COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
WAGGLES Come on in.
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YOU’RE INVITED Warramunda Open Day Wednesday, October 28
we care
For the first time in more than six years, Warramunda Village is throwing open its doors. Join us on Wednesday, October 28 to explore our changing Village, tour our redevelopment, meet our people and celebrate the community connections that make Warramunda special. With live entertainment, our cookbook launch, the unveiling of the Outside Inside artwork, a live Triple M broadcast and plenty more, there has never been a better time to visit.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Working together across generations and our region
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SUPPORT AT HOME Helping more people stay connected in their homes
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BUILDING OUR FUTURE Redevelopment progress and what’s ahead
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FROM OUR CEO
Our community.
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
Our future.
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elcome to our first Community Edition of Waggles, the newsletter our residents, families, Support at Home clients, Independent Living Unit community and staff use each month to celebrate achievements and share life at Warramunda Village. Four times a year, this Community Edition will open that window wider, keeping our community informed about what is happening at Warramunda, where we are heading and the many opportunities to connect with village life. It also gives us an opportunity to answer some questions people understandably ask as Warramunda continues to grow. Who owns Warramunda? Who is responsible for its future? Warramunda Village is an independent, community-rooted aged care provider, registered charity and not-for-profit organisation. There are no shareholders or private owners receiving profits. The money Warramunda generates is reinvested into our services, facilities, workforce and the community we exist to serve. Our Board of Directors are the current custodians of Warramunda, continuing a long tradition of providing quality aged care for Kyabram and surrounding communities. Their responsibility extends beyond overseeing Warramunda today to ensuring it remains strong, sustainable and capable of serving future generations. We operate within rigorous aged care and charity governance requirements, but there is another layer of accountability equally important to us: our accountability to our community. Our people live here, work here, send their children to school here and belong to local clubs and organisations.
Our core care and support services are delivered directly by Warramunda rather than subcontracted, while our Community Care case managers meet clients in person at least quarterly. We believe relationships matter, and local people caring for local people creates an important connection between Warramunda and the community around us. Over the past five years, Warramunda's journey can perhaps best be described in three stages: rectification, consolidation and stabilisation, and now sustainable growth. Important work was undertaken first to strengthen our foundations. We then invested in our workforce, services and systems and planned carefully for the future. Today, we are seeing the results. Residential capacity has grown from 82 to 92, with further development expected to see 100 people calling Warramunda home by the end of this year. By 2030, our vision is to accommodate 130 residents, providing much-needed additional aged care places while ensuring our growth remains sustainable and grounded in community need. Our innovative approach to redevelopment, led internally by Capital Works Manager Stuart Burt and supported by our Project Control Group, local trades and suppliers, received national recognition in August when the Project Control Group won the Project Team category at Ageing Australia's You are ACE! Awards. Across the Village, that transformation is already visible, while our Community Care and Support at Home services are also expanding to help more older people remain independent, safe and
connected in their own homes. But growth at Warramunda is about more than buildings and services. Our Outside Inside philosophy is about ensuring Warramunda never becomes separated from the community around it. We want schools, sporting clubs, families, community organisations and individuals coming through our doors and sharing experiences with residents. Just as importantly, we want residents to remain connected with the people, activities and communities that have always been part of their lives. Life does not stop when someone enters aged care. Warramunda remains part of the community, and the community should remain part of Warramunda. Our WE CARE values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence reinforce that commitment. Ultimately, buildings, policies and strategic plans only come to life because of people. Our staff, volunteers, residents, clients, families and wider community have shown extraordinary patience and positivity throughout a remarkable period of transformation. Warramunda has travelled from rectification, through consolidation and stabilisation, and into sustainable growth. But one thing has not changed. We remain an independent, community-rooted organisation here to provide quality aged care for Kyabram and our surrounding communities, today and into the future.
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INTRODUCING COMMUNITY WAGGLES
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
Our story. Now yours.
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ommunication has always been an important part of life at Warramunda Village, but it becomes even more valuable when distance, work and the demands of everyday life make it difficult for families to spend as much time together as they would like. Every month, Waggles is produced in both digital and printed formats to help families remain connected with life at Warramunda. For those living outside our immediate area, interstate or even overseas, it provides a window into the activities, celebrations, milestones and everyday moments being shared by someone they love. For many families, that person is a much-loved patriarch or matriarch, someone who has spent a lifetime at the centre of family life. Maintaining those connections matters enormously. While our regular newsletters are designed particularly with residents
designed particularly with residents and their families in mind. Warramunda has also been part of the Kyabram community for 64 years. We therefore felt it was important to open that window a little wider. Welcome to the first Warramunda Community edition of Waggles, a new quarterly publication sharing the broader story of our village with the community that has supported us for more than six decades. Its arrival could hardly be better timed. Warramunda is experiencing one of the most significant periods of development in its history. Our major redevelopment includes 18 additional rooms and several important new components, including a new entrance and developing allied health facilities. In August, our innovative approach to that redevelopment was recognised nationally when Warramunda was named a winner at Ageing Australia’s
You are ACE! Awards. And on Wednesday, October 28, as part of the Kyabram 150 celebrations, we will hold our first Open Day in more than six years. It will provide an opportunity to explore our changing village, discover our future plans and see the unveiling of a commissioned artwork by Jimmi Buscombe, generously supported by the Higgs family. Inside this edition, we also celebrate something very special — our 100year-old club. By the end of this year we will have two centurions living in our village: Stan Coldwell and Alwyn Drysdale. There has never been more happening at Warramunda, and through this new edition of Waggles, we look forward to sharing that journey with you. After all, Warramunda has been part of this community for 64 years. Our story is your story too.
