Mayflower
Mayflower is a not-for-profit provider of residential aged care, home care and retirement living options with services in Brighton, Reservoir, Macleod, and Pascoe Vale.
In a journey spanning more than 60 years, we’ve become known for caring compassionately with thoughtful services that encourage independence, wellbeing, and lifestyle.
Our Vision
Care without Compromise.
Our Mission
Enhancing quality of life choices for our community.
OUR VALUES
Compassion
We care for those in need with empathy and understanding.
Excellence
We strive for quality and distinction.
Integrity
We are honest, ethical and sincere.
Respect
We recognise the value, uniqueness and dignity of every person.
Pictured on the cover: Resident Patricia with Mayflower Edith Bendall Care and Leisure Support Coordinator Natalie. Pictured left: Volunteers Elaine and Lee.
Chair and Chief Executive Report
Welcome to the Mayflower 2024 Annual Report. It has been an active year of growth and renewal for the Mayflower team. We now serve more than 500 people, and we are proud of our ability to provide the best possible care and lifestyle services.
Our working ethos continues to ensure choice and quality of life for all Mayflower residents and community clients.
This report presents a balanced account of Mayflower’s successes and challenges. We have accomplished much over the last financial year, and we have much to celebrate. We also take this opportunity to consider our current and future challenges, especially those arising from the widespread changes currently at play within Australia’s Aged Care sector.
INVESTMENT IN PROCESS SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
Over the last year, we have significantly invested in our processes, systems, and technologies. Apart from core upgrades to our network and telephony / call bell infrastructure, we implemented a new workforce management system, a quality management system and a new care system in Mayflower Edith Bendall. We are also about to roll out our new Medication management system across all of our homes. These investments are strategic as they help us maintain and improve the overall quality of care while making it easier for our staff to attend to resident needs.
In February 2024, we launched our new website. Designed as a one-stop destination for all things Mayflower, the new site provides a fresh interface and streamlined display and navigation functionality for ease of use. It also includes a wonderful giftgiving and bequests section.
FOOD AND MENUS
Food options and menus have been an additional focus for us this financial year. Food is a critically important part of what we do. We have invested in new menus and training for our chefs and their teams, especially in homes such as Reservoir, where we recognise the importance of serving food that is culturally aligned with our residents.
STAFF
Attracting and retaining the highest-quality people is an important part of our organisation’s identity. Accordingly, we have invested in a new workforce management system that helps us implement best practice procedures for employee onboarding, rostering, award interpretation and payroll. We have also reviewed our staff training initiatives and are implementing a new Learning and Development system. This helps us ensure that our staff qualifications are maintained and upgraded when needed. We are working on real career pathways for our teams, our goal is to ensure that we are the best place to work in the Aged Care industry.
We are seeing some real successes, with staff turnover appreciably down from the year before. We are proud of the work that we have done to ensure that Mayflower is a preferred destination for our employees, but we have a lot more to do in this space. In the coming year we plan to really focus on some of the intangibles around Reward and Recognition programs, and around helping our staff with flexibility and work/life balance.
REFURBISHMENTS
Our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional resident experiences means that we continue to invest in refurbishing and refreshing our assets. We have embarked on a refurbishment plan for both Edith Bendall and Brighton. Our Brighton movie theatre is complete, and we are currently upgrading the hair salon. We intend to proceed with an extensive refresh of the Brighton premises in 2025, including a refresh of the Katherine Chestney wing, which is the oldest wing of the facility. As a part of this program, we will look to renovate all of the common areas, including the reception, café, and the library.
Our Reservoir home has benefited from a $1 million grant awarded to Mayflower in 2023. The grant has funded several projects within the Reservoir facility, including creating new outdoor spaces and gardens, safe access for residents living with dementia, and a new playground for residents’ grandchildren.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Our Independent Living Unit (ILU) has invested in enhancing social activities and connections. The Brighton café hours have been extended, with residents enjoying monthly social dinners and other meals marking special occasions, such as Mother’s Day. We also provide regular events like shows, movies as well as singing and dancing. The new movie theatre can also be hired for special occasions. Throughout 2024, we have had a significant increase in tenancy in Brighton’s ILU, which is a testament to the fact that we offer a welcoming and safe home for our occupants. A wonderful cohort of socially engaged residents now call the Brighton ILU home.
FEEDBACK
We are pleased to report that the feedback we have received from residents, representatives, and employees through our surveys has been overwhelmingly positive. This input is a crucial component of our commitment to continuous improvement and plays a vital role in shaping our quality and safeguarding agendas.
The insights shared by our community are invaluable, driving us to enhance our services and ensure that we consistently meet the highest standards of care and safety. Our dedication to listening and responding to feedback not only reflects our commitment to excellence but also reinforces our ongoing efforts to provide a supportive and responsive environment for all.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who took the time to participate in our surveys. Your constructive feedback empowers us to continually refine our practices and deliver exceptional quality of care.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
We are excited to report that all approvals are in place for the redevelopment of the Macleod site. This integrated community will provide the full continuum of care to the local community — from Home Care services to Retirement Living to Residential Aged Care. It has been specifically designed to be open to the community with a café, communal spaces and a tasteful construct to blend in with and enhance the local area. We are about to embark on detailed design work and are hopeful that work will commence on-site in mid 2025.
BOARD CHANGES
Some changes have been made to the Mayflower Board during the past year. Mr Anthony Mutton, stepped down from the role of Chairperson on December 31, 2023. He passed the baton to Ms Mary-Jane Stolp who took on the role on 1 January 2024. We would like to thank Anthony for his dedication and service as Chair for the past 3 years. Anthony continues as a Board member.
Mr Valentino Marinelli, a longstanding Board member since 2015, stepped down from the Board in late 2023. The Board acknowledges and thanks Valentino for his contributions as both a general Board member and Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee. Tony Tenaglia, an existing Board member, has assumed the role of Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee.
Dr. Baden Boan was elected to the Mayflower Board, effective November 24, 2023. A respected (now retired) General Practitioner, Dr Boan is wellknown within the Mayflower Brighton community, having served as the GP for many residents over the last 30 years. Dr Boan’s appointment reinforces Mayflower’s ongoing commitment to exemplary clinical governance and care.
