A place to call home Celebrating centenarians
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WINTER 2021
A place to Celebrating Creativity
call home centenarians turns a corner
page 3 page 4 page 8
Caring for Victorians since 1959
mecwacare Matters • Winter 2021 • 1
Staying safe in an unpredictable world A place to call home
AGED CARE HOMES
Every day we hear of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca in Altona North, to the quality expected
vaccines allows us to make a choice of mecwacare, arranging a special event
distressing details about
about protecting ourselves and our to mark the start of on-site work at the
how the global COVID-19 loved ones. new Simon Price Centre in Mont Albert
crisis is devastating and building a new home care office on
This message is not hard to sell.
countries, reminding us Our staff, volunteers and contractors
the Mornington Peninsula.
that it is still very much have responded overwhelmingly. We honoured the heroic and dedicated
an ongoing threat in We appreciate that the more people efforts of many of our staff behind our
Australia too. who are vaccinated, the safer you, our COVID-19 response. Our supporters’
residents and clients, care homes and generosity continued with the donation
“COVID normal” is a fortunate community centres will be. of heated throw blankets for our
position for us to be in compared to community housing residents. They
Most importantly, the steady progress
countries such as India. Poverty loved the gift and their joyous reaction
of vaccination across mecwacare’s
and a lack of medical resources is was typical of the wonderful results
aged care homes is bringing peace of
fuelling the spread of the virus at we see from sharing people’s care
mind. There are scheduling challenges
staggering rates. and kindness.
with integrating this year’s flu vaccine
I have heard many upsetting stories into the overall vaccination program. This newsletter also highlights the
from our staff and volunteers about However, this is just the flip side of an amazing Flora Looker, who turned 106
the terrible situations facing their increasingly positive situation. in April, and how we are seeing more
loved ones overseas. Our thoughts centenarians, with 57 of our aged care mecwacare Squires Place bathrooms into 60 rooms with
are with them and anyone who is cut
Despite the occasional serious
residents and home care clients turning In March, we were is our 14th care home and individual bathrooms.
COVID-19 threat, such as the one
off from their families and friends
that caused Perth’s abrupt lockdown,
100 or older this year. delighted to take complements other residences
These works, which are due to be
due to travel restrictions. in the west, mecwacare John
Victoria’s snap five-day lockdown earlier I hope you and your families stay ownership of a major Atchison Centre in Hoppers completed by December 2021,
It is a stark reminder that we must this year and more recently, the Sydney safe and well. will enhance the home’s comfort,
maintain and strengthen our infection and Melbourne scares, mecwacare’s western suburbs aged Crossing and mecwacare Vincent
design, functionality and
business is continuing to pick up pace Michele Lewis House in Westmeadows.
prevention practices here.
in 2021. Chief Executive care home in Altona accessibility, and give residents
As part of the integration into the quality home they deserve.
While the COVID-19 vaccine is not
compulsory, it is heartening to It has been a strong period for building North and welcome mecwacare, the two-storey
Pictured on the cover:
home is undergoing a significant Squires Place is a warm and
see growing public support. The projects. We are transforming our newly Piroska enjoying her new heated throw rug. residents and staff to the renovation into a modern and inviting residence, set amongst
Commonwealth Government’s rollout acquired aged care home, Squires Place See story, page 6
mecwacare family. comfortable 60-bed residence, landscaped gardens, and is a
with a café, library, hair and short drive from the beach and
beauty salon, cinema, spacious all that scenic Port Phillip Bay
lounge and dining rooms. has to offer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
We have reduced the number Squires Place (formerly Florence
THIS CONTEMPORARY HOME OR ANY
of beds to 30 while we Aged Care) has been named
OF MECWACARE’S AGED CARE HOMES, undertake this major upgrade after long-serving mecwacare
PLEASE CONTACT OUR FRIENDLY and extension, which includes Board Member and Treasurer
We have over 60 years' experience in providing care and support
ADMISSIONS TEAM ON 8573 4812. converting 45 rooms with shared Colin Squires.
to the elderly. If you are looking for residential aged care that
feels like home and provides quality, safe and genuine care, then
mecwacare is perfect for your next stage in life.
