SOUT HE RN S TA R SOUTHERN CROSS CARE (SA & NT) MAGAZINE, SPRING EDITION 2014
Feature Article
Technology in our communities
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How technology helps independent living Retirement Living – an insider’s view
Technology
[tɛkˈnɒlədʒi] the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.
SOUT HE RN S TA R SOUTHERN CROSS CARE (SA & NT) MAGAZINE
Technology
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
[tɛkˈnɒlədʒi] the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.
Melbourne based tech startup, KISA, has launched the simple, easy to use mobile phone for those who prefer simple technology or are vision impaired. It has personalised large tactile buttons, clear text, emergency contacts, no screen and the ability to call friends and family with a single press of a button. Dmitry Levin, Dennis Volodomanov and Leon Kosher, co-founders of KISA, were inspired to create the ‘easy to use’ phone when seeing their family struggle to make a simple
SPRING 2014 Southern Cross Care (SA & NT) Publication 151 Greenhill Road Parkside South Australia 5063
Message from the
EDITOR Welcome to our spring edition
PO Box 155 Glen Osmond South Australia 5064 South Australia 1800 180 781 Northern Territory 1800 894 375 Phone 08 8291 8000 Fax 08 8291 8001 Email the Editor magazine@southernxc.com.au Web southerncrosscare.com.au Cover Image Leonardo da Vinci’s flying machine, circa 1485 See quiz on page 4
Southern Cross Care (SA & NT) Inc ARBN 129 895 905, South Australia, liability limited.
This edition’s theme is TECHNOLOGY. From personal computers, mobile phones, apps which translate languages and Skype, to security light sensors, sliding doors, smoke detectors and solar power – technology we take for granted in everyday life now, but which only existed in the realms of sci fi books and movies 40 years ago. On pages 6 and 7, read how our communities are taking advantage of modern communication methods to be in touch with friends and relatives interstate and overseas, and how touch screen technology is helping those with a disability. Give your brain a workout with our technologythemed quiz and get some tips on how to be active this spring on page four, and make sure you keep the diary free for our Community Day on Saturday 15 November – more details are on the back page. In this issue, Brian Lilley, Board member and Chair of the Finance Committee, shares his views on how technology has influenced finance and gives us an insight into being on the Southern Cross Care Board. We are also using the latest developments to keep our communities connected, and we welcome you to ‘like’ our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter: www.facebook.com/southerncrosscare www.twitter.com/southernxcSANT We are living in exciting times – perhaps in the future, the phrase ‘beam me up [Scottie]’ may be as common in our vocabulary as ‘Skype’ or ‘Facetime’ is now. Enjoy the read. The Editor
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SOUTHERN CROSS CARE (SA & NT)
CONTENTS 4 LIVING WELL It’s time to get moving
5 TECHNOLOGY Technology helps independent living
6 FEATURE ARTICLE Technology in our Southern Cross Care community
10 INTERVIEW Brian Lilley , Board member and Chair of the Finance Committee, Southern Cross Care
11 RETIREMENT LIVING
An insider’s view
phone call on a modern mobile phone. “We personalise every KISA phone before shipment with up to 10 dedicated contact buttons that take up the face of the phone,” he adds. Each KISA phone can have customers’ critical medical information and emergency contact numbers customised in large font on the rear. The phone also has a large SOS button that immediately dials emergency services if pressed.
Call 1300 557 453 or visit www.kisaphone.com.au
Traffic getting you in a jam? Avoid traffic congestion and plan a quicker
help motorists avoid congestion caused
more efficient journey with the help of Traffic
by road works, events and other incidents.
SA ‘smart site’. Launched by The Department
Paul Gelston, DPTI Director, Road and Traffic
of Planning Transport and Infrastructure
Management, said: “The smart site uses Esri
(DPTI), the mobile enabled website will
mapping technology to display information
from DPTI’s award winning Adelaide Insight Bluetooth travel time system (AdInsight) and road works database from the traffic”. Find out more at: www.traffic.sa.gov.au
COMING SOON…
taking cinema to a new dimension www.4ddynamiccinema.com
Let us know what you think!
