. In an aged care environment, that small detail delivered practical benefits. It removed the need for loose name badges that could be lost, left unworn or potentially scratch a resident.

Uniform management without the admin headache

Koonambil uses Deane’s Silk online uniform management platform to give staff access to an approved range and individual uniform allocation. Employees can place their own orders and pay personally if they choose to purchase items beyond their allocation. This means the administration team does not need to manage every order centrally.

Koonambil uses Deane’s Silk online uniform management platform to give staff access to an approved range and individual uniform allocation. Employees can place their own orders and pay personally if they choose to purchase items beyond their allocation. This means the administration team does not need to manage every order centrally.

“The ordering system is really good. It puts the accountability back on everyone for their own items, and it’s just so easy.”

Responding quickly when conditions change

Real-world wear revealed that the original personal care scrubs felt too warm in Koonambil’s hot, dry climate. Rather than leaving the team with a range that was not quite right, Koonambil shared the feedback with Deane’s Account Manager Maggie.

Two alternative options with moisture-wicking properties were promptly supplied for consideration. For Koonambil, the response demonstrated the value of having a uniform partner that listens and acts when wearer needs change.

“We’ve been able to go back and say, ‘This hasn’t worked. What can we look at?’ and Maggie has been very responsive.”

The result: a team that looks and feels more professional

Feedback following the rollout was positive. Staff said the new garments made them feel more professional, while the consistent branding, role colours and embroidered names created a polished look.

Soon after the rollout, Lance also noticed a wider change in the home. He described a brighter atmosphere and a positive shift in how people felt about presenting themselves professionally.

When asked to rate how well Deane had helped Koonambil achieve its objectives, Lance Payne gave the experience five out of five. He also described the overall process as very good and could not identify anything he would have changed.

Professional. Prompt. Responsive. Easy.

For Lance, the partnership comes down to simplicity, backed by responsive service and quality garments: “Deane is professional, prompt and responsive. The quality is good, and it’s very easy for us.”

By combining staff consultation, practical garment choices and straightforward online ordering, Deane Apparel has helped Koonambil create a uniform programme that looks professional, supports role recognition and is easy to manage from onboarding onwards.