Blessing and Opening of Calvary Flora McDonald

27th November 2017

Cutting of the ribbon photo from L to R: Sr Maryellen Thomas RSJ, Sr Marion Gambin RSJ, Sr Raye Boyle LCM, Father Philip Marshall VG, Jim Birch AM, Sr Helen Kelly LCM, The Hon. John Watkins AM, Martin Bowles PSM, Sr Kathleen Cotterill LCM, Mrs Logan, Julie Dundon, Mr Logan, Mark Doran.

On Monday, 27 November 2017 Calvary celebrated the official Blessing and Opening of Calvary Flora McDonald in the presence of the Hon. John Watkins AM, Chair of the National Board of Little Company of Mary Health Care Ltd.

Calvary Flora McDonald is a modern redevelopment that provides 153 beds to catering for a range of resident needs, including a Vietnamese specific wing. This state of the art Residential Care Facility over two levels provides additional needs for those reaching retirement age now as well in the future.

We were also officially welcomed into her new home by Flora McDonald Resident Pattie Coverlid.

Calvary Flora McDonald was declared officially open by The Hon. John Watkins, in front of well over 250 guests, including residents, their family and friends, local and industry dignitaries:

• Rev. Philip Marshall Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Adelaide (Blessing)
• Pattie Coverlid, Flora McDonald Resident (Welcome)
• Bryan McLoughlin, National Director Calvary Retirement Communities (Introduction)
• Sister Maryellen Thomas RSJ – Congregational Leadership Team, Sisters of St Joseph (Speech)
• Mr Bill d’Apice – Chair, Calvary Ministries (Speech)
• Jim Birch, Little Company of Mary Health Care Board Member
• Martin Bowles PSM, National CEO Calvary Health Care
• Mark Doran, National CEO Calvary Health Care
• Little Company of Mary Province Council – Sr Kathleen Cotterill, Sr Helen Kelly, Sr Raye Boyle and Sr Anne Sheridan,
• Representatives from the Sisters of St Joseph – Sr Marion Gambin, Sr Margaret Cleary, Sr Brigette Sipa, Sr Christine Schwerdt, Sr Sheila McCreanor, Sr Loreto OConnor
• Representatives from the former Mary MacKillop Care South Australia Board, Hung (Henry) Van Phan, Lindsay Strong, Noon McNamara, Kate Saville, Kylie Gallasch
• The Hon. Julian Stefani AM representing Vietnamese Australian Benevolent Foundation South Australia
• Nazareth Catholic College Girls’ Choir
• Mr and Mrs Hogan, residents at Flora McDonald, the Hon John Watkins AM, and Julie Dundon Residential Site Manager cut the ribbon.

Bryan McLoughlin, National Director Calvary Retirement Communities, said at the Official opening,

“The development of Flora McDonald has been a unique opportunity for us as an organisation, it is not every day that you acquire a service on the 1 June and then achieve practical completion on the final phase of a $40M development just four weeks later. The physical environment that we stand in today is a testament to the foresight of the Sisters of St Joseph and the Board and Management of Mary MacKillop Care”.

Mr McLoughlin congratulated and acknowledging Badge Constructions, Brown Falconer Architects and Turner Townsend Thinc, along with the other associated consultants who contributed to the project over the three year construction period.

The Hon. John Watkins AM, Chair of National Board Little Company of Mary Health Care, said at the Official opening,

“It is privilege to be here today, not only as Chair of National Board Little Company of Mary Health Care but also as the Chair of the Board for Mary MacKillop International”.

He continued, “We’re responsible for over 12,000 staff and volunteers, 15 Public and Private Hospitals, 17 Retirement and Aged Care Facilities and 22 Community Care Centres. We have a strong history here in South Australia.

He then shared some of the history of the two Sisters Mary Potter and Mary MacKillop, two unique women who were always practical and responsive.

“This inspiring union, the agreement ensures the continuation of high quality care will continue to be provided in the merging of services.”

Sr Maryellen RJS thanked Father Philip Marshall VG for reminding us that our elderly are so important to us, not a home to be hidden in but to bring to life.

Mr Bill d’Apice, Chair Calvary Ministries spoke of the milestone achievements of both Sisters and the common beliefs they both shared and their ongoing ministries to the community.

“It is an honour and a privilege and be assured Calvary will continue the mission”.

Over 250 guests attended the official Blessing and Opening of Calvary Flora McDonald in Adelaide, a $40M aged care redevelopment.

Residents who could not be present in St Joseph’s Hall enjoyed watching the live feed from the comfort of their own rooms.

Guests, residents, volunteers, family members and staff enjoyed a delightful morning tea together and reflected on the last three years and how beautifully the place has come together.

Pattie Coverlid Resident at Calvary Flora McDonald welcoming guests at the opening

Bryan McLoughlin National Director Calvary Retirement Communities speaking at the opening of Calvary Flora McDonald

Father Philip Marshall Vicar General Archdiocese of Adelaide conducting the Blessing of Calvary Flora McDonald

Nazareth College Choir performed at the Official Opening and Blessing of Calvary Flora McDonald

the Hon. John Watkins speaking at the opening of Calvary Flora McDonald

Sr Maryellen Thomas RSJ, Congregational Leadership Team, Sisters of St Joseph speaking at the Blessing and Opening of Calvary Flora McDonald

Calvary Ministries Bill d’Apice address at the opening and blessing of Calvary Flora McDonald

Sr Carmel and the Hon. John Watkins unveiling the plaque at Calvary Flora McDonald

Photo from L to R: Bryan McLoughlin, Sr Kathleen Cotterill LCM, Bill d’Apice, Sr Maryellen Thomas RSJ, Father Philip Marshall VG, the Hon. John Watkins AM

Mr and Mrs Hogan cutting the cake at the Blessing and Opening of Calvary Flora McDonald

Photo from L to R: Martin Bowles PSM, the Hon. John Watkins AM, Sr Mary Cresp RSJ, Father Philip Marshall VG, Bryan McLoughlin, Sr Anne Sheridan LCM, Bill d’Apice.