Copyright credit – Picture by Chris Lane; Sutherland Shire Leader
Mercy Community welcomes Stella Maris Aged Care
Mercy Community is thrilled that the Stella Maris Aged Care Facility in Cronulla, Sydney, has officially come under the management of its Aged Care Services stream as of July 1.
Mercy Community CEO Fritha Radyk, who shared in a transition ceremony with dignitaries at Stella Maris on 5 July, said this was an exciting new chapter for both organisations.
Wednesday’s ceremony with Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Sydney Terence Brady, the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta, the Stella Maris Board and leadership, and representatives from St Vincent’s Care Services allowed Mercy Community’s Senior Leadership Team to properly welcome Stella Maris to the Mercy Community family.
“We are eager to embark upon this new partnership with the broader Sisters of Mercy family, which we hope feels like a home coming for the team and residents of Stella Maris,” she said.
“Since the decision was made in February, moving all clinical systems and corporate services in a little over three months has been an amazing achievement. I’d like say a huge thank you to every single person who has made this happen so quickly and effectively.”
The highly regarded Stella Maris aged care facility was established in 1964 and is owned by the Sisters of Mercy, Paramatta. Located in Cronulla, the facility, consists of 75 beds over three floors and has impressive 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean in all its changing beauty. In 2013, the entire complex underwent extensive renovations to deliver state-of-the-art facilities.
The facility has a four-star rating and has recently successfully undergone accreditation and assessment against the legislated Aged Care Quality Standards.
At the transition ceremony, Ms Radyk warmly welcomed Stella Maris Facility Manager, Judy McMahon, and her team to the broader Mercy Community Aged Care team.
“This is a continuation of our strategy of growth in aged care to broaden our Mission of Mercy for older Australians,” Ms Radyk said.
The facility has been managed by St Vincent’s Care Services for the past 12 years and serves the ageing Sisters of the Congregation, family members of the Sisters, friends of Stella Maris, residents of the local area and members of other religious congregations.
Mercy Community Aged Care spans the continuum of aged care, from home care support through to respite care, and permanent residential aged care in Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane. For over 160 years, Mercy Community has been supporting families and young people, people living with disability, and the elderly through many programs and services.
The Mercy Community team of 1,500 people provide support and create hope for tens of thousands of people each year. As a ministry of the Catholic Church, we are driven by our mission and values, finding inspiration in the life of Catherine McAuley and the traditions of the Sisters of Mercy.
