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Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
CONTENTS
President’s Report
Organisational Governance Structure
Our Board
Our History
Centre Manager’s Report
Strategic Performance
Environmental Services
Clinical Nursing
Case Management
Community Services
BBNC Snapshots
Stories of our Service
Volunteers
Our People
Our Values
Our Staff
Staffing Structure
Services Provided
Doctors
Donations
Key Partners
2
3
4
5
6
7 - 9
10
11
12
13 - 16
17 - 18
19 - 25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Graphics & Layout by Little Fish Design, Hamilton
-1-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
It is with great pleasure that as
president I can report on another
very successful year for the Balmoral
Bush Nursing Centre. The Centre is
in a very solid financial position and
has a strong culture and professional
ethic. The Balmoral Bush Nursing
Centre continues to be a health care
provider others aspire to.
Recently the Centre underwent an
accreditation process and passed
with flying colours. Congratulations
to Centre Manager Lisa Hutchins and
all the staff for their dedication and
commitment to continual
improvement and quality of service
provision. It is always a pleasure to
walk into the Centre which has a
friendly community feel but at the
same time has a sense of purpose
and professionalism. This culture
does not happen by chance but
through shared vision and a
compelling drive to provide the best
services for our community.
One of the roles of the board is to set
the strategic direction of the BBNC
and then to work with the Centre
Manager to ensure that these
directions are met. This year I would
like to comment on the Live Active
Program, a suite of exercise
initiatives. This program is an
example of the BBNC using the
strategic heading of ‘Knowing Our
Community Really Well’ – and
providing a service that connects
people, promotes knowledge and
invests in the health of our
community. As the old saying
reminds us “Prevention is better
than cure.” This example is not to
take away the importance of the
other services provide but to
highlight the diversity of the Centre –
which has a real sense of the
importance of ‘Health and
Wellbeing.’
This year we introduced to our
meeting structure ‘Growth Meetings’
whereby we undertook in house
professional development to
continually develop the skills that we
need as a board to compliment and
challenge the diversity of services
that the Centre can and should
provide into the future.
As this is my last president’s report I
would like to take the opportunity to
thank the board members: Anita
Watt, Suzanne Smith, Cathie Walsh,
Peter Mailes, Bruce Laidlaw and
Jamie Armitage for their continued
support, enthusiasm, ability to
question and for their ambition to
continually raise the bar in terms of
board performance.
g
The board is ably assisted by the
members of the community who sit
on our sub – committees or
volunteer in many ways. We thank
them for contributing.
The one person who draws all the
governance bodies together is
Sabrina Watt who once again has
done a tremendous job for the
board.
Wendy Hobbs - PRESIDENT
One of the board’s most important
jobs is making sure that the
composition remains right for the
Centre’s evolving development of
services and consequently that
succession planning and renewal
happen seamlessly. I have no doubt
that the time is right for a new
president and that the addition of
new board members will refresh and
keep the board energised for
continued successful governance.
It has been an absolute pleasure to
be a part of the BBNC Board and I
wish it and the Centre continued
good health.
-2-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
ORGANISATIONAL GOVERNANCE
STRUCTURE 2011
-3-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
OUR BOARD
The role of the Board of the Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre is to set the strategic path of the Centre.
The Board is also charged with monitoring and evaluating to ensure the Centre direction is on track.
The Balmoral Bush Nursing Board: Front: President Wendy Hobbs
L to R: Suzanne Smith, Treasurer Anita Watt, Jamie Armitage, Sabrina Watt (Executive Administration Officer), Bruce Laidlaw, Vice President
Cathie Walsh. Absent: Peter Mailes
Wendy Hobbs - President
Bachelor of Education
Assistant Principal
Elected: 2006
Board Meetings Attended: 10 of 11
Cathie Walsh - Vice President
Bachelor Social Science and Diploma of
Business Studies
Publican Hotelier
Elected: 2005
Board Meetings Attended: 10 of 11
Anita Watt - Treasurer
Bachelor of Special Education, Adv Cert
of Disability Services, Institute of
Company Directors Course
Farm Partner, Marketing Manager
Glenelg River Rosemary
Elected: 2010 (Previously served 2003-
2008)
Board Meetings Attended: 7 of 9
Peter Mailes
Leading Senior Constable Victorian
Police
Elected: 2007
Board Meetings Attended: 7 of 11
Suzanne Smith
Bachelor of Applied Science and
Bachelor of Education
Teacher
Elected: 2005
Board Meetings Attended: 10 of 11
Jamie Armitage
Bachelor of Education
Leading Teacher
Elected: 2007
Board Meetings Attended: 5 of 11
Bruce Laidlaw
Primary Producer
Elected: 2010
Board Meetings Attended 8 of 9
-4-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
OUR HISTORY
Our local health service commenced July
4 th 1925. Mrs. Ethel Wood and Lady
Smyth were the inaugural executive and
faced many challenges establishing the
service. Throughout the first year the
Centre provided 447 visits, 81 days in
residence, 10 all night sittings and 11
maternity cases.
Volunteers built the original centre in
1928 on land donated by Mr. A J Walter
and using building materials generously
donated by local benefactors.
The current site, 26 Bell Street was
purchased on 22 nd December 1970, and
opened in 1972 with the Bush Nurse
living onsite, often called upon after
hours.
As the service expanded the residence
was converted to make way for
increased services and the need for
administrative support. In August 1989
an adult day activity program
commenced.
In 1992 the Infant Welfare building was
purchased from the Shire of Wannon.
Refurbishment allowed for expanded
service provision.
In 1994 a Commonwealth funded
Respite program commenced. In 1997 a
capital redevelopment resulted in our
Function Room. This provided the
physical capacity for modern service
delivery.
In 2006 we embarked on a major facility
redevelopment project; in order to
address increased identified risks in the
areas of safety, service quality and
service range. This project was
completed in August 2007 with our
official opening held on in September
2007.
The Bush Nursing Centre of 2011 is a
broad service utilizing many strong
partnerships and continuously adapting
to community needs.
