2023 AGM – Board Chairman’s Speech
I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today. I would also like to pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of Kalyna Care, distinguished special guests from Hromada, our various churches, and our esteemed bankers from Dnister, I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you. It is a privilege to have you here today as we come together to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and chart the course for the future of Kalyna Care. Your presence here not only signifies your support but also serves as a testament to the strong bonds that unite us in our shared commitment to enhancing the lives of those in our care. Thank you for your presence, and we look forward to a meaningful and productive gathering ahead.
I am honoured to have remained in the role of Chairman of the Kalyna Care Board of Directors. However, it’s important to emphasize that the success of Kalyna Care over the past year is attributable to the collective efforts of my fellow directors and the outstanding administrative team at our facility. During this challenging period of recovery from the pandemic, all of our directors wholeheartedly contributed their efforts to steer us through these trying times. The financial statement reveals a noteworthy transformation, despite numerous hurdles we encountered. The Total Comprehensive surplus for the fiscal year amounted to about half a million in surplus. Although we faced persistent challenges from recurring Covid-19 outbreaks, the situation improved thanks to enhanced vaccination efforts and the milder impact of COVID-19 strains. This has boosted community confidence and resulted in a substantial increase in the number of residents we serve. Additionally, in October 2022, we inaugurated a new residential wing, expanding our capacity to accommodate 144 residents. In June 2022 we had just 82 residents. In July, 2023, we were providing care to 123 residents, and this number continues to rise steadily such that our current occupancy is 129.
The service outcomes for the 2023 financial year met the standards set for the delivery of Aged Care Services. In October 2022, the Department of Health and Age Care introduced a new funding model known as the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) in response to recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission. This change resulted in a significant increase in funding. However, this increase was partially offset by higher staff costs, general expenses related to food and other items due to a growing number of residents and a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA). Additionally, despite making a $7 million payment toward our bank settlement, our interest expenses rose due to increased interest rates during the year. I am pleased to note that those who had doubts about our organization’s ability to weather the crisis and remain financially viable have been proven wrong.
I would like to express my appreciation and extend my thanks to our banking partners, Dnister Ukrainian Credit Cooperative, and their affiliated organizations, for their unwavering support. At the time of this AGM, our debt has reduced to $3.6M, down from $14.7M. During this AGM, I want to extend my gratitude for the dedicated efforts of our Executive Staff: Jennifer Saberon Ibanez, our Facility Manager, leads a skilled and dependable team of managers who share her commitment to advancing the goals of Kalyna Care.
Nik Jayawantha, our Corporate Services Manager, remains a steadfast and unwavering presence, consistently working behind the scenes without complaint. He puts in extra hours during late nights and weekends to ensure that our financial documents are meticulously prepared for our banking partners and government agencies.
I’d also like to mention the others in the Senior Management team for their extraordinary dedication and hard work.
Frances Pasiliao – Clinical Manager
Amanpreet Singh – Hotel and Services Manager
Sarah Hzaife – Quality and Compliance Officer
Michelle Goltz – Client Liaison Officer
Their contributions are truly invaluable to the success of our organization. I would also like to take a moment to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of Kalyna Care – our remarkable workers, nurses, care staff, kitchen staff, and cleaners. Your unwavering commitment and hard work have transformed Kalyna Care into not just a care facility, but a warm and inviting home for our residents. Your daily efforts, often behind the scenes, have made this place an attractive and pleasant environment for both work and residence. Your compassion and dedication create a sense of belonging and comfort for our residents, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.
Furthermore, I want to express our sincere thanks to the visiting clinical staff. Thank you to the doctors who have been here for a long time: Dr. Andrew Soloczynskyj and Dr. Jabbar Akram, and a welcome to our new doctors, Dr. Tim Aung, Dr. Luqmaan Malik and Dr. Ifana Akram. Also thank you to pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists and others who tirelessly attend to the health needs of our residents. Your expertise, care, and professionalism play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of those in our care. Your support is invaluable, and we deeply appreciate the collaborative efforts that contribute to the overall health and happiness of our residents. Thank you all for being an integral part of the Kalyna Care family.
