Life & Love Issue 38 Autumn 2023

Life& Love

Top honour for our Jen

Lifelong career in aged care recognised

EDITOR'S LETTER

To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, I decided to interview some of our leading women here at Hall & Prior as well as featuring our cover star, longtime Hall & Prior leader, Jennifer Grieve. Jen received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Gala Evening - the first time it had been bestowed on somebody from aged care. As this is a unique honour to date, I hope you’ll enjoy reading about Jen’s amazing career and dedication to aged care over nearly half a century. A role model for us all.

Here in WA, it’s Bunuru (the season of adolescence) while in NSW, it’s known as the Time of Marraigang. Long days and short nights signify Bunuru, the hottest of the six Indigenous seasons, while over in NSW, it’s becoming cooler as the lillipilli ripens and food is plentiful. It’s also the time to start mending cloaks or making new ones - a good reminder to the families of our residents to drop off some warmer clothing as autumn begins.

Happy reading!

Life & Love

Issue 38 | Autumn

Bunuru (WA)

Time of Marraigang (NSW)

EDITOR

Gabi Mills

GMills@hallprior.com.au

DESIGNER

Jennifer Mattison

JMattison@hallprior.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ammon Creative

COVER IMAGE

Jennifer Grieve, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

Photo by Ammon Creative

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VANGUARD PRESS, WA

HOGAN PRINT, NSW

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©2023 Life & Love is published by Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group.

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DYNAMIC DUO Jennifer Grieve and CEO of Hall & Prior, Graeme Prior have been a formidable team for many years.

Chief Executive Officer

It’s hard to believe we are already a third of the year through 2023. Time certainly flies at the moment, and here at Hall & Prior, we are working hard to continually improve and excel in terms of our service to the aged care community.

We have added a new home to our portfolio here in WA - Emerald Life in West Leederville - and have plans to continue to expand as the year unfolds. However, our focus as always remains on delivering compassionate care to each and every one of our residents who call Hall & Prior home.

On International Women’s Day, it was a pleasure to honour our many women who work at Hall & Prior. In fact, some 80% of our workforce are women, and the many cultures they represent contribute to the company’s richness and experience as a whole. Jennifer Grieve, who worked alongside me for many years as the General Manager of Health & Care Services, was given the prestigious honour of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Gala Evening at the end of February.

I congratulate Jen for her extraordinary career and am looking forward to opening the Jennifer Mary Grieve Community Centre, named in her honour, at her beloved Clarence Estate in Albany at the end of March.

It’s a fitting tribute to Jennifer that the newest addition to Clarence Estate will bear her name as it is one of her greatest legacies to the aged care community in WA.

We continue to implement new procedures and technological advances across all our homes, including the roll-out of AN-ACC, to make the process of moving into a Hall & Prior aged care home as seamless and stress-free as possible.

I have also taken on a new leadership role at the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council (ACWIC), and believe this will allow me to continue to advocate on behalf of aged care workers so that they are fairly rewarded and valued for the exceptional work they deliver every day.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Life & Love

GRAEME PRIOR Chief Executive Officer

Graeme Prior takes over leadership role at ACWIC

aged Care Workforce Industry Council (ACWIC) Chair

Libby Lyons recently advised the Board of her decision to resign, citing a belief that now was the right time to pass leadership on.

ACWIC Deputy Chair

Graeme Prior will assume leadership of ACWIC, with Ms Lyons’ resignation, effective immediately.

Mr Prior said Ms Lyons had made a significant contribution to the organisation and the aged care sector more broadly.

“Under Libby’s leadership ACWIC has been able to make tremendous improvements to the aged care workforce and shape important reform for the system across the country,” Mr Prior said.

“Libby is a formidable leader, with her positive yet forthright approach quickly attracting respect across the sector. We are grateful for her commitment to ACWICshe will be missed.”

Ms Lyons called on aged care providers to protect the important role of Enrolled Nurses (ENs) to ensure clients have access to highquality care and pushed for pay rises for workers to be bumped from 15 to 25%.

Mr Prior’s history with the Council and his role as cofounder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hall & Prior Aged Care Group saw him as the perfect fit to take over and carry on the work Ms Lyons had achieved, especially for aged care workers.

“I’ve been a director of ACWIC for several years now,” he said. “I believe in the power of this council to support collaborative change. “I hear about issues that affect aged care workers every day - from cost-ofliving increases, workloads, education and career needs, to ensuring a good work/life balance. It’s important that our aged care workforce is valued and rewarded for the exceptional work they deliver every day.”

Ms Lyons said she was very proud of the work she has done with ACWIC.

“Since joining ACWIC, I have been inspired by the capability and approach of its people and impressed by the organisation’s capacity to deliver, despite a challenging

The CEO of Hall & Prior takes on the role after Chair Libby Lyons resigns.

and ever-changing operating environment,” Ms Lyons said.

“The aged care sector is fortunate to have ACWIC’s important work led by a strong and experienced Board and talented executive. I have enjoyed my time with the team at ACWIC and engagement with stakeholders of the sector.”

Looking to the future, Mr Prior is confident in the sector’s ability to reform itself to make it a more compliant and pleasant experience to navigate for providers, workers and consumers but that it needed to show unity in order for it to be done.

“There is so much scope to build and equip the aged care workforce to deliver the care that older people, their families and carers expect, but no single organisation can do it alone,” Mr Prior said.

“All the stakeholders must work together. That’s what makes ACWIC unique, bringing the sector together to find consensus and implement practical solutions.

“There is a considerable amount of experience across ACWIC’s Board and executive so ACWIC is well-positioned to continue to deliver its workplan and agenda.”

Pay rise on the way - but not for all

Almost immediately, Mr Prior was called on to give his view on the recent decision to increase aged care pay after the Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruled it would pass on

the interim 15% wage increase in full from June 30, despite the Government’s plans to roll it out in two phases.

The decision would mean a 15% increase to the minimum wage for the Aged Care Award, Nurses Award and Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award. This means direct care workers such as Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and Enrolled Nurses will also be joined by head chefs and recreational activities/lifestyle officers in receiving the pay boost.

Mr Prior said that FWC had made the right decision but he also remained focused on the long-term implementation of the wage increase.

“It is wonderful to see that more aged care workers will get a timely wage increase to

acknowledge the value of the essential work that they do,” said Mr Prior.

“I encourage the Commonwealth to move quickly to support the funding of the wage rise in full, from June 30.

