Life & Love Issue 39

Life& L ve

Life& L ve

Issue 39 | Autumn

Djeran (WA)

Time of Marrai’gang (NSW)

EDITOR

Gabi Mills

GMills@hallprior.com.au

DESIGNER

Jennifer Mattison

JMattison@hallprior.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ammon Creative

COVER IMAGE

Uncle Rob, ANZAC veteran and resident of Grafton Aged Care Home.

Portrait by Simon Hughes Photography.

Printed by VANGUARD PRESS, WA

EDITOR'S LETTER

In Noongar country, April and May is known as Djeran. This is the season of adulthood and is represented by the colour green.

Many flying ants can be seen cruising around in the light winds. Djeran is a time of red flowers, especially from the red flowering gum (Corymbiaficifolia), as well as the smaller flowers of the summer flame (Beaufortia aestiva). Karingal Green has some beautiful Beaufortia blooms right now.

In Sydney, it is the time of Marrai’gang when the weather turns wetter and cooler (Bana’murrai’yung). The D’harawal Country and language area extends from the southern shores of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) to the northern shores of the Shoalhaven River, and from the eastern shores of the Wollondilly River system to the eastern seaboard. It’s the time of the year when the cries of the Marrai’gang (quoll) seeking his mate can be heard through the forests and woodlands, and when the lilly pillys ripen on the trees. However, when they start to fall, it is time to mend the old warm cloaks from last cold season, or make new ones, and begin the yearly trek to the coastal areas.

HOGAN PRINT, NSW

All rights reserved. No material published in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written authority. Every endeavour is made to ensure information contained is correct at time of going to print.

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

Visit hallprior.com.au

SHARING A YARN Uncle Rob, left, remembers his time in the RAAF with Hall & Prior CEO, Graeme Prior.

Chief Executive Officer

hen I recently sat down with Uncle Rob, an ANZAC Indigenous veteran in our Grafton Aged Care Home, I was struck once again by the extraordinary lives many of our residents have lived.

A proud Gumbaynggir man, he was one of a few RAAF Aboriginal servicemen who maintained the Airforce’s Iroquois fleet during the Vietnam War.

We filmed my conversation with this eloquent man, who went on to be a leading light in his community, and he speaks movingly of the respect he felt from fellow Australian airmen, and the pride he took in wearing his country’s uniform. It was a very moving encounter and I hope you enjoy reading about Uncle Rob and other veteran’s stories in this issue, as well as watching the video we compiled in due course via our social media channels and website.

As ever, ANZAC Day is a very important date on the calendar for all our Hall & Prior homes, with services held to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. We will remember them all.

In other news, it was with great pride that I invited WA Premier the Hon Mark McGowan to attend the official tree planting ceremony

and opening of the new Jennifer Mary Grieve Home & Community Care Centre next to Clarence Estate in Albany at the end of March. It was a wonderful day, and as you’ll see from the photographs, many friends, staff and dignitaries attended this important event in Hall & Prior’s story to date.

The new centre will become an important hub for extending specialist aged care to the Great Southern region, and is a vision of mine and Jennifer Grieve’s that took some 15 years to come to fruition. I would like to thank my team and all those who contributed to its successful opening.

I will be heading overseas to Thailand in June, to preside over the International Federation on Ageing’s 16th Global Conference. I’m looking forward to meeting in person my fellow aged care leaders and advancing the discource around aged care in new and innovative ways.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Life & Love.

GRAEME PRIOR Chief Executive Officer

A reflection on 50 years of nursing

By Jennifer Grieve, Hall & Prior’s former General Manager Health & Care Services

When I look back over my 50 years of nursing, four decades of them spent in aged care, I’m both proud and humbled.

Proud because there have been so many improvements made in the aged care sector which embrace a whole of person care approach and humbled, because there is so much more work to be done.

I believe that the global phenomenon of longer life is one of humanity’s greatest achievements, and its greatest challenges to date.

Living longer challenges our governments to provide funding for the care we need, it challenges the health profession to provide enough competent and

compassionate staff and it challenges our families and the support networks we rely on to help us live our best lives.

It’s true that 50, 60, 70 and 80 don’t look like they used to, but ageing is different for everyone, and I have long held the belief that the age of your next birthday means little in relation to how you feel and how you behave - you can be old at 30 and young at 90.

But the triumph of longevity will mean nothing unless we can challenge and

reimagine ageing to benefit all of its constituents.

We need to reject the narrow view of older age as a time of disempowerment, problems and limitations in favour of new thinking built upon the principles of holistic health, dignity, respect, choice and possibilities.

Gerontological nursing is emerging from the shadows with a much sharper focus, as it becomes recognised as a speciality in its own right and an attractive career choice.

At the same time, health and aged care services are being acknowledged as serious and valued partners in the health sector.

All aspects of this field are evolving and pleasingly, nursing is at the forefront of this evolution. Nurses are stepping up as leaders in clinical, management, education and research.

Nurses are also actively challenging ageism and its negative forces and influences. But the ethos of nursing remains the same . . . competence, kindness, compassion and empathy (not sympathy) must always underpin our endeavours. As does judicious use of finite health resources.

Gerontological nursing can be described as a field of nursing dedicated to improving the holistic health and wellbeing of older people.

This means acknowledging the “whole person” and their wishes for their physical, mental, social, spiritual, cultural, environmental and financial health and wellbeing. When you care for an older person, that partnership also extends to their family and significant others.

It is vitally important for nurses to be allowed to take the time to learn about older people; to hear their life stories and understand what is meaningful in their life, because this informs their care.

I’ll never tire of this part of nursing and the wonderful stories I’ve heard along the way. Every one of us helps shape society in big and small

CARING PROFESSION

ways. Author Arthur C. Brooks refers to the knowledge of older people as “crystallised wisdom” and I believe this wisdom is not embraced enough by society.

In the past 50 years, nursing has become inclusive and empowering, respectful and dignified. In short, nurses now care beside and with older people not for them. It is a collaborative approach which creates individualised health and aged care solutions together. The privilege of trust of another human life can never be underestimated; and this trust must never be misplaced. That’s why it’s imperative to have a workforce of highly skilled, motivated and passionate nurses with comprehensive clinical knowledge in the aged care sector.

On reflection of my own career, aged care chose me at a time when it was not considered an exciting or even well-regarded nursing speciality. But I found it quite the opposite; complex, dynamic, exciting and brimming with opportunities to make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing.

Political and spiritual leader Ghandi once famously said, “The true measure of society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable” and right now, I believe now we have an opportunity to redefine not just how we treat our elderly, but how old age is experienced.

Specialising in aged care goes right to the heart of what it is to be a nurse, and how wonderful it is for future generations of nurses to become tomorrow’s leaders,

Jennifer Grieve, above and right, as a young nurse.

re-shaping and enhancing how old age is experienced.