Above: Years of Balmoral and Victorian Bush Nursing history were celebrated in August 2010 at a gala function in
Melbourne to mark 100 years of Bush Nursing in Victoria. Balmoral delegates attending were past Charge
Nurse/Current RAN Diane McLean, current Centre Manager Lisa Hutchins, Life Member Carol Seymour and past
Charge Nurse Patricia Watt.
-5-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
CENTRE MANAGER’S REPORT
The saying “time flies when you are
having fun” must indicate an awfully
high level of merriment here at the
Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre. I
honestly do not know where the past
twelve months have gone. It is an
absolute pleasure and a privilege to
be actively involved in an
organisation with such a high level of
enthusiasm for excellence and a high
level of energy and motivation to
continuously improve what we do.
Our Board members have
represented the community well in
advocating for service development
in accordance with strategic
priorities. They have been diligent in
their compliance monitoring role and
have ensured a sound financial
performance in an increasingly
challenging environment of funding
accessibility. I have been particularly
impressed by their commitment to
governance education and their
acknowledgement of the importance
of a modern, forward thinking well
educated board in order to deliver a
sustainable quality service.
Our staff are relentless in pursuing
excellence and are actively
committed to our vision of
“Connecting people, promoting
knowledge and investing in the
health of our community for
the future”. Our planned
implementation of the “Active
Service Model” principles has
provided many opportunities for
staff as individuals and as a part of
our wonderful team, to not only
actively contribute to real change in
care delivery, but directly impact on
the health status of our community.
Our clients, the community at large
and our partner organisations have
again helped us to achieve much on
a budget of not much. As a small
organisation, we are dependent on
quality relationships with key
regional partners. I would
particularly like to acknowledge the
support of Jim Fletcher and the
wonderful staff of all service areas of
Western District Health Service,
David Keilar and his community
services team at Lyndoch Living in
Warrnambool,
Tony Walker and Tony Ginis of
Ambulance Victoria and Wendy
Middleton and the children’s services
team at Wimmera Uniting Care, for
the active partnerships that have
been developed between our
organisations this year.
“Our staff are
relentless in
pursuing excellence
and are actively
committed to our
vision of “Connecting
people, promoting
knowledge and
investing in the
health of our
community for the
future”
Lisa Hutchins - CENTRE MANAGER
I would also like to acknowledge our
visiting service providers for
partnering in quality service delivery.
We sincerely thank you for your
ongoing support.
To our community, philanthropic
contributors and donors small and
large, without you we could never
deliver the fabulous service we have
today. Thank you and I urge you to
stay with us; the road ahead is an
exciting one.
-6-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE
Strategic Connectedness-
Further developed
formalized partnership
relationships with existing
partners and providers via
review and preparation of
service agreements
FaHCSIA service agreement
completion for the Access
and Advocacy project and a
new three year agreement
under the Family Support
Program negotiated
Wimmera Uniting Care
Children’s Services team
visits
Attendance at Western BNC
Network Meetings in Ballarat
State-wide Governance
program steering group
representation on behalf of
eight western bush nursing
centres
Active contributor to
coordination of the Harrow
Balmoral Football Netball
Club/ BBNC/ Harrow BNC /
Balmoral Community College
drug and alcohol community
education event
RMIT Handbury Fellowship
visit and presentation of
potential future academic
partnerships within the
community
Recreation Reserve/
Swimming Pool /Community
Infrastructure planning
discussions with Shire of
Southern Grampians
Community Services hosted
a sub regional Planned
Activity Groups coordinators
meeting bringing community
service coordinators from
Portland, Coleraine, Harrow,
Hamilton, Macarthur
together
Easter Saturday community
open day held; Board
members assisted staff in
open day tours and
promoted services to the
broader community.
Attendance at Victorian
Rural Health Forum in April
BNC/BNH State-wide
Governance Projectreference
group
representation
Access to Services-
Continued encouragement of
registrar presence with
Coleraine / Casterton
General Practitioner’s to
increase Coleraine Casterton
doctor G. P. access
Continuing to work with
Ambulance Victoria re model
for emergency response
review
Hearing Van visit from
Wimmera Hearing Society
Delivery of first aid programs
to the community
CFA building and SSG access
for place of last resort
assessment – negotiations
ongoing.
RAN training successfully
completed by six nursing
staff.
Above: Board Member Anita Watt
takes community members and
visitors through the BBNC at Easter
Saturday Open Day
Above: BBNC Life Member Carol
Seymour with Health Minister Andrews
Above: RN Kim Dufty inspecting an
airway with a laryngoscope at the
2011 RAN training in Melbourne
-7-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE
Knowing our Community
Really Well
Provision of culturally
diverse Community Services
program in response to
community demand
Review of payment systems
and exploration of online
and electronic options, in
response to community
demand
Live Active program
implemented offering a
range of exercise options for
both younger and older
adults
Broad band for Seniors
project implemented and
adopted as an ongoing
service in response to
community and consumer
feedback
Governance structure
subcommittee review and
refinement to further
support volunteer board
members and community
contributors
Education programs planned
or attended externally for
operational staff in the areas
of incontinence, E.C.G.s,
Community Care, Active
Ageing and advanced wound
care
Implementation of an online
education system for staff
(SOLLE) with training of
three staff to allow access to
online courses and programs
through Western District
Health Service
Review of annual leave
liability and active planning
of leave for staff to ensure
they are well rested,
supported and maintain high
quality professional service
delivery
Successfully recruited
additional fitness staff and
administration staff to
further develop the service
Flexible family friendly
workplace environment to
support and engage all staff
Above: BBNC staff Lauren Mason,
Heather Smith and Jenny Macfarlane,
train with WDHS SOLLE educator Deb
Smith
Above: Live Active Coordinators Janette
Tinning and Tallie Talay.
Below: Flexible family friendly BBNC
environment supports staff
Attracting, Recruiting
and Training for Today
and Tomorrow’s Team
Below: RAN Diane McLean and Respite Carer Lana Howman extinguish flames at a
whole staff fire training session conducted by Western District Health Service
Accreditation process
utilized to review current job
description structure
Recognition to staff of high
performance via the
accreditation interview
process
-8-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE
Technologically Savvy
Marketing and
communications plan
developed and
implementation commenced
for 2011/ 2012
Review of IT access for staff
and TRAK care community
capacity for our service in
the future
Technology upgrades in the
areas of video consultation
and wireless connectivity
Transfer of all operational
staff to new e-mail system
Above: Whole Staff meeting 2011.
