Trust Autumn 2017

MAGAZINE

THE HILLS' $35MILLION AGED CARE CENTRE OPENS SECOND SUMMIT MAPS END TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

ELVIS TURNS RESIDENTS INTO REVELLERS Autumn Edition 2017 • www.baptistcare.org.au

Pages throughout this report have accompanying videos you can view by simply pressing the PLAY button.

Ross Low CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

You can also watch stories from across BaptistCare on our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/ BaptistCareNSWACT

As Easter approaches, we reflect on the life-changing impact of Christ’s actions, great and small. We are grateful that through your support we continue to deliver Care you can trust to those in need.

Real action and honest news - as opposed to the topic of ‘fake news’ dominating headlines - is happening right now, and as you will read, it is not restricted to those we are in contact with, nor is it confined to our State it is transforming lives throughout our nation.

To subscribe to our TRUST e-magazine email events@baptistcare.org.au Sign up for E-News www.baptistcare.org.au Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ BaptistCareNSWACT Join the conversation on Twitter @BaptistCare Connect with us on LinkedIn “BaptistCare NSW & ACT” Phone: 1300 275 227 BaptistCare NSW & ACT ABN 90 000 049 525

Serving the growing needs of the senior community in the Hills District, our Gracewood Centre has officially opened in Kellyville (p4). In Newcastle, three retirement villages have joined the BaptistCare family, increasing our presence in the region (p13).

encouraged by industry recognition at the ITAC awards (p12), and you can read how YouChoose is giving individuals more freedom (p9).

As major sponsors of the second National Family Violence Summit, we look forward to seeing the event’s recommendations to end this national crisis in action (p6).

I encourage you to take action too. Join me at the Halo Ball (p7) to directly support women and children escaping violent and oppressive relationships to rebuild their lives and break the cycle of violence.

Trust allows us to deliver open and honest communication to you.

We hope you are inspired by this real news, and ready to take action too. Consider volunteering your time or making a contribution today.

The rollout of our YouChoose program is changing the way care is accessed by our home care clients. We are

Editor - Elizabeth Byrne TRUST is the partners’ magazine produced by BaptistCare for its members, donors, supporters, clients, the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT, and the wider community.

TRUST is distributed quarterly.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Recently we were interviewing for a Chaplain's role and one of the applicants walked in with tattoos down each arm.

‘Rebecca’s’ (pseudonym) passion for people was evident but she lacked the qualifications and experience when compared to the other applicants.

At the end of the interview Rebecca indicated that she had been quite nervous, as she was not sure how we would respond to her tattoos. In fact, Rebecca’s husband had advised her to wear long sleeves, fearing that if she showed up with the tattoos, she may well be discounted as a suitable applicant. Rebecca told us that she seriously considered her husband’s advice, but in the end took the courageous step of being vulnerable and open. Rebecca indicated that the tattoos were from decades earlier, and much had changed since those earlier years, including becoming a Christian.

We were impressed by Rebecca’s honesty and vulnerability. My colleague reassured her that whilst her tattoos were there for all to see, all of us have past histories.

We have all done things we would perhaps change, things that may not be visible to the eye, but are just as real and potentially just as debilitating.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 2 that “All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature.” We all have many things that we can be ashamed of but Paul reminds us that because of God’s great love and mercy, “God saved us by his grace when we believed.”

This was certainly Rebecca’s testimony. We saw plenty of evidence of God’s transforming work in Rebecca’s life, even in that brief time we were with her. In fact, Rebecca is God’s

Trevor Wight BAPTISTCARE SENIOR CHAPLAIN

masterpiece in the making, as are you and I. We don’t need to be debilitated by sin and shame because God is working on each of us from the inside out.

With our co-operation, his plans for us will prosper.

So the next time you see someone that looks a lot different to you, look past the difference and think of them as God’s masterpiece in the making.

“For we are God’s masterpiece.

He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Ephesians 2:10 www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2017

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THE GRACEWOOD CENTRE

Ross Low, Judith Carpenter and The Hon. Alex Hawke MP at the official opening.

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UNVEILING OUR LATEST AGED CARE CENTRE The innovative Gracewood Centre in Kellyville has officially opened delivering access to all levels of care for 138 residents, including 32 specialised dementia care rooms.

The opening of the groundbreaking aged care centre - complete with café, hair and beauty salon and therapy spa - further demonstrates the commitment of BaptistCare to serving the growing senior community of the Hills District.

The Hon. Alex Hawke MP, Federal Member for Mitchell, joined more than 50 guests to celebrate the completion of the innovative $35 million facility and to unveil the ceremonial plaque.