Having health and wellbeing in the same sentence as aged care denotes a shift from, “you’re old, nothing else can be done” to “there is always something that can be done.”

The aged care of the future must focus on healing and nurturing, not sickness and sadness.

It is an immense privilege to age, but we need to look

after that privilege and cherish it as the gift it is.

This article was first published in the West Australian. Jennifer Grieve was recently honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards. She is the first aged care nurse to ever receive the honour.

Did you see?

When the Jennifer Mary Grieve Home & Community Centre was officially opened by WA Premier, the Hon Mark McGowan on March 31, there was plenty of press interest from the local newspaper and beyond. Here are just a few of the clippings.

Design Round Table creates talking points

There were plenty of insightful discussions at the Regenerative Design Round Table hosted by Hassell recently, and attended by Hall & Prior’s David Stroud, Director Corporate Development.

Mr Stroud joined Prof Josh Byrne, Hon. Dr Brad Pettitt MLC, and Hassell’s Sustainable Design Leader, Karla Fox-Reynolds for a conversation about how Perth can transition to become a net zero city, and the role regenerative design can play.

Questions like ‘what kind of communities can we build if low-carbon design is at the heart of our thinking?’ and ‘what if we demote the private car and place people, public transport and cycling at the top?’ were discussed.

The WA McGowan Government has committed to legislating net zero by 2050 and introducing five-year interim targets. There is also a commitment to slash pubic sector emissions by 80% by the end of the decade so the big question was this: how

does the design industry support this journey?

From Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group’s point of view, these are questions which are addressed at the design stage of any new aged care facility build, finding its most recent expression in the awardwinning Karingal Green Health and Aged Care Community.

Photography by Catch Create

Graeme Prior heads to Bangkok

The 16th Global Conference on Ageing in Bangkok will be taking place in June and Hall & Prior’s CEO, Graeme Prior will be presiding. In his role as President of the International Federation on Ageing, Mr Prior is inviting the world to join him and other aged care professionals in Thailand from

June 27 to 30 at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.

This conference provides a unique platform for policymakers, experts, and thought leaders from around the world to discuss critical issues related to ageing. It will feature numerous

keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops that will explore themes such as AgeFriendly Environments, Digital Technologies, Immunisations, Maintaining and Improving Function, and Older Women topics.

For full details, visit ifa.ngo

Play date at Georges Estate

The lower ground floor of our newest NSW custom-built aged care home in Penshurst was a-buzz with activity this Easter as some little cuties from Playgroup NSW were getting crafty with the residents of Georges Estate yesterday in a heartwarming mix of diverse age groups.

It was wonderful to witness those clever little kids interacting with their new friends. It’s such a wonderful initiative which we hope will become a regular activity here at our beautiful aged care home.

Even CEO Graeme Prior caught a little bit of the fun and games while he was visiting the facility from WA, and a film crew from SBS also captured this magic moment between young and old.

Experts say intergenerational playgroups create valuable connections across generations, reducing isolation and increasing socialisation for all.

Nadene Lee, CEO of Playgroup NSW, said there’s anecdotal evidence of the benefits of such playgroups.

“There are clear and profound benefits for mental health, as well as for connection, selfesteem and socialisation for all generations involved,

but particularly for our older friends,” said Nadene, as reported by SBS World News.

“The more of these playgroups we can offer, the greater the impact for individuals and community as a whole.”

Carmel Bollard, 89, moved into Georges Estate last year with her husband. She says life was “isolating” during the COVID-19 pandemic, so programs like Timeless Play have brought life to what were previously lonely days.

It’s been over a decade since she took care of a baby as a grandparent, and now gives the mums some advice about motherhood.

Carmel says playing with children and chatting to parents has been a positive experience.

“It’s a very good experience,” she says.

For 85-year-old Bill Barker, days are filled to the brim with activities, and that includes making some younger, new friends who visit for playgroup. Now, he likes to joke that he feels like he’s “26 and a quarter”.

Bill spends every fortnight playing at his aged care facility with babies, like fivemonth-old Charlie.

The estate manager, Kris Healy says she’s noticed a difference first-hand from the very first playgroup.

“A lot of [residents] came down and their faces were blank, but by the end of the session, they were smiling, they were laughing,” Kris said.

Delirium: A Confused State of Mind

Know what to look for when dealing with delirium in order to have active involvement in your care or the care of your loved one, writes

Katie Conciatore, Hall &

Prior’s Behaviour and Cognition

Have you ever experienced a temporary state of confusion, disorientation or sudden change in your behaviour or thinking? If yes, then you might have experienced delirium. It is a state of mental confusion that affects a person’s ability to think, remember, communicate and pay attention.

Delirium can affect people of any age, but it is more common among older adults who are in hospital, especially those who have had surgery, are critically ill or have dementia. The risk of delirium is also high in people with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, and those who take certain medications.

Delirium can be caused by many factors, such as infection, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, medication side effects, sleep deprivation or anything that causes the body to release stress hormones.

The good news is that delirium is preventable and treatable. The best prevention strategy is to identify and manage the causes of delirium. For example, if

Clinical Nurse.

a person is dehydrated, giving them fluids, if a person is experiencing sleep deprivation, ensuring they get enough rest.

Delirium develops quickly so it’s crucial to recognise the symptoms of delirium and act quickly.

The symptoms of delirium can be different for each person, but some common signs include confusion, disorientation, agitation, hallucinations, and sleep disturbance. If you notice these symptoms alert a carer immediately.

Treatment for delirium involves fixing the cause of the delirium and managing the symptoms. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to reduce the stress being felt.

In addition to medical treatment, there are also stress reduction strategies that can help manage delirium.

• Ensure hearing aids, glasses or other aids are being used as needed.

• Reorient yourself or your loved one to the surroundings, time and date using a wall clock/ calendar/whiteboard.

• Familiar items such as photos, music or books can help.

• Maintaining a consistent routine with regular meal times, activity periods, and sleep schedules.

• Stay active as much as possible.

• Encourage family and friends to visit and participate in activities.

• Ensure you get adequate rest, preferably at night, and limit daytime napping.

• Avoid excessive noise or visual stimulation that could increase agitation or confusion.

• Make sure you are wellhydrated and continuing to eat well.

Remember, delirium is a temporary state of mental confusion. It is preventable and treatable, and prevention strategies include identifying and managing core causes. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of delirium, seek medical attention immediately.

The Penthouse at Georges Estate

The Penthouse at Georges Estate is the ultimate in luxury and quality with the option for single or companion living. With only one Penthouse located on the corner of the first floor and the largest room available, the Penthouse overlooks our landscaped gardens with easy access to our indoor common areas.

The Penthouse is designed to be flexible with a maximum of two people, it can be configured with a double bed or a king double bed for couples looking to share a room together.

