Annual Report 2005 - UnitingCare NSW.ACT

Annual Report 2005 

Ageing 

NSW.ACT

NSW.ACT 

Ageing 

Contents 

02 Mission and Vision 

03 Profile 

04 Year’s Highlights 

06 Chairperson’s Report 

08 Board Members 

12 Director’s Report 

14 Residential Care 

18 Community Care 

22 Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care 

24 Our People 

26 Volunteers 

28 Partnerships 

30 New Facilities 

32 Finance and Statistics 

35 Bequest Fund 

36 Senior Staff 

37 Regions 

38 Captions

Mission and Vision 

Annual Profile Report 2005 

UnitingCare Ageing provides an extensive range of aged care services across NSW and the ACT, including high care, low 

care, retirement living, community care, day centres, private nursing service and services for disadvantaged, marginalised 

and isolated older people. 

Residential Care 

Clients 4,770 

Facilities 92 

Budget $275M 

Market Share 

Nearly 10 per cent of allocated 

residential aged care places in NSW 

Community Care 

Clients 4,000 

Self Care 

2,000 

We dedicate ourselves to furthering our rich faith-based 

tradition of Christian care for the whole person. 

Services 72 

Budget $27M 

Market Share 

12 per cent of NSW allocated packages 

Largest NSW provider of Community 

Aged Care Packages 

Community 

4,000 

Residential 

4,770 

Our Vision 

Leading our communities in quality Christian care 

for older people. 

Our Mission 

“We strive to care, to connect older people to community, 

and to seek ways to prevent loneliness and exclusion. 

We are committed to offer lifestyle choice, health 

and wellbeing for older Australians. 

Those we serve – in their homes and ours – are at 

the centre of everything we do. 

We dedicate ourselves to furthering our rich faith-based 

tradition of Christian care for the whole person, advocacy 

and access for the disadvantaged, innovation and leadership. 

Our Values 

On the basis of Christian values, UnitingCare Ageing 

commits itself to: 

Ministry: Support based on Christian values 

Community: Ageing people supported by and cared for 

by a whole community 

Leadership: Influence through innovation, vision and 

responsiveness to change 

Viability: Economic sustainability with a focus on ethics, 

effectiveness and quality 

Stewardship: Thoughtful long-term development of 

resources in achieving goals 

Social Justice: Advocacy and responsiveness to needs 

Empowerment of Staff and Volunteers: We create systems 

that give staff the freedom to act and make decisions as 

necessary to get the job done. Our care is offered through 

people whom we value, support and engage in caring. 

Self Care 

Clients 2,000 

Services 

82 Self Care Villages 

Budget $30M 

Our People 

Staff 

5,631 or 3,708 (Full Time Equivalent)) 

Chaplains 

30 FTE 

Volunteers 1,829 

Organisation 

UnitingCare Ageing NSW.ACT Board 

Eight Regional Boards 

0 UnitingCare Ageing Annual Repor t 2005 0

Annual Year’s Highlights Report 2005 Annual Report 2005 

2004 

2005 

July Official Opening of UnitingCare Ageing - 

Shoalhaven South Eastern Region 

August Development of Strategic Plan 2004-2007 

for UnitingCare Ageing 

September Mayflower Westmead achieved three 

year accreditation with full compliance 

Western Region 

October 

November 

December 

Extension of Elizabeth Gates Nursing Home 

and a $30,000 donation from the Elizabeth 

Gates Ladies’ Auxiliary Hunter, Central Coast 

and New England Region 

Completion of $9M Alroy House and 

Hostel Hunter, Central Coast and New 

England Region 

Opening of the re-built Bowden Brae 

Gardens at Normanhurst, including 40 

new dementia places Ku-ring-gai Region 

January 

February 

 

March 

Commencement of redevelopment 

of 80 places Jarman Hostel North 

Coast Region 

New Dubbo office opened, delivering vital 

community care services Western Region 

Establishment of Professional Aged 

Care Education Resource (PACER) – 

a Registered Training Organisation 

Ku-ring-gai Region 

Federal Aged Care Minister, Julie Bishop, 

officially opens the Hawkesbury Village 

Nursing Home Western Region 

Federal Health Minister, Mr Tony Abbott 

turns the sod for a 130 place aged care 

facility at Marion Street, Leichhardt, 

including a community centre and 55 

April 

May 

June 

Opening of the Greenacre Supported 

Housing Program for Homeless Older 

People in partnership with the Department 

of Health Wesley Mission Region 

Launch of “Living with Memory Loss” 

program in Ballina North Coast Region 

First Strategic Planning workshop 

for stakeholders, including the church, 

client support groups, senior staff South 

Eastern Region 

Parramatta Council approve Development 

Application for the 96 place aged care 

facility and dementia unit at Ermington 

Sydney North Region 

Appointment of Gillian McFee as Director, 

UnitingCare Ageing NSW.ACT 

dementia-specific places Sydney Region 

Hon Julie Bishop MP, Federal Minister for 

Twelve indigenous staff celebrate the 

completion of their aged care Certificate 

111 studies at Broken Hill Western Region 

Ageing celebrates the commencement of 

the Cumberland – Prospect Innovative Pool 

Program at McCall Gardens Western Region 


Chairperson’s Report 

Overview 

The mandate of the Board of UnitingCare Ageing is the 

overall leadership, governance and strategic development 

of the Uniting Church’s residential and community aged 

care services across NSW and the ACT. During the past 

year our Board has guided more than 200 residential and 

community aged care facilities, which, following a 

re-structure, have been grouped into eight Regions. Our 

work is complemented by strong and dynamic Regional 

Boards, which play a pivotal role in directing service 

provision within their local communities. 

Strategic Directions 

In its first year the UnitingCare Ageing Board has been 

busy overseeing and reviewing systems associated with 

bringing 52 separate Boards of managements into 

Regions and a Head Office structure. The Board has been 

pleased with the progress made and expresses thanks to 

everyone who has been involved in this challenging 

process. By year end the Board had become more 

focused on strategic issues that will enable us to capture 

more clearly the essence of the diversity of services 

provided across the UnitingCare Ageing network. 

In 2004 the Board developed a 2004-2007 Strategic Plan 

for UnitingCare Ageing, which provides a solid platform 

to consolidate and extend our services. Equally important 

will be the ongoing appraisal of the Strategic Plan within 

the context of industry and government influences and 

changing community attitudes about the nature and 

availability of aged care services. 

Our focus is on sustainable growth, an 

appropriate mix of residential and community 

services and supporting our staff through 

appropriate development programs. 

We are keen to broaden our engagement with 

community, industry and government stakeholders to 

ensure that their needs and requirements are integrated 

within our planning for new services. We are cognisant of 

a shift in community sentiment away from large 

institutions in favour of more flexible and community 

housing solutions for aged care services and the 

overwhelming preference for community care. 

Board 

I would like to thank all Board members for their hard 

work and support over the past 12 months. In particular, I 

wish to pay special tribute to my predecessor, Dr Jan 

Herbert, who ably led the Board for most of the year. The 

Board appreciated Jan’s insight, vision and considered 

approach, and we deeply regret that ill health led to her 

resignation as Chairperson and also as a Board member. 

