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Matthew Dixon returned as President
13 November 2024Matthew Dixon returned as President
Matthew Dixon will lead the Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation for a seventh year after being re-elected unopposed as President at the 2024 AGM.
Retiring Board Members Mary Heysen, Di Little, Greg Clayfield and Stuart Stansfield were also all re-elected unopposed.
Remaining Board Members Neville Gilbertson, Sue Roberts, Bernie Douglas and Peter Telford continue in the second year of their terms.
Greg continues as Vice-President, Stuart as Treasurer and Bernie as Secretary.
2024 President’s Report
13 November 20242024 President’s Report
On November 26th 2023 we lost our dear friend and long-time board member, Vice-President and Treasurer Dr Jerry Leech AM.
We miss Jerry’s intellect, attention to detail, challenging nature, work ethic and most of all his friendship. He was a wonderful humanitarian.
Jerry left us a challenge before he died and that is to give serious consideration to establishing a hospice in Mount Gambier. As a board we have discussed this and it will be given serious consideration at an appropriate time.
Our main focus over the last year has been planning our new two-home project and trying to obtain some government funding for such.
We have had wonderful help from Empak Homes in this process. They have very generously made a significant donation to our new home fund that will cover all the costs associated with the planning and approval process.
We have a shovel ready project and just require some grant funding to get it started.
We have spent considerable time and effort applying for funds under the federal Growing Regions Program. We put in an EOI for Round 1 and were then asked to put in a full application. However we were not quite at the shovel ready stage and decided to defer our application until Round 2. When Round 2 opened we discovered that our project was not eligible for funding. This blind-sided us a little and we are now in the process of looking at new funding options.
To this end we have been included in MP Troy Bell’s Future Mount Gambier 2.0 wishlist with a request for $1m.
We may also look at Jerry’s wish for a hospice. There are a few opportunities that may have some private funding available that we could add to, to get a much-needed hospice for our community. There is a community funded feasibility study under way at present. We shall await the outcome of that.
Finances
Our financial position continues to remain strong with a reliable and significant income stream and no debt.
We have received 22 donations in memory of Jerry, totaling $2335. The Rotary Club of Mount Gambier Lakes also made a significant donation of $10k in memory of Jerry, who was a long term and very active Rotarian. All these donations have been set aside for our new home project.
Stuart Stansfield has taken over from Jerry as Treasurer and has done a wonderful job. I am sure Jerry would approve.
Maintenance
Peter Telford continues to look after the maintenance issues as they arise in a timely and efficient manner.
It was decided after our landlord inspection in February 2023 that we should replace the kitchen and the common area floor coverings at Ryder and at the same time refresh the paint work in the common areas.
We have had this work quoted and it will cost in the vicinity of $70k.
We have applied to the Masonic Foundation for a grant to cover the cost of this work. We are awaiting a response.
Our maintenance man Chris continues to keep on top of the small maintenance issues as they arise.
Garden
Sue Roberts has continued to oversee the maintenance of the gardens at both homes. Sue also ropes in her husband Peter to help as required. We are extremely appreciative of the help that Peter provides.
Our Gardner Kathy continues to do a fantastic job. The gardens are looking brilliant.
Handyman Chris also assists in the garden as required with the heavier tasks.
Information Technology and Communication
Stuart puts on his other hat here and does a wonderful job looking after our website and FaceBook along with producing our newsletter.
We are so lucky to have Stuart on our board who brings his journalism skills as well as his knowledge in the IT space to our board. The rest of us it would be fair to say have extremely limited skills in these areas.
I know that Stuart spends many hours working on the Foundation’s behalf.
Home Liaison
Mary, Di and Greg continue to be the conduit between the board and the families of our residents.
This important role is vital in keeping the board informed about the happenings in the homes.
General
To celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of Sue Ryder we held a morning tea at the homes on Wednesday July 3rd.
This was attended by the board along with the staff from the homes and some volunteers who over many years have raised funds for Ryder-Cheshire.
It was at this event that the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier Lakes presented the board with a cheque in memory of Jerry.
The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, visited the homes on September 21 during the final leg of her first official visit to SA.
Accompanied by the Mayor of Mount Gambier Lynette Martin OAM, Her Excellency spent about an hour talking to residents, relatives, estara staff and members of the Foundation Board.
The visit created much excitement in the homes and was a great success.
We thank the Governor-General for visiting our homes.
A huge thanks to Bernie Douglas and Greg Clayfield for the thankless task of producing the minutes and agendas.
And to Neville Gilbertson for his wise counsel and continuing support.