Below: Jodie Russell assists in preparing documents for external accreditation
review completed in June 2011.
Sustainable Future for
the Centre
Quality documentation
preparation for external
accreditation review in June
and annual reporting
Ensuring risk management
and legislative compliance
via revised committee
structure and new
operational compliance
tracking processes
Below: Lauren Mason demonstrates transfer of all operational staff to new e-mail
system
Review and tender of
community care sub
contractors provision
Negotiation of a three year
Family Support funding
agreement with FACHSIA
Victorian Hospital Incident
Management System
implementation
-9-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
A year that began as drought with
many water saving measures in place
around the Centre developed into a
substantially wetter year. Like many
in Victoria, the Balmoral Bush
Nursing Centre experienced flooding
in early December and then again
mid-January when the drainage
could not cope with the deluge.
Unfortunately the facility sustained
damage to the administration area
which led to the carpet needing full
replacement. Extra stormwater
drainage which has since been
added, is working very well and has
prompted further landscaping to
improve the appearance of the front
garden.
I would like to give a special thank
you to the SES volunteers who
attended in the early hours of the
morning in January to lend a hand
when it looked like the water was
going to just keep rising.
Despite the upheaval in the
administration area, the longawaited
renovation in the
Community Services office was
completed. It looks fantastic and has
greatly improved the functionality of
the workspace for the respite staff.
The Family Centre outdoor play area
has also benefitted from the addition
of a very classy blue boat kindly
manufactured and donated
by the Balmoral Men’s Shed. The
children absolutely love it and
it looks wonderful docked
in the artificial creek bed.
Other work done in the yard includes
stabilising the creek bed after the
heavy summer rains, resealing the
timber decked areas, topping up the
mulch and replacing the sand pit
sand.
The children have showed a keen
interest in growing their own
colourful flowers and edible
plants in the garden and this has
been supported by the Centre giving
them responsibility for their own
designated patch of earth within the
yard.
Above: BBNC Family Centre children enjoy
blue boat provided by the Balmoral Men’s
Shed
We look forward to seeing what the
budding gardeners will grow next.
An enhancement to our existing fire
warning system has been the recent
installation of a fully integrated fire
monitoring system throughout the
facility. This better system assists in
the timely response and
management of fire within the
facility, helping to provide a safer
environment for all staff, clients and
visitors.
My first year in the diverse role as
Environmental Services Coordinator
has been a busy one and with the
support and assistance of
Environmental Services Officer
Louise Guthrie has been a pleasure. I
look forward to another year as part
of the dynamic team at Balmoral
Bush Nursing Centre.
Anita Weaver Environmental Services Coordinator
-10-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
CLINICAL NURSING
Our clinical nursing staff are
committed to providing a welcoming,
inclusive and supportive
environment for all people who
access our service. We endeavour
to provide the best outcome for our
clients in their health care and
encourage them to take an active
part in working toward their goals
through health education and
support.
Often our clients comment on what a
wonderful service they receive at the
Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre; not
only do they receive thorough
assessment, treatment and health
advice, but we frequently act as an
advocate and provide respite when
accessing other health services. The
strong links we have developed with
other local health services such as
Western District Health Service,
Coleraine and Hamilton Medical
Centres, further enhance the client
care.
The nursing staff strive to further
their knowledge and skills in various
areas including wound care,
continence, suturing, ear syringing
and immunization. We are pleased to
be able to offer these services to
clients. Annually we complete
Remote Area Nurse (RAN) training
conducted by Ambulance Victoria.
This two-day competency based
training provides us with the
necessary skills to treat individuals in
an emergency setting utilizing the
RAN guidelines.
Health Promotion key strategies at
the Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
strive to meet the state
government’s 2010 - 2014 initiative
for health and wellbeing. We align
with local, regional and state health
promotion priorities. In particular we
work to support the Southern
Grampians and Glenelg Primary Care
Partnership’s health and wellbeing
priorities.
The three people-focused outcomes
of the Victorian Health Priorities
Framework 2012-2022 are:
People are as healthy as
they can be
People are managing their
own health better
People have the best health
care service outcomes
possible
These outcomes are key issues and
part of our vision at the BBNC. We
aim to achieve these by the
programs offered which include:
Health clinics – pap smear,
spot checks, flu immunisation
School health talks
First aid courses
Hearing screening - Wimmera
Hearing Society Inc. Hearing
Van
Women’s Health Night
Health checks at the Balmoral
Show
Above: Kim Dufty treating camper at
Balmoral
Left: Registered Nurses Lisa McClure,
Diane McLean and Ann Vaughan
undergoing Remote Area Nurse (RAN)
training
-11-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
CASE MANAGEMENT
The Case Management objective is to
support people to live a more
rewarding and independent life in
their own home. We provide support
to clients with complex care needs to
ensure access to a variety of services.
The care packages need to be flexible
to support the ever changing needs
of the client. We encourage them to
set personal goals and assist them to
work towards meeting these goals.
Our team meets regularly to review
client care plans and discuss future
ways that we can assist them. There
is a multidisciplinary team approach
to each individual with referrals to
Allied Health and Medical services to
ensure all their care needs are met.
The services provided are
Home Care
Personal Care
Advocacy
Home Maintenance
Meals on Wheels
Above: Kate Mutch assisted by carer Melissa Matthews
Respite Services
Personal Alert Alarms
Personal Health and
Equipment Supplies
We are fortunate to have the
support of Lyndoch Community
Options and Community Connections
to assist with funding for packages to
aged and disabled clients. We also
are thankful to Barwon Health Carer
Respite and Carelink Services who
have assisted our clients with
funding for respite services and
equipment purchases this year. The
partnership between these providers
and the Balmoral Bush Nursing
Centre delivers a valuable service
which enhances the lives of
individuals in the Balmoral
Community.
