grapevine

• Father’s Day BBQ’s
• TV Legend Pete Smith Visits
• Under the Sea Party
• We Celebrate our Team
• Olympic Spirit Shines Bright

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
• Father’s Day BBQ’s
• TV Legend Pete Smith Visits
• Under the Sea Party
• We Celebrate our Team
• Olympic Spirit Shines Bright
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Now that we have emerged from the darkness of winter and the days have grown longer, our gardens across Mayflower have burst back to life, filling us all with a renewed sense of optimism.
After years of consultation and hard work, we are close to a bipartisan agreement for the new Aged Care Act to be enshrined in legislation. We are pleased to see that the new Act focuses on resident care and rights while giving us greater certainty about the future funding of Aged Care in Australia. This will allow us to plan and invest with confidence in Mayflower’s future. So watch this space—we hope to have good news soon!
Our recent Aged Care Employee Day was our biggest and best yet. Recognising our team for the brilliant work they do daily is central to our vision of providing “Care without Compromise.” Without this amazing team, we wouldn’t be able to deliver the services and support that we do.
We are already in the planning stages for Christmas, with many exciting events planned for our entire Mayflower Community. We held Olympic celebrations at both Mayflower Reservoir and Mayflower Edith Bendall - celebrating the success of our athletes competing in Paris. The renovations of the hair salon in Brighton are almost complete, and our Golden Wheels Campaign for a new minibus has been well supported by friends of Mayflower. Thank you all.
Father’s Day celebrations occurred at all three of our homes, a perfect opportunity to bring families and residents together to foster connection and bonds between everyone. We have recently appointed two new Board members, both of whom bring knowledge and skills which will be invaluable to Mayflower in the future.
So many other great things are happening at Mayflower, but for now, Spring is in the air and it is a time for celebration and optimism for the future.
As always, thank you all for your wonderful support, Stuart Rodney Chief Executive Officer
Home Care
Mayflower’s Home Care services can help you or your loved one enjoy a healthy and independent life, with personalised care and support in the Northern and Bayside suburbs, including the Mornington Peninsula.
From simple daily chores to full nursing support, you can spend your days doing what you love while we look after the rest. Let us help you enjoy your independence.
Call 1300 522 273 or visit Mayflower.org.au/home-care
Pictured above: Mayflower Home Care team member Michelle client Gina share a special bond.
On the cover: Esther, with Shubham the shark and SocialMedia, Marketing & Events Coordinator Genevieve at the Under the Sea party.
We’ve
Facebook is a great way to stay ‘in the know’ and to network with others in your community, and The Mayflower Group socials are no exception!
We share inspiring stories and wonderful photographs of residents, as well as helpful information and resources to help you better understand aged care and ageing.
You can find, follow, ‘like’ and share our social media pages by searching on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn for ‘The Mayflower Group.’
Pictured Left: Santo and Gabrielle share a toast during the Mayflower Reservoir Father’s Day high tea party.
We are thrilled to share that our fundraiser, ‘Golden Wheels: Driving Support for the Mayflower Community’, is progressing well, with 91% of our $90,000 goal already achieved!
This vital project aims to provide residents with continued access to community outings and scenic drives, which are a cornerstone of their well-being and social engagement.
These outings are much more than simple trips; they empower residents with the opportunity to connect with the wider community, foster friendships, and enjoy a richer, more fulfilling life.
The response from our community has been incredibly heart-warming.
We have received generous donations from residents, their families, and friends, as well as substantial contributions from
local businesses, community groups and suppliers.
Your generosity has the power to make a profound difference in the lives of residents living at Mayflower Brighton.
By helping us reach our goal, you are directly contributing to the happiness and well-being of residents, ensuring that they continue to enjoy the enriching experiences that these outings provide.
We are almost there!
We just have $7,800 left to raise.
If you would like to contribute to this meaningful cause, please scan the QR code or type in your browser: mayflower.org. au/golden-wheels-fundraising. More ways to donate can be found on the back page of this newsletter.
Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal. All donations above $2 are tax-deductible.
Your opportunity to join our friendly team of Volunteers is here! From running our gorgeous Gift Shop, to driving our mini buses and on to running an activity - our volunteers help the world go round!
