COMMUNITY MATTERS - MERCYCARE
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Community Matters
May 2021
Message from the CEO To celebrate the 175 year
anniversary, MercyCare captured
the Sisters of Mercy’s important
This year MercyCare celebrates 175 years since the
story in a booklet to share and
Sisters of Mercy made their journey from Dublin up enjoy. In its pages we see Perth
the Swan River with a vision of creating a better, through the eyes of a young Sister
more equal and compassionate outlook for all. Ursula Frayne. Her incredible
journey, along with the six other
At MercyCare, we hold this story accommodation and wellness; pioneering Sisters of Mercy, has
with great pride. It is a legacy we vulnerable families through housing created a lasting impact on the
can draw inspiration from as we and support; new Australians
Western Australian community.
continue to strengthen, adapt through our multicultural services;
and grow to meet the needs of Kimberley communities through To learn more about this slice of
Western Australians. our accommodation; and our most our State’s history, our Celebrating
senior members through our aged 175 Years booklet can be found
We support Western Australian
care services. online at www.mercycare.com.
families and communities – from
au/our-history.
the smallest members in our early We do all this founded on
learning centres; young people our vision for people and Anthony Smith
supported through fostering, communities to thrive. MercyCare CEO
We personalise our Home Care
services for every individual, because
what matters to you, matters to us.
1800 637 299
agedcare@mercycare.com.au
Congratulations
New pathways for Multicultural
young people Services
MercyCare was
recently named a
Young people who have been through challenging recipient of the highly
life issues have a unique opportunity to hone regarded Community
Organisation Award at
their mentoring and peer support skills to help
the Western Australian
others and form a pathway to a future career. Multicultural Awards.
MercyCare is facilitating a free, “This is a great opportunity Presented by the Office of
10-week Youth Peer Pathways for a young person looking to Multicultural Affairs, the
course for people aged 18 to 25 get into peer work, advocacy Community Organisation
years across Perth. or community services,” Ms Award recognises
McGeachy said. MercyCare’s work with
The course is designed for young people who come from
people with lived experience “It is an industry-approved course
diverse, multicultural
that will help young people
of issues such as homelessness, backgrounds.
build confidence they need to
substance abuse, mental health
safely share their personal life “It has been a great
challenges, grief, loss, chronic motivator to all of the
experience to help others.
illness and becoming a carer. Multicultural Services staff
“Youth Peer Pathways is for
MercyCare Youth Accommodation as well as MercyCare in
young people who want to
and Tenancy Co-ordinator general, to continue with
step into mentorship and
Kirsty McGeachy encouraged the grass roots engagement
advocacy, and also to enhance
and support for people
young people with similar lived their overall personal and
who are new to Australia
experience and an interest in professional skills within the
and need support to get
supporting others to apply. peer support environment.”
established and integrated
into their new home
For more information, email peerpathways@mercycare.com.au country,” she says.
mercycare.com.au
Engaging the next generation
Every morning, children and staff at MercyCare
Kelmscott Early Learning Centre begin their day of fun
and learning with an Acknowledgement of Country.
It’s a great way to start the with help from a child’s family
day, regardless how old member, who came in to teach
the children are. children about Indigenous plants.
“In this industry we are given Kym said incorporating
the opportunity to introduce Aboriginal traditions and culture
children to the Aboriginal into everyday activities and
culture and its traditions; it is having visual representation
here where we plant the seed,” of it throughout the centre
said Kelmscott Early Learning went a long way in welcoming
Centre Manager Kym Corbett. Aboriginal families to the centre around our centre and having
and making it a culturally safe the Acknowledgement to
During storytelling activities,
children have the opportunity place for their children. Country are important ways to
to build their knowledge of embrace the culture of many
the Wadjuk language, learning
“Acknowledging Aboriginal families that attend our centre.”
key words that they can culture and having it Kym and a cohort of MercyCare
practise in other activities, embedded in our service staff recently immersed
such as music and singing. is really important themselves in a five-week Wadjuk
Their bush tucker garden is to us,” she said. Language education course,
something the children take which will support ongoing
enormous pride in; they planted “Things like having the Aboriginal Aboriginal learning activities across
every single edible native plant and Torre Strait Island flags MercyCare’s early learning centres.
Have you met Alfie?
Alfie, the three-year-old cavoodle (hybrid of a Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel and a Poodle) is a qualified therapy dog, having
begun his work experience and training as a six-month-old pup.
Alfie’s job is to make the with several residents in his
residents happy, and he’s short time with them.
excelling at it. But the place
“He went to visit one lady
Alfie has had the most impact
the other day and she just
is in the Ursula Wing – among
rested her forehead on
residents living with dementia.
Alfie’s,” Ms Chapman said.
His handler, MercyCare Lifestyle
“She said, ‘you’ve made my
Therapy and Spirituality Coordinator
day’ and that’s we try to do
Emma Chapman said Alfie had
every day – make each day
made a series of breakthroughs
the happiest we can.”
