MEET OU R BOA R D OF DIR ECTOR S - Illawarra Diggers
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Resident of M E E T OU R B OA R D OF DI R E C T OR S
the Month
TOM DILLON
Resident Tom Dillon has been settled at
Illawarra Diggers for almost seven years,
after what he describes as ‘living a colourful
life’. In this time, he has been a productive
“volunteer member of the lifestyle team”, an
indispensable helper for our Maintenance
Manager Paul Organ and a constant
helper to care staff wherever he can. He is
the friendly face you see as you come into
the facility every morning (before 9am that
is) with a coffee in hand, watching to see
who’s late. Tom is the expert when it comes
to loading the bus trailer for outings and
having the trolley available to move all the
heavy stuff.
He busies his day with taking out garbage,
wiping down the notice boards and
helping lifestyle with setting up activities
and main events. Tom’s most honoured
role and one he takes pride in, is that of
raising and lowering the flag each day.
Tom takes a holiday every year with Care-
away Holidays and he has visited many
different destinations around Australia.
This year he is planning to take the Indian
Pacific to Broken Hill. Tom collects cans
and bottles from around the facility and
from supportive staff and families and he
puts this money towards his yearly holiday.
8 Blundell Pde, Corrimal NSW 2518
T. 02 4225 4700
Email: admin@illawarradiggers.com.au
www.illawarradiggers.com.au
Also please, now and always, sign in and sign out of the
home when you visit. While it is always a requirement
and essential for the safe management of our home, it
is also very important from an infection control point of
CEO’s Message view so that we can track and infection paths that may
occur. Please do not be offended if you are challenged
by staff as to whether you have signed in or not. You
Autumnal Greetings
may be asked to return to the front door to do so.
The summer of 2019-20 will be remembered for
Well that is all pretty heavy isn’t it? The safety, health
many years to come as we endured the latter end of
and wellbeing of our residents is paramount to us so we
a devastating drought season, horrendous fires right
need to ensure we put protocols in place to provide the
across our country and then breaking the drought in
best protection for them and our staff. Your cooperation
many areas with major flooding.
and understanding is most appreciated.
While these natural events and disasters did not affect
Inside Illawarra Diggers, life goes on at what we hope is
our home here directly, a number of our fellow aged
just the right pace for each resident. Our lifestyle team
care homes in the region did suffer directly with both IRT
are working to make our theme days more creative, Illawarra Diggers, then called the Diggers Rest, was officially opened in Mt Keira by Cecil Hopkins in September
and Warrigal having threats to a number of homes. The
starting with an Irish Pub theme for St Patrick’s Day. We 1946 before moving to Corrimal in 1979. Among the official guests on the dais was Former Mayor Charles McLean
fires did however affect many of our residents’ families
always welcome suggestions from residents but families Dawson, who played a significant role in founding Diggers Rest. His grandson, Stephen Dawson, is currently an
as well as our staff and their families.
and friends are also encouraged to contact Vikki and Illawarra Diggers’ director featured in this edition.
We were very fortunate that most came through relatively her team in Lifestyle with any suggestions for either their
unscathed. particular resident or for everyone.
With water tanks and dams quite full and green shoots Many of you will be aware that we hold a monthly NSW Seniors week, 12th February to 23rd February, is
tentatively emerging again, it should be a great time to resident meeting but you may not be aware that is it A Message from the all about looking after our senior citizens, getting out
celebrate. Unfortunately we now have a new threat in the actually a resident and representative meeting. Family
Lifestyle Manager
of the house, getting active and enjoying our time. So
coronavirus Covid-19 to contend with. We hope that we and friends are more than welcome to attend these to embrace the theme we have organised a bus trip to
are equally fortunate that this virus will not greatly affect meetings on the first Monday of each month (see the our local ten pin bowling alley. To keep everyone active
Let me share four lines from a very well known poem;
any of our Illawarra Diggers “family”. I have recently program) and participate in the planning for the next and mobile the Lifestyle and physio teams continue with
written to all staff, residents and families to reassure all “I love a sunburnt country,
month or to ask any questions of me or the staff. Starting our monthly beach walk. For those who want a bit extra
that Illawarra Diggers is keeping well informed of all A land of sweeping plains,
at the March meeting, our Chairman Michael Grew has after their walk, Sophie provides a session of ball games
Health Department updates and precautionary advice Of ragged mountain ranges,
been attending the meetings to engage directly and in the park area.