If you have a few hours a month you could share, we’d love you to join our team. Ask to speak to Nicole on 03 9591 1100 or email her directly, at: nicole.porritt@mayflower.org.au
As a not-for-profit charitable organisation Mayflower relies on the generous financial support of donors. All money raised is directed to helping enrich the lives of residents.
Please help us by donating today!
For more information on how you can make a difference, please see the back page.
Congratulations on 30 years, Alannah!
We
are thrilled to celebrate Alannah’s incredible milestone of 30 years with Mayflower!
Alannah’s journey with us has deep roots, as her connection to Mayflower began long before she joined our team.
In the 1970s, Alannah’s mother was a resident at Mayflower, and later, her sister Jo became part of our team.
Alannah started volunteering with us as a teenager and officially joined the team not long after When asked what she loves most about working here, Alannah shared that it’s the strong sense of community and the fulfilment she feels from her role that keeps her going.
Alannah’s dedication and passion are truly inspiring.
Pictured above: Alannah (right) with Veronica, who is also a valued member of our environmental services team, celebrating over 5 years with Mayflower during Aged Care Employee Day in August.
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Mayflower Retirement Living Hub, a new digital platform designed to keep residents informed and engaged.
Independent Living residents can access community updates, event announcements, and important notices all in one place.
This innovative tool reflects our dedication to fostering stronger connections and enriching the Mayflower community experience.
At Mayflower Brighton, we have a newly refurbished private dining room available for hire.
The room can host up to 8 of your nearest and dearest, making for the perfect space for your loved ones next celebration.
Mayflower Edith Bendall and Mayflower Reservoir also have spaces available, please speak to your Care Manager to enquire.
Café VIBE at Mayflower
Brighton recently hosted another delightful dinner, bringing our Mayflower Brighton Community together for a memorable evening.
Now a fortnightly occurrence, this popular dining experience features a new set menu every two weeks, and tables book fast! This time, the menu delighted everyone in attendance, including Independent Living residents, Mayflower Brighton
residential care residents, along with their friends and family.
Guests enjoyed succulent pork dumplings, followed by a classic Chicken Kiev for the main course.
The night ended on a sweet note with a nostalgic dessert of Aeroplane Jelly cups—served with a choice of ice cream, custard, or whipped cream. Yum! It was an evening filled with good food, great company, and warm memories.
Photos with thanks to the Café VIBE dynamic duo, Usha and Dhan! Pop in and say hello, and while you are there grab a delicious bite to eat.
Pete Smith, an Australian TV legend, recently paid a memorable visit to Independent Living Residents at Mayflower Brighton.
Known as the iconic voice of ‘Sale of the Century,’ Pete’s presence brought a wave of nostalgia to the room, reminding many of the days when his voice echoed through Australian living rooms.
Pete entertained residents with stories from his illustrious career, sharing video clips and reminiscing about the early days of live television and the fun things they did on set.
A highlight was his tale about the first mobile phone, which once cost thousands - a far cry from today’s pocket-sized devic es.
Pete told the amusing story of how he unexpectedly became the voice of ‘Sale of the Century,’ a role that “happened by accident,” yet became a defining part of his career.
Pete’s journey in television began in 1964 at Channel 9, where he quickly became a familiar face, presenting commercials, appearing in comedy sketches, and serving as a newsreader. His work spanned decades, and in 2004, he was honoured with an OAM for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
While visiting, Pete did more than entertain - he engaged with residents in a lively Q&A session and took the time to meet everyone personally. The evening wrapped up with a delightful supper, complete with a glass of vino, leaving everyone with fond memories of the event.
Students from St. Finbar’s Primary School in Brighton East embarked on an inspiring and heartwarming journey spanning 2 months.
The local primary school students had the unique opportunity to connect with a dozen Mayflower Brighton residents, who generously volunteered to share their life stories with the young students. Together, they crafted touching ‘This is Your Life’ style biographies, celebrating the rich and varied experiences of the older generation.
In this meaningful project, each resident was interviewed by a small team of 2 or 3 students. They delved into personal stories from childhood, school days, and family life, as well as changes in technology and career experiences.
