ACTIVE, HEALTHY & ENGAGED
FREE NEWSLETTER for older adults
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spring NEWS Thank you so much for your patience and support as Mosman Council undergoes very necessary upgrades to Council Chambers and our Seniors Centre. As you would be aware, most of our activities have been temporary relocated to venues within easy walking distance from the Centre. Enclosed in this newsletter is a quick reference guide showing these new, temporary locations. Please call us on 9978 4128 if you are unsure where your your activity will be held or if you need a member of staff to direct you or walk to the venue with you. In other news, we had an assessment team from the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency visit our offices on 18 September 2018. The purpose of their visit was to assess the quality of care and services we provide to you and all of our clients. As part of the review, the team talked to management and staff and looked at our systems and processes. They also spoke with a number of our clients about the care and services they receive.
2018 Social Activities
Engage and have fun with many activities on offer
Eat & Drink
Enjoy themed lunches and entertainment programs
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We are pleased to say we have passed the assessment with flying colours receiving the best possible result. A big thank you to those clients that went above and beyond for us and contacted the auditor to give feedback about our services. Thank you also for your patience and support during this busy time - and we look forward to seeing you at the Centre soon!
9978 4128 | Civic Centre, Mosman Square Spit Junction community.care@mosman.nsw.gov.au
Excursions
Explore incredible destinations around Sydney
dementia awareness month SISTER MARY AND THE NUN STUDY Mary was born in Philadelphia in the US in 1892. At 14, she entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame, a religious order devoted to education, becoming Sister Mary. She began teaching at age 19, studying in between school terms until she earned a high school diploma 22 years later at age 41. She then taught full time until she was 77 years old. Sister Mary worked part-time as a maths teacher and teachers’ aide until retiring at age 84, when she rejoined her original convent and remained active in her community. In 1991 the University of Kentucky approached the School Sisters of Notre Dame with an offer for all 678 nuns to participate in a study of cognitive function, dementia and brain pathology. This study assessed the nuns’ cognitive ability and, after their deaths, would examine their brains for physical signs of Dementia. At the time, Sister Mary was 99 years old. She immediately volunteered to participate. In her assessments she was described as “the gold standard for cognitive aging” by researchers, retaining a high level of cognitive function despite her advanced age. Sister Mary died in 1994 at age 101. Upon autopsy, researchers discovered her brain was filled with plaques and tangles - both prominent signs of Alzheimer’s Disease. They found similar results in the other participants. In some cases, despite the nuns having the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease, the nuns presented as ‘asymptomatic’ (that is, their cognitive testing when alive did not indicate Alzheimer’s disease). How could this be? Why were the nuns asymptomatic when they clearly had brain pathology indicating Alzheimer’s? Had their brains created new pathways circumnavigating the plaques and tangles? If so, how? The researchers hypothesized that participants like Sister Mary, who led lives filled with purpose and learning, were able to build ‘cognitive reserves’ – a kind of buffer that allowed for alternative neural networks to develop creating a more efficient utilization of the brain and assisting in warding off symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. This landmark study is now well known as “The Nun Study1” and shows that there are many factors in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease, not just the physical tangles and plaques, and that building ‘cognitive reserve’ by leading a mentally active and engaged life can potentially help prevent or reduce the symptoms of Dementia.
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In June this year, Mosman Community Care hosted an evening seminar on Dementia where Michele Ferris, from Community Care Northern Beaches, discussed “The Nun Study” and other interesting research. It was a very well attended and informative session. We will be hosting a ‘Caring for People with Dementia’ talk on 17 October at 6pm with Felicity Rogers from Carers NSW, as well as a Dementia Information session in December. To register your interest for either of these sessions, please call us on 9978 4128 or email community.care@mosman.nsw.gov.au. 1
Snowdon, D. (2003). Healthy aging and Dementia: Findings from the Nun Study. Annals of Internal Medicine, 139, 450-454.
self-care for carers: learning to properly look after yourself Wednesday 17 October, 6pm – 7.30pm The Melody Room, Mosman Art Gallery FREE. Bookings essential. Call 9978 4128. Hosted by Felicity Rogers from Carers NSW. For many, caring for a loved one with Dementia is a 24 hour-a-day job presenting sometimes large emotional, physical and financial impacts for families. During this session, Felicity Rogers, from Carers NSW, will share more about some of the challenges you might face as well the practical, financial and emotional support services that are available to you. RSVP early on 9978 4128 as seats are limited and book out quickly.
