April 2026
Dear Residents, Families, and Team Members,
We are pleased to share that April has been another positive and engaging month at Garden View, with a continued focus on resident wellbeing, meaningful activities, and high-quality care.
As we settle further into the cooler season, it has been wonderful to see residents making great use of our newly opened Fitness Hub. The space continues to be well received, with many residents participating in supported exercise sessions to maintain mobility, strength, and overall health. Our lifestyle program remains vibrant, offering a mix of group and individual activities that encourage social connection, enjoyment, and a strong sense of community across the home.
Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate Mother’s Day in May. We warmly invite all families to join us for this special occasion as we honour and celebrate the wonderful mothers in our community. We kindly ask that you RSVP by 30/04/2026 to assist us with planning and catering.
We would also like to inform residents and families that room renovations will commence from 05/05/2026 in selected areas of the home. These upgrades are part of our ongoing commitment to improving the living environment and comfort for our residents. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period.
With the flu season approaching, we are pleased to share that the annual influenza vaccination program has now commenced, with both residents and staff already beginning to receive their vaccinations. This is an important step in protecting everyone within our home. The vaccine continues to be offered free of charge to residents, staff, frequent visitors, and regular contractors. Further information regarding consent and remaining schedules will continue to be provided.
In addition, from 15 May 2026, older adults will be eligible to receive vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with Arexvy under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This provides further protection against respiratory illness, particularly during the winter months. More information will be shared with residents and families as this program becomes available.
In April, we proudly supported Falls Awareness Month 2026, promoting the campaign “Let’s Talk About Falls – Staying Safe Starts with a Chat.” This initiative raises awareness about falls and highlights best practice strategies to reduce risks and improve safety for older people. Falls prevention remains a key priority in aged care, and we encourage residents, families, and staff to stay informed and involved.
For more information, please visit: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/news-publications/clinical-alerts-and-advice/falls-awareness-month-2026#preventing-falls
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our Garden View community. We look forward to another meaningful month ahead.
Warm regards,
Nicole Zhang
Director of Nursing
Important Updates
My Health Record
My Health Record is a safe and secure online place where your important health information is stored. When it is kept up to date, it helps provide a clearer picture of your health for you and your healthcare providers, especially in an emergency.
You remain in control of your record. You can choose what information is included and who can access it, and you can see when your record has been viewed.
Your My Health Record may include information such as immunisation history, pathology and imaging reports, prescription information, and hospital discharge summaries.
If your My Health Record is linked to myGov, sign in now to access your information. If you don’t have My Health Record linked to myGov account, find out how to set up and access your record through myGov.
If you’re not eligible for Medicare, you can still get a My Health Record. Find out more about getting a My Health Record on the Australian Digital Health Agency website.
Schedule of fees and charges for residential care from 20 March 2026
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
Staff Spotlight
Registered Nurse: Hsu Phyo
This month, we are pleased to introduce Hsu, who joined the Garden View team in April 2025. Since joining us, Hsu has quickly become a valued member of our team. She brings a caring and gentle approach to her work and consistently demonstrates kindness, patience, and dedication when supporting our residents. Her positive attitude and willingness to assist others have made a meaningful impact on both residents and colleagues.
Hsu is passionate about providing person-centred care and always strives to ensure residents feel comfortable, respected, and well supported in their daily lives. She is also able to speak Burmese, which is a wonderful support for residents and families from diverse backgrounds, helping to improve communication and cultural connection.
We are very happy to have Hsu as part of the Garden View family and look forward to her continued contributions.
Ongoing Staff Training and Education
In April, our staff training has focused on strengthening infection prevention and control practices in preparation for the upcoming flu season.
– ensuring staff are well prepared to respond effectively to infectious outbreaks and protect both residents and colleagues.
– reinforcing the importance of proper hand hygiene practices to reduce the spread of infections.
– providing practical guidance to ensure PPE is used correctly and safely at all times.
Lifestyle and Wellbeing
April has been a truly vibrant and heartwarming month at our home, filled with laughter, meaningful moments, and wonderful shared experiences.
We began the month with a delightful Easter celebration, where residents enjoyed a fun and exciting Easter egg hunt. Smiles lit up the room as everyone joined in the search, bringing out a sense of playfulness and joy. Our regular volunteer visits also brought music and energy into the home, with beautiful performances that uplifted everyone’s spirits and created a lively atmosphere.
The highlight of April was our special Myanmar New Year celebration. It was a deeply meaningful occasion, where residents, families, and community members came together for a warm and joyful lunch gathering. The room was filled with traditional food, cultural connection, and a strong sense of belonging. It was truly a celebration of unity, respect, and shared happiness.
Following this, we turned up the fun with our Country Western Theme Party. Residents enjoyed dressing up, music, and dancing, embracing the lively Western spirit. Laughter echoed throughout the day as everyone enjoyed the cheerful and relaxed atmosphere.
To honour ANZAC Day, residents participated in a meaningful cooking activity, baking traditional ANZAC biscuits together. The delicious aroma filled the room, and the activity sparked conversations, memories, and reflection.
We also enjoyed a refreshing Bus Trip to Bicentennial Park, where residents had lunch outdoors, surrounded by nature. The gentle autumn breeze and changing colours of the season created a peaceful and beautiful setting, allowing everyone to relax and connect with the outdoors.
April has been a month of celebration, culture, and togetherness. We look forward to bringing even more joy and meaningful experiences in the months ahead.
💛 With warmth,
Lifestyle Team
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.
April 2026 – Falling into Autumn Together
April has arrived, bringing with it the gentle transition into autumn. As the days become cooler and the leaves begin to change, we continue to focus on creating a warm, supportive, and engaging environment for all our residents. This season offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy meaningful activities, strengthen connections, and embrace the comfort that autumn brings to our Garden View community.