Dece mber 2011 bentley park resident newsletter
Across My Desk CEO’s Report As we enter the festive season, I see evidence of the spirit of friendship and community across Bentley Park as many of our clubs and groups enjoy their respective Christmas and end of year celebrations. One of the advantages of being a large campus is the diversity of the social and recreational choices that our residents themselves over the years have introduced to our community. We have exceptional talent and commitment here at Bentley Park that directly contributes to the wonderful lifestyle for which we are renowned.
Our Volunteers are Special People As is our tradition, during the first week of December each year we celebrate International Volunteers Day by acknowledging the extraordinary efforts of our many Volunteers. This year we held a “High Tea” to say “THANK-YOU” to our very special people. In marking this day, I wish to convey my personal thanks to all of our volunteers who go about their business throughout the year making Bentley Park a better place to live. There are so many different roles that our volunteers are engaged in with each person bringing their individual talent, skill and commitment to their work. A number of studies have measured the value to the Australian economy of the time volunteers give doing a wide variety of volunteer jobs. Of course, it is not monetary reward that volunteers are seeking but the desire to contribute to their community.
Security Number If the Resident Support Services number is unavailable residents are reminded the mobile contact number for Security is:
0413 388 650
We appreciate that the services provided by this special group of people are essential to a non-profit organisation such as SwanCare Group and we acknowledge with gratitude the work they do. To us, they are TRULY SPECIAL PEOPLE.
Paying Tribute to Our Long Serving Staff A continuing tradition at SwanCare Group is to also recognise exceptional lengths of service amongst our staff. Around this time each year we recognise those staff who have achieved 10, 20, 25 and yes, even 30 years’ service to our organisation. In a challenging work environment and with the transient nature of today’s modern workforce it is truly an amazing achievement that we can celebrate and recognise service periods of such great length. We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice in the aged care sector, we want to make our employees feel proud of working for SwanCare Group and we try to ensure that they are continually acknowledged and appreciated for their hard work and commitment. When I see lengths of service such as this I get a sense of validation that we must be doing things right. This year we acknowledged 5 staff from our Care Facilities, 3 from Hospitality, and 3 Administration / Maintenance Services. This group achieved a combined total of 180 years service! We are very proud of them.
Social Club Future Directions By now most residents will be aware that the Social Club will be undergoing a “make-over” and transition as it moves into 2012. In last months Tidings I placed an advertisement calling for recruits to express an interest in helping to form a new committee to take over the operation and running of the social club, and all that goes with this, as from January 2012. I am very pleased to say that we received a large number of responses from a very capable, skilled and energetic group
Bentley Park Events Office Stratton Luncheon Concert - December 9 Carols by Torchlight - December 16 New Year’s Eve Party - December 31
of people, whom I am sure will form a wonderful committee to represent our residents social interests. I will be speaking with this group in detail over the ensuing weeks to discuss their role and responsibilities, such that they can “hit the ground running” as from January next year.
AND ……. Whilst on the subject of the Social Club and all that it entails. Readers are aware that the reason behind the seeking of a new committee as from 2012, is that the previous President Peter Brunt, along with his wife Shirley, have determined that after almost 12 years at the helm, it is finally time for them to hand over the baton. To be honest, I could fill a whole Tidings article and more on the achievements that Peter and Shirley have amassed over their time as presiders over the Social Club. SwanCare Group is indeed indebted to their hard-work and unwavering commitment. By way of a quick snapshot, I have been able to determine that Peter and Shirley, during their time as heads of the Social Club, have organised and arranged over 350 events for residents of Bentley Park – this is over 30 events per year. This is absolutely amazing. In addition to not only organising the events Peter more often than not also undertook the role of MC, and sometimes guest speaker. These 350 events also do not include the various committee meetings, general meetings and AGM’s that they arranged, during their tenure, Peter and Shirley ran approximately 150 of these meetings as well. Peter and Shirley’s work effort is untiring, because as most of us know, in addition to the Social Club, they also coordinated the Opportunity Shop and paper recycling activities. Continued Page 3
Inside this issue > Bentley Park Show - pg 3 Bentley Park Events Office - pg 4 Bentley Park News - pg 5 What’s On - pg 6 - 7 Residents Advisory Council - pg 8