Mercy Place Fernhill, in Melbourne’s Bayside suburb of Sandringham, has marked 10 years of delivering compassionate, person-centred care to older Victorians.
Since opening its doors in 2015, Mercy Place Fernhill has provided residents a home where they are surrounded by caring staff, friendly faces and are supported to live life their own way.
Mercy Health’s Chief Executive of Healthy Ageing, Clare Douglas, says the anniversary is a testament to the dedication of Mercy Place Fernhill’s outstanding team of professionals.
“This milestone marks 10 years of unwavering commitment from our team, who are focused on delivering high-quality care and ensuring our residents feel supported every day,” said Ms Douglas.
“The local community is incredibly special and tight-knit. Since 2015, Mercy Place Fernhill has provided locals the opportunity to remain in the heart of Melbourne’s Bayside area where they are connected to their family, friends and broader community, and supported through Residential Aged Care.”
Residents celebrate
To commemorate the home’s milestone, residents, staff, families and local community members gathered to reflect on a decade of meaningful connection, dignity and support with a vibrant celebration.
Guests included Councillor Geoff Leigh, attending on behalf of local MP for Sandringham Brad Rowswell, and Mayor of Bayside City Council, Councillor Hanna El Mouallem. Councillor Leigh joined residents and staff for a short speech and a special cake-cutting ceremony following a morning Mass.
Among the residents who spoke were Mercy Sister Frances Suhr and Therese Brown, both of whom have dedicated their lives to the organisation, with Therese having trained as a nurse at Mercy Hospital. Fellow resident Heather Moffet also shared a personal story titled She Was Wrong, offering a heartfelt reflection on her aged care journey at Fernhill. These reflections honoured the founding values of Mercy Health and its enduring mission of compassion and care.
Longtime Mercy Place Fernhill resident Moira Scully said she was one of the first to move into the home when it opened in 2015. “I remember watching Fernhill being built, and I was one of the first to move in. It’s been my home ever since,” said Ms Scully. “I’ve seen it grow into a place full of warmth, friendship and support.”
With panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and access to Sandringham’s vibrant coastal lifestyle, Mercy Place Fernhill continues to provide a modern, welcoming environment for residents to live well, whether that means relaxing in its beautifully landscaped gardens, participating in art and exercise classes, or enjoying time with family and friends.
Roxanne Cadiente, Precinct Manager of Mercy Place Fernhill Residential Aged Care and Wesley Grange Retirement Village, said the anniversary was a proud moment for the team.
“Whether someone’s been here for 10 years or 10 days, every resident brings something unique to our community,” said Ms Cadiente.
“This celebration was a reminder of how far we’ve come, and the special moments we’ve shared along the way.”
As Mercy Place Fernhill looks to the future, its focus remains the same – to support older people to live life the way they choose, connected, cared for and at home in every sense of the word.