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OUR PEOPLE
The heart of
Warramunda. Warramunda.
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very August, our Village celebrates Aged Care Employee Day, a day dedicated to recognising the remarkable people who make a difference in the lives of older Australians every single day. This year’s theme, Thanks for Caring, could not have been more fitting. It is also the inspiration behind our new staff recognition program, affectionately known as The Lindy, developed by our Culture Change Team to recognise a staff member each month for living our WE CARE values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. Our staff care about every conversation with a resident. Every act of kindness. Every clinical decision. Every meal served. Every activity planned. Every room prepared. Every smile shared. At Warramunda, we are incredibly proud of the way our team has embraced this philosophy. Through the leadership of our clinical care team and the commitment shown by staff across every department, we have embedded a culture where dignity, respect, safety and individual choice are not simply compliance requirements, but part of who we are. From our nurses and personal care attendants to our allied health professionals, lifestyle team, hospitality staff, cleaners, maintenance team, administration staff and volunteers, every role contributes to the experience of those who call Warramunda home. Aged Care Employee Day provided an opportunity for residents, families and the wider community to acknowledge those contributions. It was also a reminder that aged care is ultimately about people. People caring for people.
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
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OUR PEOPLE
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
The Lindy Sheers Award. A legacy of caring.
Lindy Sheers was someone who embraced the WE CARE philosophy long before it was adopted as a Village-wide commitment for our people to celebrate and live by. Sadly, Lindy passed away following an illness two years ago, leaving an indelible mark on our Village through her caring nature and the way she embraced every staff member as both a colleague and a friend.
The Lindy Sheers Award is a fitting tribute to her legacy and the values she embodied. Since its introduction in March this year, five staff members have been recognised as monthly award winners, with the inaugural overall winner of The Lindy to be announced in March 2027. Recipients (pictured below) have come from our environmental services, Community Care, maintenance and catering teams. All share a commitment to demonstrating our WE CARE values through their interactions with colleagues, residents, families and visitors to our Village.
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OPEN DAY
! e t a d e h t Save F
We’re opening our doors.
or the first time in more than six years, Warramunda Village is throwing open its doors, inviting the community to explore, celebrate and discover everything our Village has to offer. Our Open Day on Wednesday, October 28, from 1pm to 3.30pm comes at an exciting time, following national award recognition, significant redevelopment and the expansion of our aged care services. The celebrations begin early, with Triple M 95.3 broadcasting live from 10am to 1pm, featuring Warramunda personalities, giveaways and plenty of community spirit. From 1pm, visitors can explore our transformed Village through guided redevelopment tours, enjoy delicious treats from The Switch Café and celebrate the official launch of The Village Kitchen, our new Warramunda cookbook. The 2024 Melbourne Cup trophy will also be on display, providing a rare
opportunity to see one of Australian sport's most recognisable prizes up close. A particularly special moment will be the unveiling of eight beautiful birdlife artworks by renowned wildlife artist Jimmi Buscombe, generously supported by the family of former resident Lois Higgs. The installation brings our Outside Inside philosophy to life, connecting residents with nature, art and the wider community. Our Community Care team will be available to discuss Support at Home services, while long-time Merrigum resident and Golden Guitar winner Reg Poole will provide live entertainment. Whether you're connected to Warramunda through family, friends, volunteering or simply as a member of the Kyabram community, we'd love to welcome you. Come and see what makes Warramunda special!
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
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ART INSTALLATION
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
Bringing the outside in. I
t is almost 12 months since the new Aged Care Act and Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards were introduced across Australia’s aged care sector. At Warramunda Village, we have embraced these changes, reinforcing our commitment to dignity, choice, wellbeing and person-centred care through initiatives such as Outside Inside. The concept is simple but powerful. Warramunda should never exist in isolation from the community around us. We want our residents to remain connected with the people, activities and experiences beyond our doors, and one of the best ways to achieve that is by bringing the outside community in. Outside Inside is about enriching residents’ lives through imaginative partnerships with local schools, sporting clubs, service organisations, businesses and community groups. We see it when students from Kyabram P-12 College and St Augustine’s College visit, when local preschools spend time with residents, and when musicians, entertainers and community organisations bring new experiences into our Village. We see it through our relationships with local chemists, Community Bank Kyabram and Kyabram Club, and perhaps most importantly, whenever family members and friends walk through our doors. They all bring the Outside Inside. Our Open Day on Wednesday, October 28, provides another opportunity to strengthen these connections, particularly with community groups and individuals who may not yet have a relationship with Warramunda. Outside Inside also reflects one of the four pillars of Warramunda's Strategic Plan: Community. For more than six decades, Warramunda has enjoyed a remarkable relationship with the Kyabram district. Maintaining and strengthening those bonds will
become even more important as we continue our ambitious redevelopment, growing from our current capacity of 92 residents towards 130 by 2030. Our recent national recognition at Ageing Australia’s You are ACE! Awards highlights the innovative approach underpinning that physical transformation. But our vision extends well beyond buildings and bedrooms. We want to create a Village that remains deeply connected to the community it serves, where residents continue to enjoy meaningful relationships, shared experiences and a genuine sense of belonging. A wonderful new art installation in our Rockman Wing captures that philosophy perfectly. Thanks to the generosity of the family of former resident Lois Higgs and the remarkable talent of wildlife artist Jimmi Buscombe, eight beautiful artworks celebrating our local birdlife
will soon hang throughout the wing. Jimmi’s work will quite literally bring the outside inside, allowing residents to experience the colour, character and beauty of the birdlife surrounding us from within their own Village. The installation will be formally unveiled at our Open Day on Wednesday, October 28, from 1pm, and there could hardly be a more appropriate occasion. As we throw open our doors and invite the community to explore our changing Village, meet our people and discover the future taking shape here, the artwork will provide a lasting reminder of what Outside Inside represents. It is not simply the name of an activity or project. It is a philosophy that connects the people who live at Warramunda with the community they have helped shape. Warramunda belongs to its community, and our community belongs at Warramunda.