We would love to know your thoughts, what you do and don’t like about this magazine or perhaps you have a story to share? Please get in touch either via phone on 1800 180 781 (SA) or 1800 894 375 (NT) or email magazine@southernxc.com.au
Flight and rally car simulators have been around for a while now, however a new cinema in Melbourne uses state-of-theart technology to bring similar ‘real life’ experiences to a wider audience. It uses interactive seats and unique special effects built into the theatre, as well as a set of ‘4D’ effects that are synchronized to the film production. ‘Feel the wind blowing through your hair as your chair moves you through the crazy rollercoaster ride, swim with sharks or even ride your own formula
one experience. Whatever experience you choose, you feel as though you are part of the movie without even leaving your seat’. Visit www.4ddynamiccinema.com for more details. Adelaide is yet to have one of these cinemas, but you can still enjoy a good movie in the traditional way with our Take 9 Movie Cards – for just $20 you can get over $200 savings on normal ticket prices. Details are on the back page.
SPRING 2014
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LIVING WELL I t ’s t i m e t o g e t m o v i n g ! Physical activity has a positive impact on mental and physical health and can improve quality of life, particularly for older adults. It improves posture, strength, balance and
TECHNOLOGY
HELPS INDEPENDENT LIVING Ryan Se To, Occupational Therapist, Southern Cross Care
fitness, and is an important part of the treatment for many mental health issues, including In recent years, there have been many
depression and anxiety. Moving regularly also decreases our risk of health problems such as heart disease, Type II diabetes, cancer, stroke, arthritis, osteoporosis, frailty and musculoskeletal problems.
Australia’s Physical Activity Guidelines for older adults recommend that we keep moving regularly and try to avoid sitting for long periods. There are four types of activity
we need to keep healthy (see below) and we recommend you speak to your health or exercise professional for more information. Your GP is a great place to start.
EXPLANATION
EXAMPLES
at home. These inventions make it easier for people with physical disabilities and cooking, cleaning and gardening.
openers, CanKey can openers and jar openers are popular items. They reduce the effort and strength required to open difficult items such as small tuna cans, strawberry/marmalade jam jars as well as canned tomatoes, beans or corn. These devices are available at local stores such as Kmart, Target and Mobility/Aid stores around Adelaide.
Brisk walking, swimming, golf (no cart!), aerobics, cycling, washing the car, walking the dog, gardening, tennis, aqua aerobics, dancing, mopping and vacuuming Helps to keep your muscles and bones strong and Weight, strength or resistance training, lifting and makes it easier to do daily tasks as you get older carrying (groceries or small children), climbing stairs, Aim for 2-3 times per week calisthenics Tai Chi, bowls, mopping, vacuuming, stretching Helps you to move more easily Aim to do some every day (e.g. while you’re exercises, yoga, dancing, gardening watching TV) Help improve your balance and prevent falls Walking in a straight line, sitting and standing from a Aim to do some every day (e.g. while you wait for chair to strengthen your legs, heel raises, standing on 1 the kettle to boil) leg (use a bench for support at first)
The use of lightweight vacuum cleaners has garnered the attention of many people who have back pain, difficulty bending down or difficulty lifting and moving heavy items. For example, “Stick” vacuum cleaners have many benefits:
There are many ways to be active and with the weather warming up, it’s a great opportunity to get outside in the fresh air. Why not meet your friends for a walk or have your next family outing in the park or at the beach? Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and to slip, slop, slap if you are going to be in the sun for long.
A range of these vacuum cleaners are widely available at Godfreys vacuum stores. Other stores such as Bunnings and Kmart may also stock similar products.
Helps to keep your heart, lungs and blood vessels healthy Moderate fitness activities Aim for 30minutes most days
Strength activities
Flexibility activities
Balancing activities
QUIZ:
Test your knowledge of modern and historical technology with this edition’s quiz.
