Autumn Tidings 2024

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

VALUABLE VOLUNTEERS

It takes a village

PASSIONS FOR THE HEART & SOUL

Hugh's active life

NO PAGE LEFT UNTURNED

Joan's love for books

SMALL STEPS TO HAPPINESS

Care's intergenerational program

26 Plantation Drive

Bentley WA 6102

08 6250 0000

08 9470 2017

swancare.com.au

facebook.com/swancare

instagram.com/swancareaus

linkedin.com/company/swancare

Tidings Magazine is a seasonal publication produced and printed on behalf of the residents at SwanCare.

Deadlines for editorial and advertising are: Winter 7th May, Spring 7th August, Summer 7th November and Autumn 7th February.

To book advertising or for information regarding rates please contact SwanCare Marketing on 6250 0032.

Editorial contributions including photographs can be emailed to tidings@swancare.com.au. Hard copies of articles and supporting photographs can be handed to reception in the Administration offices at Bentley Park and Australind Rise.

Disclaimer:

In good faith SwanCare accepts articles, a small selection of advertisements, and other content for Tidings. However, the opinions and claims expressed in articles and advertising materials presented in Tidings are those of the authors and the advertisers respectively, and do not necessarily reflect the views of SwanCare, unless stated. No responsibility is accepted by SwanCare for the accuracy of information contained in the articles or advertisements.

Cover image:

SwanCare Bentley Park resident Hugh Lennerts enjoying a walk through the village.

4

CEO'S COLUMN

Graham Francis provides his first update for 2024

5 8 6

IN THE

KNOW

Support Services Updates

SWANCARE NEWS

News from around SwanCare

RESIDENT STORY

Passions for the Heart & Soul

We learn of Joan Bloomfield's love of books

We introduce aged care's new intergenerational program, Small Steps

Congratulations to Villagers of the Year Thelma & Ricki

21

Penny shares her latest book review

Meet Case Manager, Mary Sackey

Hugh Lennerts shares his

Autumn garden

from

CEO’S Column

Hello Residents and Readers,

Welcome to 2024 and the first edition of our seasonal Tidings newsletter! I’d like to start off by wishing you a great year ahead and that you all reach your new year goals and aspirations.

2024 will see a continuation of the constant challenges that our sector is faced with, such as increased prices, continued staff shortages and the rising demand for our products and services. We will need to remain vigilant in our planning to assist with this and seek opportunities to manage our costs and source additional revenue wherever possible.

That said, there is still plenty to look forward to as this year will also see the ongoing enhancements to our infrastructure, specifically:

• Major progress will be made toward our SwanCare Waminda Refurbishment Project. The refurbishment has gained momentum with the first stage of works due for completion mid-April which included external works to realign the entry and main reception areas. The overall end result will see an enhanced resident amenity and improved nursing and care facilities on each floor with the project due to be finalised in its entirety mid-2025.

• We will also see the commencement of our highly anticipated and much needed independent living apartment building. To remain competitive in this sector, it is important to provide new accommodation, to maintain our constant array of choice, and the construction of the new apartment villas will enable us to achieve this. If all falls into place, we aim to commence this development towards the latter half of 2024 which will be constructed on the land directly behind the grocery store.

• In tandem with the new apartment complex, we will also confirm the extension to Grandis Boulevard, such that it will intersect with Adie Court. This extension is a major linkage route for

the campus and is an essential component of our overall Bentley Park Master Plan.

• We are also in the very early throes of exploring options for some additional development of villas at our southern retirement village in Australind. This beautiful retirement village has the capacity to increase its overall numbers which will allow us to provide increased volume and more importantly new housing stock to help meet the growing demand.

In addition to these projects, 2024 will see the introduction of some very important reforms as part of the roll-out of recommendations from the Royal Commission. From July this year we will see the introduction of a new Aged Care act, the release of the new set of Quality Standards plus increased reforms regarding regulation and clinical governance. This all means increased focus and scrutiny will apply to all our care operations, which includes Home Care too. We are extremely fortunate that we have a dedicated and skilled workforce that is already embracing these changes and working cohesively, ensuring that by the 1st of July deadline we’ll have a seamless and efficient transition.

Aside from all the activities and developments previously mentioned, there are many things that I am personally looking forward to in the next couple of months such as Easter with my family, a couple of family weddings, honouring the ANZAC’s, and of course, the AFL season which is only four weeks away!

