Victorian Seniors Feature September 2022

Keeping active...

Regional Road Map

Regional Road Map

First Nations Vaccination Rates

Edging closer to a billion dollars of investment in Shepparton District

I was shocked to hear that vaccination rates of Victoria’s Indigenous population had been greatly inflated to more than double the actual amount, following a technical software glitch.

Regional Road Map

Like many, I am finding it hard to accept the stepped process which includes all regional Victoria in one category before the easing of restrictions can occur. I value the important work of the Chief research.

Like many, I am finding it hard to accept the stepped process which includes all regional Victoria in one category before the easing of restrictions can occur. I value the important work of the Chief Health Officer and evidence-based research.

Last week’s Victorian State Budget was a “hold the fort” budget. It addressed debt with higher taxes in some areas, while focusing on the broken state of our mental health system.

With the spread of COVID-19 across western New South Wales, Victorians have been congratulating themselves on having such a high rate of vaccination among our Indigenous community, but it turns out this was not the case and I raised the matter with the health minister in parliament last week.

Like many, I am finding it hard to accept the stepped process which includes all regional Victoria in one category before the easing of restrictions can occur. I value the important work of the Chief research.

Warramunda Village has been a pillar of the Kyabram community, committed to the care and support of our elders and people with a disability who are local to the region. Residents enjoy many activities such as exercise sessions with health professionals, Roslyn Petrie is pictured here keeping

I am pleased that the funding we received in the budget brings our district closer to $1 billion in State Government investment in our region over recent years. Much of these funds are being spent on essential infrastructure in rail, health, education and agriculture.

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley explained how the Commonwealth Government error occurred and said the Victorian Government was working with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation peak body to ensure the necessary resources were available to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible.

In this year’s budget, the Shepparton District missed out on our big-ticket items such as the Shepparton Bypass and Goulburn Valley Health’s Early Parenting Centre but we did have some meaningful investment in education, mental health and protecting our horticulture industry.

However, I believe there is a better and more positive way forward whereby the regions can be divided into three areas along the lines of our Primary Health Networks (PHN). This would mean the Murray PHN which incorporates northern Victoria, from Mildura to beyond Wodonga, would be assessed separately to the south-west which includes Geelong for instance, a city so closely integrated with Melbourne.

However, I believe there is a better and more positive way forward whereby the regions can be divided into three areas along the lines of our Primary Health Networks (PHN). This would mean the Murray PHN which incorporates northern Victoria, from Mildura to beyond Wodonga, would be assessed separately to the south-west which includes Geelong for instance, a city so closely integrated with Melbourne.

I will be making sure our First Nations people have easy access to vaccinations so they can protect themselves, their families and the community.

However, I believe there is a better and more positive way forward whereby the regions can be divided into three areas along the lines of our Primary Health Networks (PHN). This would mean the Murray PHN which incorporates northern Victoria, from Mildura to beyond Wodonga, would be assessed separately to the south-west which includes Geelong for instance, a city so closely integrated with Melbourne.

Government

Changes in our border bubble

I’ve called on the Victorian government to immediately put in place the mechanisms required to enable more of the contact tracing and management of the pandemic response to be in our regional health services so that they can work with our PHN’s and other health providers to beat the virus and get our communities up and going again.

I’ve called on the Victorian government to immediately put in place the mechanisms required to enable more of the contact tracing and management of the pandemic response to be in our regional health services so that they can work with our PHN’s and other health providers to beat the virus and get our communities up and going again.

There have been some significant changes in our border with New South Wales. While Shepparton has not been returned back to the border bubble at this time, we hope it will be soon.

Cross-border residents who have not left the cross-border or been to an extreme risk zone any time in the last 14 days, can now enter Victoria without a permit for any reason.

I’ve called on the Victorian government to immediately put in place the mechanisms required to enable more of the contact tracing and management of the pandemic response to be in our regional health services so that they can work with our PHN’s and other health providers to beat the virus and get our communities up and going again.

Those Victorians stranded further north in New South Wales may have had their local government area downgraded to a red zone. If that is the case, they can apply for a red zone permit to re-enter Victoria.

The $10.7 million GOTAFE Goulburn Murray Trades Skills Centre redevelopment will accommodate more apprentices and students who will go on to fill skilled roles in our district.

