Jardine Crescent

All units are nearly finished with the external painting, and only five more units need their internal painting completed. We are currently boxing the driveways, and part of the driveway outside units 6 and 7 has been poured with concrete and looks great. The boxing for the air conditioner pads for all units is finished and ready for concrete. The BBQ area has been leveled and marked out, so construction can begin soon. NBN has been connected to all units, preparing for JTC to come from Adelaide to complete the Assistive Technology work. All data racks and UPS systems are installed and working well. We have also started marking out the front fence.

We are excited to announce that the official opening will take place on the morning of April 10th. Everything is still on track for residents to move in starting April 14th.

Staff profile - Jonathan Burgess

I'm Jonno Burgess, and I have been the Training Coordinator at Eskleigh since May 2023.  Some of you may remember I was the State Rostering Coordinator for Eskleigh quite a few years back.

I have worked in Community Services for the past 20 years including roles in Employment Services, Welfare, Health, and Disability.

I am thankful for the excellent team I work with here at Eskleigh and enjoy the interaction with participants and staff when they visit us, or when I am visiting Eskleigh Home or other locations.  I also love the old building and grounds – such a beautiful place to work every day.

My wife Ange and I have been married for 23 years and have 4 amazing children – Susie (22), Sam (19), Josh (16) and Esther (12) and our cute but naughty cat Mason.  We live in Newstead with all the kids still at home.  Mason loves giving affectionate head butts and waking us up at ridiculous times of the morning (not to mention scratching everything he can get his claws on).  Most of our family attend All Saints North (Barney’s) Anglican Church in Newnham.

 What kind of food do you like?  I love Thai, Italian, Indian and Turkish food.  Butter Chicken from Ali’s Asian Café is a personal favourite.  I also love a good BBQ.  Chocolate, chips and ice-cream are also some of my food weaknesses.

What is your favourite Movie? Hard to pick one – some favourites include Nacho Libre, Napolean Dynamite, The Martian, The Wedding Singer, Master of Disguise, The Blues Brothers, The Holiday, Elf, Christmas with the Kranks, Star Wars (especially the original 3), Die Hard Series, Lethal Weapon Series, Jack Reacher Series, and the Bourne Series.

What kind of music do you like?   Jazz, Rock/Pop, Classical, Christian Music - some favourite artists include Billy Joel, Sting, Harry Connick Jr, The Beatles, James Morrison, Steve Curtis Chapman, and Keith Green.  I play guitar and also enjoy singing.

What is your favourite Ice-cream?  Chocolate, Peppermint, Jaffa, and Rum and Raisin are some of my top flavours and I can always find room for some icecream.  Waffle cones are so much better that the more basic ones.  I do also love a good drizzle of chocolate or banana topping/syrup.

What is your favourite colour?   Blue

What is your favourite place to visit in Tasmania?  Bicheno.  Lots to do and love the beautiful rocks and water.  My extended family used to holiday there when I was a child.

What's your favourite childhood memory?   Going to Sovereign Hill in Victoria – panning for gold, patting the Clydesdales, getting a wanted poster with my name on it.  Also, lots of special times with extended family – Cousins, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents.

What was your favourite subject at school?   Maths and Science.  I was also a Maths and Science Teacher early in my career.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? With four children, I don’t have a lot of spare time – driving lessons, homework, nagging people to get up or go to bed or do their chores or have showers all takes quite a bit of work .  When I do find time, I love fishing (inland and sea), printmaking, photography and getting out into nature.

What is your favourite hobby? I love printmaking and have previously done a Certificate IV in Visual Art at TAFE.  I mainly do lino cuts, monoprints (using a gelli plate) and hand-carved rubber stamp prints.  I do have a small printing press at home but sadly don’t use it as much as I would like.

What is your favourite sport to play?  Cricket and Tennis.  I did play Cricket for South Launceston for a few years while my boys were also part of the club.  I also enjoyed volleyball when I was younger.

What do you bring most to a friendship?  Fun, honesty, care/compassion, reliability, practical support.

What are you most proud of?  Completing a 35000km big lap of Australia in our 17-foot pop-top caravan over 10 months with our family in 2016/2017. I also completed my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment through NDA in December last year.

