First ACT aged care home bolsters eastern states’ presence
Canberra Aged Care Home has joined Hall & Prior, making it the first facility in the ACT for the Group. By Jacki Downs.
It is with delight that we recently welcomed Canberra Aged Care Home to the Hall & Prior family. Officially becoming part of our group on November 4, this is our first home in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which is a new region for the Group, extends our national footprint, and proudly launches our brand into the Australian Capital, becoming our 14th eastern states Australian aged care home.
Canberra Aged Care Home is a purpose-built home situated centrally in the leafy and central Canberra suburb of Lyneham. This 87-bed home has large corridors and peaceful and relaxing lounge areas for residents to enjoy. The main dining room is spacious and is the hub for many vibrant and festive occasions where residents enjoy their home cooked dining experience.
“It has been a pleasure to start to get to know all the staff at this home,” said Kris Healy, General Manager NSW said. “I would like to welcome the entire team, who are led by the Director of Nursing, June Buchanan.
“Taking on a new home is a process we have worked through many times and I have full confidence in our NSW team to complete a successful and smooth acquisition process for the benefit of our new residents, their families and our new staff.”
Breda McMenamin, Executive Director, Regional Leader, has been at the helm of this integration, spending many weeks in the home getting to know the residents, families and staff.
“It’s been quite a big job bringing this lovely home into the Hall & Prior systems,” said Mrs McMenamin.
“The team on the ground here in Canberra, especially
Jane, Marianne, Savi, Deborah and Stefanie on Administration, have been so generous with their time and open to the changes and challenges that come with a change of ownership.
“Everyone really does have the residents’ best interests at heart and I’m excited to keep moving forward in settling this home. Also a big thank you to the NSW state office team who have travelled to Canberra many times to ensure the smooth transition of this acquisition into our systems and processes. We have a way to go yet, but things are settling quickly.”
The New South Wales team are excited to welcome this new home into our group as we explore and settle into our nation’s capital.
To find out more, visit hallprior.com.au
NEW SPECIALIST DEMENTIA CARE UNIT OPENS
Villa Dalmacia Aged Care Home has opened a unit designed to offer intensive and specialist care to those residents with high needs associated with the symptoms of dementia.
Hall & Prior has opened Western Australia’s second Specialist Dementia Care Unit (SDCU). This unit will provide specialist care for residents experiencing severe behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with dementia.
SDCUs are funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health, and are supported clinically by the Western Australian Health Department through the provision of inreach Clinical Nurse Specialist and psychiatry services.
The eight-bed unit aims to provide up to 12 months of care for residents, stabilising symptoms before transferring
to a less intensive setting in a residential aged care service.
Hall & Prior Executive Director Care Services Libby Simpson stated that the design of the unit reflects the best principles of dementiafriendly design - creating a welcoming, calming and safe environment for residents.
“We have recruited staff with a special interest in caring for residents with dementia, as well as provided additional training in behaviour management and holistic dementia care,” said Ms Simpson.
Admission to the unit is via referral to Dementia Services Australia.
Villa Dalmacia’s new eight-bed specialist care unit is only the second of its kind in WA.
Karingal Green Home Care can provide the professional assistance needed to continue living safely and independently in your own home.
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.
WA’s last surviving
POW honoured
Arthur Leggett may be 106 years old but he is showing no signs of slowing down. The Karingal Green resident regularly makes use of the Wellness Centre’s warm swimming pool on site, and walks around the grounds every day, health-permitting.
“I do six laps a day, to keep my legs and breathing going,” says Arthur.
On October 16, a month after his 106th birthday, Arthur was honoured with a visit by His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, the 34th Governor of Western Australia.
It was a red letter day for Karingal Green resident and veteran Arthur Leggett when the Governor of WA paid him a visit to mark his 106th birthday.
By Gabi Mills. Portrait by Ammon
Mr Dawson paid a visit to Arthur with a very special mission in mind for the old soldier; he was there to wish him a happy birthday and also to deliver a certificate, thanking the veteran of the Second World War not only for his time in active combat but also for his service as the WA State President of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association, a role he has held since 1996.
Arthur said that there were only two members of the association left, including the secretary, as everybody else had passed away.
He continues to be involved with memorial services,
attends the annual ANZAC Day footy as guest of honour and sees his role as vital to remind younger generations about ‘those who did not return home to mother’, as he puts it.
He certainly counts himself as one of the lucky ones, despite the hardships he endured as a POW for four years during the Second World War. It’s incredible to hear his memories of those dark days, when he and his fellow POWs were forced to endure unimaginable hardships at the hands of the Nazis.
Arthur wrote a book of his experiences - Don’t Cry
Photography
For Me - and when he was younger, visited schools in the past to educate children on the sacrifices Australians have made during conflicts around the world.
He was a signaller with the 2nd /11th Infantry Battalion and fought against the Italian army in Libya and in the battles of Bardia and Tobruk, before being captured by German paratroopers during the Battle of Crete in Greece, aged 22.
During the presentation at Karingal Green by the Governor, Arthur was given a listing of his many awards and medals. It was an event which was attended by proud members of Arthur’s family, as well as staff members of Karingal Green. All those present were charmed by Arthur’s stories about his experiences as a POW. This included having to walk over 800kms from Poland to Bavaria as the end of the war loomed. He wore the same clothes for over eight weeks and when he arrived at an aerodrome to be flown out of the country, it’s perhaps not surprising he forgot to address the rather snooty British officer in charge of organising their evacuation as ‘sir’.
He had been imprisoned at Stalag 7a in Munich and recalls working at an asphalt works where he encountered Germans on a daily basis.
“They nearly won me over,” he said, “they treated me as an equal.”
As he was presented with the certificate, Arthur made
SOLDIERING ON Karingal
Green resident Arthur Leggett, receiving a special certificate from the Governor of WA.
everybody laugh when he quipped, referencing his great age; “I wonder how long I’ll have it around.”
Born in 1920, Arthur is showing no signs of slowing down and is a wonderful advertisement for the benefits of regular exercise and a strong belief in ‘not taking anything for granted’.
Mr Dawson showed great admiration for Arthur, commenting that this approach to life demonstrated ‘a lot of wisdom’.
Arthur’s original service uniform was donated to the Australian Army Museum of WA in Fremantle, including a precious item; his original battalion’s sporran badge.
“I hid it while I was a POW, mostly upside down in the side of my shoe or my boot,” he said. “The traditions I
learned as a member of the Cameron Highlanders, which I joined at 18, kept me going, they were quite the stimulus when the going got tough.”
The Governor drew the event to a close with warm congratulations to Arthur and his extraordinary long life.
“You inspire us all. Thank you for your service.”
Sponsorship helps Willagee Bears roar
By sponsoring a local U16 girls’ rugby team, Fresh Fields Hospitality Services has seen its investment repaid in spades, says General Manager Kevin Fitzgerald.
In 2023, Fresh Fields Hospitality Service made a significant contribution to the local sports community by sponsoring the Willagee Bears Rugby League Club’s U16 Girls team.
The idea for this partnership came to life when I approached CEO of Hall & Prior Aged Care Group Graeme Prior to explore the possibility of supporting a local rugby league club. Graeme’s enthusiastic response led to Fresh Fields, which is part of the Hall & Prior Group, proudly
sponsoring the Willagee Bears U16 Girls, providing them with the necessary funds to purchase a brand-new set of playing jerseys for the 2024 season.
The jerseys proudly feature the Hall & Prior logo front and centre, symbolising our commitment to community engagement.
The investment proved to be more than just a financial boost; it was a catalyst for success. I am thrilled to announce that the Willagee Bears U16 Girls team not only excelled throughout the season but also emerged as champions of the NRLWA U16 Girls competition.
The team capped off their impressive season with a hard-fought victory against the Joondalup Giants in the grand finale, bringing the trophy home to Willagee.
Vilaki Kelemete, the Club President, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the entire club.
WINNNG WAYS
The Willagee Bears Rugby League Club’s U16 Girls team.
“We sincerely appreciate Hall & Prior’s support,” he said. “The sponsorship allowed us to equip our girls with highquality jerseys, boosting their confidence on the field. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Graeme and the team for their generosity.”
Congratulations to the Willagee Bears U16 Girls on a fantastic season, and here’s to many more victories ahead!
Bravest of the brave honoured
Remembrance Day 2024 marked the anniversary of Armistice Day this year, and our homes marked November 11 with respect and dignity.
For this year’s Remembrance Day, November 11 also marked the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I.
