Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT

29/07/2025

Plastic Free July highlights how small steps each day can make a big difference for our planet!
Here are just a few small steps you can take to finish July with the planet in mind.
🌍 Avoid plastic packaged food and drinks - bring your reusable containers or take the time to eat in.
🌍 Avoid plastic bags - keep your reusable bags in an easy-to-grab spot like your car or handbag.
🌍Skip the produce bags - keep fruit and vegetables loose or use reusable bags.

Every day, we prioritise sustainability across our operations, which includes refusing single-use plastic where possible and prioritising waste diversion of the plastic we do use.

Join us in the Plastic Free Pledge at PlasticFreeJuly.org

20/07/2025

We’re excited to share that our Marian Residential Care home in North Parramatta is a finalist in the UDIA NSW Awards for Excellence!

Adding to its already announced finalist position in the Property Council of Australia’s Innovation & Excellence Awards. This growing recognition celebrates our purpose-built, dementia-friendly home designed to support residents with complex care needs, where comfort, connection, and wellbeing come first.

18/07/2025

Support our team and vote for our Marian Residential Aged Care home in the Property Council of Australia 2025 Innovation & Excellence People's Choice Award!
Voting closes midnight tonight.

Vote now: https://propertycouncil.awardsplatform.com/entry/vote/vLeWDeRr/VePBezdP?search=c068fd2b9b5f0575-4

17/07/2025

We’re proud to celebrate two of our own, Amanda Cleary Schofield and James Wotherspoon, who have been named finalists in the 2025 You Are ACE! Awards by Ageing Australia

These national awards shine a light on those who are making a real difference in the lives of older people.

Amanda, one of our Regional Managers, has been recognised for her work leading innovative programs that bring generations together, strengthen dementia care, and build strong local connections.
James, a Physiotherapist at Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), has been acknowledged for transforming our gym program and helping residents stay active, engaged and connected to their communities.

At Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), our purpose is to support older people to live life to the full. Amanda and James live that purpose every day, and we’re thrilled to see them recognised on the national stage.

Congratulations to all the 2025 Ageing Australia You are ACE! Award finalists in the Individual category.

Consumer Focus and Care
- Asmir Huzejrovic, Villa Maria Catholic Homes VMCH, VIC
- Dave Bell, Rise, WA
- James Wotherspoon, Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT, NSW & ACT
- John Fato, Lifeview Emerald Glades, VIC
- Kerry Curran, Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution, NSW

Innovation
- Amanda Schofield, Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT, NSW & ACT
- David Martin, St Vincent's Care Services, QLD
- Kelvin Neave, Dougherty Apartments, NSW
- Marg Alexander, Benetas, VIC

Leadership
- Aurielle Reyes, The Shoreline Coffs Harbour, NSW
- Ben Hall, Barossa Village Inc., SA
- Faye Spiteri, Fronditha Care, VIC
- Veronica John, Whiddon, NSW

Rising Star
- Brianna Browne, Harbison Retirement Living Village, NSW
- Dylan Dumbleton, Community Vision Australia Limited, WA
- Justin Woodward, Harbison Retirement Living Village, NSW

Volunteer
- Carol Pickering, Villa Maria Catholic Homes VMCH, VIC
- Gail Williams, Calvary Aged Care Mount Carmel, NSW
- Gary Hollier, Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution, NSW
- Marilyn Hobbs, Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution, NSW
- Theodorus Giannicopoulos, Fronditha Care, VIC
- Viv Simpson, Sawtell Catholic Care, Marian Grove, Mater Christi Community, NSW

View the full list of finalists > https://ap1.hubs.ly/y078Q90

Winners will be revealed on Aged Care Employee Day on Thursday 7 August.

We invite all providers of aged care, workers and the broader community to share a ‘thanks for caring’ message this Aged Care Employee Day.

Find out more > https://ap1.hubs.ly/y078D30
Share your message > https://ap1.hubs.ly/y078D30

05/07/2025

As we enter 2025, NAIDOC Week marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honoring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. The 2025 theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead.

The NAIDOC journey began as a movement for recognition and rights, sparked by Indigenous communities who saw a future built on justice and equality. Over the decades, it has grown into a powerful national celebration, a testament to the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week reinforces the vision for an Australia where Indigenous voices are not only heard but lead the way.

We look forward to celebrating NAIDOC Week with a range of community-led activities across our locations, as we continue to walk together, listen deeply, and raise our voices for a future grounded in respect, truth, and unity.

National NAIDOC

02/07/2025

Have you seen a Penguin in a knitted jumper?
At our Karinya Residential Care home in Corowa, a group of crafty residents have been knitting tiny wollen jumpers for Penguins!

The jumpers for Penguin Foundation Knits for Nature program help rescue penguins affected by oil spills, acting as a temporary barrier that prevents preening and ingesting toxic substances.

The group also knits premature baby beanies, jackets, scarves for the homeless, fingerless gloves, dog jackets, and knee rugs.

It's one way our community is staying connected and making a difference together read more here: https://bit.ly/3TR6wdL

25/06/2025

Wellness Wednesday 💪

At 75, Yvonne Cain is redefining what it means to age well.

A proud resident of Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT)’s Cardinal Gilroy Village in Merrylands, she is embracing the wellness program with a passion that’s putting people more than half her age to shame.

Six days a week you’ll find her in the gym powering through cardio, strength, stretch, and balance classes.

“There’s no way I’d be this healthy and fit without the gym and the wonderful staff to help me use it,” she says, beaming. “Old age really is just a number.”

In just 10 weeks, Yvonne has eliminated shortness of breath, gained strength and confidence and reignited her love for volunteering, cooking, and gardening.

Her secret? A simple motto: “Use it or lose it”.

At Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), we believe movement is medicine. Regular exercise as we age boosts mood and energy; improves balance and mobility; reduces the risk of chronic disease and helps maintain independence and quality of life.

With personalised wellness programs, we’re helping residents like Yvonne live their best lives - because our homes are places to live, not just to age.

20/06/2025

Spirits were blooming at our South Coogee Residential Aged Care home this week as our residents gathered for one of their favourite activities — floral arranging!

With petals in hand and creativity in full blossom, everyone enjoyed selecting their favourite flowers to craft unique bouquets.
The room was filled with vibrant colours, laughter, and even a few floral hair accessories to top off the look!

Engaging in shared activities like floral arranging offers older adults a wonderful blend of cognitive, emotional, and social benefits.
These group experiences help foster a sense of belonging and purpose, while also encouraging creativity, fine motor skills, and meaningful connections with others. The joy of creating something beautiful together can truly brighten spirits and strengthen community bonds.

It’s amazing what can stem from a shared moment of creativity.

18/06/2025

📣Privacy - It's everyone's business.

This Privacy Awareness Week, we're highlighting something close to our hearts, protecting the personal information of everyone in our care.

It's in the small moments: locking your screen when you step away, keeping conversations confidential, and speaking up when something doesn't feel right.

Every action, no matter how small, makes a difference in creating a safe and respectful environment for our residents, families, and team members.

11/06/2025

We're excited to announce that our Marian Residential Care home is a finalist in the Property Council of Australia Innovation & Excellence Awards for Development Innovation!

This achievement recognises our team's commitment to championing the cottage-style household model, encompassing dementia care and accessible-friendly design and creating innovative spaces for specialised support.

05/06/2025

🌏 Today is World Environment Day, focusing on plastic pollution and its impact on the environment and our health. We're committed to reducing waste and caring for our planet and future generations.

Through our Laudato Si' Living Care: Action Plan, we're cutting waste by over 10 tonnes every month!

Together, we can