RYMAN TIMES RY M A N H E A LT H CA R E N EW Z E A L A N D
Rowena Jackson village celebrates 25 years Virtual Ryman Awards 2021 Richard’s flying start Village named after sporting legend
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A WORD FROM RICHARD Kia ora and welcome to our latest edition of the Ryman Times. I’d like to take this chance to introduce myself - my name is Richard Umbers and I am delighted to have taken over as the new Group Chief Executive of Ryman Healthcare. I would like to start by offering my thanks to those who have given me such a warm welcome since I joined in late October. My priority has been to visit as many villages and construction sites as possible, and to spend time getting to know our people. The overwhelming first impression for me has been the extraordinary level of care, hard work and preparation that has gone in to keeping everyone safe from COVID-19. I have also seen first-hand the strong bonds that exist between our village teams, residents and their families. It is my job as Group CEO to continue to lead and support the team in delivering on our promise - we are here to provide care that is good enough for mum or dad. This clear sense of purpose stands out strongly everywhere I go – and it certainly resonates with me. There have been many highlights and successes in recent months. It was great to be on board in time for our annual Ryman Awards - which celebrate and recognise the talents and achievements of the team. In November we reported a solid result for the first half, and we are cautiously optimistic for the months ahead, particularly in the light of the COVID-19 recovery programme in Melbourne and Auckland. You can read about many of our activities at Ryman in this edition of the Ryman Times, including the fundraising work that underlines our purpose and social licence. From what I have seen so far, you can be rest assured there is much more to come in 2022. In the meantime I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.
Richard Umbers Group Chief Executive
IN THIS ISSUE
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A night of celebration at the virtual Ryman Awards 2021
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Solid first half results
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Greg Campbell to succeed Dr David Kerr
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Ryman’s expansion in Victoria
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Richard’s flying start
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Special guests brighten up lockdown woes
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Ryman Healthcare trial of falls detection system
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Rowena Jackson village celebrates 25 years
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Builders win health and safety award
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Ryman wins plain English award
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Village named after sporting legend
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Ryman backs 20 Team prostate cancer charities
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Record $535,000 donation to Melanoma New Zealand, a life saver
22
Who better to name a village after than Kev?
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Ryman Healthcare wins Quality Service Award
Front cover: Pioneering Rowena Jackson resident Audrey Wishart with Group Chief Executive Richard Umbers.
Ryman Healthcare Ltd
Airport Business Park 92 Russley Road, Christchurch PO Box 771, Christchurch 8042 0800 588 222 rymanhealthcare.co.nz
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A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION AT THE VIRTUAL RYMAN AWARDS 2021 Ryman Healthcare’s team gathered online for a fantastic celebration of colleagues nominated in the 2021 Ryman Awards, with TV stars and hosts for the night Hilary Barry and Laura Daniel adding to the buzz. The winner of the most prestigious title was Senior Registered Legal Executive Pam Harliwich, who works at Head Office in Christchurch. Pam was named this year’s winner of the Kevin Hickman Award, where nominees are selected for best demonstrating Ryman Healthcare co-founder Kevin’s founding values of kindness, excellence, leadership and care and are role models to their teammates.
“It truly is a great honour to receive this award,” Pam said. “Kevin has started a great company, with his vision to look after older people.” Taking out the Village of the Year prize was Auckland’s Logan Campbell, with Village Manager Karyn Nobilo giving an emotion-filled acceptance speech. “I think probably every village deserves to be village of the year after the 18 months we’ve all had,” Karyn said, before crediting their win to her team’s successful collaborative approach.
Construction Site of the Year went to John Flynn site in Burwood East, Melbourne with Project Manager Iain Jagger also crediting the team.