We trust that a less hectic lifestyle may assist Jan to 

return to better health. 

Regional Boards 

The Board recognises the value and importance of the 

eight Regional Boards and we are keen to work in close 

partnership to achieve the strategic objectives of 

UnitingCare Ageing. Having greater clarity about our 

Governance Charter and the roles and responsibilities of 

all parts of the organisation will be a priority for us as we 

move to the next stage of the Governance review. Early in 

the new financial year we will be releasing a draft 

document that discusses and hopefully provides more 

clarity to these important relationships and sets strategic 

directions for the future. Above all, we want to avoid 

duplication, increase and enhance internal communication 

and ensure that UnitingCare Ageing is best positioned to 

respond to the rapidly changing aged care sector. 

Government Relations 

Our relations with all tiers of government have continued 

to strengthen. We were pleased to welcome the Federal 

Minister for Ageing, the Hon Julie Bishop to several 

events. We also acknowledge and thank the Hon Tony 

Abbot, Minister for Health, for his interest in UnitingCare 

Ageing. Each Region has also built closer relationships 

with local, state and federal government representatives. 

Executive 

In February 2005 Bruce Alcorn, the foundation Director of 

UnitingCare Ageing, resigned. I wish to thank Bruce for 

his leadership during the development of new processes 

and systems associated with the establishment of the 

Regional structure. The Board wishes Bruce well in his 

new endeavours. 

The Board conducted a rigorous selection process across 

Australia for Bruce’s successor and was delighted to 

appoint Gillian McFee as new Director in June 2005. 

Previously the Regional Director of the Ku-ring-gai 

Region, Gillian has been appointed at another critical 

phase in the growth of UnitingCare Ageing across NSW 

and the ACT. We were delighted that an internal 

candidate demonstrated the capabilities, qualities and 

vision, and we are confident that Gillian’s fresh perspective 

will provide new momentum for our organisation. 

Staff 

I wish to acknowledge and thank our staff who number 

more than 5,600. Their work, each day, is the foundation 

of the philosophy of UnitingCare Ageing. The Board will 

be reviewing policies to ensure that we attract and retain 

the very best staff. Similarly, I wish to thank our loyal and 

expanding volunteer network, whose selfless work is 

much appreciated by residents, clients and our staff. 

Vision 

Quality care is at the heart of what we do – and more 

importantly our Christian beliefs inspire the care and 

services we provide to older people. Through our aim of 

providing the highest quality and innovative care to 

older people, we are focused on sustainable growth, an 

appropriate mix of residential and community services 

and supporting our staff through appropriate 

development programs. 

Our Christian perspective is both a guiding force and a 

differentiator in a sector increasingly dominated by forprofit 

providers. We are confident that UnitingCare 

Ageing holds a special place in the aged care sector by 

offering a Christian values-based paradigm. Unlike many 

competitors our surplus is re-invested directly into new 

services, innovative programs and in achieving wider 

social policy objectives. Over the next 12 months we will 

increasingly focus on the balance between accountable 

financial performance and our social policy objectives to 

provide new models of care, especially to people on low 

income and other areas of special need. 

On behalf of the Board, staff and volunteers, I thank the 

NSW Synod and UnitingCare NSW.ACT for the trust they 

place in us. We are confident of setting new industry 

benchmarks in the delivery of community and residential 

aged care services. 

Bruce Rathie 


Board Annual Members Report 2005 Annual Report 2005 

Bruce Rathie 

Isobel Frean 

Tricia Ho 

Gillian McFee 

Company Director 

Industry Consultant & 

Academic Researcher 

Banker 

Director, UnitingCare Ageing 

NSW.ACT 

Appointed August 2004 

Appointed July 2004 


Appointed June 2005 

Bruce is a practising Christian with more than 16 years 

experience as a director of professional and commercial 

enterprises in the private and public sectors. His 

educational background includes degrees in law and 

commerce, a Master of Business Administration and a 

Graduate Diploma in Company Secretarial Practice. Bruce 

is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company 

Directors, the Australian Institute of Management, and is 

a member of Chartered Secretaries Australia and the 

Securities Institute. 

Bruce is currently the National Executive Director of 

the Australian Institute of Management and Chairman 

of PolyNovo Biomaterials Pty Ltd. Bruce is also a 

director of the ASX listed medical device company 

Compumedics Limited. 

Michael Fraser 

Company Director 

Isobel has held senior private and public health sector 

positions, which have provided her with highly developed 

skills in strategic analysis, business management, policy 

development, negotiating, information management, 

advocacy and representing stakeholder interests. 

She is currently a Visiting Fellow with the Initiative for 

e-Health, Faculty of Informatics, University of Wollongong, 

where she is enrolled in doctoral studies. 

Isobel is a member of Standards Australia’s Health 

Informatics Committee IT 14-6-6, responsible for 

developing messaging standards to support patient care, 

and of the Community Based Health and Patient Care 

committees of Health Level Seven (HL7), the international 

standards development organisation focusing on health 

care messaging standards. Isobel is a board member of 

HL7 Australia and the Convenor of the Health Informatics 

Society of Australia Aged Care and Healthy Ageing 

Special Interest Group. 

Tricia is a legal and finance professional with 11 years 

experience in legal practice and investment banking and 

possesses specialist skills in law, tax, accounting and 

finance. She is currently a senior banker with UBS AG 

Australia Branch in their capital markets group. 

Tricia has a Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Laws 

(Hons), Master of Laws and Master of Applied Finance. 

She is a Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia. 

Tricia is also a Non-Executive Director of Kincoppal-Rose 

Bay School Limited. 

She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company 

Directors and has completed its Company Directors 

Diploma Course. 

Darryl Maytom 

Health Consultant 

Gillian holds a Bachelor of Social Studies (Hons), Master 

of Business Administration and a Diploma of Urban and 

Regional Studies. 

In November 2003 Gillian joined UnitingCare Ageing as 

Regional Director, Ku-ring-gai Region and successfully 

established the new Region and improved the financial 

and operating performance of a number of its facilities. 

Prior to joining UnitingCare Ageing, Gillian held a 

number of senior executive positions in the NSW 

Government, including the Premier’s Department, 

Department of Community Services and the Department 

of Ageing Disability and Home Care. 

Gavin Pretorius 

Executive Director, Board 

of Finance & Property 


Michael’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce, 

a Certified Practicing Accountant and a Fellow of the 

Taxation Institute of Australia. 

He currently holds a senior position with The Australian Gas 

Light Company (AGL), the country’s largest energy retailer. 

Michael has had extensive senior management experience 

in commercial, regulatory, trading, sales and marketing, 

and property. He is currently Chairman of ActewAGL and 

a director of a number of AGL subsidiary companies. 

Reverend 

Harry Herbert 

Executive Director 

Rev. Harry Herbert is Executive Director of UnitingCare 

NSW.ACT. He serves ex officio on the Board of 

UnitingCare Ageing, which is one of the three Service 

Group Boards of UnitingCare NSW.ACT. He has held his 

current position since 1986 and was previously a parish 

minister in the Uniting and Congregational churches. 

