https://www.sccliving.org.au/our-services/retirement-communities/find-a-community/cardinal-gilroy-village

Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT, Cardinal Gilroy Village, 45 Barcom Street, Merrylands (2026)

23/01/2026

We’re thrilled to celebrate Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT)’s newest centenarian, Ruby McMillan, who marked her incredible 100th birthday at our Orana Residential Aged Care home in Deniliquin this week.

Born on a farm in Urana, Ruby has lived a life rich in family, hard work and adventure; from climbing Ayers Rock and travelling across New Zealand, to spending almost 60 years playing championship lawn bowls. Today, her family proudly spans five generations.

Ruby’s energy is nothing short of inspiring. She still enjoys Tai Chi and yoga three times a week, plays Bingo independently, and insists she doesn’t feel 100 at all, “more like 80”!

She credits her long life to good health, good genes and the love of family. Ruby never smoked, did enjoy an occasional beer, and has always lived with a strong sense of community and kindness.

After many years of independence, Ruby recently joined our Orana family, where she continues to light up every room with her humour and gentle spirit.

Happy 100th Birthday, Ruby, a century well lived and deeply loved.

18/01/2026

For most of us, going out to lunch with someone we love is a simple pleasure - but for Beverly, a resident at our Campbell Residential Care home in Canberra, it was a dream she never thought she’d experience.

Living with a disability meant that sitting in a restaurant was something she had only ever imagined. What mattered most to her wasn’t the outing itself, but the chance to share a moment of normality with her niece, Lee Ann, the person who has given her so much love, time and companionship.

For years, Lee Ann has been by Beverly’s side, offering countless hours of care and support. Beverly carried a deep gratitude in her heart and longed for one small but meaningful way to say thank you: to take her niece out and share a meal that felt beautifully ordinary and thanks to our Wishing Tree initiative, that long held dream finally became reality.

Supported by our Lifestyle team and chauffeured in the home’s minibus, Beverly was able to focus on what truly mattered, holding Lee Ann’s hand, sharing laughter, and creating a memory they had never been able to experience before.

There were smiles, happy tears and quiet moments of gratitude, along with plenty of delicious food, including Beverly’s absolute highlight … two serves of pavlova.

Beverly later shared that she had “an amazing time” and felt overwhelmed with gratitude, while Lee Ann said how deeply moving it was to finally sit across the table from her aunt and enjoy a meal out together, something neither of them will ever forget.

Stay tuned as Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) continues to grant heartfelt wishes that may be simple to make a reality but are truly priceless for those who receive them.

12/01/2026

Every so often, someone comes into our lives who reminds us of what gentleness, courage and joy truly look like. At our Assumption Villa in Leeton, that person is Joseph Cowen, and this week we had the privilege of celebrating his 100th birthday.

Joseph’s story stretches across continents and generations. From serving as a World War II paratrooper, to travelling from England to Weethalle to build a new life, to trying his hand at just about everything from painting, running a supermarket and working in a fish and chip shop.

But it’s not the adventures alone that define him. It’s the way he treats people.
His daughter Lynda says she’s never heard him raise his voice and his granddaughter Jodie calls him an inspiration. He was doing boot camp at 95, loves a square of dark chocolate and a glass of red, and who tells stories that make everyone lean in a little closer.

And here at Assumption Villa, Joseph has touched our team in the same way he’s touched his family. So deeply, in fact, that many of our staff brought their children along to his surprise birthday celebration at the Leeton Bowling Club because Joseph isn’t just a resident to us, he’s someone we want our children to learn from.

To honour the joy and kindness he brings into our home, our staff planted a tree and placed a plaque in his name which is a living reminder of the roots he’s put down and the way he continues to help our community grow.

Joseph, thank you for the light you bring into Assumption Villa every day. Your kindness is contagious, your stories are treasured and your presence is a gift to us all.

Happy 100th birthday, we are so grateful to be part of your journey.