P.S Don’t forget that the CEO Coffee Club outings have recommenced, and I would love to see as many residents as possible come along to enjoy a fun, relaxed catch up, plus a free morning tea! Places fill up fast so keep your eyes and ears peeled. All the best.

Graham Francis SwanCare CEO

Support Services Updates

To keep you in the know, SwanCare’s General Manager of Support Services, Paul Grzelec, takes us through some of the happenings around the village and beyond.

Australasian Recycling Label

The Australasian Recycling Label is now available on most packaging in Australia. This label is very helpful in determining what can be recycled and provides instructions on how to recycle the material effectively. For more information, visit recyclingnearyou.com.au/arl/

Waste Bins

Food waste bins are the ones with the lime green lid and are for disposing edible material and small bones. Food waste should be contained in a tied off compostable liner.

Garden waste bins have the dark green lids. Cuttings should be as small as possible to prevent filling the bin too quickly and to help reduce costs. Large logs and soil/sand are not accepted.

General waste bins have the red lids and are a last resort for waste that cannot be diverted to the food, garden or recycle bins.

Containers for Change

Over $3,700 has been collected for the village through the Containers for Change program since its

In the Know

commencement in 2020. Please remember to check for the 10c mark on the container (wine bottles and jars not accepted) before placing into the blue bins with white lid. If a bin is full, please raise a maintenance request or contact reception.

EV Charging Stations

Two electric vehicle charging stations have been installed, one at the bottom of the basement ramp to Akora and the other at the end of Wootliff Way, near Jarrah Road. The charging stations are both enabled for up to 22kW charging at the current cost of 30c per kWh using the Chargefox network. As part of a grant received from the WA Government, hours of operation are between 9:00am and 5:00pm daily. Please refrain from parking in these bays unless charging.

SwanCare IT Services

With friendly and familiar faces that are just down the road, SwanCare’s IT team are here to give you peace of mind when you need help, or just want advice around your technology decisions. Please reach out to servicedesk@swancare.com.au or call 08 6250 0045 for more information, including any charges that may apply. Visit Page 15 for their Cyber Awareness dos and don’ts.

Jarrah & Spritz Café

Our two onsite cafés, Spritz and Jarrah, have an excellent selection of food and drinks on offer at reasonable prices. You can dine in or choose from our takeaway grab and go options which are available. Online ordering will also be available in the not-too-distant future, allowing you to order from the comfort of your home and pickup without a lengthy wait time.

ARL Classifications

EV charging stations have arrived to Bentley Park

SwanCare News

Feathers End of Year Awards Night

Throughout the year, SwanCare staff members are awarded ‘Feathers’ by fellow coworkers, residents and families for their outstanding efforts made throughout the year. Culminating in December, the Feathers End of Year Awards Night was dedicated to celebrating not only our top recognised staff members across a variety of categories, but also each of our nearly 700 team members for their invaluable contribution to our organisation.

That said, we must make an extra special mention, and ask our readers to join us in extending a huge congratulations to our category finalists, along with the second runner up Kirsten MacDonald, first runner up Bex Kirianu and our overall Feathers winner for 2023, Sarah Wentworth.

“One of the best aspects of my role within the Community Living team is to onboard and welcome new residents into our friendly village,” said Sarah, “Knowing the journey and how stressful it can be moving house, I enjoy being that supportive and encouraging person to our seniors.

I feel so honoured to be awarded Employee of the Year.”

Congratulations to everyone awarded on the night, and to all those nominated across the last 12 months. As an organisation built on people looking after people, our staff are our greatest asset. Thank you to you all!

Board Dinner

To wrap up 2023, our Executive Management Team and Members of the SwanCare Board came together for their annual end of year function.

It was the perfect occasion to reflect on the past 12 months, celebrating our proudest achievements for 2023 while acknowledging the obstacles our sector was presented with along the way.

“Despite the challenges we’ve faced this year we have seen excellent results, demonstrating just how well we can adapt to these difficult and somewhat unpredictable times,” said SwanCare CEO, Graham Francis.

"It takes a great team to achieve these results and we are very fortunate that we have a fantastic team of people that make up SwanCare.”

Thank you to our SwanCare community, residents, family, and friends, for your ongoing support. You never fail to remind us why we love doing what we do.