Seniors’ art class Tuesday 21 September, 10am – 12pm With local artist Peter Turnbull. For bookings please call 9978 4128. The Seniors’ Art Class meets in the Council Library on the third Tuesday of every month from 10am to 12pm to learn the art of sketching. Depending upon the weather, the class occasionally moves outside so that the pleasant surroundings of the park and the oval can be enjoyed and included in our sketches. The group is inclusive and all are welcome to join.
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My Aged Care registration assistance Did you know you can come to the Mosman Seniors Centre to get assistance registering with My Aged Care? Registration is done over the phone and usually takes about 20 minutes. Your Medicare card number is required. Alternatively, you can register yourself with My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422. Once registered with My Aged Care, a Regional Area Assessor will contact you to conduct a home visit and determine what supports you may need. These visits usually take around 60 to 90 minutes. Once this is complete you may have referrals to Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services. Mosman Council runs three CHSP services Transport, Meals and Social Support.
community links Mosman Community Care offers a Community Links program to support older people living in their own home. Support is provided by trained volunteers who assist with social support and various tasks such as shopping, outings, transport to appointments and other activities. For Bookings: please call 9978 4128
Upcoming Outings: 6 October Adventure to Macquarie Lighthouse 20 October Trip to North Head, followed by Italian lunch in Dee Why
saturday social club A week-end Day Program for older adults affected by memory loss living in Mosman and neighbouring areas. The program offers stimulating activities and outings as well as a break for their carers. Join us every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Lunch and morning tea are included. For Bookings: please call 9978 4128
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3 November Road trip to Berowra Waters with lunch alongside the creek 17 November Trip to Shark Beach near Nielsen Park with BBQ lunch 1 December Lunch at Daisy’s Retro Milk Bar in Petersham 15 December Christmas BBQ lunch Palm Beach
carers program Why join the Mosman Carers Group? The Mosman Carers Group has been meeting for over 14 years and in that time many Carers have found the information, support and friendship to be a vital part of their caring role. The following was written by one Carer who attends the Group: “Our Carers Group in Mosman is all about friendship, support, knowing, sharing and having a laugh in company. This group has been a godsend to me and it has proved to be a necessary coping strategy that other people are learning about. We are a range of ages and experiences, this is what makes the group so special and unique. The program offers a variety of learning and development for Carers, it is educational, informative and although at times the information may be confronting it is necessary - after all we are living it! “I think it is also beneficial for Carers to know they are not alone, there is support locally and people are only too happy to help where and when they can. It was through the Carers Group that I found out about the Saturday Social Club which is a weekend day program for older adults including those with memory loss. The program offers stimulating activities and outings as well as providing a break for the Carer, I love the free time it gives me, it helps me recharge my batteries! “There is also the Care Sketch Café, this program is inclusive of people living with memory loss or dementia. Sketching and any form of art is a beneficial therapeutic activity especially good for those with memory loss or cognitive impairment. “There are also regular morning teas and full day bus trips which are wonderful, they provide some quality time with people you have come to know and gives you respite from the harsh realities of caring.” If you are caring for someone with an illness, a disability or Dementia please come along to the group. We meet every Wednesday from 10am until 12pm. You don’t have to attend every week, just come when you can. There is no charge and tea and coffee are provided. If you would like to discuss the Carers Program contact Carers Program Coordinator Liz Nagel, on 9978 4089 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
caring for carers progam Every Wednesday 10am - 12pm PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE Volunteers Lounge outside Mosman Meals at rear of Council.