He also serves as Chair of the NSW Government’s Social 

Justice Reference Group and the Casino Community Benefit 

Fund and is a member of the Board of the Legal Aid 

Commission of NSW, and a member of the Operations 

Review Committee of the Independent Commission 

Against Corruption. 

Appointed March 2005 

Darryl Maytom is a health consultant, and is well known 

for his work in the management of private hospitals 

and his contribution to the private hospital and aged 

care industry. 

Darryl is a former Chairman of the Australian Private 

Hospitals Association and also Chairman of the 

Australian Council on Health Care Standards. 

In his 20 year career in health care, Darryl Maytom has 

held various senior positions including Operations 

Director of a large 11 hospital group with 1,050 places in 

five states of Australia. He has held other similar positions 

and has acted as advisor to others, including 

appointments in Thailand, Dubai and Bangladesh. 


Born in South Africa, Gavin migrated to Australia in 1991. 

His qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce, 

Master of Accounting, and Master of Business 

Administration, and Graduate Diplomas in Applied 

Finance & Investment and Company Secretarial Practice. 

Gavin is an Associate of Australian CPA and an Associate 

of the Securities Institute of Australia. 

Gavin’s management experience in the finance, 

investment and property industries have included State 

Street Australia, Perpetual Funds Management and AMP. 

Prior to joining the NSW Synod he was the CFO at Grand 

United Friendly Society Ltd, which included management 

of private health insurance, investment products, property 

investments, rehabilitation case management and 

retirement villages, including high and low care facilities. 


Board Members 

Stuart Uhlhorn 

Industry Executive 

Anita Westera 

Senior Public Servant 


Stuart holds a Bachelor of Economics, a Diploma in 

Financial Management, is a Fellow of Australian Institute 

of Company Directors and a Fellow of CPA Australia. 

He is currently a senior executive with Insurance Australia 

Group, with responsibility for Corporate Services and 

Group Alliances. 

Stuart has had previous directorships within the 

Brambles Europe Executive Board (1990–97) and Rail 

Fleet Services Pty Ltd and Joint Venture Board Thiess 

Infraco Pty Ltd from 1999–2001. He is also on the board 

of UnitingCare NSW.ACT. 


Anita, a registered nurse, has a strong background in 

aged care and public policy and has worked in key policy 

and management roles within Commonwealth and NSW 

public service agencies. 

Her career has largely focused on aged care policies and 

programs, including the National and NSW Action Plans 

on Dementia, work on the final report of the Inquiry into 

Aged Care (1997) for the NSW Legislative Council Standing 

Committee on Social Issues, and advisor to the former 

NSW Minister for Ageing. 

Anita is a member of Annandale Uniting Church. 


Director’s Report 

Overview 

I am pleased to have been appointed Director of 

UnitingCare Ageing and I thank the Board for its 

confidence in me. UnitingCare Ageing is entering an 

exciting period of further enhancement of its residential 

and community services across NSW and the ACT. 

Both UnitingCare Ageing and the broader aged care 

sector have undergone significant change in recent 

years. Commonwealth Government policy, for example, 

has resulted in significant structural change to the 

industry with increased emphasis on community care 

services and a much stronger emphasis on quality. We 

welcome this focus on providing the highest level of care 

to residents and clients. UnitingCare Ageing has also 

created a new unified organisation to make our services 

more efficient and to gain the benefits of leveraging off 

being the largest single provider of aged and community 

care services in NSW and the ACT. 

Client expectations 

Most older people and their families prefer community 

care in their own homes. Not dissimilar to many aged 

care providers, our approach has been largely to build 

residential facilities and endeavour to satisfy client needs 

through this model of care. Increasingly this is changing 

and now 40 per cent of our services are in community 

care. Debates around separating accommodation from 

care means we need to look at more flexible ways of 

delivering community care into a range of adaptable 

housing settings. 

Increasingly we will focus on outcomes of 

health, well-being and lifestyle for our clients. 

Their needs will be at the centre of all we do. 

New organisational design 

We have a new organisation designed around eight 

Regions. Changes are being made to our head office 

enabling it to have a more strategic presence in 

supporting the UnitingCare Ageing Board in defining, 

strategy, and setting and monitoring performance 

targets across a range of areas. 

One of our priorities is developing a more cohesive 

UnitingCare Ageing, which is able to both initiate new 

ideas and respond better to the needs of our stakeholders, 

including the increasingly regulated environment in 

which we operate. Competitive factors, also, are 

influencing the positioning of UnitingCare Ageing. 

Accordingly, we strive to bring together our business 

functions and to generate information that fosters a 

spirit of continuous improvement. We will build a 

stronger strategic capacity through new common 

management information systems and this will provide 

accurate, timely and relevant data about our services 

and trends in care. 

Some challenges 

Over the next 12 months some of my priorities will include 

growing a greater sense of unity across UnitingCare Ageing 

so that we all, in time, relate positively to a “UnitingCare 

Ageing Way”. We will focus on a values-driven approach 

to our management, which is shared by all staff through, 

for example, a common set of values, mission and vision. 

We will continue to provide excellent residential care 

services whilst we further develop and increase our 

involvement in community care services. In accordance 

with the general community move away from institutional 

care, we will offer innovative ways for older people to 

remain in their own homes and to receive the community 

care support they need. 

This trend in caring for older people in their homes may 

generate a policy debate as to who pays for this new 

service model. UnitingCare Ageing will work with 

government to move towards an adaptable housing 

model, which is closer to peoples own homes and give 

them more choice. 

Capital Works 

UnitingCare Ageing is committed to a major building 

works program. Our current asset-base is extensive and 

well located geographically, but in some areas it is in need 

of renewal. UnitingCare Ageing has projected that more 

than $1.2B in capital enhancements and replacements 

may be required over the next ten years. A large part of 

this is required to meet the Commonwealth Government’s 

2008 Aged Care Certification processes. However, we also 

need to implement this in a wider context of changing 

community expectations. We are committed not only to 

bringing our entire asset base up to the highest level, but 

exceeding regulatory requirements. 

In terms of financial sustainability a Strategic Property 

Plan for NSW and the ACT is being developed. Each 

Region has been given an opportunity to submit their 

priorities and preferences for future capital works. We will 

assess these requests for alignment with our strategy 

and on the basis of need, sustainability and a resource 

allocation policy that reflects the wider social justice 

perspective of UnitingCare. 

Quality 

We will strive to develop a consistent way of measuring 

quality, acknowledging the differences in the type and 

measurement of our residential, community and self care 

services. Our people – staff and volunteers – are crucial to 

the ongoing work of UnitingCare Ageing. We will capitalise 

on our size to develop a UnitingCare Ageing workforce 

strategy and introduce innovative projects to attract 

more staff including customised learning and development 

projects. One of our aspirations is for UnitingCare Ageing 

to become an employer of choice in the aged care sector. 

