Starting a conversationabout accessibility

Celebrating our volunteers

Seniors become tech-savvy

Supporting vulnerable teens

Issue 48

Winter2015

KEEPING YOU CONNECTED

villamaria.com.au

On July 1, Villa Mariaand Catholic Homes willbecome one. This is anincredible achievementless than eight monthsafter announcing an intention to merge.

Yet while the merger becomes official on this date, the two organisations have been workingsteadily to integrate their servicesand staff and ensure the transitionto the merged entity is seamless.This has included the consolidation of staff to central offices and the appointment ofkey senior managers.

This is a time of great opportunityfor Villa Maria Catholic Homes.The board and executive haveidentified a number of projects weare keen to pursue across allareas of disability, aged care andspecialist education. We are continuing to develop our strategic plan and these projectswill form part of that. They are exciting opportunities and showwe remain committed to providing high quality servicesacross the life spectrum.

Our Marketing Team has beensteadily preparing for the launchof the new organisation. This includes creating a new logo torepresent the organisation for aninterim period, and a look andfeel that draws on both Villa Mariaand Catholic Homes. We feel the

CEO’s Messagevibrant design of the new logo,below, retains the personality ofthe individual logos while reflecting the Catholic ethos andthe bright future of the shared organisation. With the new lookwill come changes to all marketing and communicationsproducts, including Villa News.This is an important way for us tocommunicate with our supportersand while the look will be updated, it will continue telling thestories of Villa Maria CatholicHomes in a fresh and engaging way.

An event celebrating the mergedentity will be held later in the year.This will include a Mass at StPatrick’s Cathedral followed by aluncheon. We hope this celebration reflects our enthusiasm for the future of the organisation and that we canshare this with the people we support, their families and carers,our staff and supporters. More information will be providedabout this closer to the date.

I am pleased to tell you the lastapartment was sold at Athelstanin May. We celebrated the occasion with a function with residents and people key to theAthelstan journey. As Villa Maria’sfirst luxury retirement living project,Athelstan sets a high precedentfor future developments. The community built by the residents,and the wonderful staff, showshow great planning can createsuch a welcoming and supportiveenvironment.

We also celebrated our volunteersduring National Volunteer Week inMay. Without volunteers, VillaMaria would be much the poorer.Their passion and dedication

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Our Values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Courage, Person Centred.

means we are able to offer thehighest quality of care to the people we support. It is so pleasing to be able to thank themin a small but tangible waythrough the luncheon. I enjoyedcatching up with and meetingmany of the 160 dedicated Villavolunteers who attended. We alsoheld our first luncheon for 120Catholic Homes volunteers, whichwas just as successful. I am confident that all those attendingeither event would have enjoyedthe entertainment as much as Idid. We are already thinking howwe might top what we saw at thefirst combined function next year.

As you can see, we have much tobe proud of at Villa Maria. Butthere are great things to comeunder the merged entity. I am excited to be leading the organisation along this path andlook forward to sharing the journey with you.

Kind regards

Greg PullenCEO

Hanging out at thebowling alley or playingmini golf should be anormal weekend formost kids; laughing withfriends, taking it easyand sharing dreamsand aspirations.

But for young carers in Victoria’snorth, a day out with like-mindedyoung people is a rare treat.

And that is what made VillaMaria’s Young Carers Mentor Program Fun Day in Wangarattaso special.

Sixteen young carers from the region, some as young as eight,and 12 mentors came togetherin March for a day of relaxationand fun, and valuable time outfrom their regular caring duties.

Program Co-ordinator MarionRak said the day gave the groupthe opportunity to meet otheryoung carers with similar caringroles and responsibilities.

It also gave the mentors insightinto the valuable roles they playin being able to take the youngcarers out for some respite.

Tammy has been a mentor withthe program for two years. Shetries to do “girly things” with heryoung carer – also namedTammi – such as going to the movies.

“I really enjoy the program and Ithink it’s a valid program foryoung people, especially regional children,” she said.

For young carer Tammi, she justclicked with her mentor and therelationship has been a wonderful experience.

“It’s really hard to explain, but, it’sjust opened so many doors and Iget to experience stuff,” she said.

Glenys is mentor to young carerAngelina. She says her aim is toget “Angie” to work out whatshe’s interested in.

“I think sometimes when you’re ayoung carer you’re very much

focussed on the person you’recaring for and not yourself,” she said.