Every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, millions around the world pause in silence to remember the sacrifices many have made so we can enjoy life today.
Remembrance Day is a time to not only remember those who have given their lives in service, but also to reflect on the historical events that led to this day of international significance.
Originally announced to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I (WWI), Remembrance
Day today gives us all the opportunity to acknowledge the service personnel who died while serving, whether in wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations.
On the first anniversary of the Armistice (November 11 was known as Armistice Day until after WWII), King George V asked all the people of the British Empire to observe two minutes’ silence at 11am.
It’s a tradition still honoured today during Remembrance Day services as we remember all who have served in the Australian Defence Force, in WWI and in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations since.
It’s a tradition that the Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group also solemnly marks across our 38 homes in WA and NSW.
Hall & Prior have cared for many veterans of conflicts from around the world in our homes, including at Karingal Green and Hocart Lodge, pictured “They were the bravest of the brave and now it is our turn to support and look after them,” said CEO Graeme Prior.
“It is an honour to do so, and to listen to their stories and memories of time wearing the ANZAC uniform is something which makes our role as aged care providers so special.”
As usual, the nation paused in silence at 11am, remembering those who died, so far from home, often in unmarked graves.
One soldier, however, was given the highest honour in the land.
In 1993, an Australian unknown soldier from World War I was entombed in the Memorial Hall of Memory in the War Memorial in Canberra. The soldier was buried in a Tasmanian Blackwood coffin, together with a bayonet and a sprig of wattle. As Robert Comb, a World War 1 veteran sprinkled soil from Pozieres in the tomb, he said: “You’re home now, mate.”
Lest we forget.
Springhaven Lodge in Kojonup joins the family
Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group have welcomed Springhaven Lodge in Kojunup, WA to their family of aged care facilities and services.
Photography by Krysta Guille.
Springhaven Lodge is a beautiful rural aged care home based in Kojonup in the Great Southern region of WA. The Shire of Kojonup has owned and operated Springhaven Lodge for over 40 years, and Hall & Prior has been supporting the home with governance and leadership over the past year, before agreeing to a sale earlier in October.
“Springhaven is a lovely facility, and we look forward to working to continue the legacy of outstanding care and services to the
HEART OF THE COMMUNITY Springhaven Lodge in Kojonup serves the Great Southern region of Western Australia.
We look forward to working to continue the legacy of outstanding care and services to the community.”
Dr Kristi Holloway, Executive Director, Hall & Prior
community,” said Kristi Holloway, Executive Director, Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group.
“I would like to extend a warm welcome to the entire team, led by the Director of Nursing, Narissa McMahon, as well as the staff, residents and their families of Springhaven Lodge.
“We will also soon commence a home care program out of Springhaven, providing much-needed home care to community members living in their own homes within Kojonup and surrounding areas. This extends the services that are delivered by our sister service Clarence Estate”.
Dr Holloway went on to extend her thanks to the Kojonup community for their warm welcome and support of the transition to Hall & Prior leadership.
Springhaven Lodge has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with 22-ensuite rooms all with access to a veranda and each looking out onto the surrounding gardens. The Lodge is situated in the centre of town and next door to Kojonup Hospital and Kojonup spring.
FRIENDLY FACES Director of Nursing Narissa McMahon (above, right), leads a friendly, local group of staff, including a four-legged friend, Mollie (left).
All the fun of the fair
Karingal Green held a Spring Carnival in October, and on a beautiful sunny spring day, residents, family and friends came out to enjoy a wonderful time together. By Barbara Brown, resident at Karingal Green.
After months of planning and the last few weeks of hectic activity, the day of the Spring Carnival arrived on October 23. I think even the weather had been organised with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. As residents and relatives gathered in the Hub waiting for the doors to the garden to be opened, the aroma from the BBQ was already permeating the air.
As the doors opened, you could be excused from thinking that you were visiting a country agricultural show with coloured bunting flapping in the breeze, bright balloons and signs to add to the atmosphere. The question being asked was where to go first? Perhaps the guessing competition where
there were four large jars filled with different types of confectionery, the idea being to guess the number of items in each jar. Next stop, the face painting and balloon twisting with children patiently waiting for their weird and wonderfulshaped balloon.
Moving over to the back of the garden, we found some of our favourite visitors, the animal farm with sheep, goats and a variety of strangelooking hens and roosters. Residents were invited to feed the lambs with large bottles of milk, the contents being devoured at a very rapid rate.
Well, that was the lambs fed, what about the human variety? A short walk brought us to a soft serve ice cream van and what a treat was in store. A large vanilla cone or perhaps one covered in chocolate or even the bright pink sherbet? Decisions, decisions!
Close by, tables and chairs were set out under the shade of our beautiful trees. Still hungry? Perhaps a visit to the BBQ would be in order.
Soon it was time to find a seat and wait for our musical guests, Irish band The Broken Pokers to begin the concert with their wonderful music. Before long, feet were tapping and hands clapping. For staff, it was impossible to sit still so dressed in their
SUNNY SMILES ALL ROUND
Karingal Green’s Spring Fair was well-attended with plenty of fun and treats for all to enjoy.
denim pants, checked shirts and broad brimmed hats, they were up dancing with anyone wanting to join in the fun.
All too soon, the music came to an end and residents returned to their rooms having had a wonderful time in the fresh air with lots of treats and time spent with friends and relatives.
Once again, thanks to the staff for giving residents a special Spring Carnival experience and your time, effort and enthusiasm is appreciated.
Festival of light illuminates homes
Diwali was celebrated in style this November, with residents, family and friends spreading light and love.
At Belmont Aged Care Home in Perth, the Diwali celebrations were filled with joy and excitement as guests were warmly welcomed.
The afternoon began with the traditional lighting of diyas, with the honour to do so falling to Kausalia Apparao and Sebastian Moreno from our head office in West Perth, who lit the Diwali diya.
The event continued with sparklers lighting up the atmosphere, followed by a variety of games enjoyed by residents and staff. Lively staff performances and a colourful fashion parade featuring both residents and staff in vibrant outfits were highlights of the celebration.
Indian food added a delicious touch to the festive mood, with families in attendance, making it a memorable event for all.
COLOUR
AND CULTURE
Belmont’s traditional Diwali celebrations were especially colourful this year.
Director of Human Resources Hall & Prior, Cameron Marshall, shared his appreciation for the event.
“I had a wonderful time in participating, it was fantastic and a beautiful celebration of Diwali today and thank the staff for their time and effort into the day,” he said.
The Consumer Advisory Board representative from Belmont Aged Care Home, Guntis Silins, mentioned in his speech how much he was looking forward to the wonderful Diwali celebrations and expressed his appreciation to the staff for organising this annual event.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the guests and staff who joined us for these festivities,” said Director of Nursing, Sonali Goel.
“Meanwhile, one of our Hall & Prior colleagues, Mina Pindolia, did the honours in lighting the lantern at Freshwater Bay Aged Care Home in Perth to
signify the start of the home’s Diwali celebration.”
For many people, Diwali honours the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. The lights and lamps are said to help Lakshmi find her way into peoples’ homes, bringing prosperity in the year to come.
It’s also a celebration of good triumphing over evil, and different legends based on this theme are associated with Diwali.
Agmaroy Aged Care Home in Perth celebrated Diwali with a special treat for the residents - an authentic Indian take away provided by the local Indian restaurant.
Residents enjoyed the aroma and rich flavour of
LIGHTING UP
Diwali is a celebration of good over evil.
the Indian dishes and loved savouring the spices and textures.
“I thanked all my staff and allied health team for their support to make this a successful Take Away Day for our residents,” said Aisle Batucan, Director of Nursing at Agmaroy Aged Care Home.
Finally, Kensington Park Aged Care Home came alive with vibrant colours and dazzling lights, lifting everyone’s spirits for the Diwali celebrations.
Residents were so excited and happy to see all the members of staff dressing up and dancing in beautiful and colourful traditional Indian attire for Diwali.
The home was delighted to welcome a special guest, Gurshaan, the talented son of Occupational Therapy Assistant Pardeep, who gave an enchanting
performance, showcasing Indian cultural dances that captivated our Kensington Park residents.
Everyone enjoyed the lively music, traditional dances, and delicious Indian food, making this Diwali an unforgettable experience for all at Kensington Park.
In Penshurst’s Georges Estate, the colour and the fun made Diwali celebrations very engaging for residents.
“During their celebrations everybody was entertained by the very talented Tanima
and her husband who taught everybody how to do traditional Indian dance moves,” said Sarah Riach, Executive Director, Georges Estate.