Pastoral Care 

Pastoral Care – a core feature of our Christian faith – 

remains a foundation of our services. From our chaplains 

through to staff and volunteers we will continue to 

echo the Gospel messages of care and love for our 

neighbours. Increasingly, we will focus on outcomes of 

health, wellbeing and lifestyle for our clients. Their needs 

will be at the centre of all we do. 

Future 

As mentioned in the Chairperson’s Report, the Board will 

be releasing a discussion paper on our strategic directions 

for UnitingCare Ageing in early October 2005. We seek 

feedback from Regional Boards, staff and other people 

involved with UnitingCare, as we lay down a strong 

foundation for the expansion of UnitingCare Ageing 

over the next decade. 

Gillian McFee 



UnitingCare Ageing is looking at synergies between its 

residential facilities and community care programs. 

UnitingCare Ageing NSW.ACT currently operates 92 

residential aged care facilities, which provide care for 

almost 5,000 residents. These facilities are located across 

metropolitan Sydney, rural NSW and in the ACT. In many 

cases they include respite care and palliative care provision, 

and in some cases, dementia specific facilities. We are 

positioned to receive full building certification for our 

facilities in 2005. 

The nature of residential care is changing, with shorter stays 

in high care facilities, due to clients entering residential 

care at older ages and mostly from acute hospitals. 

Increasingly UnitingCare Ageing is looking at synergies 

between its residential facilities and community care 

programs. The South-Eastern Region, for example, has 

developed a Master concept for Lake View at Shellharbour 

– a 100 place aged care facility that will augment the self 

care facilities on that site. 

Another example of integration is Goonellabah Village at 

Lismore, which provides a high level of support and care 

that bridges the gap between community and residential 

hostel/nursing home care. 

During the year work commenced on the redevelopment 

of Jarman Hostel, a 79 place, $13M three stage 

redevelopment of the North Coast Region’s oldest facility. 

Stage one was completed in July 2005. A significant 

factor in this redevelopment project was that no residents 

were displaced and every effort was made to minimise 

disruption to everyday life within the hostel during the 

construction period. 



Across UnitingCare Ageing there are examples of 

innovation in residential care. The implementation of 

the ‘Eden’ alternative at Mirinjundi in the ACT has fostered 

a different way of delivering care, based on a social 

model. UnitingCare Ageing has been a pilot with the 

Commonwealth Government in the development of the 

Nurse Practitioner Model. In August 2004, a staff member, 

Tamra Macleod, received a scholarship to study the 

Master of Nurse Practitioner course at the University of 

Canberra, and to participate in the pilot Aged Care Nurse 

Practitioner Project, which was a joint initiative between 

the Commonwealth Government and ACT Health. 

In July 2005 Tamara began participating in a National 

evaluation of Nurse Practitioners in Aged Care. Under the 

program, a Nurse Practitioner is accredited to initiate 

diagnostic investigations, to prescribe medications and 

to make limited referrals under approved clinical 

guidelines. UnitingCare Ageing is keen for other nurses 

to also participate in this unique Australian project. 

In Sydney, Parramatta Council approved a Development 

Application for a 96 place aged care facility at Ermington, 

which will include a special purpose dementia wing. 

Construction commenced in June 2005 and the new 

facility is expected to be completed by Christmas 2006. 

Wesley Mission Region has plans underway for the 

redevelopment of its facilities at Sylvannia and 

Carlingford. A refurbishment of the Charles Woodward 

facility at Smithfield, included a rose garden and BBQ. 

Similarly, the final stages of redevelopment of R J 

Williams lodge, at Glebe included the redevelopment of 

the foyer which accommodates disadvantaged people 

We were pleased that Annesley House, a low-care facility 

in Sydney’s inner west dedicated to people living with a 

mental illness, won a finalist’s certificate in the Residential 

Care Team Award at the 2004 Aged and Community 

Services Industry Awards. 

UnitingCare Ageing is 

participating in the national 

Nurse Practitioners 

pilot scheme. 



Our services include day programs that help people adjust to 

their situation while remaining in their own homes. 

During the year UnitingCare Ageing Wesley Mission 

Region gained eight new HACS programs – which are 

jointly funded by the State and Federal governments. 

These programs included a dementia day, shopping trips, 

respite programs and dementia monitoring support. 

A new Dementia Day Centre was also established at 

Tuggerah on the Central Coast. 

UnitingCare Ageing Western Region expanded its 

Community Service Programs in Dubbo, Broken Hill and 

Wagga Wagga and is a major participant in the innovative 

pool program established by Federal Government, which 

aims to care for older people with an intellectual disability 

in a community setting. 

The Hunter, Central Coast and New England Region, 

which has 50 per cent of clients in community care, 

established a comprehensive men’s health program for 

isolated men in the Hunter Valley. Further north, a Living 

with Memory Loss program has been established by 

the North Coast Region at Ballina, funded by Alzheimer’s 

Australia and the Commonwealth Department of Health 

and Ageing. 

Other community activities include Men’s Shed. Sydney 

North Region initiated Men’s Shed in Australia with a 

program at Lane Cove in 2001, in conjunction with Lane 

Cove Council and supported by Royal North Shore 

Hospital. The program assists older men by providing 

them with an opportunity to interact and socialise and to 

work with their hands. 

This year Sydney North Region has mentored the 

formation of a Men’s Shed program at Forestville in 

conjunction with Forestville RSL and the Lions Club, 

which will be operated by the Ku-ring-gai Region; at 

North Sydney, North Sydney Rotary and North Sydney 

Council are supporting a Men’s Shed which is due to 

open in October 2005. Sydney North Region also 

operates a Men’s Shed program at Bowral in conjunction 

with the Bowral Uniting Church and Wingecarribee 

Men’s Health Association. 

The community’s increasing preference for communitybased 

care and programs is reflected in the 40 per cent 

of clients of UnitingCare Ageing who are being serviced 

through a broad range of community care programs. 

Many of these programs reflect our social justice paradigm 

and focus on the needs of the isolated, homeless and 

people living with specific healthcare needs. We are 

particularly concerned to support frail older people with 

early memory loss and severe dementia as well as people 

living with mental illnesses. Many of these services are 

day programs and involve our staff and volunteers helping 

people to adjust to their situation while remaining in 

their own homes. 

Our community care services cover the full continuum 

of care and include independent living units (ILU’s), 

community aged care packages (CACP) extended assisted 

care in the home (EACH), and home and community care 

services (HACC). 




Concern about the rising 

incidence of suicide, especially 

amongst men, has led to 

UnitingCare Ageing mentoring 

men’s support groups in 

various parts of NSW. 

In May 2005 The Manly-based community project, Time 

Banks, was launched in Australia. The project is a joint 

initiative of Sydney North Region and In My Father’s 

House. Time Banks Australia is a cashless bartering 

system, whereby volunteers receive credits for time they 

spend visiting and supporting members of the community. 

The credits may then be exchanged for services from 

individuals or participating organisations. The scheme 

promotes community involvement and volunteer 

participation, and most importantly enables older 

people who wish to stay in their homes to do so. 