*Upcoming events: Wednesday 12 September “Seated Yoga, Relaxation and Meditation” with Keung Chik, Yoga Instructor. Wednesday 24 October “Grief and Loss”, Nathan Macarthur, Bereavement Services Team Leader at Hammond Care. Wednesday 21 November Morning tea at Café Jam, upstairs at Bridgepoint
*Please note, these programs are for carers only. If you would like to be a part of this group, please call Liz.
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Support
mosman meals As easy as A-B-C! Eating well is important for your health, to remain independent and to ensure you maintain your quality of life. At Mosman Meals, we make healthy eating as easy as A-B-C. Here’s how...
Affordable
• Prices start from $2.50 and there are NO delivery fees or contracts • Orders can be one-off, or ongoing • You can pay monthly by cheque, credit/debit card or direct debit
Balanced
• Mosman Meals are fresh and home-style and include salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts. They are prepared daily by qualified chefs in a state-of-the art kitchen • Our menus are compiled and overseen by a qualified dietitian and suitable for diabetics • Mosman Meals are low in fat, salt and sugar and we have gluten-free and vegetarian options • Our meals are available soft or pureed for people with chewing or Games 2 Support swallowing difficulties • Unlike basic supermarket meals, all Mosman Meals include potato, rice or pasta, and a variety of fresh vegetables
Convenient • • • •
The perfect solution as a break from cooking or after illness or injury Home delivered every day or as often as required (Monday to Friday) Available chilled or frozen, ready to heat in your oven or microwave Purchase directly from our kitchen. Bring a cool bag and choose from the extensive selection • Easy to order - order today for delivery tomorrow! If you, or someone you know or care for, would like to try our meals or have a look at our menu, please contact Katrina or Vicki on 9978 4130 or email meals@mosman.nsw.gov.au.
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highlights
Octoberfest
German Lunch
Melbourne Cup Lunch
Christmas
Lunch
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oct 19
nov 6
Suppo
dec 18
special ‘themed lunches’ - mosman community restaurant Join us for one of our special Community Restaurant themed lunches. Come with your friends - or come on your own and meet some new friends. Our lunches are a great way to meet new people over a delicious three course meal with a glass of wine and tea or coffee. Our themed lunches are very popular so book early to make sure you don’t miss out. Price: $15, includes a delicious three course meal and a glass of wine Transport and Lunch deal: $20. Door to door transport and a 3 course lunch Bookings essential: Please call 9978 4128 to reserve your seat
community restaurant
meals - free home delivery
The perfect place to meet friends while enjoying a delicious three-course lunch with your choice of juice, tea or coffee and a glass of wine. ‘Cheap Tuesdays’ are every 1st Tuesday of the month. When: Every Tuesday and Friday Where: Please call for the location Price: ‘Cheap Tuesdays’ $10 / Normal days $12 For Bookings: please call 9978 4128
Our home-style fresh and frozen meals, soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts are well-priced and delivered directly to your home, Monday to Friday 11am-12pm. We can deliver daily, weekly or on a short term basis (following surgery/hospital stay). We deliver to Mosman and neighbouring areas of Cremorne and Neutral Bay. For Bookings: please call 9978 4130
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volunteering Meet Kay Herselman:
Kay has found volunteering with Mosman Council a very rewarding experience
“Hi. My name is Kay and I’ve been volunteering with the Community Visitor Scheme (CVS) for the last six months since I came to Sydney with my husband. I wanted to use my time here in as meaningful a way as possible. It was important for me to get to know some of the people in the community I was living in and to give back in some way. After meeting with Jannat at the Council, and completing the relevant police check documentation, I was introduced to a resident at a local aged care village who staff believed may benefit from me visiting and taking out for coffee and cake. Due to illness, he was not able to leave the home on his own. Over the past six months, we have gradually got to know each other. I’ve learnt a lot about his life - his past travels and his recommendations of where we should visit while in Australia. We have talked about how he feels about his illness and I’ve received quite a humorous ongoing commentary on the recent Football World Cup! In turn, I’ve been able to share with him about the things going on in my life. In short, we’ve become friends. Due to the progression of his illness, he is no longer able to go out for a walk, so I bring coffee and cake to him at the home and our friendship continues there. As my time in Sydney draws to a close, I realise that my voluntary work, including with the CVS, has been a very important and meaningful part of my experience. Last week, one of the nurses at the home told me that the gentleman I visit says we have a terrific time together. I feel sad at the thought of saying goodbye to him when I leave to go back to the UK, but extremely happy that, even in a small way, I have helped to make a difference to his life over these past few months. I will miss him enormously!” If you would like to be involved with volunteering in Mosman like Kay has been, please give us a call on 9978 4126 or email volunteer@mosman.nsw.gov.au.
