The old adage has it that it takes a village to raise a child, but at Ballan District Health and Care, aged-care staff know it takes a village to take care of its oldest citizens.
The health service pipped three other finalists to win the Community Engagement award at the Leading Age Services Australia state conference earlier this month.
The awards celebrated the achievements of Victoria’s aged-care industry and aim to increase public confidence and community involvement in the aged-care sector.
It was Ballan District Health’s Priscilla Queen of the Desert high tea event, a collaboration between the Ballan Autumn Festival committee, aged residents and staff members that earned the hospital its award.
Chief executive Wayne Weaire said the sell-out event in March enabled residents to show their acceptance of all people within the community.
It was the efforts of residents, staff, volunteers, family members and members of the Ballan Autumn Festival committee that ensured the event’s success, he said.
“This award is a tribute to the warmth of the Ballan community and the energy and inventiveness of our district’s aged-care residents,” Mr Weaire said.
