Wisdom is the collective noun for which group of Australian native

Hospitality worker thrilled with move to aged care sector

Making a difference in people’s lives. That is what Ellen Feast loves most about her new role as a personal care assistant at Boandik St Mary’s.

“Seeing the residents each day smiling and the great team members we have working here, and management staff are the things I love most about my work,” Ellen said. “I enjoy being able to support our residents live as independently as they can, with a little help from us, and making a difference in their lives each day.”

Ellen joined the team at Boandik after being offered a traineeship in December, but her journey with the non-profit organisation pre-dates her joining the staff. “My dad was a resident at Boandik Lake Terrace a few years ago and I watched how the staff took care of him,” she said. “I also volunteer at Boandik St Mary’s and decided it was time for a life change: I started my traineeship with the help of my family, with their support and encouragement.”

Taking up the offer of the 12 month traineeship, Ellen is completing her Certificate III in Aged Care and is enjoying the wonderful shift in her line of work. “I have always worked in the food industry,” she said. “So, becoming a personal care assistant is very different and has been a wonderful new career change for me.”

Ellen said she has received amazing support from management and co-workers on her journey thus far and despite its challenges, Ellen is proud of the work she, and her colleagues, have done during COVID outbreaks.

“Being able to step up during COVID outbreaks and supporting our residents and co-workers through a difficult time are my proudest memories of working with Boandik,” she said.

And arguably working through those more challenging times are made easier thanks to the residents who regularly put a smile on her face. “Spending time with the residents and having them share some jokes and life stories—some can be very cheeky.”

Seaside showcase

Mount Gambier Floral Art Club members display

“A kaleidoscope of colour.” That was the initial impression of Julia Cutting as she stepped into the Mount Gambier Floral Art Club Display at the Port MacDonnell Community Complex. “To see the room all set up for the first time, the feeling of Joy and amazement was overwhelming and the words coming to mind still do not fully convey what greeted me,” Julia said. “A stunningly beautiful and joyful collection of floral arrangements had to be seen to be believed.” The display was the result of the hard work and creativity of the floral art club members. The Floral Art Club meets the second Tuesday each month at the Mount Gambier Public Library at 1pm and also hold a workshop the third Tuesday of each month in the Senior Citizens Building in James Street at 7pm.

FLORAL ART IN FOCUS: (Top right) Beryl Feast, Raelene Case & Diane Wighton and (bottom right) Jan Ashby, Bev Francis & Heather Wighton

Country music in the spotlight

Popular local band Mystic Blue will be the headline act at next month’s South East Country Music Association club day at the Mount Gambier RSL & District Bowls Club with Gary Telford also on the four hour program running from 1-5pm on Sunday, August 7. Mark Moffatt, Peter White, Peter Wilson (pictured right) and Tracey Allen (pictured left) bring their combined musical prowess to the stage - each with their own impressive resume.

Mark is a multi instrumentalist, focussing on lead guitar and vocals for Mystic Blue. He started playing piano in high school, and has been involved in numerous bands for the best part of five decades. Both Peters have been regulars in a variety of Mount Gambier bands, while Tracey got her stgart in Mystic Blue and continues to go from strength to strength.