“However, there are still other aged care workers including support and administration staff, and other food services workers, who are not included in the wage increase.

“These workers are central to the provision of safe, personcentred care and their work should be properly valued.”

Aged care workers who deliver cleaning, catering and maintenance services are among those still left out of the minimum wage increase.

Encouraging sensory stimulation

By Katie

Sensory stimulation enables us to connect with our environment and the people around us. Every day we use our senses to interpret and navigate our surroundings, and rely on them every moment of every day.

It makes sense, therefore, that promoting sensory activities leads to improvements in the emotional and physical health of people living with a diagnosis of dementia. Familiar smells, sounds and touch can ease anxiety and reduce stress.

Engaging our senses is not dependent on complex words or thought processes. Instead, it relies on basic human functions such as sight, smell, touch, sound and taste.

Sensory stimulation doesn’t have to be difficult; the simple act of sorting washing can activate multiple senses. The feel of the different fabrics on the person’s skin, the colour and textures of clothing and the smell of the laundry detergent/soap are all valuable experiences.

How to encourage sensory stimulation:

• Not all sensory stimulation needs to be full activities.

• Build it into care.

• Be inventive - try to engage different senses and document what works.

• Balance stimulation - you can build slowly.

• Consider the person’s life history - did they cook or garden a lot? Were they a hairdresser or mechanic?

SIGHT:

• Projectors: creating calming scenery with digital projectors is an activity that can include multiple people at once and is effective at reducing agitation or anxiety.

• Cookbooks, photography books or photo albums: looking through meals that were made, places that were visited or loved ones can assist with reminiscences as well.

• Art activities: painting, colouring or collage activities also have a calming effect.

SMELL:

• Scented flowers/herbs: both a visual and scented activity.

• Aromatherapy: this can include the traditional calming scents such as lavender or chamomile but also can activate/promote dining experiences such as basil or thyme prior to meals or the smell of popcorn prior to movies.

TOUCH:

• Hand, foot or body massages with scented lotions and scrubs.

• Fiddle boxes, mats or cuffs

with a variety of items such as a sewers box with zippers, large buttons, threads or spools, or fishing/toolboxes with bolts, fishing lures and small tools.

• Pet therapy: patting a cat or dog has scientifically been proven to reduce blood pressure and anxiety.

SOUND:

• Music therapy: playing music activates several parts of the brain and can also help with bringing back positive memories. Matching music genres to the times of the day, such as upbeat morning music and calming night time beats, can assist with mood.

• Playing soothing sounds such as oceans, rainforest sounds or even white noise can be effective.

TASTE:

• Portable herb pots offer easy taste/smell/feel options. Sitting herb pots on dining tables prior to meals/putting leaves on placemats can help stimulate appetite.

• Food activities: even a simple taste test of different teas, pieces of fruit or treats.

Further information on sensory stimulation and activities can be found at dementia.org.au/

For those with a diagnosis of dementia, there are some simple ways you can help them connect with their environment.

Conciatore, Behaviour and Cognition Clinical Nurse, Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group.

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Inspiring females

par for the course at Hall & Prior

To mark International Women’s Day 2023 and the continuing impact women make at Hall & Prior every day, we interviewed several leading females within the Group to find out what makes them tick.

Kausalia Apparao, General Manager Finance

L&L: What do you particularly enjoy in terms of day-to-day challenges in your role?

KA: I joined Hall & Prior in 2016 and I work closely with CEO Graeme Prior and the executive team to play a critical leadership role within the organisation.

On a day-to-day basis, I am responsible for the financial control of both the WA and NSW regions, including managing regional profit, cash flow and balance sheets, including controls, reporting and compliance with my team.

I have 22 years experience as a Chartered Accountant, working in finance/IT-related roles, and have overseen over the years over $1 billion turnover and 2,000+ employees.

Personally, I am passionate about the current changing phase the aged care sector is experiencing and enjoy working in a stimulating environment to deliver a high standard work via an innovative technology pathway with my team.

L&L: What does being a female leader mean to you - and what particular leadership qualities do you believe you exhibit?

KA: As a female leader, I believe I am able to make bold and wise decisions, which makes the team environment I oversee more collaborative. I value creating a more inclusive environment as a female leader with high emotional intelligence and being empathetic towards any situation that I deal with – whether it’s at work, with my family or in the community-at-large. I was taught me how to be resilient at a very young age and now I am older and more experienced, I believe I am able to use that fire within myself to create a workplace with a strong vision and a matching sense of purpose.

L&L: Aged care in general employs a lot of women - what makes you proud to work within the industry and what do you believe it offers those other women, young and old, who may be considering a career in aged care?

KA: Working in the aged care industry requires passion and empathy and I believe as a female, I tend to have a more co-operative and participative style of leading. As the industry is growing, it has a lot to offer to the younger generation who may be considering their career path in the caring profession. It can provide a strong sense of belonging and giving back to the community. This is definitely an important factor for me to be in this industry.

L&L: What does International Women’s Day mean to you - do you think women are getting a fair bite of the cherry these days compared to the past?

KA: The theme for International Women’s Day this year is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. One of my biggest strengths is understanding the application of technology and being able to design high level datasets into an analytical way to form a thought process for strategic thinking. STEM subjects are being introduced to all genders at school and I would like to see more women getting into the digital world as this is the future.

L&L: What advice would you give your younger self about pursuing your dreams - is there anything you wish you’d known then that you know now?

KA: I’m currently giving advice to my 17-yearold daughter (pictured, right) while she settles

into her new life at university. While being academic is advantageous, it’s important that life and soft skills are also developed after high school. I am very proud to see her enrolled in a Bachelor of Engineering (Robotic Automation) degree with a double major in commerce. She has also enrolled herself in the university’s Women In Engineering Club. She also tutors students, works in a café and assists with a debating club for high school students. Those are the things I wished I had done when I was younger - and it’s what I would have advised my younger self to do.

L&L: Are there any challenges you’d still like to conquer?

KA: I have been with Hall & Prior for seven years now and have seen many changes and challenges to the sector during that time, including COVID-19.

We are also going through a huge growth phase in this organisation, and I would like to continue to add value for financial growth and sustainability. It is a fantastic workplace, involving the opportunity to manage both WA and NSW. I would love to see more investment in our technology pathway in the future as our company growth strengthens so we can enhance other critical areas.

HIGH FLYERS

Above, Kausalia with her husband and two daughters, Isha, 17 and Mahi, 14. Right, Kausalia with some of her Hall & Prior colleagues during Diwali in 2022.