1. In which decade did the first transatlantic radio broadcast occur? 2. Who was mainly responsible for breaking the German Enigma codes by creating a test that provided a foundation for artificial intelligence? 3. What does the abbreviation ‘CD’ usually mean? 4. What is the nickname for the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay area of Northern California in the United States, home to many of the world's largest technology corporations? 5. Which American entrepreneur, marketer and inventor was the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Apple Inc? 4
to enable people to remain independent
health conditions to continue tasks such as
F O U R T Y P E S O F A C T I V I T Y A R E N E E D E D TO K E E P U S H E A LT H Y ACTIVITY TYPE
assistive devices and technologies invented
People with arthritis, low strength or severe pain in their hands may sometimes find opening cans, tins or jars difficult. Horatio and Mary Tidswell, who use our occupational therapist services, explain: “As we get older, we lose our strength. So we need gadgets that give us leverage.” Assistive devices such as electric can
SOUTHERN CROSS CARE (SA & NT)
6. In which year did the first smart phone go on sale? 7. Which famous Renaissance painter spent time sketching inventions which included flying machines, water systems, weapons, armoured cars, the parachute and a robotic knight? 8. Where is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution believed to be? 9. In 1956, Dr David Warren of the Aeronautical Research Centre in Melbourne produced a prototype of what? 10. What technology was developed by NASA when it was building a remotely piloted aircraft to fly unmanned at high altitude, and is now reducing pollution and energy costs? Refer to page 10 for quiz answers.
• long handles for easy reach • cordless, which reduces the need for cables all over the floor • light weight, weighing between 3kg to 6kg, which makes it easy to push and manoeuvre around the house
Long handle weeders and garden kneelers have helped many people pull weeds and tend plants in their beloved gardens. They are easy to use and reduce the need for a lot of energy to work them. These are popular tools amongst people who have difficulty kneeling or bending down due to conditions or pain in their back, hips or knees. These items are mostly available at Bunnings or Mitre 10 stores. If you have any queries on assistive devices, please give our Occupational Therapist a ring on 8179 6825. Or alternatively, you can ring the Independent Living Centre on 8266 5260 for more information. SPRING 2014
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TECHNOLOGY IN OUR SOUTHERN CROSS CARE COMMUNITY
Bringing back memories The iPad group at Phillip Kennedy Centre is proving very popular with many residents, as they gradually learn more and more about an iPad’s capabilites. Phyl Ireland, who is vision impaired and now uses an iPad with a voice control function said: “It has made such a difference to my life. It provides me with enjoyment and company and I couldn’t imagine going through a day without it.”
Although she chose to only have her voice recordings in her memoir, and thought her voice ‘sounded awful’, 86-year-old resident Val Bickley is delighted with the result. “It is nice to have someone showing such an interest in what I’ve done in the past,” said Val. “I found the sessions I had with Nadja really very easy.” Val’s memoirs take the form of a series of still images narrated by Val. She speaks about going to the UK on a passenger boat in the 50s and seeing the Queen’s coronation, as well as working as a nurse in Papua New Guinea. Val was delighted when Nadja found pictures on the internet of her old school and a hospital she’d worked at in Sydney, so they could be included in the memoir.
When Oaklands Park resident Nel Lewis “I’m also on Facebook, and look at what received an iPad for her 80th birthday, she people are up to, but I don’t really comment thought she’d better learn how to use it! on posts,” says Nel. “However I do tell my Working with Lifestyle Assistant Leann Phillips, grandchildren I’m watching them!” Nel and other members of the ‘iPad group’ Leann says the group, which meets every have learnt how to use Facebook, Skype couple of weeks, use it to exchange friends and relatives, and download puzzles information and learn something new about such as Sudoku and crosswords. their iPads. “One member of the group is in regular contact with family and friends in Nel is constantly amazed at the Germany; we’ve worked out how to stop communications technology available now. autocorrect on her iPad as it was trying to Her family emigrated from Scotland and she autochange her German to English words!” said her mother would’ve loved this. “She says Leann. probably wouldn’t have been so homesick had this been around for her; she had to wait As well as using it for connecting with family weeks for family contact,” said Nel, adding and friends, residents are taking advantage it was three or four months before her father of the iPad’s other functions, such as watching heard his Dad had died. the news or looking up things on the internet. SOUTHERN CROSS CARE (SA & NT)
away because he was having an affair with a married lady of some social standing. Meanwhile, another branch included French aristocrats who fled to England during the French Revolution (1770s); some family members also went to Canada at this stage, They discovered Kerrin’s great uncle was and then later to America. There is also a bit actually a twin, whose twin sister died of of an enigma surrounding one family member gastroenteritis on the ship which brought who was named as the father on his brother’s them from England in 1914. The ship actually children’s birth certificates as well as for his arrived in Australia the day WW1 started. own children! In the 1800s, one family member was sent Riverside Village to find their ancestors, they made some unexpected finds. Searches of the electronic database Trove and records from the Historical Society enabled them to trace their family history back to 1505.