With room for a private lounge and dining area and access to your own personal kitchenette the Penthouse provides all the comforts of home in the privacy of your room.

THE PENTHOUSE INCLUDES:

• 24-hour nurse call system

• King Single or King Double adjustable bed

• Large private ensuite, lounge and dining room

• Individually controlled climate air conditioning

• Bedside light with dimming switch

• Generous built-in wardrobes, bedside table and chest of drawers

• Minimum 50” wall-mounted Smart TV

• Kitchenette complete with Nespresso coffee machine and tea facilities

• Premium Wi-Fi available in room

• In-room bar fridge & in-room safe

• Total room size: 56.3sqm (includes bedroom and ensuite)

For more information about accommodation and packages please contact us today:

1 Centre Street, Penshurst, NSW, 2222

1300 063 433

enquiry@georgesestate.com.au

georgesestate.com.au

WA Premier OPENS

NEW ADDITION TO ALBANY’S AGED CARE OFFERING

It was a red letter day in Albany on March 31, when dignitaries and VIPs gathered at Clarence Estate to open the Jennifer Mary Grieve Home & Community Care Centre.

Photography by Krysta Guille.

On Friday March 31, the Hon Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia, opened the Jennifer Mary Grieve Home & Community Care Centre at Clarence Estate in Albany.

The Premier formally declared the new addition to the Hall & Prior-owned aged care facility open and ready to welcome visitors with a tree-planting ceremony and an opportunity to meet staff and members of the community.

Clarence Estate was opened in 2002 as Albany’s first and

only premium residential care home. Since then, the aged care facility has become an important part of the Albany community, providing first-class care in the Great Southern region.

Jennifer Grieve was instrumental in founding Clarence Estate, and as one of Hall & Prior’s leading nurses and executives, she went on to be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

CEO Graeme Prior said that naming the new home and

community centre after Ms Grieve was a fitting tribute to her contribution to the company and aged care as a whole.

“It is with great pleasure that we have opened the Jennifer Mary Grieve Home & Community Care Centre here at Clarence Estate,” he said.

“Clarence Estate is recognised as the best in the region for our nursing services and by expanding our offering and services further into the community, we will continue to assist those who require a flexible approach to aged care in Albany and beyond.”

According to Dr Kristi Holloway, Regional Leader, Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group, the new centre offers an expansion of the integrated service of Clarence Estate.

“It provides a dedicated hub for community activities and serves as a staff base to reach across the region,” said Dr Holloway.

“Residents of the adjacent Clarence Estate Residential Aged Care benefit by being able to attend the new centre for activities, as well as being able to stay connected with lifelong friends who may visit the community centre but still reside in the community.”

Jennifer Grieve said the honour of having Clarence Estate’s new community centre

named after her was unexpected and something she had never contemplated.

Ms Grieve, her husband Owen and her family had front-row seats on Friday as the Jennifer Mary Grieve Home & Community Care Centre was officially opened by Premier Mark McGowan.

According to a report in the Albany Advertiser, she said the new centre was the latest chapter in the estate’s story that started with an “original vision” and has “always had such a special place in my heart”.

“It’s a wonderful story because it is health and aged care re-imagined,” she said.

“It’s helping provide the transformational changes we need in health and aged care to make it a better world for old people.

The centre was declared open with the unveiling of a plaque by Ms Grieve, Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group Chief Executive Officer Graeme Prior, Mr McGowan, Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, and Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington.

More than 100 people packed a big marquee for the opening with other guests including Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens, former Albany MLA Peter Watson, and Clarence Estate residents and employees.

The centre will provide a meeting point, where people can meet and enjoy each other’s company, as well as having access to activity programs, sharing a meal or high tea, and connecting with others in their community. A Community Shed enables community members to have access to tools and equipment to finish off that project or build something fun for the grandchildren.

“The centre also provides the opportunity for Albany-based staff to support our team located throughout the Great Southern, providing better training and support which in turn enables our team to better support regional and remote clients,” said Dr Holloway.

The community centre had been a vision of CEO Graeme Prior since Clarence first started offering services to clients in the community in 2008.

Some 15 years in the making, the project became a reality in 2019 when State Government funding was able to support Hall & Prior’s own investment into the centre.

ALL SMILES

The past three years have been spent researching best practice design, as well as lots of community consultation to ensure that the Jennifer Mary Grieve Home & Community Care Centre is a vital aspect of the Great Southern’s health infrastructure for the next 50 years.

According to the Albany Advertiser, Mr McGowan said the new facility would help provide quality aged care services for the Great Southern to help ensure “local people can age close to home”.

Mr Prior was equally thrilled to see his vision become a reality.

“The vision of the community centre is to bring the Albany and broader Great Southern community together to collectively ‘age well’,” he said.

“The fact that the worst of the pandemic appears behind us and we can invite the community into the centre to celebrate the opening is fantastic. This is a community centre and we are thrilled that the community is an important part of the opening.”

Above, the Hon Mark McGowan officially opened the new centre. Right, Mr McGowan with the Grieve family.

A soldier’s spirit

In Hall & Prior aged care homes, we proudly care for over 100 veterans of wars around the world. In a special feature marking ANZAC Day 2023, we share the stories of three veterans who call Hall & Prior home in New South Wales. By Gabi Mills.

Uncle Rob, Grafton Aged Care Home, NSW

Clive Joseph Robin Bryant - or Uncle Rob as he is known - was born on 5 July 1947 in Bellingen, NSW on Gumbaynggir country, the country of his mother’s people. His father was a Walbanga man from the south coast of NSW. As a child, he grew up in Bellwood, Nambucca Heads, and was educated at Bellwood Public School. In 1959, he was taken to Darlington, Sydney, along with his younger sister for further education and employment opportunities. He is currently a resident at Grafton Aged Care Home.

Uncle Rob’s sister had married a member of the RAAF. Uncle Rob would often take trips out to RAAF Base Richmond just to look at the aircraft. In 1967, he decided to join the RAAF, doing his recruit training at RAAF Bases Edinburgh and Wagga, where he learned engineering and qualified as an airframe fitter. It was a period of his life during which he made some lifelong friends and the legendary

ANZAC spirit of mateship was very much in evidence.

“Mateship for me began when I signed on the dotted line and joined up,” said Uncle Rob, 76.

“It really came to the fore during our physical education training which involved a 10km run. Not all the recruits could manage it so some of us stayed behind to make sure we all crossed the finishing line. We didn’t leave anybody behind.”

As an airframes mechanic, he was posted to No 5 Squadron, RAAF Base Fairbairn, Canberra, to work on Iroquois helicopters. He ended up attaining the rank of Leading Aircraftman and took great pride in wearing the uniform of the RAAF.

“When I put the uniform on, I represented Australia and I represented my contribution to Australia,” he said.

“When I first joined up and first put on my Airforce cap, I was so proud. I was proud to wear the uniform along with my mates who I had signed up with too.”