RODNEY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LOOKING FORWARD
As we move towards 2025, we do so with great optimism and determination. The safety and quality of life of our residents, community clients and staff will continue to be a top priority for us as an organisation. We are proud of everyone’s wonderful efforts. Our community is safe, caring and engaged, and we commend everyone who has contributed to making Mayflower what it is today.
A WORD FROM OUR CEO — MR STUART RODNEY
As I complete another year as CEO of Mayflower, I want to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of the Board, as well as our Executive and Leadership teams. Thank you all. The 2024 year has been one of significant change and reorganisation. I commend all staff and residents who have been involved in the many projects and activities that have made the year such a success.
It is always a pleasure to walk around our homes and encounter kindness, enthusiasm, and our wonderful sense of community. As the CEO, I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of our wonderful team of almost 600 dedicated and hardworking staff, without whom we would never be able to provide the care and quality of life that our residents expect and deserve. As you will see in this report, Mayflower is a vibrant community filled with life, laughter, and diversity I am proud to play a role in steering the future direction of Mayflower.
A WORD FROM OUR CHAIR — MS MARY-JANE STOLP
It is a pleasure to have been appointed as Chair for Mayflower. Today’s Aged Care sector comes with many challenges, and I am confident that Mayflower is well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on. Over the past year, we have made substantial progress as an organisation. We have enhanced our teams, strengthened our governance and successfully prepared both our executive team and the Board for the future changes coming to the sector. Additionally, we have a robust succession planning process, thereby ensuring the growth and development of staff who work at Mayflower.
Through our investment in process efficiency and technology, we have positioned Mayflower to be more agile and responsive whilst always ensuring that our residents remain at the centre of all that we do. As a Board we are currently working with the executive team on implementing our five-year strategic plan, which includes both new builds and refurbishments of our existing homes. Through all of our initiatives, we are committed to investing in the future of Mayflower and ensuring its continuation for generations to come.
I sincerely thank Mr Stuart Rodney, our CEO, for his hard work and dedication. I would also like to acknowledge the sad passing of Mr Trevor Martyn, who was a long serving and loyal Board member at Mayflower, having served as the Board Chair for the better part of a decade. I also thank our Patron, Lady Marigold Southey AC, for her continued service and support to Mayflower.
Patron's Message
The 2023/2024 financial year has been productive for Mayflower, and I commend the hard work and dedication of the entire Mayflower team. As we continue to navigate industry-wide change, Mayflower’s Executive Management Team, staff, and volunteers have remained committed to providing high-quality care and exceptional service to our residential and community clients.
As the Patron of Mayflower, I am delighted by the accomplishments achieved over the past year. I am pleased to see the ongoing refurbishments underway in Brighton and Reservoir. I applaud the completion of the new Jennifer Cook Movie Theatre, which has been a great success.
It’s always heartening to hear of the wonderful stories from Mayflower. I recognise the many individuals who have put their time and effort into organising social activities and gatherings for Mayflower residents. I also support Mayflower’s commitment to maintaining a balance between protecting residents and ensuring their freedom of choice.
The year ahead will bring sector-wide challenges and opportunities. I see this as a time for optimism as we work towards an improved aged-care system for all Australians. As always, I feel honoured to be the Patron of Mayflower. I thank the Mayflower Board, Executive Management Team, staff, and volunteers who contribute to Mayflower’s thriving community.
NORTH SOUTH
STUART
MS MARY-JANE STOLP CHAIR
LADY MARIGOLD SOUTHEY AC PATRON
Independent Living Units
Mayflower residents live enriched lives in a vibrant community. Mayflower’s independent Living Units are an excellent choice for people who want the freedom of independent living alongside the safety and security of a retirement community.
Our units are set among beautifully landscaped gardens and provide access to a vibrant community and outstanding recreational facilities.
WELCOMING NEWCOMERS
TO OUR COMMUNITY
Mayflower’s Independent Living Units welcomed 21 new residents in 2023/2024. Getting to know our newest community members and their loved ones has been such a pleasure. Like all Independent Living residents, our new residents can enjoy the freedom of having their own sanctuary within the safety of our wonderful grounds. We warmly welcome all new residents, and we are thrilled to have you as part of our Mayflower community.
DISCUSSION GROUPS
Our Discussion Groups have been a terrific success this year. Residents and external guests have presented on various topics, including ‘Living in India’, ‘Life in South Africa’, ‘Social Welfare’ and ‘The Kokoda Trek’. We thank everyone who participated in organising, attending and presenting at these groups. We especially thank Patty Chaplin for chairing and organising the Discussion Group each month and for sharing her Ukulele talents.
ENTERTAINMENT
Social activities play an important role in the wellbeing of our Independent Living residents. Over the past year, we have had wonderful entertainment activities, including shopping trips, coffee groups, movie nights, pool-playing sessions and card clubs. Our annual Christmas celebration was also a great success, with a wonderful sit-down luncheon and abundant merriment. Additionally, many residents have used our group exercise classes and physiotherapy wellness program to enhance their own health and well-being.
Mayflower ILU residents have also enjoyed activities such as our monthly ‘happy hour’ with entertainment arranged by Mayflower residents. Popular performers from the past year have been:
Athol Guy & Friends, Arnie Grives, Gregory Ross, Pippa Wilson & Friends, Jennifer Salisbury & Friends, Chordite Chorus, Sarah Maclaine, Rob Foenander, Peter Thackrah, The Harmonisers, Ukulele Ladies with Ron & Vocally Wild Choir, Ian Dickson, Bob Hook, and Adam Pavitt.
REFURBISHMENTS
Last year we also completed a range of refurbishments, including the new Jennifer Cook Movie Theatre in Brighton. The refurbishment has transformed the previous space into a lively artdeco/old Hollywood venue that can be enjoyed for regular film screenings or hired as a venue for private gatherings.
MAYFLOWER HOME CARE ONSITE
Independent Living residents continue to access the Mayflower Home Care service, which supports individuals who need assistance with day-to - day activities such as shopping, showering, cleaning, or simply getting help to attend medical or social appointments.
CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE
Mayflower residents make such a huge contribution to our community that it is difficult to record everyone’s achievements and efforts. We warmly thank everyone who has been involved in the following activities:
Assisting in the library
• Attending the vegetable garden
• Collecting or taking another resident to appointments
Running of the footy tipping competition Organisation of regular billiard/snooker afternoons.
• Dishwashing/cleanup after functions Organising monthly entertainment
• Residents’ Committee Contribution Volunteering in Mayflower Residential Aged Care Volunteering in the Mayflower Shop
• Welcoming new and potential residents Baking
• Watering of pot plants
Pictured:
1. Norma and Geoff relishing their time at one of the Mayflower ILU soirées.
2. Shirley, Adrienne and John sharing stories and laughter.
3. Barbara and Helen soaking up the atmosphere at the soirée.
4. Paul lining up for a shot.
5. Maurice, Peter and Doug enjoying their regular game of pool.
Jennifer Cook Movie Theatre
The late Jennifer (Jenny) Cook was a resident of Mayflower Brighton for more than 25 years. In late 2023, we launched the Jennifer Cook Movie Theatre, which was made possible by a generous bequest she left us.
The launch was more than a party; it also served as a heartfelt tribute to Jenny’s legacy. It was a celebration of family, community and the enchanting world of cinema.
Jenny was a gentle and generous woman known for her independence and kindness. She enjoyed helping others and ‘making a difference’ by participating in committee meetings and similar events as well as donating resources for activities such as Craft Group.
The Jennifer Cook Movie Theatre is a tribute to Jenny’s love of theatre. From the very beginning, it was intended as a space where residents and their family members could immerse themselves in the captivating world of cinema. Jenny’s brotherin-law, Geoff, said that when first presented with the idea of refurbishing the old cinema room, he thought, “WOW, this is unbelievable”.
The new theatre replaces the original space’s old ‘beige on beige’ interior with vibrant and sophisticated Art Deco décor. This includes reproduction 1930s wall sconces, a vintagethemed fridge, custom-made luxurious red cinema chairs and a stylish Art Deco bar cart.
Each cinema chair has Jenny’s name on it, and great care has been taken to ensure safe access for wheelchair users. Each row is spread out so that a walking frame can be safely placed in front of the seats while allowing space for someone else to walk past. Backlit movie posters showcase the community’s favourite classic films, and a custom-made ‘now showing’ program poster holder has been installed with a beautiful backlit sign.
Generous bequests, such as Jenny’s, play an important role in enhancing the quality of life for Mayflower residents. They help us to go above and beyond expected levels of care and create an enriching environment where residents can enjoy activities like a trip to the movies without leaving the comfort of home. Jenny’s selfless gift has left an enduring impact and will benefit the lives of many residents for years to come.
Pictured right: Jenny in her younger years.
Watch the Mayflower Brighton Cinema Legacy Video.
Pictured:
1. Opening Night.
2. Jenny’s family and representatives at Theatre Opening. Renee — Jenny’s niece, Claudia — Renee’s mother and Jenny’s sister-in-law, Jenny’s sister Trish and her husband Geoff.
3. The new refurbishments to the movie theatre.
4. CEO, Stuart, Jenny’s sister Trish, Board Chair Mary-Jane and Theatre Project Manager, Genevieve.
Aged Care
Mayflower’s three Residential Aged Care (RAC) homes are located in Brighton, Reservoir and Pascoe Vale. Each residence provides a welcoming and home-like environment with a comprehensive range of services and facilities.
Mayflower’s Aged Care homes are designed to meet the needs of residents and their families. We offer an array of best-practice, holistic care options that cater to resident’s physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs. We also provide access to a comprehensive suite of Aged Care services, including 24/7 access to registered nurses and allied health professionals such as podiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational and osteo therapists, dieticians, optometrists, exercise physiologists, dentists and doctors.
BRIGHTON
Our Brighton RAC maintained close to full occupancy throughout the year, and we are proud of the hard work that has gone into ensuring that we are a provider of choice in this field. Throughout the 2023/2024 financial year, we have completed several refurbishments at the Brighton facility. Residents can now enjoy a fully refurbished cinema, as well as salon space. The upgrades to the kitchen and the refurbishing of the dining areas are currently underway, with the aim of further enhancing the resident experience. We warmly welcomed Café Vibe to our community, bringing a fresh and vibrant atmosphere with its new operators. These improvements are designed to enrich the daily lives of our residents and provide them with exceptional amenities.
RESERVOIR
Mayflower Reservoir has received a $1 million grant from the Department of Health and Aged Care to further support its many residents who come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The funding has been assigned to several projects within the Reservoir facility, including creating new outdoor spaces and gardens, safe access for residents living with dementia, and a new playground for residents’ grandchildren.
A notable initiative from the grant has been the introduction of personalised door decals in the Murray House memory support unit. Residents actively selected specific door decals that resonated with their personal style or looked like front doors from previous homes. In addition to adding a sense of individuality to each resident’s living space, the decals assist residents in wayfinding and are especially useful for those who are living with dementia.
PASCOE VALE (MAYFLOWER EDITH BENDALL)
We have implemented a new electronic care management system at Mayflower Edith Bendall. This has been a transformative experience for our teams as they moved from paper-based records to the new electronic care management system. The end result has been an ability to update care notes at the resident’s bedside, ensuring better quality, greater efficiency through timesaving and allowing our teams to spend more time directly with our residents. We are thrilled with the results of this project so far, and are extremely proud of the adaptability and positive attitude of our Mayflower Edith Bendall team.
ELDAC
Both Reservoir and Mayflower Edith Bendall RACs have implemented the national End of Life Directions in Aged Care (ELDAC) project. This initiative provides education, training and a suite of resources to further enhance palliative care delivery and support advance care planning within the Aged Care sector. ELDAC is a national project created by three universities and five peak bodies specialising in aged, primary and palliative care. Mayflower received a grant from The Commonwealth Government; Department of Health, to run the program and to purchase end- of-life care items such as vital sign monitors and palliative care packs.