“This award reflects the dedication and efficiency of our team to achieve so much to date,” he said. Winning Leader of the Year was Asharif Rahman, Clinical Manager at Bob Scott in Wellington. Nominees praised him for ‘having all the Ryman qualities and for being a superb leader who always looks out for his team’. Logan Campbell’s Resident Services Manager Rebecca McMillan scored another coup for the Greenlane village when she was announced the winner of the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award for ‘working tirelessly to ensure wellbeing and safety and her strong desire to bring everyone along on that journey’. The Australians scooped two other awards on the night. Deborah Cheetham’s Janine Wilde won Sales Advisor of the Year ‘for being a quintessential Rymanian and a true pioneer – both innovative and engaging.’ Ellora Santos, a Unit Coordinator at Nellie Melba, won Nurse of the Year ‘for being an excellent role model with both relatives and staff often commenting on her
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caring professionalism and clear communication’. The Construction Team Member of the Year Award went to Kayla Myles, Architectural Design Leader at Ryman Christchurch, for ‘having real passion and drive for what she does’ and for going the extra mile. Millie Fraser, chef at Diana Isaac in Christchurch, won the Young Achiever of the Year Award with her ‘professional, gentle and positive attitude’ attracting praise. There were more great things happening in the villages, with Support Team Member of the Year going to Erick Abille, the Activity and Lifestyle Coordinator in the Special Care Unit at Hilda Ross in Hamilton, for his ‘untold energy’ and for ‘going over and above what is required’. And Caregiver of the Year went to Damanpreet Kaur, who works in the Hospital Unit at Bob Owens in Tauranga. She was singled out for her ‘kind and compassionate nature’. Pictured: It was another year where we celebrated virtually but it didn’t stop our team members from celebrating their achievements.
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SOLID FIRST HALF RESULTS Ryman Healthcare’s unaudited first half underlying profit rose 8.5% to $95.9 million, with demand for retirement living and aged care remaining strong despite the challenges of COVID-19.
Group Chief Executive Richard Umbers said the Delta strain of COVID-19 had resulted in lengthy lockdowns in Melbourne and Auckland during the first half, but Ryman villages remained in strong demand.
Unaudited reported (IFRS) profit, which includes unrealised fair value gains on investment property, increased 32.5% to $281.5 million in the six months to September 30.
Total transacted sales rose 48% to $510 million in the first half. Only 1.2% of the retirement village portfolio was available for resale at September 30.
Shareholders will receive an interim dividend of 8.8 cents per share. The record date for entitlements is December 10, and the dividend will be paid on December 17, 2021.
“When you consider the extent of the lockdowns in Auckland and Melbourne, which are our biggest markets, sales have been remarkably resilient,” Mr Umbers said.
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The gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria, changes to migration settings in New Zealand and high vaccination rates in both countries were welcome news. Ryman started work on three new sites during the first half at Takapuna in Auckland, as well as Highett and Ringwood East in Melbourne, bringing total villages in construction to 15. “After 20 months of living in a pandemic we’re used to adapting and doing things differently to keep everyone safe and maintain momentum at the same time. There’s pressure on all our resources but we have strong supply lines and relationships with contractors.
15 VILLAGES CURRENTLY IN CONSTRUCTION New Zealand • Lynfield, Auckland (Murray Halberg) • Devonport, Auckland (William Sanders) • River Road, Hamilton (Linda Jones) • Lincoln Road, Auckland (Miriam Corban) • Havelock North, Hawkes Bay (James Wattie) • Hobsonville, Auckland (Keith Park) • Riccarton Park, Christchurch (Kevin Hickman) • Takapuna, Auckland
Australia • Brandon Park, Melbourne (Nellie Melba) • Burwood East, Melbourne (John Flynn) • Highton, Geelong, Victoria (Charles Brownlow) • Ocean Grove, Victoria (Deborah Cheetham) • Aberfeldie, Melbourne (Raelene Boyle) “We expect to see pent-up demand come through in the market as restrictions lift in the next few months and we are cautiously optimistic about the months ahead.
“Since joining Ryman I have been impressed by the commitment of the team to keeping everyone safe, and the extraordinary care they take. I’ve had a warm welcome and I’m looking forward to building on Ryman’s success on both sides of the Tasman.”
“We have strong long-term growth plans and this change will enhance our ability to continue to deliver the Ryman experience to more communities.” Pictured : An artist’s impression of Bishopspark/Park Terrace.