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More than a place.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
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COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
or Warramunda Village, being part of Kyabram means much more than simply having an address here. Community connection is an important part of how we care for people. Those connections take many forms, from the local businesses and contractors supporting our everyday services and redevelopment to the schools, clubs, organisations and volunteers who regularly bring community life through our doors. Our Leisure and Lifestyle team, led by Joy Orr, works closely with schools, service clubs, entertainers, community groups and volunteers to create experiences that keep residents connected to a community many have called home for most of their lives. Sometimes, those connections help preserve important traditions. Anzac Day and Remembrance Day remain significant occasions at Warramunda, supported by organisations including Legacy and brought to life through the efforts of our staff and community partners. Other relationships are helping inspire the next generation of aged care professionals. Education and Quality Team Leader Melinda Thomas works closely with careers leaders at Kyabram’s secondary schools to introduce young people to aged care and create pathways into the sector. Our community connections also extend well beyond residential aged care. Partnerships with Community Bank Kyabram and Kyabram Club have supported our ability to deliver contemporary services to Community Care clients, while Warramunda has also found opportunities to give back through organisations including Little Athletics and Goulburn Murray Community Leadership. Our Community Care team’s Bowler of the Year program is another example. What began as a celebration of
performances on the rink is evolving to recognise the volunteers and contributors who are the lifeblood of bowls clubs across our region. Then there's The Switch. Our courtyard café has become a welcoming meeting place, bringing residents, families, staff and community members together over coffee and conversation. It has even become home to the unofficial Warramunda First XVIII, a group of former footballers who regularly gather there.
Among them are former GVL premiership players who once shared the field with our CEO, John Clark. Different stage of life, same familiar faces and still plenty to talk about! The Hub provides another opportunity for connection. Our meeting and function space is available for community hire, and we'd love to see even more locals making use of it. Because opening Warramunda to our community isn’t simply about inviting people into a building.
It’s about ensuring the people who live here never stop being part of the community beyond it.
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COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
Part of a community. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Rod Phillips with his wife Sandra and the Community Care Bowler of the Year award.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
The Hub. F
or many years, the Warramunda Village Hub, known affectionately as The Hub, has been at the heart of Village celebrations. From Independent Living Unit dinners and family gatherings to staff celebrations, strategic planning sessions, recognition events and special occasions, it has long been a place where people come together, share stories, celebrate milestones and create memories. The truth is, The Hub has never really been a secret. It has always been available to the wider community. Perhaps we simply haven’t told enough people about it. And that’s something we'd like to change. The Hub is far too good a facility not to be shared more broadly with our community. Whether you’re planning a milestone birthday, anniversary, family reunion, committee meeting, community gathering or celebration of life, The Hub offers a flexible, welcoming venue right here in Kyabram. One of its greatest strengths is its
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
. s s e n i s u b Open for
versatility. Inside, you’ll find modern meeting facilities complete with audiovisual technology, presentation equipment and sound systems, making it an ideal location for business meetings, workshops, training sessions and community groups. For celebrations, The Hub offers spacious indoor dining, relaxed conversation areas and large doors opening onto a beautiful verandah, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Accessibility has also been carefully considered, with ample parking, wheelchair access and accessible amenities helping ensure everyone feels welcome and comfortable. A fully equipped commercial kitchen, pantry and food preparation facilities, generous refrigeration and barbecue facilities provide everything needed to host events both large and small. Of course, there is one feature that truly sets The Hub apart. It comes with Warramunda’s outstanding catering team. Under the guidance of Cassie O'Dwyer
and her dedicated kitchen staff, guests can enjoy exceptional home-style catering that has earned a wonderful reputation throughout the Village. Whether it's morning tea, lunch, dinner or a fully catered celebration, the quality of the food is every bit as memorable as the venue itself. As Warramunda continues to strengthen its connection with the wider Kyabram community, we believe The Hub has an important role to play. It is a place designed to bring people together, and we'd love to see even more locals making use of it. If you’ve never stepped inside, perhaps now is the perfect opportunity. Jason, at Reception, would be delighted to show you through, discuss your ideas, check availability and explain the venue hire and catering options. He can also help tailor the facilities to suit your event. The Hub has been open for business for many years. Now, we're simply making sure more people know it’s here. We’d love to welcome you through the doors.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Join us for
