mattersmatters

• Our “Jewel in the Crown” turns 10 Pg 2

• Drawing on inspiration Pg 3

• Seaside sanctuaries Pg 6

• Great day out par for the course Pg 8

IN THIS EDITION

Caring for Victorians since 1959

AUTUMN 2020AUTUMN 2020

1959 - 2019

WE’RE OFF AND RUNNINGWelcome to the Autumn edition of mecwacare Matters, our quarterly newsletter that brings you the latest news and information about mecwacare and the services we provide across Melbourne and regional Victoria. We have hit the ground running this year, with the expansion of home care services into the Bass Coast region and Frankston area, and the acquisition of two residential aged care centres on the Mornington Peninsula. Our luxurious retirement living units in Malvern are fast taking shape and racing towards a mid-year completion and work has started on the new Simon Price Centre in Mont Albert and a new residence in Richmond.

Michele Lewis Chief Executive

We had a record turnout at our annual golf day in February with funds raised supporting our vision of enhancing life changing experiences with our community.

In this our 61st year of supporting the community, I am proud of the continued growth and high-quality services we provide. It is a privilege to care for and support the 16,500 people who invite us into their homes every day and entrust us to assist them to live the life they choose.

On the following pages, you will read about some of our wonderful residents and clients, as well as the special staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to support them to live fulfilling and purposeful lives.

Pictured on the cover: mecwacare Malvern Centre resident Sheila Meares celebrating her 101st birthday.2 AUTUMN 2020

We recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the mecwacare Malvern Centre with an afternoon tea for residents and staff, paying homage to the many people who played an integral role in its establishment.

Officially opened by then Board Chair Robin Syme and Federal Member for Higgins Kelly O’Dwyer, a significant focus was the naming of the centre’s four wings, honouring those who had made an extraordinary contribution to the organisation – Life Governors Joy Waller-Ogden, Mary Moline, Neil Lockwood and Ross Heale. Collectively, they dedicated over 110 years of voluntary service to mecwacare. Sadly, none of them are with us anymore but their legacy well and truly lives on at mecwacare.

Considered by many at the time as “the jewel in the crown”, the Malvern Centre was built to support a huge need in the area for quality aged care accommodation. Back then, the population was ageing and more Melburnians were facing decisions regarding the ongoing care of their loved ones. This beautifully-appointed 101-bed centre was the first aged care home in Melbourne to offer two and three-room suites – with a café, cinema, library and hairdresser on-site just some of the special extras. Immaculate attention to detail is what sets it apart from the rest – from carefully selected linen, crockery and cutlery to the quality furnishings and artwork. Such elegance and comfort have since been replicated across all mecwacare facilities. At the time of the opening, Chief Executive Michele Lewis said mecwacare strived to provide the highest quality care and services available for seniors, which was “still true to our founders’ dreams and remains key to everything we do today”. “Ten years on, I am incredibly proud to say that we are achieving this and will continue to do so well into the future.”

mecwamecwacarecare Malvern Centre resident Olive Harper Malvern Centre resident Olive Harper and Clinical Care Coordinator Neha Patel.and Clinical Care Coordinator Neha Patel.

Our “Jewel Our “Jewel in the Crown” in the Crown” TURNS 10TURNS 10

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mecwamecwacarecare Malvern Centre resident Olive Harper Malvern Centre resident Olive Harper and Clinical Care Coordinator Neha Patel.and Clinical Care Coordinator Neha Patel.

DRAWING ON DRAWING ON INSPIRATIONINSPIRATION

TTony Bishop, 93, is surrounded by stunning ony Bishop, 93, is surrounded by stunning drawings with an Australian theme. One drawings with an Australian theme. One of them is a piece that he drew in 1952 of them is a piece that he drew in 1952 soon after arriving in Australia from soon after arriving in Australia from England. Sixty-eight years later, the picture England. Sixty-eight years later, the picture

has remarkably retained its colour and emotion.has remarkably retained its colour and emotion.