What’s something you never leave home without?  I do on occasions leave home without my phone, wallet, glasses, laptop charger, or lunch box, so these do not qualify.  So probably just my keys, clothes and sense of humour!

What are you most grateful for?  My Christian Faith.  My wife and four children.  Living in Australia. 

What is something fun that nobody at Eskleigh knows about you?  I had a flat-top haircut when I was a teenager.  Me and my twin sister Christine swapped school uniforms on April Fool’s Day in High School.

Eskleigh Community Garden Grant

We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully secured a grant from the Climate Change Action Plan to establish a community garden at Eskleigh!

This initiative is aimed at creating a vibrant and welcoming space where community members can gather, learn, and cultivate together. The Eskleigh Community Garden will also serve as an educational hub, providing opportunities for local community groups and school children to learn about sustainable gardening practices and the importance of growing seasonal food.

Our community garden will be helped by our existing partnerships within the Perth area. We have a longstanding relationship with the Lions Club, who have generously offered to support the garden's establishment by providing mulch and assisting with the setup. The Perth Football Club has offered to help with the setting up of the garden beds. Our partnership with the Perth Baptist Church, established over 80 years ago, will enable us to contribute fresh produce to their food distribution for those in need. It is anticipated that they will have lots of willing people to help with the garden too.

If you would like to get involved in setting up the community garden please reach out to Miranda.

Together, we can grow a sustainable future!

Working Bee at Eskleigh

We recently held a working bee at Eskleigh and it was a tremendous success! The laundry, sections of the hall, bedroom, northstore room, south corridor, the old spa room (to be a new bathroom) and a bedroom were painted. About ten dedicated staff members and one family member rolled up their sleeves to assist with painting and prepping the areas. Marelle decided that she wanted to help and was tutored by Rob Butler, Maintenance Manager, on the finer points of painting.

After the hard work, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch, courtesy of Rob and Amanda. Due to the success of this event, we will be organising another working bee soon!

Great job, everyone!

Jasmine's Certificate of Appreciation

Jasmine was given an Eskleigh Certificate of Appreciate for “providing a positive experience for job applicants”.

A member of the public noted the following:

I wanted to take a moment to share how impressed I’ve been with the application process for the Support Worker position. The communication throughout has been timely and transparent, and the way the process is structured reflects the care and professionalism of Eskleigh.

It’s rare to encounter such a well-organised approach, and it’s made me even more excited about the opportunity to potentially join your team.

Thank you again for this positive experience—I truly appreciate the effort you and your team has put into making me feel valued and understood.

Courtyard Renovations

Exciting renovations are currently underway at Eskleigh, with a key project focusing on revitalising one of our courtyards. The pergola, built circa 1980s, served as a respite area but was uncomfortably hot during the summer months and was in dire need of an upgrade.

Rob Butler is overseeing the renovation, and we've enlisted skilled bricklayers to enhance the space. The shed structure is being completely removed and the middle of the area will feature a tree, and it will have seating arranged to face outward. The transformation is already remarkable, allowing more natural light to flood the area.

Rooms overlooking this courtyard will soon enjoy views of a lovely shady tree and a beautiful garden bed, making the space not only more aesthetically pleasing but also a perfect spot to relax, not only in summer but during the winter months it will be a perfect spot to soak up some sunshine out of the wind.

We can’t wait to share the final result with you!

Jardine update

We are very pleased to provide an update on the progress of the building works at Jardine over the past month.

Unit 1: Work has continued smoothly with painters diligently working through the Christmas break. All dry fire systems have been completed, and we are now awaiting power commissioning. Kitchen appliances have been installed.

Unit 2: The builder's fit-out is now complete, along with the plumbing fit-off. The electricians have also finished their work in this unit. Kitchen appliances have been installed.

Unit 3: Progress in Unit 3 mirrors that of Unit 2, with kitchen appliances now installed.

Unit 4: All floor coverings, joinery, plumbing, and electrical fit-offs are complete in this unit. The builder's fit-off has also been finalized. External cladding will be completed in the coming days, and kitchen appliances have been installed.