in relation to this virus. Of droughts and flooding rains.”
allow the residents to give any feedback directly to our To celebrate Valentines Day we had a beautiful
We have good, tested infection control procedures in board of directors. In this edition we have also profiled It seems much of Australia is living up to the words of
performance on Saturday 15th February (unavailable
place and have, unfortunately, needed to implement our directors. They are all volunteers who give their time this famous poem by Dorothea Mackellar, as we witness
for the 14th) by the ‘Misty Escarpment Jazz Group’. The
these quite regularly in the flu season. Within the home, to the governance of Illawarra Diggers to ensure that the the devastation occurring from fires, rain, droughts and
three piece band was fantastic and enjoyed by around
the reaction to the coronavirus is very much like our very best care and support is provided to our residents. floods across this vast country. January 2020 saw so
40 residents on the morning.
response to any infectious outbreak. We have maintained They are greatly appreciated. much devastation from fires burning along the eastern
coast line of NSW and into Victoria. This fire goes down A new project is to commence supported by the
a good stock of necessary equipment but we are also I hope you all stay healthy and well and continue to
in history as the longest burning bushfire complex Greenacres Connect Group. The removal of the old
beholden to our suppliers to provide for our ongoing enjoy our home. It is our pleasure to ensure you do.
in Australia, which has burnt out more than 4 million aviary and a new chicken coup will be built replacing
needs. We have taken the opportunity to purchase
Kind Regards hectares (9,900,000 acres). the old structure. The Keira garden project is nearing
additional supplies although there is no indication of any
completion. We need a layer of bark or wood chips to
medical supply shortages at this stage. We are following Peter Whittall, CEO The skies opened up for February 2020 with some of
finish the garden beds.
Department of Health advice in these matters. Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in our broader the heaviest rain falls over the Illawarra in quite a while,
resulting in creeks, rivers, dams and waterfalls flowing Expressions for donations have been sent out, so fingers
I take this opportunity to ask families, friends and other community, Illawarra Diggers is making every effort
across the region. This also bought some much needed crossed. If any families wish to contribute to this or any
visitors to observe much greater caution when visiting to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents
reprieve from those fires still burning. other project for our residents, please see Vikki in Lifestyle.
Illawarra Diggers. If you suspect that you may have any and staff. From 19 March, the home has been locked
to all visitors. Some exceptions will be made in the As we roll into a new year here at Illawarra Diggers, we Our resident in focus this quarter is Tom Dillon, hope
flu-like symptoms, please do not visit. If you have travelled
case of end of life care provided the visitors meet are looking forward to some great events; St Patricks Day you enjoy his story.
overseas in the last 14 days or been with someone who
has, please be additionally conservative and do not visit. the health criteria. We are keeping all residents with a pop up pub theme and Diggers Royal Easter Show. Best wishes
We have additional hand sanitising stands throughout and families informed of these rapidly evolving We have put the St George River Cruise on hold for the Vikki Wilesmith
the home. Please use them. circumstances and responses. moment, with dates being discussed for later in the year. and lifestyle team Deb, Hannah, Sophie and Kayleigh.
accountancy practice from a start- Born in Bathurst in 1950 after his former CEO Rex Leighton, and then
up business of two people to the parents emigrated from Europe, with current CEO Peter Whittall.
current staff level of 60, while Harry has fond memories of growing “It’s been a challenging journey, but
maintaining and strengthening up in Wollongong, including riding the results are well worth the effort,”
friendships and relationships with his bike up to the original Diggers’ he said.
staff and clients alike. Rest Home. “My vision for the future of Illawarra
Michael, who is married to Kay and Harry, worked as a metallurgist at Diggers is for it to continue to be
has five children, enjoys family time, AIS until he was conscripted into the an excellent provider of services
travel and has a particular passion Army, and later went on to become and amenities for our aged care
for professional English football Managing Director of EJ Pty Ltd. population of the Illawarra.”
team the Queens Park Rangers. Harry and his wife Joy, who still Stephen, who has lived all his
plays hockey, have two children and life in Wollongong, and his wife
two grandchildren. Karen, have two children and six
grandchildren.
His hobbies include sailing (he
competes in the Sydney to Hobart
Yacht Race each year), watching
Illawarra Diggers Board of Directors rugby and continues to be involved
with the Wollongong City Surf Life
Saving Club.
