Ryman Times AU – WINTER 2023

RYMAN TIMES

RYMAN HEALTHCARE AUSTRALIA WINTER 2023

Solid results for Ryman

Top cop champions care for most vulnerable

Smoking ceremony sparks a cultural conversation

Black belt knitters heed call for Yuri Bears

A NOTE FROM CAM

Hello and welcome to your latest edition of the Ryman Times.

Rami’s smile on the front cover says it all.

We were over the moon to see the amazing work of our entire Ryman Australia team recognised with four wins at the Asia-Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards in Singapore in May.

Known as the ‘Oscars of aged care’, the awards recognise the very best operators and facilities from New Zealand to Saudi Arabia and almost everywhere in between.

To see Ryman dominate these awards is a fantastic endorsement of our team’s commitment to innovation and excellence, and is confirmation that the care we provide isn’t just good – it’s world leading.

And this edition of the Ryman Times demonstrates that providing the very best care and support to our residents isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also the cornerstone of a business model that’s fuelling our growth so more older Australians can enjoy it.

As you can read inside, Ryman Healthcare recently announced its annual results, reporting an underlying profit of more than NZ$300 million – an 18.4 percent increase on the previous financial year.

This result was driven by a growing contribution from the Australian side of the business, and allows us to continue to grow in a country where our continuum of care model is in high demand.

There’s plenty more to read inside besides, so take the time to sit back and enjoy just some of the many great things that have been happening in the Ryman world these past few months.

Cameron Holland Ryman Australia CEO

IN THIS ISSUE

New appointments to Ryman’s board

Top cop champions care for most vulnerable

Ryman backs baritone

Smoking ceremony sparks a cultural conversation

Black belt knitters heed call for Yuri Bears

Small spaces shine in Balcony Garden Competition

Ryman wins big at ‘Oscars’ of aged care

Hawthorn Football Club joins forces with Ryman

Front cover: Cameron Holland with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

SOLID RESULT FOR RYMAN

Ryman Healthcare Limited (Ryman) has delivered a solid result while also undertaking a number of steps to reposition the business for future growth. This result was achieved against a backdrop of a challenging economic environment, severe weather events and the tail-end impacts from COVID.

Underlying profit of $301.9 million was up 18.4% (vs. guidance of $280-290 million), while reported (IFRS) profit decreased by 62.8% to $257.8 million.

Total assets of $12.51 billion at March 2023 have increased 14.1% from March 2022. Booked sales of occupation right agreements (ORAs) held steady, with growth in

resales offsetting softer new sales. Total booked sales of occupation rights increased from $1.08 billion to $1.17 billion, driven by a 10.3% uplift in average price per unit.

Longer term the company remains positive about the age and wealth demographic and has taken steps to reposition the business to capitalise on this future demand.

Group CEO Richard Umbers said: “As we look to achieve positive free cash flow by FY25, as signalled in our strategy, we have reprioritised our development programme over FY24 and FY25. We are also taking steps to refocus our future pipeline on lower density villages with lower peak debt and an improved

cashflow profile. And we are rightsizing our care offering in future villages, but remain committed to providing a continuum of care for all Ryman residents.”

At 19 May, there are 14 villages under construction, a reduction of two on the prior year. Progress has been made on a number of village main buildings that were delayed due to COVID.

Ryman invested $1.04 billion in portfolio development and finished the year with net operating cashflows of $650.8 million, resulting in a free cash outflow of $389.0 million.

During the year the company added Taupō to its landbank,

sold its Mt Martha site in Victoria with settlement due later in 2023, and the Newtown site in Wellington is now being held for sale.

Significantly, Ryman achieved planning approvals on four sites in FY23, including Karori and Rolleston in New Zealand and Mulgrave and Mt Eliza in Victoria.

Throughout the year Ryman has maintained the highest standards of care, and resident experience remains a key priority.

“We were very pleased to receive external endorsement for the quality of care we provide. 82% of our New Zealand villages have fouryear certification. In Australia, all four of our operational care centres received a 4-star rating following the launch of a new rating system for aged care,” said Mr Umbers.

