New "Rolls Roy" minibus rolls out at HammondCare Darlinghurst

HammondCare’s residential aged care home in Darlinghurst has a new $84,000 minibus – which has been named after a beloved former resident who had longed to see it happen.

Dubbed “The Rolls Roy”, the $84,000 minibus – which bears the numberplate ROY 1 – was handed over by HammondCare CEO Mike Baird in honour of Roy Allen, the self-appointed former concierge of HammondCare Darlinghurst.

“We had this wonderful resident who used to be with us – his name was Roy. He had this vision that he would love for the residents here to go out on trips, maybe to the beach, maybe to the mountains and enjoy life beyond Darlinghurst. He said, ‘We need a bus – we have to get a bus!’

“So, this inspired us. There is a great opportunity here to create dreams and fun times with each other and the team,” said Mr Baird.

Residential Manager Chantel Evans said Roy’s enthusiasm and lust for life created a welcoming atmosphere at the 42-bed home, which serves older people who would otherwise be experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

“Roy had an insatiable passion for life. He regularly championed the value of a dedicated bus to bring residents together and take them on excursions to places of interest.

“His enthusiasm was contagious, inspiring wide interest and regular weekly chatter about itineraries and what the pleasures of venturing outside might look like,” she said.

The HammondCare Foundation has recently launched a new fundraising appeal for Darlinghurst.

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A special thanks to our contributors

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Caroline Egan

DCM Media, agedcare101

Caroline has a wealth of experience writing within the retirement and aged care sector and is a contributing journalist for the Villages.com.au and agedcare101 blog and accompanying newsletters.

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Ian Horswill

Journalist

Ian is a journalist, writer and sub-editor for the aged care sector, working at The DCM Group. He writes for The Weekly Source, agedcare101, villages.com.au and the DCM Institute fortnightly newsletter Friday. Ian is in daily contact with CEOs of retirement living, land lease and the aged care operations and makes a new contact every week. He investigates media releases, LinkedIn and Facebook for a good source for ideas for stories.

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Lauren Broomham

Retirement and Aged Care Journalist

Lauren is a journalist for villages.com.au, agedcare101 and The Donaldson Sisters. Growing up in a big family in small town communities, she has always had a love for the written word, joining her local library at the age of six months. With over eight years' experience in writing and editing, she is a keen follower of news and current affairs with a nose for a good story.

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Jill Donaldson

Physiotherapist

Jill has been practicing as a clinical physiotherapist for 30 years. For the last 13 years she has worked solely in the Aged Care sector in more than 50 metropolitan and regional facilities. Jill has also toured care facilities in the US and Africa and is a passionate advocate for both the residents in aged care and the staff who care for them. She researches and writes for DCM Media.

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Chris Baynes

DCM Media, agedcare101

Chris has been a journalist and publisher in the retirement village and aged care sectors for 11 years. He has visited over 250 retirement villages and 50 aged care facilities both within Australia and internationally. Chris is a regular speaker at industry conferences plus is a frequent radio commentator.

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Annie Donaldson

Nurse and Carer

Annie has a long career in both nursing and the media. She has planned and co-ordinated the medical support from both international TV productions and major stadium events. In recent years she has been a primary family carer plus involved in structured carer support.