NEW LEGISLATIVE CHANGES
The Aged Care industry is currently undergoing a series of legislative reforms. It is forecast that a new Aged Care Act and strengthened Aged Care Standards will be introduced in 2025. These changes will require preparation and additional work to ensure that we are ready and compliant with the new legislation.
All of our homes are due for re-accreditation in 2025. Preparing for accreditation, especially in a year of sweeping industry reform, presents its own challenges and has required much work from the Mayflower team.
NDIS ACCREDITATION
The Mayflower team achieved NDIS accreditation during the 2023/2024 year, a really great effort from the team and all who were involved in that process.
ELECTRONIC MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
We have secured a grant from The Commonwealth Government; Department of Health for the implementation of a new medication management system that will be rolled out across all three homes. This will help us facilitate and enhance prescription medication administration and supply. It will also improve medication monitoring and oversight through comprehensive reporting.
NEW POLICY PORTAL
As a part of our Quality Management Framework, we are currently implementing a new Policy Portal across Mayflower. This portal will streamline the management of policies and ensure that all staff can easily access and understand the latest guidelines, ultimately improving operational quality and efficiency, resulting in improved compliance across the organisation.
Pictured:
3. Giovanni engaging with the interactive games table - known as the Tovertafel.
Home Care
As we age, it’s normal to need a little assistance around the home and with day-to-day activities. At Mayflower, we provide Home Care services that empower people to live independently and in their own homes for longer.
Over the past year, Mayflower has delivered 14,000 hours of home care services to 140 individuals. This represents a 17%* increase from the previous year, and we plan to further increase this service in the year ahead. Our Home Care packages are Commonwealth funded, and our service delivery model includes nursing, personal care attendance, domestic assistance and allied health.
A COMMITMENT TO GROWTH
Over the past year, we have expanded the reach of our Home Care services to meet the needs of Melbourne’s ageing population. In addition to servicing Melbourne’s northern and south-eastern bayside suburbs, we have also extended to the Mornington Peninsula. Our strategic objective is to continue to grow in and around these locations.
GROWING OUR TEAM
The growth of our services has led to the need for more staff. Great care has been taken to utilise our own service delivery team rather than rely on external providers. This helps us to ensure that our clients receive top-quality care and support. Each geographic service area now has a dedicated Service Coordinator, a team of registered nurses, and a fully mobile and multi-skilled staff base.
TECHNOLOGIES OF CARE
The new Home Care technology infrastructure we introduced last year is completely operational, and we can now realise its full benefits. Known as the e-Staff Record Management system, this technology helps us to better track and process Home Care bookings and service completion records.
Our staff can now use their mobile devices to access and update information in real-time. This has resulted in better communication and accountability for our team. GPS-guided arrival and departure times are now in place, and staff and clients can stay updated with schedules and service delivery. Clients can also sign off on a service when it is completed and provide feedback on our work. We have seen a significant increase in client satisfaction since implementing this technology.
INCREASED COMPATIBILITY
At Mayflower, the Home Care team speaks 26 languages, and each member brings a unique skill set to their role. We make every effort to ensure that the skills of the staff are the best possible fit for the client’s needs.
This compatibility will be further enhanced with the release of our new Consumer App. The app, which is currently in development, will allow tech-savvy clients to request services and see their service schedule through our system.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Home Care goes beyond providing basic services; it’s about meaningful connections. That’s why we carefully pair our Home Care team members with individual clients. A great example of this is the bond between Support Worker Eleni and Home Care client Lucia.
Lucia, an avid baker, loves making Italian-style Easter biscuits. During Eleni’s weekly visits, Lucia is empowered to pursue her passion for baking. With Eleni’s support, she can continue living at home while receiving the assistance she needs. Shopping for ingredients and whipping up a fresh batch of biscuits is all part of the service.
HOME CARE FOR OUR INDEPENDENT LIVING UNITS
Mayflower’s Independent Living Units residents also use our Home Care services. As with clients in the wider community, Independent Living residents say that they greatly benefit from having a little help with day-to-day tasks such as shopping, showering, and housekeeping.
MOVING FORWARD
As we expand our Home Care services, we continue to prioritise our person-centred care ethos. We also recognise that caring for our clients and nurturing our staff base is central to our continued growth and success.
*based on number of hours.
Pictured: 1 & 2. Mayflower Home Care client Lucia making homemade biscotti.
3. L-R: Home Care Team Leader Rachle, Support Workers Michelle and Eleni, Case Manager Tijana, and Registered Nurse, Min.
Gina’s Journey
After a serious illness left Gina unable to walk, she worried that she would not be able to remain in her beloved home. Faced with long idle days, Gina took up painting and engaged Mayflower’s Home Care team. Gina now receives assistance with her personal care, cleaning and transport requirements, as well as her day-to-day needs, such as shopping and running errands.
Thankfully, Gina is now mobile again, and her Home Care package includes regular therapeutic massages to help keep her moving. It also includes a dedicated transport service enabling her to visit her friends and her beloved Italian Club.
A typical week of services for Gina includes a mix of social and practical activities with her Support Worker, Michelle. One day is reserved for home cleaning, another involves completing lighter tasks and socialising, and a third day is dedicated to shopping, lunch or visiting the pet shop. Gina says the Home Care team is “very attentive” and praises their compassion.
Over the past two and a half years Gina has created over 200 paintings, and each one is a vibrant symbol of her path to recovery. Her painting has become a passion and therapeutic outlet, and she is especially fond of painting landscapes.
Some of Gina’s favourite memories are from the 14 years she spent living on her family’s dairy farm in Cobram. “When we were on the farm, the family would often come for a long weekend,” she says, “it was nothing to have 20 or 25 people in our home during those times,” she says.
Gina raised four sons, Matthew, Michael, Peter and Robert. Sadly, Robert passed away 15 years ago. Gina’s love for her family continues today, as does her sense of hospitality and warmth. Today, Gina’s home is a welcoming space filled with art, love, baking, and the warmth of social connection.
Thank you, Gina, for sharing your wonderful story with us.