News Flash

10 News Perth recently reported on our partnership with Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women through the Cycling Without Age program.

SwanCare’s vision is to enrich the lives of everyone in our community. As such, we’re extremely proud to be part of a powerful program that delivers a unique and valuable experience for our residential aged care residents, all while supporting the wider community.

To watch the full coverage, head to the SwanCare website and search ‘Love Thy Neighbour’.

Feathers Winners with CEO Graham Francis & General Manager P&C Fiona Miller

CFO Sinead McCartan during speeches

Vic Park Business Awards

SwanCare attended the 2023 Vic Park Business Awards Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating the multitude of beloved local businesses within the Vic Park community.

After being inducted into the Vic Park Business Hall of Fame in 2020, SwanCare was offered the opportunity to sponsor an award. This year we were proud to return as the Community Connection Award Sponsor for the second consecutive year, with SwanCare’s Brand & Marketing Manager, Nancy Kingston, presenting the award to the deserving team at Social Manna. We would like to give a huge thank you to Karen Vernon, Mayor of Victoria Park, and the Town of Victoria Park for having us. We wish to congratulate all of the award winners and nominees for your outstanding contributions to our community.

Neighbourhood Natter

Do you ever wonder about the stories that live right next door?

Good, trying, funny, unexpected – whatever it is, we all have a story to share. So, when retirement living resident Kerri moved into the Bentley Park village, she set on a mission to uncover the unique stories that make up her new neighbourhood.

Over a hot cuppa, she sits down to meet a different neighbour each week; and you're invited to join them!

To hear all six episodes, visit our website and search ‘Neighbourhood Natter Podcast’.

SwanCare News

International Volunteer’s Day

At SwanCare, we welcome volunteers from all walks of life, although there’s a particularly special group who are at the heart of our community - our residents.

On December 5th, International Volunteer’s Day, we invited our retirement living volunteers to a celebratory high tea; a small token to acknowledge their immense commitment and hard work throughout the year.

SwanCare would not be the same without our incredible team of volunteers, and for that, we are forever thankful. Read more on Page 18.

Nancy with the Community Connection Award winners, Social Manna

High tea celebrations in full swing

Resident Story

Passions for the Heart & Soul

Vibrant, active, and full of life – this just about sums up retirement living resident, Hugh Lennerts. Hugh shares with us the stories behind his passions and hobbies that have remained a key part in his life, starting from his schooling years and continuing throughout his retirement.

From Dutch Descent

At two years old, Hugh’s family emigrated from Holland to Australia, eventually moving from Collie to Perth in the early 60s. It was then that he attended a brand-new high school located in Bentley, the suburb he would later retire in.

“To set the school up, the education department hired senior masters from all over the metro area, so we had the very best of teachers,” says Hugh, “I had a huge advantage going there.”

Holland still holds a very special place in Hugh’s heart, as not only does he have cousins based there, but it’s also where he met the love of his life.

“I had gone to Europe for a working holiday to visit relatives, and that’s when I ended up meeting my wife, Annette. She came over to Australia and I convinced her not to go back! She’s still got a bit of an accent.”

Hugh went on to work as a Company Secretary and Company Director, but for close to 20 years he had his own accountancy practice that he ran with Annette.

A Born Entertainer

Our village is filled with skilled residents, so it comes as no surprise that Hugh also shares a special talent of his own.

“I’ve always been a singer,” he says, “At school I was in the choir, and when I started work, I bought myself a guitar which included some lessons on how to play.

I then taught guitar to my best friend and Bert, my brother, and together we formed a folk music trio. We eventually became interested in electric guitars

and played a lot of The Shadow’s instrumentals in a band we called ‘The Forecast Sounds.’ But singing still called to us, so we changed our name to ‘The Elite’ and sang all the popular songs from that time.”

Inspired by rock and roll music, the group underwent its third revamp and settled on the name ‘The Urge’, “we were the loudest pop band in Perth!”

Finally, Hugh and Bert formed a duo called ‘The Lincoln Brothers’ which became a successful night club act. This landed them an appearance on the very first episode of ‘New Faces’, a televised talent show.

Like all good things, eventually that too came to an end, presenting Hugh with a crossroad.

“I had a dilemma,” he explains, “What was I going to do – be an entertainer, or be a full-time accountant?

