A NEW HOME AT HOCART LODGE

Summer 2011 / 2012 Edition
a neW hoMe at hocart lodge
to the efforts of Senior
Cook, Roz McMurray.
Unsurprisingly,
much of the day’s
conversation centred
on what the residents
Hocart Lodge
IN THIS ISSUE
Meet Board Member
Bradley Prentice
P.2
Coming Full Circle
P.2
Resident of the Edition:
Veronica Moylan
P.3
could expect from the
Bridging the Generation Gap P.3
new management
Big Shoes to Fill
P.4
Victoria Park: Our Queen
of the Desert
P.4
P.5
takeover.
In the 1970s, there was much public
“To continue to maintain the benchmark
concern over the lack of residential aged
of providing compassionate, excellent
care in Harvey. As a result, Mrs Hocart of
aged care within a team framework in
Bert England Lodge
turns 20
Knowles St, Harvey, willed her property
a small community town,” said Ev Dyer,
Hocart Lodge Facility Manager.
Six Weeks to Staff Wellbeing P.6
to the Shire to be used as an aged hostel.
After much lobbying of the Government,
“There is a lot of potential for the future.
an 11 bed hostel named the J.P. Hocart
Lodge was built on Knowles St with
public donations and funding from the
Commonwealth Government. Today,
it has been expanded and upgraded to
comprise a 40 bed residential aged care
facility and 27 independent living units.
We have been granted the licence for 16
more beds and are moving forward with
We are improving on services to our
A Double Celebration
P.9
current residents such as pet therapy,
ANZAC Day Service
P.9
stimulation of the five senses (e.g. an
Four Decades of Villa
Pelletier
P.10
Goodbye Gina!
P.11
Adventurous at Any Age!
P.11
Fashion, Fun and
Friendship at Margaret
Hubery House
P.12
All The Fun of a Fete
at Donovan Day Centre
P.12
Warm Blankets and
Warm Hearts
P.13
Indigenous
Commemorations at
Germanus Kent House
P.14
internal herb garden) and continuing
Care was pleased to commence its
environment of the facility.”
facilities including Bert England Lodge in
Cooloongup and ValleyView in Collie.
In celebration of the new management,
Hocart hosted a red and pink themed
“The Southern Cross Care core values of
respect, compassion, dignity, integrity,
excellence, teamwork and professionalism
are inherent in Hocart Lodge’s
community and family,” Ms Dyer said.
all-day BBQ. Southern Cross Care
Director of Care Services, Graydn Spinks,
gave a welcome speech before rolling up
his sleeves and assisting to fire up the
barbie so that residents, family members
and hostel staff could feast on seafood,
sausages and homemade patties, thanks
Bran Nue Dae Community
Care Hovers Around
P.7
P.8
palliative care within the home
The organisation now manages three
P.7
Alzheimer’s and Altruism
providing a growing service to the area.
On October 1st 2011, Southern Cross
appointment as manager of Hocart Lodge.
What’s My Name?
Merv Ellis, Gerry & Cindy Van Osch, Les Kirchner
Resident of the Edition: Mrs Veronica Moylan
Meet the Board: Mr Bradley Prentice
Member of the Knights of the
Southern Cross for 23 years and
respected lawyer in both private
and public practice over the past
27 years, Mr Prentice brings his
legal expertise, business acumen
and wisdom to the Southern Cross
Care Board.
driving around with community care
So, is it ‘all work and no play’ for Bradley?
staff to gain a better understanding of all
“There’s not much time left. We’re
renovating a house at the moment too
which chews up the time, otherwise I’d be
down at the beach I suppose,” he laughs.
Having only recently joined the Board
in-law was a resident with Mount St
in June 2011, Mr Prentice is looking
Camillus ten years ago.
forward to the many challenges his new
position will bring.
aspects of the organisation.”
While Mr Prentice will be gaining a more
in depth understanding of Southern
Cross Care operations in coming
months, he’s long been an admirer of the
organisation’s services. His own mother-
Whilst busy raising five children, Mr
Prentice and his wife, Mary, are also
“I have to come to grips with the day-to-
committed to their involvement with the
day operations and become aware of the
Catholic Church’s marriage enrichment
way that operations run,” he said.
“I will be visiting all the facilities and
“Embrace”.
Bradley Prentice
Veronica Moylan at her beloved piano.
Guests came from far and wide
to celebrate the official opening
and blessing of the new Camillus
Wing at Jeremiah Donovan House
and the Mount Saint Camillus
memorial garden. It had been four
years since the decommissioning
of the original Mount St. Camillus
facility and everyone was looking
forward to the event that would
commemorate what was once dear
to many.
service, it was requested that when a new
Mount St Camillus was officially closed
“I was overwhelmed and very emotional,”
said Mrs Moylan, of the occasion.
wing at Jeremiah Donovan House was
built, it should acknowledge and celebrate
the history of Mount St Camillus. This
request was honoured at the Camillus
wing opening event.
In Mount Saint’s heyday, a memorial
garden at the front of the facility was
frequented by residents, family members
and staff as a place to sit, talk, relax and
Archbishop Barry Hickey prepares to bless the new
Camillus Wing
George happily showed guests the garden
reflect. A number of roses were planted
and gladly answered all their questions.
in the garden with plaques containing the
After a speech by Mr John Bryant,
names of deceased residents for others
Chairman of the Southern Cross Care
to remember them by. The legacy of
on 7 March 2007 and demolished in
Board, guests of the opening were
Mount Saint Camillus came full circle
early 2008 due to the increasing difficulty
entertained by an angelic-voiced soprano
when the roses, which had been lovingly
Southern Cross Care faced in meeting the
whilst Archbishop BJ Hickey performed
looked after by Donovan Village resident,
needs of the residents and their families
George Beswick, were replanted with
the blessing ritual. Upon his return,
in outdated buildings. A memorial service
their plaques in the new memorial garden
was held in October 2007 and at that
opposite the Camillus Wing. At the event,
2
John Bryant (Chairman) & Archbishop Barry Hickey
reveal the memorial plaque
refreshments were served and the fond
placed on the Queen’s honour list and
advised of the news by the Governor
General in a letter. This notification
was soon followed with a letter from
the Mayor of Cockburn, Logan Howlett,
which Mrs Moylan said really touched
her heart.
member of the WA Symphony Orchestra
Mrs Moylan was born into an extremely
musical family. Her mother sang all the
time and her father would “vamp” the
old songs on the piano. Although her
parents were not able to pursue music
professionally, they were able to give that
gift to their children.