“Winning Readers Digest

Most Trusted Brand nine times proves just how much older people and their families trust us to do right by them,” he added.

Technology is increasingly being employed to enhance our resident experience programme - for example, with the introduction of the new resident app, a platform to improve access to a wider range of activities and services within the villages. Hospitality platform Saffron is now being rolled out to all villages to enhance the food offering.

The launch of Ryman’s sustainability strategy during the year was a major milestone in its journey to a sustainable future.

As a step towards addressing its environmental impact, Ryman

secured an exclusive agreement with renewable energy developer Solar Bay. This will see power provided to its village operations via a new solar farm which is now under development in Maungaturoto, Northland.

Ryman completed a $902.4 million equity raise in March 2023. Net debt has reduced to $2.30 billion, and we finished the year with a gearing ratio of 33.1%, in line with the company’s medium-term target of 30-35%.’’

Underlying profit is expected to be in the range of $310-$330 million for FY24, in line with the statement provided at the time of the equity raise.

Ryman recently announced changes to the board, including the appointment of Ryman Chair Dean Hamilton.

The board will consider the resumption of paying dividends in FY24, taking into account trading performance, cash flow and market conditions.

Looking ahead, Mr Umbers said: “The strength of the Ryman team gives me every confidence that we will deliver on our care promise, reposition the business to capitalise on future opportunities and improve financial performance. The team continues to impress with their dedication and commitment, and I wish to thank everyone for their efforts.”

FOURTEEN NEW VILLAGES CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

Auckland

• Devonport, William Sanders

• Hobsonville, Keith Park

• Lincoln Road, Miriam Corban

• Lynfield, Murray Halberg

• Takapuna

Waikato

• Cambridge

Hawke’s Bay

• Havelock North, James Wattie

Christchurch

• Riccarton Park, Kevin Hickman

• Northwood

Melbourne

• Brandon Park, Nellie Melba

• Burwood East, John Flynn

• Highett, Bert Newton

• Ringwood East

Victoria

• Ocean Grove, Deborah Cheetham

SITES IN THE LAND BANK:

Auckland

• Karaka

• Kohimarama

Waikato

• Taupō

Wellington

• Karori

Canterbury

• Park Terrace

• Rolleston

Melbourne

• Coburg North

• Essendon

• Kealba

• Mulgrave

Victoria

• Mt Eliza

Pictured: Group Chief Financial Officer David Bennett and Richard Umbers.

NEW APPOINTMENTS TO RYMAN’S BOARD

Dean Hamilton will join the board commencing 1 June 2023 and will subsequently take over as Board Chair on 31 July 2023, following the AGM. Mr Hamilton brings an extensive background in governance, large company leadership and financial markets, across both New Zealand and Australia. He is currently Chair of trans-Tasman civil contractor Fulton Hogan and holds director roles at Auckland International Airport and The Warehouse Group.

James Miller will also join the board commencing 1 June 2023, and will transition to the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee Chair role. Mr Miller is the current Chair of Channel Infrastructure and a director of Mercury NZ and Vista Group. He was previously Chair of NZX and brings extensive knowledge in both Audit and Risk and financial markets.

Interim Chair Claire Higgins, said: “With a focus on refreshing board leadership and bringing

new capability to the company, we are delighted to announce the appointments of both Dean and James to the board. They bring a wealth of relevant experience and expertise to Ryman, which will ensure long-term and forward-thinking leadership and governance.”

“Their deep collective knowledge and specialist governance expertise will stand the company in good stead for the future, and we look forward to welcoming them,” continued Mrs Higgins.

Mr Hamilton said: “I am delighted to be joining the board of Ryman. With a deeply-rooted culture of care, a renewed focus on financial performance and expansion opportunities particularly in Australia, the future for the company is exciting. I look forward to contributing and helping lead the company and the committed Ryman team.”

Board member changes George Savvides has already announced his intention to retire from the board. This will take effect from 1 June, to coincide with the appointment of Dean and James.

