Edith Bendall Retirement Village
SPECIAL PROJECT Edith Bendall Retirement Village
Changeover Bulletin 1976-1977: INCOMING CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
A feasibility study in reference to a Geriatric Centre in Pascoe Vale consisting of residential and day care facility to continue.
Colin Kerwin
Changeover Bulletin 1976-1977: COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORT
Approach to be made in near future in regard to council assistance with the possibility to acquisition of vacant land in Mittchell Parade, recreation area.
This would be the first move in an endeavour to put a retired couples’ home unit up, with the possibility of some form of Geriatric Centre being the central part of the project.
Another interesting project that is in progress is checking aspects of the possibility of the establishment of an Elderly Citizen’s Day centre in Pascoe Vale.
Another project in hand is the establishment of BBQ facilities in local reserves. In this regard the Coburg Council has been most helpful and co-operative.
Eric Granger
Frank Drever
Changeover Bulletin 1979-1980: COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORT
We are taking an observer’s role in the development of “Brady House” by the Strathmore Lions Club as a Day Geriatric Centre. At present there is little to report, but suffice to say it has a lot of potential, and we believe it could fulfil a very important role in our area.
Bill Hales, Chairman
Changeover Bulletin 1980-1981 EDITH BENDALL HOUSE
Close to a year ago the “Board” gave its approval for discussions to take place with the Strathmore Lions Club, with the object of gaining an insight from them on the development they proposed for the “House” which was formerly known as Brady House, a familiar landmark in Pascoe Vale.
It was also thought by us that our project of a Geriatric Hospital would complement their proposed development of a Day-Care Geriatric Centre to serve the residents in our adjoining areas.
Meetings and discussions led both clubs to the formation of a Sub-Committee to undertake a feasibility on how the site and buildings could be turned to the best advantage.
The Sub-Committee has reached the conclusion and recommended to both service clubs that:
The Lions Club develop the Day-Care Centre, and that jointly we consider the establishment of units for the Elderly similar to ‘Lionsville – Essendon’ in the grounds surrounding the House. The project is presently under consideration by ourselves for decision in principle.
For and On Behalf of the Sub-Committee
R.J. Pinder
Changeover Bulletin 1981-1982 EDITH BENDALL RETIREMENT VILLAGE
This project has been on the ‘Drawing Board’ for the best part of 18 months is now about to crystallize. A joint committee of Lions and Rotarians has been steadily shaping the plans for a retirement village on the one-hectare property in Park Street, Pascoe Vale, which was purchased by Lion Lloyd Bendall passed onto a Trust and made available to the Lions club of Strathmore to use and apply for the benefit of the Community.
After considerable modification the large old house on the property is now in use as a day Care Geriatric Centre. The top section has been converted into a meeting area for the Lions.
It is proposed the site be developed in three stages. Firstly, by the construction of approximately 40 self-contained units for the elderly. Secondly, redevelopment of the present Day-Care Centre. Thirdly, the development of hostel and nursing facilities. The project, when completed, would be one of the most comprehensive units of its kind in Melbourne.
The interest shown by the respective Councils who border the site has been very encouraging.
The Committee was unanimous in its decision that a professional approach to raise the finance required was a pre-requisite. Compton Associates Pty. Ltd. International Consultants in Fund raising have been engaged to plan and direct the resources of both our clubs over a 13-week period commencing early in July.
Information on proposed fund-raising methods will be presented to members next Thursday.
During this 13-week period every Rotarian and Lion will be committed to the execution of the fund-raising programme. Regular weekly meetings of approximately an hour’s duration will be held to discuss and monitor the program.
Rock Pinder
For Special Projects Committee
Changeover Bulletin 1982-1983
For and on Behalf of: The Board, Edith Bendall Retirement Village
1982-1983 EDITH BENDALL RETIREMENT VLLLAGE REPORT
The past 12 months have seen this project move though a number of important phases, while all the while advancing it has not been without some trauma, hard decision making and the inevitable peaks and troughs of confidence.
It is to the credit of the Committee which has been ably led by Lloyd Bendall and Mike Reiner that a dedication and resoluteness to make it happen has succeeded to the point where it is confidently felt that construction will commence before the end of this year and our first intake of elderly citizens will take up residence next year.
While the Village has been the “Object” the means of getting there has taken a number of routes. This has not made it easy to report to our members on a regular basis but without doubt the project is now pointing in the right direction and on soundly based principles.
Looking back over the year, to have entered into the public fund-raising area in the present climate and to have received commitments over three years in excess of $340.000 of which $74,000 is actually in hand though somewhat disappointing at the time, was a remarkable effort and to everyone who participated, thanks are the order of the day.
A regeneration of fund raising is planned which will coincide with construction. It is felt that this is by far the most opportune time to raise the $160.000 shortfall.
The decision to ultimately administer this project through a company reveals the dedication that the Lions and Rotarians have for this project – in broad terms it means the Lions will transfer the assets of this project, that is the land and buildings of 11 Park Street, Pascoe Vale, to be jointly administered and developed through the construction of the Village and ultimately a Hostel.
The Vehicle Limited Liability, company for every Rotarian and Lion will be expected to become a member and from which a Board of Directors equal in number will accept the responsibility of management. The liability of a member shall be a sum not exceeding $100.