12/01/2026

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Jodie Gavranov, Madison Power, and Zarli Willet from our St Martha’s Banora Point home, who began their journeys with us as carers and have now achieved their dream of becoming Registered Nurses.

Each has a story of remarkable perseverance. Jodie joined us in 2011 and is now the Residential Manager; Madison progressed from Care Service Employee to Enrolled Nurse and will continue working with us as a casual RN; and Zarli began as a carer and Allied Health Assistant and will now work as a casual RN while she continues her studies to become a Midwife.

Jodie reflects on her journey: “Starting in 2011 as a Care Service Employee I knew I wanted to go further and while it’s been a balancing act over the last four years as a full-time Residential Manager, full-time mother of three, and full-time student … today it’s all been worthwhile fulfilling my goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Thanks to Southern Cross Care, my staff and family for helping make my dream become a reality.”

Their stories are a wonderful reminder of what’s possible when passion, hard work, and the right support come together. Careers truly can grow and flourish at Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT).

Congratulations Jodie, Madison and Zarli, we are so proud of you and hope your journeys inspire others to take the next step in their careers with us!

06/01/2026

Some wishes really help people bloom.

For 80 year old Jose, a resident at our St Martha’s home in Banora Point, the Wishing Tree initiative meant returning to the place where he truly thrives - the garden just outside his room.

After a very long hospital stay, Jose has weathered more than his fair share of tough seasons. But his love for gardening never wilted so when he wished to feel the soil, plant a few flowers and finish it all off with a cold beer, our team knew it was time to help him cultivate some joy.

What began as a dream to step outside just once has blossomed into something he enjoys a few times each week. He’s even met a fellow resident who shares his love of the garden, and the two now spend their time swapping stories, tending to the plants, and watching the garden come to life.

Seeing Jose out in the fresh air, hands happily dirty and a smile brighter than the sun, reminded us why these small wishes have such a big impact.

Stay tuned as Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) continues to grant heartfelt wishes that may be simple to make a reality, but for those who receive them, are truly priceless.

05/01/2026

A very special moment for our beautiful resident, Delcie Cooke from St Michael’s Casino covered by Channel 9. Nearly 60 years after becoming the first woman in the Casino area to get her motorcycle licence, Delcie’s Christmas wish came true - climbing back onto a motorbike and feeling that freedom she’s always loved.

Her family said she couldn’t stop smiling all day, and neither could we. Moments like this are exactly why Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT)’s Christmas Wish initiative means so much. It’s about joy, dignity, and honouring the stories that shape our communities.

Here’s the link to the video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BckW157Hk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

01/01/2026

Wishing everyone in our Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) community a joyful and peaceful start to 2026.

A new year is a beautiful reminder of what connects us. Our HEART values of Honesty, Empathy, Acceptance, Respect and Teamwork continue to guide us, strengthen us, and shape the caring community we’re so proud to be part of.

May 2026 be a year where we lift each other up, share meaningful experiences, and nurture the connections that make life richer and more purposeful.

We’d love to hear from you. What are you looking forward to in 2026? Share your hopes in the comments so we can begin the year together with optimism and kindness.

30/12/2025

🎄 This festive season at Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), we’re showing residents that Christmas wishes really do come true 🎄

At our Daceyville home, one resident’s Christmas wish truly struck a chord and not just for herself, but for everyone to enjoy: to have the lounge room piano tuned.

The piano has long been the key to connection in the home, with Norma regularly playing and drawing a crowd of residents who love to sing along. Another resident, who doesn’t speak much English but loves to help, has become Norma’s page turner, a duet that developed naturally and now a permanent fixture within the close-knit community.

These musical moments hit all the right notes. They bring people together, spark friendships, and provide cognitive stimulation, coordination, and independence. In short, they give life real rhythm and purpose.

Norma says some afternoons you “couldn’t have planned it, some days it just happens, everyone is sitting around the piano singing along”. With the piano now perfectly in tune, we know there will be many more impromptu concerts and performances that will be music to everyone’s ears.