Longstanding directors Warren Bell and Jo Appleyard have also announced that they will retire at the AGM this year. Geoff Cumming has announced that he will not seek reappointment when his current term expires in 2024.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to the outgoing directors for their dedication and commitment as members of our board over many years and we wish them all the best,” added Mrs Higgins.

Both Claire Higgins and fellow director Paula Jeffs intend to stand for re-election at the forthcoming AGM.

The board will also look to appoint two further directors in the course of the coming year.

About Dean Hamilton

Dean is currently the Chair of Fulton Hogan and a director of Auckland International Airport and The Warehouse Group. Prior to moving into governance in 2018, Dean was the Chief Executive of Silver Ferns Farms and prior to that, was a Managing Director in Investment Banking at Deutsche Bank in New Zealand and Australia.

At Silver Fern Farms, Dean led a team that successfully delivered a substantial turnaround in the organisation’s performance. Silver Fern Farms is New Zealand’s largest red meat processing and marketing organisation that at the time had over 7,000 employees, $2 billion in revenue and 15,000 shareholders. Under Dean’s leadership the business achieved a significant improvement in financial performance and discipline, staff and supplier engagement, sustainability and consumer trust in brand.

Dean was at Deutsche Bank for over 12 years, firstly in New Zealand and then as Managing Director and co-head of the Melbourne investment banking team. Dean was involved with a large variety of clients and transactions, advising on M&A, IPOs, equity and debt raisings and leveraged buy-outs. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration from Victoria University and is a CMInstD of the NZ Institute of Directors.

About James Miller

James Miller is currently Chair of Channel Infrastructure, and a Director of Mercury NZ and Vista Group. He has recently retired as Chair of NZX, and previously held board positions with Accident Compensation Corporation (deputy Chair), Auckland International Airport, the Financial Markets Authority and Vector.

He is currently Chair of the Audit and Risk Committees for Mercury NZ and Vista Group. He has been Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for Auckland International Airport and Channel Infrastructure and Chair of ACC Investment Committee, overseeing a $50 billion fund.

James has 14 years capital markets experience with Craigs Investment Partners as Head of NZ Wholesale Equities. Prior to that he was Head of Equities and Head of Research at ABN AMRO and Barclays de Zoete Wedd.

James is a qualified Chartered Accountant and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand, a Certified Securities Analyst Professional, and an accredited Director of the Institute of Directors in NZ Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Otago University and is a graduate of The Advanced Management Program, Harvard Business School (USA).

TOP COP CHAMPIONS CARE FOR MOST VULNERABLE

Glen Waverley’s top cop Senior Constable Shane Loynes is an officer for the people.

“I grew up wanting to do something that was meaningful not only to myself, but others also,” he said.

“Something that would help people who needed it most was the main thing.”

While a broken wrist stopped Snr Const Loynes from fulfilling this ambition when he was 18, nearly a decade on his commitment to serving the community has been recognised.

His outstanding work ethic, integrity, professionalism, initiative, leadership, teamwork, and community engagement have earnt him the title of ‘Glen Waverley Police Member of the Year’.

Described by his colleagues as ‘personable’ and ‘fun-loving’, Snr Const Loynes was humbled to receive the award sponsored by Ryman Healthcare.

“I’m very grateful and honoured to receive this award,” he said.

“When I started at Glen Waverley, I knew the members who previously won the award, and I looked to them directly as people I wanted to base my policing career off.”

Last year Senior Constable Aron Hayhurst, a self-described “modest person” received the top recognition, and in 2021 Senior Constable Marc Burley’s

passion for community policing was celebrated.

“Their ability to work non-stop for the community is impeccable and taking little bits of their work ethic and adapting it to suit my approach has helped me to get where I am,” Snr Const Loynes said.

His “selfless” parents and supportive wife had not only backed him every step of the way, but also inspired a sixmonth secondment to the Family Violence Unit.

“I’ve got a very strong support circle, my mother and father are the best and most supportive and selfless parents I could ever ask for and I’ve got my lovely wife who’s been with me through the whole process,” he said.

“Knowing that other people don’t have that drove me to want to help people to achieve that.”