Ann Vaughan – Clinical Nurse Coordinator
-12-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Balmoral Planned Activity Group (BPAG)
The goal of the BPAG is to assist people
to live in their homes and community as
independently as possible.
Independence refers to the capacity of
people to manage the day to day
activities of their daily life and make
decisions about their life. BPAG provides
programs to ensure that clients are able
to gain the greatest level of
independence they can achieve. Equally
they must be as actively involved in
making decisions about their life as
possible. Such decisions include: the
type of events they wish to attend, guest
speakers on a wide range of different
subjects and visiting many different
locations in the area. This assists client
independence which is supported by the
Active Service Model.
Above: Peg Foley and other members of the Balmoral Planned Activity group celebrating
Chinese New Year.
Below: Balmoral Planned Activity Group at Wandovale sheepdog trials in March 2011
-13-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Balmoral Planned Activity Group (BPAG)..continued
Monthly programs are sent to all clients
and volunteers.
Each month a report of the month’s
activities and the following month’s
program is printed in the Balmoral
Bulletin.
The wide range of events planned are to
support and enrich the lives of those
who attend. This year has seen a very
busy program involving many different
subjects and places to visit.
A very special thank you to all the
volunteers who help out each month.
Without their continuous support,
expertise and dedication we would not
be able to offer the wide range of
activities that all clients come to enjoy
each week.
Above: Aira Kemister, Anne Paterson & Live Active Coordinator Tallie Talay
Some of the Highlights from each month
Above: Aileen Cantwell relishing Natimuk
street art in May 2011
Below: Local school children celebrate
with BPAG in December 2010
July
Visit Local Horse Stud
Christmas In July Coleraine
August
Hamilton Sheepvention
Wannon Falls
September
Final of the Footy Tipping
Nareen & Native Flowers
Howie Bros in Horsham
October
Seniors Concert in Hamilton
Visit to Balmoral Community College
November
Glenthompson Brickworks
Melb Cup Eve Luncheon
ERA Nursery Tour
December
Shopping Trip Horsham
End of year & Christmas Luncheon
January
Celebrated Australia Day
February
Chinese New Year of Rabbit
Tour of New Police Station
Guest Speaker from Consumer Affairs
March
Wandovale Sheep Dog Trials
Julie Anthony Show at Wesley PAC
April
Exercises for all abilities
Guest Speaker from CFA
May
Visit to Natimuk
Hosted Biggest Morning tea for
Cancer Research
June
Celebrated Shortest Day
Hamilton Film Day
“Water for Elephants”
-14-

Average Student No per
month
Km travelled per month
Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
BBNC Transport
COMMUNITY SERVICES
The goal of the community transport
program is to provide transport for the
residents in the Balmoral area within the
constraints of available funding
1- 12 seater bus
1- 10 seater bus with ramp & 2
wheelchair access
1- Respite car
Demand for service continues:
Community transport
Fortnightly trips to Hamilton or
Horsham. 26 trips, 100 people using the
service.
The bus has been hired to the wider
community on 20 different occasions,
including the local community, school,
local businesses, football, netball and
angling clubs.
The Planned Activity Group used the
buses for a total of 32 trips.
Respite trips
158 in the buses
150 In the car
Total Kilometres Travelled
Buses 41,000 kms
Respite Car 37,889 Kms
VET “Getting Them
There” Project
A demand for youth transport in our
area was identified, working with the
Balmoral Community College to
transport students to regular classes in
Horsham for their VET Courses. This year
we have had ten students regularly
travelling to Horsham each Wednesday
to attend classes. Funding from South
West Transport Connections has made it
possible to continue this much needed
service.
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Jul-
10
Achievements:
Aug-
10
Balmoral BNC Transport service KM per month
June 2010 - July 2011
Sep-
10
Oct-
10
Nov-
10
Dec-
10
Regular BPAG trips
Fortnightly trips to Hamilton
& Horsham
Bus hire to wider community
Roster for Volunteer drivers
Community transport for
people with disabilities
Weekly youth transport to
VET classes in Horsham
Jan-
11
Month
Feb-
11
Mar-
11
Apr-
11
May-
11
Jun-
11
Balmoral BNC VET/ VCAL Student transport project June 2010-
July 2011 Average student number per trip
Jul-10
Aug-10
Sep-10
Oct-10
Nov-10
Dec-10
Jan-11
Feb-11
Mar-11
Apr-11
May-11
Jun-11
Month (no service Nov- Jan)
Respite Car
Bus B1 B2
Average student number per
trip
Future Targets
Increase funding to provide
transport for youth
Increase the number of volunteer
drivers
Review regular day and
destination trips
Getting Them There: Balmoral Consolidated
students travel weekly to vocational
training in Horsham as part of a transport
project with the BNC
-15-

Hours per month
Hours per month
Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Respite & Disability
Balmoral BNC Respite HACC and Community Aged Care
Packages July 2010- June 2011
The Respite program offers support to
carers, provides transport to medical
appointments, and assists frail older
clients and people of any age with a
disability, to remain living independently
in their own home or with family for as
long as possible. The Active Service
Model assists people to live in the
community as independently and
autonomously as possible. An increased
focus on individual goal setting has
developed over the year to improve
client independence and positive health
outcomes.
The challenge
To continue to provide a diverse service
focused on community needs within
funding constraints.
Responsibilities
Provide a local contact for carers and
clients to access support
Assess activity needs and preferences
of carers and clients
Network with service providers
Assist with referral to other services
Assist with transport
Respect the independence, privacy
and confidentiality of clients
Ensure Occupational Health & Safety
requirements are met
Funding to support the Respite Program
National Respite Carers Program-
Lyndoch
Home and Community Care (HACC)
Linkages
Community Aged Care Packages
Individual support packages
Respite Staff
Respite staff constantly demonstrate
their willingness to work as a team and
to meet the needs of clients. Staff
demonstrate professionalism while
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Jul-
10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Aug-
10
Balmoral BNC Respite NRCP July 2010- June 2011
Sep-
10
Oct-
10
Nov-
10
Month
Dec-
10
Jan-
11
Month
providing the highest standard of care
for our clients.