Stay tuned as Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) continues to grant more heartfelt wishes. These wishes may be simple to make a reality, but for those who receive them, they are truly priceless.

29/12/2025

🎄 Christmas wishes are coming to life this festive season at Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) 🎄

For 96 year old Paul, a resident of our St Joseph’s Tweed Heads home, his Christmas wish was to feel the joy of fishing once more. Paul has always lived life close to the sea and sport and in his youth, surfed the waves of Hawaii, swam the length of Bondi Beach, and even dreamed of becoming a famous tennis player.

The ocean and the outdoors have always been part of his story, and fishing was a way to reconnect with those treasured memories.

So when Paul placed his wish on our Christmas tree, we made it happen. Paul and three fellow residents and fishing enthusiasts, Ted, Stuart, and Ricky, were taken to Terranora Creek, Tweed Heads, for a day filled with laughter, friendship, and the simple joy of being together by the water.

While Stuart was the only one to catch a fish, Paul was delighted to hold a rod once again, feeling the breeze and the calm of the creek.

The outing meant so much more than just fishing, it was about reliving cherished moments, sharing stories, and creating new traditions. The group enjoyed it so much they’ve decided to make fishing a monthly adventure, proving that joy and connection can be found in the simplest of experiences.

Paul thanked the Lifestyle Team for making his dream come true while reminding us all that sometimes the most priceless gifts are not things, but moments of happiness and belonging.

And Paul isn’t alone. This Christmas, Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) is continuing to grant heartfelt wishes across our communities, bringing smiles, hope and festive cheer to residents and families alike.

28/12/2025

🎅 At Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), the magic of Christmas is alive as residents’ wishes are being granted 🎅

For Marie, a resident at our Karinya home in Corowa, her Christmas wish was to return to her childhood home of Coreen. Joined by her childhood friend and former neighbour Lesley, now also a fellow resident, the two revisited their old stomping ground where they grew up in local farming families and attended social events together as young girls.

Marie was delighted to be reunited with her brother Peter “Candles” Carroll and sister Nora Kingston upon arrival, exclaiming: “Oh, this is wonderful”. One of the most touching moments was Marie seeing Candles’ name on the board at the CDHBU Football Netball Club Rooms and while enjoying morning tea there smiled: “I really love this place”.

The trip down memory lane included visits to the local church, the former Coreen Pub, and a scenic drive past paddocks, schools, and familiar landmarks. Marie loved looking out at the countryside, curious about the roads and reminiscing along the way.

For older people, heading back to their roots is more than a trip back in time, it’s a powerful way to reconnect with community, family, and the places that shaped them.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Kathryn McKenzie (née O’Donoghue), who organised access to the club rooms and joined the morning tea, helping reconnect Marie and Lesley with familiar names and memories.

Stay tuned as Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) continues to grant more heartfelt wishes throughout the festive season. Because while these wishes might not cost much to make a reality, they are truly priceless for those who receive them.

23/12/2025

This Christmas, we’re celebrating the incredible centenarians who bring so much history, humour and heart to Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT). With more than 50 residents aged 100 and over, our communities are rich with stories that deserve to be shared.

Our festive video series shines a light on their favourite Christmas rituals, the moments that shaped their families, and the joy they still find in the season today. Their voices remind us that Christmas isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a feeling carried through generations.

In this fourth and final video, their memories come to life once again, offering a joyful mix of wisdom, laughter, and the timeless spirit of Christmas.

22/12/2025

At Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), Christmas is a time to pause and honour the extraordinary lives within our homes - including more than 50 remarkable centenarians who have witnessed a century of change, resilience and joy.

As part of our festive celebrations, we’ve created a video series capturing their treasured traditions and the memories that shaped their Christmases over the decades.

Their reflections are gentle, wise, and often wonderfully unexpected and provide a reminder that the heart of Christmas has always been about connection.

In this third video, you’ll meet residents whose stories glow with warmth and perspective, offering a beautiful glimpse into what the season has meant to them across a lifetime.

Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT

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