Natasha Bamber, Executive Director of Nursing (EDON), Karingal Green

L&L: What do you particularly enjoy in terms of the day-to-day challenges?

NB: I love my role as EDON at Hall & Prior’s Karingal Green Health and Aged Care Community. I enjoy a good challenge and this job certainly provides that. I can come into work and expect to start something and then something else will happen either clinically or with staffing, and whatever I have planned has gone right out the window. My passions in nursing are palliative care, Parkinson’s and education and I get to do all three at Karingal. I love teaching graduate nurses and enabling them to grow and feel confident about making clinical decisions themselves.

I also love the connection we have with our families and consumers. Building that

relationship is so important and being a part of their journey is an incredible privilege and so rewarding.

L&L: What does being a female leader mean to you - and what particular leadership qualities do you believe you exhibit?

NB: I admire ex-New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern’s leadership qualities. I believe leaders can absolutely be both empathetic and strong. Leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room but instead being the bridge.

Being a female leader to me means providing mentorship and guidance to other women and men, and helping them thrive and develop their careers in whatever way they chose. Making people feel empowered and valued.

One quality I believe a great female leader should have is respect. Treat people the way you would like to be treated. I also like stepping out of my comfort zone and taking chances to create new and better opportunities.

L&L: What do you believe the industry offers women, young and old, who may be considering a career in aged care?

NB: I feel very proud to work in this industry. I work alongside so many strong, intelligent, funny and innovative women. I work with women from all sorts of different religious and cultural backgrounds and we may have different ideas and understanding of the world but we all come together to create a unique, gentle and loving environment for our consumers.

Aged care can provide a good steady and reliable income for women. It provides a safe working environment where woman can feel supported and valued. Aged Care also provides the chance for women to progress in their careers if that is the avenue they would like to follow.

L&L: Do you think women are getting a fair bite of the cherry these days compared to the past?

NB: It is a day of celebrating everything about a woman, it is a day to celebrate how far women have come and it is a day to bring attention to gender equality, violence against woman, reproductive rights. It’s also a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

I think things have definitely changed in regards to women having a fair bite of the cherry but we have a long way to go.

AGAINST THE TIDE

Natasha Bamber is attempting the Oceans 7 Challenge in 2023, swimming the seven hardest oceans in the world.

I think women are definitely stronger than ever though. This year, I start my Oceans 7 Challenge which will mean me attempting swimming the seven hardest oceans in the world. There are only roughly 20 people in the world who have completed the challenge and there are no exceptions made for women; they must swim under the same rules as men. Just the way I like it!

L&L: Is there anything you wish you’d known when you were younger that you know now?

NB: Sometimes it takes those years to learn and gain experience to be where you

are today. The one bit of advice I would have given my younger self is not to listen to other people’s opinions so much and do what you feel is best for yourself.

L&L: What do you hope your future holds in terms of your career here at Hall & Prior – are there any challenges you’d still like to conquer?

NB: There will always be challenges in our line of work that’s a given but I also have so many ideas and things I would like to see happen at Karingal so I am looking forward to that.

WA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD of aged care receives PASSIONATE ADVOCATE

Awarded a lifetime achievement for her work in the aged care sector, Jennifer Grieve, Hall & Prior’s former General Manager of Health & Care Services, reflects on a 50year career which changed a nation’s approach to caring for the elderly.

By Gabi Mills.

Last month, former Hall & Prior General Manager of Health & Care Services, Jennifer Grieve, received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

It recognised her lifelong contribution to aged care and was the first time the prestigious honour had been awarded to somebody representing the aged care sector. On International Women’s Day, it is fitting to hear from one of Australia’s leading female aged care innovators who aspires always to find pathways for the next generation of nurses who may wish to pursue a career in health and aged care.

For Jen herself - who claims it’s the first award she’s received since being given a pencil in Year 2 - it’s a wonderful award for which she is truly grateful, not just for herself but for the many colleagues with whom she has worked beside throughout a nursing career in gerontological nursing.

Jen has always been a true champion of the nursing profession, a pioneer of gerontological nursing in WA and an aged care visionary, responsible for groundbreaking innovations in the aged care sector which have become the national gold standard in the field of home care, dementia care and falls prevention.

Hall & Prior already knew all of that, but on February 25, the rest of the WA nursing community was made aware of her special qualities too.

At a glittering ceremony for the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards at the Crown Ballroom in Perth, Jen was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. The honour was shared with nurse Kathleen McCoy, who received the award posthumously.

Reflecting on the achievement, Jen admitted she still couldn’t conceal her delight that, at long last, aged care had been recognised in such a way.

“For so long, gerontological nursing has been the Cinderella or a poor cousin in the sector, and it’s marvellous to see it coming into this focus,” she said.

“I always say that somehow I took the right road in 1976 and I am so happy to be the recipient of this award - happy for my family, for the Hall & Prior family, and above all, happy for the aged care sector. I reflect on other previous nurse recipients of this award and feel very humble and honoured to be in their company.”

She said that health and aged care had given her so much, not just in a lifetime’s career, but on a personal level too.

PROUD RECIPIENT OF TOP AWARD

“My husband says he can never ever remember me saying that I didn’t want to go to work; that says it all I think,” she said.

“It was just a pleasure to go to work every day, always interesting, always of immense intrigue and an opportunity to work with incredible colleagues to create solutions and to improve care and services for older people and their families,” Jen said.

Her nursing career is one littered with first-ofits-kind achievements and special innovations in the aged care sector, and indicates that even from the earliest point in her working life, Jen was a star in her field.

From a long line of nurses, Jen trained at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) and graduated in 1971 with the ambition to train in the UK as either a gastroenterology nurse to work with Dr Bernard Lawrence, or a theatre nurse to scrub for Mr Bryant Stokes.

Jennifer Grieve and her WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award. Inset, Owen, Jen and daughter Jane and husband Greg on the night.

She had been a favourite of surgeons for her organised, calm approach to procedures, and was known for her effervescent, joyful personality.

In late 1975, her trajectory took a 360-degree shift when she met Dr Richard (Dick) Lefroy, the then Professor of Geriatric Medicine at UWA and the Director of the WA Extended Care Service. Dr Lefroy was the WA pioneer of gerontology, and from 1976 he became Jen’s teacher, mentor and friend for the next 42 years.