All the bands at the time were drinking, taking drugs and had many wives, whereas I pride myself on having a Christian lifestyle. I didn’t want to live the life I’d been seeing; I wanted one wife, a home life, and a guaranteed income.

Hugh performing in an amteur theatre production, 1973

Resident Story

I quit the band to stay with accounting; it was the right decision!”

In his retirement, Hugh continues fulfilling his passion for music by playing the guitar and singing with the SwanCare Allsorts Choir; a passion he also shares with his wife.

“Annette plays the piano, and so the two of us have musical afternoons. We love it, it’s good fun.”

Staying Active

Aside from his musical talents, Hugh kept busy throughout his younger years with a range of sporting activities such as swimming, tennis, squash, and hockey to name a few. Although there’s one activity that he turns to year after year.

“People don’t realise how good walking is for you. It gets your blood flow going and after a walk, you think clearer. The days I don't walk my brain is in second gear the whole day.

I also suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and wake up feeling quite stiff. Walking significantly helps, it exercises virtually all the muscles in your body.”

Hugh enjoys walking so much that he joined forces with the Heart Foundation Walking Group, the country’s largest free walking network.

Hugh is the current organiser for the SwanCare/ Juniper division, where residents from both

retirement villages meet for a group walk every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning.

“There are about 20 walkers all up in the group, including fast, intermediate, and slow walkers. Some with walking aides, and some even with their dogs! It doesn’t matter how fast you are at walking; we all know where we’re going, and we all end up in the same place.”

Walking isn’t just about health and wellbeing, for Hugh, it’s also about making connections, “We’re not just walking; we’re walking and talking. I’ve made some really close friends through the group.”

Thank you for sharing your stories with us, Hugh. We’re very fortunate to have you part of our SwanCare community.

The SwanCare/Juniper Heart Foundation Walking Group

Hugh & Annette at their Allsorts Choir concert

Resident Story

No Page Left Unturned

If you’re looking for a book recommendation, you need to meet retirement living resident, Joan Bloomfield. As an avid bookworm, Joan is well acquainted with the Aladdin’s cave of books available at the Bentley Park Library!

Penny’s Library

When Joan moved to SwanCare she was quick to visit the library, where she met Penny, our Bentley Park Librarian. Due to having macular degeneration, reading is no longer an option for Joan - but Penny was at hand to help.

“Penny introduced me to audiobooks and it’s wonderful!” Says Joan, “I had a problem reading the titles of the CDs. So, she organised for me to receive two CDs a week! She chooses them for me, and I either collect them from the library, or she will drop them off.”

The arrangement has formed a special bond between the two, with Joan describing Penny as “very caring and thoughtful.”

“The library closed over Christmas break, so Penny kindly doubled up on my number of books - I left with bag loads! I had a rapport with her as soon as I walked into the library. Some people you just take to.”

Not-so Guilty Pleasures!

Over time, Penny would get to know what kinds of books Joan would like. And there’s a favourite when it comes to genre!

“I like crime, and I love a ‘Who Dunnit!’ I also enjoy biographies and autobiographies too, but mostly true crime.

I’m looking into reading Harry Potter at the moment. It’s very well written, it’s not just for kids! JK Rowling writes crime novels as well under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, they’re very good too.

I also like historical novels, like Hilary Mantel’s ‘The Wolf Hall Trilogy’ which is about Henry VIII.”

And her most loathed books?

“I don’t like soppy novels, you know, where you

read the first page and you know straight away what it’s all about? I don’t like silly stories.

After a while you realise that there are authors, and then there are people that just write books.”

An Insight into the Life of Joan

Joan was born during the Second World War in Northern Ireland, in a small town called Downpatrick.

“It’s quite famous actually,” explains Joan, “It’s said to be the resting place of St. Patrick himself.”

“I remember as a young child hearing the sirens and bombers flying overhead. They weren’t targeting us though; they were flying to the shipping yards in Belfast. I can remember the Americans coming too, they were stationed just outside our camp.”

Joan went to a boarding school in Wesley, Dublin,

Joan browsing at the Bentley Park Library

and although she wasn’t overly religious, she would often go to church three times on a Sunday!

“If you weren’t lucky enough to be invited out for tea then you had to go to church!” She laughed, “I enjoyed school though, and Dublin was a nice place to be.”

