August 2013 swancare resident newsletter Across My Desk CEO’s Report It has been relatively quiet in our community this month. I suspect that the cold weather has been a contributing factor to this as we all seek the comfort of indoors warmth and avoid tackling the chilly outdoors unless we really need to. For my article this month I will provide you with a brief update on the progress of the Stage 5 redevelopment at Bentley Park, plus I will give you a quick summary of the residents’ meetings that I attended at both Bentley and at Australind during the month.
Update on the Bentley Park Stage Five Redevelopment We are now commencing the discussions with the architects in relation to developing the scope of the project so that they will be able to come up with some broad-brush concepts to enable a visualisation of the type of development that we are likely to see encompassing the Stage 5 area. These are very high level discussions and are a long way from formulating any of the detailed design aspects of the project. As a reminder to residents, the first stage of this development will involve construction on the land on the corner of Jarrah Road and Adie Court, and will likely extend down as far as Gordon Way. Our brief to the architects at this stage is to ensure that the apartment styled development must adapt to the existing village environment and must integrate with existing infrastructure. The development must positively address the Adie Court Streetscape and provide us with an opportunity to improve the overall look and feel of this major thoroughfare. The Stage 5 development at Bentley Park is likely
Security Number If the Resident Support Services number is unavailable residents are reminded the mobile contact number for Security is:
0413 388 650
to become the most significant development that we have undertaken on this site and it is therefore an absolute imperative that we take as much time as we need to ensure that the planning and design will deliver the product that we need, not only for todays clientele, but also for the future generations of retirees. One of the challenging tasks of any redevelopment that we undertake on the Bentley site is that of relocations. This stage is no exception. We have already begun the onerous task of relocating those residents that will be impacted by the development, and this process will continue for as long as it needs to. Over the ensuing months we will be working directly with the persons affected to develop an individualised relocation plan to ensure that the move to their new home will be an uneventful and enjoyable experience. Natalie Hodi, our General Manager of Retirement Living, is in charge of the relocations and she will of course have great support from her Resident Support team in Leasa and Heather, plus the maintenance boys will be on hand to assist as and when required. The other, as yet unresolved, relocation challenge that is part of Stage 5 is the impending move of the Op Shop. We are currently in the process of considering options for this relocation, but as yet have not settled upon a final solution. Please be assured however, that we will find an appropriate location for this extremely important and vital community support service.
Residents’ Meetings – Bentley & Australind During July I had the pleasure of formally attending residents’ meetings at both of our communities. These are very valuable meetings and always provide the opportunity for open, honest, two-way communications. These meetings provide a great forum for gathering detailed information about our communities and provides me with insights into the “vibes” of the villages which in turn allows improvements and enhancements to be made to way that we support and care for
Bentley Park Social Club Auditorium Concert - 11th August
our residents. The meetings also provide me with the opportunity to impart information to our residents that they would normally not be aware of, and from the feedback that I receive, is greatly appreciated. In terms of a brief overview, at the Bentley meeting this month we touched on a number of topics all of which generated discussion and interest from those in attendance. We talked briefly about• the Stage 5 development, • touched on the impending August planning day for our Board, • reminded residents that the maintenance painting program in the village will be starting in August, • provided an update on the very successful Community Aged Care services within the village, • thanked residents for their genuine involvement and support of the SwanCare Feathers Rewards and Recognition Program, • reminded residents about the outsourcing of Spritz and how well it is going, and, • alerted residents to the mandatory reporting requirements associated with the Motor Vehicle drivers license arrangements (more details later in this article). Being a relatively new community the meeting at Australind focussed on construction issues and matters genuinely related to the development and growth of the community. This village is slowly maturing, and at each visit there are clear visible signs that the Australind Rise Community is becoming a very desirable, vibrant and prestigious choice for retirement living. The major topic of our discussions was understandably to do with these growth and development opportunities, so naturally we spent our time discussing such things as – • the next stage of the community facility, • the selling of the remaining units, • the promotion and marketing of the community, and, • the completion of the remaining maintenance Continued Page 3 issues.
Inside this issue > Village News - pg 4 Feature Resident - pg 5 What’s On - pg 6 & 7 Bentley Park Social Club - pg 9 Club News - pg 10-11