Eisteddfod as well as the Founder and
Mrs Moylan started playing the piano at
age 5 and then went on to play the cello
at age 11. She began teaching piano to
students at age 15 (just shy of her 16th
birthday).
programs, “Celebrate Love” and
Coming Full Circle
Michael Jessup & George Beswick admire the
original rose garden transplanted to the new Wing.
On 27 September 2011, Veronica
Moylan (nee Carney) received the
Medal of the Order of Australia
for Services to Music from the
Governor of Western Australia,
Malcolm McCusker, at an awards
ceremony in Government House.
Mrs Moylan is a lively, energetic
musician with a great sense of humour.
She has been a resident of Success
Village for the past seven years and
the WASIMH (With a Song in My Heart)
Ladies Choir she started 17 years ago,
often provides entertainment to various
Southern Cross Care hostels and
villages.
It was one of her choir members that
nominated her for the prestigious award
in early 2011. Mrs Moylan was then
Cello Section for a number of years,
becoming a Council Member of WAMTA
(WA Teachers Music Association) and
holding the titles of President RSMC
(Royal Schools Music Club), Secretary
and Life Member of Fremantle Music
Director of WASIMH Ladies Choir.
Additionally, she has also taken on the
role of organist and organiser at every
parish that she has been involved with
and still plays occasionally at Mater
Christi, Yangebup.
“I thank God for His wonderful gift of
music and my dear parents who gave me
the love of music which I have been able
to share with so many over the years,”
“I thought it curious that my students
were almost the same age as me,” she
reminisced.
Mrs Moylan said.
As both her sister, Margaret, and
her younger brother, Dan, were also
musically talented, the three siblings
would play as an ensemble for ABC radio
in the early years.
I’ve had three children?” she added with
Mrs Moylan began her formal music
education at Mercedes College, Victoria
Square, and was a student of Sister M.
Philip who guided her in her acquisition
of her Licentiate Diploma. She then went
on to teach piano privately at various
colleges including Aquinas, Mercedes
and St Brigid’s and has now been an
accredited piano teacher for 55 years.
Mrs Moylan’s music accomplishments
are plentiful and include becoming a
“Am I allowed to say that the medal is
my proudest achievement even though
a laugh.
Southern Cross Care would like to
extend its congratulations to Mrs
Moylan; she is an inspiration to all of us.
Veronica’s tribute board, created by a fellow WASIMH
Ladies Choir member
A Beautiful Partnership
reminiscing began.
The Board of ValleyView Residence in
“The board has been extremely pleased
“Today we celebrate new beginnings
Collie recently made the decision to
with the service provided by Southern
with a state of the art 65 bed residential
extend its management agreement with
Cross Care,” said Ian Miffling, ValleyView
care facility, overnight respite centre
Southern Cross Care.
Board Secretary.
and a 62 unit retirement village here in
The ValleyView board of managers met
“We are very happy to secure another
Forrestfield,” said Chairman John Bryant.
with SCC representatives in October
five year contract. The contract covers
“Jeremiah Donovan House has already
to renew a five year contract that
the management of operations of the
started creating its own history, memories
granted SCC the authority to continue
Riverview organisation which includes
and special place in people’s hearts,
management of the state-of-the-art
ValleyView aged care and the Riverview
as will Camillus Wing, just as Mt Saint
aged care facility.
independent living units.”
ValleyView Board Secretary Ian Miffling (front) with
Southern Cross Care Director of Care Service Graydn
Spinks & Board Treasurer Ray McGill.
Camillus did.”
3
Bert England Lodge turns 20
Big Shoes to Fill
the services and care of people with
lap of the oval they completed. Each
dementia and raising awareness of this
flag honoured an Alzheimer’s sufferer.
illness,” Sandy said.
Organisers of the walk were delighted with
“I take great pride in bringing a smile
the outcome – over 10,000 flags planted
to people’s faces and to improve their
and over $70,000 raised.
quality of life, if even only for a moment
Participants and supporters of the
in time. I refer to it as the shadow effect.
day also thoroughly enjoyed the
Although they may not remember what
entertainment including face painting,
made them laugh, the feeling goes on
dance performances and the golden oldies
for a longer period of time. The more
performed by the dementia choir. Perhaps
good moments that we can add into
the most entertaining element of the day
someone’s day, the longer lasting the
though was Glen Jakovich’s appearance.
Nola Beringer (left) and Sandy with Glen Jakovich
overall effect. I have devoted the past
Southern Cross Care’s Alzheimer’s
Walk Team comprising of Success
and Donovan Village staff honoured
past and present sufferers of the
disease by participating in the 2011
Alzheimer’s Australia Memory Walk.
twenty years of my career to working
“Glen gave a brief talk about his journey
with people with dementia. I enjoy being
involved in any events which help me
achieve this.”
while caring for his mother who suffered
from dementia. Then he honoured a bet
to walk a lap of the oval in a Dockers shirt
if 200 Dockers members attended the
This year’s Memory Walk took place on 18
walk. Even though we didn’t quite achieve
September, again at Curtin University’s
the numbers required, he still walked
Community Services Team Leader, Sandy
Edinburgh Oval. Despite being a wet and
the lap. I noticed he had his cap pulled
Crowe said “I wanted to become involved
windy day, there were many participants
well down over his face mind you,” Sandy
because I have a passion for improving
planting a flag in the field for every
laughed.
Victoria Park: Our Queen of the Desert
World Alzheimer’s Day at Eastern Goldfield’s Community Centre
girls,” giggled one of the residents.
At the event, guests enjoyed punch, tea and
coffee, and a wonderful array of finger food
whilst a resident from each table modelled
their outfit to enthusiastic applause.
BEL birthday cake
Mrs Ruth England (Bert’s wife) & daughter Cate
McKenzie
Residents celebrate a marvellous milestone
On the 1 September, Southern
Cross Care celebrated the 20th
anniversary of Bert England Lodge.