Jannat Ferdous
volunteers support officer Contact me on 9978 4126 or email volunteer@mosman.nsw.gov.au
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current opportunities to volunteer: we need you!
who is volunteering with Mosman Council? Our recent annual survey revealed that almost 40% of Mosman Council volunteers have been involved with the council for more than 10 years. Most of our volunteers are in their mid 70s, however younger people are increasingly getting involved. Our volunteers report feeling they are making a meaningful contribution in their roles, feel appreciated by the Council and agree they enjoy being a part of Council programs. Mosman Council offers a range of volunteer opportunities within the Community including with the Library, the Art Gallery and working outside to sustain the natural beauty of our bushland. Below are our current opportunities to Volunteer.
Community Links Volunteer
Community Links Volunteers support our older residents assisting with shopping, dropping by for a cup of tea, going out for coffee or to the post office or helping take someone to an appointment. Volunteering in this way can be a truly valuable and rewarding experience. If you are interested in finding out more about making a positive difference in someone’s life, please contact the Volunteers Office on 9978 4126 or by email at volunteer@mosman.nsw.gov.au.
meet mahika For Mahika, the day she volunteers with the Mosman Seniors Centre is the highlight of her week.
“I think it’s great to volunteer. It’s my favourite day of the week. I first started volunteering with Mosman Council when I was 15. I was doing the Duke of Ed program and needed volunteer hours. In my family, I’ve always helped my grandparents and aunts and uncles with technology so I knew the Computer Pals program at the Seniors Centre was the right place for me. I’m at uni now and my studies are very hard. I find that volunteering helps to divert my mind and is a nice break for a couple of hours. Volunteering with seniors is fun. I like to hear the stories and wisdom of the people I teach computers to and I like getting to know people week after week and forming a bond with them. I recommend volunteering for anyone.”
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social activities
dance for parkinsons
LUNCHTIME CONCERT series
We have finally started our Dance for Established in 2016, this group has been a Parkinsons classes on Friday mornings in resounding success. We’ve been fortunate the Mosman Bowling Club. This program is to have a varied range of performers Games 2 Support designed to encourage healthy movement including Rock Bands, a Harpist, Brass for people living with Parkinsons or other Collective and lunch is included. mobility difficulties and their carers. Call us When: 4th Thursday of the month for bookings and details on this fun dance from 1.00pm-2.30pm group. All welcome. MOSMAN Price: $10, includes a light lunch When: Friday from 10.00am-11.30am For the first time on the Lower North Shore comes the highly successful Forwith Bookings: please call 9978 4128 For Bookings: please call 9978 4128 Council in association nce for Parkinson’s program. This event is hosted by Mosman Dance for Parkinson’s Australia.
: Fridays starting in June 2018
e: 10am - 11:30am Class runs for 1 hour. Please come a little early to register. Feel free to join us for refreshments and an opportunity to socialise afterwards.
