It followed a weekend during which care home staff worked overtime to ensure residents were safe in the aftermath of the storm that left thousands without power.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Port Stephens Veterans and Citizens Aged Care Ltd (PSVCAC) CEO Paul Fitzpatrick, expressed pride at the achievements of the local not-for-profit community organisation.

“We have renamed ourselves ‘Harbourside Port Stephens’ as part of a major upgrade to our facilities across the region”, he said.

“For over 40 years, we have provided accommodation, care, and support to our seniors here in Shoal Bay as well as our facilities in Fingal Bay and Salamander.”

Proceedings began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, performed by the talented Kaiyu from the Murrook Cultural Centre at Williamtown.

Mr Fitzpatrick welcomed Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson, Federal Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington, Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson, and councillors, veterans and volunteers.

“[All] have given tremendous support to our organisation over the years.”

Ms Swanson spoke about the significance of the care home’s logo, which features three dolphins.

“It got me thinking how dolphins are herd animals and live in pods; working so well together as incredibly intelligent mammals who care for their young and their elderly,” she said.

“I would say that Harbourside is doing an excellent job of modelling that same level of intelligence, in caring not only for our young, but also for those in our community with more experience”.

Ms Washington noted how rare it was for both MPs and the Mayor to be at the same event.

“But it’s a reflection of the regard we hold for this facility and how much we appreciate, at every level of Government, the service that Harbourside offers to the community”.

Cr Anderson has a personal connection to the facility, as her mother is a resident.

“My Auntie used to live in one of the villas and then the nursing home here, so I have a lived experience at Harbourside.

“[I] see the work that the staff do here to care for our residents.

“From the support staff to the nurses, assistants, the kitchen and activities team – it’s just such a wonderful place”.

In addition to the VIP speeches, Kelly Hope from Lake Macquarie provided musical entertainment while a sausage sizzle was served up by Harry Parker and John Fulham from the Salamander Bay Rotary Club.

By Simon EKINS