Officially opened in September
1991, the facility was managed by
the Churches of Christ on behalf
of the City of Rockingham Aged
Persons Homes Trust. The Trust
was established by Dr Bert England
in 1973 and since then, he and his
fellow trust directors had pushed to
set up the lodge after recognising
the lack of residential aged care
facilities in the area.
accommodation and support for 44
residents. Although Dr England was not
able to join the festivities due to his sad
passing earlier this year, he would have
been delighted to commemorate how far
Bert England Lodge has come.
bringing a festive air to the occasion.
Adam Penn from Top Hat entertained
the guests while they enjoyed a slice of
the delicious birthday cake to mark the
milestone.
In March 2006, SCC took over the
management of Bert England Lodge
and shortly after, a secure 12 bedroom
house for residents with dementia was
opened on site. Today, the lodge provides
“Southern Cross Care is proud to be
associated with Bert England Lodge and
very much appreciates the trust placed
in us as manager,” said Mr John Bryant,
Chairman of the Southern Cross Care
Board.
“We are pleased to be operating a
service which is so highly valued by
the local community and which has
consistently satisfied all accreditation
and other industry standards.”
Bright table runners and colourful
balloon centrepieces decorated the room
“This is a tribute to a lot of people and
a lot of hard work,” said special guest
Councillor Richard Smith of Rockingham
City Council.
“The people, the carers, the
professionals and the organization
shows us that people can be cared for in
the best manner and in the best possible
way, you really demonstrate that here.
My rule of thumb has always been to ask
if I would be happy for my mum and dad
to be here, and the answer is yes. It has
always been yes and it still is.”
“The event was an amusing rather than
serious way to celebrate the day,” said
Rae Bransgrove, Alzheimer’s Australia
Goldfields Mobile Dementia Kalgoorlie
Team Coordinator.
Frocks, flowers & fun at the VPNH Priscilla celebration
On Wednesday 21 September 2011, the
Centre’s ‘Memories Cafe’ and asked to
residents of Victoria Park Nursing Home
dress up in their best Priscilla costume
and Hostel in Kalgoorlie, were invited to
as part of the celebrations.
a themed brunch ‘Priscilla on the Edge
of the Desert’ to commemorate World
Alzheimer’s Day. The theme was a nod
to the hit movie that told the tale of three
drag queens who take their extravagant
showgirl performance from Sydney
across the Australian outback to Alice
Springs. People with dementia, their
families, carers and local residents were
invited to Eastern Goldfield Community
4
Preparations started early for the five
Alzheimer’s is often a difficult affliction
for sufferers, carers and families to
manage and the value of humour should
never be discounted as an effective
approach to dealing with the disease.
residents, aged between 80 and 100
years, and three staff that attended the
brunch. Nails were painted in vivid hues
of red, purple and pink, hair had to be
coiffed perfectly and makeup was applied
lavishly – not to mention the assembling
of head turning outfits.
“We look like the ‘Hay Street’ working
Special guests (left to right) Brian Warner (Rockingham Deputy Mayor), Councillor Joy Stewart (City of Rockingham), Stuart Flynn (SCC CEO), Mary Davies, John Bryant
(SCC Chairman) and Councillor Richard Smith (City of Rockingham).
5
What’s My naMe?
launch oF the staFF steP challenge
hungry as there was a definite food
a group effort to be the first team to
theme. There were lots of calls for Roast,
walk the 2,417km distance from Perth
Kiev, Baked and Fried, though they
to Broome which requires ten people
weren’t popular with the judges.
weeks to complete.
“There’s an incentive for the first group
to get to Broome. If the step challenge
is successful, it will be carried on, rolled
out and extended to everyone else at
Southern Cross Care,” added Mr Flynn.
Sponsored by Westcoast Surgical and
Medical Supplies with contributions from
From the long table laden with healthy
wide initiative that seeks to promote
sandwiches and fruit platters to the
increased physical activity and greater
freshly made juices, cardboard sneaker
staff wellbeing.
mobiles and giveaway pedometers,
“What’s the program? Basically, it’s
there was no doubt that the event
at Frank Prendergast House was a
health conscious one. The first day
of August 2011 saw the launch of the
Staff Step Challenge, an organisation-
to get every participant to walk 10,000
steps a day. For some that will not
be a problem, however for the more
sedentary people from central office it
may be quite a challenge,” SCC Chief
HBF, Boost Juice, PFD, Sunlong Fresh
and Curves, the 10,000 Steps Challenge
is a major component of SCC’s Staff
Wellbeing Program. It encourages staff
to make sustainable changes that will
injury risk and improve quality of life
both at home and at work.
In July, Bran Nue Dae Community Care
adopted four lucky Broome hens and
erected a fantastic chook pen for them
to scratch around in. The chickens have
since been cared for by the Bran Nue Dae
Breakfast Club and Day Centre clients.
named one of the chickens and would
also receive a dozen fresh, free range
eggs if they lived locally.
official judges and they narrowed down a
“It made us realise how nice it can be
to be a part of such a big organisation.
Despite the fact that we are 2200 km
away, many of our fellow workers,
other day centres and nursing homes
banded together, had a laugh and got
pleasure in the thought of having a BND
chook named in their honour – what
teamwork!” said Nicole Pearce, Bran
Nue Dae Community Care Assessment
Flossy (courtesy of Courtney Greene)
In celebration of their arrival and to
unite all SCC facilities in an amusing
activity, Bran Nue Dae thought it
would be fun to hold a chook naming
competition, inviting all staff and clients
to enter their suggestions. The winners
would get bragging rights that they’d
list of over 150 name suggestions to:
Queenie (courtesy of Tara Mitchell)
henrietta cluck (in honour of Steve
Garrett)
green grass (named by a BND client)
Bran Nue Dae would like to thank
everyone who participated in the chook
naming competition.
Bran nue dae coMMunity care hoVers around
Ten lucky Bran Nue Day Community
Care clients and two staff members
were treated to the experience of a
lifetime when Broome Hovercraft
kindly offered them a trip over the
picturesque Roebuck Bay.