3
world of difference to his wife.
“When David is there, he’s
happy and he comes home
animated,” she said.
“He loves to be with people,
he has his therapy and he
likes the activities there.
“I don’t have to worry about
him, I know the people there
will look after him – because
everyone (in their care) is
Respite, a new lease on life somebody’s loved one.”
“It’s a huge help for me because
it takes the extra stress away;
Ranji and Henry “David” Weerasoriya barely spent a at home I have to be with him
day apart throughout their 53 years of marriage. the whole time, in case he falls
or injures himself,” Ranji said.
Even when David, 88, was “That first day I was so
Specialising in high care dementia
diagnosed with advanced distressed and cried all the
support, MercyCare’s Davis
Alzheimer’s disease, Ranji cared way home thinking ‘what
House offers a number of respite
for her husband in their home for am I doing’,” Ranji said.
options which can include day,
several years until it was clear
David has attended respite care evening, overnight or 24-hour
that at 77, she needed support.
at MercyCare’s Davis House care, seven days a week.
Respite care would give Ranji a for the past four years, now
well-needed break and time to visiting four times a week, Want more information about
look after herself but entrusting including one overnight stay. respite options with MercyCare?
her beloved husband into the care Give our friendly team a call
According to Ranji, he loves his
of others was one of the most on 1800 637 299 or email
respite care and looks forward
difficult decisions she has faced. agedcare@mercycare.com.au
to his visits, which makes a
Culture and food-lovers at home in Mirrabooka
After a successful summer season, the Mirrabooka Markets have Off the back of the market’s
made a name for themselves by showcasing musical, artistic and success, the Multicultural Services
flavoursome delights of over a dozen countries. team is currently exploring
options for stall holders to feature
The markets were a huge draw “We wanted it to be a place their products at other locations,
card for families in the local where diverse communities with hopes to be ready for the
area and beyond, with plenty of could come together to upcoming spring season.
entertainment and activities for celebrate culture, but also a
young children and teenagers. way to generate an income for
those who had difficulty finding
MercyCare’s Capability and Inclusion
employment,” Ms Baijnath said.
Coordinator, Community Family
and Children Shammy Baijnath said “It was such a great atmosphere
her Mirrabooka-based team was and a place where diversity is
impressed with crowd numbers respected, receives exposure
and the diversity of stall holders. and is celebrated.”
mercycare.com.au
Multicultural arts on display at Bennett Springs
In a fantastic community collaboration, MercyCare Bennett Springs Early
Learning Centre partnered with Sacred India Gallery and environmental
event group, Eco Gecko to educate the children about multicultural
arts and the importance of environmental preservation.
About 20 Kindy children learned “Our workshops aimed to drive number of cultural backgrounds,
new painting techniques from for change and encouraged with at least seven languages
Indian and Aboriginal cultures children to learn about culture, spoken between them.
and used them to decorate conservation and the local
The centre is a reflection
various native animal shapes. environment,” Jacenta said.
of the wonderfully diverse
The animals they painted “This project is important as community it is part of.
are indigenous to the Bennet we can teach our children
not only about the sharing of “We have so many multicultural
Springs local area, with many
our culture through art but families at our centre and I think
species known to inhabit the
wildlife conservation; preserving it’s really important to share one
nearby Whiteman Park.
and protecting animals, another’s cultures,” Jacenta said.
MercyCare Bennett Spring Early plants and their habitats. “It makes people feel
Learning Centre Manager Jacenta
“It is important that we ensure welcome and supported.”
Booth said the Eco Shapes
workshops were a fantastic future generations can enjoy our The children’s art works will
opportunity for children to natural world and the incredible be displayed at Sacred India
harness their creative minds, learn species that live within.” Gallery – 76 Dulwich St,
new art techniques and develop Staff at Bennett Springs Early Bennett Springs – as well as
their interest in local eco-systems. Learning Centre come from a the early learning centre.
5
Musical trio retire after 50 years of volunteering
After entertaining MercyCare
Wembley Residential Aged
Care Home residents for
a combined 50 years,
MercyCare volunteers
Pat Spillman, Val and Ken
Metcalf recently retired
from the musical limelight.
Pat has volunteered more than
25 years, while Val and Ken each
contributed over 12 years.
From the Metcalf’s home in
Mercy Village, over a cup of tea
and Val’s mouth-watering date
Val, Ken and Pat revisit their song books
loaf fresh out of the oven, the
songsters reminisced about old
times, old tunes and old friends. “It’s the music,” Pat said. The trio carried on singing and
Unsurprisingly, most of bringing smiles to faces, realising
“There’s something about
their stories culminated the impact their performances
music that makes people
in a group singalong. had on elderly residents.
remember things from
“There were particular songs that such a long time ago.” “I think volunteering is very
got people – ‘She’ll be Coming important,” Ken said.