Units 5, 6, & 7: Painting is complete, and the carport slabs have been poured. Preparations for the driveway have begun. Externally, progress is moving along nicely.

The backs of Units 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 have been prepared for concrete. Additionally, the retaining wall outside Units 6 and 7 has been blocked and the core filled. NBN has been installed.

We have a move-in date of April 14, 2025!!

Handover will take place one week prior, allowing us to prepare for the Eskleigh setup, which includes the installation of white goods and the setup of sleepover rooms, offices, and more.

Thank you for your continued support and interest in the Eskleigh development!

Successful Grant applications

Bell Bay Community Grant

Towards the end of last year we secured a Bell Bay Community Grant, to repair our existing raised garden beds and create new ones.  We will also install appropriate ground cover and new linings to prevent water leakage. These improvements will enhance the accessibility for the people we support.  We will collaborate with the Perth Lions Club and the Perth Football Club and no doubt the Perth Primary School students will assist with planting once the beds are ready.

Do you have a ‘green thumb’ and would like to help with us with our vegetable garden? Please get in contact with us - we’d love to hear from you.

Climate Action Grant

We have been successful in obtaining a Climate Action Grant which will allow us to establish a Community vegetable garden. We hope to create a vibrant space for community members to gather, learn, and cultivate together. Our vision is to strengthen social connections by working together to grow fruit and vegetables. We hope that local community groups and school children can learn about sustainable gardening practices and the impacts of climate change. We will kick off this project in autumn and winter, harnessing our existing partnerships with the Perth Lions Club, Perth Football Club and the Perth Baptist Church. Together, we will cultivate not just food, but stronger community ties and a healthier environment, addressing climate change through education and sustainable practices.

Staff Profile - Mandy Orr

Initially working in administration and reception, I transitioned to the role of Administration Officer in late 2023, which includes Executive Assistant to Eskleigh’s CEO Sophie Davidson, managing Board administration and supporting the Senior Leadership Team, along with other Administration tasks.

What I appreciate most about Eskleigh is it’s very rich history and it’s purpose; since 1947, it has been a Tasmanian icon supporting people with disabilities. As we begin a new year and our strategic initiatives begin, I am very excited for a bright and prosperous 2025 for Eskleigh.

 What kind of food do you like?  I like any type of Thai food is my favourite!

What is your favourite Movie?  I like most movies, but don’t really have a favourite;  Notting Hill, The Last of the Mohicans, The Green Mile, The Sound of Music, Little House on the Prairie Movie…  I like a classic soppy movie, I also like a good thriller, a mystery, detective fiction.

What kind of music do you like?   Easy listening, acoustic, pub rock, classic bands, 80’s music! When I was 14 my favourite Band was Pseudo Echo,

What is your favourite Icecream?  Caramel and Macadamia

What is your favourite colour?   Green of course!

What is the saddest thing you have done?  Watching my Mum fade away rapidly in 6 months with early on-set Frontotemporal Dementia…

What is your favourite place to visit in Tasmania?  Our family shack at Ansons Bay, no internet, no phone – a total switch off!

What's your favourite childhood memory?   Going fishing with my Grandfather

What was your favourite subject at school?   English and history.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Catch up with family and friends, eating out and visiting Tasmanian wineries. Shoe shopping!

What is your favourite hobby? hmm I am quite “crafty”, I can sew, quilt, make mohair Teddy Bears. I also like to decorate my home, change things around.

What is your favourite sport to play?  Hmm, don’t really play sport any more, but at school I played Hockey, went to swimming club and in my late teens/ early 20’s I was a spin bowler at Indoor Cricket!

What do you bring most to a friendship?  Support, kindness, time, a listening ear, sometimes tough love…

What are you most proud of?  Hands down, purchasing my own home and being fiercely independent.

What’s something you never leave home without?  A smile! and my car keys!

What are you most grateful for?  That I am healthy and happy! When I am unhappy (which is not often). I look for something that makes me happy – I buy shoes!

What is something fun that nobody at Eskleigh knows about you?  I collect green jugs!

Board Member profile - Liz Swain

During my time at Bell Bay Aluminum smelter, I worked across various departments, where I had numerous management roles including, Research and Development, maintenance and engineering, quality control, computer services and HR, working to provide stability, change management and introduce many engineering projects.