“Sometimes you’ve come a longway yourself, and you’ve comethat way with hard work and oneof the benefits of all that hardwork is being able to help someone do it a lot easier.”

Angelina agrees: “With me andGlenys going out it gives metime by myself … so (I’m) not always with (brother) Dominic(who she cares for)”.

“I would recommend it to otherpeople, it’s a good program.”

Marion said everyone had a funday and two new mentors werematched to two young carers.

“It is a case of becoming afriend to somebody who needs afriend, someone who can talk tothem confidentially, someonewho can keep a secret if theyneeded to,” she said.

To watch a video of the Fun Day,visit Villa Maria’s YouTube page:youtube.com/VillaMariaSociety VM V

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3Helping young carers take time out

You’re helping us Build a BusThanks to the generousdonations of our wonderful supporters, St Paul’s College is nowwell on its way to purchasing a new busand ensuring more children can get toschool each day.

Victorians have embraced theBuild a Bus Appeal and helped usraise an incredible $61,893 towards a new bus.

It means parents like Tracey will nolonger see getting their childrenready for school each day as anoverwhelming obstacle.

Tracey used to find preparing hersons Massimo and Thomas (pictured) for school a long andchallenging process – until theybegan taking the bus.

The brothers have a rare geneticchromosome disorder – MEPC 2 –a duplication of the XQ28 chromosome. It causes severeglobal developmental delay anda variety of health problems.

Trips in the car together are anightmare for mum Tracey. “Theywon’t sit still in the car with me,they try and get out of their seats,”she says. “Everything is just hardwork with the boys.”

Which is why Tracey calls theschool’s chaperoned bus servicea “God-send”.

She loves how the driver and assistant come to the door of thehouse and take the boys andeverything they need to the bus. Itmeans she can also concentrateon getting her third son, seven-year-old Luka, ready for school.

“It’s like a silver service … it’s priceless. It’s not so much the bus,it’s the service that you get fromthe bus; it’s just unbelievable,” she says.

“You can’t explain what you get injust a bus service, it’s the time, theconvenience, the stress reduction,everything.”

St Paul’s College Principal CherilDewhirst says the public supportfor the school and its chaperonedbus service was humbling.

“It’s so important all our childrenare able to attend school eachday; everyone deserves the opportunity to receive a good education. Providing a safe andreliable way for students to get toschool is a vitally important part of this.”

To learn more about how the bushelps St Paul’s families, watch ourmoving video at:villamaria.com.au/buildabus

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Reflection on a century of Anzac service

The Villa Maria community recognisedthe courage and sacrifice made by allAustralians who haveserved or died in wars as part of commemorations forthe Anzac Centenary.

Four plaques recognising theCentenary of Anzac Day on April25 were erected at the organisation’s four aged care residences in Berwick, Wantirna,Bundoora and Prahran.

Each plaque was set in a rosegarden and unveiled by thelocal federal Member of Parliament.

Residents joined the celebrations, including somewho fought in World War II.

Wantirna resident Gordon Cant,92, vividly remembers his time asFlying Officer in 31 Squadron ofthe RAAF – particularly his narrowescapes from death.

Making a low-level sweep overthe Celebes in Indonesia, hisplane was hit by Japanese machine gun fire. Smoke billowing from the damaged engine, his pilot struggled tomaintain altitude with the remaining motor.

Desperately trying to clear thecoastal mountains and reachthe sea, the aircraft began vibrating violently.

“We got about half way home toour base (at Morotai) when theengine caught fire and we hadto go into a steep dive towardsthe sea,” Gordon recounts, as ifstill on board the plane.

“At zero feet we pulled out of thedive and ditched it in the sea.

“The aircraft would float for 20 seconds. In that time we had to extricate ourselves. The watercaused the dingy to emergefrom the wing and we had 20seconds to get to the dingy.

“My pilot’s harness was tangled,but luckily he was able to get out safely.”

Four hours later they were rescued by Air Sea RescueCatalina. “A very welcome sight,”Gordon, pictured right, says.

Gateway Services also recognised the sacrifices madeby so many Australians in war.

Some people visited the Shrineof Remembrance while otherstook part in local Dawn Servicesand ceremonies or travelled intothe city to watch the Anzac DayMarch.

Coordinator Kath Hill said therewere a number of events at theKew site to recognise the day.

“We also baked Anzac biscuits inthe cooking program and ourart group spent some time making poppies. Collectively wereflected on the courage andsacrifice these men made so many years ago.”