In this edition of our magazine we are highlighting the work of our Board of Directors. Illawarra Diggers
has a volunteer board of 9 members. The role of the board is to provide governance, guidance,
oversight and strategic direction to Illawarra Diggers and was historically mostly focussed on financial
and business regulatory compliance. Changes to legislation and changes to community expectations
have been accelerated with the introduction of the new Aged Care Quality Standards in July 2019
as well as the ongoing Royal Commission into Aged Care. The role of the board has evolved and HARRY BASSETT
also been changed by regulatory expectation to have accountability of all aspects of the operations DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
of Illawarra Diggers, including clinical care. These changes have driven the need for changes in the Deputy Chairman, Harry Bassett, a STEPHEN DAWSON
board. The board members constantly self evaluate to ensure they are able to bring skills to the board retired metallurgist from Mt Ousley, DIRECTOR
which will guide and support our home to deliver excellent care and comply with and exceed all has been on the board for four Talk about history – Board member
regulatory requirements. Our current board bring a great diversity of skills and experiences with law, years. Stephen Dawson’s grandfather,
finance, engineering, senior management, pharmacy, information technology and strategic business Harry joined the board through Charles McLean Dawson, was not
development. Their generosity of time and guidance to Illawarra Diggers is greatly appreciated. his involvement as Treasurer of only Mayor of Wollongong in1946
Corrimal RSL and his desire to help he also formed and founded the
his fellow Diggers. He believed his first Illawarra Diggers Rest Home in JOE DAVIDSON
management skills would be an Mt Keira. DIRECTOR
asset to the board. The Wollongong-based solicitor, As an active member of the City
Accountant and principle in an Michael’s vision for the future “It is important the board looks who has been on the board for of Wollongong RSL Sub-Branch
accounting and business advisory of Illawarra Diggers includes to the future and keeps up with 10 years, proudly continues this Joe Davidson joined the board
firm in Wollongong. Michael is from increasing the already high level new trends, so Illawarra Diggers tradition of giving back to the of Illawarra Diggers six years ago
Thirroul and has been on the board of care for residents; achieving continues to be one of the best community by assisting not for profit as he felt it was his duty to assist
for eight years. further integration into the local aged care complexes in the region,” organisations. ex-service people and elderly
community; and ensuring that all he said. “I’m also a board member of the members.
“One of the highlights during
Illawarra Diggers staff feel happy A highlight of his time on the board Greenacres Disability Services and “Working with other board
my time on the board has been
and proud to be working within the has been the opening of the long while it is a different organisation to members in planning the extensions,
supporting Illawarra Diggers in
facility. awaited $18 million extensions in Illawarra Diggers, they both assist refurbishment and renovations of
maintaining the high level of care
and good standing within our local “I am also keen that we develop 2018 and his association with the vulnerable people who are in need the facility has been the highlight of
community,” he said. other streams of care, including CEO Peter Whittall, for whom he of care in a respectful and dignified my time on the board,” he said.
independent and assisted living has great admiration. manner,” he said. “My vision for the future of Diggers
MICHAEL GREW “I believe I have a good
and home care,” he added. “I am extremely proud of the “It has been exciting being part of is to continue its current policies and
CHAIRMAN understanding of the system of care
friendly and professional staff for the initial ambitious plans to expand philosophies and to expand within
Illawarra Diggers’ Chairman, at Illawarra Diggers as both my late In his working life, Michael is
their exceptional attitude,” he said. the facility firstly working with a manageable program structure.”
Michael Grew, a Chartered parents were residents here.” extremely proud of growing his
The highlight of Joe’s working life for 10 years to CEO Southern Cross medication knowledge to benefit the As a commercial lawyer and Partner industry conferences and become
was rising through the ranks at the Care NSW/ACT for 23 years. home, staff and residents,” she said. at Kells Lawyers in Wollongong, Amy the gold standard that others model
NRMA starting as “parcel boy” in John served on the International Sharon provides Home Medication regularly advises and works with their approach,” she said.