Under Dr Lefroy’s guidance, she learned the art and science of gerontological nursing at Mt Henry and Sunset Hospitals, and throughout rural WA.

Jen says Dr Lefroy ignited a flame of passion for aged care in her - a flame that still burns brightly to this day, some 46 years later.

RPH created its first dedicated extended care and psychogeriatric ward in early 1976, aptly called Ward One, and at just 25 years of age, Jen became its inaugural charge sister (as they were then called). It was, she says, “real nursing and every branch of nursing: clinical care, teaching, research and management all in one place”.

She’d found her life’s work and passion and for the ensuing nearly half century that followed, Jen’s health and aged care career path would progress upwards and onwards, in both

metropolitan and rural communities. This included research with Dr Lefroy that ultimately led to the development of the HACC (now CHSP) program, the development of dementia care and seniors mental health services across the Great Southern Health region, and the introduction of the Stay on your Feet Falls Prevention program into WA.

“In the 1980s, a colleague suggested I make the trip to see what high-quality aged

A NURSE FOR LIFE

Right, Jen trained at Royal Perth Hospital and graduated in 1971. Below, Jen has dedicated her working life to the advancement of aged care and dementia care.

care could look like, and what a nugget of gold I found,” recalls Dr Clark.

“This was at a time preceding national aged care standards and the ensuing widespread interest in quality in aged care. Always ahead of her time, Jen had inspired her team and organisation in Narrogin at the time to create a residential environment that reflected the best of aspirations; something we could all

I’m so very grateful for my time working with CEO Graeme Prior . . . a wonderful person of vision to work beside . . .

learn from, signalling that excellence was possible in all settings, and that aged care was a space and place for innovation, constant improvement and for deeply rewarding professional careers.”

Her legacy is that those who may have slipped through the cracks of society are given dignity, respect and compassionate care until their very last breath.

“At that time, I convinced her to join the public health service and to develop and implement what became known as the Eldercare Health and Aged Care Program in the Great Southern region. It was a first-of-its-kind in seniors’ healthy ageing services, and paved a path for thinking and working differently in aged care; challenging ageism and the negative myths and stereotypes so often associated with age and ageing,” said Dr Clark.

Jen joined Hall & Prior in November 2021, and worked beside a team to open Clarence Estate Health Care Community in March 2022.

“I’m so very grateful for my time working with Hall & Prior and working with CEO Graeme Prior, who has been a wonderful person of vision to work beside, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” she said.

“Nobody stood in the way of our innovation and progress, and now I’m glad to be seeing other nurse leaders have and take those same opportunities to soar higher and higher in their pursuit of excellence in the sector. It’s a joy to watch!”

Jen is more than just a leader; she’s an inspirational totem for those who strive to do better, to be better in their chosen field and give better end-of-life outcomes for those in their care. She manages the dual knack of not only igniting others’ passions but also delivering on the day-to-day minutiae of an individual’s care.

It is this ability to remain intimately connected, personal and human which elevates her to something truly special; big picture issues are always seen through an intensely personal lens of what they will mean for individuals.

Strategies and policy are all very well on paper but when it’s your father or your mother receiving those strategies and policies, it’s important to retain a view of the human impact. In short, Jen has been a champion and advocate of the voiceless, confused and lonely. She has created residential aged care models of delivery which are now seen as the gold standard for those who have reached the last years of their life’s journey. She recognised the value of creating a ‘continuum of community care’ - which is a way of creating communities with aged care at their heart. Examples of this in action include holding ANZAC Day and Christmas services, special in-house shopping days and ways to bring the community outside the aged care home, inside.

Clarence Estate in Albany is the flagship example of this approach - and was and remains very much one of Jen’s highest achievements since it was opened some 21 years ago. At the time, it was the first of its kind in the country and would become a blueprint for a new way of delivering aged care.

FAMILY TIES

Above, with husband Owen, Jen says that she has never found it hard to be passionate about older people and aged care.

“I knew we’d created something special when people would ask to sign up to reserve a spot, many years before it was their time to live there,” she says.

“One gentleman came into my office one day and said that he’d put his name down and ‘couldn’t wait to move into a nursing home’. I hadn’t met anyone like that before.

“It was the idea of ageing in place and getting people to recognise the importance of the fact that as you age, you need to ‘right’ size, not

downsize or compromisebut to find the right sized place for you to suit your needs at that particular stage in your life,” she said.

“Clarence Estate is where the best of health and aged care could find its finest expression, including a clinical specialist dementia care program,” she said.

Jen is also being honoured with the opening of a new community centre at her beloved Clarence Estate. To be called the Jennifer Mary Grieve Community Centre and opened by WA Premier Mark McGowan at the end of March, it’s a fitting tribute to such a leader in the aged care space to put her name to something so close to her heart.

Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior said that he was exceptionally proud of the recognition she had received.

“Witnessing Jen stepping up to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award was a wonderful moment in this incredible woman’s career,” he said. “It rightly recognised the fact that Jen has been instrumental in introducing so many procedures and care policies which have now become par for the course in the field of aged care.”

growth and success.

“I congratulate Jen on this wonderful honour, lending her name to Clarence Estate’s newest addition to the group of aged care services offered in Albany. For generations to come, the Community Centre will be a reminder of this extraordinary woman’s achievements and a fitting tribute to her legacy as a nurse in WA.”

On a more macro scale, her vision to deliver high quality residential care continued to be realised daily through her work at Hall & Prior. She was able to balance the often contrasting commitments of care and commercial outcomes, when amid pressure to deliver more on ever constrained budgets and timeframes.

She has published many reports and documents that continue to push the aged care agenda, from publications on continence to developing a quality life for older Australians. She has also been involved in three research projects related to improving the health and wellbeing of older Indigenous people. She has been appointed to numerous committees, is affiliated with the Royal College of Nursing, Australia’s Gerontic, Leadership & Ethics Group, and has recently completed her Australian Institute of Company Director (AICD) Course to complement her Master of Leadership and Business Management.

“I always say nursing and aged care chose me, it’s a fabulous career. Nurses generalise to begin with and then specialise. I think that gerontological nursing provides a unique, complex and privileged area of health in which to practice holistically in collaboration with your teams. It’s about developing and honing specialist knowledge and skills across the spectrum of ageing in order to promote the quality of life until the end of life. The privilege of trust so often given by older people and their families to gerontological nurses cannot be underestimated.

“I’ve never found it hard to be passionate about older people and aged care,” she said.

