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eNewsletter WINTER 2016
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Welcome to the Winter edition of the Anam Cara Geelong newsletter. In this edition we explore the many exciting developments that we hope will ensure the future of our wonderful community hospice for the people of Geelong.
Receiving bipartisan support and a commitment towards funding of a new hospice, on a yet to be finalised Greenfield site, is a huge step forward for Anam Cara. However, the $5 million pledged will be but a part of what is needed to realise this project.
In the mean time, Anam Cara Geelong continues to need to raise funds to ensure the continuation of our current hospice services, which provide essential care and support to those with life-limiting illness, their carers and families.
Helen Hunter
Chief Executive Officer

Artist's impression of the new 20-bed purpose-built Geelong Hospice

Future looks bright as Anam Cara celebrates $5 million bipartisan funding commitment
The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visited Geelong on Tuesday, May 24 (during National Palliative Care week) where he and Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson MP met with representatives of Anam Cara Geelong at Deakin University's Waterfront Campus.

On the agenda was the Coalition's commitment of $5 million in Federal Government funding towards the building of a new purpose-built 20-bed hospice facility; and the need for improved hospice services with Anam Cara House considered a best-practice model for end-of-life care and carer support.

Representing Anam Cara Geelong at the meeting were Ambassador Bob Gartland, Patron Frank Costa, Board Chair Diana Taylor, Chief Executive Officer Helen Hunter and Health Operations Manager Gill Robertson.
Member for Corio, Richard Marles MP, Labor Candidate for Corangamite, Libby Coker, and Member for Ballarat and Shadow Minister for Health, Catherine King MP announced the Labor Party would match the Coalition's $5 million funding commitment if successful at the July 2 election.

The announcement was made during a visit to Anam Cara House on Thursday, June 2. The Labor representatives toured the House and spent time chatting with Day Hospice guests and Anam Cara supporter Darren Longridge (pictured bottom left, with Anam Cara Board Chair Diana Taylor) husband of Annie Cavanagh, whose end-of-life care at Anam Cara House late last year was the story used in our current Annual Giving Appeal.
 

 

Labor staffer
Lena De Rosso remembers "home away from home" at Anam Cara House...

During the Labor Party’s visit to Anam Cara on June 2 the House was abuzz with many different conversations as politicians mingled and spoke with staff, volunteers, guests and family members; as well as the waiting members of the media.

But there was one very special conversation that happened quietly, away from all the activity; and ended with a warm, understanding hug. It was when Lena De Rosso, a young staffer from the office of Member for Corio Richard Marles MP, was reunited with Anam Cara’s Day Hospice Manager and Division One nurse Tessa Davis.

Tessa had nursed Ms De Rosso’s grandfather, Domenico De Rosso during his end-of-life care episode at Anam Cara House three years earlier, when Lena was still in secondary school.

“When I was at Anam Cara House for the announcement, I saw Tessa doing what she does best; caring for others, reassuring them and providing them with the very best of care,” Ms De Rosso said.

“It brought both a smile to my face, and a tear to my eyes. I was smiling because...[click HERE to continue reading]


 

Message from
Diana Taylor, Chair of
Anam Cara House Geelong

 
Anam Cara House Geelong has just completed a very busy three month period since our last newsletter update.

On behalf of our Board and Foundation Members, Staff and Volunteers, I wish to thank our very generous Anam Cara House Community who have contributed to our Annual Giving Program. The Program is in its inaugural year and is contributing much need funds to our House services and its guests.

Darren Longridge’s beautiful wife Annie, and mother to Ella, passed away at Anam Cara House in late 2015. Darren’s support of our 2016 Annual Giving Program, his courage in telling his story and his family’s support of the House has made a significant difference in raising the awareness of our very special services. We thank Darren, Ella and their family very much for their continuing support.

Donations are tax deductible and are still being gratefully received and can be made online at www.givenow.com.au/anamcarahousegeelong or by phoning 03 5222 5831 during business hours or sending a cheque to Anam Cara House Geelong, PO Box 681, Geelong 3220. You can also click HERE to download the printable donation form.

We are also delighted to confirm that ... [click HERE to continue reading]

There's still time to donate to our
2016 Annual Giving Appeal...

We have been overwhelmed with the generosity of our friends and supporters, from near and far, who have given to our very first Annual Giving Appeal since its launch on May 1. Together we have raised more than $32,000 and counting! 

Now is the time to make your tax deductible donation, before the end of the financial year on June 30. All the money donated goes towards the immediate continuation of our essential community hospice services, including end-of-life care episodes and day hospice program.

Download the printable donation form HERE or click on the box below to give online. 
 