After the dancing session, the group sat down to enjoy special sweets called ‘Indian Laddu’ and ‘Gulab Jamun’ as well as some savoury samosas and curry puffs.”
“Our wonderful staff dressed up and the whole room was a sea of festive colour. It was very uplifting and meaningful way to spend the afternoon.”
Right royal occasion
When the King of Bhutan and his family spent two days meeting the Bhutanese diaspora in Perth, many Hall & Prior employees attended this once in a lifetime event.
The extensive Bhutanese community who call WA home gathered at Perth’s HBF Park Stadium for the first of two Royal Audiences with His Majesty The King in October. The King, who was accompanied by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, and Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel, Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, and Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, were welcomed with unbridled joy by their Bhutanese subjects so far from home.
Among the many thousands of Bhutanese in attendance were several hundred Hall & Prior employees, all of whom were thrilled to be able to see their Monarch in person over the two days of his visit to Perth.
Here are their memories of the big day.
Perth is home to the largest Bhutanese community outside Bhutan, and two Royal Audiences were scheduled in the city to accommodate the large number of attendees.
His Majesty addressed the gathering, stating that the main purpose of the visit was to meet the Bhutanese people in Australia. His Majesty also spoke about the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) and invited questions and suggestions from the community. GMC CEO Mun Leong Liew and his team delivered a presentation on the GMC Master Plan, and discussed how Bhutanese living abroad could contribute to the project.
Jigme Zangmo, Karingal Green
Sonam Choden, Karingal Green
A true king serves his people, not by standing above them, but by walking beside them in humility, and this is exemplified by none other than our King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk.
On October 16, over 16,000 Bhutanese gathered at Perth’s HBF Park Stadium, overwhelmed with joy and emotion. We are incredibly fortunate to have a King who continuously supports and uplifts us in every aspect of life. The event featured cultural performances and concluded with Their Majesties meeting with the people, making it a truly unforgettable occasion.
Our deep gratitude goes to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pem. Though we, the Bhutanese community, are physically in Australia, our hearts remain closely tied to our homeland, the Kingdom of Gross National Happiness.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Australian Government for providing us the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in such a welcoming environment.
Lastly, we, the Bhutanese working at Karingal Green, are sincerely grateful for being granted leave to attend this significant event. Without your support, we would not have had the chance to seize this golden opportunity. We promise to continue giving our best, working hard, and providing the highest quality of care during our time here.
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
Many of Perth’s Bhutanese population were thrilled to meet their King.
Karma Chokey, Windsor Park Aged Care Home
October 16 was a day that touched the hearts of every Bhutanese in Perth, a moment of joy and deep emotion.
His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck graced us with their presence, traveling across oceans to see their people in this distant land. Though our bodies may be here in Australia, our hearts and minds will forever be in Bhutan - our paradise on Earth. There is no place like our homeland, and no leader like our King.
Our selfless King, who has given everything to his people, and who places us before himself in all things
- how can words express the gratitude we feel? I am overcome with emotion, and words fail me. Your Majesty, you have done so much for us, and today, my heart is full of love and respect for both you and Her Majesty, our beloved Queen.
October 16 will forever be a day of pride, a day when we stood united in admiration and love for our King and Queen. Thank you, Your Majesties.
The immense happiness is only in Bhutan, a country so deeply connected to his King and Queen. The love and unity shared between the people and their leaders is something truly special, a bond unlike any other.
Bhutan is a land where happiness is not just a concept, but a way of life, nurtured by the wisdom and selflessness of our King. Knowing how much joy fills our homeland during such moments must make every Bhutanese heart swell with pride, whether near or far.
The warmth of our country’s happiness reaches us all, no matter where we are.
In deep reverence and honour, for all of us Bhutanese, our King is truly like a living god. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication to the people of Bhutan embody the divine.
He stands as a symbol of unity, compassion, and strength, guiding us with a heart that beats for the wellbeing of every Bhutanese.
Puran Gurung, Emerald Life Aged Care Home
WE ARE TRULY HUMBLED by this opportunity, which gives us many reasons to put more effort into caring for our residents. The management has been exceptionally supportive of our overall well-being. For this and many other things, we will always remain grateful.
On October 16 I had the honour of meeting His Majesty The King in Perth. It’s a day that will forever be etched in my heart as a moment of extraordinary significance. It felt as if my father, despite the vast distance separating us, had journeyed across oceans to surprise me with his presence. Tears of joy flowed as we embraced the essence of a long-awaited reunion. It was truly a historic day and a reminder that no distance can erode the power of connection and the joy of togetherness we share. I stay ever more inspired to give more to the society I live in as His Majesty stressed the importance of community vitality in his short speech.
Hall & Prior management has been exceptionally supportive of our overall well-being . . .
Fields by Kevin Fitzgerald
On Wednesday, October 16, the laundry, and kitchen staff from Fresh Fields, hailing from Bhutan, experienced a momentous occasion as they had the honour of meeting their King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and his family at HBF Park.
His Majesty, the fifth Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King), made history as the youngest reigning monarch in the world, ascending to the throne at just 26 years old in 2006.
In anticipation of this royal audience, our dedicated staff arrived early to complete their work commitments, ensuring they had time to change into their traditional attire. The men donned the Gho, a garment that reflects Bhutanese culture, while the women wore the Kira, an ankle-length skirt paired with a light-coloured coat known as the Toego. The vibrant colours and intricate designs of their outfits added to the excitement of the day.
The event was not just a personal milestone for the staff, but also a celebration of their heritage and pride in their homeland. Although the day was long and tiring, the joy of meeting their king filled them with a sense of fulfilment and happiness.
The following day, our staff reflected on the experience, tired but elated, cherishing the memories of such a special event. It was a beautiful reminder of their roots and
the significance of their cultural identity, shared in the presence of their beloved monarch.
On the next page, two of my staff, one from the laundry and one from the kitchen, put into words what the royal visit meant to them.
JOYFUL AUDIENCE
King Jigme Khesar Mangyel Wangchuck and his family spent two days meeting Bhutanese in Perth.
Their comments have left me speechless; we are lucky to have these caring people working for Fresh Fields and Hall & Prior.
Fresh
Namgay Choden (Nancy), Kitchen Assistant
There comes a moment in life when words fall short of describing an experience so profound, so holy, that it shakes the very core of who you are. That moment for me was when I met my King, the living God.
In His presence, I felt a love so pure, it washed away all fears and doubts. His Majesty is beyond comprehension, yet He is tender and close, knowing the depths of his people.
To encounter Him is to stand in awe, realizing that He is not distant or far off but here, intimately involved in every detail of my life. His wisdom guides me, His strength sustains me, and His grace overwhelms me.
In Him, I have found my purpose, my peace, my everything. He is not just a King; He is the King - my Saviour, my refuge, and my guardian angel. Meeting Him has changed us forever, and I will follow Him with all that I am.
Meeting (the King) has changed us forever, and I will follow Him with all that I am.”
Namgay Choden (Nancy), Fresh Fields.
Tashi Tshomo, Laundry Assistant
As a Bhutanese living in Australia, I recently had the rare opportunity to witness His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Royal Highness Queen Jetsuen Pema Wangchuk’s visit to Perth. This was a significant event for Bhutanese like me, far from home, as it brought a piece of Bhutan’s culture to our doorstep.
The event was held at a local stadium in Perth. As I entered, I could feel the excitement in the air: the Bhutanese community had gathered almost filling the stadium, all dressed in their traditional attire - the Gho for men and kira for women.
Despite the rain, the excitement within the Bhutanese community was over the moon, and it felt like I was going to attend a Bhutanese festival after a year.
I was among the nearly 30,000 Bhutanese community waiting eagerly to catch a glimpse of their beloved king, who is affectionately referred to as the “People’s King”. It was
thrilling to see people sharing raincoats to those who were sitting where there was no shelter, even though they were probably strangers. Seeing them shed tears of joy and sadness at the same time was an emotional experience for me as well.
When His Majesty arrived, his presence immediately uplifted the mood. It was surreal experience seeing him in person, a leader I had admired from afar. His presence in
UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS
Staff from Fresh Fields were overjoyed to attend the event in October.
Australia was especially meaningful as it served as a bridge between the two countries and a reminder of our rich cultural heritage. One of the most touching moments of the event was when His Majesty took the time to personally greet and interact with the attendees.
Despite the large crowd and rain, he made sure to connect with as many people as possible, exchanging kind words and listening to their stories.