Pictured: Mayflower Home Care team member Michelle with Gina whom Gina shares a special connection with.
Heartfelt Care: Saul’s Journey of Compassion at Mayflower
Saul is a Registered Nurse and team leader at Mayflower Brighton. He is known for going above and beyond in his care for Mayflower residents, and he is driven by a genuine desire to empower others.
Born in the picturesque mountains of Peru, Saul arrived in Australia in 2018. Today, he is proud to contribute to the community and support his family back home.
For Saul, nursing is more than a job; it’s a calling driven by his genuine desire to help others. “My satisfaction comes from supporting people and collaborating with them to achieve their goals,” he says. “Choosing healthcare was a deliberate step for me, as it offers a dynamic work environment, and every day presents new opportunities to make a positive impact within the community”, he adds.
Saul says that he has enjoyed working at Mayflower since his very first day. “From the beginning, I felt a sense of belonging.
The collaborative spirit at Mayflower is what sets it apart,” he says.
“Our credibility as an organisation is evident as new residents often come here based on other people’s recommendations. A lot of people come here for respite care and like it so much they choose to become residents.
I think that really sets us apart from other providers”.
Outside of work, Saul loves to play soccer and attend car shows. He is passionate about vintage cars and loves ‘American muscle cars’. He says that his first car was a 1976 Volkswagen Beetle that he bought when he was just 15 and spent hours restoring. Sadly, he sold it before coming to Australia.
Thank you, Saul, for sharing your story with us and being part of our team.
Joe’s Garden
At 92 years young, Joe is a happy resident at Mayflower Reservoir. A dedicated Jehovah’s Witness for 54 years, he is passionate about sharing the Good News from the Bible and eager to talk with anyone interested in its teachings.
Joe is very kind and generous to others and has great joy in showcasing his wonderful garden beds. He lovingly tends ten raised beds scattered throughout the Mayflower grounds, growing peas, broad beans, carrots, lettuce, silverbeet, and celery.
Joe delights in sharing his harvest, saying, “When I see people eating them, I feel so good. It’s like I give something back to the other residents.”
For Joe, gardening is more than a hobby; it’s a way to stay fit and socialise. He enjoys sharing his expertise with fellow gardeners and has created a raised flowerbed “for the ladies to care for.”
A devoted family man, Joe has seven children and eight grandchildren. Despite the loss of two sons and his beloved wife, he continues to enrich the Mayflower community. If you’d like to say hello or discuss the Bible, Joe invites you to visit him. Joe makes a wonderful contribution to the Mayflower community, and we thank him for his generosity.
Pictured: Saul and resident Christina taking a walk in the Mayflower Garden.
Lindsay’s Book Launch
Mayflower Brighton Independent Living resident Lindsay Cuming has recently celebrated the launch of his memoir Been There, Done That! Life on a Roller Coaster.
The Caulfield Grammarians’ Association held a successful launch in November 2023. As a Caulfield Grammar alumnus, Lindsay’s remarkable journey began at the school in 1936, spanning roles as a student, and much later as President of the School Council. During his years at Caulfield, Lindsay’s achievements were vast — from excelling academically and athletically to becoming a prominent figure in school governance.
Later qualifying as a lawyer, Lindsay had a distinguished business career, spending nearly 30 years with Australian international pharmaceutical company Aspro Nicholas, where he spent 15 years living overseas with his family in five countries before returning to Australia as CEO for ten years before retiring.
After Aspro Nicholas, Lindsay chaired or was a member of several company boards, including giving his time to his two special community interests: Epworth Hospital, where he was Chairman of the Board and the Foundation, and at Caulfield Grammar where, in his role as President of Council, he oversaw transformative developments at the school. His roles have made lasting changes that will benefit generations to come.
Beyond his professional success, Lindsay’s memoir captures the essence of a life richly lived, from yachting triumphs to being recognised with an AM (Member of the Order of Australia).
Lindsay’s late wife, Valda, was a distinguished artist and was awarded an OAM for her efforts (Medal of the Order of Australia). “In 2019, she was awarded at the age of 90 for her contribution to the visual arts.
That was the year before she passed away,” says Lindsay. Valda also kept a regular journal, which greatly assisted in writing the memoir. The pair were married for some 70 years and shared countless memorable moments that helped inspire Lindsay’s writing.
Once Lindsay started writing, it became a trip down memory lane with all the wonderful activities, events, and adventures he experienced, as well as the highs and lows that went with them.
The memoir is proving popular, with many copies being sold, “so far I have given nearly a hundred copies to family and good friends and sold another two-hundred and fifty,” says Lindsay.
Congratulations, Lindsay, on a life well lived and a book well written.
Our People
At Mayflower, our people are the cornerstone of our organisation, and we take immense pride in being the employer of choice for such a dedicated team.
Australia’s Aged Care sector is facing a critical shortage of qualified workers, with an estimated need for up to 110,000 additional professionals by 2030. At Mayflower, we are fortunate to have a loyal and dedicated team of 545 employees, marking a remarkable 36.7% increase from the previous financial year. Among our workforce, close to 10% have been with Mayflower for more than 10 years. This impressive retention rate reflects the strength of Mayflower’s workplace culture, our commitment to learning and development, and the core values we uphold. Our stable workforce ensures that our residents and Home Care service users consistently receive exceptional care.
INVESTING IN STAFF WELL-BEING
Our staff are integral to our success, and we are dedicated to nurturing their growth and wellbeing. In the coming year we plan to really focus on enhancing our reward and recognition programs to celebrate and acknowledge our employees’ contributions, fostering a genuine culture of appreciation more effectively. By promoting this culture and providing comprehensive support, we aim to enhance job satisfaction and empower our employees to thrive in their roles. This investment not only strengthens our team but also ensures that we continue to deliver exceptional care to Mayflower residents and Home Care clients.
EXPANDING LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Recognising the importance of investing in our staff’s education and personal growth has led to the expansion of our learning and development team with three new members. These team members are focused on educating our staff both on the floor and through workshops. Additionally, we are introducing a new Learning Management System (LMS) that includes an interactive e-learning course library aligned with National Standards and connected to external Aged Care Authorities. This enhancement in learning resources will boost our staff’s skills and knowledge, further elevating the quality of care we provide and ensuring our team stays at the forefront of industry best practices.