This exchange was not just about collecting stories but about creating connections.
Residents reflected on their pasts and shared valuable life lessons, while the students gained a deeper understanding and respect for the experiences and wisdom of the older generation - insights that go far beyond anything else.
The project culminated in a memorable ceremony and afternoon tea, where the students proudly presented their work.
Each book was filled with photos from residents’ lives, designed and assembled with care by the students themselves. The ceremony was a joyous celebration, bringing together
residents, their families, and the school community to honour the meaningful connections made through this project.
Stuart Rodney, CEO of Mayflower, was present at the ceremony and shared his admiration for the initiative, saying, “It was my pleasure to attend this fabulous intergenerational initiative. It’s wonderful to see young and older generations connecting in such a meaningful way.”
As a token of appreciation for their hard work, each student received a certificate of appreciation and a special pen, encouraging them to continue their writing journey. This project not only celebrated the rich histories of Brighton residents but also created lasting bonds and cherished memories for everyone involved.
The afternoon was made complete with a shared afternoon tea.
St. Finbar’s Primary School’s project beautifully highlights the power of storytelling and the joy of connecting across generations. It’s a reminder of how sharing our stories can build bridges, foster understanding, and create a tapestry of shared experiences that enrich our lives.
Pictured top left; Lynda receives her book from her student duo. Below left; David hears his read, and bottom right John presents his duo of students with their certificates and special pens.
Across Mayflower, residents immersed themselves in the excitement of the Olympics through themed events and by watching the games together. In the hallways, you could often hear enthusiastic cheers of “Go Aussies!” as residents gathered around the televisions to catch the action, with swimming and soccer emerging as favourites.
Mayflower Edith Bendall and Mayflower Reservoir both celebrated the Olympics with extra flair this time around.
At Mayflower Edith Bendall, the community enjoyed a spirited ‘Olympics Day’ featuring a Paris 2024-themed crafting session where residents created unique crowns and a symbolic Olympic torch. Activities included a balloon relay, discus throwing, and balloon tennis.
Care and Leisure Coordinator Natalie loved seeing everyone showing their competitive side, “everyone was very competitive during these events and had a great time. It was lovely to see everyone so engaged and enjoying themselves.”
At Mayflower Reservoir, the excitement was equally vibrant with a soccer tournament, basketball, and balloon tennis. The room was adorned with Olympic colours, highlighted by a skilfully crafted balloon Olympic Ring display.
Pictured right, top to bottom: Top image; Patricia dons her Olympic Crown at Mayflower Edith Bendall, and group Norm, Care and Leisure Coordinator Natalie, Fred, Noel, volunteer Jody, Clare, Joan and Patricia; Angela and Dino shoot hoops with the support of our team; Gayle and David take their turn at Olympic Basketball; and bottom; Jan receives her gold medal for winning the relay race at Mayflower Reservoir.
Pictured bottom left: Sue cheering on the Aussie swimmers on television.
Care and Leisure Coordinator Helen felt it was a great way to get residents active while having fun, “Everyone seemed to really enjoy the games; it was a great way to get everyone involved and having fun” she says. At Mayflower Brighton, the Olympic spirit was also present.
The home was beautifully decorated for the games, with a large Olympic ring display on the bridge—often used for major events and seasonal celebrations. This display sparked conversations and reminiscences among residents and provided an opportunity for families to visit and share in the excitement.
Care and Leisure Coordinator Hitesh says, “It has been great seeing residents gathering around the television to watch the games.”
Mayflower Home Care clients also enjoyed the games, with members of our Home Care team spending quality time reminiscing with clients, chatting about the games, and catching a race or event on the television together.
These celebrations across Mayflower not only promoted physical activity but also strengthened community
RESERVOIR
Imagine a room filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked biscotti, the melodic strains of Italian ballads, and the vibrant chatter of a community coming together.
This was the scene at Mayflower Reservoir as residents, families, and staff celebrated Festa Della Repubblica, honouring Italy’s rich cultural heritage.
The afternoon buzzed with Italian music and the enticing scent of European-style coffee. Residents enjoyed an authentic Italian experience, savouring treats that evoked cherished family traditions and memories.
