All posts by : Hiba Nemat

A new partnership between Scalabrini Communities and Australian-Filipino Community Services (AFCS) is creating more than just a place to stay for Filipino seniors in Sydney, it is creating a place to feel connected, supported and at home.

The new Filipino share home in Bexley, located alongside Scalabrini’s existing residential aged care community, will provide temporary accommodation for Filipino seniors who need a safe and welcoming place to stay.

Residents will be able to stay at the home for between six and twelve months, while the property will also serve as a community drop-in space where local Filipino seniors can access culturally specific support, activities and opportunities to connect, whether they live at the home or not.

More than a Roof over Someone’s Head

At the heart of the partnership is a shared belief that housing for older people should recognise the importance of culture, language, faith and community.

Scalabrini has provided the Bexley property, while AFCS will operate the services and community support offered from the home. The initiative also builds on Scalabrini’s growing involvement in seniors affordable housing in Bexley.

For Adam Woods, our Chief Community and Innovation Officer at Scalabrini Communities, the home represents an important step towards creating more culturally responsive housing options for independent seniors.

“We hope this is just the start. Culturally specific housing for independent seniors is something we are genuinely passionate about at Scalabrini. It is not enough to offer a roof. Older people deserve a place where their language, their food and their faith are part of daily life, not an afterthought.”

Supporting Filipino Seniors in NSW

The opening is also an important milestone for AFCS, marking the organisation’s first expansion outside Victoria and extending its culturally specific aged care and community support into New South Wales.

AFCS CEO Corina Dutlow said the organisation was delighted to bring its Filipino Charity House model to Sydney.

“We are thrilled to open the ‘Filipino Charity House’ in Bexley, the first of its kind in NSW. Our successful Filipino Charity Houses in Victoria has brought the community together with warm open doors and a homely space to connect and support each other. We look forward to growing our support services to the Filipino community in Sydney.”

AFCS provides culturally appropriate aged care services, social support, short-term accommodation, case work, counselling, food relief and community activities that celebrate and share Filipino culture.

Creating Communities Where People can Belong

The Bexley share home forms part of Scalabrini’s broader exploration of new housing and community models that respond to the cultural and generational needs of migrant communities, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to ageing and care.

For Scalabrini, it reflects a simple but important idea: where we live should be somewhere we can continue to be ourselves.

By working alongside trusted community organisations such as AFCS, we hope to create more opportunities for older people to remain connected to the language, traditions, food, faith and communities that have shaped their lives.

The new Bexley home is an exciting beginning  and one we hope can inspire more culturally responsive housing and community partnerships in the future.

Because feeling at home is about much more than having a place to live. It is about having a place where you belong.

What does an award-winning workplace look like? At Scalabrini Communities, it looks like people feeling heard, supported and connected and occasionally, the CEO taking charge of the barbecue.

Scalabrini Communities has proudly been named the winner of the 2026 Xref Engage Best Workplace Award, marking the fourth consecutive year the organisation has received this recognition.

Four years. Four wins. One incredible team.

Receiving the award for a fourth year is a rare achievement in aged care and reflects Scalabrini’s continued commitment to building a workplace where people feel valued, connected and empowered to make a difference.

Celebrating the Scalabrini way

The exciting news was shared during a Staff Appreciation BBQ at Scalabrini Chipping Norton.Aalthough this was no ordinary workplace celebration.

CEO, Richard de Haast swapped his usual responsibilities for a pair of barbecue tongs and took charge of the grill, serving lunch to staff as part of the festivities.

The team also embraced a colourful Crazy Hair Day theme, with bold hairstyles bringing even more fun and personality to the occasion. The newly received award quickly became the centre of attention, appearing in plenty of team photos and selfies throughout the day.

It was a celebration filled with laughter, connection and appreciation; a fitting reflection of the workplace culture behind the award.

More than an Award

The Xref Engage Best Workplace Awards recognise organisations that achieve outstanding levels of employee engagement and satisfaction, demonstrate strong leadership and create a positive workplace culture.

Importantly, the awards celebrate workplaces that listen to their people, give employees a voice and act on feedback to create meaningful change.

For Scalabrini, the recognition reflects the culture that team members continue to build together across the organisation.

CEO Richard de Haast said receiving the award for four consecutive years showed that Scalabrini’s focus on connection and belonging was making a genuine difference.

“Four years in a row isn’t something that happens by accident. It means the things we’ve put in place to help people feel connected and feel like they belong are actually working, year after year.We’re thrilled to be recognised again, and even more proud of what it says about the culture our team has built.”

