Ryman Times
Ryman partners with the Lions Ryman Healthcare has signed up as a key partner of the Coburg Football Club – one of Melbourne’s oldest and most respected Australian Rules football clubs. Sebastian Spagnuolo, General Manager of the Coburg Lions, approached Ryman Group Sales and Community Relations Manager Debbie McClure about a possible partnership earlier this year. Debbie, a footie fan, could immediately see the attraction in partnering with a local team. The Coburg football ground borders Ryman Healthcare’s new site on Bell St in the suburb which is just 8km from Melbourne’s CBD. The site was formerly occupied by a school, and Ryman Healthcare plans to build a retirement village on the vacant land with independent living, serviced apartments and a care centre on site. The village will also provide low and high-level aged care, and dementia care. Sebastian said the club was pleased to see the site used for a significant community asset.
“It will be fantastic to see the space next to us utilised. We’re excited to be partnering with a company that values community as we do.’’ “We’re not a flashy club – we’re a hard-working club in a hard-working suburb that values its community. We’re going through a rebuilding phase and we look forward to having Ryman as a neighbour and a partner.’’ Debbie thought the affiliation with the Coburg Lions it would be a great match for residents who could choose to get a view of Piranha Park from their apartments. “We’re building the village so that retirees who love the area can stay in Coburg no matter how their health needs change over time. I’m sure being so close to their beloved footie ground will be the icing on the cake for many of them.’’ The Coburg Football Club was founded in 1891 and competes in the Victorian Football League. The Lions have plans to redevelop their grandstand and refurbish the ground. Ryman Healthcare’s management team visited Piranha Park to celebrate the partnership with the Lions in Coburg.
Coburg Lions General Manager Sebastian Spagnuolo (left) Ryman Healthcare Group Sales and Community Relations Manager Debbie McClure, Lions Club President Kevin Breen and Ryman Healthcare Group Development Manager Andrew Mitchell at Piranha Park in Melbourne.
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