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Members, families, and the Sunfield community,
It is an honour to present my report as Chairman for the 2024/25 year. I would like to begin by providing an update on board matters and the ongoing efforts of our dedicated team.
The board accepted the resignation of Buzz Goeman, who, due to her extended travels to family in Australia, felt she was unable to regularly attend meetings. We thank Buzz for her many years of valuable contribution to Sunfield and wish her well in her retirement.
This vacancy was filled by Brett Mattison, who brings a wealth of local and international financial, legal, and strategic experience. Brett is not a parent, but a concerned citizen committed to giving back to worthy causes. He has attended two board meetings to date and now oversees the strategic planning portfolio.
Dianne Perrett serves as vice-chairperson and leads the Marketing Portfolio, this includes the newsletter, the Sunfield website, Facebook, and general marketing and publicity. She remains steadfastly committed to the best interests of Sunfield.
John Ade, a board member for nine years, serves as finance director. He monitors monthly income and expenditure, highlights investment concerns, and evaluates the financial support base for new resident applications.
Howard Christie is responsible for Capital Projects and has had a particularly busy year, including oversight of the Schafer house project. Howard regularly visits Sunfield to monitor the progress of the project. He is also the parent of a day scholar at Sunfield.
Barbara Higgins efficiently serves as Board Secretary, recording and distributing minutes, representing FOSH, and providing updates on their achievements and future projects. Barbara is a parent, an active member of FOSH, and remains closely informed about all matters affecting the residents.
Myles van Deventer manages our Estate portfolio, engaging regularly with Don on estate matters. He is also the parent of a resident.
Barbara Taljard, also a parent, monitors resident and staff wellness and brings extensive experience in policies and procedures. She addresses concerns raised by parents and guardians and ensures proper procedures are followed.
John Ade, Myles van Deventer, Howard Christie, and Brett Mattison all play crucial roles in the oversight and management of our finances and investments.
In April 2025, the board undertook a confidential 360 review, where members rated each other across various criteria. The results and conclusions were very positive, reflecting the board’s commitment to effective governance.
On behalf of the Sunfield family and myself, I extend a sincere thank you to all board members for their invaluable contributions of time, expertise, and effort.
At the AGM last year, I mentioned the Strategic Planning Session which set out our goals for the following 5 years.
We have made considerable progress in improving Sunfield’s facilities and grounds. The Schafer renovations are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026. We have raised R13.8 million of the budgeted R15 million thus far. I appeal to everyone to assist us in reaching our final fundraising goal. Once the building is completed, we will need to furnish and equip seven workshops. Additionally, we have undertaken the pruning of several large trees on campus. Howard will provide more information about the Schafer Project under Item 11 on the agenda.
The completion of the workshops and the Schafer project will significantly transform Sunfield’s future. We look forward to utilising the new spaces for work activities, which will broaden vocational opportunities for our residents.
In preparation for moving into the new workshops, the board approved a trip for Don and Tania to Cape Town to visit other care facilities and gather information on areas for improvement. Don will elaborate further on this initiative.
This objective has not yet been achieved and will require further discussion and additional financial resources.
We have continued to strengthen our community ties with regular visits to the Ambers, participation in the successful ‘Night to Shine’ event and hosting the Special Olympics Bocce Tournament in May 2025. Our swimmers competed in the Midmar Mile and the SASA II Summer Games. Notably, Jenna Higgens, Savannah Haselou, and Hylton Heggie were selected for the South African squad travelling to Bangkok for the 2025 Vertus World Swimming Championships. Our table tennis players also participated in the SASA II Summer Games and the uMgungundlovu Table Tennis Games.
We have commenced the process of rebranding and repositioning Sunfield. This is ongoing, and you may have noticed new branding on the back window of the Sunfield busses.
As noted last year, the board was in discussions with Feedem to manage Sunfield’s catering, laundry, caregiving, and occupational therapy services. A contract has been signed with Feedem, and they have now managed these services for over eight months. Don will provide further details in his report.
Electricity costs remain a concern. To address this, the board approved the installation of a solar system, including panels on various roofs and an inverter. However, the system does not include batteries for energy storage, so its benefits are limited to daylight hours. We continue to work with Murray Burger from Flux Energy to monitor and advise on our daily consumption.
I would like to extend a special thank you to the members of FOSH. Your contributions from the shop have exceeded all expectations. Special mention goes to Les Thurtell, Barbara Higgens, Pam Christie, and the dedicated team of helpers for their hours of energy and commitment. We hosted a successful cheese and wine event in November 2024 to thank FOSH helpers and the broader Sunfield community.
Don, this marks the end of your second year with us. It has been a pleasure to work with you, and I, once again, commend you for your commitment and hard work. Thanks also go to your management team and staff for their care and dedication.
In conclusion, I thank everyone who has attended today’s meeting. Your participation and support are deeply appreciated.
Thank you,
David Worrall
Chairman
Have any questions? Call or email our General Manager, Don Tully.