The highlight was a live performance by the Italian duo, Frank and Marthese, whose enchanting voices serenaded residents with ballads and favourites like Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore!” The music brought nostalgia and joy, inspiring everyone to dance and sing along. The lively atmosphere even drew spectators into the fun.
Celebrating residents’ diverse cultures fosters connection and belonging, sharing stories and fond memories. Festa Della Repubblica at Mayflower Reservoir was more than a celebration of Italian culture—it was a celebration of community and joy.
Mayflower Reservoir’s Pyjama Day was filled with fun, connection and plenty of laughter!
Our team, along with residents and their families embraced the fun by donning their best and ‘comfiest’ PJ’s in support of National Pyjama Day - an initiative aimed at raising funds and awareness for children living in foster care.
The day was filled with laughter, joy, and a true sense of community as everyone came together in their sleepwear for a great cause.
Themed days like these serve as wonderful opportunities to spark conversations and foster meaningful connections among our team, residents, and their families alike.
Seeing everyone in their favourite ‘jammies’ created a warm, fun and relaxed atmosphere that encouraged people to connect.
This year’s Pyjama Day was made even more special with the addition of a lively Happy Hour, featuring the soulful tunes of performer, Brendan.
Brendan’s smooth and melodic voice set the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of music, relaxation, and camaraderie. We would like to extend a special thanks to Brendan, who has been generously donating his time and talent for over a year now. His signature “serenading style” brings a touch of ‘Old Hollywood’ glamour to our Happy Hours at Mayflower Reservoir.
King Charles’ Birthday Parties across Mayflower
In the spirit of joy and regal cheer, our Mayflower communities came alive with the grand celebration of King Charles’ second birthday as our king.
This special day united residents, families, and our team in an unforgettable event full of laughter, music, and delightful treats. Each community added its unique touch to the festivities, creating cherished moments for years to come. Here are the highlights of this memorable celebration across our Mayflower Communities!
Mayflower Edith Bendall’s Regal Cheer
At Mayflower Edith Bendall in Pascoe Vale, residents enjoyed an elegant high tea fit for royalty. The tables were adorned with fine bone china, and our talented chefs prepared homemade English-style treats like cucumber and cheese canapés. Leading up to the day, residents created crowns in a craft session, adding a personal touch to the celebrations.
Mayflower Reservoir’s Entertaining Celebration
At Mayflower Reservoir, the day was filled with laughter as residents enjoyed a live ABBA performance. The energetic show had everyone tapping their toes and reminiscing, fostering a sense of camaraderie and joy among residents.
Mayflower Brighton’s Royal Extravaganza
Mayflower Brighton transformed into a royal extravaganza with a lively three-piece band and a life-size cutout of His Royal Highness adding grandeur and humour. The full-service high tea, complete with fine china and delectable treats, made everyone feel like royalty. Families came together to enjoy the festivities, creating cherished memories that highlighted the day’s special spirit.
Father’s Day at Mayflower Edith Bendall in Pascoe Vale was a special occasion, with family members joining residents to celebrate the remarkable men in the community.
The day was filled with warmth, laughter, and shared memories.
The celebration took place on Father’s Day itself, with a delicious meal featuring roast lamb, accompanied by a favourite beverage. The meal was topped off with a delightful trifle dessert, a sweet treat that brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
below: Peter with his wife Diane enjoying drinks together.
Each gentleman received a thoughtfully curated goodie bag, adding a fun twist to the day. The bags included scratchies, deodorant, and, of course, chocolates.
The scratchies added a fun touch of luck to the day.
Pictured above: Robert gleefully receives his thoughtful gift.
The day was all about recognising and honouring the men of Mayflower Edith Bendall. The community came together to make sure every resident felt valued, making this Father’s Day one to remember.
Pictured above: Rock enjoying a glass of wine on Father’s Day.
This year’s Father’s Day at Mayflower Brighton was a bit different from the usual, as families were invited to join their fathers for a special BBQ luncheon. The events room buzzed with excitement as residents and their loved ones gathered together for a memorable meal.