Our community outreach programs include 

homelessness programs, research on depression and 

alzheimer’s. A new service initiative has commenced in 

the Ku-ring-gai Region called ‘The Ku-ring-gai Way’. 

UnitingCare Ageing has extended its partnership and 

links with the Australian Chinese Community with a 

purpose built unit at Lynvale Nursing Home, following a 

Memorandum of Understanding between the President 

of Australian Chinese Community Association of NSW, 

Sydney North and Ku-ring-gai Regions. 


Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care 

A key difference between UnitingCare Ageing and the forprofit 

sector providers is our pastoral care and community 

outreach programs. 

Our Christian beliefs and pastoral care approach underpin 

the services provided by UnitingCare Ageing. We are 

privileged to be able to work with older people who 

deserve recognition for their life achievements and 

service to the community. 

A key difference between UnitingCare Ageing and other 

aged care providers, is our pastoral care and community 

outreach to support older people. Across NSW and the 

ACT more than 50 people are employed on a part or 

full-time basis to provide pastoral care and chaplaincy 

services, ably supported by numerous volunteers. 

Some of the priorities during the year have been an 

enhanced focus on the importance of chaplains for both 

residents and staff and integrated pastoral care programs 

that foster pastoral care with other faiths. 

On the North Coast, for example, chaplains in collaboration 

with an integrated therapy team have devised and 

distributed a “Comfort Kit” to all residential facilities. 

These comprise an assortment of items that can be used 

by residents, relatives and friends to provide comfort and 

support for residents in times of special need. 

We have expanded our Pastoral Care Training programs 

and brought together staff from across various Regions, and 

also from external organisations, to discuss their experiences. 

In July 2004 the formation of a Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy 

Leadership Group brought together the Chaplaincy Coordinators 

(or equivalent) from each of the eight Regions. 

This Group identified a large number of issues relating to 

pastoral care, chaplaincy and mission that needed to be 

addressed, and developed an on-going “Work Program” to 

prioritise the issues in accordance with the UnitingCare 

Ageing Strategic Plan 2004 - 2007. 

One of committee’s main achievements was the 

Development of a Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy Policy for 

UnitingCare Ageing. The Policy defines “pastoral care” and 

“chaplaincy” and sets out the following principles that 

apply within UnitingCare Ageing: 

• UnitingCare Ageing is committed to offering pastoral 

care and chaplaincy to residents, clients, families, 

volunteers and staff, as an expression of its holistic 

care for people. 

• UnitingCare Ageing recognises that people have 

emotional, spiritual, religious, sexual, psychological 

and other needs, and that people can be assisted 

through listening, pastoral conversation, pastoral 

counselling, advocacy, and liturgical services. 

• UnitingCare Ageing requires each Regional Aged Care 

Board to recognise the importance of pastoral care 

and chaplaincy in the holistic approach to care, as 

informed by the Christian gospel. 

The provision of pastoral care and chaplaincy services 

will therefore be an essential component of all existing 

facilities and services, and will be included in the 

planning for all new activities. 

The Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy Leadership Group 

organised several Network Days in November 2004 and 

May 2005 for people engaged in providing pastoral care 

and chaplaincy services. 

We look forward to the appointment of a Director 

of Ministry and Mission to ensure that policies, practices 

and directions continue to be sound, both ethically 

and theologically. Plans are also well underway for 

the 6th National Ecumenical Aged Care Chaplains’ 

Conference to be held in October 2005, sponsored 

by UnitingCare Ageing. 


Our People 

We are committed to attracting, developing, rewarding and 

retaining skilled and passionate staff. 

The staff employed by UnitingCare Ageing are motivated 

by the personal reward and strong sense of ‘caring’ 

culture. Each day our staff show genuine identification 

with and respect for older people. To deliver quality care 

UnitingCare Ageing is committed to attracting, engaging, 

developing, rewarding and retaining people who are 

skilled at what they do, passionate about caring for older 

people, and who are committed to our Mission. 

A consistent set of Human Resources policies has been 

developed by the Human Resources Leadership Group 

and implementation across Regions has commenced. As 

part of the CommIT project, investigations into the 

selection of a new Human Resources, Rostering and 

Payroll system are almost complete. Regions have begun 

work on introducing new ‘person centred’ staffing models 

based around teams of care staff trained in Certificate III 

and IV with appropriate training in medication management. 

Professional development days are regularly held across 

NSW and the ACT. During the year the Ku-ring-gai Region 

established the Professional Aged Care Education 

Resource (PACER) – a Registered Training Organisation. 

PACER is our second RTO – the other being operated by 

Wesley Mission Region. 

In the Hunter, a detailed consultative process across the 

Region’s facilities resulted in the introduction of new 

systems and more education and training programs for 

staff. In recognition of the importance of people the 

Hunter, Central Coast and New England Region appointed 

a Director of People Development. In several other Regions, 

such as Sydney and Western, an Employee of the Month 

program has been established. Across the organisation 

the focus in 2006 will be on increased professional 

development opportunities and introducing common 

systems and procedures. 

Total Staff Numbers 

Region Under 20 21-30 31-40 41-50 Over 51 Total 

Hunter, Central Coast and New England 14 124 214 377 379 1,108 

Ku-ring-gai 66 85 87 165 208 611 

South-Eastern 41 125 141 286 282 875 

Sydney 10 63 92 177 194 536 

Sydney North 32 119 92 128 157 528 

North Coast 3 42 61 136 89 331 

Wesley Mission 22 74 76 112 135 419 

Western 40 148 227 341 467 1,223 

TOTALS 228 780 990 1,722 1,911 5,631 

Full Time Equivalent UnitingCare Ageing NSW.ACT 

Region Full Time Part Time Casual Total 

Hunter, Central Coast and New England 156 742 256 1,154 

Ku-ring-gai 90 173 25 288 

North Coast 79 132 21 232 

South East 170 296 82 548 

Sydney 57 251 44 352 

Sydney North 86 138 36 260 

Wesley Mission 65 164 16 245 

Western 74 401 154 629 

TOTALS 777 2297 634 3,708 


Volunteers 

We are fortunate to have many people who generously 

volunteer their time and skills. 

More than 1,800 volunteers are integral to the caring 

service provided by UnitingCare Ageing across NSW and 

the ACT. In both community and residential programs, 

volunteers provide an extra friendly face and support to 

our residents and clients through pastoral visitation, bus 

& car driving, handyperson and tutoring, receptionist and 

shop assistant duties, and providing entertaintment. All 

of these activities are much appreciated by residents, 

clients and staff. 

In an age regarded as ‘time poor’ and where volunteers 

are in high demand, UnitingCare Ageing is fortunate to 

have people so generous with their time and skills. 

Volunteers may be members of local congregations who 

have links with a specific aged care service, relatives of 

our residents, or citizens who seek to make a contribution to 

their local community through UnitingCare Ageing. 

In recognition of their contributions, each Region of 

UnitingCare Ageing organises various appreciation 

events, which often coincide with Volunteers Awareness 

Week and Christmas. 