The situation is constantly evolving, so look to this link for updates: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/informationcross-border-communities

The Victorian Government allocated $6.4 million in Queensland Fruit Fly control in Goulburn Murray, Sunraysia and Yarra Valley. This ongoing funding to help protect the Goulburn Valley’s fresh fruit production from Queensland Fruit Fly is welcome.

Greater Shepparton Secondary College construction

A million dollars was granted for the redevelopment of Verney Road School. This school is overcrowded and a redevelopment is long overdue. This funding will get the ball rolling on the planning stage and hopefully funding for its redevelopment will be granted in next year’s budget.

COVID-19 Testing

Seniors events return for 2022

COVID-19 Testing

As we celebrate education and careers this week, I wish to congratulate those who have dedicated their lives to educating our next generation.

The region’s teachers are being recognised as a vital cog in improving our education system with the State Government’s announcement of a new teaching and leadership excellence academy in Shepparton.

I am delighted to see the construction of Greater Shepparton Secondary College charging ahead in recent months. Grade 6 students are looking forward to transitioning to the new school next year and current secondary school students from other campuses have been very impressed with the new building following site visits.

Our region will also benefit from the $200 million School Mental Health Fund, aimed to help our schools deliver programs, staff, and other support tailored to unique needs. This funding could fully fund the Neighbourhood Schools Project, if its application is successful.

COVID-19 Testing

Anyone unwell with symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of sense of smell, no matter how mild, should get tested for COVID-19 immediately and stay at home until you receive the result

It’s an exciting time for education in Shepparton.

Anyone unwell with symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of sense of smell, no matter how mild, should get tested for COVID-19 immediately and stay at home until you receive the result

Anyone unwell with symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of sense of smell, no matter how mild, should get tested for COVID-19 immediately and stay at home until you receive the result.

which in turn leads to higher educational outcomes for our district’s students.

The purpose of the Shepparton Education Plan is to transform education in SheppartonMooroopna and help young people get the best possible educational opportunities from birth to post-secondary school.

You can now be tested at Goulburn Valley Health’s Acute Respiratory Clinic ( ARC ) at Graham Street, Shepparton, seven days per week between 10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Along with six other regional sites, Shepparton will receive a Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership to help the professional development of our teachers, which will lead to higher educational outcomes for the district’s students.

The academy’s one-year intensive program will cover core curriculum areas including English, Mathematics, Science and the Arts. The academy will also host other programs to support emerging leaders and those who wish to step into principal roles.

It’s time to celebrate the return of Seniors Week events this year. After two years of sacrificing in-person events in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our over 60s now have the opportunity to take part in several activities across the electorate for Seniors Week. Whether its dabbling in art or photography, keeping fit with exercise classes, walking, or dance, or enjoying a day trip with friends, let’s celebrate being back together again as a community.

The Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership will help the professional development of teachers in the region,

The plan will address many of the issues which had developed including falling enrolments, below-average educational outcomes, low aspiration and attendance issues. Our students deserve these wonderful new facilities.

We are living in very challenging times. We continue to bear enormous social and economic costs and the need to work together at all levels has never been greater.

You can now be tested at Goulburn Valley Health’s Acute Respiratory Clinic ( ARC ) at Graham Street, Shepparton, seven days per week between 10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

You can now be tested at Goulburn Valley Health’s Acute Respiratory Clinic ( ARC ) at Graham Street, Shepparton, seven days per week between 10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Once teachers go through training at the academy, they will become recognised as state-wide leaders in teaching excellence.

This is great news for our teachers, students and our entire community.

03 5831 6944 @SuzannaSheed @SheedSuzanna

03 5831 6944

Suzanna

www suzannasheed com au

.com.au

fit. Photo: Stephanie Holliday.

Authorised by: Suzanna Sheed, 5 Vaughan St, Shepparton VIC 3630

Enraptured by art, creativity and connectivity

Looking out for locals

COMMUNITY spirit is exemplified in the town of Tatura, with many businesses and townspeople doing their best to look after one another.

Foodworks Tatura, open seven days a week, has an on-site butcher, fresh fish subject to availability and freshly-squeezed orange juice are on offer in addition to hand-selected fruit and veg also a comprehensive delicatessen dairy, freezer and liquor department.