We have two changes to our respite
team as we farewelled Isla Mutch in
December and welcomed Melissa
Mathews to the respite staff.
Education is in place to ensure that staff
are able to maintain their level of
expertise in their areas of work.
Monthly meetings, first aid, fire safety,
and OH & S training are mandatory for
staff. Participation in education and
training is encouraged. We continually
strive to maintain and improve the
services offered.
Staff Thanks
Congratulations to all the staff on the
2010- 2011 year. It has been a fantastic
year and we are all looking forward to
the year head. A special thank you to
Heather Smith for all the work she has
contributed to the Centre and also for
being my assistant. Heather makes my
job so much more enjoyable knowing I
have her as a backup.
Feb-
11
Mar-
11
Lyn Iredell - Community Services Coordinator
Apr-
11
May-
11
Jun-
11
Hacc/ Linkages Target
Hacc/ Linkages Delivered
Nrcp Target
Nrcp Delivered
Her attention to detail and drive to get
the job done is a credit to her work ethic.
Team environment at the Centre is only
enhanced with the ever reliable and
supportive Centre Manager Lisa
Hutchins.
Special thanks to Lisa for making the
Centre a very special place to work and
supporting the community’s needs.
-16-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
Connecting people, promoting
health of our
962
occasions of
client advocacy
41%
of BNC clientele
aged 20-54 years
of age
67
RAN Emergency
Care Cases
1242
vital signs
monitored
422
pathology
specimens
collected
1
only BNC in
Victoria to offer
onsite childcare
-17-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
knowledge, investing in the
community for the future
1056
G.P
Appointments
37,889
kms travelled in
the respite car
424
wound care
assessments
81%
of clientele born
in Australia
19%
Of clients from New Zealand,
England, Scotland, Netherlands,
Finland, Czech Republic, Japan,
Canada, U.S, & Nigeria
7
voluntary board
members
-18-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
STORIES OF OUR SERVICE
Childcare
Julie Lyons is a teacher as well as a busy
mother of two. For her, the BBNC’s
Family Centre plays an important role in
bridging her family and professional
commitments.
Her two days- a -week teaching roster is
linked to the Monday - Friday childcare
placements. This enables Julie to teach
year 10 Mathematics, Year 11 chemistry,
and a weekly science session for preps.
Balmoral is the only Bush Nursing centre
in Victoria to have a purpose-built
childcare facility on site. Partnership
with Wimmera Uniting Care, the Family
Centre has been in operation since 2007,
filling a long identified void in the
district.
Logistically the facility works well for
Julie as she is able to travel to Balmoral
from her home in Gatum, settle her son
Harry, 3, in at childcare and arrive at
school just in time for morning briefing.
“It works beautifully. “It’s wonderful that
it is a small facility. The facility is
beautiful and they are always adding
special touches; a little sandpit, a veggie
garden.
They use space very well,” she said.
“It’s really important that the children
have a chance to socialize with other
children. It’s invaluable to know he’s
okay with someone else caring for him.”
“It’s wonderful to
be able to work in
some capacity
outside the home
once you’ve had
children. It’s
given me a better
sense of self-worth
which is really
important.”
But in addition to fulfilling her son’s
needs, Julie is quick to point out it
benefits her as well, “It’s wonderful to
be able to work in some capacity outside
the home once you’ve had children. It’s
given me a better sense of self-worth
which is really important.”
Balmoral Community College Acting
Principal Wendy Hobbs said the
childcare facility has boosted the
school’s capacity to recruit and retain
teachers, “It assists me as an employer
to know that my staff have excellent
childcare options right here in town. I
know other district businesses reap the
benefits of the service as well.”
-19-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
STORIES OF OUR SERVICE
Youth Transport
For the Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre,
forging partnerships is a traditional way
to tackle community need. The need
presented was around local young
people taking up vocational training
programs. Students were keen to take
part in vocational training in Horsham as
part of their studies at the Balmoral
Community College but the travel
component of hundreds and hundreds of
kilometres was tough for the parents.
The solution was to combine forces:
Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre provided a
bus and driver each Wednesday, the
Balmoral Community College
coordinated students and South West
Transport Connections at the Western
District Health Service contributed
$5,000.
The “Getting Them There” youth
transportation program was born. It
began with five students in 2010. A year
later, ten students now take the bus to
Horsham each Wednesday and the
program has been a success for all
partners--especially parents.
“The Service gives
kids an opportunity
they wouldn’t have
and saves the
parents a lot of
weekly travel. All
the parents really
appreciate what has
been put in place.
It’s a great service
for the kids. “
Simone Stevenson’s Year 10 son, Dylan,
is working toward a Certificate III in
Engineering at Longerenong College.
She says Dylan probably wouldn’t have
been able to enrol if the transport
partnership wasn’t in place, “The Service
gives kids an opportunity they wouldn’t
have and saves the parents a lot of
weekly travel. All the parents really
appreciate what has been put in place.
It’s a really great service.“
Daniel Brody, 16, is doing a building and
construction course through Ballarat
University. His parents Trish and Derek
Brody depend on the service to get Dan
to his weekly course, “It’s an
unbelievable service for us. With one
son travelling to Hamilton for school and
one going to Horsham for VET it is
essential for our family,” said Derek
Brody.
The Getting Them There program transports Balmoral Community College Students to vocational training and rural placements in Horsham
each week.
-20-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
STORIES OF OUR SERVICE
The Men’s Shed
It sounds like hammering, but the
Balmoral Men’s shed feels like mateship.
The Men’s Shed program is a weekly
program where men and women in the
district gather and build, upholster,
paint, repair and socialize.
“Men’s Shed has a definite feeling of
mateship. It’s also about ownership as
clients work on what they want,” said
Coordinator Lyn Iredell who oversees the
program assisted by Heather Smith.
While Men’s Sheds are now common,
the Balmoral program was one of the
first in Western Victoria. It started in
2006 as an avenue to enhance the
Planned Activity Group (PAG). The
Centre targeted the creation of a Men’s
Shed as a program that would be more
male- focused, have a more “blokey”
feel. The demographic of males over 50
had been one the BNC had strategically
identified.