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
a meal
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ne of the great joys of life at Warramunda Village is the steady stream of visitors who brighten our residents’ days. Nothing lifts spirits quite like seeing familiar faces walk through the door — well, except perhaps the delicious meals lovingly prepared by our catering team! We’re encouraging more families and friends of Warramunda to combine these two pleasures by joining their loved ones for a meal and sharing in the daily dining experience that means so much to our residents. For those who may not know, any visitor is welcome to dine with a resident for just $15 a person (two course meal). Whether it’s a one‑off visit, a weekly catch‑up, or a regular standing date, we would love to see more families seated around our tables. Payment options are simple: Card or cash can be paid at The Switch Café, and please inform Jason or Colleen at reception that you have paid. (Reception is open 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.) Our Switch Café is becoming increasingly popular, and joining a resident for one of our beautifully prepared in‑home meals offers another delicious way to experience the flavours of Warramunda. And if you like what your see (or taste) there are regularly take home options available from The Switch Cafe. For many families, Wednesday and Sunday roasts have become a favourite outing — traditional comfort food that always brings smiles. These hearty meals are paired with a rotating selection of house‑made desserts, from cheesecakes and pies to imaginative sweets crafted with
both nutrition and indulgence in mind. Behind every plate is our dedicated 23‑member catering team, who pour their hearts into menu design, meal preparation and ensuring residents receive the nutritional support they need to live well. With about 2500 meals prepared each week, the kitchen is a hive of activity
— and every dish is served with a warm smile. And that’s before we even mention the offerings from The Switch Café, our regular ILU dinners, and the many internal and external catering commitments our team supports. So next time you visit, why not stay for a meal? After all, food tastes even better when it’s shared
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OUR VALUES
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
TheArt of connection. A
rt has a unique ability to tell stories, spark memories and create connections. At Warramunda Village, it has become much more than decoration. It is woven into the fabric of Village life, helping residents feel calm, connected and at home while celebrating the people, cultures and landscapes that have shaped our region. The journey begins as soon as visitors walk through our front doors. Taking pride of place in our foyer is a remarkable collection of Aboriginal artworks created by renowned Arrernte artist Amunda Gorey. At its centre is a stunning 1.8-metre painting telling the story of Warramunda Village through themes of dignity, respect, quality of life and community. Surrounding it are four companion pieces representing Warramunda’s WE CARE values of Art teacher Murray Ross mentors some residents. Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. The collection also acknowledges the Yorta Yorta people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Warramunda stands. It reflects our commitment to reconciliation and strengthening relationships with First Nations Artist Jimmi Buscombe and CEO John Clark. communities. Her Compassion piece speaks of Through CEO John Clark’s longempathy, understanding and walking standing connection with respected alongside others through life’s journey. Yorta Yorta leader Dr Paul Briggs AO, Accountability reflects trust, integrity and the contribution of Board and relationships built on honesty, member Dale Denham, Warramunda while Excellence celebrates continual continues to build those relationships learning, growth and the pursuit of and explore pathways towards the highest standards of care. culturally appropriate care. Art also plays a hands-on role in The stories within Amunda’s artwork everyday life at Warramunda. align beautifully with our values.
Local artist Murray Ross, who has spent more than half a century leaving his artistic mark across the region, regularly volunteers his time to lead painting sessions with residents. These popular activities encourage creativity, social connection and wellbeing. The artworks created by residents proudly adorn Village walls and regularly feature in celebrations and displays. Meanwhile, the newly refurbished Rockman Wing will feature eight beautiful wildlife paintings by acclaimed artist Jimmi Buscombe, commissioned by the Higgs family in memory of former resident Lois Higgs. Depicting local birdlife, the collection creates a wonderful connection between the natural environment outside and life within the Village, bringing our Outside Inside philosophy to life. Throughout Warramunda, artworks featuring local farms, familiar Kyabram scenes and regional landscapes also provide comfort and familiarity. These pieces are more than paintings on a wall. They are reminders of home, conversations waiting to happen and reflections of lives well lived. At Warramunda, art is not simply displayed. It is celebrated, shared and embraced by everyone who calls our Village home.