Who we are
Our residential aged care locations:
mecwacare is a not-for-profit, non-denominational charitable organisation that has been supporting
• Altona North • Mont Albert
Victorians for more than 60 years. We are a values-based, care-driven organisation that provides residential,
• Caulfield North • Prahran
community and in-home nursing, care and support services for the elderly and people living with a disability.
• Glen Iris • Richmond
• Hamlyn Heights (Geelong) • Safety Beach BOOK A TOUR mecwacare was founded by a small group of volunteers concerned about the elderly and vulnerable in their
• Hoppers Crossing • Shoreham TODAY local area and formally became the Malvern Elderly Citizens Welfare Association (MECWA) in 1959. In 2007,
• Malvern • Traralgon MECWA changed its name to mecwacare to better represent the organisation’s focus as it grew into a major
8573 4812
• Mornington • Westmeadows provider of aged care and disability services across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
2
mecwacare.org.au mecwacare Matters • Winter 2021 • 3
The changing picture of Sunny side of the street
AGED CARE HOMES SUSTAINABILITY
ageing at mecwacare
How often do you meet
a wonderful mature
lady who can proudly
show you a photo of
herself as a three-
year-old in 1918?
Enter, the exceptional
Flora Looker.
Steven Lambert and Alan Bullas inspecting one of the new hybrid vehicles
Green Initiatives
Flora Looker,
aged 106 in 2021 and
Solar panels will be • Nineteen hybrid vehicles
three in 1918
will be added to our
installed at three mecwacare fleet this financial year
sites this year and our vehicle as the first stage of implementing
a full hybrid vehicle fleet by 2023-24.
fleet is heading to hybrid
We have selected the Toyota Corolla
as part of an expanding Hybrid Ascent Sport and the Toyota
Flora Looker turned the grand age These statistics add up to a Flora’s story confirms insights
of 106 on April 15. A beloved resident fascinating picture of how people coming through about our sustainability program. RAV4 Hybrid GX. Hybrids perform like
at mecwacare’s Rositano House are ageing, both within aged care centenarians, especially their a petrol vehicle, but save energy and
in Richmond, Flora is just one of facilities and in their own homes. personalities and resilience. Work is underway to install solar panels at our corporate provide a calmer, more responsive
our residents who has attained the office in Malvern Road and two aged care homes, driving experience.
magical three-figure milestone. Better medical care and health Tragic family losses – her husband mecwacare Jubilee House in Caulfield North and • Efficient lighting through LED upgrades
awareness, along with a commitment and both sons died at an early age – mecwacare John Atchison Centre in Hoppers Crossing. is also reducing running costs while
This year across mecwacare’s to assist people to live in their own resulted in Flora becoming boosting efficiency.
14 aged care homes, 18 residents home for as long as possible, are fiercely independent. This is the first stage of a five-year program that aims
will celebrate their 100th and credited with driving the increase. to complete solar installations across our residential LED lighting has so far been installed at:
100-plus birthdays. She brought this independence with services portfolio. mecwacare currently has solar panels • Annie’s Court, Shoreham
And there are personality her when she moved into the then at mecwacare Annie’s Court in Shoreham, mecwacare • Calwell Manor, Safety Beach
And while that is an impressive indicators, too. Sir Eric Pearce House in 2009. She is Calwell Manor in Safety Beach and the East Malvern • Elstoft House, Geelong
figure, another 39 of our clients known for becoming very engaged in Opportunity Shop.
