50th anniversary of Mertome Aged Care and Retirement Village

Mertome Aged Care and Retirement Village

50th Anniversary

Celebrating 50 years of residential care and independent living in the Bayswater community

Oaddressed a full meeting of the Shire members. Dr Lefroy suggested that they consider the provision of ‘suitable accommodation for the frail aged’.

The plan put forward for discussion was to establish a community facility, inspired following a tour of the eastern states’ aged care homes by the then town planning officer, H G Campbell in 1969. Mr Campbell was born and bred in Bayswater and would go on to be appointed not only as the town planning officer but also the Shire’s auctioneer and a Justice of the Peace. He was credited with ‘literally helping put Bayswater on the map’.

“On his return, he reported to the council who in turn decided to take up the challenge,” reports a brochure cataloguing the early days of Mertome. “A committee was formed in early 1970 with Cr Merv Toms as Chairman and Mr Campbell as Secretary.”

The first order of business for the committee was to identify a suitable site for the project - which has come to be seen as the first council-provided aged care service in the nation.

A survey among local residents helped establish the size required for the site as well as the scope of accommodation. Up until then, all other homes for the elderly had been provided by various church organisations or private entities.

“Prospective applicants were asked to indicate the type of accommodation they were seeking,” reported the brochure.

LEADING ROLES

Above, HG Campbell JP, Secretary of the Shire of Bayswater Aged Persons Home (Inc). Right, MJ (Merv) Toms, after whom Mertome was named.

The project would be staged over three consecutive financial years, to obtain the maximum subsidies from the State Government, amounting to $1.8 million at the time.

The aim was to provide housing for approximately 200 aged residents, with the first stage of the build - involving 22 independent home units - officially opened by local politician, Mr J Berinson on Sunday July 22, 1973.

Back in 1968, the seed of a unique idea took root when Bayswater Shire Council decided to do something no other local council in Australia had done

NEW BEGINNINGS

From top, clockwise, signing on the dotted line to construct the first stage of the village were HG Campbell, Brian Kidd (architect), AP Hinds (Association Chairman) and RJ Pearson (builder); Brian Kidd explains a model of the proposed village to a council meeting; building progress as the village began to take shape from 1972 onwards.

During the opening ceremony and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, Mr Berinson acknowledged all those who had been involved in the project to date.

“The Shire of Bayswater Aged Persons Home project was a model of its kind and sets a good example in a number of respects,” he said, hoping similar centres would follow suit.

He pointed out too that while there were some 20 other centres in the Perth electorate, accommodating almost 1,400 residents, this was the first occasion when a local government body had taken the initiative to house local aged persons.

The transparency of the committee in terms of the financial statements was also worthy of praise, said Mr Berinson, as well as the idea of inviting residents onto the committee itself.

“The open and enlightened approach to the administration of the village would undoubtedly minimise the tensions and misunderstandings which almost inevitably arise in their absence,” he astutely observed.

OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Above, top, Mr J Berinson (MHR) attends the opening of the Village, along with WA Premier J Tonkin, H G Campbell and the Premier’s wife in fetching hat, Mrs Winifred Tonkin.

The transparency of the committee in terms of the financial statements was worthy of . . .

WA Premier’s high praise for Phase One

John Tonkin, the long-serving parliamentarian and WA Premier at the time, congratulated the council on their foresight, and was pleased to note that the State Government had committed funding to help realise the venture.

He also had plenty of praise for his old parliamentary colleague, Mr Toms, admiring his work ethic for the district.

Stage Two was immediately given the goahead, with an additional 27 units for single or double accommodation planned, at a cost of $229,465 at the time.

Meanwhile, Mrs Elsie Fitzgerald, a widow from Kalgoorlie, was the first person to move into the Village, choosing a single unit, complete with modern TV and kitchenette.

It wasn’t all good news however. As Stage Two got underway, existing residents had to endure ‘a constant barrage of noise and wind-blown sand, literally from dawn to dusk, for many months’, reported the 10-year anniversary booklet. Nevertheless, there was a New Year’s Eve party held on the lawn behind Cottage 20 on December 31 1973, with ‘supper prepared in Laundry No 7’ and guests happily supplying their own chairs and crockery.

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME

Above, Mrs Elsie Fitzgerald settles into her new single unit home in Mertome Village, the first resident to do so upon its opening.

It was the first of many social activities which have come to be an important part of the Mertome Village DNA - with regular ‘get together’ functions planned from the earliest days.

In 1974, it was suggested the formation of a club to promote and organise all types of social and other functions in the Village be created - called the Mertome Village Amenities Club. Mr Campbell donated $10 to establish a fund for the club, rising to $49 after further donations. However, despite initially having no hall or assets, the Club continued to operate for many years, launching with a Christmas party in 1974.

