Letter of Appreciation

I would like to thank the staff of St Catherines for the excellent care of my husband Elliot who was a resident for two and a half years. Most of that time was in the St Louise ward. As I visited Elliot every day, I got to know many of the staff who cared for Elliot. I appreciate how I was always made welcome.

The admission process was efficient and conducted in a personal, warm, and supportive manner. This was very much appreciated as the decision to place Elliot in care was very stressful and emotional.

Elliot had access to all the medical professionals and services that he required. I was comforted by the knowledge that Elliot was well cared for. I would like to share something that exemplifies how Elliot was cared for. Elliot’s first language was French and he loved comedy, especially “Mr Bean”. One day I went to visit Elliot and an episode of Mr Bean was showing on the television which was translated into French. We were able to sit there and enjoy it together.

Communication was excellent. I was always kept informed. I attended a few residents’ meetings and found these to be well conducted and informative.

I applaud the staff for their management of the Covid situation and recognise that this was an extremely challenging situation that was changing constantly. All the correct protocols were implemented. The residents and visitors were given the best protection possible.

I also commend St Catherines for the management of the renovation, especially the fact that Elliot was relocated to where his needs would be best met. It was a lovely room. I was extremely pleased that I did not have to find a new aged care provider and that Elliot would remain at St Catherines.

Janice

2024-02-29T06:26:41+10:00

I would like to thank the staff of St Catherines for the excellent care of my husband Elliot who was a resident for two and a half years. Most of that time was in the St Louise ward. As I visited Elliot every day, I got to know many of the staff who cared for Elliot. I appreciate how I was always made welcome. The admission process was efficient and conducted in a personal, warm, and supportive manner. This was very much appreciated as the decision to place Elliot in care was very stressful and emotional. Elliot had access to all the medical professionals and services that he required. I was comforted by the knowledge that Elliot was well cared for. I would like to share something that exemplifies how Elliot was cared for. Elliot’s first language was French and he loved comedy, especially “Mr Bean”. One day I went to visit Elliot and an episode of Mr Bean was showing on the television which was translated into French. We were able to sit there and enjoy it together. Communication was excellent. I was always kept informed. I attended a few residents’ meetings and found these to be well conducted and informative. I applaud the staff for their management of the Covid situation and recognise that this was an extremely challenging situation that was changing constantly. All the correct protocols were implemented. The residents and visitors were given the best protection possible. I also commend St Catherines for the management of the renovation, especially the fact that Elliot was relocated to where his needs would be best met. It was a lovely room. I was extremely pleased that I did not have to find a new aged care provider and that Elliot would remain at St Catherines. Janice

https://www.scacs.org.au/testimonials/letter-of-appreciation-2/

Letter of Appreciation

Dear Yan,
17 August 2020
I and my two sons, Wayne and Glen, would like to thank you and all the Staff of St. Catherine's Aged Care Services for the wonderful care given to Colin, my late husband and our father.
Colin was a Resident for 2 years and 5 months, mostly spent in St. Louise. To the Staff of St. Louise, the Carers and Activities Staff I will be eternally grateful for the patience, care, and attention given to Colin during this time and for the friendship and support given to me. The RN's and Team Leaders were always also incredibly supportive and informative.
Walking into St. Catherine's each day was a pleasant experience, a happy smile and words of greeting brightened the day. When walking into the Reception area, through the corridors or grounds, each staff member encountered would give a smile and a few pleasant words.
All the Staff I met when visiting Colin, Administration, Carers, Kitchen, Laundry, Cleaning, Maintenance, Physio, and Religious Co-Ordinators were always cheerful and helpful.
The Kitchen staff met my many requests with patience and Colin's requirements were always attended to immediately.
My almost daily visits to St. Louise section gave me an awareness of the work and attention given by Staff in that area, to the Residents. These incredible Staff were always busy. Their gentleness and kindness were exceptional.
To you, Yan, I give my thanks for being so approachable at all times. You were always ready to listen to and solve any concerns I had. This year with CO-VID 19 has been especially difficult for those managing Aged Care Facilities and I congratulate you on the early restrictions put in place at St. Catherine's and the way families of Residents were kept updated.

I will miss you all at St. Catherine's,
Marie, Wayne & Glen Kendrick

5.0

2020-09-25T14:30:51+10:00

Dear Yan, 17 August 2020 I and my two sons, Wayne and Glen, would like to thank you and all the Staff of St. Catherine's Aged Care Services for the wonderful care given to Colin, my late husband and our father. Colin was a Resident for 2 years and 5 months, mostly spent in St. Louise. To the Staff of St. Louise, the Carers and Activities Staff I will be eternally grateful for the patience, care, and attention given to Colin during this time and for the friendship and support given to me. The RN's and Team Leaders were always also incredibly supportive and informative. Walking into St. Catherine's each day was a pleasant experience, a happy smile and words of greeting brightened the day. When walking into the Reception area, through the corridors or grounds, each staff member encountered would give a smile and a few pleasant words. All the Staff I met when visiting Colin, Administration, Carers, Kitchen, Laundry, Cleaning, Maintenance, Physio, and Religious Co-Ordinators were always cheerful and helpful. The Kitchen staff met my many requests with patience and Colin's requirements were always attended to immediately. My almost daily visits to St. Louise section gave me an awareness of the work and attention given by Staff in that area, to the Residents. These incredible Staff were always busy. Their gentleness and kindness were exceptional. To you, Yan, I give my thanks for being so approachable at all times. You were always ready to listen to and solve any concerns I had. This year with CO-VID 19 has been especially difficult for those managing Aged Care Facilities and I congratulate you on the early restrictions put in place at St. Catherine's and the way families of Residents were kept updated. I will miss you all at St. Catherine's,...

https://www.scacs.org.au/testimonials/letter-of-appreciation/

Appreciation of Care

Dear Yan, on behalf of Elizabeth Fletcher, Lauren, myself and all members of our respective families would like to thank you and your entire team of staff at St Catherine's, particularly the team of St Louise, for the exceptionally high standard of care generously given to Elizabeth Fletcher over the past year.

Our fear in making the difficult decision to place Elizabeth in care was rendered unnecessary as each member of your staff went out of their way to welcome and settle her into St Catherine's. Elizabeth even made friends which was wonderful.

Every single person both Mum and ourselves came into contact with was passionate about what they did and always endeavoured to make us feel included .

We will always be indebted to you for the care and love you gave to Elizabeth. Our family has a strong connection with St Catherine's. Elizabeth's mother also known as Elizabeth, spent her last days there and the facility was actually designed by Mum's cousin, Moira Fowley, a talented young architect back in the day.

Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to all of the staff.

May each of you continue to grow in your vocation. The people in your care and their families are truly blessed to have you in their lives.

Thank you for always treating Mum with passion, dignity, respect, humour and care.

2019-10-29T05:03:32+10:00

Dear Yan, on behalf of Elizabeth Fletcher, Lauren, myself and all members of our respective families would like to thank you and your entire team of staff at St Catherine's, particularly the team of St Louise, for the exceptionally high standard of care generously given to Elizabeth Fletcher over the past year. Our fear in making the difficult decision to place Elizabeth in care was rendered unnecessary as each member of your staff went out of their way to welcome and settle her into St Catherine's. Elizabeth even made friends which was wonderful. Every single person both Mum and ourselves came into contact with was passionate about what they did and always endeavoured to make us feel included . We will always be indebted to you for the care and love you gave to Elizabeth. Our family has a strong connection with St Catherine's. Elizabeth's mother also known as Elizabeth, spent her last days there and the facility was actually designed by Mum's cousin, Moira Fowley, a talented young architect back in the day. Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to all of the staff. May each of you continue to grow in your vocation. The people in your care and their families are truly blessed to have you in their lives. Thank you for always treating Mum with passion, dignity, respect, humour and care.

https://www.scacs.org.au/testimonials/appreciation-of-care/

Bernadette Clifton

June 2019 ; Re my Mother who lives at St Catherine's Aged Care ; My Mum Madeleine tells me everyone is kind and caring towards her. She likes St Catherine's very much which is a huge relief to her daughters, who love her to the moon and back.

Whenever I visit Mum, she is always dressed and her hair combed. She loves her bed which is clean, her room is clean and tidy. Her lunch is taken to her even when she is in the quaint little manicured garden with me, enjoying some time in the fresh air and warm sunshine. Her lunch is varied and always nicely cooked.

St Catherine's have obviously hand picked staff who show dedication in all areas of your Services.

I see that the work of the Daughter of Charity of St Vincent de Paul is in action here.

I will keep you all in my prayers, staff that I have met and those that I have not met as they work behind the scenes, A big thank you to the lovely Nuns who always have Mass readings sorted and looked after our precious priests.

Mum is grateful for Holy Communion given to her on a regular basis, The Pastoral Care Team is a huge blessing.

Its not just the building I look at, it's the people. The salt of the earth kind of people.

God bless you all

Bernadette Clifton ( Madeleine Van Roie's daughter)

2014-03-07T23:15:09+10:00

June 2019 ; Re my Mother who lives at St Catherine's Aged Care ; My Mum Madeleine tells me everyone is kind and caring towards her. She likes St Catherine's very much which is a huge relief to her daughters, who love her to the moon and back. Whenever I visit Mum, she is always dressed and her hair combed. She loves her bed which is clean, her room is clean and tidy. Her lunch is taken to her even when she is in the quaint little manicured garden with me, enjoying some time in the fresh air and warm sunshine. Her lunch is varied and always nicely cooked. St Catherine's have obviously hand picked staff who show dedication in all areas of your Services. I see that the work of the Daughter of Charity of St Vincent de Paul is in action here. I will keep you all in my prayers, staff that I have met and those that I have not met as they work behind the scenes, A big thank you to the lovely Nuns who always have Mass readings sorted and looked after our precious priests. Mum is grateful for Holy Communion given to her on a regular basis, The Pastoral Care Team is a huge blessing. Its not just the building I look at, it's the people. The salt of the earth kind of people. God bless you all Bernadette Clifton ( Madeleine Van Roie's daughter)

https://www.scacs.org.au/testimonials/bernadette-clifton/

Patricia Cooper

“My elderly mother, Nina Cooper, born 1910, has been a resident in St Catherine’s Nursing home since March 2011The care and attention she receives from the staff is excellent. Our whole family is very grateful.”

2014-02-05T09:41:32+10:00

https://www.scacs.org.au/testimonials/patricia-cooper/

1.0

Board of Directors

David Maher, BCom, MBA, GAICD

David has over 30 years of industry experience in health and aged care management, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Masters of Business Administration, and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. David has also completed the Senior Executive Program at London Business School. Commencing his working career in Management Consulting with Price Waterhouse, David moved into health and aged care management with organisations such as NSW Health, Health Care of Australia, NHS United Kingdom, HCA Columbia London and Catholic Healthcare. David was the Managing Director of Catholic Healthcare for 10 years, and CEO of Catholic Healthcare’s Hospital Division prior to that. David’s experience has been gained in public, private and not for profit sectors, and in all facets of health and aged care. David has been a Director of the Health Service Association of NSW; a member of the Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing Prosthesis & Devices Committee; a member of the Aged Care Financing Authority (ACFA) Advisory Committee; a Director of the Aged Care Industry Workforce Council; a Director of the Aged and Community Services Association of NSW; a member of the Aged Care Pricing Commission Advisory Committee; Director of Catholic Healthcare; Director of Hawkesbury District Health Service; and Chair of the Catholic Health Australia Aged Care Committee. David is currently a member of the Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing Residential Aged Care Funding Reform Working Group, and a member of the Australian College of Health Service Executives.

Leigh Kildey – Director

Leigh is an accomplished CEO and board director with a focus on strong clinical governance with experience in public health and aged care settings. Leigh has a thorough understanding of financial management, business operations, aged care and home care requirements and how these relate to the Boards' vision and objectives.

Leigh is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and cochairs the Residential Advisory Committee for ACSA.

Gavin Cranley – Director

Gavin joined the Board in November 2021 with significant professional experience across the finance and accounting disciplines. Gavin is currently the Regional Finance Director for Asia Pacific with a large multinational, having previously worked in financial services after beginning his career with Ernst & Young in external audit. Gavin brings an international perspective to the Board, having spent five years abroad living and working in Edinburgh, London, Mumbai, and Hong Kong, before returning to Australia in 2019. Gavin is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants here in Australia and is currently completing an Executive MBA at the University of New South Wales (AGSM). Gavin is looking forward to bringing his financial and commercial skillsets to the focus of furthering the mission of St Catherines Aged Care Services (NSW).

Alexandra Davis – Director

Alexandra has over 30 years senior and operational management experience in the Health, Ageing, Disability, Retirement Living, Construction, International Medical Company Sales and Marketing, Vocational Education and Training (VET), Tertiary Education and Early Childhood Education (ECE) Sectors. Alexandra is a Registered Nurse, and holds a Master of Nursing and a Master of Business Administration, and has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course. Alexandra has over 10 years’ experience as a Chief Executive Officer in the Aged Care, Retirement Living, Disability, VET and ECE Sectors. She was Head of Health, Ageing and Disability for 10 years in a Teir 2 design and construction company giving her extensive experience in project management of large scale, complex projects and business development. She has demonstrated experience in financial management, strategic planning, cultural change, organizational and clinical governance, education and training, and quality and risk management, in a number of small to large for profit and not for profit organizations. Alexandra’s has a background in ISO Standards and Six Sigma, and a comprehensive understanding of Standards, Compliance and Legislation in Disability Services, Residential Aged Care, Child Care, Registered Training Organizations, Retirement Living, and Construction. She has been a member of the Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) Divisional Council NSW, previously the Board of ACSA (peak body), is currently a member of the National Disability Services (NDS) Peak Body NSW Divisional Committee and represents the aged care and disability industries to Government, presenting at conferences and in the media. She is on the Board of a Retirement Village and Company Secretary of a large Disability Organization. Alexandra is honored to be working with the Board to support the Mission of the St Catherine’s Aged Care Services (NSW).

Kalena-Smitham – Director

Kalena joined the Board in 2024 bringing a wealth of experience in strategic leadership and governance, particularly within the aged care and healthcare sectors. She has enjoyed a diverse career across public healthcare, emergency services, and social enterprise, holding senior executive roles including Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive at Canberra Health Services and NSW Ambulance. Kalena has developed a strong focus on driving high-quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement, with a particular passion for supporting vulnerable populations in the aged care sector. She is committed to fostering culture, collaboration, transparency, and effective decision-making to ensure long-term sustainability and positive outcomes. Kalena values sound governance as a cornerstone of organisational success and believes it is essential for advancing the mission of the organisations she serves. She holds a Masters in Management (MGSM) and is a Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Debra McCarthy – Director

Sr Debra L McCarthy DC, Sr Debra entered the Daughters of Charity in 1982 after graduation as a speech pathologist and six years working in the field of children with multiple disabilities including the deaf and visually impaired. Sr Debra also has a degree in Theology and Clinical Pastoral Education. As a Daughter of Charity, Sr Debra has extensive experience in residential care, pastoral care in acute health as well as many years in various roles in disability services. Her past leadership experience includes seven years as CEO of Marillac [disability service], Provincial Treasurer, Provincial Councilor and Director of Pastoral Care at Calvary Health Care ACT. Sr Debra has been on a number of Boards within the services of the Daughters of Charity and in other not-for-profit agencies. In addition to SCACS, Debra is currently the Delegate of the Provincial on the Board of Seton Villa and St Mary’s House of Welcome with a particular focus on formation in the mission and values of agencies. Sr Debra is a Trustee of the Daughters of Charity.