SA and VIC Alliance Meeting: A Successful Gathering of Innovation and Collaboration
The third SA and VIC Alliance Meeting of 2024, held on September 12th and 13th, proved to be a tremendous success. This event provided a valuable platform for professionals across aged care, community services, and retirement living to connect, learn, and share innovative ideas. Set in the picturesque surroundings of Murray Bridge and Lobethal, the one-and-a-half-day event featured a rich blend of retirement village tours, insightful presentations, and meaningful discussions.
The meeting began on Thursday afternoon with a tour of Murray Bridge Lutheran Villages, led by Finance Manager Anne Male and CEO Delton Schiller. Attendees were impressed by the newly built homes at Murray Heights Village, particularly the resident-built Putt Putt Golf Course, where each hole was themed around local landmarks, including South Australia’s Monarto Zoo and the Karonda Silos, known for their stunning artistic murals. The group then proceeded to RSL Care’s Waterford Estate, where Retirement Living Manager Peter Elphick showcased the estate’s 137 homes, nestled amid tranquil wetlands and walking trails in a pet-friendly community.
The day concluded with a visit to Swanport Village, where attendees gained a close look at the progressive developments across these sites, providing inspiration for future opportunities within their own organizations.
In the evening, the group gathered for a networking dinner at the Stirling Hotel, where more members of the Alliance joined, including Ross Smith, CEO LLL, and Brett Hausler, Executive Officer of the LCA. The informal setting fostered deeper professional relationships among the Lutheran Aged Care and Community family.
Friday’s program opened with a warm welcome from Delton Schiller, followed by a thought-provoking devotion and sector update from Bishop Andrew Brook, who shed light on the “Way Forward” initiative.
One of the key sessions was led by Carolanne Barkla and Romana Ivkovic from the Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS), who addressed the challenges of managing difficult client situations. Their roundtable discussion was an invaluable resource for attendees navigating similar issues.
Former CEO of Lutheran Disability Services (LDS) SA, John van Ruth, led an impactful session on governance, sparking meaningful discussions about leadership and oversight. A networking lunch at Clover + Stone Restaurant further encouraged engagement and idea exchange in a relaxed atmosphere.
The afternoon featured critical updates, including discussions on valuations and ensuring proper insurance coverage. This led to the collective decision to obtain a quote from Aeon Insurance’s external valuation department, a matter currently being explored by Lutheran Insurance.
Rebekah Sharkie, Member of the Australian House of Representatives, graciously accepted an invitation to speak. She delivered an insightful industry update on the Aged Care Bill and Retirement Living, followed by an engaging Q&A session. Rebekah encouraged further collaboration with the Alliance members.
The event concluded with a tour of the Valley of Praise in Lobethal, where Business Manager Ros May showcased recent land acquisitions and ongoing developments. The final roundtable provided attendees an opportunity to share updates, highlight organizational innovations, and explore areas for collaboration.
Overall, the combination of tours, presentations, and collaborative discussions underscored the power of connection and shared knowledge in advancing progress among members of the Shared Resource Model. The event was a resounding success, and participants are already looking forward to the final gathering of the year in Loxton on November 15, 2024.
We anticipate continuing these important conversations and working together to shape a more supportive future for our industries.