“BaptistCare’s Gracewood independent living "By 2025, the community has been a huge number of elderly success in people in this region meeting the alone will grow to needs of local over 55s,” said over 22,000 from The Hon. Alex 13,600 today..."

Hawke MP.

“By 2025, the number of elderly people in this region alone will grow to over 22,000 from 13,600 today, and with that the need for trusted care options increases,” says Paull English, BaptistCare General Manager Residential Services.

“The area with the greatest number of persons aged 70 to 85+ is expected to be Kellyville itself*.”

“I thank BaptistCare for their commitment to older Australians in providing access to all levels of care within the Hills District”.

For more about The Gracewood Centre, please call Vikki Berghofer on (02) 8821 6416. * http://forecast.id.com.au/the-hills/population -age-structure-map?AgeTypeKey=3

“Now this new aged care centre will enable those residents who come to require a greater level of care to stay within the Gracewood community, close to their family and friends.”

The purpose-built facility integrates the latest technology to ensure round the clock support and assistance for all residents, including 24 hour onsite registered nurses, as well as skilled and professional care staff.

The Gracewood Centre is an integral part of the wider Gracewood Community and is co-located on site with a day respite program, home care services and an independent living community. www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2017

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General Manager Community Services, Rob Ellis speaking to media at the Summit

SUMMIT'S ROAD MAP TO END

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS As harrowing acts of domestic and family violence continue to feature across our news channels, the second National Family Violence Summit (NFVS) took place in Canberra on the 28th February and 1st March 2017 to address the growing crisis in Australia.

BaptistCare and The Tara Costigan Foundation (TCF) once again joined forces for the grassroot event, where domestic violence survivors, service providers, thought leaders and change makers shared experiences and collectively developed a roadmap to end family and domestic violence.

“The Summit allows TCF to facilitate ongoing dialogue between those affected by family and domestic violence, frontline service providers and all levels of government in Australia,” said Michael Costigan, Founder of TCF, established in memory of his late niece Tara Costigan who was brutally murdered by her ex-partner.

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TRUST Autumn 2017 | www.baptistcare.org.au

The poignant keynote addresses of family violence survivors and experts brought to light the farreaching destruction caused by this issue and it’s ongoing impact on our nation.

Speakers included author Rebecca Poulson, whose story is recognised as one of Australia’s worst domestic violence tragedies, and Dublin-based Emma Murphy, who gained worldwide attention when she shared her raw personal experience on social media.

Among other addresses, Our Watch CEO, Mary Barry, discussed effective preventions and former Canberra Raiders Captain, Alan Tongue took to the stage for the closing address.

Press play to hear how BaptistCare is tackling DV

Rob Ellis, General Manager of Community Services at BaptistCare, major sponsor of NFVS, says it’s an important event in raising awareness of family and domestic violence as a national issue.

“BaptistCare is committed to the eradication of family and domestic violence in Australia and we recognise it requires a more proactive, holistic approach.”

“The Summit identifies opportunities for our industry, government, and community to work collaboratively to address the issue.”

“It has provided a platform for us to share our experience as change makers, providing support services to families and children impacted by family and domestic violence for over 30 years,” said Mr Ellis.

One year on from the inaugural NFVS, the outcome of this year’s Summit includes a review of the comprehensive report of recommendations presented to the Prime Minister last year. The revised roadmap will again be delivered to Parliament, and is available in full at nfvsummit.com.au.

STAR STUDDED HALO BALL

TO GIVE FAMILY VIOLENCE SURVIVORS WINGS

Australian Popstar Ricki-Lee will headline at the second annual BaptistCare Halo Ball in Sydney on Friday 26 May to raise vital funds to support women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.

Now in its second year, the event is expected to deliver a fundraising target of $100,000 for front-line support services, including counselling, crisis housing and financial support, for women and children experiencing violent and oppressive relationships, as they rebuild their lives and break the cycle of violence.

Ricki-Lee, Logie and ARIA nominated singer songwriter, will perform her hit songs on the evening and says she is delighted to join BaptistCare for this worthy event.

“The statistics around domestic violence in Australia are damning and the personal stories of women, children and their families who experience violence are both shocking and heartbreaking,” said Ricki-Lee. “Women who are brave enough to leave an unsafe relationship should have access to the support they need to leave safely and rebuild their lives.”

Ricki-Lee is headlining this year's event.

