Media Room
Stonnington’s Citizens of the Year
On Thursday the 19th of August 2010, Stonnington Council awarded five residents and two community groups at the annual Stonnington’s Citizens of the Year event at the Malvern Town. The annual ceremony recognises the city’s many volunteers across a range of endeavours and causes.
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Date of publication: 03/09/2010
Book Bonanza Shopping Night
We know that mecwacare supporters love their books based on the kind donations to our libraries through Jeffreys Books. Now we partner with Jeffreys Books to bring you a Book Bonanza shopping night.
6-8 pm, Tuesday 17 August, Jeffreys Books – 140 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.
Bring your friends for a relaxed shopping night while raising funds to support mecwacare. Jeffreys Books will donate 10% of all takings on the night.
For further details please contact Jeffreys Books on 9509 5133 or info@jeffreysbooks.com.au
Date of publication: 05/08/2010
Winter message from the Chief Executive, Michele Lewis
Over the past few months mecwacare has celebrated various achievements with the official opening of the mecwacare Malvern Centre by Ms Kelly O’ Dwyer, MP, the Volunteer Week afternoon tea to thank our volunteers and the 100th birthday of Mrs Dorcas Byrne who attends the Bowen Street Community Centre.
Whilst mecwacare celebrates these milestones it is also the end of an era with the resignation of Mr Robin Syme AM, mecwacare’s Chairman, who has chosen to step down after 10 years of service to mecwacare. As Chairman Mr Syme has seen the development of the recently opened mecwacare Malvern Centre, the opening of the Noel Miller Centre in July 2003, the expansion of Home Nursing and Care with the establishment of offices in Northcote and Preston, the purchasing of Rivendell House to support Community Services in The Shire of Cardinia and the significant transformation in mecwacare’s Community Centres at Bowen Street and Fisher Street. He has also supported 3 Chief Executives. I would like to personally thank Mr Robin Syme for his time, dedication and support of mecwacare and I wish him all the best for the future.
At the June Board meeting the Board was most pleased to announce the appointment of Mr John Hood as the new Chairman. John has been a strong supporter of mecwacare since he joined the Board in 1998. Congratulations John.
Date of publication: 05/08/2010
Looking to 2010 - Michele Lewis Chief Executive
Thank you to everyone who has recently provided their feedback in relation to donating to mecwacare.
Key trends in your feedback show that many people prefer to donate annually in response to one or two key appeals, especially given the current economic climate. We will now mail two appeal letters annually in May and December, for the end of financial year and at Christmas.
I also appreciate that some people donate by generously giving their time volunteering, or through donations of items to the opportunity shops.
Thank you to everyone for supporting mecwacare in many ways.
Date of publication: 31/05/2010
Want some great deals?
Entertainment Books are now available to purchase through mecwacare. There are over $15,000 worth of discount offers available in the new edition and it’s still only $65. As well as being full of great offers, the Entertainment Book is also your guide to the best restaurants, hotel accommodation, attractions, sports and leisure activities available around Australia.
Entertainment Books contain hundreds of 25-50% off and two-for-one offers from popular restaurants, cinemas, hotels, the arts, and sporting events. There truly is something for everyone with high value offers from Avis, Warner Bros. Movie World, Crown Towers, Hamilton Island, The Point at Albert Park, Nobu, The Pier, time out, Baskin Robins, Brumby’s, Zoos Victoria, Melbourne Theatre Company, AFL and many more.
Your purchase will also help to fund mecwacare’s work in the greater Melbourne Community with $13 from the sale of each book going directly to mecwacare.
To place an order, complete the order form and send to us, or order one by calling Nicole Tattersall, our Fundraising Officer on 03 9563 6226, Monday - Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm.
Date of publication: 12/04/2010
It Was Cards To The Ready
On Monday 29 March 2010 at the Malvern Town Hall, the Friends of mecwacare hosted their Annual Charity Card Day and raised $4,039 for mecwacare.
Started by the Women’s Group of MECWA, the Annual Card day has been a key fundraising event for many years. Over 100 players enjoyed social and duplicate bridge directed by Laurie Kelso, a wonderful raffle, lunch and morning and afternoon tea and coffee.
