As another year draws to a close, I have been reflecting on what an honour and privilege it is to lead such an extraordinary organisation, with extraordinary people, doing extraordinary work.  And as a community, it is our good fortune to live and work within a country that is forward thinking and innovative in seeking to improve the quality of life of older people and people with a disability.

This was certainly put into perspective when in October I had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC to represent Australia and give a presentation at the IAHSA/AAHSA Global Conference (International Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing and the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging).

There, I was able to share with thousands of senior services colleagues from across the globe how we are fostering sustainable and resilient communities with an ageing population and enabling change through social policy reform and system reviews.

It was inspiring to see Australia named as the best placed of any country on the Global Age Preparedness Index, when referenced against both the economic sustainability and income adequacy measures. This economic backdrop places Australia in a positive position to continue to advance improved outcomes in choice, access and affordability for all seniors.

There is also much to be proud of in terms of our world standing within the disability sector. Just last month (November), the campaign for the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme – of which Villa Maria is an active member – reached 90,000 supporters and continues to gain momentum; and many international colleagues at the Global Conference indicated their desire to see the work we do at Villa Maria in senior and disability services.  In saying this however, it is imperative that we continue to advocate for change within the sector and champion the rights of individuals with a disability.

As we all know, there is major change happening nationally following the release of the Productivity Commission reports Caring for Older Australians and Disability Care and Support.   In the midst of this dynamic environment, which reflects a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity for change in Australia, Villa Maria is rising to the challenge of improving and sustaining our services now and into the future. Our Strategic Plan ‘Advancement through innovation July 2011-June 2014’, will hold us in good stead to continue to influence policy, grow our services and continue to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
The conclusion of a year is always a time to reflect on past achievements, and in 2011 I am proud to say Villa Maria has had many. From the beginning of construction of Athelstan Camberwell and Stage 1 of the Wantirna site redevelopment, to increasing our Community Services capacity through aged care packages, it has been an extremely exciting 12 months.

Community support – whether through participation in events such as our Charity Golf Day, the enduring gift of a bequest, or donations for our quarterly appeals - has been extraordinary this year.  Without such compassion, for example, we would not have raised over and above the $250,000 needed to begin urgent capital works improvements at our children’s respite houses in 2012. This will make a very real difference to the lives of 300 families who access the service.

 
It is impossible to move forward and expand and improve our services without the commitment and dedication of our staff and volunteers and the ongoing support and generosity of our individual and corporate donors. To you all, I give my sincere thanks.

On behalf of everyone within the Villa Maria community, I wish you all a happy and joyous Christmas and a safe and restful holiday season. I look forward to joining you in what promises to be an exciting and inspiring 2012.

With best wishes

Valerie J Lyons
Chief Executive Officer