Nellie's Notes Autumn 2019 Newsletter

Nellie’s notes Nellie Melba Retirement Village • Autum mn edition 2019

The heart of our village is no ow open n!

Introducing Max and Heather

Nellie’s care centre opens

Triple A Launches

Greetings from Eileen...

Hello and welcome to a new year and a new edition of Nellie’s Notes.

There’s certainly been a lot happening since our last edition.

Late last year the first wave of residents moved into the village, sparking a buzz of activity as people got settled in to their new homes. Our village population have grown to almost 80 residents!

It was so wonderful to see our Nellie Melba “pioneers” extend such a warm welcome to the new arrivals.

Landscaping of the grounds is also well underway, the bowling green surface has been laid, and the main entrance to the village is approaching completion.

With our care centre now open, the final pieces of the village puzzle are beginning to fall into place.

As the finish line approaches we’re all getting very excited, and we can’t wait to share more milestones with you in the months ahead.

Kind regards,

That sense of community is already beginning to define the village’s character, which is just so gratifying to see.

But it’s not only new people that are changing the face of the village.

Eileen Kielty Regional Operations Manager Ph: 03 8513 1900

A note from Liane...

Hello! I hope you enjoyed your Christmas holidays with your family and friends.

I am pleased to say that we have held many great events over the last couple of months.

These have included our Ryman sponsored bowls tournament, the Road Safety event, the Stroke Foundation presentation and the Chadstone Bowls Club Australian Day tournament, which we sponsored.

I was also pleased to have a fantastic morning tea with our residents in our newly opened village centre! What a special day it was.

At the village there is a great selection of two- to three-bedroom apartments available. Please feel welcome to pop in and view our beautiful show apartment and stay for a complimentary cuppa in our café.

Nellie’s Notes | 2

Liane Kirwan Sales Advisor Ph: 1800 431 139

Independent resident profile

Meet Max & Heather

Nellie Melba Retirement Village is already home to dozens of people, and will be home to many dozens more, but it all started with one couple’s leap of faith.

That couple is Max and Heather Beattie.

Now happily ensconced in their beautiful twobedroom corner apartment overlooking the village’s bowling green, Max and Heather were the first people to sign up to move into Nellie Melba.

Heather says being the first people to ink a contract was “a bit of a leap of faith”, but one they certainly don’t regret.

“I don’t recall that we knew anybody who had gone into a retirement village before, so it was a very new experience.”

But being at the front of queue had its benefits, including a greater selection of apartments to choose from.

“We had the option to take whatever apartment we

liked, and we think we made a good choice,” Max says. “We’ve seen other apartments and they’re equally as good as ours, but the location suited us.”

It’s perhaps no surprise that Max, a keen lawn bowler, ended up in apartment just a few steps from the edge of the village’s new green.

“We had the option to take whatever apartment we liked, and we think we made a good choice…”

Moving out of the Mt Waverely home they built and lived in for 60 years was a big step, but Max and Heather are looking forward to a new lifestyle at Nellie Melba.

“As we meet our new neighbours they are, virtually to a person, very social and very engaging and it’s something to look forward to, to continue our association with them,” Max says.

Nellie’s Notes | 3

Stage set for Samuel Inaugural Ryman Healthcare opera scholarship announced Ryman has an emerging operatic superstar to call its own, and his name is Samuel Piper.

The Melba Opera Trust has just announced the seven young singers accepted into its 2019 scholarship program, with Samuel the recipient of the inaugural Ryman Healthcare Opera Scholarship.

Nellie Melba Retirement Village received its name after working closely with the opera trust to secure the blessing of the iconic opera singer’s descendants in the UK. “There is certainly much to celebrate, and I feel that Dame Nellie would be both impressed and proud.”

valuable philanthropic support they are providing to Melba Opera Trust and, most importantly, to Samuel and the future recipients of this perpetual scholarship,” Amy said.

Samuel said the year ahead of training and performing will be hard work, “but it’s always so exciting and it’s such a joy to do what we do”.

“I’m really excited to be associated with Ryman Healthcare and I’m really looking forward to heading out to Ryman retirement villages and sharing a few arias and duets with my colleagues.”

Amy said alumni who have completed the program are now performing in major opera houses all over the world.

As part of the partnership, Ryman sponsored the creation of a scholarship in the company’s name.

“This is the pathway and opportunity that the Ryman Healthcare Opera Scholarship will now provide to a deserving recipient each year.

Melba Opera Trust general manager Amy Black said the scholarship will provide Samuel, a baritone, with a year-long program of intensive artistic development alongside business training, mentoring and performance experience.

“We’re especially thrilled to be offering the inaugural scholarship in the same year that Ryman officially launches the Nellie Melba Retirement Village.

“We are enormously grateful to Ryman for the

“There is certainly much to celebrate, and I feel that Dame Nellie would be both impressed and proud.”

