On a crisp and clear spring morning in Albany, Western Australia’s southernmost city, a room full of local Silverchain clients, family members and staff sang a double rendition of happy birthday. One was to Silverchain, celebrating 80 years of care at home in Albany and the other was for our oldest client and Albany local, Barbara Lister, who turned 107 less than two weeks earlier.
Barbara was among the guests at the celebration, held at our Service Delivery Centre in Mira Mar on Thursday 5 November, where she was presented with flowers, and later had the honour of cutting the anniversary cake.
She was joined by 50 clients, families, donors and past and present members of the Silverchain Albany team who shared stories over tea, coffee, cake and sandwiches, while being entertained by live music from local duo David Rastrick and Rhian Bethan.
Mayor of Albany Greg Stocks also joined the celebration in the year the city marks its bicentenary. “Congratulations Silverchain on 80 years of service in Albany,” he said. “When I think of Silverchain, they are synonymous with care and compassion, and most importantly, caring for our community.”
“All your local staff, you’re here for a calling,” Mayor Stocks said. “You can see that through in the delivery of your services, and you don’t see success in a community for 80 years if you aren’t delivering quality.”
Silverchain’s service in Albany began in 1946. The Albany Branch Committee met for the first time on 12 May, and Sister Knight began as the first district nurse on 25 September.
“Eighty years is a long time to be welcomed into people’s homes, and Silverchain providers recognise this privilege by their commitment to client care and services,” said Silverchain General Manager, Care Service Delivery WA, Lesley Balkwill.
The people in the room were the reason for the celebration. Between them, the current members of Silverchain’s Albany team have given more than 356 years of service. “Our Albany team and our local clients are at the heart of this milestone,” Ms Balkwill said.
Silverchain began in Western Australia in 1905, when journalist Muriel Chase invited children to join a Silver Chain League that paid for the state’s first district nurse, Sister S.L Copley.
“More people want to stay in their own home as they get older, close to family, friends and the places they know,” Ms Balkwill said. “That is what our care team has helped people do here for 80 years.”
To talk to Silverchain about care at home in Albany and the Great Southern, call 1300 650 803 or read more about our in home health and aged care services.