During the year several Regions including Wesley 

Mission, Ku-ring-gai and Hunter, Central Coast and New 

England, appointed Volunteer Co-ordinators to manage 

the involvement of their volunteers. In March Wesley 

Mission’s volunteer policy was adopted across the 

UnitingCare Ageing network, and incorporated into 

our Human Resource management policies . 

Volunteers 

Hunter, Central Coast and New England 300 

Ku-ring-gai 173 

North Coast 91 

South Eastern 594 

Sydney 14 

Sydney North 90 

Wesley Mission 418 

Western 149 

TOTAL 1,829 


Partnerships 

Collaborative approaches across the Uniting Church include 

chaplaincy and pastoral care, day care centres and governance. 

Uniting Church 

During the year UnitingCare Ageing has increased its 

missional links with congregations and presbyteries of 

the Uniting Church by providing financial, administrative 

and management support to a range of programs and 

activities, including child care centres, community 

groups, chaplaincy and pastoral care and governance. 

At Newcastle and Lismore, for example, buildings and 

resources are made available to presbyteries and church 

committees, which enhances fellowship and co-operation 

between the presbyteries and UnitingCare Ageing. 

At Penrith, UnitingCare Ageing and Unifam Counselling 

and Mediation are now co-located. 

UnitingCare Ageing has taken management of McDonald 

Homes at Eastwood and Dee Why, which provide 

accommodation for disadvantaged older people. 

In Sydney’s east, Edina aged care services and Waverley 

War Memorial Hospital have embarked on a Joint 

Master Plan for the Campus redevelopment of that site. 

The new Campus seeks to integrate residential aged care 

and community services. 

Other Christian churches and faiths 

Ecumenical worship services are held at numerous 

facilities each week. Visiting clergy from the Uniting 

Church and other denominations lead services, thus 

maintaining their faith communities’ connection with 

members now in our care and who find it difficult, or 

impossible, to go to their home church. 

A ‘National Day of Thanksgiving’ celebration at Lismore 

involved large banners throughout the town and 

culminated with a non-denominational service. This 

year’s event focused on Health and Education and was 

an opportunity to recognise the efforts of countless 

numbers of people who serve their communities. 

Health and Aged Care Providers 

UnitingCare Ageing has strong relations with other 

health care providers, especially faith-based or 

community-operators. In Sydney, we are undertaking 

joint programs with St Luke’s Darlinghurst and have also 

established close links with Carers NSW. In the Hunter, 

UnitingCare Ageing and the Alzheimer’s Association are 

examining the location of the association’s resource unit 

and day centre adjacent to our Hamiliton aged care 

facility. On the North Coast we have entered into an 

agreement with St Vincent’s Hospital Lismore to manage 

some services on behalf of the NSW Department of 

Ageing Disability and Home Care. 

Joint Ventures 

UnitingCare Ageing has Joint Ventures with universities, 

community organisations and other health care providers. 

A joint venture with the Marco Polo community group will 

result in additional high care and low care facilities at 

Bateman’s Bay. 

Universities 

UnitingCare Ageing is an accredited placement provider 

for student nurses specialising in aged care. Our aim to 

fully understand the complex challenges of older people 

and to integrate models of care with latest clinical 

research has also led to partnerships with Charles Sturt, 

Newcastle, University of Technology, Southern Cross and 

Wollongong universities. 

The South Eastern Region, in conjunction with the 

University of Wollongong, has recently completed a 

research project examining barriers to the implementation 

of technology in aged care. The two organisations are 

also finalising a Memorandum of Understanding, which 

in formalising an ongoing partnership, will consider 

initiatives including aged care research projects, conjoint 

appointments of senior regional staff and the designation 

of UnitingCare nursing homes as teaching facilities. 

Concern about the rising incidence of suicide, especially 

among isolated men in rural settings is being addressed 

through a Suicide Prevention Program between the 

Hunter, New England and Central Coast Region and the 

University of Newcastle. Through this joint program, 

UnitingCare Ageing has established and is mentoring 

men’s support groups in the Hunter Valley with the aim 

of identifying and breaking down isolation factors. With 

the assistance of Newcastle University students, the 

Wellbeing of Older Men Project produced an informative 

resource publication for the development of men’s 

health information events. Also in the Hunter, 

UnitingCare Ageing has awarded a nursing scholarship 

to a staff member to study at the University of Newcastle. 

UnitingCare Ageing’s North Coast Region, in conjunction 

with Southern Cross University (SCU), is researching the 

cognitive effects of aromatherapy on people with 

dementia living in residential care facilities. During the 

year, several Goonellabah village residents participated in 

a health and wellbeing survey with a SCU student. 

Wesley Gardens and Kari Court facilities in the Ku-ring-gai 

Region and Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies at 

Charles Sturt University are nearing completion of a 

major research study, ‘Finding meaning in the experience 

of memory loss: the place of spiritual reminiscence work’. 

The report is due for release in late 2005. Wesley Gardens 

and Bowden Brae are also involved in a Dementia 

Mapping research project with the University of 

Technology, Sydney. 


New Facilities 

At 30 June 2005 UnitingCare Ageing had more than $100M 

in capital work projects in development. 

New facilities completed during the year 

Bowden Brae, Normanhurst 100 place high-care and low-care dementia facility $17M 

Hawkesbury Village, Richmond 70 place high care facility $8M 

Elizabeth Gates Nursing Home and Alroy 

House, Singleton 59 place extension $12M 

Springwood Nursing Home 20 place dementia specific extension $4M 

Unanderra Facility 108 place high care facility including palliative care $15M 

TOTAL: $56M 

Hunter Region accepted a tender to build a $20M, 

100 place greenfields facility at Wallsend, Newcastle 

to replace Courtman Hall Hostel and Wesley Lodge 

Nursing Home. 

A business case has been developed for a Central Coast 

Strategy, which proposes the replacement of Nareen 

Gardens Nursing Home and the rebuilding of Nareen 

Gardens Hostel and associated infrastructure. 

Major construction projects in progress: 

• $10M Nunyara, Peakhurst, a 74 place high care, high 

dementia facility, due for completion in October 2005 

• $13M three phase redevelopment of the 79 place 

Jarman Hostel at Lismore 

• $27M 130 place Ageing in Place facility at Marion 

Street, Leichhardt, including community centre and 

55 dementia-specific places – opens in early 2007 

• $13M 63 place nursing home for Quong Tart for 

Chinese community at Ashfield 

• $17M 96 place aged care facility including a purpose 

built dementia wing at Ermington 

• $20M Lake Road Newcastle - New 120 place Ageing 

in Place facility. 

The first stage of the Jarman Hostel redevelopment was 

completed in July 2005. A significant factor in this 

redevelopment project was that no residents were 

displaced during the extensive construction period. 

Residents previously shared ensuite arrangements and 

lived in a sprawling old building. The new facility provides 

spacious rooms with private ensuites, dining and 

entertainment facilities, a chapel, and beautiful views. 