In the role Snr Const Loynes works with high-risk family violence offenders and affected family members.

He said the ability to build rapport with affected family members was crucial to encourage the reporting of incidents of violence.

“If we can put those risk management strategies in place and provide the affected family member with the confidence to come forward it’s going to hopefully get them out of that cycle of abuse,” he said.

Unsurprisingly, Snr Const Loyne’s consideration of vulnerable members of the community also includes an awareness of the impact emergency work can have on fellow responders.

As part of the Ryman Healthcare Station Commanders Award, he was given $1,000 to donate to a charity of his choice.

Snr Const Loynes choose the Code 9 Foundation, a not-forprofit organisation which provides

mental health support and other assistance to Victoria Police and other emergency service workers including ambulance, fire, and Triple Zero (000) call takers.

“Being part of the emergency services I go to all sorts of horrific scenes,” he said.

“I’m lucky enough to have my family and my wife who are an amazing support network, but unfortunately not everyone has that,” he said.

Victoria Police member and Code 9 Foundation founder Detective Sergeant Mark Thomas knows firsthand why support for emergency service workers is crucial.

“I was hospitalised over 10 years ago now and diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and anxiety,” he said.

The funds would contribute to the provision of mental health referrals, crisis accommodation and the sponsorship of assistance dogs.

“This is going to make a big difference, and it’s going to put smiles on faces,” he said.

Pictured: (From left) Victoria Police member and Code 9 Foundation founder Detective Sergeant Mark Thomas, Snr Sgt Greg Dean APM, Snr Const Shane Loynes and Debra Richardson.

RYMAN BACKS BARITONE

If music can run in one’s blood, Oliver Heuzenroeder has a symphony flowing through his.

The 2023 Melba Opera Trust artist, and Ryman Healthcare Opera Scholarship recipient, was immersed in the world of classical music from a young age.

“My mother is a cellist in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra,” Oliver said.

“Classical FM Sydney would be on in the car, and we’d go to the (Sydney) Opera House to watch mum play.”

While he “hated” cello lessons, The Sydney Children’s Choir and Gondwana Voices gave Oliver a taste for the stage on which he would later shine.

In 2012 his passion for opera was ignited when he joined the Children’s Chorus of Opera Australia’s production of Carmen.

“I think I fell in love with the audience applause,” he said.

“As a 12-year-old kid you come out and face this sea of black and then there is a huge applause.

“What a rush.”

Since graduating from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Griffith University) in 2022, Oliver’s developing career as a baritone has had many highs.

Awarded the Joyce CampbellLloyd Scholarship for overseas study, Oliver traveled to London and auditioned at several prominent music schools.

“Shortly before going to London, I got an email saying I had been accepted by the Melba Opera Trust, which was amazing,” he said.

In September he will commence two years postgraduate study at the Royal Academy of Music.

“Ask any singer, if they have a contract at an opera house, or a place to study for the next two years, and they will tell you it’s amazing.

“It’s amazing to have that stability and to know the direction you’re heading in,” Oliver said.

Being one of just seven people named as a Melba Opera Trust artist and the 2023 Ryman Healthcare Opera Scholar was the culmination of years of hard work.

“I’ve been looking at Melba (Opera Trust) for a number of years, but you have to make sure you are ready for something like this,” he said.

“It’s required patience in developing maturity and learning how to conduct yourself.”

The Ryman scholarship would cover the Trust’s comprehensive program, including language lessons, one-on-one vocal coaching, and public speaking.

“The Ryman scholarship has been fantastic,” he said.

“I’ve used my funds mainly for extra vocal coaching and language lessons.

“Only now can I pick up a piece of music and read the German, or the Italian or the French accurately and sing it accurately, and that’s taken years.”

And while he knows years of hard work await him, he has his sights firmly set on the world’s top opera houses.

“You’ve got to be your own hype man, put in the work and turn up and enjoy it,” he said.

His recent achievements had offered a chance to reflect on how far he had come.

“There are a couple of Sydney Children’s Choir alumni who are now opera singers in London,” Oliver said.

