Jill Taylor (Nikitakis), Fronditha Care President and Board Chair, addressed over 50 members who attended the Annual General Meeting on Monday, 29 November 2021.
The President provided a comprehensive report reflecting on the 2020-2021 financial period, highlighting the achievements of Fronditha Care throughout the past year whilst noting the significant challenges.
“Fronditha Care has shown incredible resilience over this period, and the Board, Executive and entire team have demonstrated the ability to go above and beyond to ensure we are always achieving the best outcomes for our elders and community,” Jill Taylor (Nikitakis) said.
“The year has been filled with momentous transformation marked by a challenging pandemic. Yet the Board and Executive have worked through this uncertainty with enthusiasm and energy to deliver significant change in operations and secure the financial viability of the organisation.”
READ MORE: Fronditha Care officially opens its state-of-the-art facility in St Albans.
This organisational transformation included appointment of Faye Spiteri (Tsolakis) OAM as CEO in February 2021 and new Directors to the Board, which marked a significant change for the organisation, with a now evident return to a positive financial trajectory and long-term sustainability.
The President informed the meeting that significant improvements were in fact delivered over the last two quarters of the 2021 financial year.
All driven by a concerted effort to implement change, without impacting service delivery, achievements included performing 30% better than budget; a 16% increase in income and an average 98%-100% occupancy where sector average was less than 90% and significant growth in Community Services with a twofold increase in clients.
READ MORE: ‘Moving forward with confidence,’ says Fronditha Care President after strong turnaround.
Jill Taylor (Nikitakis) highlighted the opening of the 90-bed-facility in St Albans a great accomplishment given the $22 million capital works program was delivered ahead of time and below budget, whilst Victoria experienced the significant impact of the pandemic and ongoing lockdowns.
Turning to Fronditha Care’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the President said the organisation had been proactive and vigilant. Fronditha Care had undergone numerous successful audits across all its facilities with the Aged Care and Quality Commission highly complementary of our COVID-19 preparedness and infection control practices.
The President spoke about Fronditha Care being an early adopter of the COVID-19 vaccination program with the organisation reaching enviable vaccination rates of its residents, staff and the
broader Fronditha Care community with over 3,000 vaccines administered across its five facilities and its Mulgrave Community Centre.
READ MORE: Fronditha Care becomes first residential aged care provider to vaccinate majority of its elderly
Jill Taylor (Nikitakis) advised members that the recently reported outbreak at its St Albans facility, was considered fully resolved with advice from the public health unit as of Friday, 26 November 2021.
She thanked the Executive, management and the DHS Public Health Unit and Western Health Outreach Team for their dedication and hard work in managing the outbreak. She noted that DHS were highly complementary of Fronditha Care’s response and that despite the rapid spread, the cycle was resolved by the Organisation within a very short period of time.
READ MORE: Fronditha Care St Albans hit by COVID-19 outbreak, one death reported.
Whilst most residents and staff who tested positive remained asymptomatic, sadly, three residents, two unvaccinated and one with serious underlying health issues, passed away. The meeting heard that life at the facility had returned to normal for residents and family visitation has recommenced with proactive risk mitigation measures in place.
Focusing on the future, Jill Taylor (Nikitakis) informed the meeting that the Board and Executive is preparing to deliver an extensive strategic growth program and working on a number of significant partnerships, leading the way in the provision of aged care services for the Greek community.
She noted: “The organisational vision, purpose, values and Bounty of Care philosophy continue to steer us in the right direction. I am delighted to have led, with the CEO, the development of a 10 -year strategy with three and five year implementation plans that is underpinned by four inter-connected pillars: exceptional client services, sustainable growth, an engaged and competent workforce, and a high performing organisation. We very much look forward to sharing with you our plans in 2022 for expanding our service offer and provision of an integrated customer experience.”
Mr Kostas Livadaras, Treasurer, provided a detailed financial report for members describing the factors which had led to financial turnaround and emphasising the measures in place to ensure Fronditha Care continues to perform well financially and deliver its services efficiently without diminishing the quality of care.
Members congratulated the Board, CEO and Executive team for their hard work and the significant positive turnaround applauding the impressive results delivered in such a short period, noting they looked forward to the continued success and organisational progress.
In her closing remarks, the President expressed her deep gratitude to the community and noted her deep appreciation of fellow Directors who selflessly dedicate their time.
She said: “It’s a great privilege to lead the Fronditha Care Board and support the work of our CEO, Faye Spiteri OAM, her Executive and the broader team.
‘I am exceptionally proud to work with a group of people who are so dedicated to our purpose and mission. I wholeheartedly thank the extended Fronditha Care community, our people, our clients and their families, our auxiliaries, our volunteers, our partners and all our stakeholders for supporting us.”
The meeting unanimously endorsed four candidates who nominated for election to the Board of Directors. The 2022 Fronditha Care Board members are:
• President – Jill Taylor (Nikitakis)
• Vice- President- Nicholas Giasoumi
• Secretary- John Kallitsas
• Treasurer- Kostas Livadaras
• Director – Dr Stella Laletas
• Director – Alex Krassas
You can view the Fronditha Care Annual Report 2020-2021 here.
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