In April 1970, he was posted to No 9 Squadron at Vung Tau in Vietnam and was one of three First Nations RAAF members posted there at the time. He completed a 12-month tour of duty in Vietnam, and was then posted to No 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond. He was discharged from the RAAF as a leading aircraftman in 1973.

“I was ground crew and made friends with one of the aircrew was a gunner.

“He was from Rockhampton and would hang out the side of the Iroquois chopper,” he remembered.

Serving alongside his fellow Indigenous servicemen was also a source of pride.

“You saw them, and gave them a wave,” he said. “I was happy to see another black fella.”

Uncle Rob’s experience of serving in Vietnam alongside his fellow white Australians was a positive one, and he recalls feeling respectedperhaps especially so because his role and skills ensured that the officers would fly wellmaintained helicopters.

“The officers knew that we were spot on with maintaining their choppers,” he said. “When they landed at the end of each day, they would tell us what was wrong with the choppers and we would fix it that night, ready for them to take off again at 7am the next morning.

“They trusted me to get the aircraft shipshape.”

One particular memory stays with Uncle Rob and involved a flying visit to the huge US base at Da Nang.

“We were down two Iroquois choppers so I was selected to go and pick up two replacements from Da Nang,” he said.

It was a big US airbase and the most northerly major air base in the Republic of Vietnam. The base was located in the northeast coastal area, 85 miles (137 km) south of the Demilitarized Zone where the 17th parallel separated the two Vietnams.

Da Nang became the world’s busiest airport in the single runway category.

In the mid-1960s, 1,500 landings and take-offs were recorded on peak days, besides having two extra traffic patterns for helicopters at the edge of the airstrip. When a parallel runway was added in 1966, Da Nang rivalled Tan Son Nhut as the world’s busiest airport. By 1968, an average month saw the number of take-offs and landings of fixed-wing aircraft exceeding 55,000. With helicopter activities added, the figure approached 67,000. During the winter monsoon at least 4,500 of these landings were normally groundcontrolled approaches.

“I had to change the main rotor blade on one of the helicopters and then we flew them both out five miles over the South China Sea to avoid being shot down over land. We had to get them home safely.”

On the way back, Uncle Rob and the crew landed at another base near Phan Rang, and a few beers were drunk after servicemen heard ‘on the grapevine’ that they were there.

“I met friends at the boozer and had a few drinks,” laughed Uncle Rob.

“In the morning, we headed out to sea again and down

HIGH STAKES

It was Uncle Rob’s role during his tour of duty to maintain the Iroquois helicopters, left, for sorties. Above, Uncle Rob with Hall & Prior CEO, Graeme Prior.

the coast, back to our own base.”After he came home to Australia and left the Air Force, Uncle Rob completed a Bachelor of Business at Kuring-gal College in 1988.

He has been involved in several Indigenous businesses, ranging from rehabilitation centres to the performing arts. Active in the economic development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in small business, he is also involved in Native Title and on the board of Gaagal Wanggan South Beach National Park.

He attended the welcome home march in Sydney when he first arrived in Australia, but

said he felt ‘left out’ as a Vietnam veteran until he was invited to join a Reconciliation event a few years later at Hyde Park.

“I met other Indigenous returned servicemen there and one of them suggested we had a Coloured Diggers’ March in Redfern,” he said. “We marched from Redfern Railway to Redfern Park in 2006 and in the following few years, word got out and Aboriginal families from all over NSW came along to celebrate together, if their son, father or uncle had served.

“For me, being part of the Coloured Diggers March was a badge of honour.”

Joan Gray, Grafton Aged Care Home, NSW

Towing a Lancaster bomber at a snail’s pace to its new home at the Australian War Memorial was just one of the memorable acts Joan Gray, 87, resident of Grafton Aged Care Home and RAAF veteran, achieved during her service career.

The Avro Lancaster MK I Bomber, with callsign ‘G for George’ was built in 1942, and was delivered to 460 Squadron RAAF on 27 October 1942. While in service with the squadron, it flew some 90 operations with 27 crews. Its last operation was a raid on Cologne, Germany on 20 April 1944.

These days, Uncle Rob has returned to living on the land of his mother and is writing a memoir to tell his story and help the next generations of his family learn about their culture and heritage.

He lives at Grafton Aged Care home and takes great pride in acting as a dignitary on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day at Grafton.

“It’s important to know who you are and where you come from,” he said.

”I feel this is the work I need to complete to honour my elders and the Gumbaynggirr people.”

When G for George retired from service after this raid, it had completed more operations than almost any other aircraft in RAF Bomber Command. In June 1944, the Department of Air made it available for war museum purposes and after an extensive overhaul, it left for Australia on 11 October 1944, flown by an all-Australian crew captained by Flight Lieutenant E A Hudson, DFC and Bar. It arrived in Brisbane, Queensland on 8 November 1944 and the following day was received by 3 Aircraft Depot, Amberley where it was given RAAF registration number A66-2.

PROUD TO BE OF SERVICE

It was during this period she was given the important task of transporting the Lancaster bomber - with its huge wings detached - to the Australian War Memorial.

Later on, she brought a car to the Airforce base in Richmond and met a young diesel mechanic - Peter - who would go on to propose just six weeks later.

Kerry Hamilton-Gray, Joan’s daughter and also an exmember of the RAAF, takes up the story.

“Dad got posted to Darwin and mum had to make the choice of whether she would stay in the RAAF or marry Dad as you weren’t allowed to be married and stay in service,” said Kerry.

In 1945 the aircraft toured the eastern states of Australia in connection with the Third Victory Loan until finally declared surplus and transferred to the Australian War Memorial.

Joan enlisted in 1955 and after her six weeks training was completed in Point Cook in Victoria, she carried out a number of duties including switchboard operator and supply organisation before finally training as a driver.

Joan would pick people up from the aircraft tarmac and take them to stations, a role she really enjoyed.

“It was a great time,” she said. “I had lots of friends.”

“It was a hard decision because she wasn’t long off being promoted to Sergeant, but in the end she decided to marry my Dad.”

As a result, Joan was discharged in 1961, the very proud recipient of the Australian Defence Medal and two stripes for the rank of Corporal.

Kerry is the third generation of her family to join the RAAF and is the custodian of her late father and grandfather’s medals.

“Mum proudly joins in ANZAC Day at Grafton, where she has lived for the past five years,” she said. “We are very proud to be ex-servicewomen.”

Above, Joan Gray and daughter Kerry Hamilton-Gray both wore the RAAF uniform.

Kim Tran, Fairfield Aged Care Home, NSW

TAt just 18 years old, Kim Tran enlisted in the South Vietnam army and for the next 14 years, fought to preserve the way of life he loved in the south east Asian country.