Now, in semi-retirement, I find fulfillment in serving as a non-executive director for several not-for-profit organisations. My work spans diverse fields, including disability services, aged care, health, tourism, and community development.

I am passionate about promoting good governance and ensuring long-term sustainability for the organisations I am involved with. I am also honored to have recently joined the Tasmanian Women’s Council, where I strive to empower women and create opportunities for them to achieve their potential.

As we embark on an exciting new chapter in Eskleigh's development, supported by our comprehensive strategic plan and the unwavering dedication of our incredible staff, I look forward to the growth and achievements that lie ahead in 2025 and beyond.

Thank you for your support as we continue to make a positive impact in our community. Together, we can achieve great things!

Warm regards, Liz Swain

We are hiring

Exciting news for job seekers in the disability sector! If you or someone you know is on the lookout for a fulfilling career, we have an amazing support worker vacancy. Just make sure you have a current first aid certificate, a police check, and a working with vulnerable people card.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to make a difference.

Check out the advertisement below!

Short-term accommodation and respite

Eskleigh provides cozy and supportive short-term and respite accommodation in the heart of Northern Midlands surrounded by faming land. Nestled in an historic serene rural setting overlooking the South Esk River, our stays are designed to offer personalised care and tailored activities.  Experience the tranquillity of nature,  while receiving your desired assistance in a nurturing environment.

Our stunning historic property serves as an ideal retreat for people seeking a caring environment.  We are centrally located with just a 5 minutes drive to Perth, 10 minutes to Longford and 20 minutes to Launceston.

We collaborate with individuals and support coordinators to design a stay that takes into account each person’s unique needs, preferences, and desires, ensuring you feel at home upon arrival. Our goal is to provide a welcoming comfortable environment for your short-term stay.

Participants can choose from Eskleigh at Perth or we can assist in arranging short-term stays at suitable accommodation right across the state.

For more information or to book your short-term accommodation, or respite stay reach out to us at enquiry@eskleigh.com.au or call 6398 7100.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

* the room pictured below is booked at the moment but speak to us about other rooms and availability!

Eskleigh renovations

Rob and Stewart have been putting in an extraordinary amount of effort on the renovations, focusing on preparing additional short-term accommodation rooms and completing the new laundry room.

They have been diligently working to complete all the projects currently on their plates. Each day, they pour their energy into the renovations, overcoming challenges and making significant progress.

The transformation of the accommodation spaces is crucial, as it allows for short-term accommodation space for people to come and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere that Eskleigh provides. Moreover, the completion of the laundry room is an essential step in improving the overall functionality for the people we support.

By modernising these spaces, they are not only ensuring that the daily operations run smoothly but they are also contributing to the well-being of both residents and staff.

Rob and Stewart's commitment to the renovations is extraordinary and their hard work is appreciated by everyone.

Annual General Meeting

On November 26, we held our Annual General Meeting, which brought together the people we support, their families, and our dedicated supporters for a delightful afternoon tea with the board.

This gathering was not only a chance to discuss our progress and future plans but also an opportunity to celebrate a significant milestone—Eskleigh's 77th birthday! We marked the occasion with a beautiful cake, adding a lovely touch to the afternoon tea. The art therapy group presented Sophie Davidson, CEO, with a beautiful framed painting created by the people we support.

We were pleased to welcome around 40 attendees, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere filled with both familiar faces and new friends. It was heartening to see the community come together to share in this special day.

For those interested, you can find a copy of the annual report available here.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating our achievements and looking ahead to another successful year!

New Board Members

We are excited to welcome two new non executive directors to the Eskleigh board.

Peter Milne has over 35 years of extensive experience in business management and leadership, Peter has achieved significant accomplishments across multiple sectors, including business, not-for-profit, health, philanthropy, and community.

His expertise spans business development, strategic planning, corporate governance, relationship building, and community engagement. We look forward to the valuable insights and contributions he will bring to our team.

Philippa Dawson comes to us with a treasure trove of experience as the former Chief Operating Officer at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). Her senior roles in international trade promotion, foreign affairs, and community engagement highlight her exceptional leadership and management skills. We are eager to see the positive impact she will make as we embark on our journey of growth and success together!