We all contribute as we can and as in the past the board continues to function extremely well and I thank you all for the opportunity to lead this important organisation in the relief of suffering.
Matthew Dixon
Visit by Governor-General Sam Mostyn
21 September 2024Visit by Governor-General Sam Mostyn
The Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC visited the homes on September 21 during the final leg of her first official visit to South Australia.
Accompanied by the Mayor of Mount Gambier Lynette Martin OAM, Her Excellency spent about an hour talking to residents, relatives, estara staff and members of the Foundation Board.
President Matthew Dixon and former President Neville Gilbertson OAM hosted the VIPs.
Legacy celebrated while future also in mind
3 July 2024Legacy celebrated while future also in mind
The legacy of international humanitarian the late Lady Sue Ryder has been celebrated at the home named in her honour in Mount Gambier.
The event hosted by the Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation was timed to coincide with what would have been her 100th birthday and included a $10,000 cheque presentation by the Lakes Rotary Club towards future projects by the local charity.
The Ryder residence and adjoining Cheshire residence named in honour of Sue’s husband and fellow humanitarian, the late Lord Leonard Cheshire, provide homes for life for a total of 10 people with disabilities.
The homes are leased to and managed by estara, formerly known as ParaQuadSA and HomeCare+.
The Lakes Rotary donation was made in memory of the late Dr Jerry Leech AM, who was a longtime club member and the Foundation’s former Treasurer and Vice President.
“To honour his memory, and in appreciation of the many faithful and committed years Jerry gave to Rotary and in fact to the whole community, Lakes Rotary Club has much pleasure in presenting this donation,” said club representative Colleen James.
Foundation President Matthew Dixon told the gathering the charity proposes to build another two homes to accommodate a total of six additional people with disabilities.
The charity was invited to submit a full application for grant funding in Round One of the federal government’s Growing Regions Program but chose to wait until Round Two expected to be announced this year.
Mount Gambier’s 100th Morning Tea was attended by about 40 people including family members of residents living in the Ryder home, as well as long-time supporters of Ryder-Cheshire at the local, national and international level.
The Foundation’s Patron and Governor of South Australia, Frances Adamson, sent a message saying she was proud to support the local charity.
“A more eloquent and humanitarian statement of purpose than that you are ‘...dedicated to the relief of suffering without discrimination’ would be hard to conceive,” she said.
The Hon Elizabeth Cheshire, the UK-based daughter of Sue and Leonard, also sent a message stating she was delighted to hear that her mother’s centenary was being celebrated in Mount Gambier.
“My mother held Australia very dear to her heart and looked forward eagerly to her visits to meet you all and thank you personally for the wonderful work you do,” Dr Cheshire said.
Events to commemorate Sue Ryder are being held in several parts of the world.
Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation Board Members (L-R) Di Little, Peter Telford, Greg Clayfield and Sue Roberts.
Foundation Board Members Mary Heysen and Neville Gilbertson at the 100th Morning Tea.
(L-R) Fay Roberts, Rosemary Wilsher and Rosemary Carter - some of the former Ryder-Cheshire volunteers who helped raise funds through catering.
(L-R) Lakes Rotary Club Secretary Sherril McKay, Rotary Immediate Past District Governor Ian McKay, Mary Leech, Foundation President Matthew Dixon, Colleen James and fellow Lakes Rotary member Trevor Williams.
Former Ryder-Cheshire Australia President Rory McEwen and Raelene Kuhl, one of the parents who helped drive the Ryder home project.
Meet Cheshire resident David Lockwood
January 2024Meet Cheshire resident David Lockwood
David Lockwood recently celebrated one year since moving into Cheshire and it’s been the happiest year of his life.
In his family's words:
'He previously lived on his own for 23 years. Independence has always been so important to him. Now, he can remain feeling independent, living in his new home, but also in complete safety, with care from great support workers, whilst living with four of his friends.
David was welcomed in with open arms by everyone at the house, which we are grateful for. They are fantastic friends/housemates for David.
This change has meant the world to David. He’s never lonely anymore as there is always company and opportunities to do things with friends, but he can spend time alone and in privacy if he wants.
It’s been amazing to watch David’s confidence grow. He’s speaking up more and more and telling us of changes that he wants to improve his life, like choosing his day options and activities. He has never actually requested changes until now, it has been wonderful to watch this change to his personality.
To his family, it means peace of mind for David’s wellbeing, no longer being worried about his safety and happiness. Almost every time we see him, he is more confident and happier with his life. We have always tried to cater for his needs, but it has not always been easy to cater for his wants. Being in Cheshire has enabled this to happen.
We can be his family again instead of being his carers.'
