* 18 November 2024 *
Board Unchanged and a Profitable Year for the Organisation
This year’s Annual General Meeting took place at Box Hill RSL Sub-branch on Thursday 14 November 2024, with some attending in person and some online as has been the practice for the last few years.
Board Chair, Mike O’Meara OAM opened the meeting, welcomed all present and acknowledged the indigenous custodians of the lands on which we met. He held a minute’s silence in honour of all those who have lost their lives in service.
Mike began by commenting that these last few years have been very challenging. However, these difficult times pushed the Board to some introspection, which led to research, consultation and evidence-based decision-making. This has resulted in a sense of confidence in the new pathways unfolding for Vasey RSL Care.
In this twentieth anniversary year, “It is important to take a moment to remember the decades of magnificent service to veterans and war widows and acknowledge those who laid the foundations for the company 20 years ago,” Mike said, adding that some of those same people are still with us and supporting us today. He noted that the role of the organisation continues to adapt to address the needs of an increasingly diverse veteran cohort. External factors affecting us include the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (of which Recommendation 88 aligns with our goals), the new Aged Care Act coming next year, and the National Housing discussion into which we have provided input.
Board Members (L to R): Barry Lowe, Lucy Saaroni, Mike O’Meara OAM (Chair), Tracey Bannan, Tony Carr. Not pictured: Laureen Grimes, Dr Vanda Fortunato, Michele Lewis.
The Board is strong and engaged, Mike told us, and “Truly believes in the value of what we are doing.” Over the past twelve months, a process has been developed to assist the Board in balancing ambitions and practicalities that allows us to respond to opportunities that arise in context of the strategic objectives. He pointed out that it is no longer possible to rely on self-funding to finance the strategic objectives and the development of relationships with funding bodies has been and will remain an important aspect of the work of the organisation.
With this organisational evolution, the Constitution will be reviewed to ensure it aligns with the strategy and the changing regulatory environment.
Mike mentioned ongoing work to improve organisational governance, as well as clinical governance, and in finishing, he acknowledged the work of the EMT and staff, who drive all of the above, “under the exemplary leadership of CEO, Janna Voloshin”. He thanked members and supporters for their continued support for the work of the organisation.
CEO, Janna Voloshin, reported on a year of Serving Those Who Served, which included over 670 ex-service men and women, providing more than 106,000 nights of affordable housing, welcoming over 400 new aged residents, 83 new home care clients and 110 Veterans’ Home Care clients – a new service offered this financial year. The majority of the 2021-25 Strategic Plan has now been successfully completed with outstanding items well under way, she reported.
In this, our 20th Anniversary Year, Janna commented that many present had been with us that entire time and the clear Mission that we share gives purpose to our organisation. Echoing Mike’s comments, Janna pointed out that challenges are opportunities for growth and we are seeking to do more to support all areas of our organisation.
- o In Residential Care, quality of life is paramount and the introduction of virtual reality has been met with enthusiasm by residents.
- o In Home Care, there are challenges with 70,000 Australians waiting for government to release packages and 50 on our own list.
- o The V Centre was opened this year and is the outcome of many years work. We couldn’t stand back and wait for a government response and went ahead with this initiative. Lives are being saved, participants are finding purpose in their lives, they are reconnecting with families, overcoming dependencies. On ANZAC Day, one participant wore his medals and attended a service of commemoration for the first time in a very long time.
- o In our Ex-Service Accommodation, there is a strong sense of fellowship and one example is the Welfare Shed which holds stores of bedding and kitchen goods, second hand white goods and furniture. Some residents come to us with nothing or almost nothing and this service is of great value in supporting them. It is headed up run voluntarily by one of the residents. The new Ivanhoe apartments were opened during the financial year, adding ten additional units to our stock. One resident who moved from the old Ivanhoe units to the new apartments told us “I feel like I’ve won the jackpot living here.”
EMT Members (L to R): Richard Davey, Tamara Paton, Janna Voloshin (CEO), Milka Underhill, Corinne Lyon, Chris Gray.
Janna noted that financial sustainability is essential for the organisation as we embark on new projects. We must continue to build our reputation and be strategic in developing our plans, while diversifying our income streams. She noted that there is an opportunity to provide retirement living for those in the ex-service community wishing to retire among their peers in high quality accommodation.
In finishing, Janna noted that the people are what make our organisation extraordinary – she thanked the Executive Management Team noting they are smart, loyal, passionate and hard-working, and the Board, for their continuous support and strategic thinking.
Board Member and Chair of the Finance Committee, Tracey Bannan, reported on the financial aspects of the year, noting a surplus of $11 million in the 2023-24 financial year. This was thanks to increased residential aged care occupancy, changes in the federal government’s funding model, fundraising, donations and government grants for the V Centre, and improved financial investment returns. Tracey presented the Financial Report, Directors’ Report and Auditors’ Report for members’ approval.
The meeting noted the passing of James Breheny, past Chair and servant of the organisation.
The developing relationship between Austin Health (especially Ward 17) and The V Centre was also noted.
Just one Director’s term was complete, Chair, Mike O’Meara, who was reappointed at the August meeting by the Board.