Constable Drive House

On a day that saw the proverbial '4 seasons', Alison, Duncan and I arrived at Kirkbrae Presbyterian Homes in Kylsyth in glorious, warm sunshine. Before we left there had been a decent fall of rain, and when we were driving out, the sun was vainly trying to put in one last appearance for the day from behind the clouds.

It has been an amazing journey for the Social Services Committee. Just 5 years ago serious questions were being asked about the ongoing viability of the facility and whether or not we should get out of aged care all together (like the Salvation Army were doing at the time). But now, all government regulations have been complied with, the existing facilities have been brought up to contemporary standards, occupancy is optimum, the organisation is in a strong position financially and they have even been able to expand with the opening of this brand new high-care facility.

Ron Patterson has been the Convenor throughout most of that time and I had the privilege of sharing with him in unveiling the plaque. Ron has a background in property development, which was just what the Committee needed at the time he took over, but he quickly found himself surrounded by a very experienced and skillful team who added expertise in financial and nurse management to the Committee and they collectively took the bull by the horns.

The CEO Neil McConville has been a significant part of the turnaround, and he is supported by a wonderful team of professional caring and management staff, some of whom have been dedicated to the cause for many years and others have joined more recently.

On the day, we were joined by 3 members of the Victorian Parliament, Jan Kronberg (Liberal MLC), David Hodgett (Liberal MLA) and Shaun Leane (ALP MLC) and local Mayor Len Cox. We are extremely grateful for their interest in and support of what the church is doing in their region. We were also joined by several members of the Trusts Corporation, who have given support and encouragement to the Social Services Committee, and by members of Maroondah Presbytery.

The current Convenor, Robert Lowe, MC'd the ocassion and Neil and I each spoke a few words before I prayed with thanksgiving to God for all that has happened and asked for his continued blessing on the Committee, the staff and the residents at Kirkbrae, but especially in the new Constable Drive House.

Several tour groups then set off for a walk around the residential facilities, and through the newly landscaped gardens, before coming back together again for a splendid afternoon tea.