David Lockwood
Vale Dr Jerry Leech AM
28 November 2023Vale Dr Jerry Leech AM
Members of the extended Ryder-Cheshire family have paid tribute to Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation Vice-President Jerry Leech who died on Sunday, November 26.
"We have lost a great humanitarian and a wonderful man who has left a huge legacy that his family can be enormously proud of," said Foundation President Matthew Dixon.
"We will miss his challenging intellect, energy and can-do attitude and most of all we will miss his friendship," he said.
Jerry was made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours in recognition of his significant service to the forestry industry, tertiary education and the community. Read the citation.
He was Treasurer of our Foundation from 2003 until recently, and was instrumental in securing and administering a Building Better Regions Fund grant of about $500,000 which enabled development of our second home, Cheshire.
He also arranged a Rotary International Global Grant for the purchase of a GeneXpert analysis machine to test for Multi-Drug Resistant TB for the Ryder-Cheshire home Klibur Domin in Timor-Leste.
Some of the messages from members of the extended Ryder-Cheshire family:
'What a huge loss. I’m so sad.'
'We are very sad to hear the news of Jerry’s passing. He was such a magnificent hero for Ryder-Cheshire and in particular the Mount Gambier Homes. I so enjoyed his wiry sense of humour and his amazing intellect.'
'Such a sad time for the Ryder-Cheshire family as we remember Jerry's wonderful legacy.'
'He was wonderful man and a great supporter of Ryder-Cheshire. His wisdom and experience will be missed.'
Matthew Dixon returned as President
10 November 2023Matthew Dixon returned as President
Matthew Dixon will lead the Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation for a sixth year after being re-elected unopposed as President at the 2023 AGM.
Retiring Board Members Neville Gilbertson, Sue Roberts, Bernie Douglas and Peter Telford were also all re-elected unopposed.
Remaining Board Members Jerry Leech, Mary Heysen, Di Little, Greg Clayfield and Stuart Stansfield continue in the second year of their terms.
Jerry continues as Vice-President, and Bernie as Secretary.
The AGM also resolved to amend the Constitution to change the meeting schedule from monthly to every two months, or more frequently if required.
2023 Annual Report
10 November 20232023 Annual Report
2022/23 has again been a busy year for our board in pursuit of the relief of suffering.
Our main focus has been looking at how we might go about building a new facility.
We have established that there is still significant demand for quality accommodation for people living with disability in our region and PQSA our current tenant is willing to lease any new properties that we may develop.
We started this year with what we thought was a clear path ahead and then things changed. City Collective developed and subsequently presented us with a pitch document that offered two different location options for the development of future facilities. This is an excellent and very professional document.
The Pitch Document was then used to try and attract an offer of land from the State Government and the City of Mount Gambier. This process is measured in years.
Whilst this was all happening, we became aware of a new Federal Government grant opportunity being the Growing Regions Program (GRP). This program had a very tight timeline which meant that we had no time to wait to be gifted some government land.
A decision was made to look at purchasing our own land and pursue putting in an expression of interest for GRP funding. There was very limited suitable land available. We then met with a local home builder, Empak Homes, which had just commenced construction of disability accommodation in Naracoorte. They have suitable land available in Mount Gambier and the ability to put together a plan that will accommodate the tight deadline.
It was decided that we should pursue this option with the understanding that it would not proceed without a successful outcome from GRP. The plan was produced and an application submitted to GRP with significant work in preparation of this document by Jerry Leech and Stuart Stansfield.
At the time of writing this we are still awaiting the outcome of our EOI application, notification of which was due in mid-October. If successful in Stage 1, we will be invited to submit a full application for GRP funding.
Finances
Our financial position continues to remain strong with a reliable and significant income stream. This strengthens our position when applying for government grants.
Jerry Leech after many years as Treasurer of the Home Foundation has reluctantly relinquished his position. Jerry has done a fantastic job with great attention to detail and very thorough and efficient reporting. He has handed over the reins to Stuart Stansfield who is also proving to be extremely capable.
Maintenance
Peter Telford has continued to look after maintenance issues on behalf of the board as they arise.
Chris Pfeiffer is our maintenance man and does a fantastic job.
We have installed external heating in the pergola area at Ryder. This has made that space much more usable for the residents in our cool climate. A huge success.
We also had an issue at Ryder with the bedroom doors needing to open both in and out. This has been attended to by Jack Cawthorne. It should be noted that Jack did this at cost. This was a significant job, and we are extremely grateful to Jack for his donation.
Garden
Sue Roberts has continued to oversee the maintenance of the gardens at both homes. Sue often ropes in her husband Peter to help and for this we are extremely appreciative.