Made Possible by Our People

This achievement belongs to every person who contributes to the Scalabrini community.

It belongs to the team members who care for and support our residents, clients and families. It belongs to those working behind the scenes, those leading teams and those who speak up, share ideas and help make Scalabrini a better place to work.

Thank you to our entire team for the kindness, dedication and energy you bring each day.

Here’s to four years of recognition and to continuing to build a workplace where everyone can feel that they truly belong.

A New Executive Role to Strengthen Community, Culture and Innovation

Scalabrini Communities has appointed Adam Woods as its inaugural Chief Community and Innovation Officer, a newly created executive role designed to strengthen the organisation’s mission-centred approach to community, customer experience, communications, marketing and innovation.

The appointment marks an important step in Scalabrini’s continued growth, following its recent expansion into South Australia through the acquisition of Saint Hilarion’s services in Adelaide.

As Chief Community and Innovation Officer, Adam will help lead how Scalabrini’s mission is experienced across its communities, services and public presence — with a strong focus on older people from migrant and culturally diverse backgrounds.

Placing Community at the Centre of Care

In a changing aged care landscape, Scalabrini is reinforcing its belief that community is not simply a support function, but a core part of delivering meaningful and culturally relevant care.

The newly created role brings together several key areas under one executive mandate, including community engagement, customer experience, communications, marketing and innovation.

This reflects Scalabrini’s commitment to creating places and services where older people feel known, respected, connected and supported – not only through care, but through belonging.

Innovation With a Human Purpose

For Scalabrini, innovation is not about technology for technology’s sake. It is about finding better, more human ways to support older people, families, staff and communities.

The new role will support Scalabrini’s continued focus on culturally trusted services, meaningful relationships and programs that make life easier, more joyful and more connected for older migrants and their families.

Adam will also continue to lead Scalabrini’s marketing and communications portfolios, Live Easy Social community programs, and the organisation’s work supporting its own migrant workforce.

A Message From Scalabrini CEO Richard de Haast

Scalabrini Chief Executive Officer Richard de Haast said the creation of the role reflects the organisation’s commitment to growing its impact across Australia.

“Scalabrini is in a strong position to grow and expand our impact across Australia,”

Mr de Haast said.

“Creating this role says something about where we are as an organisation. We are dedicating a senior leader to community and innovation because these are the areas that will carry our mission forward and expand our reach.”

A Mission-Led Future

Speaking about the appointment, Adam Woods said he was proud to work for an organisation that keeps its mission at the centre of everything it does.

“Over the past four years we have built a solid foundation. That foundation now gives us the chance to be bolder about how our mission shows up across Australia, inside our communities and out in the wider world,”

Mr Woods said.

“We can and should play a part in making the lives of older migrants easier, more joyful and more connected.”

Continuing to Build Belonging Across Australia

As Scalabrini continues to grow its national footprint, the appointment of a Chief Community and Innovation Officer signals a clear direction: care must be personal, culturally meaningful and deeply connected to the communities it serves.

Through this new executive role, Scalabrini will continue building on its mission to support older Australians with dignity, purpose and belonging.

Scalabrini Communities is proud to announce the formalisation of an ongoing education partnership with Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management in Taiwan, creating new opportunities for international nursing students to experience aged care in Australia.

The agreement marks an exciting new chapter in Scalabrini’s growing international student program, with a new cohort of students set to undertake placements at The Village by Scalabrini, Drummoyne, beginning in 2026.

Formalised during a visit by Dr Huang Liping and Dr Hsiao-Hui Yang from Chung-Jen Junior College, the partnership reflects Scalabrini’s commitment to building meaningful education pathways, supporting future care professionals and strengthening the aged care workforce.

A hands-on Aged Care Learning Experience

The program, known as Scalabrini’s Comprehensive Clinical Internship program, is designed for 4th and 5th year students who are preparing for careers in health, nursing and care.

During their placement, students will gain valuable hands-on experience across the many areas that contribute to quality aged care, including:

• nursing and clinical care
• personal care
• food and beverage services
• therapy and wellbeing
• cosmetology
• communication with residents, families and care teams

This broad experience gives students a deeper understanding of the Australian aged care environment, while helping them develop professional English communication skills and intercultural confidence.

Most importantly, the program gives students the opportunity to form genuine connections with residents and learn from experienced aged care professionals in a warm, community-focused setting.

