- Monash Shine Gala Report
- 24 June – Open Evening – please like and share
- Mexican and Tapas – Belgrave June 17th
Chairperson – Catherine Elfick
Apologies were read by PP PHF Lorna Shaw
Guest Speakers
Sarah Cole – CEO, Fernlea Community Care
Kerry McGregor – Community House Manager
Bios
Sarah Cole – CEO, Fernlea Community Care
With education and experience in health care, mental health and business, Sarah took over the reins at Fernlea over 18 months ago. Prior to this, Sarah has worked in numerous health care settings predominantly as a counselling psychologist. Beginning her career at Royal Women’s Hospital oncology unit, Sarah has a strong interest in end of life and grief counselling. Her work in the field of mental health has included roles with a number of health care providers, mental health services such as Beyond Blue and Lifeline, a private consulting practice, and consultancy work. A lifelong Emerald resident, Sarah has volunteered for over 35 years and is passionate about local community and helping people thrive.
Kerry McGregor – Community House Manager
Kerry’s career has always centred around people, connection, and community. From her early days in publishing, driven by a love of books, to her work as a massage therapist, school advocate, yoga teacher, and small business owner, she’s combined practical support with deep care. A committed single mother, she helped establish New Zealand’s first public Montessori stream and later founded Koru Pantry, now Soul Cup, offering organic teas. Kerry now brings her passion and experience to Fernlea, excited by the opportunities to grow its community offerings and create meaningful spaces for connection.
· An overview of the new governance structure
· The anticipated community advisory panel and
· Their vision for the service in the future.
Sarah Cole - Governance and Strategic Development at Fernlea House
Background
Fernlea was originally established 24 years ago as a palliative care organisation. Over time, the viability of its original model decreased, prompting a transition into providing day respite services in Emerald and Pakenham. An Op Shop continues to support the original palliative care function. Fernlea House is an NFP that focuses on care, dignity and respect.
Current Role and Strategic Direction
Fernlea is undergoing a significant transformation, with a renewed focus on governance and strategic direction. The current leadership has embraced these challenges with passion and commitment to the organisation’s future.
Integration with Aged Care System
Fernlea’s services must align with the broader aged care system to ensure sustainability and effectiveness. The organisation is navigating these requirements while remaining true to its community-based roots.
Expansion into Community Services
With the Community House system going out to tender, Fernlea saw an opportunity to expand its mission. The organisation is broadening its focus to support individuals who are in need, vulnerable, or isolated—recognising that such needs are not always physical in nature.
Fernlea House and Community Integration
Fernlea has assumed management of the Community House, which will now operate as Fernlea House. This shift includes a structural change: governance will be handled by the Fernlea House Board, rather than a traditional Community House Committee of Management.
Leadership and Management
Kerry has taken on the role of managing the Community House, now under Fernlea's umbrella. Her leadership is instrumental in guiding this new phase of development.
Funding and Strategic Advantage
The incorporation of the Community House under Fernlea offers the organisation access to additional funding streams at the federal, state, and local council levels. This enhances Fernlea’s ability to serve the broader community effectively.
Community Engagement
While governance is now centralised under the Board, this shift creates a potential gap in local community involvement, as board members are often based outside the immediate area. To address this, Fernlea will establish an Advisory Panel composed of representatives from community groups. This panel will provide program guidance and ensure that services are responsive to community needs.
Future Vision
Fernlea House aims to become an "ideas incubator," blending strategic planning with grassroots input to foster innovation and meet the evolving needs of the community.
Kerry McGregor- Community Engagement and Program Development at Fernlea House
Transition to Community House Role
A team member has recently transitioned from working in the Op Shop to a new role within the Community House. Although she has lived in the area for seven years, her family has longstanding ties to the community through her grandparents. She considers it a privilege to take on this role, and her background as a yoga teacher has shaped her understanding of the importance of fostering both personal connection and community cohesion.
Philosophy and Guiding Principles
Her vision for the Community House is guided by fundamental pillars of human happiness and wellbeing. These core values shape the design and delivery of Fernlea House programs:
- Creativity: Arts and crafts sessions encourage expression and creative engagement.
- Environmental Connection: Programs include nature stewardship, revitalising the community garden, and teaching sustainable gardening practices.
- Physical Wellbeing: Initially focused on yoga, classes are expanding to include dance and other movement-based activities.
- Emotional Wellbeing and Personal Growth: Activities and support structures aim to foster emotional resilience and development.
- Life Skills: Practical education in cooking on a budget, basic financial literacy, and technology classes for those unfamiliar with computers.
- Community Support: Recognising the high demand on local emergency services (e.g., the SES being the busiest in the state), Fernlea House offers emotional support and practical comfort during crises.
Community Participation and Input
There is a strong emphasis on community input to ensure programs are relevant and responsive. The goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging space where everyone feels heard. Fernlea House is actively working to invite the broader community to contribute ideas and share their needs.
Membership and Community Benefits
Fernlea House offers a structured membership system, including adult and pensioner categories, as well as the Friends of Fernlea House program. Members receive benefits such as:
- Free access to the Tool Library
- Participation in the Repair Café
- Special offers through the Op Shop, including quarterly sales
Safety and Emergency Communication
A grant has recently been secured to provide satellite phones, enhancing safety and communication for vulnerable residents. This allows community members to share their satellite phone numbers with family members outside the area, ensuring someone can check on them during emergencies when traditional communication services may be disrupted.
Thank you for having us this evening.
Committee Reports
PHF John Henderson
Train of Lights
- TOL will run for 18 nights from Thursday 3 July to Sunday 20 July 2025
- Bring your Beanies!!!
- John will start process of rostering 3-4 nights x 8 people per night shortly
- We made $7k or so when we did a couple of weeks the year before last
- Alan the butcher is on board – we are borrowing his BBQ and he will supply the sausages
Sunday 14 September 2025 – Race the Train
- Puffing Billy Railway has requested a water station and help out as track marshals on the day – we get $1000
Fundraising - Sip and Paint - PP PHF Sangeeta Bajaj
- $50 pp
- Food is included
- 16 tickets sold – 34 left
- Flyers going out through Emerald and Pakenham
Marketing – Volunteer Expo – PP PHF Kristine Ash
- Reminder – Volunteer Expo is on this Sunday 10-3 and thank you to all who rostered on to assist
Wheelchairs for Kids - PP PHF - Russ Marnock
- EarlyAct raised enough for 17 wheelchairs with their fundraiser last year
- Project was started by Rotary in Perth – the assembly factory is staffed by volunteers
- Been going for 30 yrs
- $275 for a wheelchair – they are designed for difficult terrain
- Olly Picket was named the Senior Australian of the year
- Wanting to build 6000 wheelchairs this year
- Don’t forget Wheelchairs for Kids as we approach tax time
- Shalini – the club has bought a couple of wheelchairs this year
International Report – PP PHF Catherine Elfick
- REMEMBER TO BRING OLD GLASSES NEXT WEEK
Wrap Up – Pres. Kelly
- Thank you for chairing Catherine, Fellowship Shalini, Furnishings Roy, Fellowship Tina
- Thank you to our guest speakers
- Thank you for attending Barbara Dougan – was former member and secretary of the Belgrave RC
- Rowan is seeking Horses Ass Awards
- McCleod Murphy next week – Marcus Chairing