We had to replace our gardener during the last few months. Kathy Kotsovos is doing a wonderful job.
We are in the process of renovating the lawn at Ryder and this will make a significant difference to the appearance of the whole property.
The gardens are looking loved and fantastic thanks to Sue and her paid and unpaid team.
Information Technology
The very capable Stuart Stansfield continues to look after all the board’s IT requirements. He maintains FB and our Website, and this is done expertly as always with anything Stuart does on behalf of the board. An online portal has also been established with the aim of tracking scheduled maintenance work at the homes.
General
It was with great sadness that in October 2022 we learnt of the death of one of our much-loved residents. Kevin Clayfield, ‘KC,’ was the first resident of Cheshire and hence the King of Cheshire. He always had a wicked smile and was happy to greet anyone who arrived at Cheshire. He will and has been greatly missed.
However, this provided an opportunity for David to move in and he has settled in extremely well. Welcome David.
The Foundation appreciated receiving donations in memory of KC, and other donations from private individuals during the year.
In August the board was the recipient of a $1000 donation from Tara’s Tipsters via the Mt Gambier Greyhound Racing Club. Several of us went along on the Sunday race day to receive a Cheque. It was a fun day. The funds will go towards the building of a new facility.
The homes have been visited over the last year by a group of people with therapy dogs. This has been extremely well received by the residents and we hope this continues.
Ryder-Cheshire Australia held their Biennial Conference in Ballarat this year and we produced a short five-minute video with the assistance of Rob Tremelling for presentation on the day. This was a walkthrough of the facilities, meeting some residents and staff. It was a professionally produced video that can be viewed via our website. It was well received. A huge thank you to Rob for his time and effort producing this for us.
A huge thanks to Bernie Douglas and Greg Clayfield for the thankless task of producing the minutes and agendas for us monthly. Also to Mary Heysen, Di Little and Greg Clayfield for keeping us in touch with what is happening in the homes; and to Neville Gilbertson for his wise counsel and continuing support.
We all do our bit and as in the past the board continues to function extremely well and I thank you for the opportunity to lead this wonderful group of people.
Matthew Dixon
Thank you Tara Tipsters
August 2023Thank you Tara Tipsters
The Foundation recently received a $1,000 donation from the Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club's Tara Tipsters.
The generous donation is much appreciated and has been deposited in our Next Home Fund.
The Tara Tipsters were established by Kevin 'KD' Douglas to support Mount Gambier charities.
Looking to the future
November 2022Looking to the future
The financial strength of the Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation continues to grow as the board looks to future developments.
“It has become clear to the board that we need to have some documentation in place that we can present to potential land donors, benefactors and or sponsors be they private or government,” said newly re-elected President Matthew Dixon in his 2022 Annual Report.
“We have engaged the services of (Adelaide-based company) City Collective to produce a pitch document.
“This will be used in discussions with both local and state governments and others in relation to future development opportunities.
“I am very hopeful that we will have something more concrete to report in the next 12 months,” he said.
Mr Dixon, who has been President since 2018, again congratulated Treasurer and Vice-President Dr Jerry Leech on being awarded an AM in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours and noted with sadness the passing of Kevin ‘KC’ Clayfield.
“Kevin was the first resident of our second home. He always had a happy cheeky smile and really did love his time in Cheshire,” he said.
“He will be dearly missed by his family, fellow residents and the staff at Cheshire.”
The AGM also returned board members Jerry Leech, Mary Heysen, Greg Clayfield, Di Little and Stuart Stansfield for two-year terms.
Other board members are Neville Gilbertson OAM, Peter Telford, Sue Roberts and Secretary Bernadette Douglas.
Tribute to Kevin 'KC' Clayfield
November 2022Tribute to Kevin 'KC' Clayfield
Cheshire home resident Kevin ‘KC’ Clayfield is being remembered as someone who was blessed with a cheeky grin and a wonderful sense of fun and optimism.
He will also be an ongoing inspiration to all who met him.
Born in December 1964, Kevin was the youngest of 10 children of Dorothy and Lancelot Clayfield of Glenroy in the Penola district.
A large family and caring parents created a sympathetic and caring environment for a child with Down Syndrome.
His mother insisted he be integrated into all aspects of family activities. As the second child with a disability in the family, Mrs Clayfield was also keen that Kevin received the best of education.
This included completing a Tafe course which led to him being employed as an apprentice and ultimately assistant gardener at Boandik Lodge.
He initially boarded in Mount Gambier, but with the encouragement of his ever-confident mother, bought a house of his own in 1993.