They also offer many vegetarian and

vegan options, and a large range of locallyproduced goods from the Goulburn Valley.

In addition to being a premier grocer to shop at, every Thursday is pensioner day at the store. They also make food shopping a breeze through their home delivery service, orders can be placed by visiting tatura. myfoodworks.com.au.

Foodworks Tatura is located at 112 Hogan Street, Tatura and can be contacted on 5824 1122, the store is open daily from 7am until 8pm.

CAMARADERIE, collaboration and artistic creativity are what the sewing group at Kensington Gardens Lifestyle estate is all about.

Meeting every second Sunday in the estate’s clubrooms, the artistry of the works created by the fifteen strong group, embody a lifetime of refined skill and breathtaking expertise.

Bringing together quilters, painters and fibre art creators, the sewing group is pleased to resume its endeavours after Covid and has proven to be so much more to the ladies than its humble name foretells.

“It’s about mindfulness and it is also an enriching social activity,” says Di Turner, one of the group’s talented artisans.

“Working together on our projects is a collaborative venture and it also gives us a purpose; we set goals to get things completed and we become enraptured in what we are doing.”

Pam What and Shirley Keating are just two of the exceptional artists from Kensington Gardens Lifestyle Estate’s Sewing Group.

Over the last twelve months Di says the group has welcomed several newcomers and are always eager for more, and with retired artists and teachers within the group, there is great scope for new inductees to develop their skills.

In addition to exquisite quilts, the group produces acrylic landscapes, felted bags, poured acrylic art and craft, embellished fabric art incorporating a myriad of materials, and (in the future) screen printing and pattern fabric painting.

With fine creations in abundance, the sewing group are excited to take their work, entitled “Big and Bold”, to the Spring Quilt and Art Show on Sunday, October 9 at the Lifestyle Communities Estate.

With weather permitting, the Spring Show will take place in the gardens near the club house, at 65 Channel Road, Shepparton.

THERE FOR OUR SENIOR COMMUNITY... In addition to being a premier grocer to shop at, every Thursday is pensioner day at Foodworks Tatura. Some of the friendly team including Shanae Ebert, Chantell Reynolds, Craig Bramley, Daryl Hooper, Robyn Leahy and Chloe Wells. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

COMMUNITY AND ARTISTRY...

Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

Ensuring the sound of life at Audika

THE team at Audika believe hearing health is such an important part of connecting you with your world – think of all the things hearing gives you. A shared secret, the sound of your grandkid’s footsteps as they approach your door, a great joke at a dinner party.

Hearing loss can change your everyday life and can also impact your loved ones. The team at Audika Shepparton want to help you love your ears, with free hearing health checks and expert advice.

Pop in to Audika Shepparton to meet their expert audiologists, Sue Brown and Melissa Norman, who make a terrific team and are dynamic, caring and responsive to client

needs. Audika also offers visiting sites in nearby Echuca, Cobram and Benalla.

Plus, if you’re a Seniors Card Member, and it’s your first visit to Audika for a hearing check, you could receive a $50 Visa Prepaid Gift Card.

Offer available to Seniors Card members during the promotional period of 1 April, 2022 to 31 December,2022. For full terms and conditions, visit www.audika.com.au/ seniors-card

Book your FREE* hearing check online at www.Audika. com.au, or by calling 1800 609 962.

*FREE hearing check is available to adults aged 26 or over.

Feel at home at Kensington Gardens

Pictured is village manager Troy Van Den Berghe. Photo: Deanne Jeffers.

Over 60s friendship group

SHEPPARTON’S Over 60s Friendship Group is a friendly social group that meet on the second Tuesday of each month at Casablanca Restaurant (125 High Street, Shepparton) for dinner at 6pm. This is where the group come together to organise coming months’ outings.

The group has been active in Shepparton for more than 20 years and has more than 25 active members.

Singles, singles and friend/s and couples from Shepparton and surrounding areas

are most welcome to come along. The group is not limited to people over 60, and younger members are welcome to join in. There is no committee, fees or any obligation to attend outings. Ideas for future venues, outings and places of interest to explore or fun activities to try are most welcome.

If you’d like to get involved, please contact any of the following. David 0409 133 044, Janice 0341 777 830, or Jenny 0408 053 133.

