* 12 December 2023 *
As we reach the end of 2023 and approach the start of another new year, it’s a time of reflection for many people, including me.
I’m reflecting on our progress towards the goals in our Strategic Plan – and there has been much progress – and also on the important ongoing work we continue to do each year.
Funding Success
Firstly, we are delighted to inform you that the Federal Government recently announced the successful organisations for the Veteran Wellbeing Grant (one Off) Program and we have been awarded $1.2 million. This is a significant amount and will enable us to begin receiving participants in The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program early in the new year.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Federal Government for showing their confidence in both our organisation and in our innovative program to bring real change for those veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The unacceptable rate of veteran suicide needs action and we believe this program can not only change lives, but potentially save lives.
We were very honoured to have distinguished guests visit The V Centre recently as word of this initiative reaches far and wide.
Saluting Excellence Conference: a Fabulous Day
Secondly, in late November we held our annual Saluting Excellence Staff Conference at the Manningham Civic Centre – a great venue – and our theme this year was ‘Empowerment: motivating and empowering ourselves and each other’.
Staff who were nominated for Saluting Excellence Awards were acknowledged and the winners announced. I’d like to congratulate all our staff, whether they were nominated or not, winners or not. Our people are what make our organisation and I am proud to be here among such a fabulous group.
It is empowering and motivating to me when we all come together. And of course, none of this would be possible without our sponsors – our valued providers and suppliers, who share our vision of the best possible care and services for our clients and residents and who support us to hold this event. Thank you to each one of you for your support.
Veteran Home Care Tender
Earlier this year we tendered to become one of the government’s providers of Veteran Home Care and we are delighted to announce that our tender was successful.
The veteran community is our ‘raison d’être’ and it is fitting that we are now one of the organisations the DVA refers clients to.
New Ivanhoe Ex-Service Accommodation (ESA)
Our residents have now moved into our shiny new Ivanhoe ESA apartments and we held a house-warming in October. Despite COVID-related delays affecting the construction industry, we are very pleased that this was completed on schedule. Read more.
AGM and Annual Reports
At our AGM in November, we were able to present our achievements for the 2022-23 Financial Year to our members. It is pleasing to be able to report on a recovery in residential aged care and good headway against our strategic goals.
As well as our usual financial report, this year we developed an ‘Impact Report’, focusing on what has been achieved in each area of the business.
It is easy to get caught up in the current projects, so it is important to take stock and reflect on what has been achieved as we continue to work for the benefit of our community.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy time over the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Janna Voloshin,
Chief Executive Officer