Building Future Aged Care Workforce Pathways

The partnership extends beyond education and student placement.

Through Scalabrini’s structured workforce pathways, students may have the opportunity to return to the organisation as qualified care professionals in the future, supported by Scalabrini’s Labour Agreement and migration pathways.

This creates a meaningful bridge between international education and long-term aged care careers in Australia.

For Scalabrini Communities, the program is also a practical and values-led response to the ongoing workforce needs of the aged care sector. By investing in future care professionals, Scalabrini is helping to build a skilled, compassionate and culturally connected workforce.

A Successful First Cohort in 2025

The expanded program follows the success of Scalabrini’s inaugural 2025 student cohort, which demonstrated the strong potential of international placement programs to benefit both students and residents.

Richard de Haast, CEO of Scalabrini Communities, said the first intake exceeded expectations.

“The success of our inaugural intake last year exceeded all expectations, and the formal signing of this agreement marks a truly exciting new chapter for Scalabrini Communities. We are passionate about building pathways that transform individual lives while enriching the care we provide, and this expanded program is a powerful expression of that mission.”

Scalabrini’s General Manager for Residential Services, Amber Vega, who observed the 2025 placement firsthand, said the connections between students and residents were particularly meaningful.

“The genuine connections the students formed with our residents were truly special. Their enthusiasm to learn from our staff and engage meaningfully with residents made a real impact, and we look forward to welcoming a new group of students in 2026 and beyond.”

Welcoming the Next Generation of Care Professionals

From 2026, five students from Chung-Jen Junior College will begin placements at The Village by Scalabrini, Drummoyne, as part of the ongoing program.

Their arrival will bring new energy, cultural exchange and learning into the Scalabrini community, while giving students the opportunity to experience the heart of aged care in Australia.

For residents, families and staff, the program is another way Scalabrini continues to create meaningful connection across cultures, generations and communities.

As Scalabrini looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, this partnership represents more than a formal agreement. It is a shared commitment to education, care, opportunity and belonging.

From 1 December 2025, Scalabrini Communities officially welcomes the aged care and home care services of The Society of Saint Hilarion into our family.

This isn’t just an acquisition. It’s a meeting of kindred purpose.

Why This Matters

For the first time in our history, Scalabrini extends beyond New South Wales. Our network of residents grows by more than 25 per cent. Our home care clients increase fivefold. But the numbers, while significant, aren’t what makes this moment special.

What matters is this: Saint Hilarion came to us. They recognised in Scalabrini a shared commitment to serving older adults from migrant and multicultural communities with compassion, dignity and faith. They trusted us with their legacy. That trust is both humbling and energising.

What Makes This Different

Most aged care expansions are driven by market opportunity or financial strategy. This one began with mission. Saint Hilarion didn’t need to find a buyer. They needed to find the right custodian for a community they’ve built over decades serving culturally diverse communities in South Australia.

That’s the point of difference. We’re not acquiring assets. We’re assuming responsibility for people’s homes, their stories and their sense of belonging. It’s a fundamentally different starting point, and it will shape everything we do in South Australia.

What Happens Next

The immediate focus is bringing the Scalabrini spirit to Adelaide. That means embedding the same culture of warmth, excellence and community that defines our existing homes and services. It means introducing Belong, our resident experience framework. It means ensuring that every resident, client and staff member feels the continuity of care that Saint Hilarion has always provided, now strengthened by Scalabrini’s operational scale and innovation.

We’ll also be looking at how Saint Hilarion’s southern Italian heritage can inform our broader work with culturally diverse communities. There’s much to learn, and we’re genuinely excited about that.

Why Now

Australia’s aged care landscape is changing fast. Older adults from migrant backgrounds represent the fastest-growing cohort, yet many still struggle to find care that reflects their language, faith and food traditions. By bringing together Scalabrini’s multicultural experience with Saint Hilarion’s deep southern Italian roots, we’re building something increasingly rare in aged care: genuine cultural competence at scale.

This expansion positions us to serve more people, in more places, in ways that actually matter to them. That’s the ambition. That’s what we’re working towards.

A Joyous Moment

There’s real joy in this moment. Joy in the trust that Saint Hilarion has placed in us. Joy in extending our reach to South Australia. Joy in the opportunity to serve more older Australians who deserve care that honours who they are, where they’ve come from and what they hold sacred.

This is more than growth. It’s a commitment renewed. Welcome to the family, Saint Hilarion. We’re ready to honour your legacy and write the next chapter together.