“Our Men’s Shed is certainly a program
that naturally links with everything. The
Shed teams up with the Red Cross at
Balmoral’s annual Easter Market to
display what they’ve made, and they
have worked with the Balmoral Show
teaching children to make wooden toys.”
says Lyn Iredell.
This partnership of young and old
making wooden pencil cases and toy
helicopters together was a good
example of how the program connects
with the community. Often community
people bring items to repair to the
Men’s shed. Wonky chairs, damaged
market umbrellas and cupboards which
need a facelift are revitalized for
community members who don’t have
the time or expertise for such repairs.
After the 2009 Black Saturday fires a call
went out from Wildlife Victoria for
citizens to build possum habitat boxes.
The Balmoral Men’s Shed responded.
They’ve also made six very substantial
picnic tables from donated red gum and
for the local recreation reserve and have
crafted benches available for sale.
Lyn Iredell notes the perfect fit the
Men’s Shed has with the Health
Department’s Active Service Model,
which encourages clients to continue to
do for themselves rather than an over
reliance on care givers, “The idea is that
people maintain activity and stay
healthier longer by doing for
themselves—that’s exactly what Men’s
Shed is all about really.”
With the exception of coordinator
wages, the Men’s Shed program is selffunded
by the sale of products and
donations from the community
members.
Below: Neville Merryfull at the Balmoral Men’s Shed
Top: Men’s shed at the Show - Bob Paterson demonstrates to
younger generations Tom and George Austin how to make a
wooden helicopter at the Balmoral Show
Bottom: Men’s Shed mateship - Neville Merryfull, Ivan Harris,
John Norris and Bob Paterson building a chook house
Shown from left: Men’s shed participants Bob
-21-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
STORIES OF OUR SERVICE
Patron
Five years ago the Balmoral Bush Nursing
Centre invited well known local,
Christina Hindhaugh to serve as Centre
patron. Christina has written four bestselling
books as well as co-establishing
the largest rosemary farm in Australia.
A patron is often a high profile advocate
with a long-standing affiliation who
champions an organization or cause.
The Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre is
unique as it is the only Bush Nursing
Centre in Victoria to have this special
position.
Christina Hindhaugh was a natural
choice as patron as she had an
established bond of more than four
decades with the Balmoral Bush Nursing
Centre. As a young mother she sought
Bush Nursing care for her family as well
as serving on the Committee of
Management at the Centre for many
years.
"The Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre has
played a treasured role in my life for
over 42 years. Four generations of
Hindhaughs have rushed straight into
the Centre whenever illness or injury
struck, and were invariably treated with
great efficiency and kindness while we
were bandaged, splinted or injected;
massaged, medicated or monitored; or
just sewn up, cleaned up and cheered
up! Such outstanding care over many
years has been of immense comfort and
practical service for everyone in the
district, ’’ said Mrs Hindhaugh.
“The Balmoral Bush
Nursing Centre
facilities are now
some of the finest in
the land. But they
are, after all, only
buildings. It is Lisa
Hutchins and her
nursing team which
gives our Centre its
beating heart and
has made the
Balmoral Bush
Nursing Centre a
leading light and
role model for remote
area health delivery
throughout Victoria”
In her capacity of patron, Mrs.
Hindhaugh assisted the Centre with a
successful fundraising campaign for a
Centre extension in 2007. She turned
the first sod for the development as well
utilizing her skills as a professional
speaker to address the public as the
construction was launched. Upon
completion of the new facility in 2008
she again publicly spoke and celebrated
with the community.
“The Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
facilities are now some of the finest in
the land, but they are, after all, only
buildings. It is Lisa Hutchins and her
team which gives our Centre its beating
heart and has made the Balmoral Bush
Nursing Centre a leading light and role
model for remote area health delivery
throughout Victoria. I am immensely
honoured to serve as its Patron," said
Mrs. Hindhaugh.
-22-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
STORIES OF OUR SERVICE
Live Active
What is Live Active It’s an arm of the
Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre which has
fitness as its focus. Live Active
promotes a healthy lifestyle, encourages
people to increase activity at all life
stages and maintain activity in old
age. In addition to getting people
moving, Live Active spreads a positive
approach to exercise within the
community.
Tallie Talay and Jannette Tinning
coordinate Live Active. Both trainers
have certificate III in Fitness as well as
having completed EMAA, Easy Moves
Active Aging, a specialized training
course for conducting exercise programs
for older adults.
“People think exercise is hard work or
that exercise is hard to work in to daily
life. But we’re trying to spread the
message that exercise can be motivating.
Enjoyable. Full of laughter,” said
Coordinator Tallie Talay.
While Live Active was officially launched
in March 2011, the ground work began
in 2009 when the BBNC began
supporting employees to train for the
Certificate III in Fitness. When two
employees were qualified the Centre
could increase its emphasis on offering
fitness programs and increasing
community knowledge on the benefits of
exercise.
Recent BBNC fitness programs include
Swimming with the Stars, Aqua Aerobics,
Strength Classes and Strength Training
for Older Adults. Live Active also has
introduced the Discover Balmoral
Walking Group, which promotes fitness
and connection to other people through
regular walking. Partnering with the
Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre in this
health initiative is the Heart Foundation.
Since inception the program has
conducted 70 group fitness sessions as
well as regular one on one client
sessions.
What’s ahead for Live Active The
coordinators predict ever increasing
numbers of clients involved in fitness,
and diverse programs such as Fat Burner,
Walking, Chair Exercises, Fitball, Circuit,
and Zumba. Program development is
responsive to community need and
driven by participants.
“Live Active is a wonderful example of
how community organizations can
actively invest in the health of their
community,” said Centre Manager Lisa
Hutchins.
“People think
exercise is hard
work or that
exercise is hard to
work in to daily
life. But we’re
trying to spread
the message that
exercise can be
motivating.
Enjoyable. Full of
laughter.”
-23-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
STORIES OF OUR SERVICE
NEC Broadband for Seniors
The Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre has
long been a district hub, but it’s recently
become a link for seniors who want to
know more about computers.