Staff working from Frank Prendergast
House have been pitted against staff
from the South-West metropolitan
zone of Community Care who are out
in the community working with people
and assisting them to stay in their own
10,000 steps per day challenge, while
The “girls” settle into their BND home
become healthier, lower disease and
his speech.
homes. Their aim is to fulfill the six week
Twelve BND Centre clients were the
BND staff & residents checking out the chook yard
help them increase physical activity,
Executive Officer, Stuart Flynn, joked in
Guest speaker Gilly Street (left) and Carlie Robinson
both from City Of Cockburn
Many of the entrants must have been
Frank Pendergast House staff aims for
walking 10,000 steps per day for four
SCC team members ready to take on their fitness challenge
Officer and Registered Nurse.
FPH Staff 10,000 Steps Program organisers Paul
McGann with Jessica Renner & Natasha Monaco
Well done to all the fit and energetic participants in the Staff Step Challenge! Community Challenge 1st PRIZE $150
voucher from Rebel Sports went to Deb Egan; 2nd & 3rd Prizes: Foot Pamper pack and $30 Movie gift card awarded
to both nola Beringer and karen Mccoy. Perth to Broome Team Challenge winner was the Boronia Team of FPH with
the wellness package awarded to Vicki Herring who walked a whopping 606kms.
all teams completed the Perth to Broome challenge.
Prizes were awarded to team members who walked the
furthest:
The hovercraft was the ideal platform
to take in the amazing Mangrove
tree-lined coast of Broome. For
an hour, the clients enjoyed an
amphibian ride over low water, tidal
flats and sandbars – places normally
inaccessible by any other means. As
some of the clients were unable to
alight onto the beach to view some
dinosaur footprints that have been
preserved in rock, the pilot took them
on a special side-trip over to the
Broome port to get a close look at the
modern day pearling boats instead.
This was a real treat for client Casper
Phillips, as he had worked on the
pearling luggers in the past. “It was
amazing,” Casper enthused. “The
water was so flat, and I didn’t know
how we were going to get back on the
land and then we just kept going and
drove up on it,” he said with a grin.
• Boronia team - Vicki Herring
• Crystal Team - Dawn Bruce
• Diamond Team - Sandy Cornelius
• Emerald Team - Sharyn Hand
• Lavender Team - Dawn Johns
“You could see the emotion on
their faces that someone had given
them this opportunity to experience
something that the tourists pay big
bucks to enjoy,” said Nicole Pearce,
Bran Nue Dae Assessment Officer and
Registered Nurse. “There are many
people that live in our community,
from all cultures, that do not have
the support of family and friends
like people in cities have. Therefore,
they are reliant on Bran Nue Dae to
provide them with the assistance that
they need to remain at home and live
independently. Without our help, there
would be many people that would be
in nursing homes as they have no one
to help them attend to their normal
activities of daily living let alone being
taken out on an outing such as this.”
“We would like to say how very
thankful we are to Broome Hovercraft
for giving our clients a once in a
lifetime experience. It was something
they will never forget and it has given
them a story to share with those they
love,” adds Nicole.
Broome Hovercraft fun for BND residents & staff
The owner and operator of Broome
Hovercraft, Roger Colless, donated the
trip to inject some happiness into the
Bran Nue Dae Centre and to lift the
clients’ spirits.
It certainly did the trick, as one client
said “It felt like I was flying over the
water!”
Residents enjoy their day out
Paul McGann, (Chief Manager HR) presents first prize to Deb Egan
6
7
A Double Celebration
Alzheimer’s and Altruism
An invitation from Mrs Nilanjana
Maulik, the Director of Alzheimer’s
and Related Disorders of India
(ARDSI), asking Southern Cross
Care to join them in celebrating the
opening of their second dementia
day care centre, saw Janet Farrell
jetting off to Kolkata, India for
an eye opening experience in
dementia care.
Previous Manager for High Dependency,
Dementia Services, Peter McHale, had
twice travelled to Kolkata to provide
support and training to ARDSI carers.
Having taken over the role in early
February 2011, Janet embraced the
opportunity to do the same during her
visit between 8-23 August.
“I visited both ARDSI day centres – a
local day centre for elderly women living
below the poverty line and a country area
to specifically provide two days training
for family carers. I spent a day at each
day centre to meet the carers and clients
prior to providing two full days training for
the care staff and volunteers. I was then
able to spend another day the following
week at each day centre to discuss
practical care issues with the staff and
assist to plan care strategies,” Janet said.
to conversations in Bengali taking place
around me and encouraged all to seek
clarification whenever they needed,” said
Janet.
The trip to India highlighted how great the
divide was between organisations such
as ARDSI and SCC and gave Janet a great
appreciation of the living and working
standards in Australia.
Kajal (wife of Day Centre client & volunteer) & Janet
Farrell
“It was wonderful to meet amazingly
motivated care staff who have extremely
limited resources. Personally, this trip
was a great opportunity to experience
care delivery in an evolving service with
few community supports.”
Dementia training is challenging in itself
but becomes infinitely more difficult
when faced with cultural differences and
language barriers.
“It was apparent early on in my trip that
some of the carers and family members
had limited English. However, I was
able to use other carers and Nilanjana
to translate. I soon became accustomed
“Resources are so limited for ARDSI,
plastic chairs we would commonly use
in our gardens are used for seating,
lunch is purchased daily for clients as
they do not have cooking facilities – I
purchased camping stoves for them
whilst I was there - and the donated beds
for resting are very low and are difficult
to get in and out of. The lack of social
welfare structures and access to medical/
specialist services for clients and families
impacts greatly on care provision,” Janet
explained.
“I certainly gained a great appreciation
of how fortunate I am to live and work
in Australia but it was very inspiring to
witness the dedication and passion of the
ARDSI team. I feel motivated to assist
SCC staff to appreciate the conditions
others work with and how powerful a
positive attitude can be.”