In 1976, Stage Three was declared open by the then premier, Sir Charles Court. It cost an additional $1.2million, provided accommodation for over 65 people with the addition of The Lodge, a self-contained hostel-style design with a section for the ‘frail aged’ called The Annexe.

A highlight during this period, we’re told, was a ‘chicken and champagne lunch’ on Melbourne Cup Day and a garden fête in December.

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS

Mertome Retirement Village has always been a social place, with plenty of community activities - like the first New Year’s Eve party complete with blankets to keep everybody warm, pictured here.

Over $1,000 was raised for the Amenities Club which proved extremely useful to purchase additional items for residents. In addition, a piano was donated by the Morley Lions and Apex Club, a glass-topped table, a wall clock and ‘sundry pictures’, from the premier, Sir Charles Court.

In due course, a workshop for residents and gardening staff was built in 1980, and it quickly became a useful addition to the Village, with many items manufactured within its walls for use by the residents and staff.

Such was the popularity of the Village, a waiting list soon formed with prospective residents hopeful of finding a spot within Mertome’s grounds.

Another eight new units were planned to be built in Stage Four in 1981 and were occupied as they were completed. An additional agreement to provide 14 ‘pensioner units’ on land donated by the Shire on the south side of Winifred Road was also given the go-ahead and completed in 1982.

Landscaping continued to be a feature of the Village, and over the years, the gardens near the units and surrounding the buildings have always been a significant draw card for keen green thumbs.

From a rather barren patch of land to the verdant oasis it now is, Mertome Village has continued to blossom and grow with each passing year.

KEEPING BUSY EVERY DAY

An early precursor of the nowfamiliar concept of a Men’s Shed was an early addition to the Village in early 1980. First members included Mr Colk, Mr Edwards, Mr Russell and Mr Blanchard in the empty workshop (left and below). The gardens have always been a high point (bottom).

Such was the popularity of the Village, a waiting list soon formed . . .

“ “

A new chapter begins

A change of management in 2019 heralded a new era for Mertome Aged Care and Retirement Village.

In April 2019, Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group took over the management and operations of Mertome Aged Care and Retirement Village in Bayswater.

After winning a competitive tender process to take over Mertome, the aged care group undertook a refurbishment program of the 100 retirement village units and the 70-bed aged care home.

At the time, City of Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull was pleased to announce the transfer of Mertome Aged Care and Retirement Village to Hall & Prior.

“The decision was made with the best interests of residents in mind,” said Mayor Bull. “Hall & Prior have an excellent reputation for providing quality aged care services and the City is

confident that the Group is best placed to meet the needs of residents of the Village now and into the future.

At the time of the take-over, Executive Manager Laura Currie was appointed to oversee the home and village - and she is still in the role today. Shortly afterwards, residents of the retirement village were able to access in-home care from White Oak, part of the Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group, and this service operated at the time from an office onsite every Wednesday.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Michael Hall, Graeme Prior, then Mayor, City of Bayswater Dan Bull and then CEO, City of Bayswater Andrew Brien.

Valuable addition to Group’s collection of facilities

After signing the agreement to take over the management of Mertome with co-director Michael Hall, Graeme Prior, CEO of Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group looked forward to developing and improving the facilities, accommodation and care offerings at the Village and aged care home.

“Mertome has been an important part of the City of Bayswater’s infrastructure for many years, and we were delighted to win the very competitive tender to run the village and aged care home,” he said.

“As we celebrate half a century of Mertome - the first retirement village of its type in Australia - I’m looking forward to contributing further to its continuing story and the valuable place it plays in the delivery of compassionate care for elders in this part of Perth.”

Delivering compassionate care to our community

Laura Currie, Mertome’s executive manager, has been running the facility ever since Hall & Prior took over the management of the site - and she’s seen plenty of changes during this time.

“With a diverse cultural and age range we have an immense amount of life experiences here at Mertome, bringing a thriving and supportive community of its own.

“I am extremely proud to be part of Hall & Prior and Mertome since April 2019, supporting the development of the Care Home and Village to provide a safe, supportive and happy home for our over-55 population.

“Ongoing renovations and additions to the aged care home and village’s facilities have improved life on a day-today basis for the 100 village residents and 70 aged care home consumers.”

HAPPY TO HELP

NEW TEAM Michael Hall and Graeme Prior have extensive experience managing aged care facilities in WA and NSW.

Laura Currie (right), has been at the helm at Mertome since 2019.

Village life a winner for long-term residents

Doug and Isabel Noel, long-term residents of Mertome, have nothing but praise for their home.