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COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
OUR HISTORY
A Legacy of generosity. W
arramunda Village exists today because of a tradition of generosity stretching back more than six decades. You only need to look at the entrances to our residential wings to see that. Names such as King, Sleeth and Clark stand as lasting tributes to the benefactors who helped shape our Village. In the 1960s, a small group of dedicated volunteers, local people with vision, determination and compassion, came together to build something their community desperately needed. They gave their time, skills, financial contributions and, quite literally, their blood, sweat and tears to establish the foundations of the Village we know today. Their commitment created more than an aged care facility. It established a community asset built on care, dignity and shared responsibility. That spirit of generosity has never left Warramunda. Over the decades, families of former residents have continued to support the Village, helping us grow, evolve and meet the changing needs of older people. Many of the services and amenities we enjoy today exist because someone chose to honour a loved one by giving back to the place that cared for them. Some contributions are visible every day. The Switch Café, for example, was made possible by a family who wanted to create a welcoming space for residents and visitors to share a coffee, conversation and companionship. The Outside Inside art installation in our Rockman Wing is another beautiful example. Generously supported by the family of former resident Lois Higgs, the collection of
local birdlife paintings will bring colour, creativity and a connection to nature into residents’ everyday lives. These are just two examples among many. The list of those who have contributed to Warramunda’s development is far too long to name everyone, but their collective generosity deserves recognition. Families often tell us their decision to leave a bequest comes from a place of gratitude. They speak of the respect shown to their loved ones, the comfort provided during vulnerable moments and the sense of belonging Warramunda fosters. For many, giving back is a way of acknowledging exceptional care, preserving an important community resource and helping ensure future generations receive the same support their families experienced. In an aged care sector increasingly shaped by large corporate providers, Warramunda remains proudly
independent, locally governed and committed to serving its community. Maintaining that independence requires continued investment in quality facilities, skilled and compassionate staff, and services that respond to the evolving needs of older people. Bequests and donations play an important role in making that possible. Our staff, leadership team, Board, volunteers and supporters all contribute to Warramunda’s success, but the generosity of our wider community remains one of our greatest strengths. We welcome conversations with families who wish to honour their loved ones through a bequest or donation, and remain deeply grateful to everyone whose generosity has shaped our past and continues to guide our future. Because the greatest legacy we can leave is one that continues caring for others.
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COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
OUR BOARD
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The people behind our
or more than six decades, Warramunda Village has been woven into the fabric of the Kyabram community. Built through the support of local families, businesses, volunteers and community leaders, Warramunda remains an independent, communityrooted aged care provider established to serve Kyabram and surrounding districts. That provides an important starting point for understanding the role of our Board of Directors.
Our directors do not own Warramunda. They are its current custodians. As a registered charity and not-forprofit organisation, Warramunda has no shareholders or private owners receiving profits. Instead, funds generated by the organisation are reinvested into its services, facilities, workforce and the community it serves. The Board’s responsibility is to safeguard Warramunda today while ensuring it remains strong and sustainable for future generations. It is a continuation of a proud tradition of people accepting responsibility for the future of aged care in their community. As Warramunda entered a period of unprecedented growth and change, that responsibility prompted an important question. Who do we need around the Board table to guide Warramunda into its next era? Warramunda began answering that question well before changes to Australian aged care legislation placed greater emphasis on skillsbased governance. Rather than waiting for change to dictate its direction, the organisation deliberately sought directors with diverse professional expertise, experience and perspectives. The result has become one of Warramunda’s greatest strengths. John Moore, Allan Laurie, Caroline
Warramunda board members (back from left) John Clark, John Moore, Sujeet Jena, Allan Laurie, (front from left) Tina Leonard, Alison Hunter, Danielle Bond and Caroline Guille. Not pictured: Penelope Moran and Dale Denham.
Guille, Danielle Bond, Tina Leonard and Sujeet Jena joined long-serving Warramunda leader Alison Hunter, whose three decades of service provided an invaluable connection to the organisation’s history before her retirement from the Board. More recently, Penelope Moran and Dale Denham have added further depth to that collective expertise. Today, Warramunda benefits from Board experience spanning aged care, clinical services, mental health, finance, governance, law, communications, community leadership, architecture, design and development, executive leadership and organisational strategy. That breadth of knowledge is increasingly important. Warramunda operates in one of Australia’s most highly regulated sectors, with responsibilities under aged care legislation and standards, alongside the governance and reporting requirements applying to registered charities. Strong governance involves far more than attending Board meetings. Directors must understand the needs of residents and clients while
overseeing quality and safety, workforce planning, finances, infrastructure, regulation, risk and long-term sustainability. And they must do so while protecting something particularly important to Warramunda: its independence and community connection. Across Australia, smaller communitybased aged care providers face increasing financial, regulatory and operational pressures, often competing alongside much larger organisations. Warramunda’s response has been to strengthen its foundations. Recent years have taken the organisation through rectification, consolidation and stabilisation, and now into a period of sustainable growth. That progress is increasingly visible through residential expansion, major redevelopment, growing Community Care and Support at Home services, and a Strategic Plan guiding Warramunda towards capacity for 130 residents by 2030. But growth is about more than becoming bigger. It is about ensuring an independent
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COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
OUR BOARD
future. aged care provider remains strong enough to serve its community for generations to come. That commitment is reflected in the way Warramunda operates. Our people live and work locally, core services such as care and cleaning are delivered directly rather than subcontracted, and Community Care case managers maintain personal connections with clients through face-to-face visits at least quarterly. These are practical examples of what being a community-rooted provider means. As Warramunda grows, decisions made around the Board table today will help shape aged care across Kyabram and surrounding districts for decades to come. The names and faces around that table will change, just as they have throughout Warramunda’s history. But their responsibility remains one of custodianship: to protect what previous generations have built, strengthen Warramunda for today and hand an even stronger community aged care organisation to those who come next. On these pages, we introduce the people helping guide that future.
Meet the board: John Moore | Chair John brings more than 20 years of strategic management experience across aged care, primary healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. As Principal Consultant and CEO of Aged Care Advisory Service, he specialises in aged care quality, compliance and financial sustainability, including helping more than 20 sanctioned residential aged care facilities return to compliance. His extensive industry knowledge provides valuable leadership as Warramunda navigates significant national aged care reforms and plans for sustainable growth.