• Highett, Melbourne • Ringwood East, Melbourne
SITES IN THE LAND BANK: New Zealand • Kohimarama, Auckland • Bishopspark/Park Terrace, Christchurch • Northwood, Christchurch • Karori, Wellington • Newtown, Wellington • Karaka, Auckland • Cambridge, Waikato
Australia
Chair Dr David Kerr said the board has adjusted the dividend policy from 50% of underlying profit to a 30%-50% range.
• Essendon, Melbourne • Mt Eliza, Victoria • Mt Martha, Victoria • Mulgrave, Melbourne Ryman Times • 7
GREG CAMPBELL TO SUCCEED DR DAVID KERR The board of Ryman Healthcare has announced that Greg Campbell will succeed Dr David Kerr as its chair from January 1, 2022. Dr Kerr has served on Ryman Healthcare’s board for 27 years, participating in its listing on the NZX in 1999 and subsequent growth into one of Australasia’s most successful companies. Dr Kerr was named the top chair in New Zealand in the Deloitte Top 200 awards in 2013 and he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List for his services to health and business. He will hand over to Mr Campbell at the end of the year but plans to remain as a board director. Ryman is in good heart and shareholders could expect a smooth transition, Dr Kerr said. “As a board we regularly consider our succession plans and our aim
is to make the change as seamless as possible. “I have worked with Greg for a number of years and he has had a long association with Ryman Healthcare. I have great respect for his skills and experience. I believe that as chair he is very well equipped to assist the board and management team. “It’s been a wonderful 27 years. I’d like to thank the company’s founders, Kevin Hickman and John Ryder, and all the directors and management I’ve worked with for their support.
“I’d also like to thank the thousands of residents whom I’ve had contact with over the years, and the people at Ryman who make this such a special company. “I also extend my gratitude to the shareholders who have supported and engaged with Ryman over so many years.”
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Mr Campbell is an internationally experienced director and business leader. He joined Ryman’s board in March and was named deputy chair of the board at Ryman’s annual meeting in July. He thanked Dr Kerr for his service over the years. “David’s been an extraordinary contributor to the success of Ryman since its early days and he’s played a key part in building it into an Australasian success story. “I’m excited about everything that’s happening at Ryman and I look forward to working with my fellow directors and the executive team to build on its extraordinary culture of care and its success. “We have a huge opportunity ahead of us and I’m looking forward to playing a role in it.” Pictured: Dr David Kerr.
RYMAN’S EXPANSION IN VICTORIA Ryman Healthcare’s rapid growth in Victoria has gone up another gear, with the company announcing it has purchased an operational retirement complex in Melbourne and is expanding its existing village in Ocean Grove.
As well as acquiring Essendon Terrace, Ryman also announced the purchase of the 2.35ha block of land next to its operational Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village in Ocean Grove, with plans to build a further 66 villas on the site.
Ryman has five operational villages in the state and seven more in the pipeline, and has now purchased Essendon Terrace retirement apartments in Essendon.
The planned expansion will see the completed village offering a total of 148 independent villas, as well as 53 assisted living suites and a 120-bed care centre.
The complex, at 262-270 Pascoe Vale Road, neighbours the 1.8 hectare site Ryman purchased in May, where it plans to build a new $165 million retirement village.
Ryman Healthcare Australia CEO Cameron Holland said the two purchases marked another significant stride forward in the company’s growth plans.
Essendon Terrace, which is home to 22 existing residents, will become part of that bigger development, offering retirement living and aged care in one village community.
Mr Holland said the planned expansion of the Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village in Ocean Grove was evidence of the strong demand for Ryman’s full continuum of care offering.
“All the available stages of retirement villas at Deborah Cheetham sold out faster than we ever imagined they would, and we have a long waiting list of people wanting to get in,” he said.
“When the neighbouring property became available for sale, it presented an opportunity to meet that extra demand. “It’s just further confirmation for us that there’s an incredibly strong appetite in the Victorian market for world class retirement living communities that also offer aged care on-site.” Pictured: Ryman’s Deborah Cheetham village in Ocean Grove has been extended to meet extra demand.