There were quite a few reasons
to be jolly this July at Success
Village. Not only did the residents
have a great time celebrating the
Australian tradition of Christmas
in July but new Village Manager,
Margaret Chase, was also
welcomed into the fold.
three course meal by Torfaen Caterers
“The residents here in Success Seniors
spirit, the Success Village Social
Village are very warming, not only to myself
Committee decorated the Centre with
but also to any newcomer, which made the
Christmas trees and tinsel. Christmas
transition very manageable,” said Margaret.
music played throughout the evening
“I really enjoy the flexibility of the position
until one of the residents jumped on the
consisting of pumpkin soup, roast
chicken, baked ham, roast potatoes,
cauliflower au gratin and steamed green
beans. For those who could manage
it, dessert followed which included
chocolates, coffee and tea.
To help everyone get into the festive
which enables me to visit and talk to
piano for a sing-along.
residents. I feel the residents and I have
“There was a great social atmosphere
a good partnership approach towards
and much laughter,” said Barbara Price,
everything that goes on in the village.
resident and social committee member.
I am able to assist them whether it is
solving a problem, just being a listening
ear or coordinating maintenance and
contractors all within budgetary and
organised including baskets of Christmas
goodies, wine and a china tea set.
“[My husband] Rod and I enjoyed the
within the village community and its
whole night immensely,” said Village
challenges is very rewarding,” she added.
Manager, Margaret. “The dinner was
friendly and cohesive environment with
73 residents attending the 7th annual
dinner on 14 July. Despite it being the
warmest day of the month, the residents
May Smitt & daughter Tina ( guest ) Fina & Peter Piccina
A raffle with eight fantastic prizes was
time constraints. The diversity of working
It’s evident that Success Village is a
Ruth Reed, Rod Chase, (guest ) Margaret Chase (Village
manager),Don & Marj Stewart & Sylvia Shackelton
Raffle Prizes
presented well and the residents
themselves made my night. Just to
see everyone enjoying themselves and
getting into the Christmas spirit, the
whole night was a credit to them all.”
happily tucked into a beautifully catered
Margaret Chase (New Village Manager) & husband Rod
Lest We Forget – ANZAC Day Service at Success
This year’s ANZAC Day Service held at
Success Village on Monday, 25 April was
a moving and memorable dedication to
the courage and service of our veterans.
The service was conducted by Mr Terry
Corkhill, President of the Residents
Committee, and assisted by the
residents. Sr. Kathleen Brennan read a
poem written by Guy Miller, Charthouse
School London in 1915, and wreaths were
laid by John Fleeton, Sylvia Shackleton
and Patricia Bewry.
The service was well attended by a large
The Ode to the Fallen was recited
by Beulah Cronan and following the
observance of two minutes silence, the
National Anthem was sung by those in
attendance. Blanche Friend respectfully
raised the flag.
lunch was enjoyed by all and the Village
number of residents and their guests.
Following the service, a sandwich
residents were entertained with country
& western music and a sing along.
Photography and article background by Success
Village resident, Barbara Price
ANZAC Day commemoration at Success Village
Janet’s hands-on training with ARDSI carers & clients
8
9
Goodbye Gina!
Four Decades of Villa Pelletier
Thora Brenchly, Sr Geraldine Mitchell,
Daisy Green & Ada Furby (oldest VP
resident) pose for a snap
Personalised cupcakes named
for each VP resident
After 26 years of service to Southern Cross
Care, it is with great sadness that we said
goodbye to Gina Hasluck on July 27.
Graydn then went on to list Gina’s many
positive attributes that will be sorely
missed by all at SCC.
Gina began her nursing career at
Mount Saint Camillus in October 1985,
transferring to Donovan House in March
2007 when Saint Camillus closed. From
childhood, everybody knew that there
was no other vocation for Gina.
“Gina is great at organising everything
and everyone. She is very popular with
the staff, residents and families and is a
strong advocate for residents and fellow
workers,” he added.
“I was always going to be a nurse
because all my dolls had appendix
operations, they were all drawn on in
ink,” she laughed.
“I worked as a nanny until I was old enough
to do nursing and then did two years’
general training and came over to Perth on
a working holiday. I got married and had
a family. Years later, my son was working
at SCC Forrestfield where they were short
staffed one day, so he put me forward for
a job. I was at St Camillus for 22 years and
four years here at Jeremiah Donovan.”
Bronwen Griffiths - Good Shepherd Sisters - presents commemorative photo frame to VP
The Villa Pelletier story began
innocently enough when the Mother
Prioress of the Home of Good
Shepherd Convent asked Bernie
Prindiville to do ’a feasibility study
on the future of the laundry’.
Prindiville gave the job to his young
trainee accountant, Kevin Horgan.
Horgan duly improved the laundry
system and in the process became
the first layman administrator of
the Order of the Sisters of the Good
Shepherd in Australia.
In 1970, Horgan saw that elderly and
handicapped women needed more
appropriate living facilities than the
convent offered. Together with his brother
John, he set up an advisory board with
Bernie Prindiville, Roy Ferguson, Brian
Jackson and Bill Bryant to revamp the
system. Aided by a federal government
grant, they built a 40 bed hostel named
Villa Pelletier that was overseen by
the Knights of the Southern Cross.
The original purpose was to provide
‘accommodation for the aged infirm
and needy and for those who in the
opinion of the Board of Management
are deserving of assistance by virtue of
their necessitous circumstances’. On the
10
13 November 1971, the hostel officially
opened. Since that day, Villa Pelletier has
enjoyed a rich and colourful history and
on 4 August residents, staff and special
guests gathered at the facility to celebrate
four decades in residential care.
“I wish to congratulate Southern Cross
Care for its vision and commitment to
Villa Pelletier as it celebrates its fortieth
birthday,” said Sister Geraldine Mitchell,
Area Leader of the Good Shepherd
Sisters Perth.
“Today is an opportunity to celebrate
the lives of the ladies who’ve been at
the villa for a long time; particularly Ada
Furby, Thora Brenchly and Daisy Green
who have all resided at the villa for its
full forty years.”
was proudly hung on one of the walls.
The Sisters gifted Villa Pelletier with
a lovely frame containing 3 photos of
the site along with an album full of
historic photos. SCC also gave a gift of
an outdoor furniture setting for Villa
residents to enjoy.
“This anniversary means a lot. It
shows that we are still able to provide
a home, community and family feel
here for residents. It’s great to have
the involvement of the Good Shepherd
community,” said Linda Locke, Villa
Pelletier Facility Manager.