We would like to sincerely thank the Friends of mecwacare Organising Committee who ran the event this year: Jane Happell, Di King, Sue Angliss, Angela Baker, Di Britcliffe, Joan Donaldson, Rosemary Dowling, Jane Gray, Jayne Heard, Vanessa Keenan and Flip Tozer for their support and marvelous effort.
Date of publication: 12/04/2010
Teeing off for mecwacare at Metropolitan Golf Club
On a hot sunny Monday in Melbourne, 83 people played the beautiful Metropolitan Golf Course in South Oakleigh, to support mecwacare.
The field of enthusiastic golfers started at 8am on Monday 8 February 2010, in a shot-gun 4BBB Stableford competition, to raise funds to upgrade clinical equipment.
By 9.30am, the temperature had reached the mid 30’s, and a cold refreshing drink on course was heartily welcomed. There was great praise for the condition of the course and clubhouse – mecwacare was honoured to be able to host their Annual Golf Day at one of Australia’s best golf courses.
“I know everyone is having a great time – although the day is quite hot!” Michele Lewis, Chief Executive of mecwacare said. “This is our major fundraising event for the year, and I am sincerely grateful for the support of our major sponsor Medirest, who have been with us for the past three years. It’s also exciting to have a new Putting Competition sponsored by Walton Construction, who have recently finished building our new Malvern Centre.” Read More...
Date of publication: 10/02/2010
A new era begins for aged care in Malvern
Today mecwacare welcomes Mrs Lorraine Rayner, the first resident to the brand new, state-of-the-art aged care centre at mecwacare Malvern, situated at 1245 Malvern Road, Malvern. Mrs Rayner and her family were warmly welcomed to the Centre by Michele Lewis, Chief Executive, and Jenny Clarke, the Centre Manager, with a bouquet of flowers. 
“This is a wonderful day for us.” Michele Lewis, Chief Executive of mecwacare said. “Seeing Mrs Rayner settled in here today is the accumulation of several years work for the organisation. It means so much that we can provide excellent care for supported living in a wonderful, modern light-filled home.”
mecwacare Malvern will support the tremendous need in the area for high care accommodation and day care services. In times when the population is ageing and more Melburnians face decisions regarding the ongoing care for family members, this new centre provides excellent high and low care in beautifully appointed surroundings.
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Date of publication: 01/02/2010
Looking to 2010 - Michele Lewis Chief Executive
At this time of year we often have some time to reflect on what has been achieved in the past 12 months, while preparing for what lies ahead. mecwacare has achieved much in 2009 and the Board has exciting plans for 2010, including the opening of our new Aged Care centre in Malvern, which will help to fulfill a tremendous need for supported living in the community.
But we could not have achieved this without the generous contribution of our supporters and donors - special people who we value greatly.
I hope that we may continue to count on your generous support, whether it is time spent volunteering or donating.
If you have a thought about giving back to the community as part of your New Year resolutions, we welcome your enquiry. This could include volunteering, or how you may like to donate. All donations over $2.00 are tax-deductible.
Kind regards,
Michele
Date of publication: 13/01/2010
Christmas message from the Chief Executive, Michele Lewis
I wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone in the mecwacare community This year, we celebrated our Jubilee Anniversary for 50 years of service to the community, and we are very grateful to all those people who have contributed to mecwacare over the years, and continue to support our vital work in the community.
We have improved care delivery standards across the network, with upgrade of systems and processes. Most importantly, we passed accreditation audits at both our Noel Miller Centre and the Sir Donald and Lady Trescowthick Centres, with several compliments about the diligence of our care staff and management. Our organisation passed a triennial OHS audit - a major achievement heralding excellent practice in the provision of occupational health and safety for our staff, volunteers and contractors. We have expanded the home nursing and care services in the Northern and Western metropolitan areas and have reviewed the community programs with renovations of Fisher Street currently nearing completion..
As we move into a new year, I wish to thank the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers, for their commitment, kindness and diligence to offering care into the community.
I wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season, and a prosperous year in 2010.
Date of publication: 14/12/2009
mecwacare celebrates 50 years of Caring for the Community at a Jubilee Anniversary Party
Summary: mecwacare held it's 37th Annual General Meeting at the Stonnington Town Hall on Thursday 29th October, 2009 at which Rhonda Parker, the newly appointed Aged Care Commissioner, spoke about the future trends and challenges facing aged care in Australia.