STAYING CONNECTED... Shepparton’s Over 60s Friendship Group members pictured having dinner at the Victoria Hotel, Tatura. From left are active members Audrey, Margie, David, Wendy, Lyn, Traci, Janice, Chrissy, Graeme, Angus, Marian and Jenny.

Photo: Supplied

RUMBALARA NDIS

•

• Services and Supports:

• Advocacy and support to navigate the NDIS system

• Support to assist you to achieve your goals

• Support to assist you at home and in the community

Rumbalara Positive Ageing and Disability Services can offer NDIS Supports and Services to NDIS eligible participants over the age of 18. Rumbalara aims to provide NDIS services that are culturally appropriate and safe.

• Group activities and other programmes Contact (03) 5822 2866 for more information.

“We

Live your way

LOCATED in the idyllic town of Nagambie, just a short drive from Melbourne, an exclusive lifestyle village delivering independent and affordable living for over 55’s, within a gated land lease community, offers its residents the chance to be a part of a vibrant community.

Waterways encompasses seven hectares, comprising of a fully equipped gymnasium, cinema, library, heated pool a large community centre and much more. Spend time reading a book in the library or enjoying a movie at the cinema. Waterways also offers a bowling green and a small putting green to sharpen your golfing skills. Waterways is also pet friendly so you can bring your furry friend with you.

Whether you are retired, semi-retired or still working, living at Waterways affords

one the freedom of a low-maintenance lifestyle, surrounded by like-minded homeowners with similar interests.

Situated amongst stunning gardens our beautiful homes are tailor made to suit your lifestyle, with the ability to select all of your own colours and adjust plans to suite your way of life Waterways has it all . Waterways have partnered with renowned custom builders, Gervale Homes Pty Ltd. Ensuring you live in the home of your dreams is a priority, with an onsite colour consultant and drafts people who can bring your vision to life.

To make an enquiry about how you can begin your journey creating new friendships whilst enjoying the freedom and security the state-of-the-art village affords, please visit waterwaysnagambie. com.au.

Celebrating senior citizens with 40 years of festival

OCTOBER is the month to celebrate the incalculable contribution made by our senior citizens to our great community.

Celebrating 40 years, the annual Victorian Senior Citizens Festival will run over 2,000 events and activities across the state and is aimed at getting older Victorians out and about in their local community.

In avid support of the region’s senior citizens, Greater Shepparton City Council will host over 25 activities and events locally, and will encourage participants to get up and moving, invigorating their creative flair while providing an opportunity to meet likeminded people.

Event highlights include a River Heritage Walk and Talk, a country music performance by icon Tania Kernaghan and (who can go past), tea and scones in the park.

Encouraging our senior citizens to get involved, Mayor Cr Shane Sali said, “Council is proud to support the Victorian Seniors Festival and is thrilled this years’ activities will allow for the community to come together in person after the impact of COVID-19. The festival not only provides great entertainment, but also encourages our Greater Shepparton seniors to live healthy and active lifestyles,

and to get involved and engaged in our community.”

Further event details are available online at greatershepparton.com.au, Council’s Welsford St offices and from local community hubs and agencies.

For more information on the Victorian Seniors Festival visit seniorsonline.vic.gov. au, or for local enquiries call Council on 03 5832 9785.

CELEBRATING OUR SENIORS...The Senior Citizens Festival is 40 years old and will showcase exciting events and activities in Greater Shepparton, this October. Photo: Supplied

A LIFESTYLE... An exclusive lifestyle village located in Nagambie is delivering independent and affordable living for over 55’s, offering its residents the chance to be a part of a vibrant community.

Photo: Supplied

Staying connected to your community

SINCE its inception over fifty years ago, Warramunda Village has been a pillar of the Kyabram community, committed to the care and support of our elders and people with a disability who are local to the region.

The community focused organisation encompasses an 82-bed residential aged care home, 52 independent living units, supported accommodation, and community in-home care and support for aged and disabled clients.

The Village places a strong emphasis on empowering their customers to make choices around their care and are highly conscious of treating everyone with respect and dignity.

“It’s imperative we treat everyone as an individual, we respect everyone’s choices and at a time when people feel they may be losing some freedom, we want to ensure

they feel empowered to make their own decisions,” said Warramunda Village Director of People & Culture, Tracy Gadbury.