Villa Maria has cared for many returned service people andthose with family members whowent to war since its inception in1907, and continues to care forgenerations of families withstrong ties to WWI.

Villa Maria CEO Greg Pullen saidwith such strong linkages to WWI,it was only fitting Villa Maria recognised the significant event.

“The memorials not only commemorate the Centenary ofAnzac Day, but ensure it is remembered well into the future,”he said.

“The memorials will be set in rosegardens where people can sitand reflect, and they will enablefamilies and friends to congregate to commemoratethe First World War.”

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Croydon RSL’s Sam Berrie, Federal member for Aston and Parliamentary Secretaryto the Prime Minister, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, and Villa Maria CEO Greg Pullen

Out & About stars on ABC radio

Villa Maria was excitedto be involved in a Conversation Hour on774 ABC Melbourne inApril for a discussionabout accessibility andhow well Australia is addressing the needs ofpeople with disability.

Villa Maria’s Out & About Ambassador Tim Ferguson co-hosted the program with ABCpresenter Zoe Daniel, and discussed his own views on howeasy – or difficult – it is to get outand about for people with disabilities.

He was joined by disability advocate and parent of a studentat St Paul’s College, Liz Kelly, whohas taken a leading role on thedebate on the NDIS and ensuringthe needs of people with disabilities are met.

Australian wheelchair tennisplayer Luba Josevski, who attended last year’s Out & AboutFamily Fun Day at Albert Park,joined the panel and shared herextraordinary story of how shechose to have a double limb amputation at the age of 16, tosave her back.

She says playing wheelchair tennis has changed her life. Butfor someone who uses both

prosthetic limbs and a wheelchair,Luba says accessibility is a veryfluid notion – one that is differentfor all people.

Audio of the Conversation Hourprogram is available on the ABCRadio website here:http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2015/04/09/4213591.htm VM

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Donating an honour

For Gordon James,helping Villa Maria ishis way of honouringhis late wife.

As a regular donor to the organisation, the 96-year-old hasmade a significant contributionover many years to the peopleVilla Maria supports.

Gordon’s wife, Vera, became involved with Villa Maria in 1952,21 years after she lost her sight.

Over the years, she began visiting other people with visionimpairment – a program thatcontinues today.

Gordon said St Paul’s first principal Brother O’Neill, himself

blind, took Vera under his wingand she continued her volunteerwork until the couple moved toQueensland in the 1980s.

“The last three or four years whenwe were in Melbourne she wasgoing out three times a week visiting the blind,” he said.

“When we moved up here shewas disappointed in leaving allher friends down there.”

Since Vera’s death, Gordon hascontinued his relationship withVilla Maria through regular donations and his decision tobecome a bequestor.

“Doing what I’m doing now is inhonour of Vera of course, keeping in touch with Villa, helping out if I can,” he said.

“I just appreciate what they did,the help with my wife, and secondly I know what good usethey put the money to.

“They seem to help everyonethat needs help around theplace.”

Gordon says he hopes that byleaving a bequest to Villa Mariain his will, he can continue making a difference to all thepeople the organisation supports.

“Oh yes, I hope so.”

If you would like to learn moreabout leaving a bequest to VillaMaria in your will, please contactDonor Relations and BequestsOfficer Mandy Shutie on 9412 8413. VM

No presents, please.Just a seat for mygrandson on theschool bus.

That was Maria Bizzotto’s onewish when she was planning her80th birthday celebration in November.

Her grandson, Anthony Bonato,attends St Paul’s College andcatches the school bus every day.

Maria’s daughter and Anthony’smum, Angela Bonato, said hermum was adamant that no onegive her a present, but insteadmake a donation to the St Paul’sCollege Save Me a Seat appeal,which is now part of the Build aBus program.

Anthony, 15, has been the posterboy for the appeal. Angela saidthey wrote all guests a letterabout the bus service, why it wasso important for Anthony andhow much it cost to run the service.

“We only had 15 people and weraised $550,” said Angela.

“Mum said, ‘it’s meaningful because it’s a service my grandson uses’. And becauseeveryone who came knows Anthony, it was also personal to them.”

Angela said the school bus wasa lifesaver for her family.

“I was driving him to school atthe start, but he’s a Houdini withthe seat belt and would get out,”she said. “I am very lucky hegets the bus every day.”

Bus driver Ray Lacey, picturedwith Anthony, Maria and chaperone Samantha Maher,has been taking Anthony toschool since 2005.