The experience left a lasting impression on me. It was not just an event to celebrate the king’s visit, but a reaffirmation of the values that bind us as a Bhutanese.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of such a significant occasion and the memories will always remain in my heart.
Moon Cake festivities around the country
Bexley Aged Care Home in NSW always puts together a wonderful celebration for the Chinese Moon Festival for our Chinese residents and their families. Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, this celebration is the second most important festival in China.
To follow the Chinese tradition, staff gave residents special Moon Cakes and devoted the day to games, information and Chinese cultural activities. The Moon Festival is a reunion time for families and is usually celebrated with family dinner gatherings, worshiping the moon and lighting paper lanterns.
The Moon Cakes were enjoyed by all Bexley residents regardless of cultural background with most non-Chinese residents thinking they were ‘quite interesting and dense-tasting treats’ which go well with tea and coffee. You could say that everybody was over the moon . . .
Kensington Park
At Kensington Park many of the residents had a wonderful time celebrating the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival too.
With themed decorations like paper lanterns and paper fans, as well as yummy mooncakes in a variety of flavours including green tea, coffee, traditional lotus and etc, the highlight was a lively band performance by The Love Heartz Group.
The talented dancers performed their special Chinese cultural dance and sang Chinese cultural songs, creating heartwarming moments for our residents and staff for this celebration.
“It is always a joy to see the big smiles and excitement of our residents during performances like this,” said Director of Nursing, Cecile Panido.
“At Kensington, we celebrate various cultural traditions and create new memories together, and this was one of those special moments.”
Aren’t these photos wonderful?
Bexley Aged Care Home
Making bird boxes at Emerald Life
The male residents of Emerald Life Aged Care Home in West Leederville teamed up with therapy staff to bring a wonderful project come to life along with our dedicated maintenance man, and the OT to create beautiful bird boxes.
This initiative not only sparked creativity but also encouraged teamwork and skill-building among the residents.
Working together, the men engaged in woodworking techniques while sharing stories and laughter. The project provided a sense of purpose, allowing them to engage in a meaningful activity that connected them with nature and brought back fond memories.
We can’t wait to see the bird box hung around in the facility, attracting local wildlife and brightening our surroundings.
Thank you to everyone involved for making this project a success! It’s heartwarming to witness our residents thrive when they’re encouraged to participate in handson activities.
Stay tuned for more projects in the future - and you can be sure we’ll be keeping an eye on those bird boxes for their new feathered inhabitants!
Caroline celebrates the big 60
Staff at Mosman Park wanted to throw Mosman Park staff member Caroline Lawson a special surprise party for her big 60th.
“Caroline Is such an amazing part of the team and such a great soul,” said Devi Subramaniam, Director of Nursing.
“She has been part of our Mosman Park family since 1997 and on the occasions when I step out of Mosman, Caroline takes over and pretends to be the Director of Nursing of the home.
“Caroline has been a great asset to Mosman and we are so lucky to
have her there - she always puts in 110% in what she does and helps the clinical team to ensure the home runs smoothly. Mosman wouldn’t be what it is today without her there.”
Happy birthday again, Caroline! We hope you had a wonderful celebration! Thank you for being part of our family.
Mosman Park
Emerald Life
Celebrating Nepal’s Dashain
During the auspicious week of Dashain, Nepal’s most celebrated festival, staff, residents, and families at Agmaroy Aged Care Home came together in a heartwarming celebration. Dashain, a 10-day event from October 3 to October 16, symbolises the triumph of good over evil. It is marked by applying Tika, a red rice mixture, on the foreheads of younger people to bless them for abundance and prosperity in the coming years.
Agmaroy’s celebrations featured the traditional serving of Jamara, a holy grass sprouted from barley, symbolising blessings from the Goddess Durga. Reena Maharjan led the event as the main organiser,
while Saraswoti Chhetri, Nabina Sapkota, Shreesti Bhandari, Mamta Monger, Raksha Parajuli, and Niraj Karki contributed to making it a memorable occasion. The event was filled with dancing, including a beautiful solo by Reena, and a special moment when Director of Nursing, Aisle Batucan, received blessings from elder Debbie Hall by receiving Tika and Jamara.
“It is believed that Jamara - holy grass - is a blessing from the Goddess Durga and helps us to receive blessing from the Elders. It’s great to see staff, families and residents uniting with joy to celebrate this significant event or honouring the spirit of Nepalese.
The feeling of harmony and triumph we felt during this time,” said Aisle.
The celebrations also included traditional Nepalese foods like sel roti, meat dishes, and curries, while participants donned traditional clothing, special jewelry, and danced to express the festive spirit.
As you can see from the photographs, Dashain is a time for people to gather and celebrate together.
Agmaroy Aged Care Home
Seeing the sights
Clarence Estate
Residents of Clarence Estate recently had the opportunity to enjoy Emu Point in a unique way, thanks to the Cycling Without Age program. Volunteers piloted electric bikes equipped with front carriages, allowing residents to sit back, relax, and take in the scenery.
Over the course of the month, two groups set out for these rides, experiencing the beautiful surroundings from a new perspective. The initiative provided residents with a refreshing outdoor experience, combining comfort and adventure.
Cycling Without Age continues to enrich lives, offering residents a chance to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and enjoyable way.
Fairfield Aged Care Home
Guess who’s behind the mike?
If you’ve heard our new ad on Perth’s 6PR radio station and wondered who’s lovely voice that is talking about the care we give veterans, here’s the face behind the voice!
In the run-up to Remembrance Day and during November, we wanted to highlight the care we offer veterans in our homes with a brand-new radio campaign on 6PR. We roped in Deb SinclairLane to provide the voice talent, and we think you’ll agree, our warm and empathetic Executive Director of Care really stepped up to the task.
Thanks, Deb! You’re a (radio) star.
over $1k for Dementia Australia Fairfield raises
The staff and residents of Fairfield were very busy in October putting on a community event to welcome the general public to join them in supporting Dementia Australia.
Joining in on the ‘Cuppa For Dementia’ campaign, the home put on a big sausage sizzle in the car park next to the home and welcomed in the wider community to join them with a bite to eat. All the proceeds, totalling $1,052, will go towards supporting this cause close to our hearts.
Our team were so proud to raise such a large amount! Thank you to the Fairfield community for supporting us in our quest to raise funds for Dementia.
Find out more about the ‘Cuppa For Dementia’ campaign here: cuppafordementia.com.au
Leighton Aged Care Home
A GIANT BUS TRIP
During September, residents and OTAs from Leighton Aged Care Home in Perth went on a bus trip in search of a very special gentleman giant living in Mandurah.
Resting on the land of the Bindjareb Noongar people, Mandurah’s newest giant has been named Yaburgurt Cirkelstone, in honour of a respected Elder from the region and in consultation with Bindjareb Elders.
Built in collaboration with local community members, the new Giant, replaces the Vivi Cirkelstone sculpture which was damaged by arsonists in December last year.
As you can see, their quest was successful; they took some pictures with the giant and enjoyed a relaxing lunch whilst overlooking the water.
GIANT DAY OUT
A trip by Leighton’s residents led to a meeting with Mandurah’s giant, Yaburgurt Cirkelstone.
Young and old play together
Agmaroy Aged Care Home in Wilson, WA enjoyed its first intergenerational visit to the nearby Nido Early school recently.
It’s a program that connects children and seniors through play, singing and shared experiences. One of the residents, Mr Evans, was an especially popular visitor when he played harmonica for the children and staff.
Meanwhile at Kensington Park Aged Care Home the residents teamed up with Little Helpers on the Run for a special Intergenerational Program celebration for Happy World Teachers Day.
Little Helpers is committed to nurturing kindness and compassion in children, preparing them to be dedicated volunteers within their communities. Their activities, focused on care and respect, teach these young ones to bring joy to those who need it most.
Agmaroy
Kensington Park
On Wednesday September 11, Channel 9 Perth paid a visit to Emerald Life to film a very special encounter between the youngsters of Sparrow Early Learning West Leederville and residents.
Channel 9 was keen to share this magical interaction between young and old that takes place every Wednesday.
“It has been a delight to see the benefits of the program for the residents and the children,” said the OT. “It is always a highlight of the day for our residents.”
The program provides regular social interaction for our residents and gives them the opportunity to engage in activities including storytelling, games, baking, gardening and arts and crafts.
It creates opportunities to build meaningful connections and to foster a sense of community across the younger and older generations.