• Malvern Centre, Malvern
still living in their own homes will conversation, with strong opinions,
celebrate their century birthdays THIS YEAR and for giving wise worldly advice. Two energy services companies with aged care • Park Hill, Mornington
or higher this year. experience have been appointed to undertake the work. • House, Pakenham
18 RESIDENTS
Until a couple of years ago, Flora They will install voltage optimisation technology that
Global data confirms what we are CELEBRATE THEIR would regularly walk down to Bridge will boost savings and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
• Printing and waste management have
been identified as other areas for use
seeing in our homes and among 100+ BIRTHDAYS IN OUR Road to do her shopping, visit the
of more efficient and environmental
our clients – a steady increase in bank and post office. She had her mecwacare's three community housing complexes in
longevity, marked by rising rates AGED CARE HOMES regular shops and friendships where Beaumaris, Glen Iris and Sandringham are also being
technologies.
of people living to 100. she would drop in for a chat. assessed for solar installations.
4 mecwacare Matters • Winter 2021 • 5
Rugging up for winter
COMMUNITY
Jeff and his new heated throw rug
Delivering heated throw
blankets to residents in our
community housing brought joy,
gratitude and smiles.
This was care and kindness mecwacare’s role in
in action. “brokering” the gift is another
important facet of our work
Our distribution team was barely supporting Victoria’s frail and
back in the office before the vulnerable citizens.
messages of thanks started
arriving via email. Not only are the blankets an
example of community caring
"I am overwhelmed by such in action, they provide a warm Barbara Watts and Chris Barnett delivering the heated throw blankets
generosity, thank you so much," and cosy winter “retreat”
said one long-time resident. and help keep the cost of
electricity down – an important Secure and affordable housing
Another resident couldn’t contribution to energy efficiency
believe the coincidence and her and a saving for our community
good fortune. housing residents. mecwacare’s community housing mecwacare’s units are disability
program provides residents with and ageing-friendly, allowing
"I had my 80th birthday on Glen Iris resident Piroska was their very own home in one of three residents to live independently
Sunday and I had put out some delighted when she received prime locations across Melbourne. It for many years. mecwacare offers
strong hints to family members her blanket. She said she was is designed to provide comfort and care and support services into the
that a heated throw would be incredibly grateful for the gift and independence for people who are home, including Home Care
appreciated," she wrote. looking forward to keeping warm over 65, or living with a disability, and Packages, clinical assessments,
on the coldest days and nights. who meet the Department of Health’s medication and wound management,
"To my disappointment these eligibility criteria for a concessional as well as support with personal care,
hints fell on deaf ears, so imagine Each blanket was delivered with rent allowance. such as showering, dressing
my joy and amazement when I a note from Chief Executive and grooming.
discovered a heated throw from Michele Lewis, which residents Our community housing complexes
mecwacare, on my doorstep on also appreciated. in Glen Iris, Sandringham and There are plans to expand our
Monday morning!" Beaumaris provide a private space community housing portfolio as
with this
to provide you and shared garden, which fosters we work to provide more options for
I am delighted ke t.
These soft and warm blankets ed throw blan social opportunities. We hope that by people who are financially and/or
gift of a heat
were made possible by a providing quality, affordable housing socially disadvantaged. Our units
h a very
very generous donation from ke t w as purchased wit for people experiencing difficulties or provide a safe and secure home close
This bl an rabool Fund,
do na ti on from the Dur
the Durrabool Fund, whose gene ro us recipients of at risk of homelessness, this burden to shops and public transport.
be ne fa ct ors were the
benefactors had received one of who se es. They will be eased.
es e bl an kets themselv
the blankets as a gift themselves. one of th mecwacare's
it so m uc h, they wanted
love d to have one
un it y ho us ing residents
com m electricity
They loved it so much, lp ke ep the cost of
too – an d he
l warmth. If you would like to know more about our
they wanted mecwacare’s n w hi le pr ov iding essentia
dow community housing program, please call 8573 4970 or
community housing residents
anket and email housing@mecwacare.org.au
joy your new bl
to have one, too. I hope you en sy during
it ke ep s yo u warm an co
d
that ths.
illy winter mon Piroska rugging up in her heated blanket
Melbourne's ch
6 Michele Lewis mecwacare Matters • Winter 2021 • 7
DISABILITY FUNDRAISING
Creativity turns a corner In the swing of success
And Rachel and Mark are With that program and all the
Natasha’s Crafty Corner cooking up quite a following news temporarily on hold, the
of their own as Fisher Street centre faced a challenge to fill
is a colourful little column gets back into full swing after the pages while trying to keep
that is making a big, bright the disruptions of COVID-19 the newsletter interesting to
last year. centre participants.