Tony never married and never had children, but he did Tony never married and never had children, but he did share adventures with three loyal dogs. Upon his arrival share adventures with three loyal dogs. Upon his arrival in Australia, he worked as an opal miner for 21 years in in Australia, he worked as an opal miner for 21 years in Coober Pedy, preferring outback life to the big smoke. Coober Pedy, preferring outback life to the big smoke. When he moved to mecwaWhen he moved to mecwacare’s care’s Elstoft House in Hamlyn Elstoft House in Hamlyn Heights (Geelong) three years ago, he was reunited with Heights (Geelong) three years ago, he was reunited with his sister Pauline, 95, and the pair’s creativity continues his sister Pauline, 95, and the pair’s creativity continues to astonish everyone. to astonish everyone.

Tony was awarded second prize in the 2019 Royal Geelong Tony was awarded second prize in the 2019 Royal Geelong Show’s aged category for his drawing of the Thompson Show’s aged category for his drawing of the Thompson River in Queensland. He drew the piece from a photograph River in Queensland. He drew the piece from a photograph taken in 2004, capturing the stunning formation of the taken in 2004, capturing the stunning formation of the clouds and the calm water beneath the trees. clouds and the calm water beneath the trees.

Tony has never belonged to any clubs or groups and Tony has never belonged to any clubs or groups and says he enjoys his own company. His lone scooter says he enjoys his own company. His lone scooter outings have stopped because of his limited mobility outings have stopped because of his limited mobility but when fetching more works from his room, he moves but when fetching more works from his room, he moves swiftly and returns within a minute, so eager he is to swiftly and returns within a minute, so eager he is to share his collection. share his collection.

Tony is a regular participant in the Elstoft House art Tony is a regular participant in the Elstoft House art therapy program. Art is his passion and has been since therapy program. Art is his passion and has been since childhood. Some works are portraits of himself and childhood. Some works are portraits of himself and family members, while his favourites are places dear to family members, while his favourites are places dear to him. Staff walk by and marvel at his collection, often him. Staff walk by and marvel at his collection, often stopping to find out the story behind each one. Tony stopping to find out the story behind each one. Tony speaks with pride – he is a natural storyteller.speaks with pride – he is a natural storyteller. Strolling around the beautiful gardens and tinkering Strolling around the beautiful gardens and tinkering at the piano are other activities that Tony enjoys at the at the piano are other activities that Tony enjoys at the centre. His mother was a great pianist and played sound centre. His mother was a great pianist and played sound effects for silent movies in picture houses. Tony still effects for silent movies in picture houses. Tony still recalls sitting by her side as she rehearsed.recalls sitting by her side as she rehearsed.

Pauline, who was the only girl among five siblings, still Pauline, who was the only girl among five siblings, still knits all her own clothes and speaks glowingly about knits all her own clothes and speaks glowingly about her brother.her brother. “As a child, Tony would always be getting into trouble “As a child, Tony would always be getting into trouble and teasing his sister,” she says with a smile. “Our mother and teasing his sister,” she says with a smile. “Our mother would make him do his paintings in the shed because would make him do his paintings in the shed because they were so messy. But Tony is a lovely man. He always they were so messy. But Tony is a lovely man. He always has been.”has been.”

Tony says he enjoys living at Elstoft House, praising the Tony says he enjoys living at Elstoft House, praising the staff and admitting that while he is outnumbered by staff and admitting that while he is outnumbered by female residents, it is a fair balance considering his female residents, it is a fair balance considering his brothers outnumbered Pauline for so many years. His brothers outnumbered Pauline for so many years. His loss of hearing in one ear isn’t all bad either, he says, loss of hearing in one ear isn’t all bad either, he says, cheekily. cheekily.

Tony reckons he is not planning to enter any more Tony reckons he is not planning to enter any more competitions because his hands “aren’t what they used competitions because his hands “aren’t what they used to be”. He wants to complete some unfinished works, do to be”. He wants to complete some unfinished works, do his crosswords and enjoy the activities at his home. But his crosswords and enjoy the activities at his home. But then he grins, suggesting he’s not quite done yet. then he grins, suggesting he’s not quite done yet.

His passion remains – and that elusive first prize beckons. His passion remains – and that elusive first prize beckons.