Donate Now

International Nurses Day - May 12th

Our Day Hospice Manager Tessa Davis (pictured with Day Hospice guest Christine Vigar) began her nursing training in 1972. She has worked in many areas of nursing - from cardiac nursing to teaching sexual health in schools! - but has found her calling in palliative nursing and hospice services.

"I enjoy the love and laughter of this place," Tessa says of her role at Anam Cara Geelong. "We nurses are advocates for our guests and their families. We help them with advanced care planning and offer them other options and an informed choice and that's just so important."

To contact Tessa about Anam Cara House Geelong's twice-weekly Day Hospice Program or advanced care planning phone 03 5222 5831 during business hours or email t.davis@achg.org.au
Anam Cara Geelong volunteers Rhonda Pickett and Carmel Stafford epitomize the National Volunteer Week slogan #GiveHappyLiveHappy‬. All our Anam Cara "vols" really got into the spirit of this annual celebration week, from May 9-15, organised by Volunteering Australia. 

Whether it is supporting our guests at Day Hospice, caring for the guests with us for their end-of-life care, our wonderful office volunteers or our highly committed board members, Anam Cara House could not exist without volunteers. We thank them all.

Chesterfield Supported Residential Service 
"It's the best decision I've ever made"
When Chesterfield SRS residents Geoff Neilson and his wife Gwenda came to the conclusion that it was time they needed some help and could no longer manage at home, they were attracted to Chesterfield due to its central Newtown location.
"It's undoubtedly one of the best decisions I've ever made," Mr Neilson said. "Since we've been here we've been very happy. The staff are very caring people with a genuine interest in the residents."
Mr Neilson added that retaining their independence was also extremely important for the couple.
"I'm still lucky enough to drive, and I can do that here," he said. "It feels as though you're a part of a family, and yet you've got your independence and you're not being spied upon."
For 92 year-old Florence Hurley her independence is equally important. 
"You go to bed when you like, get up when you like. Now where would you get that anywhere else?" Mrs Hurley said.
"My children are also very happy with me being here, which is important. They are grateful to know that I am happy."
Chesterfield PSC and manager Dianne Trueman (pictured above left with residents Stuart and Doug) said the Supported Residential Service, with its idyllic Shannon Ave mansion and gardens, provides a "middle ground" for those people that need some help but wish to retain their independence.
"We are not an aged care facility as such," Dianne said. "No one is locked in. The residents are independent and can come and go. But at the same time we have staff 24 hours a day to assist if needed."
Chesterfield SRS is available for immediate respite or permanent residency. To make an inquiry or organise a visit phone Dianne Trueman on 03 5222 4288 or email d.trueman@achg.org.au

FUNDRAISING
Anam Cara Geelong is delighted to be the exclusive charity partner for the upcoming Tastes of Central Geelong 'Afternoon Tea' Event on Saturday, July 16 featuring one of Australia's most loved cooks, former Masterchef contestant Justine Schofield, who will be interviewed by host and GT Magazine editor Kylie Oliver. Anam Cara Geelong Board Chair Diana Taylor will also speak at the event.

Where: The Pier Geelong
When: Saturday 16 July
Time: 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Cost: $55 per person
Bookings: www.tryboooking.com/LOAV

Central Geelong Marketing will donate $5 from every ticket sold to Anam Cara Geelong
Thank you to those who have already purchased the 2016/17 Entertainment Book
Anam Cara Geelong is benefiting from 20 per cent of those sales.
This year's Entertainment Book is available in the traditional book form or as an App for your smart phone. There's $20,000 value in this little $60 book, and $12 from each sale will go towards our services.
Order yours HERE or email info@achg.org.au or phone Anam Cara Geelong on 03 5222 5831 during business hours.

ANAM CARA IN THE MEDIA

THANK YOU
Thank you to the Geelong Street Rodders for their generous contribution to our 2016 Annual Giving Appeal. Anam Cara is one of the worthy recipients of this year's Queenscliff Rod Run fundraising event. The Geelong Street Rodders also recently brought in some of their prized shiny beauties for the delight of our Day Hospice guests. It's fantastic to have the support of organisations such as this.

CONGRATULATIONS
We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to friend of Anam Cara Geelong, Dr David Brumley OAM, who received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Queen's Birthday honours list for service to medicine as a general practitioner and to palliative care.
Dr Brumley was instrumental in the founding of Ballarat Hospice Care and the establishment of Gandarra Palliative Care Unit. He has also held a number of academic and clinical teaching posts. His passion for teaching effective communication skills to all health care professionals has improved outcomes for patients and their families as well as the clinical team.
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Copyright © JUNE 2016 Anam Cara House Geelong, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
PO Box 681, Geelong, 3220

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