difference to readers of
a newsletter, published Natasha is one of the During a brainstorm with
newsletter’s popular new staff, Rachel mentioned her
by participants at
columnists, sharing hints and passion for food and how
mecwacare’s Fisher Street “how-to” tips – and even much she enjoyed the cooking
Disability Day Centre. getting fan mail from and lifestyle programs at
Golf Day winners: Bidfood Victoria
appreciative readers. Fisher Street.
Her latest craft project is an She suggested including a
easy-to-make fan that requires recipe and staff seized the
only paper plates, acrylic paint, opportunity. Rachel’s Recipe
craft sticks, glue and a black Corner was born and a new
permanent marker. era started for participant
contributions to the newsletter.
With clear instructions,
Natasha and her fellow “What started as a once-off
Golf Day runners up: Sheen Malvern
participants are able to create addition to the newsletter soon
an eye-catching fan that is easy became a much-loved column
to use and effective. that has evolved into three
different subjects,” said Kevin
Turn the page and another new Kreiner, Regional Manager of
columnist is offering a mouth- Community Services. mecwacare’s 20th Charity Golf Day at one of Our Sponsors
watering project – chocolate- Victoria’s top sandbelt courses in March was one
dipped strawberries. Mark’s “When we resumed services SILVER SPONSORS
Sweet Corner is another well- and more participants started
of our most successful events, with 108 players Community Bank East Malvern
read instructional column. to return to the centre, we teeing off in near-perfect conditions. MedSafe
created a program plan for United Physiotherapy
The introduction of columnists the newsletter project, where Players rose to the occasion, bringing mecwacare’s signature fundraising Bidfood Victoria
has become a staple of the participants brainstorm ideas their best games to the fairways of event was made possible by the
Natasha (front), Rachel and Mark
newsletter after the content to create a monthly issue filled the internationally-recognised Yarra support of our amazing sponsors BRONZE SPONSORS
challenges of COVID-19; with valuable information, Yarra Golf Club in Bentleigh East. and community partners, including
Accru Melbourne
February-March-April lockdown restrictions updates and activities.” the Community Bank Malvern
Fisher Street 2021 Fisher Lane Mobility
While everyone just finished
welcoming in
upended the activity-based This challenging, picturesque course East, Medsafe and United
Gary Peer & Associates
cultures
the New Year, a lot of different
Lunar New
saw a tight contest in the four-person Physiotherapy Group.
await to celebrate the Chinese
Year. We hope you enjoy this
project.
crafty
program for which Fisher
ambrose competition followed by LeasePlus
What you will need: Street is renowned and which
*Paper Plates, Acrylic Paint in
red, gold and black,
Craft Sticks, Glue, Black Sharpie
was a newsletter feature. lunch in the heritage clubhouse. On top of the invaluable Sheen Malvern
draw a small half
*Cut a paper plate in half and
circle in the centre of the straight
with a Sharpie.
edge of the plate
sponsorships, a generously Amicum
One of our new sponsors – Bidfood supported raffle raised funds for
gold and black
*Paint both halves with the red,
paints. Norden Conversion
and set the paper
*Paint craft sticks for each fan
plates and craft sticks aside to
dry.
like shown below
Victoria – carded 56 to just pip the our new campaign Standing Strong. Essential Fire Safety Services
*Glue craft sticks to your fans
perennial top-performing team from mecwacare is installing purpose-built
ly dry.
and place it down until complete
Medirest
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sheen Malvern, who carded 571/8. strength training equipment, PTA Architecture
ABOUT MECWACARE’S designed specifically for elderly
Spectrol
DISABILITY SERVICVES, It was a fantastic day despite having people, in every one of our 14 aged
Moores
PLEASE CALL 9572 9000 to be rescheduled due to the snap care homes and community centres
Free call 1800 163 292
five-day lockdown in February. – at a cost of $18,100 each.
www.mecwacare.org.au
8 mecwacare Matters • Winter 2021 • 9
STAFF AWARDS I would like to support mecwacare
Celebrating our pandemic heroes Please complete and return this donation slip to support
mecwacare’s life-changing work.