As part of mecwaAs part of mecwacare’scare’s vision to enhance life vision to enhance life changing experiences with our community, changing experiences with our community, we are assisting the Phillip Island Senior we are assisting the Phillip Island Senior Citizens Club to attend their weekly lunch Citizens Club to attend their weekly lunch outings by transporting members on one of outings by transporting members on one of our buses – free of charge. After the council our buses – free of charge. After the council sold its fleet of community buses, the members sold its fleet of community buses, the members were left without the means to attend their were left without the means to attend their much-loved social activity however, the much-loved social activity however, the service recommenced in February and they service recommenced in February and they couldn’t be happier. couldn’t be happier.

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Extending our Extending our reach to the coastreach to the coast

mecwamecwacarecare was chosen by the state and federal was chosen by the state and federal governments late last year to provide aged care and governments late last year to provide aged care and disability services and assessment services, consolidating disability services and assessment services, consolidating our growth in the region. A key benefit for clients is that our growth in the region. A key benefit for clients is that many of the services previously offered by the council many of the services previously offered by the council are being provided by mecwacare at lower fees.are being provided by mecwacare at lower fees.

mecwamecwacarecare is already providing aged care and disability is already providing aged care and disability services in the South Gippsland Shire through an office services in the South Gippsland Shire through an office in Inverloch, which opened in April 2019. In addition in Inverloch, which opened in April 2019. In addition to this, mecwato this, mecwacarecare has extended its reach in the South has extended its reach in the South West Region to include Geelong and on April 1, will start West Region to include Geelong and on April 1, will start services in the Frankston area.services in the Frankston area.

This follows recent growth into the local government This follows recent growth into the local government areas of Knox, Dandenong, Manningham, Monash, areas of Knox, Dandenong, Manningham, Monash, Maroondah and Boroondara. mecwacare is now the Maroondah and Boroondara. mecwacare is now the only non-government provider of regional assessment only non-government provider of regional assessment services in Victoria and the largest provider of services in Victoria and the largest provider of government-funded home care services.government-funded home care services.

On January 1, mecwaOn January 1, mecwacarecare welcomed 800 welcomed 800 clients and staff on the Bass Coast as part clients and staff on the Bass Coast as part of the ongoing expansion of our Home Care of the ongoing expansion of our Home Care Services.Services. MAKING A MAKING A

DIFFERENCEDIFFERENCE

Kathy Erikson (pictured) has noticed the positive impact Kathy Erikson (pictured) has noticed the positive impact of mecwaof mecwacare’scare’s presence in the South Gippsland region presence in the South Gippsland region since our office in Inverloch opened 12 months ago.since our office in Inverloch opened 12 months ago.

Kathy, who joined mecwaKathy, who joined mecwacarecare as a Client Services as a Client Services Coordinator when the office opened, was previously a Coordinator when the office opened, was previously a Direct Care Worker for more than 20 years. A Wonthaggi Direct Care Worker for more than 20 years. A Wonthaggi local, she is passionate about the care provided to local, she is passionate about the care provided to people in her “backyard” and believes mecwapeople in her “backyard” and believes mecwacarecare has has already made a difference. already made a difference.

“mecwa“mecwacarecare really cares about people. They uphold really cares about people. They uphold their values and everyone is treated equally,” Kathy said.their values and everyone is treated equally,” Kathy said. Kathy organises rosters, answers questions from clients Kathy organises rosters, answers questions from clients and staff, and arranges short-term services for Post-and staff, and arranges short-term services for Post-Acute Care (PAC) and the Transitional Aged Care Acute Care (PAC) and the Transitional Aged Care Program (TACP). She believes building a strong rapport Program (TACP). She believes building a strong rapport with clients and their families, staff and other with clients and their families, staff and other organisations that have partnered with mecwaorganisations that have partnered with mecwacarecare are essential to her role.are essential to her role. “It’s important to provide a great service to all our “It’s important to provide a great service to all our clients and to meet their individual needs. Every client clients and to meet their individual needs. Every client is different and our services are wide ranging, but is different and our services are wide ranging, but everyone is treated with the utmost respect.”everyone is treated with the utmost respect.”