Canapes were circulated by the caterers
as guests danced, conversed and
laughed in the festively decorated room.
A special banner that was handmade by
the residents in honour of the occasion
So it was only fitting that a farewell
celebration was held in her honour at
Jeremiah Donovan House. Scrumptious
nibbles and towers of irresistible sweet
profiteroles were handed around for
residents and staff to enjoy. Live music
entertained the crowd giving Gina the
send off that she deserved.
Mr Graydn Spinks, Director of Care
Southern Cross Care would like to thank
Gina for her many years of dedicated
service and we wish her much joy,
relaxation and adventure in her retirement.
Services, gave a warm and humourous
speech spilling some of Gina’s best kept
secrets.
“Gina is very particular about her work
and the work of others. She’s been known
to remake the beds after staff have made
them, saying that she was just tidying up.
She has also been known to scrub the
toilets again after the cleaners have done
them,” Graydn said with a smile.
ladies turned their attentions further afield.
Borneo Adventurers on the loose!
ailment prevents you from exploring the
world as you get older. Eight adventurers
from Donovan Village recently set out to
debunk this myth.
Despite varying health issues affecting
their mobility, the eight intrepid ladies
and three of their friends set out for the
wilds of Borneo. From their base at Le
Meridien hotel in Kota Kinabalu, the
women could often be seen zooming off
in taxis and buses to shop up a storm in
the city and jetting off by speed boat to
40th Anniversary Banner which was handmade by
VP residents
Gina & her scrumptious farewell cake
Leaving gifts: framed photos of Jeremiah Donovan
House facility, Long Serving Staff Award (26 years) &
beautiful bouquet
Adventurous at Any Age!
There’s a big misconception that age and
After being transferred to Southern Cross
Homes in 1985, Villa Pelletier is now
Southern Cross Care’s oldest residential
care facility. It also boasts housing the
oldest resident across the whole of
Southern Cross Care with Ada Furby
celebrating her 108th birthday this year.
When asked what she will do with all her
spare time after retiring, Gina happily
spoke of her plans to travel. “I was born
in Austria and I’ve never been back to the
place where I was born, so my husband
is taking me there”.
explore exotic islands nearby.
Once their island intrigue was satisfied, the
“On the recently rejuvenated North Borneo
train, we chugged up the Klias River
watching the proboscis monkeys swinging
from branch to branch in the jungle,
although one of our members insisted on
calling them the promiscuous monkeys
which is probably just as accurate,”
laughed Donovan Village resident and
adventurer, Mrs Pat Duxbury.
“Later, as darkness fell [we saw]
twinkling fireflies amongst the foliage.”
The ladies were also impressed with
the conservation work that takes place
in Borneo and visited some of these
rehabilitation sites. Journeying 40kms
out of Kota Kinabula they paid a visit to
Rasa Ria where a rehabilitation program
is run for orphaned Orang-utans,
preparing the primates for their return to
their natural habitat.
As memorable as the Borneo trip was
for the residents, the people of Kota
Kinabula would not be quick to forget the
ladies either.
“From the moment we arrived in the
hotel we caused a sensation – because
of our ages, our numbers, our Western
appearance, our white hair, our slow
mode of progress, we certainly stood
out. When we sat in the bar lounge and
played Rummy, that set the seal on our
eccentricity,” Mrs Duxbury jested.
“All eleven of us had a lot of laughs. It
was a great trip and we can recommend
it to all of you.
Jo Wann & Pat
Duxbury scale
the heights
(l-r) Monica Murray, Jo Wann,
Terry Biglin & Betty Gaunt enjoy
water activities
11
Fashion, Fun and Friendship at Margaret Hubery House
the best views of the fashion
parade.
Fashion models Pat Glennie, Jan Stirling, Vivien
Warden, Heather Wilson & Joan Knight
Ladies’ Day has become an institution at
SCC Villages over the past 3 years and
this popular event proved a huge success
again this year. On 5 October, ladies
from Margaret Hubery Village, Donovan
Village and Thomas Perrott Village met
at the MHV club house for a day filled
with food, fun and games and a fashion
parade showcasing the season’s latest
pieces.
After a satisfying lunch buffet prepared by
the residents of MHV, the ladies settled in
a semi circle around the “catwalk” to get
Largely organised by MHV
resident Joan Knight and
presented by Cameo Loretta
fashion house, the show
included five rounds of the
latest ensembles for spring
and summer. Bright colours
are the trend for the coming
season, with tops in dynamic
colours, flowing skirts with floral prints
adorned with beautiful detailing such
as ruffled hems. Glamour is the theme
of this season`s eveningwear with eyes
drawn to sparkling tops carefully fixed
with rhinestones, lace or gold details.
Ever-popular black and white dominated
the elegant evening pieces.
Following a warm round of applause,
resident fashion models Pat Glennie,
Joan Knight, Jan Stirling, Vivien Warden
and Heather Wilson were presented with
Cameo Loretta gift certificates for their
efforts in creating a most entertaining
show. Joan thanked everyone for
supporting the event and the ladies were
then given the opportunity to browse the
racks and pick up a 10% discount for all
purchases made on the day.
“It is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work with
all the organising and preparations of not
only the show, but also the buffet”, said Pat
Glennie who has been a model at Ladies’
Day since its inception three years ago.
Hazel Megaw came to Ladies’ Day hoping
to find some inspiration for her wardrobe.
“I really don’t like it how they only make
those boring dresses for us mature ladies.
It doesn’t matter how old I am, I still want
to be fashionable” she commented.
“I loved the bright colours and floral
prints at the show”, enthused Helene
Thurston who loves to dress up. Helene
added that she thinks the prints are
great in combination with white pants,
“People should wear more bright colors.
Summer is coming!”
Volunteers, Sheryl and Bob Little, display our delicious donated
homemade culinary delights
performance by the SCC “In Tune with
member and Occupational Therapist at
trying to get their two dollar coin as
Dementia” choir who entertained the
Jeremiah Donovan House.
close to a bottle of champagne as
crowd beautifully with a twenty minute
possible in the hopes of winning the
concert.
bubbly. Many raffles were held as well
“The event was very successful and in
as a silent auction so there were lots of
happy winners strolling around the fete,
singing along to the old time favourites
being played over the PA system.