That step paved the way for us to be eligible for Government subsidy which has been obtained. Provision for ten units is now available for us to take up during the 1983-84 fiscal year, this is sufficient for the first ten units and with our own resources a further four can be added to complete the first block.
Subsidy qualifications also required us to change the design of the units from one room bed-sitters to two rooms. This necessitated a complete revision of the project, the immediate impact being a lesser number of units than originally planned.
A very patient and considerable architect has born with us through these changes to where ground plans are now complete which encompass the Village units and the Hostel. Progress is such that we now have the stamps of approval from the various authorities and are getting ready to call for quotations to construct the first block of units.
As this multi-million dollar project develops, it will have a lessening dependence on both clubs but a continuing involvement for us all in a community sense. It will become ours to interest ourselves in, work for and involve all of us both Rotarians and Rotaryannes in the care and attention of the citizens that will reside in our Village and ultimately in its Hostel.
At this very moment completed drawings for a two-story Hostel are about to be submitted for a town planning format. Soil testing has been carried out and working drawings for the units will be submitted for a building permit and subsequently public tendering.
To everyone who has been associated with this project in any way over the past 12 months we say thank you, your efforts are about to bear fruit and we feel sure your interest in the project will take another step forward when construction commences.
Changeover Bulletin 1983-1984 EDITH BENDALL RETIREMENT VILLAGE REPORT
The last 12 months of this project, shared jointly with your Rotary Club and Lions Club of Strathmore, has now reached the stage where the Board of the village has been officially advised that $241,970.00 in Government Subsidies are now available to us and we are now authorised to enter into the contract to make a vision a reality; that is the construction of the first 14 units.
Significant happenings over the past year have been the formation of a legal entity to conduct the affairs of the Village, and the transfer to that entity of the property and house at 11 Park Street, Pascoe Vale by the Lions Club. The continued support of doners who have honoured their pledges in the three-year plan and the interest taken in the project by St George’s Anglican church with a donation of $20,000 to be recognised as a gift from the Ladies of St George’s Anglican Church, Pascoe Vale – share of profits from the Opportunity Shop.
A Board of 12, six Rotarians and six Lions have dedicated themselves to establishing the village in the knowledge they have the support of their respective Clubs, the public, industry, Municipal Councils, and the Government.
To have a Board you must have “Shareholders” these are the Rotarians and Lions whose first-year membership fees were paid by the respective clubs. Thereafter, it is not only hoped they will renew membership annually but in turn will be prepared to become involved in management by serving on the Board.
The interest of the Rotarians and Lions it is hoped will carry-though to the Ladies with the formation of a Ladies Auxiliary to interest itself in the Welfare of our residents. It is one thing to construct units, another to fill them for which we presently have on file potential applicants in excess of the units to be built in this first phase and another to develop an environment that takes way nothing of the independence the residents will have enjoyed throughout life. We will have the responsibility to settle them into new surroundings, win their confidence, and make them feel secure by demonstrating our interest in their welfare and security.
Plans are afoot for an on-going Fundraising program to raise initially $150,000. The program will be planned to reach deeper into our community area and the corporate field. Official functions will mark the launch of these efforts and at the appropriate time, a formal opening will be arranged.
In conclusion both clubs can quite justly pride themselves in their achievement to date. A vision is about to become a reality through the leadership of Lloyd Bendall and Mike Reiner, and the Rotarians and Lions that have given, and continue to give, their time to this project.
Thank you one and all,
For and on Behalf of: THE BOARD, EDITH BENDALL RETIREMENT VILLAGE
R.J. Pinder (Secretary)
Change over Bulletin 1985 1986 EDITH BENDALL RETIREMENT VILLAGE
The past year has seen us progress to the completion of the first 14 units and their occupancy.
Unfortunately, the rather lengthy period of construction affected the interest in and momentum that had been generated in the community with this project so much so that when completed for entry, the list of genuine applicants had somewhat diminished.
For a variety of reasons the interview committee has maintained a policy of quality, not quantity, which does tend to slow the intake. Also, a relatively low publicity profile in hindsight has not helped. The time did provide ample time for us to circulate information on the units throughout the various churches, etc., in our area, but it did not yield the enquiries anticipated. The Board reviewed the position and decided to embark on a public awareness programme which has yielded the sought after interest, as a result of two open days and the use of the media complete occupancy of the units now seems to be a reality.
– Rock Pinder
Changeover Bulletin 1986-1987 EDITH BENDALL RETIREMENT VILLAGE
This project initiated through the joint interests of the Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale and the Lions Club of Strathmore and subsequently culminating in a body corporate with six Directors from each club to administer a complex valued at close to $1.4 million is now fulfilling a community role where previously a vacuum existed.
Physical and financial support to which both clubs have committed themselves has been given over the past 12 months, as well, several Rotarians now give a deal of their time to the village which has been appreciated by the Board and residents alike.
The Edith Bendall Retirement Village has had made available to it a Departmental grant of $818,000 to assist the construction of a 35-unit hostel, the Government is encouraging complexes of this nature in specific areas and it was the performance record of E.B.R.V. as well that led to the offer. The Board is presently engaged in design considerations and expects to reach a decision shortly.
An official opening of the village is being planned for later this year.
Rock Pinder
Changeover Bulletin 1988-89 EDITH BENDALL RETIREMENT VILLAGE REPORT
The project is still moving along nearing construction of 38 unit Special Accommodation Hostel
Ian Davey President