Kathy believes Direct Care Workers play the biggest role Kathy believes Direct Care Workers play the biggest role in clients’ lives, supporting them to live independently in in clients’ lives, supporting them to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. their own homes for as long as possible. “They provide the most wonderful care and support and “They provide the most wonderful care and support and they are all doing a great job!”they are all doing a great job!” For more information about mecwaFor more information about mecwacare’scare’s Home Care Home Care Services, phone 8573 4980. Services, phone 8573 4980. If you would like to join our team and support some If you would like to join our team and support some of the most vulnerable people in the community, of the most vulnerable people in the community, we have vacancies for Direct Care Workers in the we have vacancies for Direct Care Workers in the Gippsland and Bass Coast regions. Gippsland and Bass Coast regions. Visit www.mecwacare.org.au for details.Visit www.mecwacare.org.au for details.

55AUTUMN 2020AUTUMN 2020mecwamecwacarecare Park Hill resident Joan Jones Park Hill resident Joan Jones

SNUGGLY RESPONSE SNUGGLY RESPONSE TO BUSHFIRESTO BUSHFIRES

In the wake of Victoria’s devastating bushfires, the In the wake of Victoria’s devastating bushfires, the caring spirit of our residents at mecwacaring spirit of our residents at mecwacarecare Park Park Hill in Mornington was on display as they knitted Hill in Mornington was on display as they knitted pouches for orphaned wildlife. pouches for orphaned wildlife.

In partnership with the Mornington Library, In partnership with the Mornington Library, residents including Joan Jones (pictured) utilised residents including Joan Jones (pictured) utilised their skills to craft colourful pouches that aim to their skills to craft colourful pouches that aim to mimic the baby animals’ natural environment, such mimic the baby animals’ natural environment, such as inner pouches that create a warm and snuggly as inner pouches that create a warm and snuggly space and outer or hanging pouches to suspend space and outer or hanging pouches to suspend the animals as they would have been in their the animals as they would have been in their mother’s pouch. The pouches were then distributed mother’s pouch. The pouches were then distributed to wildlife centres in affected regions. to wildlife centres in affected regions.

In addition to the pouches, residents have been In addition to the pouches, residents have been writing thank you cards to Country Fire Authority writing thank you cards to Country Fire Authority volunteers and messages of support to bushfire volunteers and messages of support to bushfire victims. The cards were added to care packages that victims. The cards were added to care packages that were delivered across Victoria. They made more were delivered across Victoria. They made more than 200 cards in the first batch and residents felt than 200 cards in the first batch and residents felt blessed to be part of the community relief effort.blessed to be part of the community relief effort.

Our residents regularly come together to work on Our residents regularly come together to work on projects that provide benefits to communities less projects that provide benefits to communities less fortunate and this has been another moving fortunate and this has been another moving example of their compassion. example of their compassion.

MAKING A MAKING A DIFFERENCEDIFFERENCE

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Seaside sanctuariesSeaside sanctuaries mecwacare is the proud new owner of tworesidential aged care facilities on the Mornington Peninsula.

Purchased from Buehler Aged Care, the Safety Beach and Shoreham homes complement our aged care residence in Mornington, mecwacare Park Hill, and bring the total number of residential facilities to 13 across greater Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Chief Executive Michele Lewis said she was delighted to welcome 105 residents and 150 staff and volunteers to the mecwacare family. “These are wonderful facilities in a very beautiful part of the world and we can’t wait to get to know our new residents and staff,” she said.

Ms Lewis said the names of the facilities would change to mecwacare Calwell Manor (Safety Beach) and mecwacare Annie’s Court (Shoreham).

Calwell Manor is a short drive from one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most picturesque beaches and is a warm and inviting boutique 45-bed aged care residence close to shops and other amenities in the seaside town. Private rooms have ensuite bathrooms and built-in robes, while the open floor plan allows residents to furnish the room according to their individual needs and style, truly making it their own.

Close to the scenic Western Port, Annie’s Court is a 60-bed home that offers a range of accommodation options suitable for individuals or couples, including a selection of spacious rooms bathed in natural light. All rooms are private with ensuite bathrooms and built-in robes and some suites have a kitchenette and access to smart courtyards or landscaped gardens. The centre is a charming contemporary aged care residence close to shops and other amenities.