RICHARD’S FLYING START Five weeks into his new role, new Ryman Healthcare Group Chief Executive Richard Umbers is in the midst of back-to-back meetings. It is November 19, and one of the busiest days of the year as Ryman reports its six-month results to its 14,000 or so investors in New Zealand and overseas. In the midst of answering questions ranging from sales numbers, his thoughts on transaction processes during lockdowns to a media question about whether he will be buying a house in a Christchurch suburb, he’s clearly relishing the challenge.
“This is not my first rodeo,’’ he grins. Richard has an extensive background in business, including leading large organisations in Australia, New Zealand and Europe, and has been in the media and investment community spotlight before. He’s chalked up stints at retailers Myers, Woolworths, Kaufland and Aldi. He has also worked at Australia Post’s parcels business and more recently, a technology start-up. The more he answers the inevitable question about how his experiences relate to Ryman, the more things he can see that are much the same in his new role. “I’ve worked in very customercentric businesses, with plenty of competition across large networks, and with complicated construction projects to manage. There is a lot that is familiar.
“Our residents are our customers and putting their interests and wellbeing at the centre of everything has to be the key to what we do.
“I think the idea that everything we do has to be good enough for mum or dad is a brilliant way to describe it. I could relate it instantly to my mum and dad and what they would want.’’ Delivering a half-year result after a few weeks is a good baptism of fire, and it has given Richard a chance to completely immerse himself in all things Ryman. He got off to a flying start before leaving Melbourne for New Zealand. Visits to Ryman’s Nellie Melba and John Flynn villages to meet the Victorian teams were organised two weeks before his official start date and just prior to him and wife Lynne flying to New Zealand for their two-week COVID-19 quarantine. Shortly after starting in Christchurch he flew to Invercargill so he could join the celebrations at Rowena Jackson for the village’s 25th anniversary. He took the opportunity to visit Frances Hodgkins and Yvette Williams in Dunedin on the way back to Christchurch. He also made the construction site at Kevin Hickman village in Christchurch an early port of call. “I’ve been spending a good portion of my time visiting Ryman Times • 11
villages, getting to know the senior team individually and understanding the business rather than getting caught up in day-to-day issues,’’ he says. “My belief is that you must have a deep understanding of the business before you make any big calls or sweeping change.’’ Being in the getting-to-know-you stage does not mean things stand still. He is also acutely aware that being in the midst of a pandemic means constant adjustments have to be made. “I think there is a lot of short-term pressures associated with COVID. Everyone has worked hard to cope with a lot of change and done a tremendous job of keeping our residents safe. “We have to change the rhythm of business and adjust to life with COVID-19 in the community, and the potential threat that poses to our residents.’’ Longer term, he is excited about is the opportunity ahead as the baby boomer generation retires.
“We need to maintain the model that has been so successful for so long but also take every opportunity to innovate and to build on the strength we have over time.’’ “I see a company with an extraordinary opportunity to grow,’’ he says. Picture: Ryman’s new Group Chief Executive Richard Umbers.
SPECIAL GUESTS BRIGHTEN UP LOCKDOWN WOES From the self-described ‘lippy suburban mother of two’ to the Shaun Wallace from TV’s The Chase, Ryman Healthcare has been recruiting a range of well-known personalities to keep residents entertained during the long days of lockdown. Hilary Barry and Shaun Wallace were popular viewing for tech-savvy residents looking for some variety during lockdown. Hilary shared some of the most memorable moments from her career with more than 300 interested residents. Other speakers were Gordon Russell, head winemaker at Hawke’s Bay winery Esk Valley, and singer/ songwriter Andrew London, who performed a ’lockdown
special’ for residents during their usual Friday Happy Hour. Week two guest speakers included celebrity chefs Simon Gault and Brett McGregor, who issued a cooking challenge to participants. Then The Chaser’s Shaun Wallace) hosted a happy hour quiz – which was won by residents Maxilyn and Robert Tudman from William Sanders.
They credit their exceptional quizzing skills to over 600 nights spent on cruise ships around the world. Other zoom speakers have included Dr Denise Quinlan from the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience, Professor Michael Baker, Peta Mathias, Suzanne Paul, and David Lomas.