Nellie’s Notes | 4

Book review

Dust to Gold The compelling story of Bendigo station, home of Shrek.

Written by John Perriam and photographed by Stephen Jaquiery.

This fascinating history of Central Otago’s iconic Bendigo Station is illustrated with stunning photographs of a wild and rugged landscape. It also showcases the farms owners, the Perriam Family as well as stockmen, animals, wildlife and memorable characters including the legendary Shrek, filling the pages with vibrant colour.

Shrek and the woolly hermit merino, whose story captivated the world when he was discovered high in a mountain cave after avoiding muster for six years. Read about his famous discovery and his subsequent travels throughout the country as an ambassador for Cure Kids. Incidentally, all profits from the sale of Dust to Gold will also go to Cure Kids, a worthy charity for sick children.

As you read, you begin to feel part of this resilient family, joining them in their struggles and setbacks as they nurture the land in their care while also promoting their merino breed of sheep from “fleece to fashion”.

I felt their pain as they watched their family’s original farm, brimming with memories and dreams, sink below the waters of Lake Dunstan: the trigger

for the eventual purchase of Bendigo Station.

From droughts, weeds, gorse and rabbits to indifferent bureaucrats and meddling politicians, many battles were fought and not always won.

The Perriam family story is a compelling one.

“For me it was a nostalgic reminder of my roots in the nearby North Otago high country.”

This is a book for rural and urban dwellers alike.

For me it was a nostalgic reminder of my roots in the nearby North Otago high country.

It is also an insight into the lives of those who work with and care for our land and country, a blue print on diversifying and a connection with the past for us all.

John Perriam’s prose is easy and uncluttered, with the pages full of accurately drawn high country characters and the sometimes cruel events impacting on the lives of his family.

Reviewed by Phyllis Thorby Edmund Hillary Retirement Village.

Nellie’s Notes | 5

Village Centre Opens Absolutely fantastic. First class. Five-star.

Amazing. Unbelievable.

The superlatives were flying in all directions as the curtain was raised on Nellie Melba’s village centre and residents had their first peek inside.

After excitedly watching on for months as the heart of the new retirement village was constructed, residents were treated to a grand reveal and tour on January 29.

At our recent open days over 800 visitors walked through the village doors and many were delighted by our stunning village centre.

Residents also liked what they saw.

Geoff Eager, who, along with his wife Heather was the first person to move into Nellie Melba in August last year, described the village centre as “fantastic”.

“I couldn’t be happier. The whole complex, it’s just first class. It’s all I can say: first class.”

Bob Barclay, who was also among the first people to move into the village, said he was blown away by what he saw.

“My first impression when I walked through the doors was it’s absolutely amazing, then when I went through other parts of it I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.”

Gerry Thornewell was likewise gobsmacked.

“It’s absolutely fantastic. It’s better than I had expected, it must be at least a five-star hotel. It’s absolutely beyond belief.”

The village centre, which is accessed via the main entrance, includes the reception area and lobby, sprawling communal lounges, a cafe, bar, pool room, cinema, library, hair and beauty salon, indoor swimming pool, and gym.

“It’s absolutely fantastic. It’s better than I had expected, it must be at least a five-star hotel. It’s absolutely beyond belief.”

“It’s just lovely,” Maree Thornewell said.

“It was exciting to come in those main gates – I felt there should have been a trumpet blast or something like that to welcome us.

“It’s very exciting, a luxury beyond what I was expecting.

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“People had said it’s like going on a cruise but you don’t pull up the anchor. It’s all here.”

Ryman Healthcare Regional manager Eileen Kielty said “the big reveal” was a huge success.

“The feedback from everyone was just ‘wow!’.

It’s a lot more beautiful than they even thought it was going to be and they really appreciated the opportunity to see it before everyone else.”

Eileen said it was clear that residents immediately felt a sense of ownership and pride in the village centre.

“They’ve got a beautiful community and it’s just lovely that now have got beautiful surroundings to spend time with each other in. It’s just wonderful.”

She praised all the staff who have worked so hard to deliver such a spectacular facility.

“In the week leading up to the opening it’s just been lovely to see the team of people come together from all parts of the business – from construction, IT, senior management, everybody. It’s just been a lot of fun to be part of it.”

Pictured: the village centre operates as the heart of the village.

Pictured below: resident Tony Thompson was excited to start playing pool.

Care Centre Opening Nellie Melba’s care centre opened at the end of January, marking what regional manager Eileen Kielty described as “a huge step” in the village’s journey.

“The centre is the beating, caring heart of the village, so to have it open and providing care and support to residents is very exciting,” Eileen said.

Jacky Fitzsimon has been appointed clinical manager of the 200-bed care centre.