Other live entertainment on the night includes the NSW Police Rock Band and a cappella group, The Newtones, featuring

current and former students of Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. Television personality Natalie Barr will host as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

BaptistCare General Manager of Community Services, Robert Ellis, said that despite the national consciousness of domestic and family violence, many women and children are still unable to access vital services to ensure their safety.

“As a leading front-line service provider for over 30 years, we have assisted thousands of women and children fleeing domestic violence, but without more support many calls for help will continue to go unanswered,” says Mr Ellis.

“We hope The Halo Ball will not only shine a light on the issues we need to address for deep change to occur, but also give people in the community an opportunity to contribute directly to services that will ultimately save the lives of women and children experiencing domestic and family violence,” he said.

The Halo Ball will be held at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont on Friday 26th May 2017 at 6.30pm.

You can directly lend your support to this event with more information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities available at www.haloball.org.au. www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2017

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IN SUPPORT OF BAPTISTCARE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW Now in its second year, The Halo Ball will continue to raise vital funds for women and children affected by domestic and family violence.

Ricki-Lee Entertainment

Natalie Barr Master of Ceremonies

The BlackTies Entertainment

NSW Police Rock Band Entertainment

Friday 26 May 2017 Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont Sponsorship and tickets now available at haloball.org.au E events@baptistcare.org.au 8 TRUST Spring 2016 | www.baptistcare.org.au

ELVIS FESTIVAL COMES TO TOWN As the Elvis Festival rolls into Parkes each year, the residents at BaptistCare Niola Centre get the best of the performers with a visit from their favourite Elvis.

However, this year, a small group of staff and residents took it to the next level, braving the heat and crowds to join rock and roll revellers on the ground at the festival - a picnic lunch, tables and chairs in tow.

“We know one of our residents, Marie, loves to get up and dance when Elvis comes on, so when she asked to go to the Parkes Elvis Festival, we thought it was a great opportunity to explore the possibilities of our new YouChoose program,” said Andrea Austin, Care Supervisor at BaptistCare Niola Centre.

Marie and her friend, Shirley, shunned their walking frames to dance to the performers, meet and greet with dancers, and take photos with fellow rock and rollers as people came up and introduced themselves.

The residents back home didn’t miss out on the action. “Our usual Elvis popped in for his performance and we had a few different Elvis’s and Priscilla’s come and visit, including this year’s winner of the Priscilla competition,” said Andrea.

“The residents enjoy the atmosphere the festival brings to town and we encourage them to be a part of that.”

“Our residents have the choice to go down to the street

parade. We provide the staff to accompany them and the little extras, like a packed lunch and seats, so they can be comfortable.”

The initiative came from the announcement of BaptistCare’s YouChoose program recently presented to Niola Centre residents and their families.

"The

program creates a new freedom so residents can continue to pursue their passions..."

The program creates a new freedom so residents can continue to pursue their passions, be it fishing trips, fine dining, day spas - or in this case - music festivals.

“At the meeting, we explained YouChoose and helped the residents understand that there are different options, flexible payment plans and no limits to what they want to do,” said Andrea.

“One of the residents asked about visiting the local pub, another questioned going out shopping. This offering allows more freedom as we schedule and organise carers to take them where they need to go.”

brings was received well. Everyone seemed quite excited about it. And as for the festival, everything worked out beautifully on the day.”

BaptistCare Niola Centre is one of the locations where the program is being piloted, with a view to rollout YouChoose to all BaptistCare facilities in 2017.

For more information on what’s in store for BaptistCare residents and home care customers, visit YouChoose.org.au.

“The new freedom the program www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2017

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Stronger Carers Peer Support

Activities Assistants

The Stronger Carers Peer Support Program supports the carers of people living with dementia. Wonderful volunteer coaches who have been, or still are, carers themselves offer this support. Each volunteer coach is given training and is well supported by an experienced facilitator.

Do you enjoy spending time with people, building new relationships and really making a difference to someone's day?

If you have been a carer yourself and are looking to engage with others who could benefit from your experience, or would simply like some more information, please contact us.

The Peer Support Program helps carers across the Sydney basin, and in our next phase, we are looking to expand into Canberra and the Central Coast.

We really look forward to hearing from you.

We are looking for cheerful people to join our team as Volunteer Activities Assistants.

The role involves coordinating a range of activities both in small groups and in one-on-one settings.

From morning teas and board games to gardening, craft and musical entertainment the activities are diverse and the opportunities to contribute to the lives of our clients and residents are endless.