Our resident, Kathy moved into our Independent Living Unit at Scalabrini Austral Retirement Community three months ago and says life “has improved a great deal.” From welcoming neighbours and beautiful gardens to the convenience of transport, shops and medical services, Scalabrini Austral gives her the balance she wanted: independence, connection and peace of mind, right in Western Sydney.

Why Kathy chose Scalabrini Austral

Convenient Location and Practical Living

One of the standout aspects of Kathy’s new home is its proximity to her family. With everyone just 10 to 20 minutes away, she enjoys the reassurance of being able to visit loved ones easily, making catchups and support simple and stress-free.

From a practical perspective, Kathy appreciates the sensible purchase price of her unit, which she feels reflects real value for money. The inclusion of a private garage adds another layer of convenience, providing secure parking and storage right at her doorstep. The overall position of her unit within the community, as Kathy puts it, “just works”, making daily life smooth and manageable.

A Community with the Right People and Atmosphere

For Kathy, the people around her make a genuine difference. She describes the community as having “a different level of people”, highlighting the welcoming, respectful, and friendly vibe that sets Scalabrini Austral apart. This supportive environment contributes significantly to her sense of belonging and contentment in her new home.

Daily life that feels better

“The atmosphere… from the staff to the nuns to everyone that works here; the love and support… the gardens, the people that maintain the gardens… the flowers and the birds!”Kathy’s cat Duchess has also claimed the garden as her domain (bird-watching only!). Socially, neighbours were “welcoming from day one,” with plenty of freedom to join activities when you want, like ILU BBQs or popping over to enjoy music at the neighbouring home.

Location made simple

Transport, shops and medical facilities are all nearby “growing in all aspects” – making errands easy and outings spontaneous.

Safe, supported, and seen

Kathy appreciates the team around her:

“Thank you Lisa Monte (Sales Manager for Austral ILUs)… Sharon, Adam, Cameron and Matt (Gardener). We feel safe, loved and that we count.”

“Before we go to bed each night, we look out our kitchen window and pray to the glowing white cross on the church and say, ‘Thank you God for looking after us.’”

Considering ILU living in Western Sydney?

If you’re 65+ and want independent living with friendly neighbours, green spaces and support when you need it, Scalabrini Austral could be a great fit.

Book a tour or chat with our Austral ILUs Sales Manager about availability, pricing and inclusions.

Downsize without compromise.  Discover ILU living at Scalabrini Austral.

Scalabrini has entered an exciting new era. What many have long known as Scalabrini Village will now be called Scalabrini Communities – a name that reflects who we are today and the future we’re committed to building with older Australians.

At the heart of this change is a simple truth:
Scalabrini has never just been about buildings. It has always been about people – the older adults who call us home, the families who trust us, and the staff who walk beside them every day.

Why the name had to change

Over the past few years, Scalabrini has grown well beyond the walls of its residential homes. Today, we support older adults in many different ways and in many different places, including:

• Live Easy (Support at Home) by Scalabrini – helping people live safely and confidently in their own homes

• Low-cost rentals and affordable housing – providing secure, supportive places to live

• Live Easy Social – bringing people together through social outings, activities and gatherings that help erase loneliness

• Retirement Communities – providing modern and warm independent living units to live

This shift marks a move from caring for residents solely within our villages to walking alongside older adults wherever they live, learn, worship and gather. The new name, Scalabrini Communities, captures that evolution and honours the everyday lives of those we support.

“Belonging is central to a good life at any age. Our move to Scalabrini Communities signals our belief that older adults deserve more than services. They deserve connection, purpose and places where they feel valued.”

said Chief Executive Officer Richard de Haast.

“Whether someone lives in one of our residential homes, receives support through Live Easy by Scalabrini, takes part in a Live Easy Social gathering, lives in our affordable houses and retirement communities, they are part of something bigger. They are part of our community.”

Chairman Rob Freeman said the new name honours Scalabrini’s history while opening the door to a more expansive future.

“Scalabrini was founded to serve migrant communities and to stand beside people when they needed support the most. That mission has not changed. What has changed is the way we bring it to life. Scalabrini Communities reflects our belief that ageing is richer and more meaningful when it is shared. This name sets a clear foundation for our future and the communities we will continue to build.”

The transition to Scalabrini Communities has already begun and will roll out across all services over the coming months. If you’d like to learn more about Scalabrini Communities or our services – from residential aged care, affordable housing, retirement independent living to Live Easy (Support at Home) and Live Easy Social, we welcome you to reach out and connect with us.