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Not to mention Happy Hour with Two’s Company, a Glenfiddich Whiskey workshop, and an art class with Kimbra. There have also been wellness workshops on sleep, meditation, and exercise and movement. Links are circulated with instructions explaining how to tune in via Zoom, with residents loving the fact they can ask questions directly to the speakers as well. The virtual events have proven so popular amongst our residents, with some wonderful feedback, which has prompted us to continue to offer a range of virtual events to our residents, even when life returns to normal!
RYMAN HEALTHCARE TRIAL OF FALLS DETECTION SYSTEM Ryman Healthcare is the first organisation in New Zealand to trial a recently developed falls detection system – using artificial intelligence to detect retirement village residents who may have tripped and fallen. Ryman has teamed up with an Israeli company Vayyar – reviewing its hi-tech equipment aimed at efficiently detecting retirement village residents who may have lost their footing and fallen. Ryman’s innovation team is testing if the system works within the retirement village resident’s home. The system has already alerted the team to a few falls by Ryman residents. The initial test project has already picked up results at the host Diana Isaac Retirement Village in Christchurch.
The new self-activating technology, based from a small ceiling-mounted unit (similar in size to a domestic smoke detector), uses the latest in radio frequency technology to monitor and detect falls passively 24/7 without the need for residents to wear bracelets. The 4D imaging system does not use cameras, therefore creating no privacy issues in the residents’ rooms it is placed. The Diana Isaac test began on 23 June 2021 and Ryman’s team has partnered with Australianbased distributor and technical support company Livius, to help setup the test locations. Chris Wright, Ryman Research & Development Projects Manager, says the device continuously sends out signals that scan the environment. The noted Ryman Times • 13
falls by Diana Isaac residents, are assessed by an ‘artificial intelligence’ algorithm. “It can say whether someone is present in the room, or whether they have fallen over in the room (in which case) it can then send us an alert,” Chris says.
“It’s really interesting technology. It has a lot to offer which we are just starting to understand,” Chris says. How any such falls detection technology would fit into the existing suite of Ryman care products for residents, needs to be considered, he adds.
ROWENA JACKSON VILLAGE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS November 4, 2021 marked a very special anniversary for the Ryman family. Our pioneering Rowena Jackson village in Invercargill turned 25, and the birthday was celebrated in true southern style. Guests entered the beautifully decorated village centre to the sound of classical music played on the village grand piano by Rowena Jackson Physio Assistant Yukie Nakano. There, they were welcomed and offered bubbles and canapés. Village Manager Steve Wakeman kicked off the day, welcoming everyone to the event, which was broadcast live over Zoom to the other areas of the village. The programme started with local ballet dancer Sophie performing three graceful dances. Sophie has a long association with the village, and the whirls and moves were a tribute to former prima ballerina Rowena Jackson, whose name the village proudly bears. Rowena Jackson is a very significant village in Ryman’s history. It was the latest in design back in 1995, and a lot of time was spent on the layout of the townhouses to get the best positioning for residents. It has proved worth the effort, as the village design has stood the test of time. As well as being Ryman’s biggest and most ambitious project to that point, Rowena Jackson was the first Ryman village to include a dementia care unit.
“We have built all our systems since then based on those early lessons we learned here at Rowena Jackson,” said Richard Umbers. “This village was our pioneer, and today we wouldn’t open a village without a special care unit.” Richard also acknowledged several long-time residents and long-serving team members, who have all been at Rowena Jackson for 20 years or more. One of the long-term residents is Audrey Wishart, who has been at Rowena Jackson for 25 years.
“When Audrey moved in there was no power and she boiled her kettle with power from a portable generator – so thank you for sticking with us Audrey!” said Richard. Audrey shared some of her memories of moving in 25 years ago. Her townhouse was at the end of a dirt road, with no path to her door, and no power connected, so the maintenance men ran a big cable from a shipping container to connect power to her home.
They have also had some interesting visitors over their time at Rowena Jackson. “If you’re looking for ducks, they are sometimes found sitting in the Wisharts’ lounge,” said Audrey.