Opportunities exist at: • Alstonville – BaptistCare Maronoa Centre and Village • Bangor – BaptistCare Warena Centre • Baulkham Hills – BaptistCare Aminya Centre • Narellan – BaptistCare Social Club • Canberra – BaptistCare Griffith • Canberra – BaptistCare Carey Gardens Centre and Social Club • Cowra – BaptistCare Social Club • Dubbo – BaptistCare Home Services – Mid State/Broken Hill • Forster – BaptistCare Kularoo Centre • Kellyville – BaptistCare Social Club • Macquarie Park – BaptistCare Cooinda Court, Dorothy Henderson Lodge and Shalom Centre

To find out more about these opportunities please call Vicki on 9023 2734 or email volunteering@ baptistcare.org.au

HOPE, HELP AND PETS A vital program is creating connection on the streets of Woolloomooloo while caring for the smallest and most vulnerable furred and feathered members of society.

The BaptistCare HopeStreet Pet Clinic provides free veterinary care for Sydney’s inner city residents who are living on the margins. The pop-up clinic operates for two hours once a month and is staffed by volunteer veterinarians, veterinary nurses and vet students from the University of Sydney’s veterinary teaching hospital.

“From the moment the waiting room is open until the last pet has been seen, the room is bursting with stories about beloved pets and people making genuine connections,” says Ms Taylor.

“For many in our community, their pets are their dearest treasure and so they have a heartfelt appreciation of the clinic. Suddenly these people BaptistCare HopeStreet feel valued because they Community Development can see their pets are Manager, Laurie loved – it doesn’t Taylor, said the clinic "The program get any better began operating is transforming than that!” in April last year the community by after 12 months The BaptistCare creating connections HopeStreet of searching for an organisation through the love Pet Clinic relies that would help to on donations, of animals." provide the much goodwill and needed service. volunteer veterinary “In the Woolloomooloo community, we have almost as many pets as people. These pets are incredibly loved and very well cared for but we all know how expensive pet care can be and not everyone has the means, financially or physically, to visit a vet,” she said.

Aside from delivering practical and affordable health care for pets, one unexpected way the program is transforming the community is by creating connections through the shared love of animals.

services. An average visit to the clinic can cost upwards of $175 for a single patient and each month around 20 animals visit the service.

“We are committed to continuing the pet clinic in 2017 but the reality is that the expense involved means we are limited with the services we can provide,” says Ms Taylor.

“Our volunteers are constantly going above and beyond to care for our furry and feathered patients – whether it’s out of

One of the clinic's furry patients with our HopeStreet team.

hours follow-up care, working through solutions for surgeries or going out of their way to offer medicine and food,” she said.

“We are so thankful for their holistic care and the way they are so graciously serving the people and their pets. I can only ask the community to consider supporting their incredible work by donating to the program.”

Financial donations can be made online and donations of pet supplies such as coats, leashes and food are also very welcome and can be delivered to BaptistCare HopeStreet, 174 Cathedral St, Woolloomooloo.

Press play to watch more HopeStreet with Karl Faase

| TRUSTAutumn www.baptistcare.org.au www.baptistcare.org.au| TRUST Spring 2017 2016

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HOME SERVICES:

AWARD-WINNING BEGINNING FOR YOUCHOOSE

As the rollout of our YouChoose program begins across several selected BaptistCare facilities, the program’s innovative website won Best Consumer-Friendly Product and Overall Winner Awards at the Information Technology in Aged Care (ITAC) awards for 2016.

The YouChoose website enables BaptistCare customers to customise their home care package with a user-friendly and accessible tool that puts them firmly in charge of their own care, offering them choice, clarity and control.

Daniel Pettman, BaptistCare's Chief Information Officer, said he was thrilled with the accolade.

"These awards acknowledge that not only are we passionate about providing life transforming care, but we are committed to developing innovative solutions that empower and support our customers," he said.

need within minutes online.

It has simplified a process that has traditionally been considered as difficult, challenging and complex.

Services are divided into four areas: Your Health, Your Home, Your Community, Your Independence. Each customer that completes their package development online is called back and provided

The YouChoose tool was a collaborative effort between BaptistCare’s Marketing and Communications, IT and Home Services teams, and was designed to deliver a customer friendly and customer focused solution for our Home Services’ customers.

Customers can completely customise the services they 12

TRUST Autumn 2017 | www.baptistcare.org.au

BaptistCare's Anja Schulze receiving the ITAC award.

additional support to enable them to access services.

To find out more about YouChoose and what’s in store for all of our home care customers go to YouChoose.org.au.

Press play to to see how YouChoose works

NEWCASTLE RETIREMENT VILLAGES

JOIN THE BAPTISTCARE FAMILY

Increasing the existing presence in the Newcastle community, BaptistCare has successfully acquired three local retirement villages from Newcastle City Council.

