Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT

18/11/2024

We are thrilled to announce that Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT has been recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2024-2025 by the Diversity Council Australia.
This important recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our recent Inclusive Employer Index Survey revealed that:

67% of our staff come from various cultural backgrounds
59% were born overseas
57% are multilingual
40% have caring responsibilities
7% live with a disability

Alethea Lee, Chief People, Culture and Legal Officer of Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) said:

"We are honoured to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2024-25 by Diversity Council Australia. This award reflects the commitment by Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) to fostering a workplace as vibrant and diverse as the communities we serve. Every day, we work to expand and strengthen initiatives that consciously attract and retain people from all backgrounds, bringing varied perspectives that enrich our workplace. I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where team members feel welcomed, safe, and respected - a place where they are encouraged to share ideas openly and embrace diverse perspectives. Together, we strive to build a culture that values every voice, fostering growth, collaboration, and belonging.”

Join us in celebrating this achievement and our ongoing journey towards inclusivity! 🌏❤️

15/11/2024

At Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT, we are committed to listening to and valuing the voices of our community.

A strong consumer voice is essential for effective clinical governance and service quality. Our Consumer Advisory Bodies (CAB) and Quality Consumer Advisory Body (QCAB) strengthen our commitment to excellence.

Professor Rhonda Griffiths AM is a respected member of the Southern Cross Care CAB and QCAB. She brings extensive personal and professional insight to her role as a former Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University and is the daughter of parents who have been supported by Southern Cross Care.

Read the full story on our website: https://bit.ly/3O7wOWa

Southern Cross Care has been providing Aged Care, Retirement & Home Care services to support the individual needs of older Australians for more than 50 years.

13/11/2024

We’re thrilled to have supported the 90th Grafton Jacaranda Festival!

This special event attracts over 35,000 visitors annually and is a vibrant celebration of the jacaranda blooms and the richness of regional life.

Our local Home Care team, Regional Managers, and Regional Director were proud to attend Community Day, engaging with the community, offering insights and guidance on Home and Residential Care options, and showcasing meaningful careers in aged care.

At Grafton Residential Care, the festivities were bustling, including a gallery viewing to celebrate 90 years of the festival, maypole dancers, bus trips into town to see the beautiful jacaranda displays and a purple-themed fashion parade.

12/11/2024

Yesterday, our NSW and ACT sites came together to observe Remembrance Day, a time for both reflection and gratitude. For our residents and staff, it was a deeply meaningful occasion, especially for those who had served or were honouring loved ones.

The day was marked with heartfelt tributes, from Aussie sing-alongs and poppy wreath-making to displays of photos and cherished memorabilia. It was a beautiful opportunity for everyone to pause, remember, and celebrate the enduring impact of those who served, as we expressed our thanks for their courage and sacrifice.

Lest we forget.

10/11/2024

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”

Today, on Remembrance Day, we honour the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live in peace and freedom.

Our community here at Southern Cross Care takes this time to reflect, remember, and give thanks. In aged care, we have the privilege of hearing the stories and memories of those who lived through history, honouring their resilience and the loved ones who served.

Lest we forget.

08/11/2024

Southern Cross Care’s Christmas Card competition brought our community together for a festive celebration of creativity.

Residents, families, and staff at Caves Beach Residential Care have been busy creating and designing cards, which have been submitted for a chance to be selected for inspiration as Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT’s official 2024 corporate Christmas Card.

The winning designs will be professionally printed and turned into e-cards to be sent to around 7,000 families, staff, suppliers, businesses, and local governments.
Keep an eye out for the winner, which will be announced in coming weeks!

07/11/2024

Congratulations to Rita Lynch who recently celebrated 40 years with SCC!

She fondly remembers starting around her 21st birthday, when she was presented with flowers and cake to celebrate. Rita shared, “That’s when I knew I was in the right place, as both management and residents made me feel very welcome.”

Rita was drawn to aged care as she is a people person. Throughout her career, she has been able to experience different roles and grow. Working as a Lifestyle Officer, Roster Coordinator and now coming full circle to her first and current role in Administration.

Rita said: “I have always felt supported by Southern Cross Care. It’s now 2024, and I have made it to 40 years, and I feel so proud to still be with this organization.”
Thanks for your four decades of service Rita!

05/11/2024

If you've ever seen the ABC's "Old People's Home for 4-Year-Olds" and wanted to be part of an intergenerational program, here's your chance!

Southern Cross Care has partnered with Playgroup NSW to establish Daceyville's Golden Years & Young Cheers and you and your children 0-5 years old are invited!
Our exciting new fortnightly Tuesday program brings together the young and the young-at-heart for fun, learning, and connection.

The benefits of such programs are profound for all involved and a fun experience to play with a whole new group of people with a different perspective on life.
Don't miss out on this heart-warming opportunity to build friendships and create lasting memories.

To join the group, please enquire on: https://bit.ly/4hBTJ9C

Read the full story on our website: https://bit.ly/4fsko7H

04/11/2024

In a heartwarming celebration of culture and community, staff at our Daceyville home celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with traditional costumes, music, twinkling lights, and dancing. With around 80% of the team hailing from Nepal, the event was a beautiful blend of tradition and togetherness, bringing joy to residents and caregivers alike.

The highlight was the staff dressing up in traditional Nepalese costumes and performing special dances, captivating the residents with their graceful movements and intricate choreography. Residents responded with enthusiastic applause, some even joining staff on the makeshift dancefloor, hand-in-hand, their faces illuminated by beaming smiles.

For many caregivers, the journey to Australia has meant leaving their families behind. In turn, the residents have become a surrogate family, offering a profound sense of belonging and emotional support. This Diwali celebration was a powerful reminder of the connections that blossom through cultural exchange, enriching lives and strengthening our community.