“Jacky was previously clinical manager at Woodcote, our founding village in Christchurch, so she’ll be going from Ryman’s oldest village to its newest.

“She’s extremely experienced and we’ve recruited a fantastic care team to support her.”

Jacky says moving to Melbourne to help set up a new, much larger village is a “huge opportunity” and she’s relishing the challenge.

“It’s going really well. We have a great team so far – we’ve got 40-50 staff and they’re all just getting stuck in,” she says.

The first residents moved into the care centre at the end of January.

The village will be home to around 650 people when it’s fully occupied.

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Happy Hour Wheelers Hill’s newest, most exclusive place to imbibe is open for business.

Nellie Melba residents enjoyed their first Happy Hour at the new village centre’s bar, with dozens turning out to check out the new facility.

Ryman communications advisor Michael Cummings manned the bar, with some able assistance from Victorian operations manager Paul Sutton.

Before the village centre opened on January 29 residents still gathered for Happy Hours, and they are all pleased to have this moved to the village centre.

Pictured: Residents Bob Barclay and Barry Cairns at the Happy Hours.

Right: Kerryl Daniels spending quality time with a friend.

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receptionist at Anthony Wilding Retirement Village in Christchurch.

She says she loved the job from the very start.

In 2018 she began her first year at university, studying health sciences at Otago University. She worked at Yvette Williams Retirement Village in Dunedin part-time to support herself.

Gemma wins the Cashin Scholarship Gemma Ballantyne’s year has got off to the best start possible thanks to the 2019 Cashin Scholarship.

“I’m thrilled to win and I’m honoured that the Cashin family selected me,” Gemma says.

“I’m really grateful.”

The Cashin Scholarship

Gemma, 18, will use the scholarship to fund her pharmacy studies at the University of Otago in Dunedin.

She was thrilled to get the news.

“It’s awesome to win. It means that it will ease the financial stress this year and allow me to focus on my studies so that I can be the best that I can be.”

Gemma has been part of the Ryman family since 2016, when she was a part-time

Gemma has opted for a pharmacy degree after her first year, which adds another four years at university followed by an internship.

The Cashin Scholarship was established to honour the memory of former Ryman director Mike Cashin. Mike was a strong believer in the power of education to change lives. The scholarship is designed to provide a helping hand to members of the Ryman family who are taking on tertiary study. Each year the Cashin family help select the winner of the $5,000 grant, which is intended to help with study costs.

Staff Profile

Introducing Rebecca

As the village population grows and construction nears completion, one of the busiest people at Nellie Melba is Rebecca Fynn.

The assistant to the manager joined the village in October, last year, and has hit the ground running.

I love helping the residents and cooking healthy food for a healthy mind.

Rebecca is a go-to person for residents with any questions or issues requiring assistance, is involved in the recruitment of staff, organises welcome meetings for new residents, and so much more besides.

Nellie’s Notes | 9

“I love interacting with people and this is another role where I’m still interacting with people and talking to everyone and getting things done. It’s just a wonderful environment to be in.”

Rebecca says one of the highlights of the job so far has been getting to know residents and letting them get to know her.

“I’ve got no regrets so far, it’s just interesting and I’m just so excited to learn so much more to be honest.”

Puzzles Word finder • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

A chorus line Aida Amadeus Annie Avenue Q Buddy Cabaret Cats Chicago Deathtrap Dreamgirls Equus Evita Funny girl Gemini Grease Guys and dolls Hairspray

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

S U U Q E G S L L O D D N A S Y U G

Harvey Jersey boys King and I Les miserables Lion king Mame Mamma mia Mary poppins Music man My fair lady Oklahoma Oliver Phantom of the opera Pippin Rent Sleuth The producers The wiz Wicked

M L R E N T A D I A O P P P I N L H

U E S T A C M D Y P K H A L X I R A

S S N S D W Y D D K L A R Z O P H R

I M I R J U F R D I A N T Z G P Z V

C I P E Y S A E U N H T H G A I E E

M S P C I Y I A B G O O T E C P N Y

A E O U A O R M M A M M A M I A I Q

N R P D H B L G O N A O E I H Z L G

C A Y O T Y A I J D P F D N C I S N

W B R R U E D R V I A T N I U W U I

T L A P E S Y L E E M H E K J E R K

G E M E L R R S L T R E L I M H O N

T S B H S E S A E R G O A A N T H O

E V I T A J W R K G G P M U O N C I

Q G S U E D A M A V Q E U N E V A L

D E K C I W Y A R P S R I A H S T T

A K F U N N Y G I R L A U D K J W C

Crossword Across 1. Darwin’s ship, also a breed of dog (6) 5. Arm muscles (6) 10. Whim (7) 11. Endurance (7) 12. Peril (6) 15. Element, C (6) 16. A long time ago (colloq) (4,3) 17. Submerged rock (4) 18. Inheritor (4) 19. Serviceman (7) 20. Scorwch (4) 22. Swift (4) 25. Deeply embarrassed (7) 27. Glum (6) 28. Hold in custody (6) 31. Yearning (7) 32. Manner which a doctor should have (7)

Across: 1. Beagle, 5. Biceps, 10. Impulse, 11. Stamina, 12. Danger, 15. Carbon, 16. Year dot, 17. Reef, 18. Heir, 19. Soldier, 20. Sear, 22. Fast, 25. Ashamed, 27.