By providing comprehensive support, we aim to enhance job satisfaction and empower our employees to thrive in their roles.
This investment strengthens our team and ensures that we continue to deliver exceptional care to Mayflower residents and Home Care clients.
CELEBRATING AGED CARE EMPLOYEE DAY
On August 7th, we proudly celebrated Aged Care Employee Day with a series of engaging events held at our locations. The day included inspiring leadership declarations, thoughtful giveaways, heartfelt service recognition presentations, delicious food, soothing massages, and valuable opportunities for social connection. This special occasion was dedicated to honouring Mayflower’s devoted and passionate aged care employees, whose efforts make a profound and positive impact on the lives of older Australians every day.
EMBRACING STAFF DIVERSITY
We proudly celebrate the cultural diversity within our staff, representing over 24 countries. The multilingual skills of our team members — fluent in languages such as Greek, Italian, Mandarin, Polish, Filipino, Afrikaans, Tamil, Sinhalese, Hindi, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Nepalese — enrich our community and reflect our multicultural values. In March 2024, we further honoured this diversity during Harmony Day, which celebrates the beauty of diversity and the strength of unity. By sharing our traditions and cuisines, we foster understanding and respect, embracing the spirit of “Everyone Belongs.”
Together, we continue to build a vibrant and inclusive community at Mayflower, where every individual’s contribution is valued and celebrated.
1. Team member Valentin spends some time in the garden with Claude on a sunny day.
2. L-R: Mayflower Reservoir Team members Admissions Officer Yosra, Enrolled Nurse Theresa, Care Manager Sunny and General Manager Sandy.
3. Mayflower Reservoir Team celebrating resident Alice’s 100th Birthday!
4. Mayflower Reservoir Team Member George with Mayflower CEO Stuart.
5. Mayflower Edith Bendall Team celebrating Harmony Day.
Pictured:
Staff Milestone Tenures
We wish to acknowledge the following team members for their years of service. We thank each one of you and congratulate you on your years of dedicated service.
30 YEARS
• Alannah Rice — Brighton, Environmental Services Assistant
20 YEARS
Lorraine Bonjour — Edith Bendall, Personal Care Assistant
15 YEARS
• Christina Devine — Corporate, Services, Procurement and Contracts Manager
10 YEARS
• Anna Barbakh — Corporate, Accounts Officer
• Sabrina Collins — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
• Christina Wong — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
• Jinhee Bae — Edith Bendall, Personal Care Assistant
Sajan Rimal — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
Riti Adhikari — Brighton, Clinical Team Leader
Madhab Sapkota — Edith Bendall, Registered Nurse
5 YEARS
• Sabina Pandey — Brighton, Rostering Administration Officer
Nicole Porritt — Brighton, Gift Shop Coordinator
Joanne Armstrong-Holt — Home Care, Homecare Worker
Nicole Healey — Brighton, Enrolled Nurse
Veronica Pingi — Brighton, Environmental Services Assistant
• Vireynda Doctor — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
• Nyima Tsering —Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
• Ian Salvador — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
• Sara Saru Magar — Edith Bendall, Personal Care Assistant
Deepika Chawla — Edith Bendall, Personal Care Assistant
Simrandeep Kaur — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
Mark Angelo Pacion — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
Rosemarie Vercillo — Edith Bendall, Personal Care Assistant
• Amandeep Kaur — Reservoir, Care And Leisure Support Worker
• Anjali Anjali — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
• Prakash Puri — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
• Genevieve Barclay — Corporate / Brighton, Social Media, Marketing And Events Coordinator / Care And Leisure Support Worker
• Bibek Koirala — Edith Bendall, Enrolled Nurse
• Harjinder Kaur — Reservoir, Personal Care Assistant
Kamalpreet Kaur Dhillon — Brighton, Clinical Team Leader
Rohit Kumar — Brighton, Registered Nurse
Jerry Spoerl — Brighton Personal Care Assistant
Sukhwant Kaur — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
• Birhin Gebremichael — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
• Hina Maharjan — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
• Patnaree Theraaumpornkul — Brighton, Personal Care Assistant
• Jakini Amosa — Brighton, Environmental Services Assistant
Mayflower Brighton team members being recognised for their years of service – Sabina, Vireynda, Hina and Riti.
2. L-R: Celebrating incredible milestones at Mayflower: Christina 15 years and Alannah 30 years!
3. Lorraine celebrates 20 years of tremendous service.
Pictured:
1. L-R:
Acknowledging Our Volunteers
During May 2024, the Mayflower team celebrated National Volunteer Week by expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the many dedicated volunteers who generously gave their time.
National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual event that recognises and celebrates the significance of volunteering. It highlights volunteers’ important contributions and encourages people who haven’t yet volunteered to consider doing so.
This year’s theme was ‘Something for Everyone’, highlighting that everyone can find a place in the world of volunteering. As part of our celebrations, we invited volunteers from across Mayflower to come together for a high tea event, where they could be celebrated and appreciated for their contributions. Each volunteer received a gift as a token of our gratitude, and certificates of honour were presented to those who have served us for 5, 10, 15, and 20 years.
A video was also presented to attendees, which featured warm messages of thanks from Mayflower residents, management and our CEO, Stuart Rodney. We also took a moment to remember our well-loved Gift Shop volunteer Lorraine, who sadly is no longer with us.
1. L-R: Mayflower CEO Stuart, Volunteer Glenn and Care and Leisure Support Coordinator Hitesh, celebrating Glenn’s amazing contribution of 20 years volunteering at Mayflower.
2. L-R: Executive Assistant Deb with Volunteer Rochelle.
3. L-R: CEO Stuart, Volunteer Barbara and Gift Shop Coordinator Nicole Porritt celebrating Barbara’s 10 year anniversary of volunteering in the Gift Shop.