Another highlight of the fete was the
the week following the fete there were
people asking for the fete date for 2012
and volunteering to be on the committee,
so it will probably become an annual
“There used to be an annual fair held at
Mt St Camillus, a nursing home which
was recently replaced by the new high
care wing at Jeremiah Donovan House,”
Elizabeth added. “It would be so nice to
carry on the tradition.”
event,” said Elizabeth Oliver, committee
Warm Blankets and Warm Hearts
“Overall, it was a great day of food, laughter
and good friendship” added Helene,
summing up Ladies’ Day 2011 at MHV.
A display of the great work donated to St Vinnies
Nell’s Knitters with some of their blankets
Year after year the ladies at Thomas
appreciated by the people we visit”, said
John Bouffler, St Vincent De Paul Chief
Executive Officer. “We help a range of
people with different problems through
home visitations. This can include
people who are living with mental health
issues, schizophrenia, depression or
bipolar disorders. It’s great to be able to
give the blankets to those in need,” Mr
Bouffler then presented the TPV knitting
group with a certificate of appreciation.
blankets for St Vincent de Paul’s blanket
appeal. Originally founded by Nell Gurry
and currently led by Hilda O’Sullivan, the
ALL THE FUN OF A FETE AT DONOVAN DAY CENTRE
TPV knitting group (affectionately named
It took months of planning, regular
fortnightly meetings and hundreds
of coordination emails but judging
from the huge turnout and the
satisfied smiles on the faces of the
residents and staff, the Donovan
Day Centre Fete was a resounding
success.
and clients ‘Live Life Well!’ Not only did
150 attendees were able to enjoy a day
August with an afternoon tea catered by
the fete generate funds to benefit the
of wandering through stalls that offered
St Vinnie’s to thank them for their crucial
centre’s resources, it created a sense
a plethora of interesting items including
ongoing charity work.
of community at Donovan between the
art, crafts and jewellery made by the
Though numbers are fluid, there are
Village, Day Centre and Hostel,
residents, cakes and preserves, books
approximately 30 members who knit for
The fete committee, made up of
and puzzles, bric-a-brac, Devonshire tea,
the St Vincent de Paul Society. Beginning
an assortment of plants and even SCC
as a social group that took craft items
Manager), Julie Churchward and
showbags for sale.
occasionally to St Vinnies, it has evolved
Conceptualised in December 2010 by
Ellen Westall, Donovan Day Centre
Coordinator, the fete was a vehicle to
carry out her ethos of helping residents
Elizabeth Oliver (both from Jeremiah
The games were a big hit with everyone
into quite an operation with the women
Donovan House) worked tirelessly to pull
too. Clients, residents and families
together the multi-faceted event. As a
alike all had a lot of fun trying to guess
year for the appeal.
result, on the 14th of May 2011, around
the number of snakes in a jar and the
“The work they do is so deeply
12
Our very own Fete Fairy! Rutvi, daughter
of SCC clinical nurse Shradda Amin
last digits of a $20 and $50 note whilst
Perrott Village work tirelessly to produce
Ellen, Shelley Konig (Donovan Village
Cars from the Torana Club, organised by club member (DV
Chef), Rob Puljar
“Nell’s Knitters”) was honoured on 11
Continued on Page 13
producing an average of 50 blankets a
visitations per year assisting people with
food, utility payments, clothing, cutlery,
crockery and many other resources. If
you would like to assist please donate
generously to their stores. If you are
interested in becoming a member of the
Thomas Perrott Knitting Group, contact
Senior Village Manager, Glenis Trumbich
on (08) 9259 5761 for more information.
“It’s great to be acknowledged for our work
as knitters,” said knitter Joyce Mynett.
“Everybody gets something out of this.
It’s out of the generosity of everyone else
that we can do what we do,” added fellow
St Vinnies volunteer, Pat Fitzgerald.
In Western Australia, St Vincent de Paul
representatives carry out 30,000 home
Group founder Ellen
(Nell) Gurry
New Knitting Group
leader Hilda O’Sullivan
13
on the go
indigenous coMMeMorations at gerManus kent house
National Sorry Day is an Australia-wide
observance held annually on May 26.
This day gives people the chance to come
together and work towards healing the
Stolen Generations - the Indigenous
Australians who were forcibly removed
from their families and communities.
May 25, Germanus Kent House held
their own Sorry Day commemoration.
Armed with some helpful suggestions
from the residents, facility manager
Terry Thommeny and the Germanus
Kent staff organised a pit fire lunch and
refreshments for 60 attendees.
The first National Sorry Day was held on
May 26, 1998, a year after the tabling of
a report about the removal of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander children from
their families. The report, known as
Bringing Them Home, acknowledged
that governments and missionaries were
responsible for the forced separation of
Indigenous children from their families
and communities since the early days of
European occupation in Australia in the
name of assimilation.
“It was a chance for all cultures to
work together to make it an enjoyable
day. We are very lucky that we have a
multicultural community,” said Kim
Treveton, chef at Germanus Kent
House. “We had a lot of fun skinning the
kangaroo tails.”
Sorry Day is a means to express regret
over the historical mistreatment of
Aboriginal people in our country. On
assistant Audrey Foo.
After a feast of kangaroo meat and fish,
special guest Steven ‘Bumba’ Albert
made a speech and the didgeridoo was
played.
“As a lot of our residents are Indigenous,
it is very important to acknowledge and
commemorate this special event in
Australian history,” said administrative
“A good time was had by all up here in
Broome over the last couple of months.
We also had a NAIDOC event where the
choir from St Mary’s school entertained
us. Some backpackers came along for
an impromptu concert which was well
received. It’s been a lot of fun,” said chef
Kim.
NAIDOC is a week of observance in
Australia that aims to change negative
views and to celebrate the richness of
Indigenous culture and heritage. Running
from July 1-8, there were many NAIDOC
celebrations at Germanus Kent House
from a performance by the Cable Beach
Primary School Choir to the Southern
Cross Care barbeque that was enjoyed by
staff, residents and Aboriginal elders.
