De Paul Manor Estate is proud to introduce Estate Manager Bob Birrer.

Over the past 17 years, Bob has overseen the management of six organizations engaged in aged care and community services. Earlier in his career Bob was an ordained Minister, earning degrees as a Doctor of Ministry, Master of Pastoral Studies and a Bachelor of Divinity. Bob also has a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Arts degree in Organisational Management and a Graduate Certificate in Health Management. Bob’s warm, approachable nature and unparalleled professional history made him the obvious choice to manage the day-to-day running and affairs of our thriving community.

As part of De Paul Manor Estate’s philosophy to promote a healthy, happy lifestyle many of the residents have joined in the fitness and fun by attending weekly classes in the ‘Residents Retreat’.

Thursday mornings it’s up and at ‘em early with exercise class with health and fitness guru, John Clarke. John is a specialist in exercise physiology, nutrition, rehabilitation, and aged care fitness who creates personalised programmes to suit each individual’s ability and level of fitness. Then on Friday they’re back at it again with a fun, revitalising session of Tai Chi in the Residents Retreat, which is more often than not followed by a relaxing cup of tea and lots of laughs. When the weather is kind, (which it usually is) the keen Tai Chi students head outdoors for classes in a tranquil shady spot amongst the beautifully landscaped grounds.

With the year drawing to an end and the festive season upon us, the Residents Management and staff at De Paul Manor Estate would all like to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We’ve all enjoyed an exciting 12 months here at the ‘Manor’ with many newcomers welcomed into our close community. Along the way, we’ve had lots of fun times and activities with the residents gathering together with friends to celebrate anything from birthdays (including our own first birthday) and Valentine’s Day to Charity Tea Parties, St Patrick’s Day and everything in between!

Village Coordinator, Jess Ford, has recently had her role expanded to include Resident Services Coordination. Jess’s Bachelor of Social Sciences (Psychology) qualifies her in Case Management and Counselling.

De Paul Manor Estate encourages residents to lead a well-balanced lifestyle so they can enjoy an active and fulfilling retirement. To access this holistic care, we can provide the means to connect with various services, both government and private agencies.

From podiatry and personal care to medication supervision and everything in between, Jess is available to offer residents and their families, confidential guidance for the types of services available, and the services that best suit each individual’s particular needs. To find out more about this comprehensive list of services, phone Jess on 5582 7999.

Television cameras and photographers were on hand to greet future De Paul Manor Estate resident, Denise Mitchell, after she was ‘taken hostage’ by a band of pirates during a Northern Hemisphere cruise onboard the ‘Ryndam.’ There was no need to call out the Navy however, because Denise was being honoured as the one millionth visitor to Dubrovnik!

Denise was enjoying her cruise holiday with husband Merv and close friend and De Paul Manor Estate resident, Trish Hollindale, when the surprise announcement was made. Denise was presented with flowers and a plaque to mark the occasion while the pirates were presented with a cheque for Denise’s ‘ransom.’

The spacious Resident’s Retreat at the ’Manor' was transformed into a traditional German ‘Bierhaus’ recently when the residents came together to celebrate the time honoured festival… Oktoberfest! Some chose to turn up in traditional costume for the fun evening that was also attended by family and friends.

Lashings of German sausages, sauerkraut, strudel and cream to fill the hungriest tummies were washed down with a range of great German beers. Incoming resident Barry Porter tinkled the ivories and got everyone in the mood for some singing, dancing and lots of laughter!

Prost!

Following quickly on the heels of De Paul Manor Estate’s month long 1st Birthday celebrations, the community has been at it again, this time getting together to celebrate the arrival of six new residents into the fold.

The new arrivals were guests of honour at a special welcoming function held in the lounge at the Residents’ Retreat. The group enjoyed drinks and nibbles with residents already living at the ‘Manor’ who were eager to make the new residents feel right at home.

De Paul Manor Estate residents and staff joined in the carnival atmosphere at the neighbouring De Paul Villa Aged Care’s Fun Fair Day recently.

From sideshow alley games like Laughing Clowns to farm animals, roving stilt walkers and live entertainment, the colourful Fun Fair Day certainly lived up to its name! New ‘Manor’ residents, David and Marjorie White had a ball, joining over 100 people at the fun social event, dining on ‘McHappy meals’ and fairy floss, even dressing up and posing for photos in a vintage open-top coupe.