Alison Hunter | Immediate Past Chair
Allan Laurie | Deputy Chair and Company Secretary
A lifelong Kyabram local, Alison Hunter has been an important part of Warramunda’s history since 1993. During more than three decades of service, she played a central role in the organisation's transition from a Committee of Management to today's skills-based Board. Although now retired from the Board, her extraordinary knowledge of Warramunda and longstanding community involvement have provided an invaluable connection between the Village’s past and its future.
Allan brings extensive experience in executive leadership, governance, organisational development and executive recruitment. His career includes senior international leadership roles and serving as CEO of Munarra Limited, the partnership behind Australia's first Indigenous university campus in Shepparton. Allan considers connecting people and ideas one of his greatest strengths, an important attribute as Warramunda continues strengthening partnerships and building relationships across the region.
Sujeet Jena As Chair of Warramunda’s Audit, Investment and Risk Committee, Sujeet brings significant financial and governance expertise to the Board. He is Chief Financial Officer of the National Institute of Dramatic Art and has extensive experience in financial management, philanthropy and commercial operations. His background in not-for-profit governance strengthens Warramunda's financial oversight, risk management and long-term strategic planning.
Danielle Bond Danielle brings more than 30 years of experience in brand, marketing and strategic communications. Her career includes senior roles with major national and international organisations, including Aurecon and ANZ, and she has served as Global Chair of the International Association of Business Communicators. Danielle has taken a particular interest in Warramunda's culture project, contributing valuable expertise as the Village strengthens its identity, reputation and community connections.
Penelope (Penny) Moran Penny brings more than four decades of nursing experience and extensive expertise in aged care clinical governance. She has worked with aged care providers across five states, supporting governance, workforce planning, clinical leadership and continuous improvement. Penny has also co-designed a Registered Nurse leadership program for overseas-trained nurses entering Australian aged care. Her practical understanding of the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards supports Warramunda's commitment to safe, dignified and person-centred care as the Village continues to grow.
Tina Leonard Senior commercial lawyer Tina brings extensive expertise in law, technology, media, telecommunications and corporate governance. She is General Counsel and Head of Commercial at digital business consulting firm DB Results and has previous Board and Chair experience with Destination Melbourne. Her legal and commercial knowledge provides an important perspective as Warramunda navigates an increasingly complex regulatory environment and continues planning for the future.
Caroline Guille Caroline brings more than 30 years of experience as a dietitian with Epworth HealthCare. Her extensive clinical background includes nutrition research, multidisciplinary care and initiatives to improve nutritional outcomes for patients. Her expertise is particularly valuable in aged care, where nutrition, hydration, choice and the dining experience are central to residents' health, wellbeing and quality of life. Caroline's clinical perspective strengthens Warramunda's commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
Dale Denham Born and raised in Kyabram, Dale brings more than 25 years of experience in building design, planning and community leadership. He served for a decade on the Kyabram District Health Service Board, including as Chair, and was recognised as a Life Governor. Dale has also held a leadership role with Kyabram Community Bank and was named the 2020 Kyabram and Campaspe Citizen of the Year. His professional expertise and deep local knowledge provide valuable insight as Warramunda plans its redevelopment and future growth.
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SUPPORT AT HOME
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
There’s no place like Home. F
or many older people, there is one place they would prefer to remain for as long as possible. Home. That simple desire sits at the heart of the Australian Government’s Support at Home program and the philosophy of Warramunda Community Care. Introduced on November 1, 2025, Support at Home replaced the former Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs, bringing significant changes to the way government-funded aged care is delivered to older Australians living independently. Its purpose is straightforward: to help people remain healthy, safe, independent and connected to their communities for longer. Depending on an individual’s assessment and approved support plan, services may include nursing, allied health, personal care, transport, respite, cleaning, gardening, meal preparation and other everyday assistance. Why choose Warramunda? There are many Support at Home providers, but few have been part of the Kyabram community for more than six decades. Warramunda Community Care offers something particularly valuable: local people providing local care. Our carers and case managers take the time to listen, understand individual needs and build meaningful relationships. We don’t believe aged care should be conducted entirely over the phone. Our team visits people in their homes, sits around kitchen tables and discusses what they’re managing well, where they might need assistance and how the right support could help them remain independent. And you don’t have to wait until you need significant assistance to speak with us. Sometimes the best place to start is simply asking questions and understanding what might be available in the future. Our team’s innovative approach was
At 108 years of age Linda Wallace is our oldest Community Care client. She still lives in her own home, right her in Kyabram, with Peter Morrison among the care team who helps Linda with simple tasks in her home.
recognised nationally in 2026 when Warramunda Community Care was named a finalist in Ageing Australia's You are ACE! Awards. Changes to personal care Support at Home has introduced important changes, including how participants contribute towards different services. From October 1, 2026, eligible personal care services are fully funded by the Australian Government, meaning participants do not pay a contribution for approved personal care services included in their support plan, provided sufficient funding is available. Personal care may include assistance with showering, dressing, grooming, hygiene and other everyday activities that help people remain safe and comfortable at home. These changes provide a timely opportunity to review your current arrangements and understand the support available. Local support for wherever the journey leads Another advantage of choosing Warramunda Community Care is its connection to Warramunda Village. For some people, Support at Home
may be all they ever need. For others, there may come a time when residential aged care becomes the safest or most appropriate option. That transition can be emotional and challenging. Having an established relationship with Warramunda, knowing our people and trusting the organisation may help make the journey easier. Choosing Warramunda also helps strengthen an independent, community-rooted organisation that has served Kyabram and surrounding districts for more than 60 years. Every person who chooses our Community Care services helps us grow, employ local people and continue investing in quality aged care close to home. Whether you’re considering Support at Home for the first time, thinking about changing providers or simply wondering what assistance might be available in the future, we'd welcome a conversation. There is a local team right here in Kyabram, ready to listen and help. For more information, contact Warramunda Community Care on (03) 5852 2611.
