Ryman Times AU - WINTER 2022

RYMAN TIMES RY M A N H E A LT H CA R E AU ST R A L I A

Ryman in bloom at International Flower and Garden Show Police Legacy top cop’s crusade Live opera returns to Nellie Melba Wominjeka at Ryman’s Highett site

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A NOTE FROM CAM As David Tournier, a senior cultural advisor for the Boonwurrung people, led a smoking ceremony at the construction site for our new village in Highett, he explained the concept of ‘wominjeka’.

While wominjeka is often simply translated to ‘welcome’ in English, David said its true meaning is broader than that. Wominjeka means ‘to come together with purpose’.

It is more than a greeting; it is a spirit in which people can connect and support each other to achieve important things together in a particular place.

The word wominjeka – and the fullness of its meaning – immediately resonated with all of us listening to David that day because it so perfectly aligns with the culture and values at the heart of Ryman Healthcare.

Wominjeka is pouring off every page of this edition of the Ryman Times. You can see it in Ryman’s support for the Dhungala Children’s Choir, or in the award we received for our industry-leading COVID-19 response, or in our plans to build a new village community to care for older people in Kealba.

We have achieved so much already this year, and it’s been achieved by the remarkable people who work at Ryman coming together with purpose.

Our rapid growth in Victoria is being fuelled by the spirit of wominjeka. People across every different part of our business – from construction to operations, and from sales to head office – are working towards the same shared goal: creating communities of care and kindness for older Australians.

It’s an exciting time in the life of our business, and I hope you enjoy reading about just some of the ways in which the people of Ryman Australia are coming together to achieve extraordinary things for the communities we serve.

Cameron Holland Ryman Australia CEO

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Mask making boost for Dhungala Children’s Choir Ryman’s award-winning COVID response Police Legacy top cop’s crusade

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Live opera returns to Nellie Melba

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Exceptional sales advisor takes top award

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Front cover: Sara Correia and Ryman Healthcare Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson.

Wominjeka at Ryman’s Highett site

Ryman Healthcare Ltd

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Ryman in bloom at International Flower and Garden Show Ryman plans new $155m retirement village in Kealba

Level 10, Suite 10.03, 420 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004 1800 288 299 rymanhealthcare.com.au The Ryman Times is a quarterly publication for shareholders.

For editorial enquiries please contact ruthea.vanheerden@rymanhealthcare.com

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MASK MAKING BOOST FOR DHUNGALA CHILDREN’S CHOIR A Ryman Healthcare mask making mission has given the next generation of leading Indigenous choral performers a much-needed boost in the wake of COVID-19.

Having already made about 100 masks for friends and family, Debra set herself the goal of making 500 masks to sell with the funds to be donated directly to the DCC.

Ryman Healthcare Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson said when the pandemic forced concert halls across the globe to close renowned Yorta Yorta soprano, composer, educator and Ryman village namesake, Deborah Cheetham AO spoke of the impact on the Dhungala Children’s Choir (DCC) which she formed in 2009.

“Those 500 masks quickly turned into well over 1000 masks,” she said.

“Many families (of children in the choir) were affected by the pandemic with loss of jobs and home-schooling requiring people to change the way they lived,” Debra said.

“Deborah shared with me that some children would have to give up their musical careers during this time, and that affected me profoundly.”

Debra’s mask making marathon raised $4000 for the DCC with Ryman recognising the importance of the initiative and matching the donation.

“We hope that this helps to provide much needed funds so the children can continue their musical careers and they can continue to delight the many thousands of people they will touch with their performances along the way,” Debra said.

Deborah Cheetham and the DCC gave a rousing performance in gratitude of the donation before Debra and Ryman Healthcare Australia CEO Cameron Holland presented the $8000 cheque.

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During the presentation Debra donated a further 120 masks for the choir to sell and 100 masks for choir members and their families to wear.

“My hope is that this inspires others to donate to such a worthy cause,” she said.

Pictured Top: Ryman Australia CEO Cameron Holland, Yorta Yorta woman Deborah Cheetham and Ryman Healthcare Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson.

Pictured Bottom: Yorta Yorta woman Deborah Cheetham with members of the Dhungala Children’s Choir.

RYMAN’S AWARD-WINNING COVID RESPONSE Ryman Healthcare’s “ahead of the curve” approach to keeping residents and staff safe from COVID-19 has been recognised as the gold standard.

Ryman scooped Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Leading Age Services Excellence in Age Services Awards for its fight against the pandemic.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry named Ryman the winner of the ‘Innovation’ category of the inaugural COVIDSafe Business Awards.