After the Meeting, a fantastic 50th Jubilee Anniversary Party was held with members, friends, honoured guests, staff and volunteers.
Date of publication: 04/11/2009
mecwacare's Chief Executive named a Victorian finalist in the 2009 Telstra Business Women of the Year Awards
Summary: The Chief Executive of mecwacare, Mrs Michele Lewis, is a Victorian finalist for the White Pages Community and Government Award in the 2009 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.
The 2009 Telstra Business Women's Awards celebrate the achievements of Australia's most talented and successful business women. They recognise and showcase the contribution women make to the Australian economy, and to inspire business women to even greater achievements.
“It’s a great recognition and I feel extremely humbled to be a finalist in the Awards. I find great satisfaction in not only strengthening mecwacare as an organisation, but also working with our tireless staff who show diligence, thoughtfulness and care in caring for our seniors, and our generous volunteers who give so freely of their time”, Mrs Lewis said.
“Compassionate care, delivered responsibly and professionally is the heart of our business and I find enormous satisfaction in mentoring and developing a passion for that in all our employees. “
The Telstra Business Women’s Victorian Award winners will be presented on 6 October.
Date of publication: 25/09/2009
Passion and empathy and innovation win the Aged and Community Awards for Excellence
Summary: We are delighted and proud to announce that mecwacare's Amalia Araujo from the Noel Miller Centre in Glen Iris has won the 2009 Aged and Community Services National Awards for Excellence - Trainee Award.
The Awards were presented in Perth on Monday 14th September 2009, at the Aged and Community Services (ACSA) National Conference.
Amalia was selected from all State and Territory finalists in the Trainee category. Amalia's deep passion about providing compassionate, professional and friendly care for residents, her demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to continued studies were noted in her nomination.
Seven organisations and individuals from across Australia have been honoured with Awards for Excellence by Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA).
mecwacare was one of four Victorian winners. We are proud to have represented the Aged and Community Care Victoria (ACCV), and offer our congratulations to all the other winning organisations, and to all who entered these awards.
Date of publication: 16/09/2009
mecwacare sponsors Local Government Aged and Disability Service Awards
Summary: mecwacare was proud to be the sponsor for the Local Government Professional (LGPro) Aged & Disability Services Awards, announced on Thursday 27 August, 2009. The awards recognised outstanding programs run by local government to improve the lives of aged and disabled residents in their communities.
Held at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre in Preston, the awards were attended by more than 200 people from many municipalities. Michele Lewis, Chief Executive of mecwacare, presented the awards with Mr Thelmo Languiller, Member for Derrimut, who was the guest speaker.
The LGPro Aged & Disability Seminar was held on Friday, 28 August, 2009 where mecwacare exhibited current services and programs. We are honoured to have strong partnerships several local government organisations, including the City of Brimbank and Shire of Cardinia, as well as the Department of Human Services.
Caring for seniors in our community is one of the key areas that local government must focus on, with a large proportion of our population ageing and becoming less mobile. mecwacare continues to work closely with local government to provide the best possible care for the aged and people with special needs.
 At the LGPro Conference
Michele Lewis (L) and Thelmo Languiller (R) with one of the winners 
Date of publication: 31/08/2009
Investing in The Future of Aged Care
Summary: mecwacare has invested in building a world-class Aged Care and Well Being Centre in Malvern.
To keep family bonds strong, local aged care centres will be vital. Research shows how critically important it is to maintain ties with family and friends, and feel comfortable in a familiar and well-loved community.
For more than 50 years, mecwacare has provided care for people from all religious and financial backgrounds, from a foundation in Malvern to across Victoria. Over 75% of our current residents are pensioners.
As a not-for-profit organisation, mecwacare continually reinvests income into improving both the quality of care and range of services provided to those in need. This is why, to complete investments of this scale, we have launched the Malvern Aged Care Capital Appeal.
This Centre will ensure a safe future for many more residents from within our community. Please read the Appeal brochure, which has information about the Centre and how to give to mecwacare. Your donation will be greatly appreciated and valued for many years to come.
Date of publication: 29/07/2009
H1N1 Influenza (Human Swine Influenza) Announcement - Department of Health and Ageing
Summary: The Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing has released the following Information Sheet regarding the prevention of H1N1 Influenza (Human Swine Influenza) in Residential Aged Care facilities.