For Pat, Val and Ken, who
Around the Mountain’, ‘It’s a Long share a life-long love of music, “It fills a hole when others
way to Tipperary…,” Val said. volunteering has never been a are not available, but we got
chore or added responsibility, it just as much out of it.”
“At first, they’d be sitting was quite the opposite they said.
Retired they may be, but
straight and stiff and They were simply doing what the trio doesn’t need much
by the time we finished they loved and happy to be able convincing to break into song.
they were alive, singing to continue their love of music.
And there’s no need for rehearsals;
along, tapping their feet. “We loved it just as much as After so many years together,
the residents did and it was they know their songbooks
“You’d get to know all of them, also a chance for us to get and vocal parts by heart.
that was the best part about it.” together, especially when there
They agreed there was something were more of us,” Ken said. Interested in volunteering with
magical about old-time songs, Their chorale originally took stage MercyCare? Our Volunteer and
especially those from the war- as a quartet, but one member Placement Coordinator would
time era, that unlocked memories passed away and another love to hear from you! For more
and feelings of years gone by. recently retired for health reasons. information email the team at
volunteering@mercycare.com.au
mercycare.com.au
Recognising dedication
in Aged Care
Passion and dedication were acknowledged at
MercyCare recently when 88 of our Residential Aged
Care staff across our homes in Wembley, Joondalup,
Kelmscott, Maddington and Rockingham were
recognised for 10, 15 and 20-plus years of service. No interest loans
“These people have made not “It takes a special person to a life-saver for
only an enormous contribution work in Aged Care, and for women escaping
to MercyCare but had a lasting these people to serve for
impact on each of the residents this length of time shows violence
they have connected with over their passion for their work. Last year, MercyCare’s Mercy
the years,” MercyCare Aged Compassion is the common Lending Services Program was
Care and Disability Executive ingredient we require in selected to be one of three
Director Joanne Penman said. all our staff – and these Western Australian referral
people embody this.” partners in a three-month
“For residents and their families,
to see a familiar face each Our longest serving aged care pilot as part of Good Shepherd
day is such a wonderful and staff members all work at our Microfinance’s Federally funded
comforting thing,” she said. Wembley Residential Aged Care expansion of the No Interest
Home. Personal care assistant Loan Scheme (NILS).
“Being able to connect with the
Gregorio has been working
same person regularly allows Designed to provide safe,
for 29 years, personal care
meaningful relationships to be affordable loans up to $2000 to
assistant Amanda for 25 years
formed. We are proud of this victims of domestic and family
and laundry staff member
at MercyCare, and thankful and violence, the pilot was a success,
Dean has worked in a variety
humbled by these staff and the with the program now available
of roles over 22 years. What an
contribution they have made. nationwide.
amazing dedication of service.
“Money is often a big hurdle to
overcome in order to leave or stay
safe in an abusive relationship,”
MercyCare Community, Family
and Children Services Executive
Director David Holden said.
“These loans offer fast access
to that money without being
saddled with unrealistic
repayment terms and conditions.”
For more information on Family
and Domestic Violence No
Interest Loans, speak to our
Mercy Lending Services team
by calling 1800 268 472.
7
Meet Gemma:
Foster Carer Support Officer
For those interested in becoming a MercyCare
Foster Carer, Gemma is the first voice they’ll
hear at the other end of the phone and the
first person they’ll meet on their journey.
For Gemma, what makes a great “Knowing I am providing that older and everything in between
Foster Carer is respect, patience, support and I’m always there for – their common goal is to make a
good listening skills, an openness them is satisfying in itself, but like difference in a child’s life.
to learn and develop, flexibility and our Foster Carers, knowing I’m
adaptability. The most important making a difference in a child’s For the MercyCare Fostering team,
factor though, is to have the child’s life brings an enormous amount pairing a child with the right
best interest at heart. of satisfaction.” Foster Carers for them is critical.
During the application process
“I always tell our Foster Carers
they should never feel their
“Everyone has the heart future Foster Carers list their
preferences to ensure placements
fostering journey is something to give a child in need
suit both child and carer within
they are doing on their own. the opportunities in a positive and stable home
They always have the support of life they deserve.” environment.
the MercyCare Fostering team.
That’s really important to us While MercyCare Foster Carers “The common driver with our
because there are challenges with come from diverse backgrounds Foster Carers is they want to
fostering but at the same time and situations – from couples to support a child who hasn’t had the
there is so much fulfilment,” says singles; parents with biological easiest start in life. Everyone has
MercyCare Foster Carer Support children or those with children that the heart to give a child in need the
Officer Gemma Marai. have flown the nest; younger to opportunities in life they deserve.”
Open your
heart,
open your Become a
HOME.
foster
fostercare.mercycare.com.au carer
mercycare.com.au
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