Angela said her mum’s 80thbirthday celebration was atouching night with close friendsand family.

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80th birthdaywish raises $550for school bus

Join the inaugural VillaMaria Catholic HomesCharity Golf Day andmake a difference to thelives of older people,people with disabilities,their families and carers.

With the merger of the two organisations on July 1 this year, acombined Charity Golf Day will beheld on Monday, October 19 atSouthern Golf Club in Keysborough.

Enjoy a round of ambrose golf asyou network with customers, showcase your company’s services or products and promoteyour commitment to communitydevelopment.

To find out more, contact VeronicaLyons on 9412 8407.

Date foryour diary

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Digital Ambassadors

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Seniors from VillaMaria’s White Road Activity and RespiteCentre in Wantirnahave joined the digital age.

Fifteen Telstra staff members visited the centre in April as partof the Telstra Digital AmbassadorProgram, volunteering to teachsimple digital literacy training forseniors.

“Through the program, Telstrastaff explain what the internet is,how it can be used in day-to-daylife and how to get started in afun and engaging way,” said Telstra Digital Literacy AdvisorHeather Rea.

“Developing the confidence andskills to use technology and participate in the digital community and economy is increasingly important for seniors.”

White Road Team Leader AngelaNg said the 20 White Road participants had relished the opportunity to learn.

“The Telstra volunteers showedthem how to use the tablets towatch clips on YouTube, read thenews and access social media,”Angela said.

“The volunteers were friendly, patient and professional and itwas particularly helpful for theChinese-speaking group to havevolunteers who could communicate with them in Mandarin and Cantonese.

“Our program aims to help olderpeople to remain independentand maintain their physical,emotional, social and intellectualwelling. It’s so important that wehelp them to connect to theircommunity.”

Some of the client’s feedback included:

“I have never touched an iPadbefore and didn’t know what itwas. Now I know I can watchChinese opera from YouTube.”

And: “My grandson has an iPadand I can now tell him that Iknow how to use it too.”

Telstra Digital Ambassador Chinwei Eow said it was very rewarding to help seniors see thepossibilities of technology andthe internet.

“They were pleasantly surprisedand the glow on their facesmade my day!”

Her colleague Ming Zhao said: “Iwas so glad to see the enthusiasm from the Chineseseniors to learn about new technology, in particular the

smiles on their faces when theyaccomplished a task. I coacheda lady who was 89 years old andstill wanting to learn. I am proudto be a Telstra Digital Ambassador to offer my assistance to the community.” VM

Edna and one of her family members

They sang, they ate,they waved their napkinsin joy and cheeredeach other with gusto.

Villa Maria’s Annual VolunteersLuncheon was an entertainingcelebration of the wonderful andvaluable contribution volunteersmake to the organisation every day.

Held during National VolunteerWeek, the lunch is also an opportunity to thank volunteersfor their significant commitmentthrough the presentation of service awards.

Twenty four Villa Maria volunteerswere recognised for years ofservice ranging from five to 35 years.

Guests were entertained by theUndercover Singers – MarioLasagne and Banquet Manager– who acted as chef and hostessbefore surprising the audienceby dramatically breaking into song.

Manager Volunteer Services BronSummers said whether a volunteer was new to the organisation or had been involved for several years, everycontribution they made wasvaluable and much appreciatedby the people Villa Maria supported, their families and carers.

“The volunteer luncheons are asmall way for Villa Maria to say‘thank you’ to a wonderful groupof volunteers who generouslygive their time and energy eachweek,” she said.

“It is a time where we can reflect,celebrate and give thanks forthe huge difference that volunteers make to the lives ofthe people we support.

“We are very blessed to have suchan amazing group of people involved in the organisation.”

Villa Maria relies on more than340 volunteers to help achieve itsvision of creating choices andbuilding inclusive, sustainableand compassionate communities every day.

Volunteeringwith heart

When Villa Maria volunteer Sue Taylor saysshe counts the seniorsshe visits as “part of herextended family”, shemeans it.

“I’ve built some lovely strong relationships with the residents overthe years. Trudy, who’s 103, came toour place for Christmas lunch fouryears ago. And if anyone else isever alone I will invite them over;there’s always a place at our table.”

Sue began volunteering at VillaMaria Bundoora aged care residence in 2004. She pops in upto three times each week to helpwith “anything and everything”, including craft activities, driving thebus to community outings, organising birthday celebrations, orsimply providing a “friendly ear” forresidents to chat to.