“We all have a collaborative role in combatting ageism, debunking myths surrounding ageing and challenging stereotypes. I’ve learned that chronological age doesn’t serve as an accurate descriptor anywhere along one’s lifespan. I’ve also learned that you’re never too young or too old.

“It’s really been a pleasure for me and honestly it feels greedy to receive an award for something I’ve loved that much. There’s an old adage that states “do what you love and love what you do. Well that’s been my very blessed 50-year story.”

A SHINING LIGHT Jen has been a mentor to many and continues to influence aged care, 50 years on.

MEET THE DON

Kathy Lau

Kathy Lau is the Director of Nursing at Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Home in Lane Cove, NSW

and finds herself in the fortunate position of having her dream job. By Gabi Mills.

L&L: How long have you been working in aged care, and what drew you to the profession?

KL: I spent around seven years in acute care nursing in a hospital setting, specialising in renal and haemodialysis. After that. I have spent the last three years in community nursing including aged care management. I was previously the Deputy Director of Nursing at Hall & Prior’s Sirius Cove Aged Care Home for a short time. My first job back in student nursing was as an Assistant in Nursing, and I was also employed by Hall & Prior at Leighton Aged Care Home in WA. I think I’m one of the few people within Hall & Prior to have worked in both WA and NSW. I love the management team and the organisation as a whole.

L&L: Who is someone you admire, and why?

KL: I admire the first Director of Nursing I worked under when I returned to aged care nursing. He was a good listener and was respected by his staff. He was always so kind, and I am trying to follow his management style as I believe we should always show respect to aged care workers.

L&L: What’s the best thing about your job?

KL: This is a very rewarding career and I hope my passion can attract younger generations to the workforce. I really enjoy talking to people, listening to their life stories, their concerns, as well as focusing on their wellbeing.

I believe in showing compassion towards aged care work, respecting our elderly and their hard work over their lifetime and contribution to our country; they really deserve the best.

L&L: Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

KL: I’m an ordinary, suburban housewife with three children so I wouldn’t say I have any special skills but I do enjoy baking and

cooking. I love children as well as women’s health and wellbeing. I have also spent some of my career researching pregnancy and postpartum care for women in different cultures.

L&L: Let’s go back to when you were 10 years old. What did you want to be when you grew up?

KL: That’s easy. Nursing is my dream job, a passion I inherited from my family.

L&L: What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?

KL: I make sure I listen and put into action what I hear from residents and staff.

L&L: How do you think your colleagues would describe you in THREE words?

KL: I’m supportive, a listener and I’m reliable.

L&L: What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next five years?

KL: Advocacy in aged care, staff training and aged care quality management.

L&L: What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?

KL: Jogging, cooking and movie time with my children.

L&L: What would be your personal motto?

KL: Be yourself and follow your heart.

To find out more about Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Home please visit hallprior.com.au.

It’s the

Year of the Rabbit

Glenwood Aged Care Home

Georges Estate Health & Aged Care Community

the beginning of the Chinese New Year at the end of January was cause for much celebration and hope for good luck in this, the Year of the Rabbit.

Our Glenwood Aged Care Home in NSW celebrated the start of the Chinese lunar new year at the end of January, marking the Year of the Rabbit with a delicious feast.

The staff served a Chinese special afternoon tea with Chinese snacks, like dumplings, prawn crackers, pork buns and steamed egg to the residents, as well as handing out lucky red envelopes. The residents enjoyed the experience a lot and Glenwood’s lifestyle officer Ann made a lovely effort to make it a big success.

Meanwhile, at Georges Estate, the staff pulled out all the stops with some colourful decorations and a special meal to celebrate the new year while at Leighton in WA, a local Chinese dancing troupe entertained the residents with an authentic Chinese New Year performance.

AUSPICIOUS TIMES

The Year of the Rabbit was marked around our homes in WA and NSW.

Fairfield Aged Care Home

It was time to fire up the BBQ recently to farewell one of Fairfield Aged Care Home’s favourite members of staff, Van Niem Nguyen. Staff laid on a beautiful celebration to mark the retirement of the popular member of the night staff team, who was invited back to Fairfield on February 27 to say a proper goodbye from all staff and residents.

Lifestyle Officer Vickey and her team organised a stunning morning tea spread, and Eva Ballai, the Director of Nursing, presented Niem with Hall & Prior’s Certificate of Recognition for his 15 years of service as night care staff at the home in west of Sydney.

On this special occasion, all staff members were having a good time, reminiscing together about working with Niem over the years, including funny stories and moving memories about staff and residents.

“You could truly feel a special energy in the air that lifted our staff’s morale by recognising retired members and saying goodbye to them,” said Eva.

Fairfield residents were equally very happy and grateful to share this special event with Niem, who spent time going around the entire home and saying goodbye to each and every resident. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Niem - we will miss you!

Fairfield farewells Niem Dancing kings and queens

Agmaroy Aged Care Home

The energetic residents of Agmaroy Aged Care Home in Wilson, WA put on their dancing shoes in February and took to the floor in style. Together with OTA Sharon, the residents took their place in the spotlight and showed off their moves on the dance floor.

It was a fantastic afternoon, full of happiness and energy, and resulted in so many smiles on residents’ faces.

Chocolate treats for all

Tuohy Aged Care Home

A GROUP OF RESIDENTS from Tuohy Aged Care Home in WA headed to the Whistler Chocolate Company’s cafe in Middle Swan in WA recently for a special day of chocolate and other sweet desserts.

Maria and her daughter Tina, Mary Yeoman, Brian, Janice and Martine all enjoyed the opportunity to try some of the local chocolate factory’s wares and stopped for a cuppa too.

The family-owned Whistler’s Chocolate Company has been making traditional chocolates and confectionery for over 50 years, from recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Did you know that Whistler’s is now Western Australia’s oldest chocolate company?

It has also become an iconic brand representing quality and good old-fashioned traditions.

A visit to Whistler’s is always a popular day trip for our residents and the chance to hang out together with some delicious, sweet treats at the same time is not to be missed. Martine was even able to fit in a little puppy patting while she was in the cafe.

Walking group takes off in Concorde

RESIDENTS AT CONCORDE are fortunate to have a lovely park close by and take full advantage of it by going for weekly walking groups together. It’s a great opportunity to encourage residents to get up and moving, and enjoying a change of scenery from their daily life at Concorde.

The group love getting outdoors to take in some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.

