Respect Aged Care

01/05/2026

🌸 Betty’s Life of Warmth, Mischief and Love

Betty, a beloved resident at Coroneagh Park, has lived a life that is equal parts mischief, hard work and deep, abiding love and at 100 years old, she has earned every chapter of it...

Read her story here:

Betty from Respect’s Coroneagh Park has lived a life that is equal parts mischief, hard work and deep, abiding love and at 100 years old, she has earned every chapter of it.

30/04/2026

🎨 Picasso was the hot topic at Maleny Erowal, as Social Care staff organised an art session inspired by his cubist style and got everyone involved out in the sunshine.

This session pushed the imagination a bit as staff encouraged residents to look at things differently, try something new and not worry too much about getting it “right”.

It was great to talk to residents about their thought process behind the art, and the best part was everyone being so encouraging, pointing things out and admiring each other’s work. Even though Kate admitted to art not being her strongpoint, turns out it was Elizabeth’s favourite! Maybe Kate needs to start taking commissions…

Here’s some feedback from the residents:

Stephen: “My painting turned out very well. I was happy with the results. Everybody had a bit of a go, they were quite good.”

Kate: “Creating the face in the painting was enjoyable, even though I’m not usually fond of painting or drawing, I’m not very good at art but I felt I did okay. I loved how everyone was very creative. I loved what Liz and Steve created.”

Elizabeth: “It was a fun activity. I would say my imagination and the painting on my paper was quite similar. I really liked Kate’s. It was fun and something different than what we usually do.”

🌸 The team also recently celebrated World Earth Day. Residents visited their small garden club within the home, where they planted and repotted succulents.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the activity and were delighted to take home a small potted succulent each to keep in their rooms.

29/04/2026

Social care team members - Kathleen and Alanna - at St Ann’s put their heads together to come up with an idea to surprise residents … The idea that unfolded was a spectacular Clown Carnival!

After some planning, the day arrived and out came the clown hair, hats and glasses, tricks and FUN. Both staff and residents got amongst it with snazzy outfits and a lot of banter. The team had the circus hooked up to the big screen, showcasing trapeze acts, motorbikes on the tightrope and even a contortionist.

A great effort from Kathleen and Alanna, with plenty of help from our Personal Care Assistants to pull it all together.

Our resident Tony said: “I absolutely loved it. Had a great morning, the staff’s antics once they got dressed up really made it. Kept everyone entertained the whole time.”

28/04/2026

Albert “Bert” from Glenella Care has reached 103 years of age, a milestone shaped by hard work, family and the simple joys that have carried him through a long and full life.

Born in London in 1922, Bert remembers his childhood as a happy time with plenty of games and things to do. Life felt lighter then, he recalls the freedom and fun of those early years.

Some memories, though, have stayed sharp for very different reasons...

Read his story in link below 👇

Albert “Bert” from Glenella Care in QLD has reached 103 years of age, a milestone shaped by hard work, family and the simple joys that have carried him through a long and full life. Born in London in 1922, Bert remembers his childhood as a happy time with plenty of games and things to do. Life f...

28/04/2026

We’d like to share some beautiful photos of ANZAC Day memorial services across our communities.

Some of our homes held their own services, others attended local community commemorations and events, and some paid tribute in their own personal way. It was great to see strong community involvement and collaboration across the day, with residents, staff, students, volunteers and locals coming together to remember.

📸 Photos from:

Ingham Lodge (QLD), Costa House (VIC), Maleny Erowal (QLD), Coroneagh Park (TAS), Emerald Avalon (QLD), Fred French (TAS), Derwent Views (TAS), Cooinda (NSW), Bayview Haven (VIC), Tongala Memorial (VIC), Mareeba Gardens (QLD), Chaffey House (VIC), Eliza Purton Home (TAS), Baw Baw Views (VIC), Autumn Lodge (NSW), Masters Lodge (QLD), Mitchell House (VIC), Glenella Care (QLD).

27/04/2026

ANZAC Reflections | The Remarkable Reg Saunders

The team at Bayview Haven have been reflecting on Anzac Day and the remarkable life of the famous Reg Saunders and much-loved brother of two of our residents, Aunty Frances and Uncle Theo.

Reg's story is one that the siblings carry with pride, and they enjoy sharing memories of their brother with staff and fellow residents.

Reg was the first Indigenous soldier to become a commissioned officer in the Australian Army, and is a highly decorated war hero who served in World War 2 and the Korean War.

His legacy remains especially close to Frances’ heart - each year she helps make and lay a wreath at Bayview Haven's annual ANZAC service, a deeply meaningful act of remembrance.

These stories and moments are what live within our community. A famous brother and siblings who honour his life, service and commitment to our country. We thank Aunty Frances and Uncle Theo for sharing their story and allowing us to honour Reg alongside them.

To honour what they gave is to appreciate what we have.

26/04/2026

Jack Carroll | A Life of Service and Strength

Costa House resident Edward “Jack” Carroll OAM has lived a life defined by service, resilience, and deep care for others.

This September, Jack celebrated his 102nd birthday and officially joined the Respect 100 Club – a milestone that honours not only his age, but the extraordinary legacy he continues to build.

Born in Geelong, Jack enlisted in the Army at just 18 years old, serving as a truck driver with the Royal Australian Engineers.