The BBNC has partnered with the NEC
Broadband for Seniors program to host a
computer kiosk at the Balmoral Bush
Nursing Centre. Two computer stations
are available to the public free of charge
and the project aims to provide seniors
with free access to broadband, help
them gain confidence using
computer technology, and to build
community participation and social
inclusion.
While the program prioritizes seniors,
the computers are available to the
general public as well.
NEC Broadband for Seniors Trainer Anita
Weaver says, “This program stops
seniors being left behind with
technology. It helps them stay in touch
with family and friends.”
“It really
stretches your
mind. It’s great
to find you can
manage it and
modern
technology
doesn’t have to
defeat you. It
was pretty
exciting seeing
all the things I
could tap into.”
In November 2010 two computers were
installed at the Centre and the program
began offering basic word processing
and sessions on how to use the internet.
Five people are currently training; some
having lessons for the first time, others
expanding existing skills to better use
the computers they have at home.
Marie Rees, 71, is the first BBNC
participant to complete the program, “I
started off not knowing much about it at
all. The program has been excellent.
Something I’ve really enjoyed.”
She’s used her newly developed
computer skills to email her sister in
Adelaide, look for craft ideas and keep in
touch with her niece who was being
married in Germany. Mrs. Rees’
eventual goal is to record her family
history on computer.
“It really stretches your mind. It’s great
to find you can manage it and modern
technology doesn’t have to defeat you.
It was pretty exciting seeing all the
things I could tap into.”
Funding for the program has extended
into 2012.
Left: Pauline Koenders, Beth Smith, Trainer
Anita Weaver, Marie Rees and Robyn Blake
enjoy the NEC Broadband for Seniors program
at the BBNC.
-24-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
STORIES OF OUR SERVICE
Intern Training
Intern Madeleine Trott’s eleven weeks
working with Coleraine G.P. Brian
Coulson allowed her to learn more of
country practice, gain additional hands
on medical training and sample Bush
Nursing in Balmoral.
Madeline or “Doctor Maddie” as she was
known to clients at the Balmoral Bush
Nursing Centre, is part of a University of
Adelaide Program, which places training
medicos in country areas. The
Coleraine- Casterton Medical Group
educated her as part of her internship at
the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The
Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre benefits
from this program through their 28 year
partnership with the Coleraine-Casterton
Medical Group.
“Our aim is to expose these students to
as much rural practice as we can in the
hope they appreciate rural life and may
even consider a career in rural medicine.
But it’s also about exposing the
community to highly motivated and
intelligent young doctors,” Dr. Coulson
explained.
In addition to her work in western
Victoria and South Australia, Dr. Maddie
completed a general internship in Kenya
and an obstetrics rotation in the UK.
Time in Mt. Gambier and the York
Peninsula hadn’t prepared her for the
physical landscape here, “The region is
so beautiful, I couldn’t believe it.”
“I’m really glad I
came. Everyone is so
friendly and go out of
their way to make
things happen. It’s
been fun to be in a
place where people
recognize you. As an
intern at a hospital,
you are pretty much
at the bottom of the
pile,” said Dr. Maddie.
During her time with Dr. Coulson she
was impressed with the high level of
independence and the opportunities
country practice gives interns to try a bit
of everything. She knew nothing of Bush
Nursing. “I’m very impressed with Bush
Nurses. They are very skilled and it’s
impressive if you’ve only worked with
nurses within the hospital system.”
“I’m really glad I came. Everyone is so
friendly and go out of their way to make
things happen. It’s been fun to be in a
place where people recognize you. As
an intern at a hospital, you are pretty
much at the bottom of the pile,” said Dr.
Maddie.
In addition to Dr. Maddie, Dr.
Christopher (Chi Yuen) Wong, Dr. Bianca
Djurdjevic, Dr. Sonia Cherian, and Dr.
Matthew Hauser are all University of
Adelaide interns who will engage with
patients at the Balmoral Bush Nursing
Centre during the year.
Below: Dr. Greta Prozesky assists in the
training of intern Dr. Bianca Djurdjevic
-25-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
VOLUNTEERS
A Thank You at Christmas
The support of all volunteers who
contribute and help out at the Centre
is very much appreciated. One way
we thank those who help throughout
the year is at the annual Christmas
party. This event is held to thank all
staff, volunteers and people involved
with the Centre over the year. This is
a very important and special
occasion to get everyone together
and to say thank you for supporting
the Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre.
BPAG
Without the many volunteers who
help out each week with the
Balmoral Planned Activity Group
would not be able to offer the large
range of activities that clients have
come to enjoy on a regular basis.
Volunteers provide ideas, afternoon
tea, companionship, laughs and
always a helping hand.
Drivers
Volunteers continue to drive the
Community Bus on regular trips to
Hamilton and Horsham. This helps to
make the Community Bus a far more
cost effective program.
Grounds and Building
Greg and Jack Rogers continue a long
history of assisting the Centre. Their
work and “can do” attitude continue
to be appreciated. When a trailer
full of garden rubbish needs to be
emptied, David Mutch often empties
it and returns the trailer clean to
start again.
We thank everyone who gives of
their time to make the BBNC a strong
organisation.
.
“Volunteers are not paid because they are
worthless but because they are priceless.”
Left: Balmoral Planned Activity Group Volunteer
Nancye Merryfull with Anne Paterson on group outing
Below: SES Volunteers attending to flooding at the
BBNC in January 2011
-26-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
OUR PEOPLE
Manager 1
Area Coordinators 4
Nursing Staff 5
Community Services 10
Administration 3
Environmental Services 1
Project 1
Above: Area Coordinators Anita Weaver, Jenny Macfarlane, Lyn Iredell, Ann
Vaughan and Centre Manger Lisa Hutchins. The Bush Nursing Centre employs
25 staff part time and casual and has invested 8,161 direct client service hours.
Below: Collingwood Theme at staff Christmas party December 2010.
-27-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
OUR VALUES
We believe in EQUITABLE
ACCESS to health care of a
standard equal to that of less
isolated areas.