Within the aged care facility they foster a social environment, with a plethora of planned activities on rotation to keep everyone entertained and engaged. The community spirit and genuine care for all their customers has a flow-on effect, with staff finding their careers exceptionally rewarding. Warramunda Village offers competitive renumeration packages and is currently seeking employees across all departments.

For general enquiries, please phone 03 5852 2611 or for career enquires send an email to jobs@warramunda.com.au.

A sport with universal appeal

AN ancient sport played and loved the world over, chess has never waned in popularity.

It is a game of study and ingenuity, drawing out participants’ personal qualities and foibles under the pressure of conquest and survival.

For the president of Shepparton Chess Club, David Wynne, chess has been a challenging and thrilling part of his life for over 60 years, keeping his mind nimble and astute while providing him with an enriching source of friendship and fellowship.

The Shepparton Chess club has had a diverse membership overtime, reflecting the universal nature of the game with

talented players as young as seven entering tournaments against players far older.

However, in recent years, the Shepparton Chess Club has declined in number and David would like players in the community to know that they are always welcome to come along and play, no matter what their level of experience.

“Chess is a game that gives you great satisfaction. It enhances your ability to concentrate and think laterally. It can be thrilling, and when you play a well-matched opponent, you can lose yourself in the game. While it is always gratifying to win, every game presents an opportunity to learn,” David says.

All are welcome to come along and join

EMPOWERING CARE CHOICES...Warramunda Village been a pillar of the Kyabram community, committed to the care and support of our elders and people with a disability who are local to the region. Nancy T is almost 96 years old and is a resident at the village. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

The Shepparton Chess Club welcomes one and all for competition. First board from left, Chess Club president, David Wynne plays Tristan McGrath, second board, Joe Commesso and Jeff Gibbs.

Natasha Fujimoto

members of the Shepparton Chess Club at Shepparton Access, 227 Wyndham Street, on Saturday afternoons from 1.30pm -5.00pm. Chess instruction is available

and there is an extensive chess library with books free to borrow.

For more information, please call the club’s president, David on 0478 799 029

Photo:

Avoid scams targeting seniors

Moving mindfully

WHILE many of us have every intention of completing the daily recommendation of 10,000 steps per day or at least some sort of dedicated physical activity, the day can get away from us and we run out of time.

Incidental activity is an easy way to build up your physical activity levels without using a large chunk of your day to do so by, for example, by walking up the stairs instead of using a lift.

Physical activity is a major factor in preventing and reducing the risk of many health conditions (eg. heart disease, diabetes and some cancers) and many people find it easier to be active in lots of little ways throughout the day.

Examples of incidental activity at work include cycling or walking to work instead of driving, getting off the train or bus a couple of stops early or parking further away and walking further than you usually would.

At home you could do some gardening or mow the lawn, do the housework instead of hiring help, go for a short walk before breakfast and after dinner and be active while watching television by using an exercise bike or treadmill.

Every little bit counts so remember to think of all types of physical activity as a chance to improve your health.

SCAMS target people of all ages and backgrounds, however, some scams are more likely to target older people. Older people may be seen by scammers as generally less internet and computer savvy or familiar with new technology.

Protect yourself by:

If you find yourself in a suspicious situation you feel may be a scam, consult with a younger relative and run it past them

Never responding to phone calls or emails offering financial advice or opportunities, just hang up or delete the email

STAY SAFE...

Scams target people of all ages and backgrounds, however, some scams are more likely to target older people. Older people may be seen by scammers as generally less internet and computer savvy or familiar with new technology.

Being suspicious of unexpected emails or letters advising you how to claim an inheritance or competition prize. Never give out your personal details and seek advice from an independent professional

Being suspicious of requests for money – even if they sound or look official. Government departments will never contact you asking for money upfront in order to claim a rebate

Being wary of people you meet social media or online dating sites who after just a few contacts profess strong feelings for you and try to move you away from the site and communicate via chat or email

KEEP MOVING... Incidental activity is an easy way to build up your physical activity levels without using a large chunk of your day to do so by, for example, by walking up the stairs instead of using a lift. Photo: Supplied

Photo: Supplied