In a great personal achievement, KC spent 27 years at Boandik Lodge, but in 2013 lost interest in gardening and went to work at Bedford Industries.
In time health challenges meant he could no longer live independently, so returned to the family property, Oakbanks Farm, for a period before moving into Jarvis Wing at Penola Hospital.
The opening of Cheshire enabled KC to realise his wish to return to Mount Gambier.
“The fantastic facility combined with the selfless and loving care provided by the Home Care Plus team has played a significant role in Kevin’s final years and in particular the last challenging eight months,” said KC’s brother Greg Clayfield, who delivered the eulogy at Kevin’s funeral service.
“The 20 or so staff provided remarkable 24/7 love and care in a fun-filled environment,” said Mr Clayfield, who serves on the Board of the Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation.
KC was an AFL fan and ardent Collingwood supporter, but at the local level came to be embraced by the North Gambier family and was for a time its water bottle manager and part of the inner sanctum particularly post-game.
Kevin was also interested in greyhound racing and was a registered post-race catcher at Tara Raceway.
He was also a capable 10 pin bowler, eight-ball player and word puzzle exponent.
Kevin 'KC' Clayfield - a character and inspiration to us all.
Therapy dog success
September 2022Therapy dog success
Visits by pet therapy dogs have proved a big success with residents.
Handlers from the Blue Lake Obedience Dog Club's Pet Therapy Team bring an average of five dogs to the homes each week.
Residents spend about an hour with the dogs, with the interaction bringing smiles to faces and melting hearts all round. Activities include reading to the dogs which range from a Toy Poodle and Border Collies to a Golden Retriever and a Pomeranian-cross.
The visits began earlier this year.
The therapy dog visits bring smiles all around.
Dr Jerry Leech AM
Board Member Honoured
June 2022Board Member Honoured
The Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation congratulates Board Member Jerry Leech on being recognised in the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours.
Jerry was made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to the forestry industry, tertiary education and the community.
He has been Treasurer of our Foundation since 2003 and was instrumental in securing and administering a Building Better Regions Fund grant of about $500,000 which enabled development of our second home, Cheshire.
He also arranged a Rotary International Global Grant for the purchase of a GeneXpert analysis machine to test for Multi-Drug Resistant TB for the Ryder-Cheshire home Klibur Domin in Timor-Leste.
Foundation Welcomes Patron
March 2022Foundation Welcomes Patron
The Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, has become Patron of the Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation.
“We were delighted when the Governor visited our two homes and feel honoured that she has now agreed to become our Patron,” said Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation Board President Matthew Dixon.
“Her patronage is welcome recognition of the work that has been done to build and maintain these homes for people living with a disability.
“We aim to provide the best accommodation in a caring, respectful and compassionate environment,” he said.
Mrs Adamson toured the homes and met residents, staff and board members during her first official visit to SA's South East in December 2021.
SA Governor, Her Excellency the Hon Frances Adamson AC, pictured with Cheshire home residents Kevin, David and Luciano.
Ryder home resident Bernadette received birthday well-wishes from SA Governor Frances Adamson.
Photo gallery
Photo gallery
SA Governor visit December 2021
SA Governor visit December 2021
SA Governor Frances Adamson visit 2021.
BBRF Announcement 2017
BBRF Announcement 2017
(L-R) Jerry Leech, Neville Gilbertson, Di Little and MHR Tony Pasin, Federal Member for Barker.
Tony Pasin holding up the approved plans for Cheshire.
SA Governor Hieu Van Le visit 2017
SA Governor Hieu Van Le visit 2017
Kelly Vincent MLC visit 2017
Kelly Vincent MLC visit 2017
Kelly Vincent MLC (third from left) pictured during a visit to Ryder.
Governor General Quentin Bryce visit 2016
Governor General Quentin Bryce visit 2016
Governor General Quentin Bryce with residents.
SA Governor Kevin Scarce visit 2010
SA Governor Kevin Scarce visit 2010
State Patron, the Governor of SA, His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR pictured with residents during a visit to Ryder in 2010.
From our album
From our album
Visit to Government House.
Homes and gardens
Homes and gardens
Cheshire front exterior.
Ryder front lawn.
Raised garden beds at Ryder.
Working bee at the homes.
Audio
Audio
Photo from Sue Ryder charity website: https://www.sueryder.org/
Lady Sue Ryder address in Mount Gambier
Lady Sue Ryder address in Mount Gambier
Lady Sue Ryder was keynote speaker at the Rotary District 978 Conference held in Mount Gambier in March, 1991.
Click here to listen to her address (27 minutes).
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