“I find volunteering really enriching,”Sue says. “My philosophy is to giveback, that’s what the world’s allabout. One day I may be sitting inan aged care facility and needsomeone to talk to. A five minutechat can mean the world to somepeople. I don’t think we realise howmuch input and power we have tomake a difference, just with ourtime.”

Sue’s dedication over a decade asa volunteer was recognised at theVilla Maria Annual Volunteer Luncheon and Service Awards.

Sue, who runs a mechanical business with her husband and hasbeen Bundoora Tennis Club Treasurerfor 25 years, also devotes time to thefamilies of the residents. VM

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A Western Victoria couple who had theirlives transformed byVilla Maria are now giving hope to troubled teens.

Karen and Derek Wiseman weredepressed and had anxiety issues until they became involved with Villa Maria’s MentalHealth Respite: Carer Supportprogram.

Case Manager Johanna Kirleysays through Emotional Wellbeingtherapy, respite services such asa break away, a Reiki retreat andconsistent carer support, Karenand Derek are living life to the full.

And now Karen, a trained arttherapist, has opened her ownart gallery in Nhill and is runningart retreats for troubled teens.

Most of the teens are affected bymental health issues. The Year 11students from Nhill SecondaryCollege attended the three-day

retreat and completed at leastthree pieces of art work each day.

Villa Maria supported the program by funding additionalart supplies for the students.

Following the positive outcomeof the retreat, Villa Maria fundedsix Year 12 VCAL students to participate in Intuitive Art Therapy as their Personal Development Stream in termsone and two.

The work culminated in an exhibition at Karen’s art gallery inNhill on Friday, April 24.

The students invited Villa Maria toopen the exhibition, as a way ofthanking the organisation for itssupport.

Johanna said one teen was soappreciative of the support hehad received from Villa Maria, herequested all gold coin entryfees be donated to the organisation “so that Villa Mariacan support someone else tohave the same opportunity”.

“How thoughtful for a teenagerto recognise the opportunity hehad been given and wantingsomeone else to experience thesame,” Johanna said.

Villa Maria Western CommunityServices Team Leader KevinDallinger said the exhibition wasa fantastic success.

The Hindmarsh Mayor and principal of the Nhill SecondaryCollege attended and everyonewas impressed with the quality ofthe artwork, Kevin said.

One of the VCAL students whoparticularly benefited from theprogram was Winee, a memberof the Karin community. Wineearranged for a group of otherKarin teens affected by mentalhealth conditions to take part inan art therapy program in theApril school holidays.

A circle of help and hope

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For more information or to purchase your tickets, callVeronica Lyons on 9412 8407.

Help Villa Maria raise funds to support children with disabilities at its St Paul’s College in Kew.

The third annual Dinner & Art with Heart will this year beheld at Fenix on the banks of the Yarra River in Richmond on Friday, August 7.

Once again it will feature art from some of Melbourne’smost prominent artists, including Michael Leunig,James O’Brien and Stan Yarramunua.

Guest speaker is former deputy prime minister and Ambassador to the Holy See, Tim Fischer AM. Mr Fischer will talk about his own experiences raising ason with Autism, and how vital an education is for all children.

The exclusive, intimate evening will include live andsilent auctions of artwork and other great offers, artisticsurprises and entertainment.

Comedian and women’s health campaigner Jean Kittson is MC and sure to keep guests entertained. Host a table, come on your own or with a small groupof friends. Tickets are $250 a person.

Villa News:We welcome your feedback and contributions to Villa News. Contact Cassie Zlonzak on (03) 9412 8410or email cassie.zlonzak@villamaria.com.au

Villa Maria Society Registered Office: 6 Studley Park Road Kew Victoria 3101Private Bag 20 Kew Victoria 3101T: (03) 9855 7600 Freecall 1800 036 377 F: (03) 9855 7899E: villamaria@villamaria.com.au W: www.villamaria.com.au

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Dinner and Art with Heart

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Reader UpdateDue to the merger of Villa Maria with Catholic Homes, the next edition of Villa News will have a new nameand updated look and feel. While this will change, the interesting, informative stories about the people wesupport, and the difference our supporters make in helping us to provide innovative services and programs,will remain the same. We hope you will continue to enjoy reading about the expanded range of servicesunder Villa Maria Catholic Homes and come with us on this exciting journey. VM

Exclusive, gourmet dinner

Picturesque setting

Wonderful entertainment

Raising money for a wonderful cause

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