1964 and retiring as NSW/ACT Association of Housing and Services Review services to the Illawarra, various not for profit organisations, Highlights of her working life include
Operations Manager NRMA Branch for the Ageing for six years and was a Shoalhaven and Southern Highland including those in aged care. building a new business from the
Network overseeing daily operations member of numerous Government areas and Residential Medication ground up in Sydney, London and
“While this experience has provided
of all branches 37 years later. Committees and Advisory Councils. Reviews in the Illawarra. New York (where she trained to
me with the knowledge of the
Joe and his wife Lorraine have two In 1999 John was awarded Originally from country Victoria, become a positive psychology
common legal issues arising in
children and six grandchildren. Membership of the Order of Sharon spent her childhood on practitioner) and having an ongoing
not-for-profit organisations such as
He is a rugby league sports trainer, Australia for services to Aged Care, a dairy farm and enjoyed the collaboration with Harvard School
Illawarra Diggers, I am very keen to
a volunteer First Aid Officer for Youth and the Church. outdoors with her love of horses, of Public Health as a guest lecturer
develop a much deeper knowledge,
Catholic and State schools’ sports John has a passion for quality riding and competing. in behavioural economics.
she said.
carnivals, schools’ liaison for accommodation care and support “I then moved to Melbourne to study Alison, who lives with her “little
pharmacy and on completion of my “I want to ensure our grandparents, ALISON EARL
the RSL, and assists his wife with for those in our society who are legend dog Ralph” at Shell Cove, is
Illawarra Cancer Carers’ volunteer vulnerable, marginalised and degree had the opportunity to work parents or siblings have a good DIRECTOR also an accomplished author and
activities. He enjoys ancient/modern disadvantaged. in several Melbourne public and quality of life and are safe and cared Our newest board director Alison loves to play tennis, go on hikes,
military history and travel. John and his wife Jean have six private hospital pharmacies before for, whether they are living in their has an amazing career as an swim at the beach, snorkel, scuba
children, 16 grandchildren and moving to NSW where I started my own home or in residential care.” international speaker, trainer, dive and travel.
consulting business,” she said. strategist and positive psychology
three great grandchildren. Amy is excited to be able to
The move to a rural coastal area contribute as a board member at a practitioner that takes her around
John continues to be actively
allowed Sharon to once again enjoy the world working with top global
involved in aged care by mentoring time when the aged care industry is
her love of horses and riding, but companies.
leaders in the sector and regularly undergoing significant change.
living near the coast and beautiful “Now, it’s time to give back and I’d
visiting residents in three aged care While still relatively new, Amy has
beaches Sharon found a new hobby been on the lookout for the right
facilities. enjoyed getting to know the other
in stand-up paddle boarding. opportunity to do just that when I
The other enjoyment in her life is directors, who bring diverse skill sets heard about the board position at
time spent with her husband Steve and perspectives, and the talented Illawarra Diggers,” she said.
and daughters, taking delight in Illawarra Diggers’ team. “Being an Illawarra girl, born and
their myriad of activities and sport. “Regardless of any future projects, bred and now relocating back to the
new buildings or other expansions, region after several years abroad,
JOHN IRELAND AM my vision is to make sure that the Illawarra Diggers was ideal as it is
DIRECTOR quality of care of the residents of connected to the local community”. MARTYN RYAN-MCCORMACK
While John joined the Board of Illawarra Diggers continues to be Alison is passionate about making DIRECTOR
Diggers in 2017, he was by no front and centre of what the board a meaningful difference and being
Martyn, an ICT Services Manager
means a newcomer to the Corrimal does, she said. part of an organisation that is
at Ericom, has been a member of
complex. committed to delivering excellent
“We want to ensure they are always the board since 2017.
He and his wife and family have outcomes and constantly improving.
comfortable, enjoy friendships and He has been described by
been visiting Illawarra Diggers for feel safe and cared about, and Her vision for Illawarra Diggers is
colleagues as a dedicated, skilled
17 years supporting their friend, SHARON DOOLAN for it to continue to build on the
hopefully there is some room for and knowledgeable network
Les, who is the father of their two DIRECTOR solid foundation that already exists
fun in there too!” engineer who also has a great
foster children. Qualified pharmacist Sharon today.
Amy, who lives in Woonona, and understanding of business and the
John has more than four decades of Doolan was appointed to the Board “I want us to be known in the bigger picture.
of Illawarra Diggers in January AMY HARPER her husband Brett have two boys industry for achieving outstanding
experience and active involvement Martyn completed his Master of
in aged care leadership roles, 2019. DIRECTOR aged three and five years old. results - to the point where we are
Management at Charles Sturt
ranging from chairman of the “Being on the board gives me the Amy joined the board six months invited to share our case studies at
University.
United Protestant Association Board opportunity to share clinical and ago in September 2019.
I L L AWA R R A DIG GE R S B OA R D OF DI R EC T OR S
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