January 2026
Dear Residents, Families, and Team Members,
As we welcome the New Year, it is a timely opportunity to reflect, reset, and renew our commitment to providing safe, high-quality, and person-centred care. This year marks an important milestone as we continue operating under the New Aged Care Act and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
Our Focus for the Year Ahead
We have a busy and exciting year planned, with a strong focus on implementing and reinforcing the Strengthened Standards across all areas of the service.
Maintenance and Environment
To enhance comfort and amenity, we will be refreshing the facility, including planned painting works, upgrades to flooring, and improvements to furniture.
Mobility and Wellbeing
We are excited to introduce a mini gym to be set up in the East Lounge area. This initiative supports healthy ageing by encouraging regular movement, improving strength, balance, and flexibility, and helping residents maintain independence and reduce the risk of falls. Programs will be tailored to individual abilities and overseen by trained staff to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Catering and Dining Experience
We will continue to improve our dining experience, including both communal dining and room service, ensuring meals remain enjoyable, nutritious, and responsive to resident preferences.
Lifestyle and Social Engagement
Our lifestyle team will place a strong emphasis on engaging residents who may feel lonely, through meaningful, individualised activities that promote connection, purpose, and wellbeing.
Clinical Care and Safety
We will strengthen our clinical governance by thoroughly investigating accidents and incidents, and by improving early identification and response to residents who may be deteriorating clinically.
Training and Workforce Development
A workforce matrix and comprehensive training plan have been developed to ensure our staff are well supported, skilled, and focused on the core requirements of the Strengthened Standards.
Your Voice Matters
Throughout the year, there will be several surveys conducted, including:
Call bell response times and acceptable time ranges
Resident satisfaction with activities
Feedback on meals and dining
Overall satisfaction with care and services
We strongly encourage residents and their families or support persons to participate. Your feedback is vital in helping us improve and shape our services.
This will be a busy and productive year, and we thank you for your ongoing support, cooperation, and trust as we move forward together.
Warm regards,
Nicole Zhang
Director of Nursing
Important Update
New laws to uphold your rights in aged care
New Aged Care Act & Strengthened Standards
Meet Our Whistleblower Officer
The Taxi Service
From the Company:
13 Cabs – 📞 132 227
Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi – ☎️ (02) 8332 0200
From Individual Service:
Ray Taxi – 📱 0420 505 275
Laundry Label Update
We are currently investigating an issue with our laundry label machine, as some labels have recently been falling off clothing. Our team is working to resolve this as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, we will provide free replacement labels for all residents to ensure clothing items remain clearly and correctly identified.
If you need any labels replaced, please speak with our staff and we will be happy to assist.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Staff Spotlight
Senior Personal Support Worker: Premila Kumar
This month, we proudly highlight Premila Kumar, our dedicated Senior Personal Support Worker, who has been an invaluable member of our team since 2011.
With over 14 years of service, Premila consistently demonstrates exceptional compassion, professionalism, and leadership. She is known for her gentle approach, strong knowledge of resident care, and her commitment to supporting both residents and colleagues. Premila is a role model for new staff and a trusted support for our team.
Please join us in celebrating Premila for her long-standing service and her unwavering dedication to providing high-quality care.
Ongoing Staff Training and Education
At our service, resident safety and quality care are always our top priorities. We are pleased to share some updates on recent staff training and competencies that have been completed to further strengthen the care we provide.
This month, our team will be focusing on Infection Prevention and Control, in line with the new Aged Care Quality Standards. Staff will be reinforcing key practices such as effective hand hygiene, appropriate use of PPE, and maintaining a clean, safe environment. These measures help reduce infection risks and support our commitment to providing high-quality, safe care for all residents.
Another important focus this month is Person-Centred, Rights-Based Care for the Older Person, in line with the new Aged Care Quality Standards. Staff will be reinforcing practices that recognise each resident’s individuality, preferences, cultural background, and rights. This approach supports dignity, autonomy, and meaningful engagement, and strengthens our commitment to delivering respectful, high-quality care for every resident.
A further key area this month is Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Aged Care. Staff will be strengthening their understanding of how to support emotional wellbeing, recognise early signs of distress, and create a positive, inclusive environment for residents. This approach helps ensure that each person feels valued, connected, and supported, reinforcing our commitment to holistic, high-quality care.
Lifestyle and Wellbeing
As we welcome the New Year of 2026, January has been a wonderful time of fresh starts, new hopes, and positive energy throughout our home. The beginning of a new year is always special – a time to reflect, to look forward, and to embrace new opportunities together. Our residents have enjoyed a joyful and meaningful start to 2026, filled with connection, laughter, and engaging experiences.
One of the highlights this month was our Australia Day celebrations, where residents came together to honour and celebrate Australian culture. Residents enjoyed a festive Australia Day BBQ, delicious traditional Australian foods, and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere filled with great company. The BBQ created a welcoming environment that encouraged residents to socialise, share stories, and celebrate together.
Adding to the celebration, residents also took part in a cheerful Australia Day morning tea, enjoyed a fun sing-along to well-loved Australian songs, and participated in colouring activities featuring Australian animals, such as kangaroos and koalas. These activities supported creativity, reminiscence, and cultural connection.
