102 residents and staff were present to celebrate the vibrant and growing Hawthorn Community.

The contemporary site is now called home by more than 100 residents and it was a milestone celebrated in style.

In a spectacular display, 100 brightly-coloured balloons were released and floated up past the windows as champagne corks popped.

Residents from Broadmead which is located on the Ground Floor, gathered on chairs in the newly refurbished secure courtyard to watch staff and residents release the clouds of balloons.

CEO Andrew Kinnersly said he was hugely proud of this milestone.  “What a journey it has been,” he explained.   “We opened up in 2020 right at the start of COVID-19 and all the challenges that it brought – and we went through a difficult time with the pandemic.  We can be hugely proud of what we have achieved so far.”

He paid tribute to RSM Sudha Maridu, Care Managers Suzie Li, Riya Patel and Hawthorn and Preston Regional Admissions Coordinator Kris Alexus, as well as the rest of the staff.  

“I look around and I see the care and the love that our whole team gives to our residents and to their families.  And it is real, you can’t make this stuff up,” Andrew said.   “It’s genuine, I see the eye contact, I see the way that we treat our residents and their families.  I am enormously proud of what we have become here and I am excited about what this family will be over the years to come.”

To the strains of beautiful classical music from a Cello and piano duo, staff served hot and cold gourmet snacks produced by Chef Supervisor, Vigneesh Selvaraja and his team.

A beautiful collage made up of photographs of residents created by Lifestyle Coordinator Steph spelling out “100” was unveiled.  Sudha welcomed everyone and then Steph – who played a huge role in organising the event – gave a speech outlining the rich history of the site.  This was followed by a speech from the wife of the first resident to move into the community – and who is still there.

There were also speeches by General Manager Vicky Jacques and Director of Operations Ian Blair, who paid special tribute to Sudha, saying bringing her on board was the best decision he ever made for the Hawthorn Community.

Sudha in turn paid tribute to Ian and the staff in her speech, singling out the various teams for thanks and praise.  She said the day marked the exact date she started as RSM at the community three years ago.  Some things are just meant to be!

The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a massive cake, which was a labour of love by Hotel Services Coordinator, Brian Robinson.

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