The award recognises Ryman’s industry-leading innovations, including moving staff who were vulnerable to contracting the virus into its villages, developing a digital contact-tracing tool, and being the first aged care provider in Victoria to introduce rapid antigen testing of visitors.

The awards judging panel, chaired

by Victorian Chamber

of Commerce Chief Executive Paul Guerra, said Ryman’s response “helped save lives”.

“The judges thought this was a fabulous response that was ahead of the curve in preparedness,” the panel said.

“There was a clear level of care, compassion and selflessness in the actions taken and their efforts and commitment helped save lives.”

At the Leading Age Services Excellence in Age Services Awards then Victorian Operations Quality Manager Joanne Wang was named Australia’s ‘Next Gen Young Leader’ and Ryman’s COVID-19 Incident Management Team (IMT) also featured at the industry awards as a finalist in the ‘Team of the Year’ category.

With staff at villages across Victoria furloughed because of the virus, the IMT were conscious they couldn’t be certain who Ryman Times • 6

would lead Ryman’s emergency response if there was an outbreak.

A ‘Go-Kit’, which included a detailed hour-by-hour outbreak response plan, was formed by the IMT so all Ryman staff – or, if they were stood down, external staff – could enact the plan.

Cameron Holland said the wins were a great recognition of the company’s ongoing fight against the virus.

“COVID-19 continues to create new challenges for all sectors, and the aged care sector in particular,” he said.

“Our response requires the kindness and professionalism of hundreds of frontline staff who work tirelessly to ensure they are doing the right thing every day.”

Pictured: The dedicated team at Nellie Melba Retirement Village.

POLICE LEGACY TOP COP’S CRUSADE When Glen Waverley’s top cop immediately thought of bereaved Victoria police families rather than revelling in his 2021 Station Commander win it came as a surprise to no one.

Senior Constable Aron Hayhurst, a self-described “modest person”, was named ‘2021 Glen Waverley Police Member of the Year’ for his outstanding work ethic, professionalism, initiative, integrity, leadership, teamwork, community engagement and selflessness.

As part of his prize Snr Const Hayhurst received a $500 travel voucher from award sponsor Ryman Healthcare.

However, rather than planning a well-deserved break to a whitesand beach, Snr Const Hayhurst did what he always does, and thought of others.

“I’ve found that family members are often the forgotten people in policing, there is so much focus on the wellbeing of members but there can be more focus on the

wellbeing of their families,” he said.

When Ryman Healthcare learnt of Snr Const Hayhurst’s selfless decision the company matched the donation resulting in $1,000 of travel vouchers being donated to Police Legacy, a charity that supports Victoria Police families that have suffered the loss of a loved one.

Speaking at an event held at Nellie Melba Retirement Village to present the vouchers, Police Legacy Chief Executive Officer Lex de Man AFSM said he was “speechless”.

“Thank you to Aron and Ryman, I’m just speechless.”

“To me it just shows the type of policeman that you are and the way that you think of others and serve your community.”

Ryman Healthcare Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson

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said Snr Const Hayhurst’s characteristics were a reflection of the values which define Victoria Police and Ryman Healthcare.

“Aron, I am delighted you are being acknowledged for the hard work you put in each and every day,” Debra said.

Ryman Healthcare sponsors the Glen Waverley Police Member of the Year Award as part of a broader partnership between the two organisations.

As part of the partnership Ryman Healthcare sponsored honour boards at the station acknowledging all past and present Glen Waverley station commanders.

Pictured from left: Glen Waverley Police Station Senior Sergeant Greg Dean APM, Senior Constable Aron Hayhurst, Ryman Healthcare Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson and Police Legacy Chief Executive Officer Lex de Man AFSM.

LIVE OPERA RETURNS TO NELLIE MELBA Nellie Melba Retirement Village residents have been treated to a moving performance by Ryman Healthcare’s 2022 Melba Opera Trust scholar Nathan Bryon.

Residents have missed out on live performances by Ryman’s opera scholar for the past two years due to covid restrictions.

The company created the annual scholarship through the Melba Opera Trust as part of its naming partnership for the Nellie Melba village in Wheelers Hill.

Nathan said the connection between a performer and an audience has been dearly missed during the pandemic. ‘’I think the large majority of performers do what we do because we love the energy exchange between an audience and ourselves and it has been hard to perform to a screen.’’

Sharolyn Kimmorley, Melba Opera Trust’s Artistic Manager & Scholar Advisor, said how important the trust is for young artists and why Ryman is crucial to their success.

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‘’We’re very grateful to Ryman for their support because it’s through support of organisations like Ryman that enables this program to happen.’’

