Community
28 November, 2025
Sunnyside looking ahead
SUNNYSIDE House is remaining focused on preparing for the future of aged care, despite this week’s annual general meeting (AGM) showing a net loss of $651,948.
The Sunnyside House AGM was held on Wednesday, with board members, families and staff gathering at the aged care facility’s newly-renovated dining room for the meeting.
The loss reflects an increase of operating expenses of $994,328 – most of which can be attributed to increased labour costs and adapting to new aged care legislation.
“Since the Royal Commission into Aged Care and the introduction of the new Aged Care Standards, we have been adapting to a range of new requirements – including achieving minimum minutes of care and meeting increased reporting and recording obligations,” Sunnyside House board chair Tony Dupleix said.
“These changes have significantly influenced how we deliver care to our residents.
“Recruitment has been a major focus, and I am pleased to report that we are now sponsoring fully qualified immigrant nurses to join our community.
“Finding accommodation for these valued team members has presented some challenges, but we are working on a mix of short- and long-term housing solutions.”
Despite the loss and the challenges, Sunnyside House reported an increase in revenue by $358,107 on the previous year.
In addition, Camperdown’s Sunnyside House Op Shop presented a cheque for $153,000 to the aged care facility, which will go towards upgrading and updating equipment and the facility.
Sunnyside House chief executive officer Jo Forrest expressed her gratitude to the volunteers of the Sunnyside House Op Shop.
“We’re eternally grateful for the volunteer work everyone does,” she said.
“The money enables us to keep providing quality equipment and new standards of living.
“Over the past year, we’ve also been steadily updating and replacing a range of clinical equipment – from mattresses and beds to transfer and pressure-relief devices and other bedroom furniture.
“These changes have made a real difference to the comfort and safety of our residents, and they’ve also supported staff in delivering care more efficiently and effectively.”
In addition to equipment upgrades, the past year saw the refurbishment of the kitchen and dining area as well as the addition of an outdoor pergola for all-weather outdoor dining.
Mr Dupleix said Sunnyside House was looking to upgrade and refurbish the aged care facility, which is 25-years-old.
“Many components will soon require replacement or upgrading, and there are opportunities to improve efficiency and sustainability,” he said.
“Just as there was a significant community fundraising effort 25 years ago to build Sunnyside House, we may soon need to seek community support once again to refurbish and modernise our facility.”
Read More: Camperdown