Proposed developments: 

• Master Planning of Lake View at Shellharbour 

• Final design stages for a new low care facility in 

Weston, ACT 

• Proposed redevelopment of facilities at Sylvania 

and Carlingford 

• Yamba Hostel extension 15 place dementia specific 

extension to 40 place existing hostel. This locality is in 

an area of great need of aged care services with over 

40 people currently on the waiting list for the 

existing hostel. 

Many other projects are at the conceptual or planning 

stages and will come within the Strategic Property Plan 

for UnitingCare Ageing. 


Finance and Statistics 

The financial year ending 30 June 2005 was a period of 

consolidation for UnitingCare Ageing NSW.ACT, with the 

creation of eight Regions and a head office to manage an 

organisation whose annual turnover now exceeds $350M. 

Operationally, there were a number of issues pertaining 

to the organisational structure that required considerable 

managerial investment of time and resources, such as 

ensuring compliance with the new Commonwealth 

Government building standards for fire safety and lifestyle. 

A review of major capital works identified a projected 

$1.2B needs to be expended over the next ten years 

to ensure our residential aged care facilities meet with 

Commonwealth and community expectations. While 

this is a challenge, financially UnitingCare Ageing NSW. 

ACT is well placed to meet that commitment. It is further 

estimated than an additional $400M will be required to 

develop new aged care services to meet demographic 

changes within our population. These plans are under 

Consolidated Financial Performance Summary (unaudited) 2004/05 

review alongside new strategic directions that align with 

the new organisational structure. 

New residential services completed during the year 

included the Hawkesbury Nursing Home and extensions 

to Springwood Nursing Home. A number of existing site 

redevelopments and significant capital programs are 

underway or planned for completion in 2005-2006. 

The operational financial performance of our residential 

care services (high and low care) fell by 37 per cent 

compared with the result in 2003-2004. This reduction 

was influenced strongly by substantial nurses’ award 

increases that were not commensurate with government 

subsidy movements. Community Care Packages, on the 

other hand, improved their operating performance by 

18 per cent. Overall, the consolidated operating result 

fell by 28 per cent, whilst the total result (before 

adjustments) increased by 12 per cent on 2003-2004. 

$’000 Residential Retirement CACP/EACH Other TOTAL Previous 

Village Community 2004/05 Year 

Operating Income 207,261 9,999 20,070 12,087 249,418 230,429 

Operating Expense 202,897 10,134 17,429 12,067 242,537 220,928 

OPERATING RESULT 4,364 (135) 2,641 20 6,881 9,501 

Non-Operating Result 16,571 4,983 (93) 703 22,164 16,342 

TOTAL RESULT 20,935 4,848 2,548 723 29,045 25,843 

Grants ($3,500 bed grant) and 18,540 27 77 2,622 21,268 (3,364) 

extra-ordinary items (IFRS adj) 

ADJUSTED TOTAL RESULT 39,475 4,875 2,625 3,345 50,313 22,479 

EBITDA % (based on Total result) 13% 22% 13% 9% 13% 10% 

UnitingCare Ageing NSW.ACT places/clients by Aged Care Planning Region 

Region High Care Low Care CACP/ EACH OTHER C’TY Total 

ACT 94 94 55 32 275 

Central Coast 100 201 120 420 841 

Central West 83 97 47 383 610 

FN Coast 323 174 42 55 594 

Hunter 230 296 127 316 969 

Illawarra 215 224 45 55 539 

Inner West 361 445 265 410 1,481 

MN Coast 25 25 

Nepean 77 289 305 671 

New England 60 30 67 42 199 

Nthn Sydney 661 739 212 187 1,799 

Orana F/West 47 47 

Riv/Murray 

SE Sydney 138 502 179 124 943 

SW Sydney 143 30 9 182 

Sth Highlands 

W Sydney 167 241 182 245 835 

TOTAL 2,509 3,475 1,443 2,583 10,010 

UnitingCare Ageing also operates three Commonwealth Carelink Centres. 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (unaudited) 2004/05 

2003/04 $000 2004/05 $000 

Accumulated Funds 381,184 441,598 

Cash/Investments 218,256 251,137 

Net Fixed Assets 646,148 660,666 

Other Assets 73,67 95,511 

TOTAL ASSETS 938,074 1,007,314 

2003/04 $000 2004/05 $000 

Resident Loan Liabilities 474,908 509,271 

Synod Loans 21,107 4,132 

Other Liabilities 60,875 52,313 

Total Liabilities 556,890 565,716 

NET ASSETS 381,184 441,598 


Statistics 

Bequest Annual Report Fund 2005 

50 

40 

1997/1998 2004/2005 

Nursing Home Resident Classification Scale (RCS) Change in Dependency 1997/1998 - 2004/2005 

UnitingCare Ageing Nsw.act Bequests Fund Grants: 2004-2005 Financial Year 

Purpose/Region 

Amount 

Centre for Healthy Ageing, Bondi Sydney Region $50,120 

Annesley House, Sydney – Emergency Funding for Clothes and Shoes Sydney Region $25,000 

Seniors’ Week Ball Sydney Region $30,000 

Family Carers Awareness Training in partnership with Carers NSW Sydney Region $44,200 

% 

30 

20 

10 

Expansion of the Eden Alternative program across Mirinjani’s services in the ACT South Eastern Region $31,500 

Nursing scholarships of up to $10,000 per annum at Newcastle (1), Wollongong (2) and Southern Cross (1) 

Universities Hunter, Central Coast & New England Region; South Eastern Region; North Coast Region $40,000 

TOTAL $220,820 

0 

Cat 1 Cat 2 Cat 3 

Cat 4 Cat 5 

Highest 

Degree of Care Dependency 

Lowest 

Hostel Resident Classification Scale (RCS) Change in Dependency 1997/1998 - 2004/2005 

50 

40 

% 

30 

20 

10 

0 

Cat 1 Cat 2 Cat 3 Cat 4 Cat 5 Cat 6 Cat 7 Cat 8 

Highest 

Degree of Care Dependency 

Lowest 


Annual Senior Staff Report 2005 Regions Annual Report 2005 

New South Wales 


Regional Directors 

Director 

Gillian McFee 

Director of Care Services, Policy and Planning 

Lynn May 

Director of People, Learning and Culture 

Sam Galluccio 

Hunter, Central Coast and New England 

Ken White 

Ku-ring-gai 

Phil West (Acting) 