Sharolyn said. ‘’Melba Opera Trust is really an amazing organization.

As somebody who’s been in this business for a long time, it gives these amazing opportunities to young artists and it’s a very complete program.’’

Residents were left in awe by Nathan, with some admitting to tearing up as Nathan’s voice filled the room with emotion.

Nathan began his music journey inside a public school in Dublin, NSW where he was given a grant for instruments. ‘’I was the biggest kid, so they gave me the biggest instrument – a euphonium,’’ he said. ‘’I eventually took some lessons at the local conservatorium. I would sit outside on the couch,

listening to the singing teacher and eventually knocked on the door and asked for a lesson. After that there was no turning back, I just got completely hooked.’’

Nathan said he feels ‘’extraordinarily blessed’’ to receive Ryman Healthcare’s scholarship through the trust as it allows him the privilege of learning from the best.

“I think the great thing about the Melba Opera Trust is you get exposure to the top people in the industry from Australia Ryman Times • 9

and abroad. You find your own identity as an artist, which has been really special.’’

Nathan already has his next career move lined up in the form of a two-year Artist Diploma at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, starting in August.

Nellie Melba Retirement Village will also host Nathan again live when the trust returns for the Nellie Melba-themed performance in July.

Pictured: Nathan Bryon performs to the Nellie Melba residents.

EXCEPTIONAL SALES ADVISOR TAKES TOP AWARD When Janine Wilde accepted her award for Salesperson of the Year at the National Retirement Living Awards, she used the opportunity to talk about one of her passions: Ryman Healthcare.

The Victoria/Tasmania Retirement Living Salesperson of the Year Award recognises Janine’s exceptional customer service, strong resident and community engagement, and sales success.

“When I was presented with the award, I was very emotional and it felt quite surreal,” Janine said.

“I felt honoured and privileged to be accepting the award for doing a job I feel blessed to be able to do every day.”

As well as thanking Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson, Area Sales Manager and Victorian Community Relations Team Leader Denise Thompson, and her family, Janine acknowledged Ryman co-founder Kevin Hickman.

“I can never go past Kevin Hickman for his vision and passion to create retirement living based on the philosophy that it’s got to be ‘good enough for mum or dad’,” she said.

“I really hope I can meet him in person one day.”

Janine’s retirement industry win comes after she was named Ryman Healthcare’s ‘Sales Advisor of the Year’ at the 2021 Ryman Awards.

Since starting at Ryman more than two years ago, Janine’s love of her job has contributed to unprecedented demand for villas at Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village.

As a result, the village is set to expand, with a further 66 villas to be built on a 2.35ha block of land next to the existing village.

Ryman Healthcare Area Sales manager Denise Thompson said Janine was exceptional.

“Janine’s passion for her job shines through in everything she does, Ryman Times • 10

and it really is so much more than a job for her - it is about supporting people during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives,” she said.

“I am thrilled Janine continues to be recognised for her talent.”

Janine is now a finalist in the National Salesperson of the Year Award category of the National Retirement Living Awards.

The winner will be announced at a gala dinner on the Gold Coast during the National Retirement Living Summit in June.

While the recognition was humbling, Janine said the award would not change her approach to the role.

“I will continue to do whatever it takes to support those considering a move to Ryman,” she said.

“I truly believe Ryman is the best retirement living option in Australia.”

Pictured: Janine speaks at the National Retirement Living Awards.

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WOMINJEKA AT RYMAN’S HIGHETT SITE Smoke gently wafting into the beautiful bayside sky has marked an important milestone in the development of Ryman’s new Highett retirement village in Melbourne.

The smoking ceremony is an ancient aboriginal custom that involves burning various native plants to produce smoke, which has cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits.

After a number of pandemicinduced postponements, a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country was held at the Highett construction site in April.

Ryman’s Victorian Communications Manager Michael Cummings, who organised the event, said the company holds a smoking ceremony and Welcome to County at all its construction sites to properly acknowledge the traditional owners of the land.

The ceremony was led by David Tournier, representing the Boonwurrung people, and attended by more than a dozen Ryman staff, including Group CEO Richard Umbers and Australian CEO Cameron Holland.

David spoke of the aboriginal word ‘wominjeka’ – meaning ‘to come together with purpose’ – and how the spirit of wominjeka underpinned the ceremony those in attendance were participating in.

“But it’s also about education,” Michael said.

“We want to challenge our staff and our residents to look at the land we’re building on through a different cultural lens.

“We might hold the deed for this particular piece of land, but its story predates us by tens of thousands of years and will continue long after we’re gone.