The program is a huge success and relatives are extremely grateful for the electronically recorded memoirs. “Having a recording of a loved one’s voice is one of the best memories a person can have,” explains Catherine McPherson, Residential Services Manager, Fullarton Hostel. The tablet has also been used to record events such as afternoon teas and birthdays for residents to enjoy later.
When Judy and Kerrin Vallance began expanding their computer skills and using the Broadband for Seniors internet kiosk at
Touch screen technology easier to use Touch screen technology is proving to be an excellent resource in helping residents at Bellevue Court living with dementia or other debilitating conditions. “Residents who experience various conditions, for example, Parkinson’s, find using a mouse or keyboard sometimes very difficult to use, but the screen is solid so it’s easier to control the action,” explains Julie Lloyd, Activity Coordinator. “Activities such as the digital jigsaws are particularly beneficial for people living with dementia as it helps stimulate their cognitive functioning.”
Val has also Skyped relatives in UK, and although she was seriously ill earlier in the year, she has made an amazing recovery and is hoping to visit them in the future – but this time by plane!
It’s never too late to learn
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As well as group discussions, the iPad group has reminiscing and sing-a-long afternoons. “An iPad is connected to large
screen televisions and residents search for discussion topics and songs for sing-a-long, complete with words,” explains Rebbecca Bratovich, Lifestyle Coordinator. GoogleEarth is proving to be a favourite, with one resident commenting: “I think it is amazing that I can sit here and look at my old house on the other side of the world.”
Broadband for Seniors reveals skeletons in the closet
Recording lives A Samsung tablet at Southern Cross Care Fullarton is recording memories for the next generations to cherish. Care Manager Eileen Olavier and Lifestyle Coordinator Nadja Moller are videoing and recording residents’ memoirs, and then editing the sessions into movies with pictures and music.
Ralph Turner, who was given one as a birthday gift recently, jokes: “I think they are a waste of time –once you’re on them they take up a lot of your time!” He enjoys playing games such as scrabble and patience.
Bellevue’s arts and crafts sessions are also using their iPads to find inspiration from image websites such as Pinterest. While taking advantage of wifi throughout the building, resident Barbara La Starza said she loved having her computer in her room. Barbara is keen on digital scrapbooking and will be working with us to record the history of Bellevue Court.
Cloud technology for construction
Nel has also developed a talent for taking photos, as, although she has Parkinson’s disease, the touchscreen is very easy to operate. As well as family, friends and events, she’s taking photos of the Oaklands garden at regular intervals throughout the year so people can see the change in seasons. “It’s actually helping bring families together,” says Nel. “We can see our grandchildren on the screen and share our experiences of this technology with them.”
We’re heading to the clouds for our next construction projects at Mount Barker and Myrtle Bank. Cloud technology platforms are ideal for construction projects as they allow teams to easily share data between the various members of the project. Using the Aconex platform, the technology is used to securely manage all project information and processes — including documents, drawings, communications, and workflows — and provides a complete snapshot of the projects from start to finish. Aconex Smart Manuals will also support us in the compilation of digital operation and maintenance manuals during construction.
By using the Aconex platform, we can ensure that all documents and communications involved in the projects are processed the same way. This not only speeds delivery and improves quality, but also reduces overall risk. With work commencing on our 80 bedroom residential facility at Mount Barker this month, around 140 members of the project team will use Aconex during the lifecycle of the project. They will be able to access the secure Cloud-based platform from any office or field site. SPRING 2014
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LIFE IN FOCUS
fundraising
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Jo Pratt and Ali Steventon, who both live at the Philip Kennedy Centre, took up the Ice Bucket challenge with Northern regional manager, Lynn Bailey kindly helping out!