Happy Diwali to all!

Read the full story on our website: https://bit.ly/3C6xyrW

01/11/2024

Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT was proud to take part in the SafeTea National Safe Work event throughout October.

Our staff across 40 communities gathered over a cuppa to discuss important work, health and safety topics, including WHS Fundamentals, Psychosocial Hazards, Risk Management Fundamentals, and Musculoskeletal Injuries. The gatherings fostered discussions about workplace safety and the importance of everyone’s role in maintaining a safe environment.

Heidi McCowan, Head of Safety, Wellbeing, and Allied Health, shares: "I am incredibly proud of our team’s unwavering commitment to both safety and wellbeing for everyone in our organisation. Their dedication to proactive hazard identification, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement reflects our shared mission to foster a culture where safety and wellbeing are core values. Every initiative, from enhanced training to wellbeing programs and safety performance tracking, reinforces our commitment to ensuring everyone goes home safe, healthy, and supported each day."

Safe Work Australia

01/11/2024

See below the special bonds and meaningful connections formed through our intergenerational program in Deniliquin; Bill and little Jobe's friendship is one of many inspiring connections.

Amanda Cleary Schofield, Regional Manager of Care Operations for Deniliquin, Moama, and Cootamundra, shares:

"Bill was a farmer living with dementia, and he found it challenging to adjust to life after moving into town. Seeing him smile with little Jobe like this reminds us that friendships are vital at any age. We all need a friend like Jobe!"

31/10/2024

Caves Beach Residential Care's Facility Manager, Amelia Gray, held a 'Cuppa for Dementia' fundraiser this month, an initiative by Dementia Australia, and raised over $1,000... and still counting!

Initially setting a modest goal of $150, she was overwhelmed by the incredible support from residents, staff, and the online community, who helped well and truly surpass her expectations.

Participants showed their solidarity by wearing purple - a colour often symbolising dementia awareness, blending the calmness of blue with the energy of red - and enjoyed a morning tea complete with purple cupcakes, balloons and flowers.

Dementia remains the second leading cause of death in Australia and the leading cause of death among Australian women.

29/10/2024

Grafton, NSW, is glowing with the vibrant blooms of jacarandas!

The annual Jacaranda Festival is already well underway, running from 25 October to 3 November. We are thrilled to continue supporting the local community by partnering again for this beautiful event. Our team will be on-site on Thursday, 31 October, to provide expert guidance on residential and home care options for you and your loved ones.

Join us at stall B01, located at the corner of Prince Street and Victoria Street.

We can’t wait to connect with you!

Image Credit: Grafton Jacaranda Festival

25/10/2024

This week, we celebrated Spiritual Care Week 2024: Beyond Religious Roles, highlighting the many ways our Spiritual Wellbeing Coordinators and staff contribute to the holistic care of our residents. Their support extends beyond traditional religious services, addressing emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs through initiatives like meditation and yoga.

Lifestyle Officer Kay Soe at Thornton Park Residential Care has seen the positive impact of these mindfulness practices. "Residents often tell me how peaceful and relaxed they feel afterwards—you can see the calm and contentment on their faces." These activities reflect a deeper sense of spirituality that nurtures overall wellbeing.

We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our staff for their dedication to supporting the spiritual wellbeing of our residents and clients. Your commitment makes a meaningful difference every day.

24/10/2024

Our Spring Fair at Thornton Park was a vibrant celebration of the community and the arrival of warmer weather, offering residents, staff, families and the community a chance to connect through fun-filled, spring-themed activities. Residents took pride in running their stalls, showcasing their talents through creative arts, crafts, baking and games.

A huge thank you to the amazing local businesses that joined us and generously provided incredible donations, making the Spring Fair even more special!

23/10/2024

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month!
It’s a perfect time for everyone, especially our seniors who might be more vulnerable, to learn how to protect themselves from cyber threats.

Here are some essential tips we should all remember:
• Turn on multi-factor authentication
• Keep your devices up to date
• Use strong and unique passwords
• Consider storing your passwords in a password manager
• Recognise and report scams and phishing attempts
• Do not open any suspicious text messages, pop-up windows or click on hyperlinks
• Do not agree to any requests asking for remote access to your computer
• Do not participate in surveys which ask for significant personal information
• Review your bank statements for unauthorised transactions
• Do not share your bank or card details with anyone

And remember, if something doesn't feel right, talk to friends and family as they might spot some red flags you missed.

For more information: https://bit.ly/3NzZuXF

22/10/2024

Mangiamo! Marsfield Residential Care's cooking group had a blast making delicious, personalised pizzas.

Residents got hands-on, spreading sauce and piling on their favourite toppings with pizzas served with a good drop of red while listening to Italian music.

The monthly group has quickly gained popularity, and next month, they'll embark on a culinary journey to France.

Group cooking promotes physical, mental, and social wellbeing, stimulating memories and fostering social connections.

17/10/2024

What a wonderful morning at our Daceyville Residential Care home where the young and young at heart came together for our new intergenerational program, on Tuesday.

In a Southern Cross Care first, we’ve teamed up with Playgroup NSW bring together three generations – seniors, children and their parents. These connections foster a vibrant and supportive environment, enhancing the wellbeing of both our elderly residents and the younger participants.

Everyone enjoyed a fun-filled morning of singing, games, and laughter! Engaging with children provides cognitive stimulation, boosting memory, problem-solving, joy and creativity.

Seeing the relationships formed across generations was truly heartwarming and we are looking forward to our fortnightly gatherings.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us!