Scalabrini Communities recently hosted a delegation of Provincial Councillors and former Provincial Superiors from the St Francis Xavier Cabrini Province whose geography includes Australia, Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia and India, for a strategic visit in Sydney.

The day brought together the Provincial leadership with Scalabrini’s Board Chair and CEO, Richard De Haast, to align on the next phase of growth in Australia. The program combined on the ground insights with forward planning to ensure Scalabrini continues to meet the evolving needs of older Australians and multicultural communities.

On-site Immersion: Harbourside development & Scalabrini Austral

The delegation toured Scalabrini’s Harbourside development site and visited Scalabrini Austral, meeting residents and members of the leadership team. These visits showcased how Scalabrini’s village environments, care practices and community partnerships translate strategy into daily quality of life.

In the afternoon, service line leaders presented innovations and opportunities across the organisation spotlighting models of care, operational excellence and pathways to scale.

Performance, Culture and Quality: Momentum to Build On

“The Council was pleased to receive a comprehensive update on performance,” said Richard de Haast, Chief Executive, Scalabrini Communities. “Scalabrini is fully compliant with the Aged Care Act, maintains a staff turnover rate of just 9%, and has achieved three consecutive ‘Best Workplace’ awards, while continuing to perform strongly financially. These outcomes reflect our people-first culture and our unwavering focus on quality.”

These results underscore Scalabrini’s commitment to safe, compassionate, and consistently high quality care; backed by a stable and engaged workforce.

Expanding services across Support at Home, Community and Housing

Presentations highlighted Scalabrini’s growing ecosystem of supports:

• Live Easy by Scalabrini (Home Care / Support at Home): personalised care to live independently and confidently at home.

• Live Easy Social: inclusive outings, clubs and connection building programs that reduce isolation and support wellbeing.

• Social Housing: updates on affordable and secure housing initiatives tailored to older people’s needs.

• Belong Program: a personalised, customer-centred care model which is grounded in seven pillars. These pillars represent our commitment to providing a personalised, dignified and enriching experience for everyone who calls Scalabrini home.

Leadership discussions centred on scaling these strengths to reach more people, strengthen workforce capability, and partner with communities to close gaps in access and experience.

Mission-led and Future ready

“Our mission calls us to respond with compassion, quality and innovation,” said Richard De Haast, CEO, Scalabrini Communities. “The Provincial Council’s engagement affirms our strategy and energises our plans to grow services sustainably, invest in our workforce, and continue delivering excellent care across residential, home and community settings.”

With mission and evidence based practice at the core, the visit reinforced a shared commitment to sustainable growth; balancing investment in people and places with innovation that improves outcomes for residents, clients, staff and families.

On 30 October 2025, residents, team members and special guests gathered at Scalabrini Chipping Norton to officially open our brand new bocce court; a lively new hub for friendly competition, physical activity and connection.

This project was proudly supported by a $18,000 Community Building Partnership Grant from Tina Ayyad MP, Member for Holsworthy. The finished court measures approximately 22 feet by 6 feet, purpose-built for social play and resident wellbeing.

Bocce is more than a game here now. It’s a weekly ritual that keeps minds sharp, bodies moving and friendships strong.

Celebrating local champions and a rich bocce tradition

Bocce has long been a resident favourite at Scalabrini Communities. Many of our community members play regularly, at the village and on outings and the energy is always spirited (and a little competitive!).

We’re also proud to share that Amelio Barbero, a resident of Scalabrini, is a former world champion who represented Australia and has won medals and prizes across an extraordinary career. Amelio’s passion continues to inspire players of all abilities.

• Regular play: Weekly games at Liverpool Catholic Club + home matches on site

• Friendly rivals: Our very own Scalabrinian neighbours in Austral now join us fortnightly for matches and morning teas

Opening day highlights

The celebration began with a warm welcome from Parul Dhiman (Village Manager of Chipping Norton) together with rest of the village leadership team. Guests of honour Tina Ayyad MP (Holsworthy) and The Hon. Mark Speakman MP (Cronulla) met residents, chatted with players at the sideline and watched a few ends in action. The morning wrapped up with outdoor morning tea next to the new court, sunshine, smiles and plenty of playful bocce banter.

What made the day special:

• Ribbon-cutting and welcomes from the village team

• Meet and greet with local MPs and resident players

• Exhibition games (with plenty of friendly rivalry!)

• Shared morning tea beside the brand new court

Why bocce matters in aged care?