Please find enclosed my tax deductible gift of:
$25 $50 $250 $500 My choice $
mecwacare 2021 Employee, Volunteer and Where would you like your donation to go?
Contractor Awards winners Elderly people
People living with a disability
Chief Executive Leadership Award Support Service Award (Corporate Services)
(Residential Services) Jessica Lemoine, Quality Advisor People experiencing financial hardship
Loretta Radge, General Manager, Residential Services
Administrator of the Year/Support Service Award Area of greatest need
Chief Executive Leadership Award (Residential Services)
(Home and Community Services) Kylie Peacock, Park Hill CONTACT DETAILS
Linda Smart, Executive General Manager, Home and
Community Services
Administrator of the Year Award Title Mr Miss Mrs Ms Mx Other:
(Home and Community Services)
Chief Executive Leadership Award Miranda Kellett, Administration Officer, Name
(Corporate Services) South West Region
Susan Camilleri, General Manager, People and Culture
Address
Administrator of the Year Award
Employee of the Year (Residential Services) (Corporate Services)
Annette McLean, Regional Support Manager Peter Griffin, General Manager, Information Technology
Email
Employee of the Year Encouragement Award (Residential Services)
(Home and Community Services) Amanjot Brar, Clinical Care Coordinator, Telephone
Kevin Kreiner, Regional Manager, Community Services Noel Miller Centre
Date of Birth (optional) / /
Employee of the Year (Corporate Services) Encouragement Award (Home Nursing Care Services)
I would like to receive information about remembering
mecwacare’s annual awards honoured the Luke Angliss, Gardening Services Dumida Niyamgoda, Direct Care Worker, Barwon Region
mecwacare in my Will.
heroic and dedicated work of the many people Clinician of the Year (Residential Services) Encouragement Award (Corporate Services)
Mohammed Oukal, Facility Manager, Malvern Centre Daniela Campana-Leesa, I would like to know more about volunteering at mecwacare.
behind our response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. (now at Annie's Court and Calwell Manor) Human Resources Administrator
I DO NOT want to receive further correspondence from mecwacare.
They worked tirelessly throughout 2020 to keep Clinician of the Year Encouragement Award (Community Services)
our residents and clients safe. (Home and Community Services)
Caroline McLelland, Assessment Officer,
Christine Gardner, Meals Service Coordinator,
City of Melbourne
PAYMENT DETAILS
South East Region I am paying by: Cheque
We had a record number of nominations (81) Ms Lewis said she was incredibly proud of Contractor of the Year
and a record number of categories, which was how everybody responded to the challenges. Carer of the Year (Residential Services) Michael Evans, Ripley Plumbing Visa Mastercard AMEX AMEX ID / /
necessary to recognise so many deserving She said the awards recognised very deserving Saffron Wileman, Personal Care Assistant,
Volunteer of the Year Card No. / / /
people who delivered exceptional care and supported people and the exceptional work performed by Elstoft House
Marjorie Waite, Op Shop, East Malvern
their colleagues in one of mecwacare’s most so many at the height of the crisis.