Born in Soc’Trang in South Vietnam, Kim, now 79, fought against the North Vietnamese army and against the Communist North on behalf of his people, attaining two stars in the South Vietnamese army, in charge of 200 soldiers.

“I fought alongside Americans, Australians and New Zealand soldiers as well as those from the Philippines,” he said.

“They came to help the people of South Vietnam to stop the rise of Communism from taking over our country.”

There was a strong feeling among South Vietnamese people like Kim to fight back against the North’s army.

“When the war started, I enlisted straight away,” he said.

“My family were very upsetthey did not want me to. But I wanted to fight for

my country as I did not believe in Communism. I was proud to fight with all of the solders and with the Americans and Australians.

“They were a great help to us; they taught us things and how to fight. If the war started again, I would be there. I felt very proud, fighting for my country.”

Unfortunately, the North’s army was very strong and they had powerful weapons, according to Kim.

“When the North took over in 1975, I left the country in 1989 because the North were

A FIERCE PATRIOT

Above, Kim Tran, with staff member Kim Voung would fight on behalf of his country again, given the chance.

threatening to kill all those who had fought against them. So I came to Australia with my two eldest children before bringing the rest of my family eventually.”

He now lives at Fairfield Aged Care Home in Sydney and feels proud of his contribution to his country’s efforts. In fact he says if Vietnam was under threat again, he would want to fight for the country once again.

“I thank Australia and how they helped the Vietnamese people,” he said.

MEET THE DON

Aisle Batucan

Director

Aisle Batucan, originally from the Phillipines, has been in charge of Agmaroy Aged Care Home in WA for the past few monthsand feels like she’s really found a home from home. By Gabi Mills.

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

AB: Before moving to Australia, I worked in a hospital in the Philippines for over five years in various areas. In the last 10 years, I have worked as a carer, and a medication competent in Agmaroy Aged Care Home until I received my Registered Nurse registration. Working in aged care gives me the opportunity to care and provide a holistic approach on a long-term basis. Moreover, it feels like I’m looking after my late father and grandmother by caring for the elderly people.

L&L: When did you join Hall & Prior and in what capacity?

AB: I joined Hall & Prior in 2015 when the Group took over managing Agmaroy Aged Care Home. I worked as a carer and then become a Registered Nurse. As opportunities were offered, I progressed with my nursing career until I became the Deputy Director of Nursing in 2020, and now I’m the new Director of Nursing.

L&L: What do you particularly enjoy about your role and what are some of the challenges you face?

AB: I learned to love and enjoy the changes that my role brought into my life. The most enjoyable time for me is listening to the life stories of each resident and also their family when they come to join us at our home. We see the improvement that living here at Agmaroy gives to their life. Also, mentoring new staff to help them achieve their best potential is something I enjoy in my role.

There are enormous challenges in my role and I personally think that the ongoing significant changes in the aged care industry as a whole are important ones.

L&L: On a day-to-day basis, what makes your role special and how do you plan on inspiring staff at your home?

AB: I believe each role is special. As a DON, my role is to empower and inspire people in our home. In terms of inspiring my staff, firstly I want them to feel that they belong in our home. I also try to be a role model, showing respect and compassion. By doing so, my staff will understand that my ultimate goal is to make each and every resident feel the love and respect from my staff.

L&L: If somebody was contemplating a career in aged care, what advice would you give them?

AB: I would advise them that it requires patience, compassion and a deep understanding of working in aged care. They must be prepared in all aspects of working in this environment.

L&L: What kind of leader are you and how do you think your colleagues would describe you?

AB: My colleagues often tell me that I am a leader who acts calmly, even under pressure and that I’m a good critical thinker when it comes to solving an issue. For me, I believe I’m a kind and an optimist leader.

L&L: What makes a good day in aged care in your chosen career path - and how do you keep smiling in the face of everyday life and death situations encountered in aged care?

AB: Seeing the residents smiling and being happy is a good day. Additionally, joining in with singing and laughing with the residents and staff - this makes a happier and better day for us all.

I believed that being optimistic helps too; the people around me can feel my positive energy and this helps to boost their minds and make us all feel happy and calm.

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

Castaway and head out to sea

What a perfect day of weather some of Clarence Estate residents enjoyed as they headed out for a spot of sea fishing.

With the sun shining on their backs, the water looking like glass, plus the advantage of good company and a boat, who could ask for more?

The group had the added advantage of being joined by a group of volunteers from Fishability, an organisation which assists those requiring support to experience the joy of fishing with the assistance from trained and experienced volunteers and by using purpose-built motorised rods, reels and fishing rod holders.

This time around, they took a group including Mick, Owen, Lesley and Irene for a fishing experience - even though the fish were hiding from most of those aboard the boat . . .

They got up close and personal with the Cheynes II, and were able to see Camp Quananup, Ataturk channel (we were all in awe!), Albany’s port and were even able to poke their heads into the town marina to see what was going on.

We really appreciate the volunteers going above and beyond to make this experience extra enjoyable for our residents - can’t wait to jump aboard again soon.

ALL AT SEA

The residents of Clarenc Estate went fishing aboard the Cheynes II with Fishability on a perfect summer’s day.

Clarence Estate Residential Aged Care and Home Care

Greek Is The Word

Menaville Aged Care Home

Menavillians celebrated Greek style to highlight the Greek Independence Day holiday in their home in Sydney. Our Greek-style taverna and Greek concert were enjoyed by all residents, especially our Greek residents who sang along with the entertainer. Margaret, our volunteer lifestyle extraordinaire, dressed up as traditional Greek lady and really got into the character for us all!

Independence Day is the celebration of the Greek Revolution of 1821, less commonly known as

Independence Day. It takes place in Greece, Cyprus and Greek diaspora centres around the world on 25 March every year, coinciding with the Feast of the Annunciation.

GREEK GOODNESS

Staff and residents got into the spirit for Independence Day.

Everything’s coming up Josie

Windsor Park Aged Care Home

We are so lucky that many of our residents have green thumbs, and at Windsor Park Aged Care Home in Perth, there’s a particularly talented gardener on hand to tend to the greenery outside.

Josie Morrison is pleased as punch with the latest crop of eggplant she’s nurtured, as you can see. Here she is standing in front of her veggie garden - she loves looking after all the plants and can be found most days outside, tending and watering her little crop. Well done, Josie!

We’re sure it tastes delicious too.

Fish ‘n’ chips day out

Windsor Park Aged Care Home

The sun was shining, everybody was keen for a little adventure, so off we went for a day trip to Freo and a fish and chips lunch for some of the residents at Windsor Park Aged Care Home in Carlisle, WA.

Murray Eades, Wayne Corbett, Terry Bourke Peter Arbery, Derek Ashworth (sporting a Perth Glory cap) and Philip Claydon enjoyed a yarn as they tucked into

their lunch, while Elizabeth Edney and Dorothy Duncan joined the group too.

