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Seniors’ clubs return The West Sunshine Multicultural Senior Citizens Centre is back in business after a two-year hiatus due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. The club resumed its weekly meet-ups last week. West Sunshine Multicultural Senior Citizens Centre president Mary Vella said it was pleasing to see everyone coming out and seeing each other again. “We have hardly been at the centre so the people miss it,” Ms Vella said. “A lot of people are happy to be back to meet with other people and have a chat. It was nice to see smiles on their faces. They missed it because they used to look forward to coming to the club before the pandemic hit. “That was the aim from the first day; to open the club for people to get out of their home, to have somewhere to go, to have conversation and make new friends.” The centre, established in 1981, is planning on celebrating its 40 year anniversary once restrictions ease after the milestone was missed due to the pandemic . Greek club pesident Sophia Pashalis with West Sunshine Multicultural Senior Citizens Centre members.
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Residents living in fear By Tara Murray Residents living near Sydenham Grace continue to live in fear despite administrators taking over the supported residential service (SRS). Administrators were appointed to oversee the service four weeks ago following a state government investigation into the facility. The investigation found that the operator of Sydenham Grace and Melton South facility Gracemanor was not meeting the stringent regulations in place to protect the interests, health and wellbeing of 34 residents. In a statement at the time, the Department
of Families Fairness and Housing said that multiple breaches were found including bullying, intimidation, coercion, and abuse, unsafe, unhygienic, and uninhabitable living conditions, insufficient quality and quantity of food and inadequate provision of personal and health care. The homes were run by Grace Disability Services. The facilities’ residents will now be supported by Wintringham, a specialised welfare organisation, and Ernst and Young has been appointed as the administrator. Administrators met with residents last week, to hear their concerns about their safety and that of the Sydenham Grace residents. The facility is located across from kindergarten
and a school is nearby. Residents have reported residents roaming the streets on hot days and alleged illegal activity in the streets, while police and ambulances are still in regular attendance. They say there have been no improvements since the administrator took over. Brendan Maughan owns the property next door to Sydenham Grace. He moved away last year, but still opens the property. He said there was a constant police presence at the facility. Star Weekly believes that current staffing levels at Sydenham Grace are three to four times higher than those used to operate it under previous management. It is understood that
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a review of the occupational health and safety environment of the residence, assessments of each resident’s care and support needs, and an assessment of financial viability of the service are among the work completed since the appointment of the administrator. A Department of Families, Fairness and Housing spokesperson said the Human Services Regulator appointed an administrator at Sydenham Grace because it had concerns about the support being provided to vulnerable residents and management of the facility. “The administrator is working with community organisations to improve supports for the SRS residents.”
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