Harmony Village marks 25 years of care and love

By Patrick Morrow

Nov 18, 2022

**Happiness:** Harmony Village residents received certificates to commemorate their time in residency and to celebrate the facility’s 25-year anniversary. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Birthday cake, balloons and music were on offer for residents and staff at Shepparton’s Harmony Village, as the aged care facility celebrated 25 years of care on Wednesday, November 16.

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No-one has lived there longer than 24-year resident Melek Seit, who came from Turkey to Australia at 17 and said Harmony Village was a special place.

“This was so small before, but it has grown and is one big family now,” Ms Seit said.

Grateful: Resident Melek Seit thanks the staff for their hard work in looking after her. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

She said she cherished the staff’s help during her time at Harmony Village.

Seven-year resident Beryl Burgess said the staff had always looked after her.

**Giving thanks:** Beryl Burgess praises the nurses for their work. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“The staff are so helpful and know how to give the right care,” Ms Burgess said.

Elaine Gravina, the daughter of seven-year resident Freda Brown, said the aged care facility had been “so good” to her mother.

“Through really tough times with COVID, when she couldn’t see us she was very distressed, always wanted to come home, but she calls this home (now),” Ms Gravina said.

**Celebration:** A delicious cake was on offer for residents and staff. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“Nurses were so good when she was not allowed out.”

Ms Gravina said as her mother was getting older, the staff had been extra helpful, including assisting her with simple tasks such as getting dressed.

“Because my mother has been here for seven years, nurses now take extra care of her and she’s always dressed up nicely as if (she) was their own (mother),” she said.

Doutta Galla Services acting chief executive George Koulis said he was incredibly proud of the 25 years of service Harmony Village had given to the senior citizens of Shepparton.

**Singing happy birthday:** Everyone joins in the spirit of the day. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“We acknowledge all the hard work and all those people (who have) contributed to the facility,” Mr Koulis said.

He said it was a “community asset” for Greater Shepparton, mainly looking after the most vulnerable.

“This is a 25-year legacy, and our plan is to provide the services and adapt our services for the future, as they are going to be in demand,” Mr Koulis said.