Staff profile – Donna

Donna began her journey at Eskleigh in 1995 as a support worker, and over the years, she transitioned into various roles, including working in the kitchen, as well as cleaning and laundry tasks. Reflecting on her early days, Donna recalls, "Back then, you did everything from cleaning to laundry."

She has witnessed many changes throughout her time at Eskleigh, particularly remembering the significant renovations to the lounge room, and thinks that the renovations happening now are significant.

Donna loves the residents but doesn’t have a favorite among them. She particularly enjoys working at Eskleigh Home, where she finds immense joy in her job. "There's something truly special about Eskleigh."

Donna's connection to Eskleigh runs deep, as her mother’s first cousin came to Eskleigh from Bruny Island when she was 21 years old, after being diagnosed with MS. Not wanting to burden her fiancé, she came to live at Eskleigh, where she stayed for nearly 38 years.

Throughout the years, Donna has forged many friendships, although many of her former colleagues have moved on; she keeps in touch with a friend who works at our Arthur Street property. She continues to build new friendships, especially with the Nepalese community, often attending their gatherings.

On weekends, Donna enjoys riding her scooter, and she recently took a pleasant ride along Nile Road. This Christmas she’ll be working, but on Boxing Day, she plans to visit her mother and her five children. With 11 grandchildren ranging from 4 months to 24 years old, and her partner's two grandchildren, keeps her very busy. Her grandchildren's names are Leo, Cassius, Ryder, Parker, Asliyah, Amber, Jack, Abbey, Amelia, Jacob, and Lincoln.

Cars for Kidz

Cars for Kidz is on Sunday 22 March at 11.30am - 1.30pm at The National Automobile Museum, 84 Lindsay Street, Launceston.

Alan Stevenson has dedicated the past 20 years to organising ‘Cars for Kidz,’ an event that brings joy and excitement to children with disabilities. This unique opportunity allows the kids to not only admire stunning muscle cars but also to experience the thrill of riding in them. According to Alan, it is truly heartwarming to see the smiles and laughter of the children as they take a spin in a hot car, making the event something the organisers and attendees eagerly anticipate each year. The free event aims to create a welcoming environment for kids from all backgrounds and abilities, ensuring that everyone has a chance to experience the magic of hot rods and muscle cars.

With an array of beautiful cars and countless smiling faces, ‘Cars for Kidz’ is a celebration of community and inclusivity.

If you own a vehicle and would like to share the joy of a ride around Launceston, Alan encourages you to reach out through the ‘Cars for Kidz’ Facebook page. Additionally, Alan is seeking volunteers to help organise the event, so anyone interested in lending a hand is encouraged to get in touch.

Board Member Profile - Jennifer Dignam

I have had the fortune to live and work in Asia with multidimensional geographically dispersed and culturally diverse organisations.  Some of the industries I have worked in include shipping, logistics, engineering, utilities, banking and finance, offshore, government and family businesses.  My passion is to help individuals and businesses to be the best they can be and to use my communication, strategy and people skills effectively to do this. 

I have had the privilege to work on different boards including another disability service provider and working with organisations that help young people to achieve, build skills and find their place in the world.  Being part of Eskleigh has been wonderful.  I can see the positive impact Eskleigh has on the lives of the people we support, our staff and our management, and how we are helping the community within which we are located and closely connected.  It is truly humbling to watch our staff undertake the work they do with such passion and dedication and how they are continually coming up with new ideas and ways to make Eskleigh even better.

 Eskleigh has a very bright future with our expanding and quality offerings to the community and our participants throughout Tasmania.  I am grateful for this opportunity to be part of a wonderful team at all levels of Eskleigh. 

Jardine Update December 2024

It is becoming very exciting at Jardine Cresent.  All units are at lock up stage.  Power has been connected and leveling of the ground has commenced.  One driveway has been pegged out and concrete pouring has started.  All plans for the landscaping, lighting and the BBQ area have been finalised and plants have been selected.  Some participants and families visited the site and looked through Unit 1 and the feedback from all has been overwhelmingly positive and people are keen to move in.