Another favourite activity was our much-loved Pet Therapy sessions, which brought smiles, gentle interactions, and comforting moments to many residents. Spending time with the friendly animals provided relaxation, emotional support, and plenty of happy conversations.
We were also pleased to hold a Catholic Mass, allowing residents to gather for prayer, reflection, and spiritual connection in a calm and respectful environment.
We were delighted to welcome volunteers who provided a special performance, bringing joy and entertainment to our residents. We sincerely thank them for their time and ongoing support.
Residents also enjoyed a bus trip outing, giving everyone the opportunity to get out, enjoy the scenery, and experience a refreshing change of environment.
January has truly reflected the spirit of a new beginning. We look forward to another year filled with meaningful moments, warm connections, and enriching activities for all.
Upcoming Events
Resident Rights, Complaints Process, Palliative Care & Whistleblower Protections
Whistleblower protections
What whistleblower protections do
Workers may be afraid of personal and financial risks by sharing information and disclosures with us. The new Act gives workers rights and protections when they make disclosures that qualify (meet the requirements) for whistleblower protection.
The rights under the new Act for disclosures include:
- Not being subject to retaliation or punishment
- Not being subject to consequences such as civil, criminal or administrative actions (legal actions) that may come up
- Choosing to be anonymous
- Confidentiality
- Being able to take legal action through the courts for compensation if you experience retaliation, punishment or consequences because you made a disclosure.
If something should happen as a result of you making a disclosure, such as being punished for speaking up, we recommend getting independent legal advice or contacting your union to understand how whistleblower protections may apply to you.
Statement of Rights
The new Aged Care Act includes a Statement of Rights, outlining the rights that older people have when accessing aged care services. The rights help to ensure that older people and their needs are at the centre of the new aged care system.
The rights outlined in the Act help to ensure that older people and their needs are at the centre of the new aged care system.
The Statement of Rights include the right for every individual to have:
- independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice
- equitable access
- quality and safe funded aged care services
- respect for privacy and information
- person-centred communication and the ability to raise issues without reprisal
- advocates, significant persons and social connections.
Providers have to ensure that their actions are consistent with the Statement of Rights. This includes ensuring that their aged care services are delivered by aged care workers who have appropriate qualifications, skills and experience.
Reminder of Consumer Rights and Service
• Senior rights service provides the legal advice, advocacy service and community engagement, for free and confident advice call, 02 9281 3600. Brochures and poster available near the small kitchenette.
• Free advocacy groups available to provide information. Pamphlet are distributing to consumer and available near the dining room information station for consumers and representatives. OPAN poster and contact details 1800 700 600 displayed on the notice board. The video of What Can OPAN help is played during the meeting. Brochures and poster available near the small kitchenette.
• Care plans are readily available for consumers.
• Reminder residents and family to seek consent from residents who have no cognitive impairment and from person responsible for those residents who are unable to give consent before taking photos and/or uploading photo to media.
Reminder of complaints process
• Consumers were reminded with the complaint and compliment process and encouraged consumers to voice for themselves.
• Reminded residents and relative the Open-Door policy of the DON.
• If you need an interpreter to speak with us, call the Translation and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
• If you cannot resolve your concern with the service provider or any serious concern, you can contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822. If you need an interpreter to speak with them, call the Translation and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
• Consumer and family are aware if they have any concerns and do not wish to speak to the Management team at site level, can directly email or handwrite letters, and someone can assist them in emailing the board@gardenview.org.au
• The Board holds a monthly gathering in the Central Garden to meet and greet residents and seek feedback and suggestions. It is usually held on the second Sunday of the month, starting at 9 a.m.
• Garden View provide protections for whistleblowers to allow reporting without fear of reprisal Whistleblower@gardenview.org.au
• Reminded consumers that OPAN is available for consumers and family, poster available on notice board.
• Consumer advisory body (CAB) member Ming He and John (Jack) Galbraith (Consumer), David Pearce, Craig Austin and Winne Steo (Representative) can be liaison representatives for consumers and relatives for any concerns or issues if they do not wish to speak to management directly. The photograph of the CAB resident members and contact details are displayed on the noticeboard. Garden View is always welcome resident and/or relative to involve and partner the care and/or committee.
Understanding Palliative Care in Garden View
Palliative care is a special type of care that focuses on improving the quality of life for residents living with serious or life-limiting illnesses. The goal is to ensure that every resident receives comfort, dignity, and compassionate support, rather than focusing only on medical treatment. At Garden View, our palliative care approach aims to keep residents as pain-free and comfortable as possible while supporting their emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. Our team works closely with families to ensure that care is personalised and respectful of each resident’s wishes. We also provide family stay options for loved ones who wish to be close during this time and can arrange referrals to the GREAT Team for specialised palliative support when required. Information brochures about our palliative care services are available at reception. Please speak with our Clinical Team if you would like to know more or discuss how we can support you or your loved one.
Cheers to January, the First Chapter of 2026
As we welcome the beginning of January 2026, we embrace a fresh chapter filled with hope, growth, and new possibilities. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our residents, families, and staff for their continued trust, support, and dedication. January marks a time of renewal and reflection, and we look forward to creating meaningful moments, nurturing wellbeing, and building stronger connections throughout the year ahead with our Garden View community.