NAIDOC week was a huge success in
Broome. Staff and residents are already
looking forward to next year’s festivities.
Heart Foundation Walking Groups
Heart Foundation walking groups meet at
the Rod Evans Senior Citizens Centre (160
Hay Street, East Perth, 6004) every Friday
morning at 9.30am. Walking groups are
a great way to stay fit, healthy and active.
Walks are for all levels and abilities and
are also a fantastic way to meet new
people in the community. Everyone is
welcome. If you are interested in joining
a Heart Foundation Walking group as
a walker or even a walk leader, please
contact Centre Manager, Tina Schwarz on
9325 1507.
City of Perth Library
Housebound Readers’ Service for
housebound people living in the City
of Perth local government area. This
service delivers items tailored to personal
preferences. Select from books in regular
or large print, in Non-English languages,
magazines, paperbacks, talking books,
music CDs, DVDs, videos, or information
on a particular topic. Phone 9461 3578
for more information on this fortnightly
service or contact us.
Ageing with Attitude
Meets monthly at 10.00 am on the fourth
Monday of the month at the Anne Reid
Meeting Room at the Civic Square Library
Melville (10 Almondbury Rd Booragoon).
It is an informal self directing discussion
group, encouraging exploration of any topic
of interest to the group. New members
welcome. Contact: Mary on 9330 2208
Intergenerational Play
The city invites seniors in the community
to join an intergenerational playgroup.
The group meets fortnightly and
aims to connect children and parents
Funniest caPtion coMPetition
with older community members for
intergenerational experiences in a fun
and relaxed setting. Intergenerational
activities encourage interaction between
older people, parents and children,
which enhance relationships and lead to
increased respect and communication
between the generations.
When:
Fortnightly on a Monday
(excluding public holidays)
Time:
10.30am to 12pm
Where: Tom Dadour Community Centre,
363 Bagot Road, Subiaco
For more information contact the city on
9237 9320.
The content of this article is intended for
general information only. Southern Cross
Care (WA) is not liable for any loss, damage
or injury incurred as a result of participation
in any of these activities.
odd Man
out Puzzle
Winner
Congratulations to Joyce Mynett from
Thomas Perrott Village who is the
clever winner of last edition’s Odd Man
Out puzzle. Joyce has won two tickets
to Hoyts La Premiere with a $50 candy
bar voucher.
The answers to the puzzle were:
1. Hoover does not belong as it’s
the only one which is not a car
manufacturer. Dodge does not belong
as it’s the only one which is not the
last name of a President of USA.
it’s Beginning to look a lot like christMas
2011 annual southern cross care christMas Party
Get ready for the event of the year –
the SCC Staff Family Christmas Picnic!
14
Date:
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Featuring
Time:
11.00am – 3.00pm
free sausage sizzle • drinks • snow cones • fairy
floss • face-painters • balloon twisters • art and
craft tent • giant 15 metre slip and slide • bouncy
castle • cuddly animal farm • pony rides
Christmas raffle with an iPad as the major prize
And of course – Santa
Location: Point Walter Reserve, Bicton
Don’t miss this exciting and iconic day out!
Please email [email protected].
Don’t forget to bring a wrapped gift for
your kids with their first and last name
clearly marked for Santa to hand out.
Calling all volunteers! Needed for
preparation and also on the day from
9.30am.
Witty wordsmith Fran Ellyard from BF Prindiville Village is the
winner of last edition’s funniest caption competition with the caption:
“I’m glad we’re protecting our nest egg.”
Fran won a $100 Coles/Myer voucher for her efforts.
2. Bishop does not belong as it’s the only
one which is not a class of nobility.
Earl does not belong as it’s the only
one which is not a Chess piece.
3. Dead does not belong as it’s the only
one which is not a color. Green does
not belong as it’s the only one which
is not the name of a sea.
Quote oF the Month
“time is a great healer, but a lousy beautician!” Anon
15
Test your
grey matter!
Send in your answers and the first entry drawn that
correctly identifies the correct number of triangles will
win two tickets to Hoyts La Premiere with a $50 Candy
Bar voucher. Good luck!
Can you work out how
many triangles are hiding
inside this pentagon?
The competition closes on 30 December 2011.
Send your entry to Alice Hennessy, Southern Cross Care
WA, PO Box 76, Burswood WA 6100.
The winner will be notified by telephone.
Puzzle submitted by SCC resident Walton Green.
GUESS THE
CELEBRITY!
All correct entries will go in a draw. The winner will
receive a $50 Coles Myer Voucher
The competition closes on 30 December 2011.
Send your entry to Alice Hennessy, Southern Cross Care
WA, PO Box 76, Burswood WA 6100.
The winner will be notified by telephone.
Can you guess this famous
Hollywood icon from her
baby photo?
Word Sleuth
E A
D R
C O
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S D
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A K
H I
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T A
L I
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N A
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D T
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E I E P O R T
T G W T Y M H
E N A E E E D
N S E L I O L
V O I C L V T
L I V D N I R
S L L A E I V
T N B L N N V
O M E R A L C
R R N A S P E
R E B U H T E
Y L O R D A L
S I R E I P A
S E E D N A L
E R M A N U S
C S Y A V A L
C P U I M R V
U L I O N J T
S E E S H T E
How many of these words
H E D L
G E D T
R A E H
I P U O
O E N M
P F B A
E H E S
I V J P
T M I E
E C A R
R A G R
L I M O
M L M T
G N E T
K E N T
L E Y V
M E P O
C E V N
C R S T
A N
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A A
P I
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K R
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D J
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D E C
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T B R
K R U
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can you find?
Bert England
Stirling
BF Prindville
Success
Bran Nue Day
Taylor Dallimore
Bunbury
Thomas Perrott
Donovan
Valley View
Foley
Victoria Park
Germanus Kent
Villa Pelletier
Jeremiah Donovan
Vincent
Joseph Cook
Lodge
Margaret Hubery
Residence
Mt Claremont
Village
Port Hedland
House
Riverview
Day Centre
We want your contributions
If you have a story, an event or photographs you’d like to share with our readers please email
[email protected] or call 1300 669 189. Your contribution will be most welcome.