In true Aussie style, our talented chefs fired up the BBQ, offering traditional “snags on the barbie” alongside a selection of more gourmet dishes. The enticing smoky aroma filled the air, setting the perfect backdrop for a day of celebration and togetherness.
Robert
his son Anthony enjoying a wine together.
The celebration extended beyond just food, as each resident was presented with thoughtful gifts including cologne and a hat ready for Spring’s abundant sunshine!
A particularly touching addition was the distribution of hand-drawn Father’s Day cards, created by local school students, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the day.
Pictured above: Robert with Care and Leisure team member Mel.
The event was a beautiful reminder of the importance of community and the cherished relationships between fathers, grandfathers, and their families.
Frank
Father’s Day at Mayflower Reservoir was marked by joyous celebrations as families came together to honour the men in the community.
The day was filled with warmth, laughter, and a shared sense of appreciation as everyone gathered for high tea and drinks.
The festivities included a lively happy hour celebration, where residents enjoyed their favourite drinks in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
It was a time for socialising, storytelling, and making new memories with family and friends.
Every resident was presented with a thoughtful gift, recognising their contributions to society. These tokens of appreciation were a meaningful way to show the community’s love and respect for the men who call Mayflower Reservoir home.
Care and Leisure Coordinator Helen, pictured dancing with Gulio, beautifully summed up the spirit of the day by saying, “We honour all the men at Mayflower, appreciating their life stories and the positive impact they’ve had on our community, whether they are fathers or not.”
Residents of Mayflower Brighton were treated to an enchanting ‘Under the Sea’ themed party, where the room was completely transformed into an underwater world.
Imagine a room enveloped with 3 breathtaking backdrops, including a video display on the big projector screen. This dynamic visual showcased sea creatures like graceful sea turtles, majestic whales, and vibrant coral reefs, bringing the deep sea to life. The sounds of bubbles, sea shanties, and whale songs further enhanced the atmosphere, fully immersing everyone in the oceanic theme.
The festivities included a specially designed ‘Under the Sea’ Bingo game with a technological twist. Each animal called during the game was displayed on the projector screen, adding excitement and engagement to the experience while making it more accessible for residents with impaired hearing or vision.
Winners were rewarded with pampering goodies, such as perfume and lotion. Following the bingo, an ‘Under the Sea’ themed Quiz challenged residents’ knowledge, with 12 lucky winners walking away with goodie bags filled with sweet treats.
Adding to the fun, our team and photographer embraced the theme by dressing up in creative costumes ranging from mermaids to sea captains to playful sharks.
A special guest appearance by Shubham, the son of Care and Leisure Coordinator Hitesh, in an inflatable shark costume, was a highlight of the day. His lively dancing and frolicking brought smiles to all, with resident Sue exclaiming, “Did you see the shark!” capturing the joyful spirit of the event.
The event concluded with a delightful afternoon tea, featuring fish bites and lemon slice to accompany residents’ favourite brews, perfectly wrapping up a memorable day under the sea.
We say “Thanks for Caring” to our Team!
This Australian National Day of Significance, held on 7th August each year, prompts aged care employers and the wider community to say, ‘Thanks for Caring.’
To mark this day, we ensured our team felt extra special with sweet treats, shared meals, prize draws, an award and recognition ceremony, massages, and more.
Leading up to the big day, our management, team leaders, and residents expressed their gratitude in a heartfelt video,
which you can view by scanning the QR code above.
We deeply appreciate our aged care workers for their unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Their patience, empathy, and professionalism ensure the highest standard of care. Whether providing support, assisting with daily activities, or simply offering a comforting presence, team members make a significant difference every day.
Aged Care Employee Day celebrates everyone involved in caring for clients and residents, including nurses, personal care workers, allied health professionals, administration and
reception staff, chefs and cooks, environmental and laundry teams, Care and Leisure support, gardeners, and managers.
A special mention goes to our Home Care team, who tirelessly support clients at home, fostering independence and dignity. We salute you all.
We encourage everyone to join us in thanking our aged care heroes.
