Care Community stories

Hats off to a special Geraldton Shore family

13th April 2026 | 4 min read

If you’re lucky enough to visit Geraldton Shore Care Community in Western Australia’s Mid West region, you’ll easily spot mother-and-son duo Peta and Edge. Just follow the laughter of our residents as they delight in Peta’s masterful millinery.

For Peta and Edge, both general services officers, connection is caring. Peta and Edge have served our residents and the Geraldton community for 11 and five years respectively, continuing a thread that began with Peta’s beloved mother, Betty, who cared for our residents for 20 years before illness forced her into early retirement.

Growing up, Peta loved spending time with Betty, our residents and team, so following in her mother’s footsteps at Geraldton Shore came naturally. And with her crafty skills and limitless imagination, Peta brings a special part of her personality to delight residents.

The not-so-mad hatter

Every day, Peta wears a unique hat to Geraldton Shore; each one she’s handmade with love, fine detail and a unique back story our residents love to discover.
Every day, Peta wears a unique hat to Geraldton Shore; each one she’s handmade with love, fine detail and a unique back story our residents love to discover. 

Her hat wardrobe is a marvel – she’s made everything from a hamburger hat to undersea creations featuring octopuses and sharks.

“Wearing a different hat every day gives people something new to talk about, and everyone feels included,” says Peta. “Residents who’re not able to move so well love it and for people who struggle to see, they can feel the shape and texture of the hat and be involved in the stories.”

With a passion for history and respect for the tales of those who went before him, Edge joined the Geraldton Shore team straight from school. So when Peta took some time away from work to care for Betty, he played a very special role – donning a different hat each day to honour his mother and grandmother.

When Betty sadly passed away, Peta and Edge found solace in our loving community at Geraldton Shore.

“This is my second family,” says Peta. “The week we lost Mum, one of our residents lost her husband. We were able to support each other and that helped all of us.”