We will continue to keep the program going, every Wednesday at Emerald Life.
Care Home
It was chaos and fun when 14 children from the Bexley Bridge St Kids Learning Centre came to visit our residents at Bexley Aged Care Home in NSW to celebrate Grandparents Day in October.
What a day we had with many residents interacting and enjoying face-to-face play time with the children who had made special Grandparents Day cards for them. There was dancing, singing, stories, hand holding, hugging and lots of air kisses, which left the whole home buzzing with warm and fuzzy feelings.
The next day the fun continued as residents headed out on the bus over to visit Bridge St Kids Learning Centre at Hurstville to celebrate Grandparents Day with a different set of children. As we entered the room the kids all screamed out our names, they did not need to make any introductions.
Our residents loved receiving special hand drawn cards and a big Happy Grandparents Day from all the kids.
Story continues overleaf.
Bexley Aged
Emerald Life
Braemar House in Perth has been collaboratively working with Green Leaves Early Learning in Baldivis for an intergenerational program.
Green Leaves is committed to raising the benchmark for early education and care across the country and to promote i intergenerational connection with the seniors “grandfriends”.
Their Intergenerational Program is a fun, safe and welcoming space for different generations to come together to interact and engage in a play-based exchange to encourage learning at both ends of the age spectrum resulting in an enriching experience for both young and old.
There are reciprocal benefits for all, with the opportunity to build connections and a deeper understanding of generations, giving the sense of purpose and belonging. It also significantly
Green Leaves is committed to raising the benchmark for early education and care . . . and to promote intergenerational connection.
improves the mental and social development of the children while helping to alleviate challenges of isolation and dementia commonly faced by seniors.
During this session, young and old enjoyed crafts, played games, sang songs, baked, cooked, shared morning tea, story time and chats.
We’re looking forward to more visits from our little friends at Green Leaves, who will come every three weeks to Braemar House.
Braemar House
Horse sense on Melbourne Cup Day
Whether you’re a punter or not, there’s always a lot of excitement around the first Tuesday in November as the Race that Stops the Nation encourages many to put on their finery, dig out a fascinator and watch as some of the best racehorses in the country thunder down the straight at Flemington.
As ever, many of our aged care homes rose to the occasion - here are just a few photos from around WA and NSW on the big day.
At Karingal Green in Perth, two lovely ponies from Teraponies paid a visit to the residents which they absolutely loved. Many residents had dressed up to the nines for the occasion, and after petting the loveable ponies, it was time to tuck into a delicious three-course lunch prepared by Karingal Green’s chefs.
In NSW, the Melbourne Cup was a huge cause for celebration in Menaville Aged Care Home in Rockdale. The party started early this morning in the warm up to the big race which is running at 3pm today.
Everybody dusted off their fascinators and enjoyed some accordion entertainment (and dancing) as residents wiled away the time until the start of the race.
At Windsor Park three lucky gents scooped the first, second and third prizes in the race.
Fairfield says “Olé” to Spanish culture
Fairfield Aged Care Home
Our Fairfield Aged Care
Home residents delved into Columbian and Peruvian culture in November when some Spanish dancers arrived to liven up their day.
As you can see from the images, our residents loved it - getting up to join the dancers and enjoying moving, ‘Spanish Style’, to the lively music.
To finish off the session and refuel after their energetic moves, the residents tucked into the Spanish sweet treat, churros. What a fabulous morning!
Purple happiness at Grafton
October 31 was Jacaranda Thursday in Grafton, and this year’s festival celebrated “90 years in bloom”, it being the 90th anniversary of this famous regional festival.
The whole town, including Grafton Aged Care Home was decorated in purple. Staff and residents donned purple clothes on the day especially to get into the spirit and attend the Annual Jacaranda Big Breakfast which was held in the courtyard.
Bacon and egg sandwiches, sausages, fruit, juice and tea and coffee were on the menu as
everybody enjoyed the sunshine, food and social atmosphere.
Earlier in the week we continued our annual traditions, including taking a scenic drive to admire the streets lined with beautiful jacaranda trees in full bloom, ending up at Bailey’s Park and stopping to enjoy morning tea under a Jacaranda Tree.
The residents made crowns to wear for the Jacaranda Party. This year’s Jacaranda Queen, Alice Jabour and her party chatted with the residents and enjoyed purple icecream and lemonade.
Cheers to Oktoberfest at Villa Dalmacia
Villa Dalmacia Aged Care residents in Spearwood, WA embraced the spirit of Oktoberfest this year with a fun-filled celebration!
The event featured traditional music, festive decorations, and delicious treats, creating a joyful atmosphere for everyone.
Residents enjoyed pretzels, sausages, and a taste of German culture, all while sharing laughter and making memories. Staff joined in the festivities, ensuring the day was full of excitement and cheer.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together and celebrate in true Oktoberfest style,” said Kelly Snook, Director of Nursing.
Cheers to that!
Villa Dalmacia
fun for all Spooky
Halloween is a great excuse for everybody to dress up, and many of our aged care homes got into the spooky spirit this year. Here’s a snapshot of what we got up to on the scariest day of the year.
Bus trip to Bickley
The day may traditionally be dark and spooky, but as you can see, the weather was PERFECT for Windsor Park’s special Halloween bus trip (even if it was during the day).
Staff dressed up in their best spooky outfits and the residents loved it. Everybody had a smashing time down at Fremantle and the water and sky really were that beautiful blue colour.
Monster dance moves at Agmaroy
It was another spookily successful day at Agmaroy Aged Care Home in Perth where everyone had fun for Halloween with plenty of laughter as they showed off their dance moves while wearing their scary costumes and handmade masks.
Some of the residents even got their dance grooves on dancing while in their wheelchairs - good going, Agmaroy!
HALLOWEEN HAPPINESS
Many of our aged care homes had fun on October 31, with scary masks, witches hats and other spooky costumes.
Windsor Park
Agmaroy
Fright night at Belmont
Residents and staff dressed up in style for some Halloween fun at Belmont Aged Care Home. There were witches and ghouls, zombies and scary monsters, all in the name of October 31. Mercy, our Occupational Therapy Assistant, made a delightful Halloween-themed cake which was a hit with everyone.
Belmont
Karingal Green
Spooky fun at Kensington Park
It’s that special day of the year when ghouls and ghosts come out to play - but first, there’s the very important task of carving some Jack-O-Lanterns.
Residents and staff - including Deb Sinclair-Lane - got busy with some pumpkins, carving scary faces to display this Halloween. Thay and Andy took particular care with their pumpkins, ably helping Deb come up with some haunting looks.
There were some terrifying costumes in evidence too, with witches and wizards’ hats - happy Halloween to you all!
Let’s do the time warp again
Fairfield are back and more time warped than ever!
Our staff and residents love a dressup sing and dance along to draw attention to special days. You may remember that last time they got together, it was the ‘Texas Hold Em’. Well, this time it’s ‘The Time Warp’ from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Just in time for some Halloween shenanigans, the team rehearsed their routine to perfection, so if you’re in the mood for a spooky treat, watch our dance on our Facebook page – we hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Now you see it . . .
At Karingal Green, an illusionist dropped by to add an extra touch of magic this Halloween. Everybody was amazed at his card tricks and enjoyed dressing up for the day.
PUMPKIN PALS
There was some excellent pumpkin carving skills on display at Kensington Park (above).
Kensington Park
Fairfield
All aboard the good ship Grafton
It was fun ahoy at an end of year river boat party in honour of the hard-working staff of Grafton Aged Care Home in November.
By Jacki Downs.
There is nothing like a trip down the mighty Clarence River to acknowledge our hard-working staff, and in November, the staff of Grafton Aged Care home were invited to attend a special Length of Service & Directors’ Awards event to recognise and acknowledge their great achievements.
The Clarence River Ferry, the MV Mirigini, was the water vessel of choice as the staff boarded the boat from Maclean Jetty at 5.30pm on a sunny afternoon in November. For three wonderful hours, the staff enjoyed camaraderie and accolades as recognition was given to their colleagues.
Guests of honour CEO Graeme Prior and Kris Healy, NSW General Manager introduced each award category and congratulated each recipient, while Director of Nursing Toni Spires and Executive Director of Care Regional Leader North, Michelle Burgess named each of the winners to come and collect their awards.
The Grafton staff wore matching pink Christmas themed scrubsa very cohesive group!
The weather gods were kind as the staff enjoyed the first day in over a week where afternoon thunder storms gave way to soft-coloured skies and a nearly full moon.
