Welcome to the first edition of the new look Seasons. We have tried to give it a fresher, more modern feel – I do hope you enjoy it.

To coincide with the move to 486 Albert Street, East Melbourne, the VMCH website has also been updated to make it more accessible and easier to navigate. I would also be interested in your feedback.

Following the successful transfer of staff recently from Hawthorn to East Melbourne, the move from Kew to East Melbourne took place over the weekend of February the 13^th and 14^th.

Thanks to the good work of the relocation working party, all went seamlessly. Staff were able to arrive at their new desk on the Monday morning and continue where they left off the previous Friday afternoon.

There are a number of important events scheduled for April.

The first of these is the official opening of the VMCH Multicultural Wellness Centre (MWC) at Wantirna on the 5^th April by the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Hong Lim MP.

The MWC is located on the 3^rd floor of the Wantirna aged care residence, and will cater for the health and social needs of the large number of ageing Chinese and Filipino citizens living in the surrounding community. 

The next is a function at the Catholic Leadership Centre in East Melbourne and will celebrate the collaboration between VMCH and Cabrini Health in relation to restorative care.

This mutually beneficial arrangement will see VMCH residents eligible for private care able to be treated at one of Cabrini’s facilities, and for Cabrini patients requiring “step-down” or low-level rehabilitation or transitional care to receive this from VMCH.

The third event is the sponsored visit to VMCH by Baroness Sheila Hollins on the evening of 14^th April. Baroness Hollins is a prominent British Catholic who has recently been appointed by Pope Francis to the newly-created Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.

As well as being a member of the House of Lords, Baroness Hollins is a former President of both the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the British Medical Association.

She has been prominent in successfully arguing the Catholic position in relation to end-of-life issues in Great Britain as well as advocating in relation to the care of people with mental health issues.

This event, which will see Baroness Hollins sharing some insights from her life work, will be held at the Catholic Leadership Centre on the corner of Albert Street and Punt Road.

Kind regards,

Greg Pullen CEO