“There is one particular duck who will visit, and one day she arrived with all her 17 ducklings. I went in to answer the phone, and lo and behold, 17 little ducklings followed me in!” Regional Manager Trudy Shepard and New Zealand Operations Manager Liz Dilger also spoke about their memories of Rowena Jackson village. “I want to say how lucky I have been to have been part of this bustling community, and even after moving away, I’ve felt welcome every time I’ve visited,” said Trudy. After the speeches Steve invited Richard and Audrey to cut the birthday cake together, before everyone sang happy birthday and enjoyed a slideshow capturing some special memories from the past 25 years. “One representative from Ryman and one representing all you beautiful residents,” said Steve.
“The day I moved in, it was a howling nor-wester, the dust was blowing everywhere, we couldn’t really open the doors and windows because of the dust,” she remembered.
“I want to thank you all so much for letting me be part of this community. What a wonderful community it is to be in. I’m looking forward to the next 75 years!”
Audrey later met her husband Murray, and the two of them were married in the village.
Pictured: It was a fabulous birthday party for one of Ryman’s pioneer villages.
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BUILDERS WIN HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARD Ryman’s Regional Construction Manager Matt Hutchinson and Project Manager Aurelian (Ricky) Ciobanu have been recognised for their commitment and passion for safety on-site with a win at a national construction awards ceremony. They won the Site Safety and CHASNZ Safety Excellence Award for their invention and development of a safe storage system for sheets of plasterboard, and were finalists in the James Hardie Innovation category also. Project Manager Andrew Inch also received a highly commended from the judges in the Young Achiever category of the 2021 New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB) NZ Building Industry Awards. The achievements mark the first time Ryman has been recognised in the industry-wide awards.
Ryman Healthcare’s New Zealand Construction Manager Paul Blackler said the awards were “well deserved” and everyone was “incredibly proud” of them all. The vertical panel storage device (VPSD) was invented by Matt in 2013 after learning about a workmate’s young nephew who died when plasterboard stacked against a wall fell on him while he was playing underneath it. Matt together with Ricky has developed and refined the design since the original concept. It was this commitment that stood out to the awards judges who cited Matt and Ricky’s “real passion” for site safety as being of excellent standard. The judges said they expected to see VPSD become commonplace on construction projects, as the industry realises the benefits to safety and efficiency on site. Ryman Times • 16
Matt said that hearing their names called out on the night had left him “a little stunned” at first. “It’s the first time we have been involved in these awards and for Ryman to be in three categories then win one and get a highly commended in another is a great achievement,” said Matt. Andrew said it was “an honour and a privilege” to even be nominated for the BCITO Young Achiever award and to receive a highly commended citation far exceeded his expectations.
“I feel very humbled to be recognised because I am just trying to do my job to the best of my abilities,” he said. Pictured: CEO Site Safe Brett Murray, Matt Hutchinson, Ricky Ciobanu, CEO CHASNZ Chris Alderson.
RYMAN WINS PLAIN ENGLISH AWARD Congratulations to the Operations Education team who won the Plain English Award for the myRyman Life e-learning tool. A large collaborative team, led by Operations Clinical and Quality Manager Karen Lake, developed a bespoke model of dementia care called myRyman Life, which aims to improve quality of life for residents living with dementia. Team Leader Libby Doran, Instructional Designer Amelia Ong, and eLearning Designer Joey Weaver turned those concepts into an easy-to-use tool. The comprehensive package of training was developed to support residents and Ryman team members with the aim to partner with people living with
dementia and create happiness in the moment through meaningful and intentional interactions. The eLearning module is a user-friendly and highly interactive eLearning tool. “I am deeply moved by receiving this award which is a credit to all of the people who have given so much of themselves to make a difference, now and going forward, for our people on a journey with dementia,” says Karen. Libby says that after the myRyman Life tool was launched, incidences of distressed behaviour decreased in the special care units. The eLearning tool was development over two years before it was released to staff. From there, they focused on designing
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learning activities, and finally the complexities of developing those activities. To date more than 9,000 Rymanians and people in the community have completed the eLearning module which includes next of kin of our residents.
“It’s a real kick to be able to give our staff learning and development tools that contribute to their giving the very best of care,” Libby says. “Every single person involved in this project has that sparkle inside. We are all, at an individual level, committed to addressing stigma, protecting the rights, being inclusive and ultimately increasing quality of life for everyone with links to dementia.”