During our recent Strategic Planning Day, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of our facility and engaged in discussions about the organization’s future trajectory. This included exploring potential avenues for expansion, both on-site and off-site. We also delved into the possibilities surrounding Independent Living Units (ILUs) and explored additional care services that could contribute to our revenue streams. Consequently, as the opportunity has presented itself, we are currently in the process of acquiring a property located adjacent to our eastern property boundary. This acquisition will provide us with additional choices and a new point of access from Chaucer Close. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow directors, each of whom has played a vital role in sustaining Kalyna Care. Your collective efforts have been instrumental in keeping our organization running smoothly. It seems appropriate to introduce them in alphabetical order:
Basil Chamula’s role as Deputy and his multifaceted contributions to the organization are truly commendable. His dedication to working on various issues related to the new building, café, and budget review demonstrate his commitment to improving and expanding our facilities and operations. The fact that he played a role in securing a much-needed roof replacement, which was a significant investment, speaks to his effectiveness in financial management and decision-making. Furthermore, acting as an ambassador at Ukrainian functions not only shows his engagement with the community but also reflects positively on the organization’s public image and outreach efforts. His efforts have had a positive impact on Kalyna Care’s development and community engagement.
Ray Chamula has been a valuable asset to our governance. His dedication to tasks such as generating meeting minutes and assisting with IT-related matters has helped ensure the smooth functioning of the organization. Furthermore, his willingness to offer insights and serve as a listening post has greatly assisted effective communication and a supportive atmosphere within Kalyna Care and me personally when I’ve needed advice.
Greg Lubczenko’s active participation in directors’ meetings, even when attending remotely, is commendable. His ability to attentively listen to discussions and then contribute with proposed solutions and offers of assistance reflects his commitment to our goals. Additionally, his involvement in writing meeting minutes and possessing a strong knowledge of marketing further showcases his valuable contributions to the team.
Luba Pryslak’s role as a facility manager at an ethnic aged care facility brings valuable expertise to the oversight of clinical governance within our organization. Her willingness to meet with relatives and staff is a proactive approach ensuring effective communication and addressing any concerns or needs that may arise. Luba’s contribution enhances the overall quality of care and the well-being of the residents. It’s clear that her experience and dedication have been instrumental in supporting clinical governance efforts.
Roman Rozek’s role as the treasurer and his experience as an accountant with expertise in the aged care sector are valuable assets for us. His ability to make sense of the financial books is crucial for maintaining transparency and fiscal responsibility. Furthermore, his efforts in meeting with executive staff and negotiating budget reviews highlight his dedication to ensuring the financial health and sustainability of our organization. Having someone with Roman’s background and skills in such a critical financial role is essential for the smooth operation of any organization, especially in the aged care sector where financial management can have a significant impact on the quality of care provided. It’s clear that Roman’s contributions play a crucial role in our success.
Our vision for this aged care facility is a profound commitment to enhancing the health, well-being, and lifestyle of our aging residents. Beyond providing medical care, by providing innovative and responsive aged care and health care services that are founded on our Ukrainian heritage and traditions, we aim to create an environment where seniors thrive, lead fulfilling lives, and are
cherished.
In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for joining us today at the Kalyna Care meeting. Your presence and unwavering support mean the world to us. Together, as a dedicated and united community, we have achieved so much, and your continued involvement is what keeps our organization thriving. Your valuable insights, dedication, and commitment to our mission are truly appreciated, and we look forward to your continued support as we navigate the path ahead.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Kalyna Care family, and we are excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as we work together to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
Dr Igor Jakubowicz
Chairman of Kalyna Care Board of Directors
LMusA, MBBS, MFM, CertFamPlan, GDip Forensic Med, GCert Travel Med., GAICD, Asst Prof UCSD