Many thanks to Ed Byun, one of the home’s OTAs, who came along too.

The portions were generous and freshly cooked at Twin Fin in Fremantle - hands up who’s hungry now?

Warm Touch Group’s work is warmly received

The staff and residents at Grafton Aged Care Home would like to send a big THANK YOU to the Warm Touch Group in Grafton who donate so many valuable resources that make a real difference to our residents’ lives.

The Warm Touch group make fiddle mats, endless knots, bingo bags, wheelie walker bags, dolls, and hand warmers, especially designed to keep our residents occupied and engaged.

Grafton Aged Care Home are especially appreciative

of the banner that Sue Boyle recently made for our resident Warren, which you can see in the photos. Warren’s family donated his collection of bowling badges, collected by Warren over many years, which Sue then used to create this amazing banner display.

Looking at Warren’s banner makes us all so happy, but none more so than Warren himself, who can’t stop beaming with appreciation when he talks about this beautiful and thoughtful item.

Thank you, Warm Touch!

Dancing shoes on for Harmony Day

It was time to shake a leg at Leighton Aged Care Home in Perth on Harmony Day as some of the staff and residents danced together. The two Jackies were keen to show off their moves - with staff member Jackie showing resident Jackie how to dance like a Liberian. Selfies were taken too and a feast was laid on with some delicious treats for all.

Some staff wore their national dress including Tash in a beautiful sari.

At Menaville, our staff and residents enjoyed a spot of tea and gathered to harmonise the home! With orange balloons and hand-cut out decorations, we all enjoyed this celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. Meanwhile at Windsor Park, some of the team dressed up in their native costume and brought in some culinary delights from their homeland for all to enjoy.

Celebrating birthdays in style

Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Home resident Dorothy celebrated her 80th birthday in Lane Cove, NSW in March.

Friends, family and staff gathered in the cinema room, much to Dorothy’s delight and she was even serenaded by lifestyle and admin officer Zenith, who whipped out his ukulele for a quick song!

Happy birthday, dear Dorothy!

It was Freshwater Bay Aged Care Home resident James Dooley’s 84th birthday on February 22, so of course it was marked in style. With blue and green balloons, presents, a special photo session and a stack of donuts topped with candles, this was a day to remember for James and his family.

Happy birthday, James!

In March, it was time to pull out all the stops for a very special lady’s 81st birthday at Freshwater Bay Aged Care Home in Mosman Park on March 21.

Resident Leela was treated to a delicious chocolate cake, flowers and balloons as well as a visit from grandsons Asel and Dev, and her son and daughter-in-law, Harsha and Mithila.

Happy birthday, lovely Leela!

Emerald Life a hive of

activity

Emerald Life Aged Care Home

the newest addition to the Hall & Prior family of aged care homes - Emerald Life in West Leederville, WA - always has something fun going on.

“Bus outings happen twice a week for three hour trips,” says Deb Worth, Director of Nursing.

“Residents go sightseeing and stop off along the way for a cup of coffee, some morning tea and when it’s warmer weather, ice creams.”

The next bus trip will be on Fridays and residents will be out for the whole day, up into the Perth hills or down to Freo to have lunch.

For activities closer to home, there’s bowling in the park

directly across the road from Emerald Life, a popular choice for many frequent bowlers who have become well-known faces among the dog walkers and locals who also use the park.

Sunday church services are also well-attended and for those with an artistic streak, regular opportunities to join in with an art class in the home

Would you or your loved one like to join the Emerald Life family? Get in touch with Deb today. on (08) 9381 1428 or email DWorth@hallprior.com.au

The generation game

Freshwater Bay Aged Care Home

FOUR GENERATIONS from the same family lined up for a happy snap at Freshwater Bay Aged Care Home in Mosman Park this week, and it’s clear to see the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Resident Beverley Thomas poses with granddaughter Chontelle who is holding her daughter - Beverley’s great granddaughter Alexis - and daughter Sharee.

Thanks for sharing, ladies!

Hat trick makes Easter parade extra special

Fairfield Aged Care Home

Hocart Lodge Aged Care Home

Fairfield Aged Care

Home residents in Sydney pulled out all the stops during during Easter week, attending Fairfield Primary Public School’s Easter hat parade.

Our residents wore their very own specially designed hats that were made on arrival to the primary school. Before the parade, the residents shared a wonderful morning tea with the teachers and students and later the children walked around the parade area, showing off the amazing hats they had made.

Walking in a large circle we cheered for everyone’s wonderful creations and later, our residents were invited to parade their own hat creations.

What a joy it was as we held our heads high and smiled, listening to the children’s clapping and cheers. It was a really wonderful morning of intergenerational fun and fashion.

Meanwhile, over in WA at Hocart Lodge, staff let their creativity run wild with some truly inspired hat creations. Residents too got in on the act, with Nellie scooping top honours for her creation. Congratulations to all!

FASHION PARADE

Some bonny Easter bonnets were on full display at Fairfield and Hocart Lodge this year.

Reptile pets meet the residents

Clover Lea Aged Care Home

SNAKES ALIVE! Clover Lea in NSW turned into a reptile enclosure which thrilled our residents who bravely held the lizard and snake pets that came in to visit their handler’s grandad.

Family member, Tina, brought her personal pets in to meet her grandad and Clover Lea resident, Peter.

Everyone gathered in the lounge as Tina showed her bearded dragon Wendell and her children’s python Akela around the room.

As the reptiles made their way around to each resident, we learned many facts about these lovely, placid creatures as Tina spoke about their personalities and why she loves them so much.

And as an added bonus, resident Peter was thrilled to see his granddaughter and to meet her special friends!

Local politician visits Tuia Lodge

Tuia Lodge Aged Care Home

ON FEBRUARY 24, we hosted an informal visit from Nola Marino MP, the Federal Member for Forrest.

“An important part of my role as Director of Nursing is to keep up-to-date with current issues within the aged care sector,” said Jane Goff, Tuia Lodge’s Director of Nursing.

“As such, I invited our Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino to come and visit our residents.”

Nola got around as many people as she could, and spent time having warm chats with the residents who had come along to the function lounge.

It was a great opportunity to ask some questions and feel connected to the community.

Free wheelin’ in Albany

Clarence Estate Residential Aged Care and Home Care

The fun-loving bunch at Clarence Estate in Albany have all been patiently awaiting their chance to get out and enjoy the wind through through their hair as they enjoy a chauffeured ride via electric bike by the ocean. Well, that day arrived recently in March, and it was such a magical way for residents to be able to get right by the ocean and take in the fresh salty air.And don’t the photos show much they love this magical opportunity? Two different bus trips throughout the month headed to Emu

Point for the experience and luckily, both days were blessed with beautiful weather to be out and about.

In between rides, residents enjoyed sitting back and onlooking Emu Point beach, while sipping on a lemonade and soaking up some vitamin D and a chat.