Investing in spaces for movement and connection is core to how we support resident wellbeing at Scalabrini.

Benefits our residents tell us they love:

• Physical activity: Gentle movement, balance and coordination

• Cognitive stimulation: Strategy, focus and skill development

• Belonging: Team spirit, laughter and inter-village friendships

• Accessibility: Easy to learn and inclusive across abilities

Thank you to our supporters

This court wouldn’t exist without the Community Building Partnership program and the commitment of our local leaders. Thank you to Tina Ayyad MP for her support and grant, and to The Hon. Mark Speakman MP for joining us to celebrate. We also acknowledge our village team, residents and volunteers who helped bring the project to life.

Visit, volunteer or play a friendly round

Curious about life at Scalabrini Chipping Norton? Whether you’re considering residential aged care for a loved one or interested in volunteering, we’d love to host you for a visit. Perhaps even for a quick game.

• Book a tour: Meet our team and see the bocce court in action.

• Join our community: Learn more about life, activities and care at Scalabrini.

• Volunteer with us: Help host matches, morning teas and social events.

A rare milestone, a timeless love

In a world where true love stories feel increasingly rare, Chris and Nicky are marking one of the rarest milestones of all, a platinum wedding anniversary. Their 70 years journey is more than a celebration of marriage; it’s a living story of migration, resilience, community, and the quiet rewards of a life built on love.

To honour the couple, Scalabrini Bexley is hosted a special on Thursday, 30 October 2025 with friends, family, and fellow residents.

From Greece to Australia: beginnings forged in resilience

• 1937: Chris is born in Kardamas, and Nicky in Patra, Greece.

• 1954: In the wake of a devastating earthquake, a chance meeting sparks a lifelong bond. By July, Chris proposes. They marry on 30 October 1954 in a modest ceremony.

• 1954–1957: With courage and a plan for the future, Chris departs for Australia just days after the wedding. The newlyweds endure over two years apart, writing weekly letters while Chris works as a barber and later at the Port Kembla steelworks, saving for their life together.

• 1957: Nicky makes the journey to Australia despite falling ill in transit and the couple are joyfully reunited.

Building a family, a livelihood, and a legacy

Settling in Sydney, Chris and Nicky raised three daughters, Maria, Shirley and Stella, and poured energy into both work and community. Together they ran barber shops in Five Dock, a milk bar, and eventually put down deep roots in Bexley in 1977, where they lived for 48 years. Chris continued in barbering before moving into real estate, while Nicky found purpose in hospital services.

Their story is one of steady commitment, shared values and unwavering faith, expressed day to day through work ethic, service, and family life.

Community recognition

As part of the festivities, Bayside Council NSW formally recognised Chris and Nicky’s milestone. Councillor Liz Barlow attended the celebration on behalf of the Mayor and presented a Platinum Anniversary certificate and a bouquet of flowers to the couple, an affectionate tribute from the local community they have called home for decades.

A new chapter at Scalabrini Bexley

Now residents of Toscana at Scalabrini Bexley, Chris and Nicky are embracing the comfort, connection and specialised support that community living can offer in later life. Their family takes comfort in knowing the couple are surrounded by compassionate staff, personalised care, and social activities that keep them engaged.

“Scalabrini has become a wonderful new home for Mum and Dad,” says their daughter Maria. “They have always been so devoted to each other and to our family. It’s comforting to know they are in a place that values their dignity, their heritage, and their wellbeing.”

The values that carried them 70 years

Now aged 88, Chris and Nicky remain as devoted as ever. Reflecting on a life well-lived, Chris shares the guiding principles that have shaped their marriage:

“Anything that you expect other people to do for you, you must be prepared to do them first. Love so you can be loved. Respect so you can be respected. Help so you can be helped.”

It’s a simple creed that has stood the test of time; anchoring their relationship, family, and community ties for seven remarkable decades.

Why stories like Chris & Nicky’s matter

At Scalabrini, we believe the best care starts with knowing the person- their journey, voice, interests, and beliefs. This is the reason our Belong programme exists. Stories like Chris and Nicky’s remind us that every resident brings with them a lifetime of love, culture and contribution. Recognising and honouring these experiences is central to our promise to create an environment where people can truly Belong.

Learn More About Scalabrini Bexley

If you’d like to learn more about life at Scalabrini Bexley or how we support couples to continue living together with personalised care, get in touch with our team. We’re here to help you explore options that respect dignity, heritage, purpose and connection.