* Winter 2022 *
I would like to begin by sharing the news that State President RSL Victoria, Dr Robert Webster OAM wrote to our Chair, Mike O’Meara OAM, to advise that the previous resolution to sell Vasey RSL Care by June 2022 had been rescinded.
He wrote, ‘Since earlier this year, the RSL has considered Vasey’s Emerging Strategy and this has helped inform the State Executive decision along with consultations with Vasey RSL Care Company Members.’
This confirmation is greatly welcomed and provides clarity and reassurance for both Vasey RSL Care decision-makers and our community members.
Strategic Plan Progress
Despite the ongoing effects of the pandemic on our organisation, we have been able to make significant progress towards our longer term goals.
In early April, Victorian Minister for Veterans, the Honourable Shaun Leane and Victorian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, the Honourable Anthony Carbines made a visit to our future V Centre in Ivanhoe to learn more about its development.
Interest at this level is very encouraging and is further confirmation of the direction being taken (see back page fore more).
Wodonga Opening: As you may already have read, Mike, Chris and I visited Wodonga for the Official Opening of our three units. Property Services staff organised renovations and the units were ready for occupation early in 2022. The Veteran Services Team has made connections with many of the ex-service support groups in Wodonga and thanks to the Hume Veterans, two units are already occupied – an indication of the need for this service.
It was a great honour to have Liz Vasey Koschitzke speak at the opening, reminding us of the difficult conditions for World War II widows and their children. Her grandmother not only set up Vasey Housing but also lobbied government for improved widows pensions in recognition of the sacrifices their husbands had made. She noted how sad it is that this accommodation is still needed today but wonderful that her grandmother’s legacy lives on.
We are continuing to explore options in other parts of Victoria where there are high numbers of veterans. Since COVID, many Melbournians have chosen to make a ‘tree-change’, and while this is beneficial in increasing the population in regional cities, it has made it harder to find affordable housing.
Bundoora Visitors: Prior to the recent federal election, we had a visit at Vasey RSL Care Bundoora by Senator Jess Walsh and then Shadow Assistant Minister for Health and Ageing and member for Cooper, the Hon Ged Kearney, who is now Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care.
Both have a strong interest in aged care and Ms Kearney started her working life in nursing.
In the News
Anyone watching the ABC News or The Business on Monday 30 May will have seen our staff member, Ashish Sood, interviewed about his role as a male working in a caring role in the aged care sector.
Journalist, Dan Ziffer was investigating the barriers for men to work in aged care and how this might change in the future. Congratulations to Ash on a very engaging interview.
New Leadership Roles at Vasey RSL Care
Current and future growth in the Home Care program has determined the need for a General Manager Community Services to lead this growing team and we are delighted to have Rich Davey joining us soon.
We have also appointed a Governance Officer to manage the increasing governance requirements and the anticipated changes resulting from the Royal Commission, and prompted by the ongoing pandemic, we have created an Infection Prevention and Control Manager position: both roles will assist our future effectiveness and compliance.
Janna Voloshin,
Chief Executive Officer