Thanks for Caring.
above: Mayflower Brighton Registered Nurse Riti, celebrating 10 years, posing with Rostering Admin Sabina, celebrating 5 years.
below are our three highest milestone awardees (left to right): Alannah from Environmental Services at Mayflower Brighton, celebrating 30+ years; Christina, our Services, Procurement & Contracts Manager, with 15+ years, pictured with our Chief Operating Officer Simon; and Lorraine, a Care Assistant at Mayflower Edith Bendall, celebrating 20 years pictured with General Manager Martha.
Embracing the chilly weather, residents and our team donned cosy ‘ugly sweaters’ and Santa hats, bringing a warm festive spirit to the community.
The day featured a live performance by Frank and all the Christmas trimmings one could wish for, making it a truly memorable occasion.
Scan the QR code or click here for more great photos in a video.
Residents of Mayflower Reservoir enjoyed a heartwarming day at Darebin Child Care and Kindergarten, making music, creating art, and sharing scones with jam and cream with little ones.
The intergenerational connection brought back fond memories of raising young children of their own, and left everyone smiling.
Happy 80th birthday, Rodney! Rodney is celebrated his special milestone by sharing his favourite sponge cake with friends and our team.
Rodney is pictured here with care team member Alliza - at Mayflower Brighton.
Pooches ‘Anika’ and ‘Bindi’ have been visiting again! These beautiful and sweetnatured pooches continue to brighten residents’ days with regular visits.
Pictured is Mary enjoying her one-on-one sessions with these ‘furry therapists’.
On Aged Care Employee Day, our Home Care team enthusiastically joined in the celebrations. We were thrilled to see two of our team members win fabulous prizes, recognising the incredible work they do within the local community.
Pictured are Home Care Team Leader Rachle, Support Workers Michelle and Eleni, Case Manager Tijana, and Registered Nurse, Min.
Retirement living residents meet regularly for various fun activities, such as a game of cards in the Independent Living Lounge - fostering connections and making new friends along the way.
Pictured here are Natalie and Hilda with visiting friends.
Please join us in wishing a very happy 95th birthday to Independent Living resident, Mervyn!
In June, Mervyn showcased his hosting skills by gathering around 30 of his closest friends and family for a delightful chef-catered lunch in our events room - at Mayflower Brighton.
Happy Birthday, Mervyn!
Everyone had a blast with the beautiful tunes played by our wonderful Music Therapist, Fleur. It was a joyous afternoon filled with music, laughter, and great company at Mayflower Edith Bendall in Pascoe Vale.
Our Appeal
Mayflower would not be the organisation it is today without the financial support of individual donors, community groups and schools, businesses, philanthropic trusts and foundations. We are grateful to these benefactors for contributing much needed funds to Mayflower.
As a not-for-profit charitable organisation we rely on the generous financial support of donors. All money raised is directed to helping enrich the lives of residents.
Yes, I want to make a gift to Mayflower:
$
Donations to Mayflower are tax deductible.
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Cash or cheque enclosed (made payable to ‘Mayflower’)
OR, please debit my: Visa MasterCard
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We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve raised 91% of the $90,000 needed for a new wheelchairaccessible minibus at Mayflower Brighton, but we still need your help to reach our goal.
Name on card:
Signature:
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Title: First name:
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Thank you sincerely for your generosity.
PLEASE RETURN TO:
Mayflower
7 Centre Road, Brighton East VIC 3187
T: 03 9591 1100 | E: info@mayflower.org.au
Alternatively, scan the QR code to make a donation today.
This minibus is more than just transportation; it’s a lifeline for residents, offering them the chance to connect with the wider community, enhancing their overall well-being through enjoyable outings.
At Mayflower, we are committed to providing exceptional care and meaningful experiences that empower residents to lead fulfilling lives. The minibus outings are a vital part of this mission, allowing residents to enjoy new experiences, maintain social connections, and continue living vibrant lives.
Your contribution, no matter the amount, will have a profound impact on the lives of Mayflower residents. By supporting us, you are helping to provide essential transportation and empowering residents to continue enjoying the outings that bring them so much joy and fulfilment.
Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Mayflower remains a place where every resident can thrive. Thank you for your generosity and support.
Donating is easy, and all donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
Visit mayflower.org.au/golden-wheelsfundraising to donate online today or scan the QR code on the left.