Morose, 28. Detain, 31. Longing, 32. Bedside, 33. Gently, 34. Yonder. Down: 2.

Expense, 3. Galley, 4. Even, 5. Best, 6. Cravat, 7. Pliable, 8. Finder, 9. Banner, 13. Remorse, 14. Gradual, 15. Covered, 20. Simple, 21. Arrange, 23. Avarice, 24.

Tanker, 25. Assist, 26. Deaden, 29. Ugly, 30. Obey.

Nellie’s Notes | 10

33. Softly (6) 34. Visible, but distant (6) Down 2. Cost (7) 3. Ship’s kitchen (6) 4. Level (4) 5. Overcome (4) 6. Men’s neckwear (6) 7. Easily bent (7) 8. Discoverer (6) 9. Long flag (6) 13. Deep regret (7) 14. Step by step (7) 15. Overlaid (7) 20. Uncomplicated (6) 21. Organise (7) 23. Greed (7) 24. Bulk liquid carrier (6) 25. Help (6) 26. Muffl ffle (6) 29. Unattractive (4) 30. Comply (4)

Savoury or sweet profiteroles fi Ingredients ¾ cup water 125g butter 1 cup high grade flour

Pinch of salt 4 eggs

Savoury filling 150g middle rindless bacon

Sweet filling 200g fresh or frozen raspberries 3 tbsp icing sugar 2 tbsp lemon juice 200ml double cream 150g white chocolate 50g shelled pistachio

(diced)

500g smoked chicken breast (diced)

125g sour cream 125g mayonnaise ½ cup spring onions

A note from Ryman chef,

Timothy Garlick This makes a delicious finger food as it’s small and easy to eat. It’s always a big hit with everyone and you can change it up and serve it as an entrée or dessert.

This is on the menu at Jane Mander Retirement Village and the residents absolutely love it!

(finely chopped)

Profiterole method

Sweet filling

• Preheat oven to 180˚C. • Bring water to the boil in saucepan, add butter and stir until melted. Sift in flour and salt, and mix with a wooden spoon over a low heat until the paste starts to dry out. Allow to cool.

• Place paste in a bowl and beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing really well after each egg is added.

• Place tablespoonfuls of mixture onto a tray lined with baking paper. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool profiteroles on a wire rack.

• Put the raspberries, icing sugar and lemon juice into a food processor or mini blender and blitz until smooth. Press through a sieve into a bowl.

• Whip the cream until stiff, then fold in 4tbsp of the raspberry sauce. Spoon the filling into a piping bag and make a hole in each profiterole.

Make sure the profiteroles are cool before piping in the filling.

• Break up the chocolate into a small bowl and melt in the microwave on low for 1½-2 mins.

Leave to cool briefly until slightly thickened.

• Carefully spoon the melted chocolate over each filled profiterole and sprinkle with pistachios.

Leave to set. To serve, drizzle the remaining raspberry sauce over the profiteroles.

Savoury filling • Fry the diced bacon and place in a bowl to cool.

Add the diced chicken with the sour cream, mayonnaise and spring onions. Slice the top off the puff, add the filling and put the lid back on top.

• Serve with your favourite chutney.

Nellie’s Notes | 11

Living Option

Triple A Launches Nellie Melba residents are getting their hearts pumping with the launch of Ryman Healthcare’s Triple A classes at the village.

Triple A (Ageless, Active and Aware) began in February, with classes running twice a week.

Ryman’s operations activities and lifestyle coordinator, Chelsea Richdale, was on hand for the programme’s launch, having already spoken to residents about the benefits of Triple A when she visited the village late last year.

Helping prevent falls is a key aim of the classes.

Chelsea says the classes have a strong social element, which has its own health benefits.

“It becomes part of residents’ daily routine. They come along to a class, they get to know the person they’re partnered up with, who the other residents are who are coming along, and they get those social ties in our village community, which is really cool to see.”

Pictured: Residents enjoy spending time together while keeping fit too.

Eileen Kielty Regional Manager Ph: 03 8513 1900 Call Eileen for general enquiries, or information about low care, high care and specialist dementia care.

Liane Kirwan Sales Advisor Ph: 1800 431 139 Talk to Liane for information about independent apartments and serviced apartments.

2 Collegium Ave, Wheelers Hill

www.nelliemelbavillage.com.au