It has been a year of change for the Grafton team during 2024. We are excited to have welcomed new Director of Nursing, Toni Spires who is supported by Crystal Appleby as the home’s Clinical Nurse Manager.
Toni has enjoyed a long career in the aged care industry and arrived to Hall & Prior from her previous role with Fresh Hope Communities located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. The Northern Rivers is home to Toni and her family, with her children and grandchildren all living locally; it’s certainly a part of the world that feels like home for her.
A big congratulations to all our Grafton winners.
Everyone was in great spirits capturing moments of the cruise for their personal memories.
Award winners aboard MV Mirigini
Length of Service Recognition staff for 2024 were:
10 YEARS
Debbie Freeman
Elizabeth Payne
15 YEARS
Terese Marker
20 YEARS
Gwenda Betteridge
Directors’ Award winners for 2024 were:
Outstanding Care & Service
Nabindra Bhattarai
Outstanding Care & Service
Anita Ellis
Outstanding Achievement
Louise Rediger
Outstanding Achievement
Iris West
JOY ON THE WATER
Tatiana Dobson MEET the DON
Mertome Aged Care & Retirement Village Director of Nursing
Tatiana
Dobson loves nothing more than seeing her residents being happy and engaged, finishing off her working day with a sci-fi book or board game with the family.
L&L: How long have you been working in aged care, and what drew you to the profession?
TD I began my journey in aged care as a carer while pursuing my Enrolled Nursing Diploma, and I instantly fell in love with the holistic nature of aged care. It’s not just about caring for the residents; it’s also about supporting their families and collaborating with a diverse team that includes allied health professionals, specialists, and even the maintenance team. I truly appreciate the sense of community, and the meaningful connections you can form in this field.
L&L When did you join Hall & Prior and in what type of capacity?
TD I joined Hall & Prior in 2019 as a Clinical Nurse Manager at Leighton Aged Care Home.
L&L What do you particularly enjoy about your role - and what are the challenges you face?
TD I enjoy the variety each day brings, no two days are the same. This dynamic environment pushes me to grow, become more resourceful, and navigate uncomfortable situations, all of which contribute to my professional development.
One of the biggest challenges I face is the workforce shortage in aged care. Despite being such a rewarding field, it often doesn’t receive the recognition and support it deserves. This shortage not only places additional stress on existing staff but can also impact the quality of care we provide. Addressing this issue is crucial for both the workforce and the residents we care for.
L&L On a day-to-day basis, what makes your role special and how do you plan on inspiring staff at your home?
TD What makes my role special on a day-to-day basis is witnessing the residents happy and engaged, truly becoming a part of the community. Their joy and sense of belonging are incredibly fulfilling for me.
To inspire staff at our home, I aim to create an environment of encouragement and support. I want to empower them to be their best selves and help them grow in their roles. I hope to motivate my team to strive for quality care and make a positive impact in the lives of our residents.
L&L If somebody was contemplating a career in aged care, what advice would you give them?
TD Go for it! It’s the most rewarding and challenging job you will ever have, and it is worth every second of it.
L&L What kind of leader/ DON are you - how do you think your colleagues would describe you?
TD I hope that they find me easy to approach and fair.
L&L What makes for 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?
TD A good day in aged care for me is when I see my staff confidently handling complex situations on their own and witnessing their growth in their roles. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that they are developing their skills and becoming more capable.
What keeps me smiling, even in the face of everyday lifeand-death situations, is the trust families place in us to care for their loved ones. Being part of their journey, especially during the most challenging times, is a privilege. I find comfort in knowing that we are providing compassionate support
and making a meaningful difference in the lives of both residents and their families.
L&L What plans do you have for your home - and how do you relax when you have finished work for the day?
TD I would like to improve the Memory Support Unit (MSU) for residents living with dementia. I relax by taking my dog for a long walk and reading a book.
L&L Tell us something we don’t know about you (could be a hobby or passion).
TD I really enjoy reading fiction books and playing board games with my friends and family.
Maria Katsoulotos
Assistant in Nursing at Clover
Lea Aged Care Home, NSW
Known as the Green Thumb of Clover
Lea, ‘Mama’ Maria Katsoulotos has been a fixture in the home for over 40 years. By Rowena Aldon, Lifestyle Officer at Clover Lea Aged Care Home.
Maria Katsoulotos has been an invaluable member of the Clover Lea Nursing Home team for over four decades. Her unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to our residents, coupled with her passion for gardening, has made her a beloved figure among staff, residents, and their families.
Known affectionately as “Mama Maria,” Maria’s dedication to her work extends far beyond her role as a nursing assistant. She views Clover Lea as her second home, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all. Her ability to connect with residents on a personal level and build strong relationships with their families has earned her the respect and admiration of everyone she encounters.
Beyond her nursing duties, Maria is a skilled gardener who has transformed the Clover Lea grounds into a vibrant and inviting space. Her tireless efforts have resulted in a flourishing garden filled with fruits, vegetables, and beautiful plants. The stunning surroundings not only enhance the visual appeal of the home but also provide residents with a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Lifestyle leisure programmes aligned with gardening activities have proven beneficial for the residents’ well-being. It promotes positive moods, reduces stress, and provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Maria’s dedication to nurturing the garden has created a space where residents can enjoy the beauty of nature and participate in meaningful activities.
The fruits and vegetables harvested from the garden are shared with everyone at
Clover Lea, from residents and staff to their families and visitors. Those who haven’t had the opportunity to taste our homegrown produce are encouraged to stop by and experience the fresh, flavourful harvest.
Maria’s contributions to Clover Lea Aged Care Home are immeasurable. She is a true pillar of our community, whose passion, dedication, and green thumb have enriched the lives of everyone associated with the home.
We love Mama Maria
By Jacki Downs, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager, NSW
A natural carer, a green thumb, a mentor to all, a beacon of kindness; ‘Mama Maria’ as she is affectionately known within the walls of Clover Lea Aged Care Home, is truly a special person who we can all learn from.
The kind words written about her by her peers show the upmost respect and adoration for a lady who has been committed to the care of the elderly or over 40 years at Clover Lea.
Maria is known to the Hall & Prior visiting state
office staff as a ‘giver’ who always ensures we leave the home as well cared for as the residents.
I personally remember being given a tub of gelato and waffle cones to take back to the office to share among the staff on leaving the home after a visit.
Maria, you are one in a million, and Hall & Prior are lucky to know you and delighted that you share yourself with our residents so beautifully every day.
PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY Maria in Clover Lea’s beautiful garden with Director of Nursing, Irene Whippy.
Sing, choirs of angels (and residents)
The Georges Estate Choir will bring the spirit of Christmas to the Georges River community this year, performing popular festive classics for all to enjoy.
Every year, Georges River Council delights the community with their family event called ‘The Magic of Christmas’ for the constituents of Georges River Council area. Expecting over 15,000 community members in 2024, this event will surely be delightful and bring the spirit of Christmas alive.
The Georges Estate Choir will be performing at this spectacular event this year and the residents and staff could not be more excited to bring their vocal talents to the local community.
“Georges Estate are a major sponsor of this Georges River Council event and we are excited to continue our wonderful relationship with our local council,” said Sarah Riach, Executive Director of Georges Estate.
Accompanied by a guitar with no backing track, the choir is made up of 24 residents who are vocally trained and have been practicing each week with singing coach, Alison.
For their performance at Carss Park, 15 residents will
perform to the community and as a special addition, the residents have also learned how to sign language ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’ for any hearing-impaired audience members.
Georges Estate Choir also boasts three soloists who will enjoy showcasing their talents to the community at this special event. Coach Alison has also been busy rewriting some of the words to some well-known Christmas Carols to give them a distinctive, original twist for our performance such as ‘I’m dreaming of a hot Christmas’.
The performance is on Saturday December 7 at 5.30pm on the main stage at The Magic of Christmas Georges River Council Community Event in Carss Park.
The Georges Estate team will be on hand at the event with a special information marquee to chat and enjoy our local community. As a special treat, we have VIP access for grandkids and family members of the choir singers to be priority listed
for a special meet and greet with the Minions. If you are attending, make sure you give your name to Kyla Hawkins or Amber Heywood from Georges Estate to ensure you enjoy your VIP meet and greet.
Victoria’s secret of success
As Home Care Coordinator for Georges Estate, Victoria Stanford is bringing the same high quality aged care to clients’ own homes.
Georges Estate has launched a new home care service to the local community and are bringing their expert, professional care directly to clients’ doors.