Ms Lewis said the acquisition aligned with mecwacare’s strategic priority to establish integrated services in geographic areas that support a full continuum of care.

For more information about our two new For more information about our two new facilities or any of mecwafacilities or any of mecwacare’scare’s residential residential aged care centres, please contact our aged care centres, please contact our Admissions team on 8573 4812 or email Admissions team on 8573 4812 or email admissions@mecwacare.org.auadmissions@mecwacare.org.au

Top: mecwaTop: mecwacare’scare’s Annie’s Court in Shoreham. Annie’s Court in Shoreham. Centre: Courtyard at mecwaCentre: Courtyard at mecwacarecare Calwell Manor. Calwell Manor. Bottom: Dining room at Annie’s Court. Bottom: Dining room at Annie’s Court. Opposite: mecwaOpposite: mecwacarecare Calwell Manor in Safety Beach. Calwell Manor in Safety Beach.

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mecwamecwacarecare Calwell Manor at Safety Beach is named Calwell Manor at Safety Beach is named after Susan Calwell, who is the longest-serving female after Susan Calwell, who is the longest-serving female Board member at mecwaBoard member at mecwacarecare. Annie’s Court in . Annie’s Court in Shoreham has been named after Board member Shoreham has been named after Board member Anne Court. They have served on the mecwaAnne Court. They have served on the mecwacarecare Board since 2000 and 2007 respectively.Board since 2000 and 2007 respectively.

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mecwamecwacarecare celebrated its 19th Charity Golf Day celebrated its 19th Charity Golf Day at Kew Golf Club in February with more than 130 at Kew Golf Club in February with more than 130 corporate partners, donors and friends raising a corporate partners, donors and friends raising a record amount for some of the most vulnerable record amount for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. people in our community. On a pristine morning, 28 teams teed off in pursuit of the On a pristine morning, 28 teams teed off in pursuit of the perpetual trophy (and bragging rights). Cheese and wine perpetual trophy (and bragging rights). Cheese and wine were served on the terrace as the golfers returned from were served on the terrace as the golfers returned from the ambrose competition, followed by a delicious lunch the ambrose competition, followed by a delicious lunch overlooking the course. overlooking the course.

mecwamecwacarecare Chief Executive Michele Lewis spoke Chief Executive Michele Lewis spoke passionately about the organisation’s significant passionately about the organisation’s significant growth over the past 12 months and the critical role growth over the past 12 months and the critical role our many donors and partners play in assisting us our many donors and partners play in assisting us to support those in need.to support those in need. Winning team was Norden Conversion – by the barest Winning team was Norden Conversion – by the barest of margins from last year’s winners, Accru Melbourne. of margins from last year’s winners, Accru Melbourne. Medirest (Compass Group) claimed the unenviable Medirest (Compass Group) claimed the unenviable honour of finishing last.honour of finishing last. A raffle with 10 fabulous prizes (including a week’s free A raffle with 10 fabulous prizes (including a week’s free hire of an electric car that is not available in Victoria, hire of an electric car that is not available in Victoria, premium AFL reserve tickets and a Lavazza coffee premium AFL reserve tickets and a Lavazza coffee machine) was drawn at the end of the day, capping off machine) was drawn at the end of the day, capping off another enjoyable event that showcased mecwacare’s another enjoyable event that showcased mecwacare’s strong partnerships. strong partnerships.