We are committed to service
QUALITY and actively
encourage a culture of
continuous improvement.
We maintain SAFETY as a
priority in all our workplace
practices including the
promotion of environmental
safety.
We recognise our staff and our
volunteers as being our most
valuable asset and
TEAMWORK is essential to our
success.
In all interactions with our
community, staff and volunteers,
we RESPECT their rights,
dignity and beliefs regardless of
their age, sex, cultural, spiritual
or socio economic background.
ADAPTABILITY is essential to
ensure we continue to meet the
needs of our community.
We are committed to a proactive
role in COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT in order to
positively influence the health of
our district.
-28-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
STAFF
Centre Manager
Lisa Hutchins
RN Division 1 Dip App Sc (Nsg),
VRAN
Dip. Business (Human Resources)
Clinical Nursing
Coordinator
Ann Vaughan
RN Division 1, BN.VRAN
Nursing Staff
Diane McLean: RN Div1, VRAN
Health Promotion
Gillian Hair: RN Div1, RM,
VRAN
Kim Dufty: RN Div1, BN, RM,
VRAN,
Sarah Roberts: RN Div1, BN,
VRAN
Lisa McClure: RN Div1, BN,
VRAN
Community Services
Coordinator
Lyn Iredell
RN Div 2, Cert 111 Home &
Community Care
Community Services
Assistant
Heather Smith: Cert 111 Home
& Community Care Cert 111
Fitness
Administration
Coordinator
Jenny Macfarlane Cert. Rural
Office Practice, Level II First Aid
Administration Staff
Lauren Schultz: Level 11 First Aid
Jodie Russell: Associate Dip App
Sci (Farm
Management), Associate Dip App
Sci (Wool and Fibre Marketing),
Level 11 First Aid
Fiona Jagger: Level II First Aid
Executive Administration
Officer
Sabrina Watt: BA (Journalism and
History), Level 11 First Aid
Live Active
Tallie Talay: Cert III Fitness, Level
11 First Aid
Jannette Tinning, Cert III Fitness,
Level 11 First Aid
Balmoral Bush Nursing staff training session
Respite Carers
Lana Howman: B Sc (Teaching)
PCA Certificate, Level 11 First Aid
Joy Brody: Cert 111 Home &
Community Care, Level 11 First
Aid
Lauris Logan: Cert 111 Home &
Community Care, Level 11 First
Aid
Rebecca Kearns: Level 11 First Aid
Janette Matthews: RN Div 2, Level
11 First Aid
Karen Davis: Level 11 First Aid
Melissa Matthews, Level 11 First
Aid, Cert III Hairdressing
Environmental Services
Coordinator
Anita Weaver: Retail Pharmacy
Assistant (Gr 2), Level 11 First Aid
Environmental Services
Staff
Margaret (Louise) Guthrie
-29-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
STAFFING STRUCTURE
-30-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
SERVICES PROVIDED
Clinical Services:
• District Nursing
• Accident & Emergency Nursing
• Palliative Care
• Post Acute Care
• Hospital in the Home
• Access to Psychiatric Services
• Collection of Pathology
Specimens
• Continence Care & Advice
• Access to Medications &
Pharmacy Services
• Wound Care
• Domiciliary Midwifery
• Community Nursing – DVA
Allied Health Services:
Above: Centre Manager Lisa Hutchins
• Maternal & Child Nurse
• Podiatry Service
• Dietetic Service
• Optometrist
• Diabetes Educator
• Asthma Educator
• Community Health Days
• Fitness Programs
• Virtual Services
Community Services:
• Respite Program
• Planned Activity Program
• Case Management
• Community and Youth Transport
Services
• Volunteer Program
• Health Promotion
• Disability Services
• The Shed
Above: Kevin Bloomfield with Western District Health Service Podiatrist
Phuong Huynh
Below: John Norris works at the Balmoral Men’s Shed
Referral Services:
• A wide range of referral Services
-31-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
DOCTORS
Dr Brian S Coulson
MBBS Dip RACOG, FACRRM,
practices with Coleraine /
Casterton Medical Clinic and visits
Balmoral every second Tuesday.
Dr Coulson has been with the
practice since 1982. He graduated
from Adelaide in 1978 special
interests are dermatology,
psychiatry & infectious diseases.
Dr Jan Slabbert
MB ChB FRACGP, practices with
Hamilton Medical Group and
visits Balmoral every second
Wednesday afternoon.
Dr Slabbert welcomes patients
with any health issues, including
ante natal appointments.
Dr Greta Prozesky
MBChB, FRACGP practices with
Coleraine / Casterton Medical
Clinic and visits Balmoral every
alternate Tuesday afternoon.
Dr Greta graduated in South
Africa, working in Britain and
Bahrain before joining the
practice at the end of 2000. Her
interests are Paediatrics, female
health, psychiatry and alternative
medicine.
Above: Dr. Brian Coulson with Jack Rogers
Above: Dr. Slabbert with Lauren Mason and baby Luca
Below: Dr. Greta Prozesky
Dr Ramin Taheri
MASHHAD University currently
working toward his FRACGP,
practices with Coleraine /
Casterton Medical Clinic and visits
Balmoral in a relief capacity.
-32-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
DONATIONS
The Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre recognizes the financial donations
provided by our community. We are grateful to each person or business
who has thoughtfully donated.
From these donations we are able to provide more to people who require
our support.
Arundale Pastoral Company
and Donald Cant P/L.
Balmoral Men’s Shed
Iluka Resources
Hugh Delahunty, MLA
In Memory of Cath Howman
Dot Hunter
Harry Klein
Peter and Fay Mutch
Neville & Marg Hobbs
Derek & Tricia Brody
Pigeon Ponds Sports Social
Club
Glenn Hayes
Betty Mutch
Angela Burne
John and Marie Rees
Anonymous
-33-

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre
KEY PARTNERS
The Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre continues to formalize and
integrate planning with key partners
Coleraine Casterton Medical
Hamilton Medical Group
Darcy Penrose - Mooree
Remedial Massage
-34-

www.balmoralbnc.com.au
Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre