Anglicare Southern Queensland recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Abri Residential Aged Care home in Southport, which opened on Sunday 19 June 1983.
Chief Operating Officer for Aged & Community Services, Nick Hansen was joined by Gold Coast Councillor Brooke Patterson, Group Manager for Residential Aged Care and Retirement Villages, Kate Hawkins and Abri Facility Manager, Kirandeep Kaur for a special celebration with many families, residents, and staff in attendance.
Facility Manager, Kirandeep Kaur reminisced on the early days when all homes had a fundraising committee.
“These were made up of residents, families, friends and staff who would meet monthly,” she said.
“A bus was required to get residents out and about and so the fundraising committee organised raffles and sold tickets at the local shopping centres. A letter was sent to the late Queen Elizabeth II asking for a donation to the cause and a set of silver spoons duly arrived with best wishes for their fundraising cause.”
Ms Kaur said further improvements to the home in the last 40 years have helped many residents with reduced mobility.
“Two lifts were installed which allowed for better access to the upper and lower wings not only for residents but also for emergency services,” she said.
“The covered corridors were the next major step in making Abri a better place to live. At the time, all resident rooms were air-conditioned, along with the main living areas, which was a welcome relief to the heat experienced in Queensland.”
Anglicare Southern Queensland Group Manager for Residential Aged Care and Retirement Villages, Kate Hawkins, thanked all the hard-working staff who provide quality care to families loved ones each and every day.
“We are very proud to reach this significant milestone,” Ms Hawkins said.
“Of course, such an achievement cannot be possible without the hard work and dedication of our team here at Abri.
“I would like to recognise and pay tribute to each and every one of our valuable team members who ensure the highest quality care and wellbeing of our residents, is always at the heart of what we do. Thank you for your tireless efforts, every day.
“And thank you to our amazing residents and families who make our facility a home. You are the reason we continue to strive for excellence in meeting your needs. Thank you again for opening your home to us today and for celebrating with us.”