VILLAGE NAMED AFTER SPORTING LEGEND Raelene Boyle is synonymous with athletic glory and resilience in the face of adversity, and now her name is proudly attached to Ryman Healthcare’s Aberfeldie retirement community. Ryman’s first retirement village in Melbourne’s northwest will be named in honour of the Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Games legend. The naming is a homecoming of sorts for Queensland-based Boyle, who grew up in nearby Coburg and has fond memories of running every Saturday at Aberfeldie Park just metres from the village. She went on to become an international short-distance running sensation, winning three Olympic silver medals, seven Commonwealth Games
gold medals, and was the first female Olympian to be chosen as Australia’s flagbearer. More than 150 people attended a virtual ceremony unveiling the village’s name in September. Raelene was among them, beaming in from a studio in Queensland where she said she was honoured to be recognised in this way. Ryman’s Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson said the company had been naming its villages after exceptional people for more than 30 years. Ryman’s other operational villages in Victoria are Nellie Melba, Weary Dunlop, John Flynn, Charles Brownlow, Essendon Terrace and Deborah Cheetham.
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“We have chosen an individual who stands shoulder to shoulder with anyone among the pantheon of great Australians.
“She is an Australian Olympic icon, a Living Legend.” Raelene has worked tirelessly to support people living with cancer following a breast cancer diagnosis in 1996 and ovarian cancer diagnoses in 2000 and 2001. She is an avid campaigner for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), and representatives from BCNA watched the unveiling. The unveiling also included a Q&A session with Raelene, which enabled residents who will call her village home to quiz her about her exceptional life.
TEAM RYMAN BACKS PROSTATE CANCER CHARITIES Ryman Healthcare’s fantastic residents and team will concentrate all their fundraising efforts on prostate cancer charities in New Zealand and Australia for the coming year. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia will benefit from the proceeds of 12 months of raffles, barbeques and bake sales as Ryman’s official charity partners for the year. Each year New Zealand’s largest retirement village operator selects a single cause to back, with the charity voted on by residents and team members. For each dollar raised by residents and staff Ryman Healthcare chips in another dollar, so the more the Ryman family raise, the more the company pays.
Since 1999 Ryman Healthcare has given away more than $4.6 million to charity in this way. Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand CEO Peter Dickens said his organisation was delighted to have been selected along with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
“The funds raised will help us to make a difference by creating more awareness of prostate cancer and the need for men to get regular check-ups.’’ The fundraising proceeds will enable the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand to take its early detection message on the road through a dedicated ‘Man Van’ that will tour the country, including Ryman Healthcare locations.
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“Not only is prostate cancer education directly relevant to male residents of the Ryman Healthcare villages, but also their partners and wider family, including male children who may be in the right age range to get started on their own regular check-ups,’’ says Dickens. Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO also welcomed the generous support. “We’re honoured to be a beneficiary of Ryman Healthcare’s charity programme, alongside Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand,” Jeff said. “With the support from Ryman Healthcare we can continue to fund vital research and support services that help ease the burden of prostate cancer on men and their families.”
RECORD $535,000 DONATION TO MELANOMA NEW ZEALAND, A LIFE SAVER Ryman Healthcare is donating $535,000 to charity partner Melanoma New Zealand after a huge year of fundraising. The support included the funds that allowed Melanoma New Zealand to buy a Spot Check Van, which has been on the road since February and has already uncovered nearly 400 suspicious lesions in that time. Delwyn Hardgrave, a resident at Logan Campbell Retirement Village in Auckland, says if it wasn’t for the purpose-fitted Melanoma New Zealand van visiting the village that day in May, her future may have looked quite different today. While many residents had taken advantage of the van’s visit and booked an appointment to get suspicious-looking spots checked out, Delwyn had just returned from the doctor with her husband
David who had had a squamous cell carcinoma on his ear removed. “I was waiting in the village foyer minding my own business while David parked the car when I was suddenly approached by someone from behind!” says Delwyn, 74. That somebody was Melanoma New Zealand Nurse Educator Gill Rolfe, whose eagle eyes had spotted an unusual looking mole on the back of Delwyn’s calf. “She asked if I could pop in the van so she could have a better look at it with her dermatoscope and then after that she advised me to go to my GP promptly, and not to leave it for three months.” Delwyn took Gill’s advice and two weeks later visited her doctor who said he could see why she was concerned.