In December, they even managed to catch the beautiful jacarandas in full bloom. It’s a timely reminder too that it’s the simple things which bring so much happiness . . . more walks are planned for autumn.

Love is all around

Valentine’s Day was a special highlight for many of our homes in February, with many events being held in honour of this day of love.

Fairfield Aged Care Home in Sydney celebrated Valentine’s Day with a great afternoon, sharing their love and friendship with each other.

To make things extra special and loved-up, they all enjoyed a wonderful afternoon tea with some yummy savouries followed by donuts in the shape of love hearts.

At Clover Lea, long-time loves Catherine and George celebrated 75 years together - congratulations!

Meanwhile in Perth, there were some warm feelings growing between residents and staff.

Kathleen Walden, the Director of Nursing at St Lukes in Subiaco, WA and resident Fred on Valentine’s Day have a special relationship.

As the photos show, each resident had their own placemat, asking if they would be each other’s Valentine and staff encouraged them all to add their own messages to the tablecloth too.

As you can see, Fred was very happy to oblige and be Kath’s Valentine - lucky girl, Kath!

Technically, a brilliant day out

Grafton Aged Care Home

Some of the residents from Grafton Aged Care Home in NSW headed off for a very special day out as part of Seniors Week.

The Clarence Regional Library offered tech help for seniors so residents Sheila and Uncle Rob took along their smartphones and got some much-needed assistance to help them make the most of their devices.

They got answers to all their technological questions while the boys tested their skills in the chill-out zone playing some PS4 games, a space usually reserved for local teens to enjoy!

Resident Sheila says she remembered the Library being built in 2014, but until today, had never been inside. She was totally amazed and described the outing as ‘absolutely brilliant’.

Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside Leighton Aged Care Home

Agroup of residents from Leighton Aged Care Home in WA climbed aboard the bus and headed north to Two Rocks for a day out altogether. It was a great chance to enjoy new surroundings and some lovely views over the ocean.

The group tucked into lunch and enjoyed a bit of a chinwag together at a restaurant which overlooked the sea.

Sightseeing in

style

Emerald Life Aged Care Home

Residents from our home in West Leederville, Emerald Life, enjoyed a gentle trip around nearby Lake Monger recently.

They joined a Cycling Without Age trishaw ride which is run by volunteers - including a local MP! The residents reported back that they loved spotting some of the colourful local bird life on the banks of the lake, as well as being out in the warm Perth summer sunshine.

Maria said it reminded her of being home in Italy as she went around the lake while Eileen was lucky enough to have two bites of the cherry with two trips around the lake.

The volunteers for this fantastic initiative are at Lake Monger on the first Friday of every month so will look at booking this activity as a regular outing.

Hocart Hopefuls keep their eyes on the prize

Hocart Lodge Aged Care Home

IF YOU SEE SOME fancy moves at the beautifully manicured bowling green in Harvey, WA, chances are you’re seeing the Hocart Hopefuls in action.

Led by Director of Nursing Natasha Meredith, the Hocart Hopefuls play every Wednesday and also sponsor the club as part of Hocart Lodge Aged Care Home’s drive to be valuable part of the local community.

Snakes alive!

St Lukes Aged Care Home

St Lukes Aged Care Home in Subiaco, WA, welcomed some slithery (and thankfully friendly) new friends recently, courtesy of Tessa’s Reptiles Services.

“I was contacted by the lovely Julie from St Luke’s to attend their therapy session and give their residents an experience,” says Tessa, a trained reptile and venomous snake and reptile relocator.

“Working with elderly patients meant we were focused on a sensory experience for the residents which evokes memories, both good and bad, and to hear the clients share their stories and experiences,” she said.

“I heard many-a story today about people killing snakes (three of the residents were ex-farmers ) but they told me many cool stories about how they’d also moved them on and the wildlife they saw in areas now that a lot of species are now no longer there.

“A big bonus was that the residents “liked Tessa’s snakes”. . . and even regional leader Deb SinclairLane got in on the act, with a snake wrapping itself around her shoulders.

There were also a few residents who had never touched a snake before so it was wonderful to see those individuals be brave and touch a few of Tessa’s snakes.

Even Nigel asked Tessa if he could hold Nigel the woma as they share the same name. For Tessa, it was an extra special incursion personally.

“I used to be a carer years ago, so to come back in a therapy role today was really a highlight and feel-good moment for me.”

Out and about in downtown Donnybrook

Tuia Lodge Aged Care Home

WHAT A BUSY MONTH of socialising

December turned out to be at Tuia Lodge in Donnybrook, WA.

Residents enjoyed a morning tea down next to Preston River under the gazebo, cooled by a beautiful summer breeze. You never know who you might meet down there; the odd duck and of course always an obliging, strolling dog begging for a pat.

And then, just before Christmas, the group enjoyed morning tea at the Parks shed, donning their best Christmas head wear.

Coral highly recommended the spearmint milkshake.

Time for a little TLC

Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Home

Some of our residents at Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Home in Lane Cove, NSW enjoyed some pamper time recently, with their hands soaking in warm water with bubbles followed by gentle hand massages using hand creams.

Then it was time to get creative with colour as fingernails cut, filed and then painted with a choice of nail polish colours.

Pampering is not only for our female consumers but also our male consumers - after all, they also enjoyed the warm, soapy water and gentle hand massages.

What a relaxing activity with soft music being played in the background.

Karingal Green Home Care Welcome to

If you’re looking for exceptional care in the home for your loved one, look no further than Karingal Green Home Care.

Karingal Green is a worldclass, connected aged care community from award-winning provider Hall & Prior. Our team live and work in your community and are committed to supporting people to continue to live independently in their own home. We offer a wide range of flexible programs and services and can tailor them to suit you.

Our programs include home care packages, wellness, residential or in-home respite, as well as other services which you can book through us at any time. You might like to receive some help around your home, assistance with your meals, join us for social outings, transport to your appointments, or assistance with personal care and clinical services.

HOME CARE PACKAGES

Home care packages are individually planned packages

of care designed to enable you or your loved one to remain as independent as possible. Each package is flexible and can be individually tailored to suit your needs and goals.

DEMENTIA SUPPORT

If you or your loved one are experiencing difficulties with your everyday activities

because of the symptoms associated with dementia, we can help. Karingal Green is able to provide specialist dementia care in addition to the services offered as part of any home care package.

