May 2026
Dear Residents, Families, and Team Members,
As we move into the cooler months, our focus remains on keeping our residents, visitors, and staff safe and well throughout the flu season.
I would like to thank all staff for their ongoing commitment to infection prevention and control. During May, staff completed Hand Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) competency assessments to ensure best practices are maintained across the facility. These competencies play an important role in reducing the spread of infections and protecting everyone in our community.
We have also commenced our annual influenza vaccination program for both residents and staff. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious illness and helps protect those who are most vulnerable.
May also provided many opportunities for residents to connect and celebrate together. We were delighted to celebrate Mother’s Day with a special High Tea, where residents enjoyed delicious refreshments, meaningful conversations, and a wonderful Classical Guitar Performance. It was a lovely occasion that brought residents, families, and staff together and created many happy memories.
To support effective communication and ensure information is accessible to all residents and families, our Monthly Newsletters and Resident Meeting Minutes are now translated and available in the Activity Room. We encourage residents and visitors to review these documents to stay informed about activities, updates, and feedback from our resident meetings.
Thank you to our residents, families, and staff for your continued support and cooperation. Together, we can maintain a safe, welcoming, and healthy environment for everyone at Garden View.
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.
NSW Health
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
infection and vaccination
How does RSV affect me?
- RSV is a common virus that, in most cases, causes mild cold-like symptoms.
- Older people are at higher risk of severe disease and more likely to get pneumonia (a
chest infection) and need to go to hospital if they get RSV. - RSV can worsen other conditions likes asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) and heart failure.
How does the RSV vaccine help? - The vaccine may not stop you from getting RSV BUT it will protect you from becoming
very unwell. - Getting the vaccine makes it less likely that you will get a chest infection or need to go
to hospital.
When can I get the free RSV vaccine? - Anyone aged 75 years and older and Aboriginal people aged 60 years and older, can
receive the RSV vaccine called Arexvy.
What are common side effects of the RSV vaccine? - Most side effects are mild to moderate and last only a few days. These side effects
include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, feeling tired, headache and
muscle pains. - Paracetamol can help with this pain.
- A very small number adults aged 60 years and over could develop rare complications.
More information is on the Australian Immunisation Handbook – RSV Chapter
Can the RSV vaccine give me RSV? - No. The vaccine cannot give you RSV because there is no live virus in the vaccine.
© NSW Ministry of Health. SHPN (HPNSW) 251155-1 March 2026
Resource developed by South Eastern Sydney Public Health Unit
Funded by Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network
health.nsw.gov.au
Can I have the vaccine if I have had a recent RSV infection? - Yes. If you have recovered from an RSV infection, you can have the RSV vaccine.
- Protection from RSV infection is not long-lasting and getting infected with RSV is
common. Getting the RSV vaccine will provide more protection.
Can I have the RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines? - Yes. You can have the RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the
COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine, shingles vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine.
Where can I get more information? - Speak to your GP.
- Frequently asked questions on RSV infection and vaccine are also available (in English
only) – please scan the QR code:
New laws to uphold your rights in aged care
Statement of Rights
The Aged Care Act 2024 includes a Statement of Rights that explains the rights older people will have when accessing aged care services funded by the Australian Government.
The Statement of Rights will help make sure you are at the centre of your aged care.
You will have the right to:
· make your own decisions about your own life
· have your decisions not just accepted, but respected
· get information and support to help you make decisions
· communicate your wishes, needs and preferences
· feel safe and respected
· have your culture and identity respected
· stay connected with your community.
If you have concerns about the aged care you are receiving, you can:
· talk to your aged care provider
· speak with an advocate on 1800 700 600 or at OPAN.org.au
· contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822 or at AgedCareQuality.gov.au
More information
Read the full Statement of Rights, including how you can make sure your rights are upheld:
www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act/about
New Aged Care Act & Strengthened Standards
Meet Our Whistleblower Officer
Phyu Han
Whistleblower Officer
Mobile: 0438 158 647
Email: Whistleblower@gardenview.org.au
Purpose of the Whistleblower Officer
The Whistleblower Officer provides a confidential, safe, and independent channel for reporting concerns about misconduct or unethical behaviour within Garden View Aged Care.
What You Can Report
• Misconduct or unethical behaviour
• Breach of laws, regulations, or organisational policy
• Fraud, theft, or corruption
• Unsafe or high‑risk practices affecting residents or staff
• Any serious wrongdoing that impacts safety or care quality
What the Whistleblower Officer Will Do
• Receive and manage disclosures confidentially
• Ensure protection from retaliation or victimisation
• Conduct fair, timely reviews or investigations
• Uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity
Your Protection
You may report openly or anonymously. Your identity will be protected at all times. Garden View Aged Care is committed to ensuring staff feel safe and supported when raising concerns.
Garden View Aged Care
Promoting a safe, transparent, and accountable environment for all.
The Taxi Service
From the Company:
13 Cabs – 📞 132 227
Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi – ☎️ (02) 8332 0200
From Individual Service:
Ray Taxi – 📱 0420 505 275
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
If you need immediate phone interpreting services call 131 450 or +613 9268 8332 (outside Australia).
Staff Spotlight
Registered Nurse: Sagar Shrestha
This month, we are proud to recognise Sagar in our Staff Spotlight. Sagar joined Garden View in 2018 as a Personal Support Worker (PSW) and has been a valued member of our team ever since. Through dedication, hard work, and a passion for providing quality care, he successfully completed his nursing studies and became a Registered Nurse (RN) in 2024.
Over the years, Sagar has demonstrated a strong commitment to our residents and colleagues. His journey from PSW to RN is a wonderful example of professional growth, perseverance, and lifelong learning. Sagar brings compassion, knowledge, and a positive attitude to his role every day, making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.
Thank you, Sagar, for your ongoing dedication and contribution to Garden View. We are proud to have you as part of our team and look forward to supporting your continued success.
Ongoing Staff Training and Education
In May, our staff training has focused on strengthening infection prevention and control practices in preparation for the upcoming flu season.
Throughout May, staff continued their learning on the new Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
to ensure best practices are maintained across the facility. These competencies play an important role in reducing the spread of infections and protecting everyone in our community.
Reinforcing our commitment to supporting residents’ rights, dignity, choice, and independence.
Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Welcome to our May Newsletter — a month filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful moments shared together at Garden View Aged Care. We warmly thank all residents, families, volunteers, and staff for bringing such joy and connection into our community this month.
One of the highlights of May was our beautiful Mother’s Day High Tea celebration, where families joined residents for a special morning filled with love and togetherness. A talented singer visited to perform familiar songs, creating a joyful atmosphere that encouraged singing, smiling, and treasured memories shared across generations.
Residents also greatly enjoyed participating in the online quiz sessions, which brought fun, friendly competition, and many laughs. It was wonderful to see everyone supporting one another and engaging their minds while building social connections.
Our BBQ Day in the dining room filled the home with delicious aromas as residents enjoyed freshly cooked BBQ sausages together in a relaxed and cheerful environment. We were also grateful for our caring volunteers who visited to perform and kindly shared traditional Chinese-style bakery bread with residents, bringing comfort, culture, and happiness to many.
Throughout the month, birthdays and everyday moments of friendship reminded us how important companionship and community are for wellbeing. We look forward to welcoming even more exciting activities, celebrations, and shared memories together next month.
💛 With warmth,
Lifestyle Team
Upcoming Events
Volunteer Visit
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
ew 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.
May 2026 – Keeping Warm, Staying Connected
May has arrived, bringing cooler days and a stronger focus on health, wellbeing, and connection as we prepare for the winter months ahead. As the season continues to change, we remain committed to providing a warm, safe, and welcoming environment for all our residents. This month offers many opportunities to enjoy meaningful activities, stay engaged with our community, and support one another while embracing the comfort and companionship that make Garden View feel like home.