From the pictures, you can see Millie Vaughan taking the chance to get the legs out for a sun bake as well as Doris, Miriam, June and Stan, all beaming from ear to ear.

Sculptures by the Sea given

Agmaroy thumbs up

Agmaroy Aged Care Home

A GROUP OF RESIDENTS had a very artistic day out recently when they drove down the coast to Cottesloe Beach in WA to view the 2023 Sculptures by the Sea collection.

The sculptures, created by artists from all over the world, are dotted along the Cottesloe beach and broadwalk, encouraging

visitors to get up close and personal with the artworks.

The residents really enjoyed the chance to view the eclectic mix of works of art and had plenty to discuss on the way back to Agamaroy. Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe, Perth’s largest free to the public outdoor art exhibition, ran until 20 March.

the

Irish eyes are smiling from WA to NSW

It’s the day where everything green is the way to go so the residents at Windsor Park in WA got busy and cooked up some St Patrick-themed pancakes. The patron saint of Ireland would no doubt be super impressed with their vivid green efforts - and the all-important taste test? Green for go!

Meanwhile, the residents of Belmont Aged Care Home in Rivervale, WA were in fine fettle as they celebrated St Patrick’s Day with some green-hued treats and plenty of good-natured craic to around.

Over in NSW, it was time to say hello to the Fairfield green folk.

Our leaping leprechauns at Fairfield enjoyed a jolly day of Irish St Patrick’s Day fun on March 18. Famous for their green cake, the residents and staff gathered together after the word got out that there was some Guinness and shenanigans going on in the dining area. There’s a reason we all love the Irish . . .

Finally, at Freshwater Bay in WA, it was an all-out green festive feast.

There were balloons, green cupcakes and other delicious fancies to keep the residents and staff smiling from ear to ear.

We think you’ll agree that St Patrick’s Day needs to happen more than once a year!

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

Team also runs the Day Centre - and wouldn’t have it any other way!

with

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

MM: I guess I came to a crossroads in my life. My four kids were growing up, my business of 30 years was being sold and I longed for intelligent adult conversation.

Speaking with a friend, she mentioned that I should look into aged care and that I would be good at it. After some careful consideration, I decided it was the right choice for me. Before long, I was enrolled at the local TAFE and on my way to a new career path.

L&L: When did you start working with Hall & Prior?

MM: I started my new journey at Hall & Prior three and a half years ago, after I completed my prac., and I haven’t looked back since.

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

MM: My role is fulfilling and challenging and I adore our Clarence Estate residents and community clients. I have gained lots of new skills and now have more confidence and belief within myself. I believe I have gained

Michelle McGregor, Administration Officer for Clarence Estate’s Community

Michelle McGregor, Administration Officer for Clarence Estate’s Community Team, WA

this with the support of my co-workers, management and the residents alike. I have also gained so many new friends.

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

MM: The best advice around being a care worker that I received was from my TAFE lecturer who said it was important to have “empathy, not sympathy, listen and remember to focus, and empower the consumer to do the things they can do for themselves”.

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

MM: The most rewarding part of my role is when the consumers leave with a big smile on their faces and say that they have had a great day. Our older generation have lived through a lot of major changes in our world that none of us will ever experience and I love it when they feel safe enough to be able to share their stories and experiences.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Michelle McGregor chose a career in aged care and says it was the best decision she ever made.

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

MM: Along this journey, I have learned to embrace life, gained confidence within myself and hopefully it reverberates with the consumers and other staff.

L&L: How would others describe you?

MM: I asked those around me how they woulld describe me, and they said energetic, kind, confident, funny, caring, smart (we could think of a couple of contexts for this one), committed, organised, reliable and supportive. L&L: What qualities are required to make a great care worker in your opinion?

MM: Someone who is kind, caring, listens and enables both consumers and work colleagues.

FAST FACTS

If I wasn't a care worker - I literally have no idea what I would be doing. One of the best decisions of my life.

What is your favourite movie? Grease

What’s your favourite song? You Can Leave Your Hat On!

When I’m not at work you’ll often find me - at home, in the garden, at the hockey grounds, beach or gym.

Q+A

with Bupa Buranakiti, Laundry Attendant at Montana Aged Care Home, NSW

Bupa Buranakiti, a laundry expert originally from Thailand and now working at Montana Aged Care Home, takes great pride in delivering spotlessly clean clothes and linen to the residents in her home.

L&L: Can you tell us what made you want to become a care worker?

BB: I loved the idea of helping the elderly and I thought it would be a nice environment to work in.

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

BB: I have been here at Montana for five years so far and I look forward to many more!

L&L: Tell us what an average day might look like for you.

BB: I work in the laundry so my main role is to turn dirty laundry into spotlessly clean laundry. I take great pride in my work and love that I can do this for the residents.

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

BB: Our residents appreciate clean linen and clothes as they are often too old and frail to be able to do the washing themselves. I like to help them with this, to help them be clean. I also like to help them find all the things that they lose in the wash like credit cards, hearing aids, jewellery and even their wallets!

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

BB: My family always liked clean belongings and there is that saying that ‘cleanliness is next to Godliness!’ I just deliver on my role as my little contribution to giving a better life to our residents.

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

BB: Montana is a lovely home! It’s so friendly, with nice staff and a good location and amenities.

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

BB: That I take great pride in my role and do it to my best ability. Doing well for our residents is why I like this job, seeing them

all clean and happy in their beds and clothes, makes me feel good that I could help them with that.

L&L: How would others describe you?

BB: Very thorough, somebody who does an immaculate job and is very clean and tidy.

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

BB: Know your job and do it to your best ability as somebody is relying on you to get it right!

FAST FACTS

If I wasn't a care worker I wouldvolunteer in a second hand shop.

What is your favourite movie? Thai action movies!

What’s your favourite song?

Anything in my native Thai - also some Aussie popular songs.

When I’m not at work you’ll often find me - camping at Bundanoon.

I take great pride in my work and love that I can do this for the residents . . .

for the future A VISION

We’re all living longer and enjoying a better quality of health. It’s estimated that more than half the babies born in wealthier countries since 2000 will reach their 100 th birthdays. That’s a pretty amazing statistic.

However, as we age, our vision can begin to deteriorate affecting our ability to continue to enjoy doing all the things we’ve done over the years. In Australia, eye diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can lead to sight loss. Unfortunately, there may come a time when the impact of these conditions can no longer be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or with medical interventions.

That’s where VisAbility can help. VisAbility offers specialist support services to people with vision impairment and a range of

VisAbility helps people with vision issues manage their condition in their own home in conjunction with White Oak.

therapies, and can work with individuals in the comfort of their own surroundings, including seniors in the White Oak community.