4. Volunteer and ILU Resident Stan.
5. Carolyn volunteering in the Gift Shop.
We feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have such a wonderful and dedicated group of volunteers who continue to make a difference to the Mayflower community. We also extend our congratulations to the following recipients of this year’s Milestone Awards:
20 YEARS
Glenn Delaney — Quiz Master
15 YEARS
• Helen Wartman — Gift Shop Volunteer
10 YEARS
• Barbara McArdle — Gift Shop Volunteer
• Anne Culley — Gift Shop Volunteer
5 YEARS
Carolyn de Smit — Gift Shop Volunteer Mayflower also acknowledges Carolyn assisted Lifestyle with Happy Hour while a loved one of hers was a resident.
Pictured:
Mayflower Board
MARY-JANE STOLP CHAIR
BSc, MstHlthServMgt, GradCertLead, CHSE, GAICD
Mary-Jane Stolp was appointed to the role of Chair on January 1, 2024. Mary-Jane has been on the Board of Mayflower since 2020, and prior to this appointment, she was the Chair of the Quality and Clinical Governance Committee. She is a CEO with more than 28 years of experience in clinical governance, quality, strategy and risk management.
Mary-Jane has a Masters in Health Service Management and is a Fellow of the Australian College for Health Service Management. She is passionate about workforce redesign and innovation to enable the delivery of personcentred care. Mary-Jane is currently CEO at The Bridge Inc., which is a disability services provider. She is also completing a Master of Business Administration at Swinburne University.
CHRIS RESIDE DEPUTY CHAIR
BBus(Admin), MAICD
Chris Reside was appointed to the Board of Mayflower in 2017 and has been Deputy Chair since 2021. He is also the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee.
Chris is an experienced senior executive with management and board experience in the not-for-profit sector. He also has significant expertise in governance, compliance and communications, having consulted to associations, local councils, and statutory authorities for more than ten years. Chris is currently the CEO of RALAC, a specialist homeless residential aged care and community housing provider in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and was previously the CEO of Abbeyfield Australia Ltd, a nationally registered community housing provider.
ANTHONY
MUTTON
BOARD MEMBER
GradDipAgedServsMgmt, FTI, FGIA, FAICD
Anthony Mutton is a highly experienced Chair, NonExecutive Director (NED), and Managing Director with a strong background in Board and not-for-profit leadership and expertise spanning wholesale market operations, resource management, and compliance. Recognised for his strategic business contributions, Anthony was appointed to the Board of Mayflower in 2003, commenced two years as Deputy Chair in 2018, and was appointed Chair of the Board in October 2020, holding that position until December 2023.
Anthony has amassed over 30 years of experience in the aged care sector, excelling in senior roles, including Senior Adviser with Aged Care Victoria (ACV) and Membership Relationship Manager with the Victorian Association of Health and Extended Care (VAHEC), formerly the aged care peak body in Victoria. Prior, he held the position of Chair of Edith Bendall Lodge and is currently fulfilling the executive leadership role as Managing Director of City Fresh Wholesalers Pty Ltd.
DRAGO CHIKITCH BOARD MEMBER
BURB®PLAN (HONS)
Drago Chikitch was appointed to the Board of Mayflower in August 2022 and is the current Chair of the Planning and Development Committee. Drago has more than 25 years’ experience in senior executive positions in not-for-profit organisations operating in Australia and overseas, across the aged care, seniors living, social housing, in-home care, and tertiary education sectors. Drago brings strong expertise in service planning, project design, development, construction, and asset management, and is currently managing several major social housing developments under the Victorian Big Housing Build program.
URSULA MCGINNES BOARD MEMBER
Ursula McGinnes was appointed to the Board of Mayflower in October 2022 and is a member of the Clinical Governance Committee. Ursula is currently a senior executive with Alfred Health and has 30 years’ experience in strategy, policy, and public affairs. She has worked as an executive and consultant for public and private organisations, including V/Line, WMC, Alumina Limited, Port of Melbourne Corporation, Australia Post and ANZ. She has also lectured in the University of Melbourne’s Master of Global Media Communication program and was a director on Mentone Girls Grammar’s Fundraising Board.
STUART MCINTYRE OAM BOARD MEMBER
BSc, GradDipAcc, CPA
Stuart McIntyre was appointed to the Board of Mayflower in 2012, and is a member of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee and the Planning & Development Committee. He is the former Chairman of Bayside Community Information and Support Service inc., which is a major provider of community support in the Bayside area. Stuart has more than 30 years’ experience in marketing, strategic and corporate planning, business analysis and M&A including senior roles with Rio Tinto Australia and Bovis Lend Lease prior to his retirement.
TONY
Tony Tenaglia was appointed to the Board of Mayflower in August 2022 and is Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee. Tony is a highly skilled professional with over 30 years of experience in leadership, strategic management, risk management, project management, fraud investigation, and human resources within the public, private and tertiary education sectors. Tony was previously the Chief Executive of the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society.
Dr. Baden Boan has been elected to the Mayflower Board, effective November 24, 2023. A respected retired General Practitioner, Dr. Boan is well-known within the Mayflower Brighton community, having served as the GP for many residents over the span of 30 years. Up until last year, Dr. Boan had been Partner at the New Street Medical Centre in Brighton since 1990. His appointment not only brings a wealth of experience in patient care but also signifies a strategic enhancement to the organisation’s commitment to exemplary clinical governance.
TENAGLIA BOARD MEMBER
PGDipBus, BA (Legal), MBA, GAICD, ANZIF (Fellow), FGIA
DR BADEN BOAN BOARD MEMBER
MB.BS, MRACGP, MAICD
Executive Team Mayflower Group Consolidated Financial Statement
SIMON WRIGLEY CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
BCom, GAICD
Stuart Rodney assumed the leadership and management of the Mayflower Group in late 2022. He has a wealth of executive and international experience acquired across a career in healthcare, aged care, supply chain and logistics. Currently, Aged Care is in the midst of significant regulatory and compliance changes, and he is navigating the organisation through these changes. His primary focus is on the needs of residents and consumers; through building a culture to enable Mayflower to thrive with customer-centric habits.