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The GP did a biopsy which confirmed Delwyn had a melanoma.
“I just feel very fortunate. It was an absolute miracle that Gill was walking past at that moment and that I was standing in such a way that she noticed it. I was in the right place at the right time, and it saved my life!” Melanoma New Zealand Chief Executive Andrea Newland said the funding was a great boost. Since launching the van earlier this year, more than 2,700 spot checks have been performed and nearly 400 suspicious lesions found. Ryman has also donated $20,550 to Melanoma Institute of Australia from fundraising in Victoria. Pictured: Logan Campbell resident Delwyn Hardgrave.
WHO BETTER TO NAME A VILLAGE AFTER THAN KEV? Pioneering Christchurch business leader Kevin Hickman this year had a new retirement village named in his honour.
locals, and it is fitting the new Riccarton Park village is now known as the Kevin Hickman Retirement Village.
A large crowd gathered at Riccarton Park Racecourse to hear the surprise new name for the village, with the residents who have already moved into the Kevin Hickman Retirement village welcoming the choice.
Christchurch Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner said it had been interesting for him to hear how the Ryman model had developed, and in particular how Kevin had been inspired to provide better and better homes, so that they would be to the standard his mother would want to live in.
They heard a bit of history about Kevin and also about the importance of such villages to the city from Christchurch Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner. Kevin, who co-founded Ryman Healthcare in 1984 with John Ryder, has seen his idea grow into one of New Zealand’s most successful businesses, providing beautiful homes, comfort and security for thousands of Kiwis and Australians.
“What we see is something quite different from the facilities that were previously known as resthomes in the city and throughout the country,” Andrew said.
“The villages now have facilities that benefit the residents and actually that benefit our city as a whole with attractive housing and park-like grounds.”
Ryman employs 6,400 people and its 44 villages in New Zealand and Victoria are home to more than 12,800 residents.
Kevin Hickman said he was delighted to have a village named after him.
Ryman Healthcare names its villages in honour of significant
“It is a real thrill for me, and I will enjoy watching the village develop Ryman Times • 22
– I’m sure that all the residents will love their new homes. It has fantastic views of the Southern Alps and also the racecourse, so it is a wonderful location.’’ Kevin is an award-winning athletics coach, and he was named New Zealand Athletics Coach of the Year in 1999. He was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016 for his services to aged care and sport and was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame last year. The new village borders Riccarton Park racecourse which reflects one of Kevin’s other passions – thoroughbred horses. When he stepped back from Ryman, Kevin concentrated on developing his Matamata horse stud Valachi Downs. Valachi Downs is home to the 2012 New Zealand Derby winner Silent Achiever. The village on Steadman Road has welcomed its first residents and is growing fast. It will eventually be home to more than 300 residents.
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Retirement Villages
RYMAN HEALTHCARE WINS QUALITY SERVICE AWARD Ryman Healthcare is the overall winner in the 2022 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award in the retirement villages category, making it a clean sweep since in the awards since 2015. The awards are based on surveys of consumers, and the aim of the awards is to reward companies who deliver outstanding customer service. The winners are chosen from a survey of 2,400 New Zealanders across 40 categories. Ryman was praised by consumers surveyed for treating its residents well, and for operating villages that residents love.
Richard Umbers said the win was a great reward following a tough year coping with COVID-19.
“We are delighted to have won for the seventh time, but we take nothing for granted. Delivering quality service this consistently is an amazing feat and is thanks to a lot of hard work, day in and day out. “Healthcare is a 24/7 business and you can’t have any off days, so this is a fantastic tribute to our team, and I can’t thank everyone who works at Ryman enough for their commitment.’’ Ryman has been pioneering retirement village living and care
in New Zealand since 1984. Its villages are home to more than 12,800 residents in New Zealand and Australia and the team delivers more than 7 million hours of care each year. Ryman was also named Reader’s Digest Most Trust Brand in the aged care and retirement villages sector this year for the seventh time.