Great day out ... Great day out ... par for the coursepar for the course

Our signature fundraising event would not be possible Our signature fundraising event would not be possible without the support of our valued sponsors.without the support of our valued sponsors. Silver sponsor:Silver sponsor: East Malvern Community Bank East Malvern Community Bank Bronze sponsors:Bronze sponsors: Accru Melbourne, Amicum, Gary Peer Accru Melbourne, Amicum, Gary Peer Real Estate, GormanKelly, LeasePLUS, Medirest, Medsafe, Real Estate, GormanKelly, LeasePLUS, Medirest, Medsafe, Moores, Norden Conversion, PTA Architecture, Sheen Moores, Norden Conversion, PTA Architecture, Sheen Group and United Physiotherapy GroupGroup and United Physiotherapy Group List of winners:List of winners: • 1st – Norden Conversion• 1st – Norden Conversion• 2nd – Accru Melbourne• 2nd – Accru Melbourne• Last – Medirest (Compass Group)• Last – Medirest (Compass Group)• Nearest the pin (men) – Rob Hutchinson • Nearest the pin (men) – Rob Hutchinson • Nearest the pin (women) – Jen Warnock • Nearest the pin (women) – Jen Warnock • Longest drive (men) – Nathan Harrison (Sheen Group)• Longest drive (men) – Nathan Harrison (Sheen Group)• Longest drive (women) – Vicki Lloyd• Longest drive (women) – Vicki Lloyd• Putting competition (for non-golfers) – James Higgins • Putting competition (for non-golfers) – James Higgins (mecwa (mecwacarecare)) We can’t wait to see everyone again next year for our We can’t wait to see everyone again next year for our 20th Charity Golf Day.20th Charity Golf Day.

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Barry Fenton Centre participant Hedy Hans.Barry Fenton Centre participant Hedy Hans.

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mecwacare would like to thank everyone for their generous donations to our Christmas Appeal, which focused on Lynette, who had a stroke at the young age of 42. In addition to the physical changes caused by the stroke, Lynette found the impact on her social life a daily challenge. It was at the mecwacare Barry Fenton Centre in Malvern East that Lynette discovered the Friday Mix It Up program, where she has now been a weekly participant for more than four years and formed lifelong friendships. With your support, more programs can be offered and more people like Lynette can find their place. It’s not too late to donate. See the detachable donation form for how you can support us. If you would like to speak to someone about leaving a lasting gift in your Will, please call 8573 4809.

Thanks a bunchThanks a bunch

mecwacare’s community centres offer a range of programs that assist the elderly and people with a disability who are physically isolated to remain connected, active and emotionally and socially supported.

Programs are provided from the Barry Fenton Centre in Malvern East, Rivendell House in Pakenham and a number of satellite sites across regional Victoria, such as Cowes, Garfield and Koo-Wee-Rup.

These include planned activity groups, strength training, day trips, a men’s shed, activities for people with an acquired brain injury and carers’ support groups. These programs support participants to stay active, eat well, maintain social connections and a positive outlook, all of which contribute to living a long and healthy life.

Our strength training programs are particularly popular, with participants enjoying the facilities and services that our centres provide, recognition that remaining active is important for everyone, no matter what their physical limitations are or what stage they are in their lives. For more information about mecwaFor more information about mecwacare’scare’s Community Services, call 8573 4888 or email Community Services, call 8573 4888 or email enquiries@mecwacare.org.au. enquiries@mecwacare.org.au.

FOCUS ON.... COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

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Geoff recently received a Community Service Geoff recently received a Community Service Award from Federal Member for Higgins, Dr Award from Federal Member for Higgins, Dr Katie Allen, for his outstanding commitment to the Katie Allen, for his outstanding commitment to the Fisher Street participants. He assists people living Fisher Street participants. He assists people living with an intellectual or physical disability, both at with an intellectual or physical disability, both at the centre and in the community, and has selflessly the centre and in the community, and has selflessly donated his time and resources over the past six donated his time and resources over the past six years.years.

Everyone has Everyone has something they something they

can give, something can give, something that they can add that they can add

to the lives of others. to the lives of others.

When Geoff Wenham retired, he hoped to stay connected to his local community by contributing in a way that helped people who may be disadvantaged. He soon discovered the joy of volunteering and has become an integral member of the mecwacare Fisher Street

Disability Day Centre in Malvern East.

Geoff has formed many friendships and says Geoff has formed many friendships and says observing a gradual change in behaviour, observing a gradual change in behaviour, especially from participants who are non-verbal, especially from participants who are non-verbal, is extremely rewarding. “As the participant is extremely rewarding. “As the participant becomes more comfortable, they will express becomes more comfortable, they will express themselves through a fist pump or thumbs themselves through a fist pump or thumbs up – the satisfaction of helping others is up – the satisfaction of helping others is strongest in such moments,” he says. strongest in such moments,” he says.

