Funds utilised to further expand the Family Support Program which had successfully implemented in 2008 due to the fact that when the time comes for a mother, father, husband or wife to have no option but to move to residential aged care, the grief and guilt only compound to the confusion, anxiety and often pain to family members. The main focus of this Program is to help families prepare and deal with an approaching death along with the pastoral care support team. Once again the firm Bernie McCarthy and Associates provides professional counselling and information to families, as well as to individuals as needed.

Funds utilised to implement a unique Family Support Program to assist families in dealing with the dislocation, grief and often guilt that usually occurs when an elderly parent or relative needs to enter residential aged care. The firm Bernie McCarthy and Associates Pty. Ltd., who is one of the most well-known and respected aged care psychologists, was engaged to provide professional counselling support services not just for new entrants but also to help families at time of significant decline in health of their loved one and through all palliative times including after death.

Funds utilised to develop a Bequest Program, including printing of related promotional brochure in Italian and English, as well as the purchase of chalk-art menu boards for all dining areas.

Funds utilised to develop and print a promotional brochure and to buy outdoor setting and two high quality compact music players for the Centre.

Funds utilised to develop and implement, in collaboration with the Austin Hospital, the program ‘Respecting Patient Choices’ resulting in 21 nursing and general staff being accredited.

Funds utilised to enable eight nursing staff to undergo a range of external training courses, i.e. Italian language, natural therapies and work safety, specifically structured for the elderly care industry.