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COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
CONNECT WITH US
Like. Follow. Belong.
Y
ou might live around the corner from Warramunda Village, on the other side of Victoria, interstate or even overseas. The wonderful thing about modern communication is that distance no longer needs to be an obstacle to staying connected with the people and places that matter. And there are more ways than ever to stay connected with life at Warramunda. Perhaps you have a family member living at the Village, a friend working here or someone receiving support through Warramunda Community Care. You may have called Kyabram home in the past and want to maintain that connection, or simply have an interest in aged care and what's happening across our organisation. Whatever brings you into the Warramunda community, we’d love you to stay. Our Warramunda Village and Warramunda Community Care Facebook pages provide a window into Village life throughout the week. From resident celebrations, activities and special visitors to organisational news, Community Care updates, staff achievements and developments in aged care, there's always something happening. Our Activities Team helps bring those stories to life, sharing photographs and everyday moments that allow families and friends to see just how much happens within the Village. You can also follow The Switch on Facebook and Instagram for café news, menus and updates, while our
digital newsletters provide another way to remain part of the Warramunda story. And if you particularly enjoy reading about the people and everyday happenings within the Village, speak with our Administration Team about subscribing to Waggles, our monthly residential newsletter. Even when hundreds or thousands of kilometres separate you from Kyabram, a little piece of Warramunda can still find its way to you each month. Our online community is fast
approaching 1200 followers, and we love seeing families, friends, former residents, staff and supporters engaging with the stories we share. So, if you haven’t already, search for Warramunda Village and Warramunda Community Care on Facebook and follow along. Give us a like, leave a comment, share a story or tag someone who might enjoy seeing it. Because wherever you happen to be, distance should never stop you from being part of the Warramunda community.
We’re on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, search @warramunuda village and follow us.
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VILLAGE LIFE
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
Students from St Augustine’s College are among the regular visitors to the village. At the moment the students are completing a project which involves interviewing our residents about their lives
Our Village
Alwyn Drysdale is due to join the growing 100 Club at Warramunda in December this year. This is a photo of her celebrating her 99th birthday.
Support from organisations like the Kyabram Club and Community Bank Kyabram have allowed our Community Care team to provide the latest in travel comfort for our clients.
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COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
VILLAGE LIFE
Pet Therapy is delivered to the village on a regular basis by Von and her dog Teddy. Our residents love both of them.
in Pictures .
Visitors are always welcome at Warramunda - some are just a little more high profile than others. Harley Reid has strong family ties to the village and visited us not once but twice last year. He struck up an immediate rapport with pianist Topsy Motton.
Kyabram Lions are another of our regular supporters and their donations have made an enormous difference.
Jason White is the face you will see when you first walk through the door on October 28 for our Open Day.
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REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
Aged care is changing. A
ged care in Australia has undergone its most significant reform in decades. Since the new Aged Care Act commenced on November 1, 2025, providers have been adapting to a system that places greater emphasis on the rights, choices, dignity and quality of life of older Australians. For Warramunda Village, these changes represent both a challenge and an opportunity. As an independent, communitybased provider, we may not have the scale or resources of Australia’s largest aged care organisations, but we have more than 60 years of connection with Kyabram and a determination to remain part of this community for generations to come.
Governance: Having the right people around the table One important aspect of aged care reform is the increased emphasis on governance and accountability. Relevant providers are required to have a majority of independent nonexecutive members on their governing body, along with at least one member with clinical care experience. Warramunda began building a diverse, skills-based Board well before these requirements took effect. Today, our Board brings together expertise in aged care, clinical services, finance, governance, law, communications, dietetics, architecture, development and community leadership. That diversity matters. Modern aged care is enormously complex, and decisions made around the Board table influence the quality, safety and sustainability of care delivered to older people.
Seven Strengthened Standards: Putting people first The reforms also introduced seven Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards covering the individual, the organisation, care and services, the
environment, clinical care, food and nutrition, and the residential community. Behind those formal titles is a simple principle: older people should be at the centre of their care. They should be treated with dignity and respect, have meaningful choices, participate in decisions and receive safe, appropriate care that reflects their individual needs and preferences. For Warramunda, that philosophy aligns naturally with our WE CARE values and the person-centred approach our staff strive to deliver every day. Support at Home: Helping people remain independent Another significant reform is Support at Home, which replaced the former Home Care Packages program. Its purpose is to help older Australians remain safely and independently in
their own homes for longer, with services tailored to individual needs. There are many organisations providing these services, but Warramunda Community Care offers something increasingly rare: local people providing local care. Our relationship doesn't need to begin through a call centre hundreds of kilometres away. Our team can sit at your kitchen table understand where you live and, in many cases, already know you, your family or your community. Choosing Warramunda Community Care also helps strengthen the broader Warramunda organisation. For independent providers, sustainability matters. We must continue to grow and evolve to remain viable in a sector increasingly dominated by larger organisations, many without our history or connection to local
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REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
Here is what it means.
communities. We don’t want a future where Warramunda loses its independence or community identity. With the support of our staff, Board, residents, clients, families and wider community, we believe Warramunda is well positioned to remain independent and grow stronger. So, when you or someone you love begins needing a little help at home, consider Warramunda. You'll be supporting local care today and helping protect an important part of Kyabram’s community for tomorrow.