“I feel like ‘oh my gosh, you were the person singing the solo in the Christmas concert when I was just in the choir’.

“But now I’m on that journey as well.”

Ryman named its second Wheelers Hill retirement village ‘Nellie Melba’ after working closely with the opera trust to secure the blessing of the beloved opera singer’s family in the UK.

As part of the partnership, Ryman sponsored the creation of a scholarship.

Oliver is the fourth recipient of the scholarship.

Pictured: Ryman Healthcare 2023 Melba Opera Trust scholarship recipient Oliver Heuzenroeder.

SMOKING CEREMONY SPARKS A CULTURAL CONVERSATION

The development of Ryman Healthcare’s $200m retirement village in Mulgrave has passed an important milestone, with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country held at the Jacksons Rd site.

Wurundjeri man and traditional owner Uncle Colin Hunter led the ceremony, attended by Ryman Healthcare Australia CEO Cameron Holland, and staff from the company’s development, sales, marketing, and construction teams.

Uncle Colin welcomed everyone in attendance, introduced his ancestors and their teachings, and then cleansed the area with smoke from eucalyptus leaves.

“If we are going to be building on this piece of land, we have to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land,” he said.

“However, it’s not just about being here for the smoking ceremony and the turning of

the sod. It’s important that we continue the conversation throughout the project.”

Ryman’s Victorian Communications and External Relations Manager Michael Cummings said a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country was held at all new Ryman sites in Australia as both a way of acknowledging the traditional owners of the land and understanding the company’s purpose in a broader context.

“While we might own the deed to this plot of land, the story of this land and this country goes back tens of thousands of years, and in that sense we are really just people passing through for a small chapter in a much larger story,” he said.

“When you look at it through that lens, I think it gives us a perspective about the role that we play as custodians of the land – of people who care for other people – and to really recognise that our story as a country is much longer than we sometimes acknowledge.”

Following the smoking ceremony, Mulgrave Project Manager Connell Bergin and Cameron Holland held a ceremonial turning of the first sod to mark the official beginning of the build at the new Mulgrave village.

When completed, the village, at 62-94 Jacksons Rd, will offer independent retirement living in villas and apartments, assisted living in serviced apartments, and a care centre providing low care, high care and specialist dementia care.

It will also include a cafe, bar, cinema, gym, indoor swimming pool and a bowling green.

First residents are scheduled to move in by late next year.

Michael Cummings and Cameron Holland listen to Uncle Colin Hunter.

Pictured left:

Pictured right: Cameron Holland and Connell Bergin turn the first sod at the Mulgrave site.

BLACK BELT KNITTERS HEED CALL FOR YURI BEARS

The loving contributions of thousands of ‘black belt knitters’ from around the world have begun a quest to bring smiles to Ukrainian children displaced by war.

14,000 Yuri bears are now on their way to Warsaw, Poland, with the help of shipping company Mondiale VGL who donated their services to transport the precious cargo.

The bears are due to arrive in Poland, to be distributed with the assistance of New Zealand aid organisation Kiwi K.A.R.E., at schools, hospitals, and refugee camps, in mid-June.

Among the countless boxes of bears stitched with love are the creations of the Australian Crafters’ Aid Network (ACAN).

ACAN member Jenny O’Brien said that since 2019, knitters from around Australia had made toys and clothing for people living in difficult circumstances.

“We began by sending handmade items to children in camps in Syria,” she said.

“We’ve always had a policy that refugees, asylum seekers, and children who are victims of conflict or disaster are the cohort we want to support.

Prior to COVID-19, bearskins were knitted for projects run through several schools in Victoria and South Australia, in which school children were taught a little about the plight of refugees, and then completed a bear.

When the bearskins project was halted by the pandemic, the network of knitters was left with bags of half-finished bears unable to reach their intended recipients in Syria.

“We really wanted to send handknits to Ukraine, but didn’t know how to, so it was a win-win when we heard about the Yuri Bear Project.

“Nell, an ACAN member from Adelaide, has been working with schoolchildren to finish many bears,” she said.