North Coast 

Anne Leeson 

HUNTER, CENTRAL COAST 

AND NEW ENGLAND 

NORTH COAST 

Chief Financial Officer 

Wayne Newell 

South-Eastern 

Marisa Mastrioanni 

WESTERN 

Manager, Policies and Programs 

Ed McNamara 

Sydney 

Paul McMahon 

Manager, Property 

Andrew Morgan 

Sydney North 

Ivan Armstrong 

Wesley 

Elizabeth Orr 

Sydney 

Western 

Terry Mudie 

SOUTH EASTERN 

KU-RING-GAI 

SYDNEY NORTH 


Level 5, 222 Pitt Street, 

Sydney NSW 2000 

T: 02 8267 4278 F: 02 9267 4842 

Hunter, Central Coast & New England Region 

7 Myall Road, 

Garden Suburb NSW 2289 

T: 02 4943 6077 F: 02 4942 2019 

Ku-ring-gai Region 

Wesley Gardens Aged Care, 2b Morgan Road, 

Belrose NSW 2085 

T: 02 9975 9301 F: 02 9975 9396 

North Coast Region 

Rous Road, 

Goonellabah NSW 2480 

T: 02 6624 6333 F: 02 6624 6334 

South Eastern Region 

Suite 7, Level 3, 87-89 Market Street, 

Wollongong NSW 2500 

T: 02 4253 6536 F: 02 4253 6537 

ACT 

Sydney Region 

1 Wetherill Street, 

Leichhardt NSW 2040 

T: 02 9568 8000 F: 02 9568 8097 

Sydney North Region 

4 Chapman Avenue, 

Chatswood NSW 2067 

T: 02 9468 5900 F: 02 9468 5990 

Wesley Mission Region 

Wesley Mission Offices, Level 4, 220 Pitt Street, 

Sydney NSW 2000 

T: 02 9263 5495 F: 02 9264 9542 

Western Region 

Level 1/ 83 Henry Street, 

Penrith NSW 2750 

T: 02 4723 9400 F: 02 4721 4622 

SYDNEY 


Captions 


Cover 

Contents 

Marilyn Jolly (Executive Manager of Care, Sydney North Region) and Elly Winter (Self Care resident and 

volunteer at Wesley Heights) enjoying the view and a joke at Wesley Heights, Manly. 

Evelyn White enjoying a game of bowls at Bankstown. 

02 With our Christian focus, UnitingCare Ageing NSW.ACT offers pastoral care as part of our residential 

care services. 

04 left Lauris Biggs, the first resident at Hawkesbury Village’s new 70-bed nursing home at Richmond shows her 

new room to Federal Aged Care Minister, Julie Bishop. 

04 top Regional Director Ken White, Hunter Presbytery Chairperson Rev Dr Don Evans, Hunter Chaplain Rev 

Graeme Dark, Service Manager Julie Norris,Singleton Mayor Fred Harvison, Chairperson Elizabeth Iles, 

Harry Herbert, Elizabeth Gates resident Max Crofts, Alroy House resident Sylvie Smith at the official 

opening of the new Alroy House and the extension to Elizabeth Gates Nursing Home, Singleton on 

April 15 2005. 

04 bottom Federal Member for Macquarie Kerry Bartlett cutting the ceremonial ribbon to open the new 20-bed 

dementia unit, an extension to the Nursing Home at UnitingCare Springwood. 

05 Bowden Brae Retirement Village Hostel, Normanhurst. 

10 St Columbus Lane Cove. 

11 May O’Neil, a resident at Wirreanda at West Pennant Hills, enjoying a game of pool. 

14 Independence, mobility and relaxation - patrons enjoy the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy at the 

purpose built facility within the UnitingCare Ageing Goonellabah complex Lismore. 

15 With an emphasis in caring for the ‘whole person’, physical, spiritual and emotional, the chapel at 

Wirreanda, West Pennant Hills provides an opportunity for residents to fulfil their spiritual needs. 

16 Model train enthusiast Dick Ferguson with his impressive setup at Bowden Brae. 

17 top Volunteer Joanne Stewart playing scrabble with resident Mary Caldwell from the Nareen Gardens Hostel, 

Bateau Bay. 

17 bottom Mrs Chan enjoying a game of Bingo in the South Wing of Wesley Gardens. 

18 top Centre for Healthy Ageing trainer Gus Soler Estrada and Emma Greig. 

18 bottom A resident enjoying her garden at Northaven Retirement Village. 

19 Staff from the Blue Nurses embody the ministry of the Uniting Church. 

20 top A personal touch from a caring staff member. 

20 bottom Homecare worker walking with a client. 

21 top Sue Munir and Joyce Carlill enjoying the garden at Bankstown. 

21 bottom Resident keeping her computer skills up to date in her unit at Northaven Retirement Village. 

22 Quiet time for reflection and prayer. The stained glass windows at UnitingCare Caroona Kalina Nursing Home 

(Lismore) celebrate the beauty and diversity of the North Coast Region from the mountains to the sea. 

23 top Central Coast Chaplain Rev Heather Coombes with residents Dorothy Faulkner and George Lovegrove 

from the Nareen Gardens Hostel, Bateau Bay. 

23 bottom Real friendships and real care are what makes UnitingCare Ageing special. Registered Nurse, Peter De 

Heer and resident, Ethel Gault of UnitingCare Caroona Marima Nursing Home, enjoy a quite chat. 

24 Wendy Munro, Carol Watson, Julie Williams, Anne Morris all Community Carers with ‘Uniting to Care’. 

25 Bowden Brae nurse taking a stroll in the lovely gardens with the company of two residents. 

26 Mrs Florence Humphrey assisted by nurse, Marcia Hall, at a residents’ computer club at Gerringong. 

27 left Fay Bevan (Recreation Officer) and Jennifer Williams (Self Care Resident) at the piano, Wesley Heights, Manly. 

27 top Miriam Watsford (Co-ordinator, Jacaranda Day Care at Warriewood) and Lewis Marton (day care client) 

sharing a good book. 

27 bottom Alice Luton with cat Trixie Bell, St. Columbas Retirement Centre, Lane Cove. 

28 This church, Miraga at Broken Hill, has been converted to a Day Centre, an open plan space used as a 

meeting place for older people, including Aboriginal elders. 

29 A nurse provides care in the home. 

30 The beautiful aviary and grounds of Bowden Brae are a special joy to the residents. 

31 top Work continues on the $12 million UnitingCare Caroona Jarman Hostel redevelopment project. Stage 1 

has been completed and occupied with Stage 2 now commenced and project due for completion by 

January 2007. 

31 bottom l/r Leichhardt’s future model and current construction. 

35 Elsy Brammesan, Diversional Therapy Co-ordinator (centre), showing residents Mrs Vera Roberts (left) and 

Mrs Stammers (right) how to make greeting cards at Wirreanda, West Pennant Hills. 

36 Senior Staff: (standing) Marisa Mastrioanni, Phil West, Terry Mudie, Paul McMahon, Elizabeth Orr, Ivan 

Armstrong, (seated) Ken White, Gillian McFee, Anne Leeson. 

39 Mary Campbell, Ernie Lyneham, Joyce Campbell, Gwenyth Hindmarsh playing croquet at Gerringong. 

38 

Annual Repor t 2005 39


Project Management 

Damian J. Gleeson 

Design 

Equation Corporate Design 

Photography 

Ute Wegmann 

Printing 

The Quality Group 

Publisher 


Published 

November 2005 

Internet 

www.unitingcareageing.com.au 

More copies of this report may be obtained from UnitingCare Ageing NSW.ACT 

T: 8267 4372 or elizabethm@nsw.uca.org.au

Ageing 

NSW.ACT

Annual Report 2005 - UnitingCare NSW.ACT

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