New CEO, Errol Turner 

Southern Cross Care (WA) (SCC), today announced that Mr Errol Turner has been appointed as its new CEO, replacing Mr Stuart Flynn who is stepping down after 15 years’ dedicated service.

Mr Turner will commence in the role on Monday 6^th May 2013 and will work with Mr Flynn until 12^th July 2013 to ensure a smooth transition.

SCC Chairman, Mr John Bryant, acknowledged the outstanding contribution Stuart Flynn has made to the organisation:

“The Directors of SCC wish to thank Stuart for his leadership over the last 15 years. Stuart has been instrumental in SCC’s growth and diversification, successfully meeting the Board’s commercial and community investment objectives and ensuring that the organisation continues to serve the whole community including the marginalised and disadvantaged.

“Having guided SCC to become one of the largest and leading aged care providers in Western Australia, Stuart’s leadership has resulted in over 3,000 Western Australians benefiting from SCC’s care, support and accommodation.

“He leaves SCC in a strong position of continued growth and we wish him all the best in his retirement.

“We are pleased to appoint Errol as CEO following the Board’s rigorous selection process. The Board is confident that it has selected a CEO with a superior track record of organisational leadership and experience. We look forward to his efforts to ensure SCC achieves its long-term strategic goals in a legislatively changing environment,” said Mr Bryant.

L - R Stuart Flynn (SCC CEO), Chris Williams (SCC Deputy Chairman), Logan Howlett (Mayor of City of Cockburn) and Dr Frank Prendergast at the Frank Prendergast 10 anniversary celebrations

Southern Cross Care (SCC), was proud to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Frank Prendergast House on Wednesday 1 May.

Frank Prendergast House, a residential high care facility is perhaps Southern Cross Care’s greatest example of its commitment to quality of life for those suffering dementia or exhibiting challenging behaviours. It was constructed, equipped and staffed with the needs of people with dementia in mind.

Receiving its first residents in September 2002, this superbly equipped, five-star facility had over half of its seventy three beds allocated to dementia residents and a special eight bed unit was built for other residents with challenging behaviours. This was in fact the first mental health unit of its kind in Western Australia.

The centre was named after former Southern Cross Care Chairman and Board Member, Frank Prendergast Frank who retired from the SCC Board late last year after serving an impressive 28 years and earning himself the title of Southern Cross Care’s longest serving Board Member.

Joining in the afternoon tea celebrations was the City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett, SCC staff and board members and residents of both Frank Prendergast House and the co-located Success Retirement Village.

Carers who hold a Carers Health Care Card and receive the Commonwealth Carer Payment can now travel for free between 9am and 3.30pm on weekdays and free all day at weekends and on public holidays.

“This is an important benefit for thousands of carers in our community - and I’m delighted to deliver on this election commitment to help people who play a vital role in supporting others,” Transport Minister Troy Buswell said.

The free travel commitment will save carers $1.2million in public transport fares over the next four years.

For more information please click here

Winning team: John Hughes 

On Friday 5 April 2013 SCC hosted its 11th Annual Corporate Golf Day. Players were certainly treated to perfect golfing conditions which helped to set the mood.

The day was a great success and thanks to the wonderful support and generosity of our players and sponsors we raised over $12,500 which will go towards our Community Options Mental Health Program. These funds will make a big difference to the lives of the people we support through this unique program.

We would like to extend a special thanks to our sponsors AE Smith, NAB, Zenith Insurance and Macro Plan as well as MC Glenn Mitchell who kept us thoroughly entertained at the lunch ceremony. Congratulations to the John Hughes team who placed first on the day.

Southern Cross Care WA has published a heart-warming book for children which deals with the complex issue of dementia and its impact on families in a simple and heartfelt manner.

Shining Brightly, written and illustrated by Southern Cross employee Sheryl Munday has been launched and is now available for sale. Click through if you would like to preview the book or order.