Among the 415 bears donated by ACAN are 30 made by the woman who taught Jenny to knit, her mother Lilian, who is 93.

The bearskins knitted by Lilian along with those made by many others over the past few years were finished by Jennifer and her cousin specifically for the Yuri Bear Project.

“We’re all what you might call ‘black belt knitters’,” Jenny laughed.

“Knitting is so labourintensive, so tactile, so nurturing, and it’s imbued with your memories of your own grandmother or mother teaching you to knit.

“You feel part of the great chain of women now and throughout history who have nurtured children in this way.

“To find a way to help these little children in this ghastly war has just been fantastic.”

The Langwarrin CFA Craft Group also championed the Yuri Bear Project.

Over tea and scones the group made about 100 bears for the project.

Yuri Bear Project Organiser and Ryman Healthcare Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson said the generous response of community craft groups had been “overwhelming and humbling”.

“What began as a way for me to feel I could do something to show I was thinking of my foster son Yuri grew into a movement which was championed by the likes of the Australian Crafters’ Aid Network and Langwarrin CFA Craft Group, and empowered thousands to take action in response to the horrors of war.

“To say I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of help is an understatement; there are simply no words to convey my appreciation.”

Debra will join Kiwi K.A.R.E in Poland to help distribute the bears.

“It will be an immense privilege to literally place these cuddly gestures of love and support into the arms of Ukrainian children on behalf of all project contributors,” Debra said.

Pictured: Yuri Bear project contributor Lilian O’Brien, 93, with Yuri Bears.

SMALL SPACES SHINE IN BALCONY GARDEN COMPETITION

Ryman Healthcare was delighted to return for the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, presented by Scotts Osmocote, to celebrate and inspire the green thumb of every Melburnian.

For the second year running, Matt Leacy returned as Ryman’s show ambassador to present the Balcony Garden Competition, which showcased the creativity

and skill of some of Australia’s most talented gardeners.

The competition was open to anyone with a passion for gardening and a small space to decorate.

Each competitor was given a 1.2 x 2.4 metre plot to work with and gardens were judged on their design, creativity and sustainability.

Matt Leacy commended this year’s winner, Rebecca Mitchell of Little Footprint Studios, whose innovative garden came furnished with a beautiful outdoor setting and a variety of greenery and flowers.

“You can just see what can be done in such a small space. It’s somewhere you just want to come and sit down with a friend. It’s got depth, it’s open, it’s got everything,” Matt said.

Rebecca Mitchell was a paramedic for 18 years, and her career change into landscaping and gardening could not have gotten off to a better start.

“When I saw that there were some competitions open to the general public through the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, ‘I thought I’ll give it a crack’,” Rebecca said.

Rebecca had dreamed of participating in the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show for a long time, and her hard work and dedication paid off in the form of a beautiful and inspiring balcony garden.

“This happened a lot sooner than I thought. And then to win has just been incredible. I can’t even put into words how exciting it is,” she said.

The Balcony Garden Competition has been a welcome addition to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, highlighting the potential of small spaces to be transformed into beautiful and functional gardens. With more and more people living in apartments and other small dwellings, the competition serves as a reminder that even the smallest balcony can be transformed into a green oasis.

Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village resident Ros Wootton said the Balcony Gardens, as well as the Flower and Garden Show in general, was ‘really inspirational’.

Ros is one of many Ryman residents who have moved from bigger gardens to smaller spaces that are more manageable and enjoyable to maintain.

“I love seeing what can be done in a small garden — what plants go with what and the layering of different plants. I come every year for inspiration,” Ros said.

Other finalists for the Balcony Garden Competition included second place winner Angelina Fox of Porch Envy, for her garden City Sanctuary, and third place winner Mitchell Kushturian of Exotic Living, for his garden Mosman Hideaway.

Pictured top: Alex from Stonefield Landscaping and Design, Matt Leacy and Rebecca Mitchell

Pictured bottom: Ryman Healthcare team members (left) Molly Steel and Courtney Skene.

