Dianne shows strong commitment to Fairview
Dianne Wallace's Fairview office is warm and welcoming on a cold winter's day and even her small dog Hughie is tucked up in his bed complete with a knitted coat and lots of small blankets.
In stark contrast to the outside temperature, Dianne has a warm welcome in her new role as chief executive of Fairview Homes for the Aged. Her commitment is evidenced in that she lives in one of the apartments.
Moving to Warragul from Mossvale in New South Wale's southern highlands, Dianne already had an involvement with Fairview having been on the board. She is now both chief executive and managing director, maintaining her board role.
She replaces long time CEO Vicky May. Dianne's background is in disability services, moving into that field from her work as an occupational therapist.
She sees her new role in aged care as a progression of her work in disability services in both New South Wales and Queensland.
Dianne sees her role as a privilege and living at the village has given her the opportunity to talk with residents every day and share their personal journeys and stories.
She also has high regard for the staff who have been working tirelessly through the pandemic, particularly during lockdowns.
Daily COVID testing continues for staff and suppliers, placing extra burdens on workloads.
"It really is about learning to live with it, she says in relation to the ongoing pandemic.
Dianne said during lockdowns the staff had taken on a new role for residents.
They were the only physical contact they had for days on end.
Dianne is pleased there is discussion about the difficulties for aged care workers and their income levels.
She points out that a person working in the local pharmacy and serving aged care people is paid more that those who contribute to their care on a daily basis.
She hopes there are significant reforms resulting from the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care.
"The challenges for aged care are significant and we need to modernise the way we do our resourcing," she said.
Fairview offers both independent units and apartments and assisted living.
Dianne is keen to restore community involvement at the village which was a key focus before COVID.
"COVID affected the emotional well being of everyone here. I want to see us safely open up to this community and restore the connections which have been lost."
"It is important Fairview continues to grow and supports the older person so that person can be the best they can be."
A project the board is currently formulating is a partnership with Quantum Support Services to provide housing for older woman.
Four units, currently used for storage will be renovated to provide housing for older women who are currently homeless.
Dianne said local builder Wayne Farnham had already indicated he would volunteer time and oversee other tradespeople volunteering time and expertise.
It is a project Dianne is passionate about.
“It means we can offer accommodation to women who are homeless at the latter part of their lives and it brings old units back to liveable conditions. It is of benefit to us all."
Dianne is also seeking local people to join the board which meets on a monthly basis.
"We are after people with skills in planning, governance, business, legal and marketing," she said.
Dianne has made it her priority to ensure Fairview to continues to grow and support the older person.