Life members at Marire
Years of dedication to Marire Home Inc were recognised last month when two longstanding committee members, Mary Garlick and Michael Walsh were awarded life membership.
Mary first came into contact with Marire in the mid 1980s when she was working as a district nurse.
Back then district nurses visited rest homes to give nursing care to residents.
In the mid 1990s Mary was appointed as one of the representatives of the local Anglican Church on the Marire trust.
“This was before the appointment of the first nurse manager at Marire, at a time when trustees were more involved and hands on. With my nursing background I was often asked to come in and listen to residents with concerns, and occasionally also to ‘have a chat’ with residents who’s behaviour was causing staff concerns.”
Mary says she has always enjoyed her involvement with Marire, and is proud of the care.
“It is care that is ‘caring’ rather than profitdriven. As an employer, Marire is a place which treats staff well and encourages them with training opportunities.”
Michael says he first joined the board of Marire in 1999 as representative of the local Catholic church.
“Volunteers did a lot at the home over the years,” he says. He was involved in refurbishing the rooms over the years.
In 2004, Michael was elected chairman of Marire Home Inc and in 2007 was involved with the formation of Age Care Central which now leases Marire.
Michael says he still enjoys being involved with Marire, and helping in any way needed.
“I have enjoyed doing whatever I have been asked to do to help the elderly who are in need of help.”
Guests who attended the presentation of the life memberships saw three rooms which have recently been refurbished. Michael says as well as being refurbished, the rooms have been enlarged, with a vanity unit installed as well.