Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT

24/09/2026

For Thornton Park Retirement Village resident Neville Pollard, a lifelong passion for railways is still full steam ahead.

The spritely 80‑year‑old has just released his latest book, Corowa to Kywong 1892–1929, charting the development of railways across the NSW Riverina region and the communities that grew alongside them.

Written largely from his Penrith loungeroom and informed by decades of research, travel and lived experience, the book represents more than 15 years of work dedicated to preserving an important chapter of Australian history.

For the former history and geography teacher who spent 17 years in Riverina schools, the project is about making sure the stories of local towns, farming families and industries are not forgotten.

“Much of that history is disappearing,” Neville said. “I wanted to record how the railways helped build communities and supported generations of people living and working across the region.”

Neville's fascination with railways began at just four years old, watching steam trains pass behind his childhood home in Sydney's Regents Park.

From his home at Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT)’s Thornton Park Retirement Village, Neville has authored three books and several articles on railway history - proving that retirement really can be a time for new journeys ahead.

Learn more about Neville's story and his new book:
📰 The Western Weekender: https://issuu.com/weekenderpenrith/docs/western_weekender_september_10_2026
📻 ABC Riverina: (from 2:07:10) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/riverina-breakfast/breakfast/107148824
📚Corowa to Kywong 1892-1929 is available at the ARHS Bookshop, 5-7 Henderson Road Alexandria or by phone (02) 9699 4595. Online orders are also welcome at arhsnsw.com.au

22/09/2026

💜 Dementia Action Week 2026 | It’s Time to Talk About Dementia

Dementia Action Week is an opportunity to increase understanding, challenge stigma and support people living with dementia to live well in their communities.

Join the Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) team at the Goulburn Gala Day on Friday 25 September to learn more about dementia, access practical support and connect with local services.

Our team will be on hand to share information about dementia support services, practical ways to assist people living with dementia, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference through volunteering or a rewarding career in care.

📅 Friday 25 September 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 4:30pm
📍 Goulburn Workers Club Auditorium
🎟️ Free entry | Light lunch provided

Together, we can create more inclusive, dementia-friendly communities where people are respected, supported and empowered to live well.

21/09/2026

World Alzheimer's Day & Dementia Action Week

Today is World Alzheimer's Day and the beginning of Dementia Action Week, a time to raise awareness, build understanding and start important conversations about dementia.

At Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), we recognise the impact dementia has on individuals, families, friends and carers. While nearly half a million Australians are living with dementia, there is still a need to challenge misconceptions and reduce the stigma that can leave people feeling isolated or misunderstood.

By talking openly about dementia, we can:
💜 Improve understanding and awareness
💜 Create more supportive and inclusive communities
💜 Reduce stigma and discrimination
💜 Help people access the support and services they need

Sometimes, simply listening, asking questions or taking the time to understand someone's experience can make a world of difference. Every conversation helps create a more compassionate community where people living with dementia feel seen, supported and valued.

This Dementia Action Week, let's continue to learn, listen and advocate together.

To find out how you can get involved, visit Dementia Australia: https://www.dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-action-week

Dementia Action Week is a major leadership, awareness and advocacy campaign led by Dementia Australia as the peak body for people living with dementia, their families and carers.

17/09/2026

🎡✨ Show time at Parkes! ✨🎡

There was plenty of excitement and nostalgia in the air as residents celebrated Parkes Show Week, reminiscing about the days when the local show was one of the biggest highlights on the community calendar.

From enjoying our very own side-show alley games to sharing stories and memories of shows gone by, the week was filled with laughter, friendly competition and wonderful conversations.

We were especially proud to see residents' artwork displayed in the pavilion at the Parkes Show, with two talented residents taking home prizes for their outstanding craft entries. Congratulations on this fantastic achievement!

To finish the celebrations, residents gathered in the garden and enjoyed a spectacular view of the fireworks lighting up the night sky from the nearby showgrounds.

14/09/2026

🎉 81 and still going strong!

While many people are enjoying retirement in their 80s, Ann Smith is still making a remarkable difference every week at Southern Cross Care Nagle in Sutherland.

Recently celebrating her 81st birthday, Ann has dedicated more than 20 years of service to the Nagle community, first as a volunteer and later as a valued staff member. When volunteer programs were paused during COVID-19, Ann stepped into a paid Leisure and Lifestyle Officer role, a position she continues to hold with enthusiasm and dedication.

Whether she's running book club and bingo, leading movement-to-music sessions, supporting residents to attend activities, facilitating discussion groups and Bible studies, or even cutting residents' hair during the pandemic, Ann brings warmth, energy and genuine care to everything she does.

