A big congratulations to Uniting AgeWell’s Andrew Kerr Care Community who received the Innovation of the Year Award – Social engagement, Intergenerational at the 2025 Eldercare Innovation Awards!
The team were honoured to receive this inaugural award as “acknowledgement for outstanding contributions to their work and the promise it holds for the future innovation within the sector”.
The truly unique, “under one roof” intergenerational program was recognised for its innovation in enabling residents and young children the opportunity to come together regularly for activities and shared experiences. A mix of planned and informal activities, the program is described as inspiring and joyful, aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of young and old alike.
We’re extremely proud of the Uniting AgeWell team who presented to an international panel of judges as part of the World Ageing Festival.
Representing Uniting AgeWell at the award ceremony was General Manager Victoria Victoria Jacques, Director Lifestyle Services Sharon Levey and Andrew Kerr Care’s Lifestyle Coordinator and winner of the Uniting AgeWell Employee of the Year in 2023, Kelina Tokunai.
Resident Mabel Hibbert is about to turn 101 years of age and contributed to Uniting AgeWell’s award submission. “I had four weeks in hospital and I came here to recuperate and I knew the children were here and I thought right I’ll get involved in that. They’ve given me a new lease on life.”
Creating a space for magic to happen, everyday
Uniting AgeWell recognises that everyone’s needs are different with a focus on supporting people to experience a sense of wellbeing, choice and independence at every age and stage of life.
What is unique about the intergenerational program at Andrew Kerr Care Community is the residence is under one roof with The Herd Intergenerational Learning Centre. In essence a shared space, the centre design makes it easy to move between the discrete areas of the aged care residence and the childcare centre, everyday.
The physical link is accessible for prams, toddlers, wheelie walkers and wheelchairs and the easy interaction means that outside of planned activities, informal corridor interactions delight elders and children throughout the day.
Victoria Jacques says the positive outcomes experienced at Andrew Kerr Care are daily, creating a magic environment for all. “Uniting AgeWell is a strong supporter of intergenerational programs with initiatives operating across sites both in Victoria and Tasmania. What makes the program at Andrew Kerr Care Community special is the permanency of the program and how it is embedded in the daily lives of residents and children. We’ve seen depression and anxiety reduce and we’ve also seen the joy that the children have brought.”
The Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards celebrate organisations demonstrating innovation in business, operational and service models that elevate the ageing experience for older persons.
The winners were announced at the Awards Ceremony in Singapore on 9 April.