Carer of the Year (Home and Community Services) Expiry Date / CVV
challenging years. Volunteer of the Year
A recurring theme was the incredible efforts Ashlee Roberts, Direct Care Worker, North West Metro
Noel and Julie Farmilio, Meals on Wheels (Leongatha) Cardholder Name
Chief Executive Michele Lewis presented 26 awards of staff in our residential services and other Learning and Development Award Gippsland Region
that recognised individuals and teams who live the areas who stepped up to work at the Paramjit (Pally) Singh, Facility Manager, Rositano House Signature
mecwacare values of Caring, Accountable, Respectful John Atchison Centre in Hoppers Crossing – Long-term Contribution Award
(now at John Atchison Centre)
and Ethical. Our values unite us. They underpin the only mecwacare home to have Lucy Chapman, Facility Manager, Simon Price Centre
everything we do across the many services we provide. an outbreak. Support Service Award (Residential Services) Fill out the donation form and mail your cheque or credit card information
Chief Executive Special Award (Teams)
Eleanor Hills, Personal Care Assistant/Laundry Assistant, to: mecwacare, 1287 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144
Home Care Nursing Team – Clare Chalmers,
John Atchison Centre
Dee Greenwood and June Davis
Call us with your payment details (freecall) 1800 163 292 between
Support Service Award
If you would like to know more about working for mecwacare, To make a secure online donation using your credit card,
9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. We accept AMEX, Visa and Mastercard.
(Home and Community Services)
visit the Careers section on our website at mecwacare.org.au visit our website at mecwacare.org.au
Seung (Steve) Tac Yahng, Direct Care Worker,
South East Metro
10 mecwa carecare
mecwa Matters
Matters
• Winter
• Winter
20212021
• 11 • 11 All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Service Network
CORPORATE SERVICES HOME CARE SERVICES
A 1287 Malvern Road P 03 8573 4980
Malvern VIC 3144 E intake@mecwacare.org.au
P 03 8573 4888
North West Metro Keilor East
P 1800 163 292 (freecall)
LUX URY APARTMEN T L IVING - YOUR P ERFEC T RE T IRE MEN T OP T ION
E enquiries@mecwacare.org.au South East Metro Malvern
w mecwacare.org.au South East Region Pakenham
South West Region Ballarat
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES RESIDENCES BY
P 03 8573 4812 Barwon Region Geelong
E admissions@mecwacare.org.au Gippsland Region Inverloch
mecwacare Annie’s Court
HOME CARE PACKAGES
Shoreham
(statewide)
mecwacare Calwell Manor P 03 8573 4812
Safety Beach E homecarepackages@
mecwacare Elstoft House mecwacare.org.au
Hamlyn Heights (Geelong)
mecwacare John Atchison Centre COMMUNITY SERVICES
Make the move to
Hoppers Crossing
mecwacare Jubilee House
P 03 8573 4980
E community@mecwacare.org.au
Robin Syme Malvern
Caulfield North Bass Coast Cowes (Phillip Island)
mecwacare Malvern Centre Barry Fenton Centre Enjoy a welcoming community of like-minded
Malvern and Podiatry Service people, offering you a safe and secure environment
Malvern East where you can live life to the fullest.
mecwacare Noel Miller Centre
Glen Iris Rivendell House Pakenham A new boutique retirement village in Malvern,
mecwacare O’Mara House offering all you need and love within easy reach.
Traralgon DISABILITY SERVICES You will find a limited edition of 31 luxurious two and
P 03 9572 9000 three-bedroom residences that have been crafted
mecwacare Park Hill
E community@mecwacare.org.au to perfection, purely with your needs in mind.
Mornington
mecwacare Rositano House Fisher Street Centre
Richmond Malvern East
mecwacare Simon Price Centre
COMMUNITY HOUSING
Mont Albert
P 03 8573 4970
mecwacare Squires Place
E housing@mecwacare.org.au
Altona North
mecwacare Trescowthick Centre
Prahran
Beaumaris
Glen Iris
Inspect now
Sandringham
mecwacare Vincent House OPEN FOR INSPECTION
Westmeadows OPPORTUNITY SHOPS WED AND FRI 11AM-NOON
OR BY APPOINTMENT
P 03 9571 4221 (donations) LUX URY APARTMEN T L IVING - YOUR P ERFEC T RE T IRE MEN T OP T ION
RETIREMENT LIVING E enquiries@mecwacare.org.au
P 03 8573 4970 Contact Pauline 9831 9876
E housing@mecwacare.org.au Hawthorn
Malvern
robinsymemalvern.com.au
Hoppers Crossing Malvern East 1259 Malvern Road, Malvern
Malvern Windsor
FREECALL 1800 163 292 • mecwacare.org.au 12
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