When Geoff appeared on Channel Nine’s When Geoff appeared on Channel Nine’s Millionaire Hot Seat game show, he mentioned Millionaire Hot Seat game show, he mentioned his volunteer work and donated his winnings his volunteer work and donated his winnings to mecwato mecwacarecare. He also used his contacts at the . He also used his contacts at the Bentleigh RSL Club to have funds for digital snap Bentleigh RSL Club to have funds for digital snap cameras donated to the centre. Geoff cameras donated to the centre. Geoff epitomises mecwaepitomises mecwacare’scare’s values and speaks values and speaks passionately about his role. passionately about his role.

His advice to anyone considering volunteering: His advice to anyone considering volunteering: “Try it, even if you feel like it may take you out “Try it, even if you feel like it may take you out of your comfort zone. You of your comfort zone. You might be surprised might be surprised how enjoyable and rewarding it is for both how enjoyable and rewarding it is for both you and the clients. you and the clients. “Everyone has something they can give, “Everyone has something they can give, something that they can add to the lives of something that they can add to the lives of others. Volunteering time is just as precious others. Volunteering time is just as precious as giving money, maybe even more so.”as giving money, maybe even more so.”

Giving the giftGiving the gift

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of timeof time

HONOURING OUR HONOURING OUR VOLUNTEERSVOLUNTEERSmecwacare will honour its 450 volunteers during National Volunteer Week in May, with a special morning tea and awards acknowledging long service. mecwacare was formed in 1959 by a group of volunteers concerned about the elderly citizens of Malvern. We are now a Victoria-wide aged care and disability services provider, with volunteers still at the heart of everything we do.

Volunteer roles are available across all mecwacare services and locations. Like Geoff and Peter, you can be part of a friendly and supportive team that enhances life-changing experiences.

For more information, please contact mecwacare’s Volunteer Coordinator on 8573 4808 or Corporate Services on 1800 163 292.

He started shortly after being diagnosed He started shortly after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 1998 and realising he with Crohn’s disease in 1998 and realising he could no longer work full-time as a mechanic. could no longer work full-time as a mechanic. “I decided that if I couldn’t work, I would “I decided that if I couldn’t work, I would volunteer to put something back into the volunteer to put something back into the community,” he said.community,” he said.

I decided that I decided that if I couldn’t work, if I couldn’t work, I would volunteer I would volunteer

to put something back to put something back into the community.into the community.

Peter Vawdon discovered his Peter Vawdon discovered his love of volunteering while love of volunteering while working with his hands in the working with his hands in the men’s shed at mecawamen’s shed at mecawacarecare Rivendell House in Pakenham Rivendell House in Pakenham more than 20 years ago.more than 20 years ago.

PPeter volunteers three days a week and is showing no eter volunteers three days a week and is showing no signs of slowing down. As a child, he would dismantle signs of slowing down. As a child, he would dismantle furniture and put it back together and developed the furniture and put it back together and developed the same enthusiasm for motorbikes and cars as an adult. He same enthusiasm for motorbikes and cars as an adult. He now shares his passion and skills with participants at the now shares his passion and skills with participants at the community centre. Peter leads woodworking classes, crafts, community centre. Peter leads woodworking classes, crafts, painting and games, as well as discussions about news painting and games, as well as discussions about news and other topics of interest. He assists with outings in the and other topics of interest. He assists with outings in the community, including lunches at cafes and restaurants. community, including lunches at cafes and restaurants.

Peter highlights the satisfaction he feels from helping Peter highlights the satisfaction he feels from helping others as a driving force behind his long-term role, especially others as a driving force behind his long-term role, especially assisting people with an acquired disability to continue assisting people with an acquired disability to continue doing the activities they love. He says the experiences he doing the activities they love. He says the experiences he shares with participants are what he treasures most.shares with participants are what he treasures most.

“I would encourage anyone with spare time to give “I would encourage anyone with spare time to give volunteering a go. It’s still challenging and very, very volunteering a go. It’s still challenging and very, very rewarding.” rewarding.”