Home Care Coordinator
Victoria Stanford joined the Georges Estate team in October and brings a wealth of home care expertise. Having worked for 15 years in the home care industry, Victoria is excited about this new service.
“During my career, I’ve worked in different roles as a Home Care Coordinator for HCP and NDIS packages,” she said.
“I worked for five years as a Community Transport Coordinator in aged care. I’ve also recently spent time in a more specialised role,
supporting vulnerable clients with hoarding and squalor disorders under the guidance of a mental health team, so my experience is extensive in the home care area.”
Victoria’s strength lies in her strong communication skills, particularly with culturally diverse clients, a factor that is evident from her past experience working with the Indigenous community of Western Sydney in a specialised coordinator role.
Servicing Home Care
Packages from level 1 through to level 4, the services on offer from Georges Estate Home Care range from general house and garden cleaning to Registered Nurse-level clinical care - and everything in between.
HELPING HANDS
Georges Estate has started to welcome home care clients into their professional, kind and compassionate home care service.
“We look forward to caring for you in the environment that suits you the best - your home,” said Victoria.
The home care launch is supported by a marketing campaign that targets clients in a 10-kilometre radius around the home in Penshurst and down into the Sutherland Shire area. There is a lovely video to support the launch on the Georges Estate website, which will be used in an online campaign in early 2025. Please visit the website to view this message on our services: GeorgesEstate.com.au.
If you know somebody in the southern Sydney region looking for kind, compassionate, professional and expert care, reach out to Victoria Stanford at Georges Estate via email on
Victoria.Stanford@hallprior.com.au.
70 years of wedded bliss
All the team at Karingal Green Health and Aged Care Community wished lovebirds Ray and Lesley many congratulations recently when they celebrated their 70 th anniversary.
Surrounded by loved ones and fellow residents, they celebrated this incredible milestone with cake, delicious treats, and a glass of champagne.
Cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness!
SEVEN DECADES TOGETHER
Karingal Green wish Ray and Lesley many congratulations on their 70 th wedding anniversary.
Art unlocks elder creativity
The simple act of painting a still life under the gentle guiding influence of an art therapist is just one of the activities residents at Karingal Green regularly enjoy.
There was a notable hush as a group of budding artists at Karingal Green in High Wycombe got to work at their table top easels.
Tasked with painting a photograph of some lemons, each resident got to work and began to bring their version of the image to life.
Art therapy at Karingal Green provides residents with a means to express themselves creatively and emotionally.
At Karingal Green, the painting classes are led by art
therapist, Painting by Mel, who guides the residents through different painting techniques, encouraging them to explore their creativity.
In these classes residents have created beautiful landscapes, portraits and been able to explore their feelings, communicate non-verbally, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of making art.
The finished paintings hang pride of place around the home, a beautiful testament to Karingal Green’s resident amateur artists.
Led by Painting by Mel, residents created beautiful works of art at Karingal Green.
BRUSH STROKES
Top 10 ways to stay cool this Summer
Australian summers can bring scorching heat, making it particularly challenging for the elderly, especially those living in aged care homes or with limited mobility. Here are 10 essential tips to help you stay cool, safe, and comfortable during the hottest months.
1
Drink up
Drinking plenty of water is crucial and may sound obvious, but it’s important to remind your older loved ones to aim for at least eight to 10 glasses per day. If plain water has lost its appeal, try herbal teas or adding slices of fruit for flavour. Make it fun by choosing a different fruit according to the day: mandarins on Monday, strawberries on Sunday or watermelon on Wednesday.
2 Keep it cool
During a heatwave, wear loose, lightweight, and light-coloured clothing to help keep your body cool. Natural fabrics like cotton are breathable and better for hot weather. Avoid dark colours that absorb heat or thicker fabrics like corduroy, denim or synthetic garments.
3
Fan club
When the temperature rises, the temptation is to crank up the air con. Before summer really hits, arrange a service of your air conditioning units to make sure they’re functioning correctly. If you don’t have air conditioning, use fans to circulate air. To optimise this approach, position fans near windows in the evening to draw in cooler air. If you’re
able, take a cool shower before hitting the sheets.
4 Avoid the midday sun Noel Coward really knew what he was talking about; only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, and here in Australia staying indoors during the hottest part of the day is a smart rule. If you really need to go out, try to do so early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler - and remember, if you’re taking your furry friend for a walk, do it before the pathways have got too hot.
5 Be a cool hunter
If possible, spend time in air-conditioned spaces, like shopping malls, supermarkets and libraries. Many aged care homes have cool areas too and if outside, stay in the shade or near the ocean where cooling breezes often blow in to take the edge of the heat.
6 Salad days
Eat smaller, lighter meals that don’t require cooking and time in front of the oven. Fresh fruits, salads, and yoghurt can be refreshing and hydrating as well as a great way to make use of seasonal fruit and veg. Often when the weather turns hot, older
people find their appetite recedes so listen to what they would like and serve up a little of what they fancy as often as they want.
7 Weather girls (and boys)
Keep an eye on local weather reports to anticipate extreme heat days and plan accordingly. It’s true to say that being forewarned is to be forearmed; for instance, if you know a heatwave is on the horizon, that’s not the day to plan an energetic march around the park or picnic.
8 Keep the lines of communication open
If a heatwave is in full flow and your older relatives have been stuck indoors, make sure you catch up regularly to avoid
loneliness. Diarise regular check-ins or visits with friends and family, even if it’s via phone or video calls and make plans for when the heat recedes.
9 Recognise what heat stroke looks like
Educate yourself about the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, such as dizziness, nausea, or confusion. Alert staff or emergency services immediately if you or someone around you is experiencing these symptoms.
10 Lean on me
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from caregivers or family members if the summer heat is getting you down. Sometimes it can feel like forever until the season changes, so just know
you’re not alone. Friends and family can assist with errands, provide companionship, and ensure you have everything you need to stay cool and safe.
Keeping cool during an Australian summer as an elderly individual requires careful planning and support. By following these tips, you can ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable summer.
Festive fare
If you’re cooking up a feast this Christmas, our Fresh Fields chefs have created four crackers for you to enjoy.
Eric Puzon, Sous Chef, Fresh Fields
Cassava cake is a traditional Filipino moist cake made from grated cassava, coconut milk, and condensed milk with a custard layer on top. It is a very popular dish in the Philippines, where it is commonly eaten at teatime. It is also served during gatherings and special occasions.
It is typically steamed or baked and is known for its sweet, dense, and chewy texture. The history of cassava cake can be traced back to the Philippines, where cassava is a staple crop. The dish is believed to have originated from the Visayan region, where cassava is abundant and is used in various traditional recipes.
I love coffee and that is the reason why I love this cake as it complements a cup of coffee on the side.
Filipino Cassava Cake with Macapuno
INGREDIENTS
2 x 454g packs frozen grated cassava, thawed
340ml jar macapuno in syrup, drained
400ml coconut milk
300ml condensed milk, divided
5 tbsp brown sugar
57g unsalted butter, softened
Pinch of salt
METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 150ºC. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, stir all ingredients - but only half of the condensed milk - until combined. Smash the softened butter to the sides of the bowl to make sure it is incorporated.
3. Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake for about one hour or until edges start turning puffy and golden brown and the centre is set. It’s OK if the top of your cake is still bubbling.
4. Carefully remove the cake from the oven - keep the oven on - and spread the rest of the condensed milk on top. Try to spread it as evenly as you can.
5. Continue to bake your cassava cake until the top is caramelised. You can also choose to grill on low for a few minutes to help with the caramelisation. Just remember to watch your cake because grilling can easily burn it.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool in baking dish before cutting into squares and serving. Best served warm.
Filipino Christmas Fruit Cake
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup light syrup
2 medium eggs
1/4 cup orange concentrate
1/4 cup molasses
2 tbsp brandy
1 1/8 cup flour, sifted
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 tsp allspice
3 tsp glazed cherries
Fruit and Nuts Mixture
2 cups glazed fruits
1 cup raisins or sultanas
1/2 cup pitted dates
1 cup toasted almonds or cashews
1 cup pili nuts
1/2 cup brandy
METHOD
1. In a non-reactive bowl, combine dried fruits, nuts and the 1/2 cup brandy. Soak overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 150ºC and lightly grease sides and bottom of three 6cm x 3cm x 2cm loaf pans with shortening and line with parchment paper or brown baking paper. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine margarine, sugar, syrup, eggs, orange concentrate, molasses and two tbsp brandy. With a mixer, beat until well-blended.