The not-for-profit and registered My Aged Care provider has been supporting people with low or no vision in Western Australia for more than 100 years. Its origins date back to 1913 when the Ladies’ Braille Society was formed. Seventy years ago in 1951, Australia’s first Guide Dog training school was established which had a nationwide impact. In 2013, the Association for the Blind of WA and Guide Dogs WA became known as VisAbility.

Last year VisAbility received a commendation for providing an outstanding level of care and service delivery to older clients by Leading Aged Services Australia. It was also a finalist in the organisation category in the annual Excellence in Age Services Awards.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to elderly clients,” says Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Barnes. “In 12 months, 3,000 people with a disability have received our services, and nearly two-thirds of these are aged 65 and over.”

Kate Brill is manager of VisAbility’s Therapy Services. A qualified physiotherapist, Kate has vision impairment herself, so can relate to the challenges faced by people with low vision.

“I understand frustrations felt by people whose sight is not perfect, whether that be blurred vision, focusing issues or limited peripheral vision and depth perception. But there is help to support you so you can enjoy life, day-to-day,’’ Kate says.

“Our qualified team of therapists can offer low vision assessments. We can visit you in your home and establish whether you need improved lighting or kitchen modifications to help you cook and find your way around.”

VisAbility has offices in Perth, Bunbury and Albany and can offer support with mobility, along with assistive technology guidance. There is plenty of equipment to help people with vision impairment to lead an independent life. This includes something as basic as a plastic signature guide to something bigger,

like a desktop magnifier. Screen reading software and talking devices are also making life far easier.

Qualified therapists provide demonstrations, training and assessments so people can read, tell the time, cook and eat and learn how to easily use a computer, tablet or mobile phone with limited sight. There’s also the option to join VisAbility’s online digital library which has more than 70,000 talking book titles.

VisAbility offers a wide selection of vision aids, equipment and supports for people living with vision impairment which can be bought from our specialist shop.

Occupational

Orientation

Exercise Physiology

Social Work

Orthoptics

Assistive Technology

If you are interested in accessing support from VisAbility, contact 1800 847 466 or visit visability.com.au/oak. It would be helpful to provide a copy of a recent eye check report from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

You can also speak to your White Oak case service co-ordinator, so that it can be incorporated into your home care package or Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) funded services.

MY NEWBORN BABY

My son was so happy when we had a third child and she was another daughter - Liaba Fatima.

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

Imran Khan

Imran Khan, ICT Infrastructure Administrator based in Hall & Prior’s NSW State Office, loves spending time with his family when he’s not overseeing the Group’s IT network. With three children - Madia Fatima, Muhammad Ozair and Liaba Fatima - he and his wife are kept busy. He also enjoys fishing and gardening over the weekend as well as taking long drives together with the family.

FOOD

Food is an important part of my life, I adore dining with my family and friends - especially if I’m in charge of the grill!

RAMADAN

April is the month of Ramadan, where we have to fast for 30 days. Every night, my family cooks very delicious food and we all as a family sit around the table and enjoy tucking in.

TRAVELLING

I enjoy travelling, and my favourite places to visit in Pakistan are Lahore and Murree. We have a food street where we can get all kinds of Pakistani traditional cuisine at extremely low prices.

TARONGA ZOO

We left early in the morning and we had to catch a train and ferry. It was a very busy day and the kids were very excited when they saw different types of birds, giraffes, monkeys and other animals. The most exciting moment was when we were watching the birds show.

EID FESTIVAL

At the end of the month I will celebrate EID, where I love to give money to kids, so they can buy their favourite things. Most of our family and friends get together and have a great feast. It’s extra special when my mum cooks biryani and sweet rice - it’s very delicious. The kids and family go to EID festival and have outdoor activities, playing in parks and buying some gifts.

MY DAUGHTER’S SPOON

My daughter, Madiha Fatima, had a school project to limit the use of plastic in daily life since it is harmful to the health of local wildlife. I needed to go to Bunnings to get some wood and equipment to aid her with this job. It took me three hours to curl the shape of the spoon but in the end, we succeeded. It was enjoyable and educational for me too.

SYDNEY HARBOUR

I love Sydney Harbour and especially the bridge and opera house when you see it at night time. All the city was glowing so we decided to take a family photo, right in front of the water with a view behind with the whole city shining.

PUZZLES CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Betrayal (9)

6 Bird of prey (5)

9 Leave out (7) 10 Flow from (7) 11 State of maturity (9)

13 Remove from clothesline, perhaps (5) 14 Alarm (7) 16 Painters (eg) (7) 18 Gesture of agreement (3) 19 Playground items (7) 20 Commanded (7)

DOWN

1 Eighth letter of the Greek alphabet (5)

2 Hearten (9)

3 Woo (5)

4 Needle hole (3)

5 Surrender (5)

6 Cleared (9)

7 Seize (5)

8 Stimulated (9)

12 Lays bare (5)

14 Dangled (9)

15 Convert to another language (9)

16 Embellish (5)

17 Showing (a film) (9)

22 Fire-raising (5)

23 School subject (coll) (5)

24 Wait on (5)

25 Cold dish (5)

27 Vegetable (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”.

021

No. 021

32 words: excellent today’s

16 words: Good

24 words: Very good

QUICK QUIZ

1 What kind of musical instrument is a clavichord?

2 What is the name of the Greek appetiser made of fried or grilled cheese?

3 What were the names of the three mascots of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games?

4 Which number does the Roman numeral L represent?

5 Which classic nursery rhyme is said to be a reference to the bubonic plague?

No. 021

WORDSTEP

Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. There may be more than one possible answer.

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

28 7 84 2 31 6

3174 69

74 6 16 3 78 3

SOLUTIONS

sunlit, tilt, tilts, unlit, until

cling, clings, clint, clung, cult, cultist, gilt, glint, glints, glut, guilt, guilts, insult, linctus, lint, list, lung, lust, lusting, lutist, SCUTTLING, silt, sling, slit, slug, slung, stilt,

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

1. Mows, 2. Emit, 3. Gala, 4. Andy. GLADE, GRADE, GRADS, GRABS, GRUBS, DRUBS

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. L T Y C A S U

? 5x5

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

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

1. Where was RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under filmed?

A. Sydney

B. Los Angeles

C. Melbourne

D. Auckland

2. How many Primetime Emmy Awards has RuPaul won?

A. None

B. Six

C. Eight

D. 12

3. How is RuPaul connected to 1980s band the B-52s?

A. He wrote the lyrics to Shack

B. He danced in the Shack music video

C. The band sings the Race theme song

D. He released a parody version of Love Shack

4. What is the title of RuPaul’s first studio album?

A. You’re a Winner, Baby

B. Supermodel of the World

C. Slay Belles

D. Glamazon

5. What is RuPaul’s estimated net worth in US dollars?

A. $20 million

B. $40 million

C. $60 million

D. $80 million

OUR WA HOMES

OUR NSW HOMES