Location: Mosman Square Seniors Centre, 1 Mosman Square, Mosman NSW 2088 Cost: TBC - bookings essential Contact: Mosman Community Care Bookings: 02 9978 4128
Qi gong
mad! Contemporary dance
Join Stuart and his crew, every Thursday, for a Qi Gong Session - a very simple and gentle, yet effective, exercise program. When: Thursdays 11.30pm-12.30pm Price: FREE For Bookings: please call 9978 4128
Try our exciting new Mature Age Dance (MAD!) program with our qualified dance teacher, Daniela. There has never been a better time to start dancing. When: Monday 11.30am-12.40pm For Bookings: please call 9978 4128
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Support
Community Transport ikea shopping trip Saturday 29 September, full day trip. Cost: $22 per person. Lunch is at your own expense. Pickup and drop off from your home. Join us for a full day shopping excursion to IKEA. This Swedish-founded multinational group, that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances and home accessories, is the world’s largest furniture retailer. To book call 9978 4128.
diwali festival of the lights Sunday 14 October, 3pm–9pm $29 per person for transport and entry to the Festival Diwali is a Hindu festival of lights celebrated every Spring. Join us as we celebrate Diwali Festival in Blacktown on Sunday 14 October. We will pick you up from your home and take you out for a cultural experience like no other, delivering you home again after dinner. Step out of your comfort zone and join us! Dinner at your own expense. To book call 9978 4128.
Monday Shopping Made Easy! Are you an early riser? Do you like to get groceries sorted first thing in the morning or do you prefer to take things slowly and go shopping at your own pace? Mosman Community Transport offers options to suit your needs. Monday Shopping bus offers door to door transport from your home to Bridgepoint Shopping Centre and back with almost two hours to be spent shopping, dining and catching up with friends. Pickups start at 8:45am and 1:30pm. Do you still have any reason to leave that shopping for another day? Call us now for more information on 9978 4128.
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walkingRevisit group Sydney. Relive memories! Join the group of enthusiastic walkers keen on revisiting and rediscovering breathtaking corners of the harbour city. Walks are held every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Catch Community Transport to different venues every month - and Keep Walking! Special Event
Oct 9
oct 23
Fri oct 26
Narabeen Lakes Trail
Sculpture By The Sea
The Rocks Foodie Market
This stunning circuit track around Narrabeen Lakes is popular with walkers due to the natural beauty of thriving bushland and abundance of birdlife.
Don’t miss out on Sculpture by the Sea, on the Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach coastal walk, the world’s largest free public sculpture exhibition.
Every Friday the air comes alive with the sights, scents and sounds of street food being served at The Rocks Foodie Market. Join us for a great day out.
nov 13 Harbour Bridge Walk Enjoy spectacular harbour views as you walk across the Harbour Bridge, through the Rocks and past the Opera House to finish at Mrs Macquaries Chair.
nov 27 Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, St Ives The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden in St Ives is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets. Enjoy walking tracks, gardens and waterfalls. Lunch at St Ives bakery cafe.
dec 11 Parramatta Lake Hike the spectacular Parramatta Lake Walk circuit around this beautiful manmade dam, decommissioned over a century ago. Keep an eye out for birds and water dragons as you walk.
The Seniors’ Walking Group is organised by Mosman Community Transport and requires a moderate level of fitness with a minimum of 60 minutes’ walking sometimes through bushland. Good walking shoes required. Cost is $22. Please check with your medical professional before starting any fitness activity. Booking and eligibility conditions apply. Call 9978 4128 for more information.
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tastes of sydney the best our city has to offer! We have some of the worlds’ finest cuisines right here on our doorstep - and our new Thursday Tastes of Sydney group is here to help you experience some of the best this city has to offer. A twice monthly Community Transport social dining event for independent older adults who want more spice in their life!
Oct 4
oct 18
German Food - Glebe
Mexican - Coogee
Sauerkraut, Bratwurst, German Chocolate cake and maybe a little beer as well. Join us for a ‘wunderbar’ evening of German food in Glebe.