RYMAN WINS BIG AT ‘OSCARS’ OF AGED CARE

Ryman Healthcare has shone on the international stage after winning a swag of awards at the ‘Oscars’ of the elder care industry.

Ryman won four categories at the Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards in Singapore.

The company’s award-winning COVID-19 response was named ‘Innovation of the Year-Response to COVID-19 (Infection Control)’.

Ryman Healthcare Australia was named ‘Operator of the YearAgeing in Place’ for its unique continuum of care model.

The trans-Tasman Active Ageing ‘Walking for Wellness’ initiative won the ‘Innovation of the Year-Social Engagement Programme’ category.

And Weary Dunlop Retirement Village was crowned ‘Facility of the Year-Residential Aged Care’.

The Eldercare Innovation Awards recognise organisations in the Asia-Pacific who foster innovative approaches to ageing which enrich the quality of life for older people.

Ryman is the designer, owner, and operator of the ‘continuum of care’ model, which incorporates independent retirement living

integrated with serviced apartments, home care services, and aged care centres providing low care, high care, and specialist dementia care.

Continuum of care, which is commonplace in New Zealand, but only emerging in Australia, allows residents to remain in the same community while meeting their care needs as they change.

The win recognises the outstanding health and wellbeing outcomes the model provides for residents by creating communities in which residents have known one another and staff for years before needing aged care.

Ryman’s award-winning COVID-19 response was praised for its innovative response to the pandemic, which resulted in two years without a single aged care resident contracting the virus.

The company’s proactive response to infection control and resident and staff wellbeing included moving staff at a higher risk of contracting COVID into their villages, developing a digital contact tracing tool, and being the first aged care provider in Victoria to introduce rapid antigen testing of staff and visitors.

The win adds to the growing list of accolades for Ryman’s pandemic response, following awards from

Leading Age Services Australia and the Victoria Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Ryman Healthcare Australia CEO Cameron Holland said the company’s awards success reflected the outstanding care and support offered to residents.

“We’re absolutely blown away to win four awards at the most prestigious aged care event in the Asia-Pacific region,” Mr Holland said.

“This is no small feat and is a true testament to the industryleading approach taken by our village teams.

“It’s easy to say that we put care and kindness for our residents at the heart of everything we do, but when COVID arrived we showed that wasn’t just a slogan.

“The result was a world-leading response that literally saved countless lives, and was a defining achievement for our company.”

Pictured: Ryman Healthcare General Manager of Operations Australia Rami Kamel with Ryman’s trophy haul at the Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards in Singapore.

HAWTHORN FOOTBALL CLUB JOINS FORCES WITH RYMAN

Hawthorn Football Club has unveiled a unique partnership with leading retirement village provider Ryman Healthcare.

Ryman Healthcare joins the brown and gold family as Premier Partners for the 2023 season and beyond.

The multi-year deal will see Ryman Healthcare become the club’s Premier Partner across both of Hawthorn’s AFL and AFLW programs.

The new partnership will be immediately felt right across the club, with Ryman Healthcare’s branding to proudly feature across both program’s changeroom signage, media banner and men’s training footballs.

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves said the new venture with

Ryman Healthcare was an exciting partnership for all.

“This is the beginning of a significant collaboration - we are delighted to be welcoming Ryman Healthcare as Premier Partners of the Hawthorn Football Club,” Mr Reeves said.

“Like Hawthorn, Ryman Healthcare has an incredibly strong reach within Melbourne’s south-east, and prides itself of developing genuine connections within local communities.

“Hawthorn couldn’t be happier to be joining forces with such progressive and caring retirement village providers in Ryman Healthcare, and we hope members and fans can benefit from this partnership.”

Cameron Holland shared a similar sentiment.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Hawthorn and supporting one of the AFL’s most successful clubs,” Mr Holland said.

“With two Ryman villages in Wheelers Hill and a third to be built in Mulgrave, directly across the road from Waverley Park, the Hawks are undoubtedly our local club to get behind.

“Ryman and Hawthorn both prioritise building passionate and lively communities, this partnership very much feels like an incredibly natural fit.”

Pictured: Cameron Holland with Justin Reeves.