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“In that sense, we want to think of ourselves as custodians of it and to connect with it in a much deeper way than we otherwise might.”

Michael said the ceremony was about acknowledging “something that is bigger than just the here and now”.

Following the smoking ceremony, Richard and Cameron performed a ceremonial turning of the first sod.

Construction of the Highett village is well advanced, and the first residents are due to move in around the end of March next year.

Pictured: David Tournier,

representing the Boonwurrung people, led the ceremony.

RYMAN IN BLOOM AT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW Ryman Healthcare’s debut at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show presented by Scotts Osmocote has been heralded as an important addition to Australia’s biggest celebration of all things horticulture.

wellbeing and sustainability, was announced as the winner.

Landscape and design industry expert Matt Leacy said the inaugural Balcony Gardens Competition, sponsored by Ryman, recognised the future of gardening.

“This is the first time we’ve ever designed anything for the show, so winning is very exciting,” Sara said.

“Adding it to a show like this is really important because not everyone has those big blocks, so it’s really important to show how much can be done with a small space,” Matt said.

The winner was announced during the event’s opening breakfast, attended by dignitaries including Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott.

Lush balcony garden, ‘Eco Apartment Living’, designed

by Sara Correia at Tempest Landscapes to promote

The winning garden was one of eight 2.4m x 1.2m creative and considered finalists judged by The Nursery Garden Association of Australia.

“Thank you to Ryman Healthcare for sponsoring the competition and giving me the opportunity to help promote quality of life.”

The minimalistic design featured drought resistant plants, solar powered copper lighting and a bamboo slider screen, she said.

The balcony competition and focus on small-space gardening was more relevant than ever.

“I think particularly after the pandemic, giving the opportunity to everyone who may live in high-rise buildings or small spaces to create their own sanctuary is important because the benefits to wellbeing and quality of life are huge,” she said.

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Small-space gardening is an emerging trend around the world as demands on urban living increase.

Hundreds of Ryman residents have flourishing balcony gardens having moved from large and often no longer manageable backyards to smaller spaces they can tend to with care and enjoyment.

The other finalists were Kep Horticulture, Jen Garden Ceramique, Inner City Nature, Party Plant Events, Bay Road Nursery, Millie Burbury and Carrie Middleditch.

Thousands of visitors to the balcony garden displays also enjoyed the full Ryman experience with a luscious Ryman display featuring living walls, tea sampling, an exclusive Ryman publication and 10-minute one-on-one workshops with the company’s show ambassador Matt Leacy.

Pictured: Sara Correia and Ryman Healthcare Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson.

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RYMAN PLANS NEW $155M RETIREMENT VILLAGE IN KEALBA Ryman Healthcare is planning to build a $155 million retirement village in the heart of Kealba in Melbourne’s north west.

Ryman plans to transform the six-hectare vacant site at 27 Driscolls Road in Kealba into an integrated retirement village.

The village will combine beautiful independent living villas and a full aged care centre, including specialist dementia care, on a single site for the community.

The village will also include a café, bar, gym, cinema, indoor pool, hair and beauty salons, and a bowling green.

It will create more than 150 long-term jobs for the area as well as work for hundreds of tradies and contractors during its construction phase.

The Kealba site borders the Bellara Crescent Reserve and has the Keilor Central shopping centre on its doorstep. It is a 15-minute drive to Melbourne Airport.

Ryman Australia CEO Cameron Holland said the Kealba village would provide urgently needed retirement living options as well as care for retirees in the northwest.

“There is a particularly acute shortage of retirement living and aged care options in the Kealba area so we’re keen to help meet that pressing need in the community.

“We know that retirees looking to downsize don’t want to go just anywhere. They want to be in a great location and remain connected to the family, friends and social networks in their local community.

“This village will give people who’ve lived in Kealba for decades that opportunity, and they deserve nothing less.”

Ryman Healthcare is a fastgrowing operator in the Victorian market, with five operational villages and another eight in its development plans.

“Since opening our first village in Melbourne seven years ago we’ve seen a huge appetite for high quality retirement living communities that also offer aged care on site,” Mr Holland said.

“Older Australians want the peace of mind that comes with knowing that if their health needs change, they’ll be able to access world-class aged care right where they are.”

Mr Holland said the purchase of the Kealba site was fuelled by strong demand for the model Ryman has brought to the Victorian market.

Since opening its first Australian village in Melbourne in 2014, Ryman has invested more than $1 billion in Victoria. Its villages are home to more than 800 residents in Australia.

Pictured: An aerial view of the proposed Kealba village site.