A LEGACY OF CARE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
For Dr Peter Weill, Emmy is far more than an aged care community. It is part of his family’s story.
Above: Dorothy Mpakame and Lovejeet Sandu with the newly donated bladder scanner.
Peter’s grandmother, Freda Epstein, was one of Emmy Monash’s founders and served as President from 1950 to 1966. Her daughter, Hilde Weill, continued that legacy, serving on the Board for 34 years and becoming one of Emmy’s longest‑serving directors.
Inspired by the dedication of both women, Peter and his wife, Dr Margi Olson, chose to honour Hilde’s memory in a remarkable way. Working with Executive Manager Philanthropy, Andrea Morris, they established the Hilde Weill Memorial Medical Endowment, the first fund of its kind within the Emmy Monash Foundation.
Through annual contributions and a future bequest, the Endowment will support clinical care at Emmy for generations to come, helping bridge the gap between government funding and the exceptional standard of care our residents deserve.
Already, the fund has helped purchase a bladder scanner, enabling nurses to assess urinary health quickly and comfortably on-site, often avoiding stressful hospital visits for residents.
“The bladder scanner is making a real difference for our residents. It helps nurses assess concerns quickly, start treatment sooner and, in many cases, avoid a stressful trip to hospital.”
Monica Arango, Clinical Care Manager
The Hilde Weill Memorial Medical Endowment is a powerful example of how philanthropy can create lasting impact. It honours a cherished connection to Emmy while ensuring future residents benefit from enhanced care and wellbeing.
We are deeply grateful to Peter and Margi for their generosity and for continuing a family legacy that has helped shape Emmy Monash for more than 75 years.
Every Gift Makes a Difference
Every gift, large or small, helps enhance the care, wellbeing and experiences of Emmy residents. To learn more about supporting Emmy Monash through philanthropy, a donation or a bequest, please contact:
Andrea Morris
Executive Manager Philanthropy
8508 9409
andream@emmymonash.asn.au
Music, Smiles and special connections
There’s something special about seeing different generations come together through music.
Thanks to the Mums and Bubs program with Shirim K’tanim, proudly supported by the ERDI Foundation, Emmy residents regularly spend time singing, laughing and sharing moments with young children and babies.
These sessions fill us with energy and warmth. Residents enjoy joining in familiar songs, watching little ones explore the music, and building connections with our youngest visitors.
For many residents, the program is a highlight of the month.
The music creates a welcoming and relaxed environment where everyone can participate in their own way, whether that’s singing along, sharing memories, tapping a foot to the beat or simply enjoying the atmosphere.
The relationships formed through these visits are a wonderful reminder that connection can be found at every age, and that some of the most meaningful moments are often the simplest.
Above: Connection and fun through music at the Shirim K’tanim Mums and Bubs program.
Those crowd-pleasing Krokodiloes
Residents at Emmy recently enjoyed a memorable performance by the internationally renowned Harvard Krokodiloes.
Harvard University’s celebrated acappella group returned to Emmy for their fourth visit, delighting residents with their signature mix of outstanding musicianship, humour and infectious energy. From rich harmonies to light-hearted performances, they had the audience smiling, singing along and thoroughly entertained.
The visit was about more than music. It was an opportunity to share a unique experience, spark conversation and bring residents together for an afternoon filled with joy and connection.
Andy, a Krokodiloes member from North Carolina, reflected on the group’s enduring relationship with Emmy Monash:
“We love performing at Emmy Monash. We always receive such a warm welcome and enthusiasm from the audience, and it’s wonderful to see how much joy the music brings to the residents.”
As part of the group’s international tour, the visit continues a valued tradition and a special connection between the Krokodiloes and the Emmy community.
A sincere thank you to donor Barry Novy and the Emmy Monash Foundation for making this wonderful experience possible and helping bring world-class performances to our residents.
Friendship across the seas
Sometimes the most meaningful friendships begin in unexpected places.
In 2023, Maurice and Annette Sackville met Texans Linda and Joel Chess while cruising through Asia. What started with shared Shabbat dinners at sea quickly grew into a treasured friendship that continued long after the cruise ended, with regular messages, photos and Friday night greetings exchanged across continents.
When the Chesses visited Australia the following year, a joyful reunion in Melbourne confirmed just how special their connection had become.
Later, when Maurice and Annette came to Emmy Monash for respite care, Linda and Joel found a heartfelt way to show their support. They made a philanthropic donation to Emmy in honour of their dear friends.
We are delighted to share that Maurice and Annette’s experience at Emmy has been a positive one, and we extend our sincere thanks to Linda and Joel for their generosity and support from across the seas.
Above: Joel and Linda Chess with Maurice and Annette Sackville on their Singapore to Dubai cruise in 2023.