His five years of active duty took him to New Guinea, Bougainville and Singapore, where he played a vital role in repatriating Australian Prisoners of War.

These experiences shaped Jack’s lifelong commitment to supporting fellow veterans and advocating for their welfare.

After the war, Jack became a dedicated member of the RSL and Masonic Lodge, and in 2003, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his outstanding contributions to veteran support and community service.

Jack married the love of his life, Jean, in Florence and raised three children, Heather, Ron and June. Jack has 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

When asked what Respect means to Jack, he smiled thoughtfully.

Now, at Costa House, Jack is a treasured part of the community. He enjoys chats with staff, visits from family, and the occasional cheeky joke.

His story was recently honoured in the Victorian Parliament, but Jack remains modest: “I just did what needed to be done.”

25/04/2026

ANZAC DAY | Respecting Those Who Have Served

Across our communities, ANZAC Day is an opportunity to reflect, remember and honour those who have made the greatest sacrifice, and those who continue to serve our country.

It also gives us a chance to recognise the many members of our Respect family who hold personal connections with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, as well as our Defence Force more broadly. Whether that be through their own past service, including volunteer work, or the connection of a loved one, there are so many stories emanating from our communities worth honouring.

To honour what they gave, is to appreciate what we have.

Behind every medal, every rank, every campaign ribbon, there is a person.

Watch our video below with Maleny Erowal resident Arthur Rowsell who is pleased to share his thoughts about ANZAC Day.

24/04/2026

Respecting Those Who Have Served

Some stories are carried quietly for decades - in a uniform kept folded in a wardrobe, in a memory that surfaces every April, in a silence that those who love them have learned not to ask about.

Respecting Those Who Served has been created to honour Australian and New Zealand service. We have so many residents with important stories to tell and here is one of them...

Beth Geeson, Resident at Ingham Lodge

I joined the army when I was 18 and served for 2 ½ years. I was stationed in Brisbane and Townsville, and was known as Gunner Simpson, Simpson being my maiden name. My husband Benny, served in different places around the Pacific as an engineer. I worked on the big gun, more specifically on the Predictor, which was an instrument used to identify aircraft and lock in on its position. In Brisbane, the gun was located on a hill above the Balmoral cemetery. One time, when Benny was on leave, he snuck up through the cemetery to see me.

In Townsville, at Kissing Point overlooking the ocean, there were big guns built on most headlands along the coast. My job was to watch the instrument, signalling when it came into alignment. My superior officer would then give the order to fire. The gun itself was built into a bunker further down the hill. We also had the task of cleaning the gun.

I remember one time we were doing a practice shoot and I had failed to watch the instrument. They took me down to the Ross River and threatened to throw me in. I said, "You can't throw me in here, there are crocodiles!"

Another time the sergeant instructed us not to tighten the fitting on the gun. Then because it was loose, it lowered down suddenly and hit him on the head. He was embarrassed, and we were all laughing.

ANZAC Day has always been a special time. Dad would always attend the dawn service. My daughter Gail would make lanterns from milk tins and candles to line the road for the parade. You wear your own medals over your heart. If you wore your father's or brothers' medals they are worn on the right side.

23/04/2026

Bayview Haven has had a full line-up of music this month 🎶

The ukulele group dropped in for an afternoon gig, and on another day, accordion players entertained everyone with some old classics. The Portland Line Dancers had residents and staff up on their feet, and Eric and Jacinta visited with Sparky (aka Elvis), which was a hoot!

We’re lucky to have so many local musicians who enjoy coming in and sharing their time with our residents. Thank you to everyone involved in organising these fun events.

22/04/2026

April’s been a busy one at Mitchell House 🏡

Residents have filled the days with crafts, interactive games, visitors and plenty of time together. The craft group enjoyed making some personalised bookmarks from old greeting cards, and Barb from Bunnings dropped in for a pots and plants art session.

There was also a round of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Residents were quick on the buzzer… Ian answered most of the questions, while Malcolm answered the 1 Million dollar question! Both scored themselves a medal. Great work everyone.

22/04/2026

This week is Youth Week in New South Wales, and while older people are at the heart of everything we do, it’s also a chance to celebrate the incredible young people under 25 who care for them every day.

Jack from Woodhaven in Lockhart has recently completed his traineeship and achieved his Certificate III in Individual Support.

Since then, he has become a valued and versatile member of the team, working both as a Personal Care Assistant and supporting the kitchen as a Food Service Assistant.

Jack consistently goes above and beyond for our residents. He volunteers his own time and even brings in his own equipment – including a projector and big screen – to create special experiences for residents.

From hosting much-loved movie nights (complete with popcorn organised by the kitchen) to screening local football games on-site, Jack is always finding ways to bring people together.

He is also known for stepping in at short notice to cover shifts across both care and hospitality, demonstrating his commitment to the team and the wider Woodhaven community.

Most of all, Jack genuinely cares. He lights up residents’ lives not because it’s his job, but because he truly enjoys making people smile. His energy, compassion and initiative make a meaningful difference every day.

Without our younger care staff, we wouldn’t have the same energy, fresh ideas and connection that help create such a vibrant and supportive environment for our residents.

Jack says about his role, “I just thought I would give it a go but now I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. Being surrounded by people who have experienced life is an eye opener. If you are considering a role in aged care, I suggest you give it go.”