The villages - Allambie Court at New Lambton, Kiah Court at Jesmond and Carinya Court at New Lambton – join 12 other retirement living and housing communities across NSW under the BaptistCare banner, which focuses on improving quality of life through community living.

BaptistCare General Manager Housing and Retirement Living, Mike Furner, said BaptistCare’s Community Living model aims to maximise a resident’s independence and choice as they age.

“We support each individual’s overall wellbeing through providing access to support services, social engagement opportunities and connection to the broader community,” said Mr Furner.

“BaptistCare intends to continue the great work commenced

by Newcastle City Council in the provision of affordable housing for seniors in the Newcastle area.”

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome all the residents of Allambie, Carinya and Kiah Court to the BaptistCare family,” said Mr Furner.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes agrees that it is a great outcome for the Newcastle community.

"BaptistCare is an experienced and proven operator of seniors’ housing and as an organisation, they are in the best position to provide this service to our community."

Existing BaptistCare services available in Newcastle: • BaptistCare Community Centres are located in Wallsend, Mayfield and Windale. They offer services and support including low cost groceries, No Interest Loans, emergency relief, practical client assistance and create safe and welcoming spaces to connect.

• BaptistCare Home Services care for people in their own homes across the Hunter region.

• BaptistCare Warabrook Centre is a residential aged care facility located in Warabrook.

BaptistCare provides retirement living, housing, aged care and community services to over 15,000 Australians across NSW and the ACT.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2017

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TRUE OR FALSE? We live in a world where ‘fake’ news is currently the main conversation dominating headlines. In our society it is increasingly difficult to discern what news is true or false in the social media age of overwhelming ‘infotainment’.

As a Christian organisation BaptistCare seeks to fulfil its mission to be Care you can trust.

We are committed to open and truthful communication with our supporters. We are your agents for doing good and transforming lives and here are some TRUE facts about our recent work on your behalf.

• For over 30 years, BaptistCare has provided support to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.

• Last year in NSW and the ACT, BaptistCare provided over 50,000 meals and food parcels

• Almost 1,000 volunteers give of their time to serve alongside

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to people in need.

our staff in transforming lives. Volunteers assist in our Residential Services, Home Services, Housing and Retirement Living and Community Services.

• The community centre in Port Kembla (Darcy House) provides over 350 wholesome sit-down meals each week.

"We are your agents for doing good and transforming lives"

• The Warilla North Community Centre – Good Start Breakfast Club, feeds almost 200 school children breakfast each week.

Giving them a healthy start to their school day.

• Children living in our Domestic Violence Crisis Accommodation have started the new school year with brand new school bags and school supplies thanks to the kind support of some of our corporate partners.

Here are some TRUE stories from our frontline community service staff, sharing how the kind generosity of BaptistCare supporters has made a difference in the lives of people doing it tough during the recent Christmas school holidays.

“Today I assisted a single mother in financial hardship who has a 7 year old son with a disability. She doesn’t get any help from family because her child is disabled and is constantly told to ‘give up her son’ as she is struggling to care for him. She needed assistance with purchasing a school uniform for her child and some utility bills.”

“We helped a single mother with 4 children, struggling to make ends meet. She was in need of

assistance for school uniforms and shoes for her child starting school.

She was very grateful for the assistance and vouchers we were able to provide.”

“We assisted a single parent family with school needs for the 13 year old daughter. They have fled a domestic violence relationship/ background. They are struggling with many issues including financial and the ex-partner.

They were very grateful for the assistance we provided.”

“We helped a single mother who doesn’t receive any child support.

Her electricity was about to be disconnected and she couldn’t pay for her daughter’s school fees to begin high school. We were able to assist with the utility bill and school fees and also provide vouchers for school uniforms.”

“Today we were able to help a mother who is suffering financial hardship, psychological issues, and was being evicted from her property for unpaid rent. Her

utilities and phone were in danger of being disconnected. She cares for her 9 year old son who was sexually abused. BaptistCare was able to assist with vouchers and payment of her utilities.”

During this time of Lent, and as we approach Easter, we give thanks for the opportunity to bring care and support to many people in the name of Jesus Christ whose resurrection we commemorate at this time.

The fact is that BaptistCare will continue, with your help, to assist the many who urgently need our support.

You can help us to continue providing care and practical support by making a donation to BaptistCare Community Services. Please use the envelope provided with this magazine and send your donation today. Your gift is needed as quickly and generously as your means permit.

“Is the Easter Story Fake News?”

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2017

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