A New Beginning for Villa Maria Catholic Homes

Today marks a momentous occasion for two of Victoria’s leading not-for-profit organisations.

Villa Maria and Catholic Homes have officially become one entity following the announcement of their intention to merge eight months ago.

An agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) will continue to provide the highest quality of care to around 6,500 older people, children and adults with a disability, their families and carers across the state and southern New South Wales.

VMCH CEO Greg Pullen said the merge will allow two thriving organisations to build on their significant histories and develop and expand their diverse services.

“By combining our expertise and skill we will strengthen our commitment to the community and our capacity to deliver flexible and responsive services – services people want and need, such as disability services and social housing,” he said.

“Our communities are the heart and soul of our organisations and this decision is about delivering the best possible outcomes for the people we support now and into the future.”

Mr Pullen said it was a time of great opportunity for VMCH, which is now responsible for a wide range of care including specialist education and early childhood intervention for children with disabilities, community based and in-home support for older people, carer respite, independent retirement living and residential aged care.

“We continue to focus on changes within the aged, community and disability sectors, preparing for the full introduction of Consumer Directed Care (CDC) from today and the National Disability Insurance Scheme from July 1 next year,” Mr Pullen said.

“We also have a number of exciting capital works projects underway, including our premium retirement development in Hawthorn, St Joseph’s Mews, and partnerships including assisting Corpus Christi Community Greenvale in developing its new residential facility for homeless men.”

Mr Pullen said with change, came fantastic new opportunities for innovation, growth, expanded partnerships and roles.

“There will be exciting employment opportunities across many areas of the business, particularly within residential aged care, retirement living, disability and community services over the next few years as our workforce swells to around 2,500 people.”

Pictured: VMCH CEO Greg Pullen