For more information, call 1300 604 506 or visit karingalgreenhomecare.com.au

HOME CARE AND SERVICES

The care and services provided will depend on your individual goals and needs, and will be agreed on in consultation with staff but can include the following:

• Medical rehabilitation unit

• Personal & nursing care

• Respite care

• Shopping

• Meal preparation

• Home maintenance

• Gardening

• House cleaning

• Nutritional advice

• Laundry support

• Health assessments

• Physiotherapy

• Occupational therapy

• Travel to outings & appointments

• Social support & companionship

• Wellness

Flexible programs and services tailored to your individual needs. You may like to receive help around the home, assistance with meals, join social outings, transport to appointments, or assistance with personal care and clinical services.

Karingal Green Home Care can provide the professional assistance needed to continue living safely and independently in your own home. 53

Young and old

The benefits of opposite ends of the generational scale getting together and enjoying each other’s company is a beautiful thing to witness, and in our homes in WA and NSW, it’s something we love to see.

Residents at Kensington Park Aged Care Home in WA have been getting to know some extra special little VIPs recently.

The home has started a relationship with Busy Bees Childcare centre in Kensington which means a group of residents each month visit the childcare centre and spend time with the children.

It’s an opportunity for our residents to play games, reminisce about childhood memories and even pet some cuddly bunnies with the next generation. As you can see from some of the images both the residents and the children love this opportunity to enjoy each other’s company - where age is no barrier to fun.

Meanwhile, in Penshurst, NSW, Playgroup NSW

celebrated the launch of a new ‘Timeless Play’ intergenerational program that aims to bridge the gap between the young and young-at-heart.

The Supported Playgroup has started to meet fortnightly at Georges Estate Health & Aged Care Community in Penshurst for the next year and aims to connect the older generation with the youngest in their community, to combat loneliness, isolation and mental health issues.

The group hope to develop deeper connections through play-based activities, led by Playgroup NSW Educators, the organisation said in a statement today.

“Our Intergenerational Playgroups provide an opportunity for multigenerational play and fun in both aged-care and community settings,” it said.

The Timeless Play program aims to connect generations through play-based activities that foster friendship, community cohesion and value the insights and experiences of all who attend.

“We’re very excited to welcome Playgroup NSW to Georges Estate to be able to interact and help make our residents smile, as they enjoy the activities with the children.

“The connection between generations is so important and we can see from today how beautiful it’s been, and they have interacted together so quicklyso many beautiful smiles from both the families and the residents,” said Kris Healy, General Manager NSW of Hall & Prior which runs Georges Estate Health & Aged Care Community.

“Through this program we hope to see the beauty of friendships and connections formed through the experience of play between the generations. This two-hour space once a fortnight will be a relaxed and happy place to play and grow as a community. Many priceless memories will be made in this group,” said Allyson Gyrmakis, Playgroup NSW Intergenerational Program leader.

The Timeless Play Intergenerational program aims to increase activity engagement, social inclusion, to decrease depression and anxiety and assist in cognitive and physical maintenance.

AGE NO BARRIER TO FUN

Hall & Prior residents and visitors from local childcare centres enjoying each other’s company.

Q+A

Shisir Chhetri, carer at Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Home, Lane Cove NSW

with

Shisir Chhetri - or Zenith as he’s known - is a popular member of the team at Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Home in Lane Cove, NSW. Originally from Kathmandu in Nepal, he arrived in Australia to complete his MBA degree in 2019 before joining the Hall & Prior family in 2022. As a recreational officer, he loves to get to know all the residents and create activities which they will enjoy.

L&L: What made you want to become a carer?

SC: The idea of making a difference to someone’s quality of life, supporting them with their leisure and lifestyle needs and making them feel empowered inspired me to begin working as a care worker.

L&L: How long have you worked in aged care and when did you join Hall & Prior?

SC: I joined Hall & Prior on February 28 last year as an administration officer but now I am working as a recreational officer. Before that, I had not worked in an aged care role before.

L&L: What does an average day look like?

SC: For me, an average day is getting up early in the morning and coming to work. I like to greet consumers with a smile, reminding and encouraging residents to take part in lifestyle programs. Then I do other things like prepare for other activities and filling out documents and other admin tasks.

L&L: Tell us about one part of your job that makes you feel really rewarded and connected to those you care for.

SC: I really like putting smiles on the faces of the residents.

MR POPULARITY

Zenith Chhetri is a well-loved member of the Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Home in NSW.

L&L: What is the best piece of advice you ever got about caring for others and from who?

SC: The best advice was from my lovely co-worker who I call “Mother Lynne”. She gave me some advice at the beginning of me working as a lifestyle officer and it was this:“to treat each consumer as your loved ones (parents) and to show respect to each consumer for their identity.”

L&L: What is the best thing about working at your aged care home?

SC: The best thing about working in our aged care home is to see the diverse characters of the consumers, and getting to know the friendly staff and amazing co-workers.

L&L: What have you learned about yourself and those you care for while you’ve worked for Hall & Prior?

SC: I learned that I have compassion for people (more than I thought I would, actually) and I also learned to put other’s needs before my own.

L&L: How would others describe you?

SC: My co-workers and consumers describe me as “very dedicated, fun-loving, cheerful and bright”. I accept the compliments and I try to be better every day.

L&L: What qualities are required to make a great worker in your opinion?

SC: I would say it’s necessary to have patience, to spend time understanding each individual, to show empathy and respect. All of this will make you a great worker.

L&L: Tell us how you got the nickname Zenith?

SC: My grandmother named me Zenith so that my uncle and I could have the same name.

Treat each consumer as your loved ones and show respect . . .

“ “

The best low vision aids to help you at home

There are some innovative products to help you around the home if your eyesight isn’t as good as it used to be, according to VisAbility.

As you age, your eyesight naturally deteriorates. The most common cause of vision loss in Australia is age-related macular degeneration, but any eye disease doesn’t have to put an end to your independence at home.

There are many low vision aids to help you undertake everyday tasks, increase confidence and improve your quality of life.

Simple devices can make a huge difference for people with vision impairment, making the impossible, possible.

Magnifiers and spot lighting are the top recommendations for people with vision loss.

They help compensate for reduced visual acuity and create better contrast sensitivity.

But aside from magnifiers and spot lighting, what are the best five low vision aids?

For more than 100 years VisAbility has offered support and services to people with blindness and vision impairment of all ages.

Kate, a Customer Service Officer at VisAbility, who lives with vision loss herself, has been outlining her favouritesthe top five items beneficial to people with low or no vision.