The Ice Bucket challenge was part of a fundraising campaign for Motor Neuron Disease Research - both Jo and Ali have Motor Neuron Disease.
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Fighter jet pilot Simon Walsh, who is living in Saudi Arabia with his young family, had McCracken residents riveted hearing about his life in the Royal Australian Airforce.
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The Gardening Club at Pearl has been busy planting herbs and marigolds in preparation for spring.
Fairways residents bagged some bargains whilst out and about in our second Community Foundation bus, based on the Fleurieu.
active ageing
pets at work T
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The Pines Lodge welcomed a furry resident recently‌ Molly, a ragdoll cat, is thoroughly spoilt by residents, staff and volunteers.
celebration
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SOUTHERN CROSS CARE (SA & NT)
Maggie, the new Lifestyle Assistant, is enjoying her work at Fullarton.
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Southern Cross Care held many activities to celebrate Active Ageing Week including walks, Tai Chi, yoga, exercise classes and even a dancing competition.
One of the great aspects of SCC is the cultural diversity of our staff - which means we get to celebrate and experience lots of different traditions and customs. Mt Carmel and John Paul II residents enjoyed a day of colourful costumes and exotic food to celebrate Indian Independence Day. A big thank you to staff at Bendigo Bank Goolwa who supported Sandpiper Lodge in Dementia Awareness Month.
David Moran and Sue Richards welcomed Minister Fifield and Matt Williams MP to West Beach Residential Care. They popped in for afternoon tea after attending the ACSA National Conference. SPRING 2014
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An interview with
Brian Lilley
Board member and Chair of the Finance Committee, Southern Cross Care (SA & NT) Inc. Brian started his career as a chartered accountant and spent over 35 years working at PricewaterhouseCoopers, including seven years as the managing partner of the South Australian practice. He is also currently a Board member of several other companies in South Australia and chairs the Finance Council of St Paul’s Monastery Parish. Other honorary roles Brian has held include: Chair of State Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and Board member of Rostrevor College and Tranmere Parish Council. Why did you become involved with Southern Cross Care? In the late 1990s, Southern Cross Care was going through a period of change and I was approached to be on the Board because of my financial background. What aspects have you enjoyed most in your role of Chair of the Finance Committee? I have enjoyed watching the organisation grow from financial instability to one of stability, and developing without a significant bank debt.
How has technology helped the world of finance? Having financial information available immediately means decisions can be made quickly based on real-time information. Who has influenced you in your life and why? A lot of people have influenced me, but I have to say probably my wife is the greatest influence and she helps me a lot. Also our three children, their spouses and our grandchildren give us a lot of pleasure. What has been your favourite holiday and why? Before the children were married, we had a family holiday in New Zealand, knowing it would probably be our last one all together. We had a great time and did all the adventurous things you’re supposed to do in New Zealand - like jet boats and bungee jumping!
worked with them when I graduated, and for the next 37 years! However, they did send me to work in Sydney, London and PNG, as well as Adelaide. What do you consider to be one of the best technological inventions? The iPad. This small device gives me immediate access to all my communications, all of the time. If you could have a super power, what would it be? If it was a superpower for work, I’d love to have the power to reduce some of the red tape so we can totally focus on the provision of care. On a more imaginative front, in response to our Chair’s superpower in the Autumn edition which was to see more Port Adelaide AFL premierships, I would like to see more wins by the Crows!
What was your first job? At the end of my first year in university I worked with a firm of accountants. I then
QUIZ ANSWERS A radio transmission received by Guglielmo Marconi resulted in the first transmission of a transatlantic wireless signal (Morse Code) from Poldhu, Cornwall, to St. John’s, Newfoundland on December 12, 1901. 2. Alan Turing Leonardo da Vinci’s led Hut 8, the section responsible for German naval cryptanalysis 3. Compact Disc flying machine, circa 1485 4. Silicon Valley 5. Steve Jobs 6. 1994. The Simon Personal Communicator was a handheld, touchscreen cellular phone and PDA designed and engineered by International Business Machines (IBM) 7. Leonardo da Vinci 8. Ironbridge in Shropshire, England 9. The flight recorder, more commonly known as The Black Box on aeroplanes 10. Solar power.