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REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
A Village Transformed. P
eople returning to Warramunda Village for our first Open Day since before COVID may wonder, momentarily, whether they’ve arrived at the right place. For a start, our entrance has moved. And what visitors discover beyond it will be a world away from the Warramunda they may remember. Even for regular visitors, and sometimes those of us who work here every day, the scale of Warramunda’s redevelopment really needs to be seen to be believed. The project has already earned national recognition, with Warramunda’s Project Control Group winning the Project Team category at Ageing Australia's You are ACE! Awards. But the real reward isn’t a trophy. It’s the experience being created for residents, staff, volunteers, families, visitors and the growing number of people who will call Warramunda home in the years ahead. Not so long ago, Warramunda had 82 residential rooms. Capacity has already increased to 92, with further development taking us towards 100. Our Strategic Plan provides a pathway to 130 residents by 2030, allowing another 48 people to receive aged care within their own community. Sustainable growth is increasingly important for independent aged care providers. Warramunda has chosen to invest in its future while retaining the local identity and independence that have defined the Village for generations. And this redevelopment is about much more than additional bedrooms. The work, undertaken within the highly regulated aged care environment, has touched virtually every corner of Village life. For staff, improvements include offices, storage, sanitation and wash
stations, kitchen areas and meeting facilities. For residents, the changes bring greater comfort and amenity, from our beautiful new hair salon to the fresh, bright transformation of the Rockman and Saunders wings.
Rockman will also feature a new art installation celebrating local birdlife. Our developing allied health facilities represent another important step forward, providing visiting health professionals with contemporary spaces to deliver essential services to
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REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE
residents. Importantly, Warramunda has achieved this transformation with a distinctly local flavour. Capital Projects Manager Stuart Burt, designer and Board Director Dale Denham, Operations Director Darcy Wilkinson and the wider redevelopment team have made a conscious effort to source skills, expertise and materials locally wherever possible. As Stuart explains, that was always part of the plan. “Being able to use local contractors to
do most of the redevelopment work has been really pleasing,” he said. “It was always our goal to use locals wherever we could, and we’ve managed to achieve this goal.” Those businesses include Mark Dillon Electrical, Chris Darling Plumbing, Dan Old Electrical, Mick Cottrell Air Conditioning, Got You Covered Flooring, Aaron Baker Building and Tiling, David Howard Cabinets and Kyabram Paint and Tiles. There’s something particularly satisfying about that.
COMMUNITY EDITION SPRING 2026
A Kyabram icon is being transformed for its next generation by Kyabram people. The work won’t finish when the doors open for our Open Day. Warramunda’s transformation will continue well beyond it. But the event provides the perfect opportunity to explore the changes, see the progress firsthand and discover just how far the Village has travelled. If you haven't visited Warramunda for a while, prepare to be surprised.
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OUR INITIATIVES
Bowled over by community. W
arramunda Community Care is strengthening its connection with the lawn bowls communities of the Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields and Goulburn Murray regions, representing more than 75 clubs and 5000 bowlers. This spring and summer, that partnership enters a new chapter with the launch of the Bowls Community Awards (BCAs). Previously known as Bowler of the Year, the program returns with a stronger focus on recognising the volunteers, organisers and dedicated club members whose contributions, often away from the rink, make bowls clubs great. There’s plenty to celebrate, with $10,000 worth of prizes across the sixmonth program. Each of the five playing areas will recognise a monthly winner with $200 cash, while runners-
up receive a $100 voucher. At the program’s conclusion, one bowler from each region will be crowned a major Bowls Community Award winner. But the BCAs are about much more than prizes. Throughout the midweek season, Warramunda Community Care will visit clubs across both regions, joining bowlers for afternoon tea and offering informal, face-to-face conversations about Support at Home. Taking the first step towards aged care support can feel daunting. Having our team in your clubhouse means you can simply stop for a chat. Whether you have questions about your circumstances, are concerned about a family member or know someone who might benefit from support at home, our case managers are happy to help. Clubs can contact
Warramunda to arrange a visit, while our team will also attend Monday and Tuesday competitions throughout spring and summer. Already receiving Support at Home services through another provider? We’d welcome the opportunity to explain what Warramunda offers and help you explore your options, including changing providers. Our ambition is to become the firstchoice Support at Home provider for bowlers throughout both regions. Just as importantly, we look forward to becoming part of the bowls community ourselves. For more information or to arrange a visit, call (03) 5852 2611 and speak with our Community Care team. Until then, keep working on that draw shot. We’ll see you on the greens and in the clubhouses!