Taste the depth of flavour and fresh lightness from the generous use of fresh herbs, vegetables and citrus in true Mexican food with us in Coogee.
nov 15
dec 6
nov 1 Sri Lankan Cuisine Seven Hills Tickle your tastebuds with flavours from the spice island once known as Ceylon at one of Sydney’s best Sri Lankan restaurants.
dec 20
Chinese Food - City
Thai Cuisine - Newtown
Christmas in Manly
Join us for a meal of colourful and creative Chinese cuisine in Sydney’s Chinatown. Afterwards, take in the night lights and atmosphere of the CBD.
Thai cooking places an emphasis on lightly prepared dishes with strong aromatic components and a spicy edge. Come and enjoy a meal to remember in Newtown.
Dust off your Santa hat and join us for a celebration Christmas meal looking out over Sydney Harbour from the deck of the iconic Manly Skiff Club.
Cost of each excursion is $22 which includes door to door transport. Dinner is at your own expense. Tickets are non refundable. Credit is given for another trip if cancellation made with five working days notice.
Tickets can be purchased from our office or by calling 9978 4128.
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weekend explorer join us on vibrant excursions! Weekend Explorer is for active, independent seniors, 65 and over, who are interested in a day long trip in the Greater Sydney Region. These excursions are a full day, unsupervised and require a high level of mobility.
oct 13 Toukley and Swansea Morning tea at Toukley, before a visit to the District Art Society in Gorokan on beautiful Budgewoi Lake. Lunch looking out over the water in Swansea.
nov 24
oct 27 Blackheath Rhododendron Festival Come and be a part of the spectacular Blackheath Rhododendron Festival and have Devonshire Tea at The Cottage. Lunch in Blackheath Village.
dec 8
Lake Macquarie
Christmas Shopping, Leura
Visit beautiful Lake Macquarie with morning tea looking out over the water in Toronto. Lunch on the Esplanade, Warners Bay.
Join us for a spot of Christmas shopping in Leura, one of the prettiest town centres in the Blue Mountains. Morning tea at Wentworth Falls.
Nov 10 Festival of Fisher’s Ghost Each November the legendary Festival of Fisher’s Ghost comes alive in Campbelltown. Enjoy all the thrills of the carnival, when it returns to Bradbury Oval. The legend of Fisher’s ghost, rumoured to be a local man murdered in 1826, is a popular Australian ghost story dating to the early 19th century. The Festival in Campbelltown has been celebrated in spectacular style since 1956.
Cost of each excursion is $40. Lunch is at your own expense. Bookings are essential. Tickets are non refundable. Credit is given for another trip if cancellation made with five working days notice.
Tickets can be purchased from our office or by calling 9978 4128.
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Renovation 2018 Schedule
Masonic Centre
11.00am
6.00pm – 9.00pm
quick contacts
STAY CONNECTED
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All general enquiries Reception 9978 4128
For bookings and enquries:
Call 9978 4128
or email community.care@mosman.nsw.gov.au. Website www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/community/seniors Register your email to receive event updates and news: www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/web/newsletters
Care and Intake Sally Severino 9978 4119 Linda Ponce 9978 4119 Centre Activities Olivier Strobel 9978 4128
MOSMAN SQUARE SENIORS CENTRE IS HERE BUS STOP
Team Leader Maya Jankovic 9978 4129
Community Transport Nitesh Gurbani 9978 4120
BUS STOP
Restaurant (Tue/Fri) Claire Mullins 9978 4130
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Mosman Meals Katrina Jolley 9978 4130 Carers Program (Tue/Wed) Liz Nagel 9978 4089 Volunteers Jannat Ferdous 9978 4126 My Aged Care Federal Government Gateway 1800 200 422 myagedcare.gov.au Mosman Council Customer Service 9978 4000 Federal Government Gateway for Carers 1800 422 737 carergateway.gov.au
BUS STOP
9978 4128 | Civic Centre, Mosman Square Spit Junction community.care@mosman.nsw.gov.au
Newsletter available online at www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/ community/seniors/latestnewsletter/
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