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SOUTHERN CROSS CARE (SA & NT)
RETIREMENT LIVING – an insider’s view –
Kathy Payne, who recently moved into Riverpoint retirement village, shared her thoughts about the process.
“I’d heard along the grapevine that as a person ‘ages’ there could be a tendency to slip back into childhood; this is exactly what happened, albeit momentarily, in starting out on this next chapter of my life,” explained Kathy. “My experiences over these past months have been a little like starting my first day of school, which was eons ago, yet I still recall that most vividly as a five year old. It was pretty scary, it was also exciting, and it was daunting with a few sleepless nights thrown in for good measure!” Kathy found the most daunting process to be some of the decision making which needed to be taken after she’d decided to make the move into Riverpoint. “Not only did I have to divest myself of the family home but also divest from the accumulation of ‘stuff’ amassed over 21 years living in the same house
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since arriving in South Australia from Victoria. Each piece of ‘stuff’ had a special meaning from a loved one or a friend; it is really hard to dispose of all those memories, treasures and trinkets.”
“I was also uncertain of how I’d ‘fit in’ to the new life that I’d chosen. How would one be accepted in this
Tai Chi, Cups of Coffee And a glass or 2 of wine The daily gym as I try to slim There has been no time to pine. Pizza nights – Rock’n roll Bus trips and pub lunches too! Be involved or don’t be involved It’s really up to you!
community being the ‘new person’ on the block? ” she pondered. At Southern Cross Care, we realise the move into retirement living is not necessary for everyone, which is why we give you 90 days with us to ensure the move is right for you. After Kathy’s 90 days, she put her sentiments in a poem:
”
“Simply put …… THANKYOU to everybody at Riverpoint for making me so very welcome,” said Kathy. “This is a great ‘resort’ style estate boasting an ambience to be envied in other villages. It is indeed a happy and wonderful environment in which to live and I look forward to the rest of my retirement (but not retiring) years and to sharing many more happy occasions.” SPRING 2014
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TA K E 9 M O V I E C A R D S Get your popcorn ready and take advantage of the $200 savings you can make with the Take 9 Movie Card. For just $20 (of which $11 is returned our Community Foundation) you will get: • 2 free movies • 9 movies for you and a friend or family member • A chance to win a Wallis Cinema Gold Pass and a bag of Menz FruChocs to share The cards are valid at all Wallis Cinemas which are based in North Adelaide, Mitcham, Noarlunga and Mt Barker.
CITY TO BAY FUN RUN Sunday 21 September saw Team Southern Cross Care join thousands of others to pound the pavements in the City Bay Fun run. This year our team of 120 runners/walkers/ strollers was made up of 80 staff and 40 family and friends. We are looking forward to growing our team numbers next year! Everyone was rewarded with a great BBQ breakfast at the end. Thank you to all participants, volunteers and supporters. All money raised went to our Community Foundation. Congratulations to CEO Andrew Larpent who walked the 12km in 1:40:36 – placing him 318th out of 5713 participants!
These cards make great gifts too! If you would like to buy one, please contact: foundation.manager@southernxc.com.au or phone 08 8291 8000.
FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Community Day
Saturday 15th November 2014
From 11am to 4pm Ridge Reserve, Barr Smith Avenue, Myrtle Bank
Southern Cross Care is committed to supporting older people to live well in a place they can call home and where they remain connected to relationships, activities and communities. All money raised will support the Community Foundation, which has been established to enhance the quality of life for older Australians.
Join us to find out more about Southern Cross Care while enjoying... • Live Music • Children’s Activities • Sausage Sizzle • Clancy the Train • Refreshments • Jumping Castle • Craft and Cake Stalls • Art Display • Trash and Treasure • Fitness Demonstrations For information phone 8291 8000 or foundation.manager@southernxc.com.au
www.southerncrosscare.com.au
Free entry