Her colleagues describe her as an inspiration, not because of her age, but because of her incredible ability to connect with people, embrace new challenges and never stop learning. In fact, Ann is known for keeping up with the latest technology and even helping teammates navigate AI tools.

Outside of work, Ann enjoys singing Handel's Messiah at Sydney Town Hall, line dancing and walking groups, proving that an active and purposeful life has no age limit.

Thank you, Ann, for your kindness, dedication and unwavering commitment to our residents and team. You are fabulous reminder that age really is just a number. 💙

11/09/2026

R U OK? Day reminds us that a simple conversation can make a big difference. 💛

Across our communities, residents and staff came together to support this important message in their own unique ways.

At Casino Residential Care, staff wore yellow and enjoyed a pizza lunch while taking time to connect with one another. 🍕💛

And at Marian Residential Care, specially baked treats and a variety of yellow-themed foods brought smiles and encouraged conversations throughout the day. 🧁🍌🍋

The team at South Coogee Residential Care even created a video sharing why R U OK? Day matters to them and encouraging everyone to check in with the people around them. 🎥

While R U OK? Day reinforces the importance of meaningful conversations, we know that genuine care, connection and belonging are things we can all practice every day.

So not just on RU OK? Day, but every day, let's all take a moment to ask someone a simple question:

R U OK?

Because feeling heard can make all the difference.

💛

09/09/2026

A conversation could change a life. R U OK? Day

Are you worried about someone you care about? Does a friend or a loved one seem down or out of sorts? Then it might be a good idea to check in and see how they’re getting on.

Today is R U OK? Day. It’s a reminder to look out for the ones you love by asking ‘are you okay?’ on any day – because a conversation could change a life.

At Southern Cross Care we want to ensure everyone in our communities feels comfortable looking out for each other or talking to someone when they’re not feeling 100%. You might be surprised to learn that many people underestimate the power of an R U OK? conversation. Research shows that a third of people don’t realise the difference they can make by checking in with someone they care about – despite the fact that 9 in 10 of those who were asked, ‘are you okay?’, report feeling grateful, cared about, and supported!

So if someone's on your mind, trust your instinct and start a conversation.

R U OK? has developed resources, including simple tips to help you get started. You can download them from ruok.org.au.

R U OK? is a su***de prevention charity in Australia.

09/09/2026

What if a moment of laughter, a cherished memory or a meaningful conversation could be just a headset away?

Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) is using NeuronsVR Therapy to create personalised experiences for residents living with dementia, helping them connect with memories, engage with others and enjoy moments of joy and purpose.

From calming individual sessions to shared group experiences filled with conversation and laughter, NeuronsVR is helping our teams learn more about what matters to each resident while supporting their wellbeing and quality of life.

Because living with dementia shouldn't mean choosing between safe care and an enjoyable life. We believe every person deserves both.

Read the full story https://bit.ly/3UZQzpn

Southern Cross Care has been providing Aged Care, Retirement & Home Care services to support the individual needs of older Australians for more than 50 years.

07/09/2026

What a fantastic Father's Day celebration at Thornton Park, Penrith! 🚗🏍️

Our second annual Father's Day Classic Car Show was a wonderful success, with residents enjoying an impressive display of classic cars and motorbikes. A surprise highlight was a beautifully restored London cab, with residents delighted to take it for a memorable joy ride.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the day was seeing resident Kerry Smith behind the wheel of a car he built from the ground up himself. The event sparked fond memories, lively conversations and plenty of smiles, making it a truly special Father's Day celebration for everyone involved.

06/09/2026

🍻 Celebrating fathers, friendship and fond memories this Father's Day 💙

Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) wishes a very Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandads, great-grandads and father figures across our communities.

Today is a time to recognise the incredible difference fathers and father figures make in our lives and to celebrate the guidance, support and wisdom they've shared with their families and communities. We also acknowledge that this day can be difficult for some, and we hold them in our thoughts.

To mark the occasion, a group of residents from our Casino Residential Aged Care home enjoyed a special Father's Day pub lunch together. Over a delicious meal, the conversation flowed as freely as the laughter, with plenty of joking, storytelling and camaraderie around the table.

One of the highlights was hearing residents share memories of their working lives, from trades and professions to the skills and knowledge they'd built over decades. There were a few trade secrets exchanged, plenty of good-natured banter and lots of pride in the experiences that helped shape their lives and communities.

It's always a privilege to hear the stories that connect generations and remind us of the lasting impact fathers and father figures have on those around them.

We'd love to hear your special Father's Day memories too. Share them in the comments below or give a shout-out to a father figure who has made a difference in your life.

Happy Father's Day! 💙