* 19 December 2022 *
Management Changes
I’d like to begin with an update on our Executive Management Team: in September we said farewell to General Manager – Finance & Admin, Warren Haysom, and this month we say farewell to General Manager – Property Services, Steve Best.
Both have been with Vasey RSL Care for more than 20 years and have made major contributions to the organisation. Our thanks and best wishes go to Warren and Steve.
We have welcomed Milka Underhill, who has taken on a changed role combining finance with management of the extended admin portfolio now including the recently outsourced property services.

Best wishes to Warren Haysom (left) and Steve Best (middle) and welcome to Milka Underhill.
VIP Visit to Frankston South
In October, we hosted then Victorian Minister for Veterans, the Honourable Shaun Leane and local member, Paul Edbrooke MP at Vasey RSL Care Frankston South, for a long-awaited visit to the Memorial Wall (largely funded by a grant from the ‘Victoria Remembers’ Funding). Both expressed their appreciation for the honour it brings to our veteran community and to all who have served.

Victorian Minister for Veterans, the Honourable Shaun Leane and local member, Paul Edbrooke MP at Vasey RSL Care Frankston South, with residents Ted (standing) and David (seated)., staff Mandy, Acting CEO, Tamara, RM Brian and Board Chair, Mike OMeara OAM.
This was followed by a visit to our Frankston South Ex-Service Accommodation residents and an announcement of a successful funding submission of $50,000 to support ex-service men and women in need. The Veteran Services Team will manage this project which will provide practical support and help to improve financial literacy and management.

Victorian Minister for Veterans, the Honourable Shaun Leane and local member, Paul Edbrooke MP visit residents at the Vasey RSL Care Frankston South Ex-Service Accommodation.
Chris Joins the Pollie Pedal 2022
Also in October, General Manager – Veteran Services, Chris Gray, spent two weeks on the roads of the ACT, cycling with MPs past and present and raising funds for Soldier On and the work they do to support the veteran community. Vasey RSL Care Facebook followers will have seen daily updates on the event.
Well done to Chris for going the full 1000km and exceeding his fundraising goal (thanks to your support!).
Chris was also in an elite group back in Canberra in November for the Prime Minister’s Veteran Employment Awards. Chris was one of just three national finalists for the Employee of the Year but missed out on winning the award.
Research Tour to Great Britain
I was finally able to undertake a research tour to Great Britain, a tour postponed for more than two years due to COVID-19. The tour took in a variety of aged care services and I was also able to add a visit to Belvedere House, an organisation offering support to veterans in need.
It was a full agenda and I’ll be talking about it over the next few issues: Part 1 includes one of the highlights – visiting the Royal Chelsea Hospital in London and meeting some of the ‘Chelsea Pensioners’, a term of affection for the men and women from this British institution.
Remembrance Day
On Friday 11 November we stopped for a minute’s silence in memory of all who have served our county, and in particular all who have given their lives to protect our freedom: this is an important day for all our aged care homes and brings back sad memories for our residents.
We need your help!
At the AGM on 17 November, the 2021-22 financial results were presented and it was another tough year and a disappointing financial result with residential occupancy rates remaining stubbornly low.
Personal recommendation is the most trusted way to find out about good aged care – so if you’re happy with the services we offer, please tell all your friends – and for home care too!
Saluting Excellence Conference
We have just had our annual staff conference – a day when we focus on the great work of our staff 24 x 7 x 365 and present the Saluting Excellence Awards. This day always makes me feel very proud of the
quality of the care we offer and integrity and kindness of our staff. Read more.
On this positive note, I’d like to send you warm wishes for the festive season and hopes for a new year that brings us all some relief from the trials of the last three years.
Janna Voloshin,
Chief Executive Officer