“We moved into Mertome Village in July 2006 and decided that this was ‘the end of the line’ for us. Which means no more moving house until we’re moved out!

“Since then, we’ve witnessed many changes in the Village over the years as we’ve embraced younger residents into the community and farewelled our older friends, and we’ve always supported and guided the Village community as well as the management team.

“We’re both happy in our little unit and in its beautiful surroundings and now as we’re getting on in years, we intend to enjoy living in Mertome Village for as long as we are able, God-willing!”

Chairman embraces the stories villagers have to tell

John King took over the position of Chairman of the Resident’s Committee in June 2023 and had a few words to say once he took on this important role.

“Being a retirement village, Mertome has an ageing population. We are all getting older. It is said that we are the sum of our experiences. All of the events in our lives - the joyous moments and the adversity, shape us into the people that we become. So many residents here at Mertome have many years of experiences and a multitude of stories they could tell.

“I feel blessed to now know so many people who have shared some of their experiences with me. We live in a beautiful place and we need to make the most of that. For me this means being involved in your community and taking part in activities. Life is a joy, and joy should be embraced whenever and wherever you find it.

“Remember, we don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Hall & Prior’s CEO Graeme Prior with Doug and Isabel and then Mayor of Bayswater, Dan Bull.

COMMUNITY LEADER

Chairman of the Resident’s Committee, John King.

Mayor recognises Mertome’s half a century of service

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Mertome Retirement Village. The City of Bayswater was the first local government in Australia to provide aged care accommodation. Back in July 1973, Mertome was constructed with funds from the State Government and the City. It was built so older residents could continue to live within their local community.

The City would like to recognise the efforts of care providers including Hall & Prior and Juniper (United Churches) for providing valuable services to the residents of Mertome over the years.

I would also like to acknowledge the residents who have made Mertome Retirement Village their home. I’m delighted to see the sense of community that has developed at Mertome, which is a testament to the success of what was a truly visionary project at the time.

Congratulations, Mertome.

WORDS OF PRAISE Current Mayor of Bayswater, Filomena Piffaretti

Gardens get a glow-up

In 2019, Hall & Prior’s then-Landscape Supervisor Josh Petrusma and his gardening team worked hard to improve the look and feel of the site.

Mertome’s gardens have always been an important and much-loved part of the Village’s appealing surroundings, but by 2019, they needed some TLC.

“One of our first tasks was to prune back any heavy branches which were in danger of falling,” Josh said.

“Our ultimate aim was to bring more colour, vibrancy and continuity to the site, so it was important to have a plan so we could create a cohesive theme.

“We identified several high profile areas and upgraded them by removing any dead or unattractive plants, then we brought in a range of native plants with lots of colour.”

By including Australian plants such as kangaroo paw, banksia, tea tree and bottle brush, the gardens not only look beautiful, they will also require less long-term maintenance because they are already naturally adapted to our environment.

The space in front of the home’s front entrance has been transformed with the addition of a sitting area, fountain and lots of greenery.

It’s not just people who love the changeslocal birds moved in almost immediately and are enjoying the range of native plants.

“The fountain and the sitting area around it was created as a place for people to take in some fresh air,” he said.

“Our aim was not to limit people to just enjoying the inside of the facility, this is a nice spot to sit and enjoy with family and visitors.”

BLOOMING TREAT

Visitors to Mertome can’t fail to be impressed by the gardens, a labour of love for many residents.

Their work didn’t stop at the external gardens, with the aged care home’s five internal courtyards also getting some much-needed attention.

A newly opened Memory Support Unit surrounded a courtyard which focused on stimulating each of the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste and smell.

Research has shown that being in a garden and sharing a space with other people can have physical, cognitive and social benefits, and helps to reduce stress levels.

“We incorporated plants and flowers with lots of colour and texture, and included wind chimes and a misting kit to make a bit of extra noise,” Josh said.

Mertome today

From the many green-thumbed Village residents to silent discos and regular community events, Mertome is a vibrant place for local elders to live life to the full.

As one gets older you think about your life that has passed and what the future holds. Mine was to come into care and moving into Mertome aged care home was my best move ever. You are treated with respect and kindness.

- Barbara Buckland (BB), pictured above, holding a plant.

We would like to thank the following for their assistance on the occasion of Mertome’s 50 th anniversary:

The consumers in care, clients and families of Mertome Aged Care and Retirement Village Staff and guests of Mertome

Mr Jeremy Edwards CEO, City of Bayswater

Ms Filomena Piffaretti Mayor, City of Bayswater

Mr Dan Bull Councillor - West Ward, City of Bayswater

Vaughn McGuire