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 2 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.

Eskleigh Christmas Parties

Eskleigh Home – Christmas Party

On Wednesday, we had a wonderful time celebrating our Eskleigh Foundation Christmas Party! Santa made a special appearance and handed out presents. We were thrilled to have the Year 6 students from Perth Primary School who have been volunteering with us weekly throughout the year for community service, join us for the festivities, free ice-creams and a delicious BBQ on offer that was simply sensational!

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing organizers: Tony, Rob, Erica, Miranda, Caitlin, Lisa, Kendra, Mandy, and Mathew, for making this celebration possible!

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North East – Christmas Party

What a fantastic day we had for our Christmas party at Mini golf! The weather couldn’t have been better, setting the perfect scene for fun and friendly competition.

The day was a great mix of participants and staff from both Perth and the North West, creating a wonderful opportunity to catch up and connect. It’s always special to see everyone come together for events like this.

After navigating the twists and turns of the mini-golf course, I managed to take out the top spot, with Amanda putting in a stellar performance to claim second place. The friendly rivalry added a lot of laughs and excitement to the day.

Following the game, we all enjoyed a delicious lunch featuring fresh rolls, an assortment of pastries, and plenty of snacks to refuel after the competition.

Overall, it was an excellent turnout with everyone in high spirits. It’s safe to say fun was had by all, and the sunny weather was the cherry on top of a great celebration.

Thank you to everyone who joined in and made the day such a memorable one! Here's to many more gatherings like this in the future.

John de Langen

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Hobart – Christmas Party

Walking Sparrow and Milton

Lovely news from the  North West. Haylee our support worker, recently took Monica on a delightful horse walking adventure. A little horse therapy goes a long way.

Staff Profile - Ros

Ros Macfarlane
Chief People Officer

Before joining Eskleigh, I worked in the not-for-profit sector with another provider. My background includes HR consulting, executive recruitment, sales, and business development, focusing on improving staffing solutions for various businesses.

What I love most about working at Eskleigh is the opportunity to work together across the organisation to improve processes and drive positive change. I thrive on the energy that comes from identifying issues, consulting with others, and understanding the impacts of our decisions, especially regarding job security and the quality of support we provide to our clients.

My primary goal since joining has been to foster a strong organisational culture. We’re currently engaging in 5 conversations with staff to cultivate the right mindset for our strategic growth and diversity initiatives. We've already begun workshops across different regions, including the North West Coast and North with Hobart to follow in December, bringing together support workers and administrative staff to ensure comprehensive involvement. These sessions focus on our strategic direction and individual expectations from the organisation. We aim to identify shared values and understand how they translate into actions that reflect our desired culture. Our discussions will continue into next year, emphasising recognition of positive contributions and addressing behaviours that don’t align with our values.  

Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my family, whether it’s at home, on holidays, or simply enjoying day trips. We have been fortunate enough to travel to places like Greece, Italy, Paris, and the English countryside where I once lived.  This Christmas, we’ll gather at my home for traditional celebrations, starting Christmas Eve. Our family enjoys spending Boxing Day in pyjamas, playing with new gifts (a tradition from when my girls were small), and enjoying toasted ham sandwiches (there’s always so much ham to eat). Originally from Tasmania, I’ve lived in Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney, England, and had a brief stay in South Africa. I also enjoy Pilates, which helps me discover muscles I never knew I had!

I’m excited about the journey ahead at Eskleigh and the positive changes we’re making together!

Dancing in Hobart

Recently, Lisa expressed an interest in trying out a different activity. We suggested the monthly Karaoke Idol Dance—through Aurora Disability Services. This program charges a $10 participation fee, but it offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community, enjoy music and dancing, and share some food as well.

It’s a fantastic initiative that Lisa absolutely loved and will attend again in December.

Longford Renovations

The laundry at Longford has been given a fresh update. Gone is the old washer that was a bit hard to get clothing out of!! Now there is a new washer, dryer and the whole laundry has been updated.

In celebration of the official opening of the new laundry at Longford, the Longford residents and support workers invited the maintenance team and Ros to a delightful morning tea.

Christmas BBQ sausage making

Get ready to roll out the grill as there was some serious sausage making magic happening at Eskleigh Home. Patrick, one of our resident’s, together with support workers Tess, Kendra, Dipip, Nabin, Andrew, Jodie teamed up to tackle the whopping 10 kilos of pork and lamb from Swift Meats.  With all the finesse of gourmet chefs, they squeezed the meat into the sausage castings like pros. These tasty sausages will be sizzling at our Family Christmas BBQ on18 December. So mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and get ready for some deliciously good times.

Christmas Raffle

The holiday spirit is in the air, and we’re excited to announce our fabulous Christmas raffle! Join in the festive fun for a chance to win amazing prizes, including relaxing massages, a delightful night’s accommodation, a Coles voucher and many more. 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to snag a ticket or even a whole book of tickets! You can purchase tickets at Eskleigh Home reception, our supported independent living homes and Rapid Clean will have tickets at their shop. Every ticket you buy helps spread the joy of Christmas at Eskleigh.