Giving the giftGiving the gift

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I would like to support mecwaI would like to support mecwacarecarePlease complete and return this donation slip to support mecwacare’s life changing work.

Please find enclosed my tax deductible gift of:

$10 $20 $50 $100 $200 My choice $ ________

Where would you like your donation to go?

Older people

People with a disability

People experiencing financial hardship

Area of greatest need

Payment by: Cheque Visa Mastercard AMEX AMEX ID _ /_ /__

Money Order

Contact Details:

Mr / Miss / Mrs /Ms / Other: __________________________________

Name: __________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

Email: ___________________________________________________________

Telephone: ______________________________________________________

Date of Birth: ______ / ______ / _________ (optional)

Please send me information about remembering mecwacare in my Will.

Yes, I’d to know more about becoming a volunteer at mecwacare.

I do not want to receive further correspondence from mecwacare.

Cardholder no. ___________/___________/____________/___________

Expiry date ______/______ CVV _________

Cardholder's name: ____________________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________________________

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Simply call us with your payment details (freecall) 1800 163 292 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. We accept AMEX, Visa and Mastercard.

To make a secure online donation using your credit card, visit our website www.mecwacare.org.au

Fill out the donation form and post your cheque or card information to us in the reply-paid envelope enclosed or mail to mecwacare, 1287 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144.

Residential Services P 03 8573 4812 E admissions@mecwacare.org.au

mecwacare Elstoft HouseHamlyn Heights (Geelong)

mecwacare Malvern CentreMalvern

mecwacare Jubilee HouseCaulfield North

mecwacare Noel Miller CentreGlen Iris

mecwacare O’Mara HouseTraralgon

mecwacare Park HillMornington

mecwacare Annie’s Court Shoreham

mecwacare Calwell Manor Safety Beach

mecwacare Rositano HouseRichmond

mecwacare Simon Price CentreMont Albert North

mecwacare Trescowthick Centre Prahran

mecwacare Vincent House Westmeadows

mecwacare John Atchison Centre Hoppers Crossing

Opportunity ShopsP 03 9571 4221 (donations) E enquiries@mecwacare.org.au

HawthornMalvernMalvern EastWindsor

Community Housing ServicesP 03 8573 4888 E enquiries@mecwacare.org.au

BeaumarisGlen IrisSandringham

Retirement LivingHoppers CrossingMalvern (coming soon)

Corporate Services 1287 Malvern Road Malvern VIC 3144 P 03 8573 4888 P 1800 163 292 freecall E enquiries@mecwacare.org.au www.mecwacare.org.au

Home Care and Nursing Services P 03 8573 4980 E intake@mecwacare.org.au

Melbourne ServiceMelbourne

Nillumbik Office Greensborough

North West Metro ServiceKeilor East

South East Metro ServiceMalvern

South East Region ServicePakenham

South West Region ServiceBallarat and Geelong

Gippsland Service Inverloch

Home Care Packages (statewide)P 03 8573 4777 E homecarepackages@ mecwacare.org.au Community ServicesP 03 8573 4980 E community@mecwacare.org.au

Barry Fenton Centre and Podiatry Service Malvern East

Rivendell HousePakenham

mecwamecwacare care service networkservice network

Disability ServicesP 03 9572 9000 E community@mecwacare.org.au

Fisher Street CentreMalvern East

T 03 8573 4888E enquiries@mecwacare.org.auwww.mecwacare.org.au

mecwacare1287 Malvern Road,Malvern VIC 3144

Introducing Robin Syme Residences – independent retirement living in the form of luxury two and three-bedroom apartments in Malvern.

Residents can enjoy stress-free independent living, with a range of communal facilities including a gymnasium, café, dining rooms and business lounge. Residents will live in comfort and style, with the freedom of choice to lead the life they want and the reassurance of access to long-term support, if required.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST Contact Pauline and Dianne – 9831 9876 robinsymemalvern.com.au 1253-1259 Malvern Road, Malvern

The time is now! Make the decision to move into one of these beautiful residences and change your life.

OPENING SOON

Disability ServicesP 03 9572 9000 E community@mecwacare.org.au

Fisher Street CentreMalvern East