Liquid level indicators

A liquid level indicator, powered by batteries, provides audio and vibration

alerts to indicate when the liquid has reached a certain level in a cup, beaker, or glass. It attaches to a receptacle to prevent spills and reduce the risk of burns or other accidents. Prongs detect when it’s nearly full.

It is small, portable, easily transportable, simple and easy to use.

Tilting kettle

A tilting kettle is a perfect addition to your kitchen if you live with vision loss. It’s an appliance designed to make pouring hot liquids easier and safer.

It features a tilting mechanism, so there’s no need to lift or tip the entire kettle. You can pour the contents into a cup or mug without holding it steady, reducing the risk of any accidents. It allows for greater independence and confidence when making hot drinks.

Onion or vegetable holder

An onion holder (or vegetable holder) is a kitchen gadget designed to help anyone with vision loss cut and chop vegetables safely. The prongs or spikes on the device hold the onion or vegetable in place, allowing the user to slice or dice it without the risk of injuring fingers.

Some vegetable holders have a textured surface or are colour contrasted to help locate the position of the vegetable or onion.

Bumps and dots

Tactile bumps and dots are physical indicators - raised circular dots made of plastic that you can feel with your fingertips. They allow anyone with vision impairment to

ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

For those with failing vision, there are some helpful gadgets on offer.

distinguish a specific area on an object through touch and texture.

They can be easily attached to household items, such as oven settings, older-style phones, microwaves and toiletries such as shampoos, conditioners and body wash.

Audio book players

An audio book player is a device designed to play talking books in a format that’s far more accessible to individuals who have difficulty reading printed text. An audio book has large, tactile buttons and high-contrast displays. The device is simple to use. It has options to skip chapters and select a desired book with ease. It allows you to bookmark your place, so you will never lose your spot.

Audio books use DAISY cartridges, a type of removable storage medium. DAISY itself stands for Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY). Several books are on one DAISY cartridge.

Anyone with a print disability can access VisAbility’s Audio Library for free. A print disability means someone can’t read standard printed materials due to vision loss, or physical or cognitive impairments.

All the items suggested in this article are available at VisAbility’s Resource Centre and Shop on Kitchener Avenue in Victoria Park in Western Australia. You don’t have to be a VisAbility client to visit the shop. The items are also available online through an online catalogue.

You can find out more by visiting www.visability.com. au/oak or call (08) 9311 8202

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

Fiona Prior

Fiona Prior, Hall & Prior’s Manager of Executive Services, needs no introduction. An essential mainstay of the Group for over two decades, Fiona is also married to Graeme Prior, CEO of Hall & Prior, and juggles a busy household of two dogs, twins and multiple calls on her time at home and work.

MY FAMILY

We are a blended family with my husband having three older boys (Daniel, Andrew and Mason) who have their own family or partners. We then have twins, Thomas and Isabella, who are 8.

OUR DOGS

We have two cavoodles who are 12-months oldOreo and Charley. They are cute but are also still a work in progress, training-wise!

OUR NEW HOME

We recently moved into a new home and it is my new favourite thing. I’m looking forward to spending lots of time with my family there.

HOLIDAYS

Who doesn’t like holidays? As long as it is with my family, I am happy to go anywhere. My favourite spots are the Margaret River region, Port Douglas and Hamilton Island.

COOKING

I love to cook, I wish I had more time to ‘create’ but when I do have time, I love getting into my kitchen.

RED WINE

It is my weakness . . . I love a McLaren Vale or a Barossa Shiraz. At present, I am drinking Heirloom Shiraz from McLaren Vale!

FRIENDS

I love catching up with my friends, albeit there is never enough time to do it as often as I’d like.

MY JOB

I have been working for Hall & Prior for 28 years so I must like something about it to stay this long! The job has been varied and challenging and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with amazing people and be considered a valuable member of the organisation.

PUZZLES CROSSWORD

1 Rashes; infections (5)

2 Impartial (9)

3 Changes (5)

4 Knighthood (1.1.1)

5 Slides (5)

6 Withdrawal; separation (9)

7 Evade (5)

8 Suffered from the heat (9)

12 River flowing from Tibet to the Arabian Sea (5)

14 Exploded (9)

15 Fixes; liquids (9)

16 Bags (5)

17 Most beautiful (9)

22 Opened wide (5)

23 Opposite of tails (5)

24 Fortune telling cards (5)

25 Work tables (5)

27 Prosecute (3)

9-LETTER WORD

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

19 words: Good

4x4

QUICK QUIZ

1 What are the bars of a xylophone commonly made from?

2 Who starred as Xena in Xena: Warrior Princess from 1995 to 2001?

3 The first X-Men comic, The X-men #1, was published in what year?

4 Fox Mulder and Dana Scully were the main characters of which US television show?

5 Xenophobia is the fear of what?

020

Foreigners

No. 020

WORDSTEP

Complete

No. 020

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box. 93

57 26 67 4 45 7

391

41

59 3 21 8 78 49

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com acorn, acton, actor, cant, canto, cantor, carl, cart, carton, cartoon, clan, clot, coal, coat, cola, colon, colorant, colt, contort, contra, CONTRALTO, control, cool, coolant, coot, coral, corn, corona, cotta, cotton, croon, locator, loco, octal, octant, taco, tact, talc, tract

SOLUTIONS

Can you find all of the words listed below? The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

CROSS MATH

Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

Each number corresponds to a letter. Can you crack the code?

EIGHT AROUND

Can you work out what the missing letter is that spells an 8-letter word? It could read either clockwise or anti-clockwise.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

J USTIN T HEROU x

1. Apple TV+ series The Mosquito Coast is an adaptation of a novel by which of Justin Theroux’s relatives?

A. Cousin Louis

B. Cousin Marcel

C. Uncle Paul

D. Father Eugene

2. What is the name of Theroux’s famous journalist cousin?

A. Paul

B. Marcel

C. Louis

D. Alexander

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

3. To which Friends Theroux once married?

A. Courteney Cox

B. Jennifer Aniston

C. Lisa Kudrow

D. Matthew Perry

4. Which former Away actor does Theroux star opposite in Mosquito Coast

A. Isla Fisher

B. Dannii Minogue

C. Isabel Lucas

D. Melissa George

5. What is his Zoolander character’s profession?

A. DJ

B. Breakdancer

C. Singer

D. Bartender

OUR WA HOMES

OUR NSW HOMES