KATE STOBART
EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER, PEOPLE & CULTURE
B.Bus, MMgt, GradDipHRM
Kate Stobart joined Mayflower in 2022 and is an experienced human resource professional with more than 15 years’ experience in enhancing organisational performance through people. Kate has worked across the not for profit, private and public sectors in Australia and overseas, including at the YMCA and the Australian High Commission in Singapore. Kate is passionate about enabling people to become a true point of difference — where their collective efforts set them apart from the competition.
B.Bus, MBA, MAICD
Simon Wrigley has had extensive executive experience leading customer service and support service teams in the finance, mental health, and healthcare sectors. Prior to joining Mayflower, Simon was the Chief Operating Officer at one of Melbourne’s largest Primary Health Networks. He was also the Executive Director Business Services at Mind Australia Limited and a Board member of Mental Health Victoria. Simon’s passion is the delivery of high-quality services by the business and its team members, so clients achieve their best possible health outcomes.
RITA MESSAIKE EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER, FINANCE
B.Com, CPA
Rita Messaike joined Mayflower in 2023 and is an experienced CPA with over 20 years of local and overseas experience in auditing, accounting, risk assessment, modelling, mergers, and acquisitions. Rita is a hands-on leader whose management philosophy focuses on fostering a culture of collaboration and transparency, enabling effective communication across departments, and driving crossfunctional alignment. Rita is passionate about leveraging financial insights to drive business strategy.
REBECCA PHILLIPS
EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER, QUALITY, RISK AND COMPLIANCE
RN, BN, B (Dementia)
Rebecca Phillips joined Mayflower in 2022 and is responsible for managing quality, risk and compliance across the business. Rebecca is a Registered Nurse with more than 15 years’ experience in Aged Care, including as an assessor at the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and as an Aged Care complaints investigation officer at the Department of Health and Ageing. Above all Ms Phillips is passionate about promoting quality care and services to meet the residents’ needs in the best way possible.
Bus(Acc), FCPA, FGIA, GAICD
Corey is dedicated to enhancing governance in the health and community sector, bringing 30 years of experience across not-for-profit, commercial, and government organisations. She specialises in corporate governance, compliance, financial management, and risk management. By engaging with boards and staff, Corey develops tailored systems that improve efficiency and support strategic objectives. Her previous roles include senior positions in Health, Construction and Resource Recovery.
Mayflower Brighton and Controlled Entity
STUART RODNEY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
COREY HALE COMPANY SECRETARY
Our Supporters
Thank you to our wonderful supporters and volunteers. Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of our residents.
FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS
As a not-for-profit charitable organisation, we rely on the financial support of individual donors, groups, businesses, philanthropic trusts, and foundations. Fundraising activities in the 2024 financial year achieved a total result of $87,180.64. All funding (100%) goes towards enriching residents’ lives and living environments.
This year, we would like to express our most sincere gratitude to:
INDIVIDUALS
Alexander Johnson
• Chris Reside
Christina Anderson
• Christine McConnell
Ian Ince
John Anastasiou
• John and Elaine King
Lady Marigold Southey AC
The Estate of Jean Gooey
• The Estate of Jennifer Cook
The Estate of Joan Taylor
• Wilma Kluukeri
ORGANISATIONS
Compact Systems Australia
• Empower Health Care
Goodman Plumbing
• Mechfield Facility Maintenance
Mobile Dental Clinic
NFS Enterprises
• Norfolk Food Services
SCHOOLS
The presence of young people in our Aged Care homes is a source of great happiness and joy to our residents. The interaction and friendships formed are of mutual benefit to young and older people alike. Mayflower is very fortunate to have the ongoing support of many local schools, and many of our residents enjoy the company of students.
VOLUNTEERS
Mayflower’s volunteers provide exceptional service to our community. Their generosity of time and effort touches residents, families, and staff. During the 2023/2024 year, more than 55 volunteers shared their time and energy to enrich the lives of Mayflower’s residents. They did this in a variety of ways, including:
Driving our community bus for excursions and shopping trips
Staffing the gift shop at Mayflower Brighton
• Sharing their specialised skills by conducting arts and crafts groups for residents
• Providing musical entertainment for residents Spending one-on-one time with residents, playing cards, and chatting
The Mayflower Group greatly appreciates the volunteers and supporters who enrich our vibrant community. We thank all our volunteers and supporters for their assistance this year and look forward to their continued contribution.
Pictured: St. Finbar’s Primary School students showcase their art and share inspiring biographies of Mayflower residents, fostering meaningful connections and celebrating the beauty of intergenerational relationships.
Support Us
As a not-for-profit charitable organisation, Mayflower relies on the generous support of the community.
Your support is key to our ability to deliver excellence in care to our residents. Our supporters and volunteers are integral to life at Mayflower, and we welcome and invite others to join this wonderful team.
MAKING A DONATION
All donations made to the Mayflower Group are tax deductible and go directly to helping enrich the lives of our residents, including the development of new programs, new art and craft equipment, building refurbishments and upgrades to our dementia wing.
LEAVING A GIFT IN YOUR WILL
Remembering us through a gift in your Will is a special way of helping us continue providing Care without Compromise to our residents. Every gift of any size will make a difference, and all are extremely valued.
FUNDRAISING
Your school, community group, or workplace can fundraise for the Mayflower Group by organising a raffle, casual day, trivia night, or chocolate drive, all of which go towards assisting Mayflower residents.
VOLUNTEERING
We have an extensive volunteer program. If you have the time and want to give back to the community, we will welcome you at Mayflower.
SCHOOLS
Mayflower welcomes school visitations. Our residents and staff appreciate, and value students add to our homes lifestyle programs.
For more information on how you can help, please call us on 03 9591 1100 or visit mayflower.org.au
1. Mayflower Edith Bendall Care and Leisure Coordinator Natalie, with Margaret, during their Mother’s day morning high tea.
2. Mayflower Edith Bendall General Manager Martha with her mother, Ruth (who is also a resident).
3. Mayflower Edith Bendall Volunteer Jodi with Noel.
4. Tony pictured with his wife Gwen at the Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser at Brighton.
Pictured:
1300 522 273 info@mayflower.org.au
mayflower.org.au