4. Add flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and allspice. Beat until well-blended.
5. Add 1/2 the fruit and nut mixture and stir to combine.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pans until they are 2/3 full. Spoon the remaining half of the fruit and nut mixture over the batter. Decorate with glazed cherries.
7. Place the pans in the preheated oven. Place a separate pan of water in the oven on a rack underneath the fruit cake.
8. Bake for one and a half to two hours or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove from oven, place on wire rack and allow to cool for five minutes.
9. Carefully lift the fruit cakes from baking pans and let cool completely.
10. Brush all sides with brandy or rum. Wrap with a cheesecloth and store at room temperature in a styrofoam box or tin can.
Tom Marshall, Head Chef, Fresh Fields
Christmas Stuffing doesn’t just help retain moisture to the meat; it also gives a wonderful flavour to whatever you serve it with. Christmas is the perfect time to spoil your guests with this beautiful stuffing recipe. It reminds me of my childhood and Christmases past.
Finish off your festive feast with a traditional favourite - Christmas puddingfilled with sweet fruits and a hint of brandy, it serves perfectly with hot custard or ice cream. This one is my grandma’s recipe so it’s tried and true.
Tom’s Grandma’s Christmas Pudding
INGREDIENTS
Melted butter, to grease
375g dried mixed fruit
75g glacé cherries, quartered
75g dried figs, chopped
75g dried pears, chopped
75g dried cranberries
75g pitted dried dates, chopped
2 tbsp finely grated orange rind
1 cup (250ml) orange juice
1/3 cup (80ml) brandy
METHOD
1 cup (150g) plain flour
1 cup (150g) self-raising flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp ground nutmeg
250g unsalted butter, melted, cooled
1 cup (220g) firmly packed brown sugar
3 eggs, lightly whisked
Serve with custard or ice-cream
1. Brush an 8 cup (2 litre) pudding basin with melted butter. Line the base with rounds of baking paper.
2. Combine the dried fruit, cherries, figs, pears, cranberries, dates, orange rind and juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 10 minutes, or until fruits soften. Remove from heat and set aside for 30 minutes to cool. Add the brandy and stir to combine.
3. Sift combined plain flour, self-raising flour, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, mixed spice and nutmeg into a large bowl. Add fruit mixture, butter, brown sugar and eggs and stir until well combined. Gently spoon
Tom’s Christmas Stuffing
INGREDIENTS
3 cups dried breadcrumbs
1 onion, finely diced
12 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
3 bacon rashers, chopped
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
1 medium tomato, finely chopped,
1 tbsp butter
1 pinch salt and pepper
METHOD
1. Lightly sauté onion and bacon in pan until onion is transparent.
2. Combine all ingredients.
3. Breadcrumbs should be just moist, so that ingredients just cling together.
4. Stuff turkey or chicken.
mixture into prepared pudding steamer, smooth on top, and secure the lid.
4. Place pudding basin into a large saucepan. Pour in enough boiling water to combine halfway up the side of the pan. Place over medium heat and bring to the boil. Cook, covered, topping up with extra boiling water if necessary, for five hours and 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the pudding comes out clean.
5. Remove steamer from saucepan, and set aside for 10 minutes before turning onto a serving plate. Serve immediately with custard or ice-cream.
PUZZLES
Across 1 Observe (9)
6 Wide view (8)
11 Mass broken off a polar glacier (7)
12 Menagerie (3)
13 Famous reindeer (7)
14 Cardinal point (5)
16 Young sheep (4)
19 Naughty kids get this, supposedly (8)
21 Body of water (3)
22 Delicious (3)
24 Spoils or plunder (4)
25 Dickens’ Christmas miser (7)
26 Slalom (3)
27 Reserved or retained (4)
29 Baby’s bed (4)
30 Gift (7)
33 Period of time (3)
34 Residue after burning (3)
36 Biblical Magi (4,3)
39 Odd (4)
40 Courage (4)
41 Tavern (3)
44 Classic BBQ item (7)
45 Something given (4)
46 Previously (3)
49 Pastry delicacy (3)
51 Done without delay (8)
52 Snow vehicle (4)
54 Sham (5)
56 Chic (7)
58 Large flightless bird (3)
59 Restful ease (7)
61 One tending a flock of sheep (8)
62 Comfortably unconcerned (9)
1 What Santa comes down (7) 2 Part sheltered from the wind (3) 3 Large pub specialising in lagers (4,4) 4 Exceptionally virtuous person (5) 5 Biological molecular catalyst (6) 6 Scheme (4) 7 Where Santa lives (5,4) 8 Festive colour (3) 9 Soft and full-flavoured (6)
10 Well-known Christmas carol (1,4,5)
15 Male sheep or goat (3)
9-LETTER WORD
17 In the posture of straddling (7)
18 Shindig (4)
20 Rascal (5)
23 Operator (4)
26 Celestial body (4)
27 Chopper (10)
28 Grassy part of a yard (4)
29 Billiard rod (3) 31 A person fleeing from war or persecution (7) 32 Heavens (3) 35 Make musical sounds with voice (4)
37 Marsh (5)
38 Christmas plant (9)
42 Short for repetitions (4)
43 Mixture cooked inside poultry (8)
46 Trouble or afflict (3) 47 Exaggerate (4-3)
48 Married to Mary in the Bible (6)
50 Light up (6)
53 Toy figures (5)
55 Give temporarily (4)
57 Phone program (3)
60 Higher education (coll) (3)
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”. E R M T M N I R E
19 words: Good
29 words: Very good
39 words: Excellent
Today’s Aim: ACROSS
1 Tiff (4) 5 Unwilling (4) 6 Drug-yielding plant (4) 7 Vatican’s leader (4)
At the top (4)
1. 'Christmas' is part of which
2. Which European country popularised the concept of the Christmas tree?
3. In which ocean is Christmas Island?
4. Midge Ure and who else co-organised and wrote the charity song Do They Know It's Christmas Time?
5. How many ghosts visit Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol?
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. 7 953 32 391 2 39 4 64 7 562
458 35 7 18 5
WORDFIND CODEWORD
Can you find all of the words listed below? The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.
Each number corresponds to a letter. Can you crack the code?
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.
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...
MAGGIE BEER
1. What TV show did Maggie depart in 2023?
A. The Great Australian Bake Off
B. MasterChef Australia
C. Great Australian Bites
D. Beat the Chef
2. What does Maggie share as her top tip for home bakers?
A. ‘Don’t stick to a recipe’
B. ‘Add a pinch of salt’
C. ‘Learn the basics’
Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.
D. ‘Always crank the oven up to 250’
3. In which Australian valley and wine region is Maggie’s farm and restaurant?
A. Hunter
B. Yarra
C. Barossa
D. Blackwood
4. Who is the ‘chef’ to Beer’s ‘cook’ in the SBS series The Cook and the Chef?
A. Matt Moran
B. Neil Perry
C. Kylie Kwong
D. Simon Bryant
Jacques Sader
Senior Maintenance Officer, Georges Estate Health & Aged Care Community
At Georges Estate, there is always quite a list of work to complete to keep the property looking immaculate - which Jacques does with an infinite smile on his face. A very popular man with both residents and staff alike, he’s also the perfect choice to play Father Christmas at this time of year.
MY WEDDING: Last year I married the love of my life, Janet. We share a happy and wonderful life together.
ON THE BOAT: Janet and I love to travel and enjoy the warm weather and beach, so I love going to Thailand and Bali and exploring the coastline aboard a boat.
A ROUND OF GOLF: My wife loves golf and I’m not too bad myself!
MY GRANDKIDS: My family means the world to me and I love my grandchildren so much. They will often come to stay with us.
PLAYING TENNIS: I try to play tennis once a week - I love a challenge and it keeps me fit and healthy.
ON MY BIKE: I am a very active person and love anything to do with sport and fitness, so a ride on my bike is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
CHRISTMAS: I love Christmas and used to dress up as Father Christmas for all the kids when they were growing up. They never knew it was me!
OUR WA HOMES
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Home care to suit you
Georges Estate Health & Aged Care Community are proud to offer their professional, kind and experienced care to clients living in their own home.
We want to take our Georges Estate reputation for excellence into the home care community to make sure that people living at home are not at risk of loneliness, depression or being overwhelmed with everyday tasks that they simply cannot keep up with as they age.
- Executive Director, Sarah Riach
For more information on Georges Estate Home Care, visit GeorgesEstate.com.au.
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