Date of publication: 03/06/2009
Aged and Community Care Victoria (ACCV) Excellence Awards 2009
Summary: mecwacare is delighted to announce that Amalia Araujo, a Unit Supervisor at the Noel Miller Centre in Glen Iris, has won in the Trainee  category of the Aged and Community Care Victoria (ACCV) Excellence. Awards.
This Award celebrates the outstanding achievements of an employee who is studying and working towards a qualification in the aged care sector.
Amalia was presented with her winners' certificate and prize at a dinner on Wednesday 20 May at Crown Towers, and will now represent Victoria at the National Awards in September this year. Our congratulations to Amalia for her recognition at a State level.
Date of publication: 28/05/2009
National Volunteer Week Celebrations 2009
Summary: More than 100 mecwacare volunteers and staff attended the National Volunteer Week celebrations held at the Malvern Valley Reception Centre on Thursday 14 May 2009. Our Chief Executive, Michele Lewis presented Certificates of Appreciation to our volunteers and presented our longer serving volunteers with awards.
Date of publication: 28/05/2009
Cardinia Business Awards held 8 May 2009
Summary: As a key service provider within the Shire of Cardinia, mecwacare proudly sponsored the Access All Areas category of the Cardinia Business Awards again this year. The Grayn Restaurant run by Glad and Nick Fish and their family, provides wheelchair-friendly access via a sloping entrance ramp, wide doorways and flexible table arrangements to cater for prams and wheelchairs. Penny Holcombe, our General Manager, Home Nursing and Care presented the winners with their award.
mecwacare's General Manager,Home Nursing and Care, Penny Holcombe and the winning team
Date of publication: 05/06/2009
Annual Charity Golf Day 30 March 2009
Summary: A field of 108 players enjoyed fine and sunny weather for our second Charity Golf Day at the Waterford Valley Golf Club in Knoxville. Players and guests throroughly enjoyed the day, and we are delighted to announce that we raised just over $34,000 for the Malvern Aged Care and Well Being Centre..
Date of publication: 03/06/2009
Help build a Gym
Summary: Jessica* is only 18 years old, in the prime of her life. Late in 2007, she suffered from a brain haemorrhage, changing her entire life. She is now physically disabled and her parents, Peter and Jenny want their daughter to attend the strength training program at the mecwacare Day Centre in East Malvern – but sadly, there is a long waiting list.
Date of publication: 03/03/2008
Tee Up for mecwacare
Summary: mecwacare is hosting a Charity Golf Day at Sandhurst Golf Club in the famous ‘sandbelt‘ area of SE Melbourne, on Friday May 16 2008, with a shotgun start at 8.00am. The funds raised will be used to assist in the building of a new 120 bedroom Aged Care Accommodation facility in Malvern.
Date of publication: 26/02/2008
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Spring Opportunities
Summary: From handsome hats to beautiful beads to captivating clothes, mecwacare Op shops have something for everyone this Spring Carnival.
Date of publication: 22/02/2008
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Age Friendly Cities
Summary: mecwacare recently sponsored a Council on The Ageing (COTA) event and was involved the celebration for the UN International Day of Older People on the 1st October 2007. Melbourne was one of 33 cities around the world that took part in the World Health Organisation's (WHO) global Age-Friendly Cities Initiative.
Date of publication: 02/10/2007
Employee of the Year Award
Summary: On Monday the 20th August, mecwacare was invited to attend the Victorian Training Awards at The Palladium, Crown Towers.
Date of publication: 21/08/2007
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48 Years of Full Tummies
Summary: The growth and development of the mecwacare Food Services Program is a unique example of caring within a community. Since November 1959 members of the Stonnington community have, in a voluntary capacity, responded to the needs of their neighbours. For over 45 years, mecwacare Food Services volunteers and staff have taken action by generously contributing with their gift of time, delivering meals with great care to people in the community.
Date of publication: 01/07/2007
New Chief for mecwacare
Summary: In March 2007, Michele Lewis became the Chief Executive of mecwacare . Until her promotion to Chief Executive, Michele was the Director of Residential Services. Michele has spent the last nine years focused on the aged sector working for organisations such as Catholic Homes for the Elderly and Melbourne City Mission.
Date of publication: 01/03/2007
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