Joan left Ireland in 1962 and moved to New Zealand. She worked in the Health Department, and later for The Bank of New Zealand. She lived the Kiwi life for 20 years before making the move to Australia where she worked in the Education Department. Joan has two children, her daughter, ‘Joanie’ and two sons, Keith and Russell.

Favourite Pastimes

Back then, Joan enjoyed playing golf - a sport that she played right up until a few years ago. These days she enjoys sewing, machine embroidery, and all sorts of handicraft work. But her greatest passion? Books. Her love affair with reading began back at boarding school.

“On a Sunday night we’d sit around the fire and one of the teachers would read a couple chapters from a book,” remembers Joan.

“I started going to that school when I was seven, so that’s when I realised how much I loved reading.

I had favourites, ‘The Secret Garden’, ‘Anne of Green Gables’, and ‘Little Women’ to name a few.”

SwanCare Living

If you haven't seen Joan around, it might be because she hasn’t been with us for very long, having only moved to Bentley Park at the start of 2023. She told us that she’d known about SwanCare for a long time, and it was the perfect choice for her, not only because it meant that she was living close to her daughter, but because she could maintain some independence while also receiving access to the support she needs.

“SwanCare really is wonderful, the whole area is lovely, and it’s nice knowing I can get help if I need it.

My neighbours have been very good to me. Often, I’ve had to turn to a neighbour to read the best before date on fridge food as I can’t see it! It’s those little things that make a difference.”

Your knowledge on books is so impressive, Joan. Thank you for being part of our SwanCare community, and kindly letting us share a story of your own!

Joan as a young school girl in Dublin, Ireland

Penny helps select a new audiobook for Joan

Meet the Team

Meeting Mary

Seven months ago, the delightful Mary Sackey joined our SwanCare At Home team as a Case Manager. It’s not hard to spot Mary with her vibrant smile and positive energy as she makes her way around the Bentley Park village.

We recently sat down with Mary to learn more about the significant role she plays at SwanCare and where her passion for nursing began.

Among a number of other duties, some of Mary’s key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive assessments of the clients’ needs, developing individualised care plans, and overall, serving as an advocate for the client. With all this in mind, we had to ask Mary which part of her job was her favourite.

“The sense of fulfillment I get from seeing the positive impact of my work firsthand is a highlight. Whether it's witnessing a client's progress in achieving their goals, or simply sharing a moment of joy and laughter with them, each interaction reaffirms my passion for what I do.

It is a privilege I don't take lightly. I feel grateful to be able to do what I love and to be able to positively impact the lives of others in the process.”

Growing up, Mary witnessed firsthand the compassionate care her grandmother provided to her patients, and says seeing the dedication and kindness she showed left a lasting impression, inspiring her to follow the same path.

After entering Nursing School, Mary found herself further drawn to the field, “The opportunity to directly contribute to the wellbeing and comfort of patients resonated deeply with me, and I realised that nursing wasn't just a profession but a calling.”

Mary’s inspiration to work in the aged care sector came from a desire to learn from the elderly population and to provide them with the “golden years” they truly deserve.

“I've always admired the wisdom and resilience of older adults, and believe they deserve the highest quality of care, dignity and respect.”

Now working with the SwanCare At Home team, Mary describes the experience as both fulfilling and enriching, adding they operate like a welloiled machine.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of being a part of this team is the sense of friendship and mutual respect we share. Despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences, we're united by a common passion for making a positive difference in the lives of our clients.”

We are extremely grateful to have you part of the SwanCare family, Mary. Thank you for all that you do.

Mary Sackey

Community Connection

Small Steps to Happiness

SwanCare’s Social Engagement Team play a key role in enriching the lives of our residential aged care residents. Ensuring their needs are catered for, the dedicated team provide a range of activities and experiences for our residents to enjoy every single day.

Social Engagement Coordinator, Nilla Curia, works closely with her team to help bring the Social Engagement calendars to life. Most recently, they added an activity that our residents not only love, but that also provides them with a unique connection they may not find elsewhere.

“The idea had been in the pipeline for a while,” explains Nilla, “After countless emails and meetings back and forth, overcoming a few hiccups along the way, we finally launched our exciting intergenerational program.”

Nicknamed ‘Small Steps’ by Nilla due to the projects slow but steady start; SwanCare Waminda’s Social Engagement Team Leader, Ceri, was fond of how appropriate the name was for a program centred around children, and the Small Steps program was officially born.

With the help of the team at Technology Park Education and Care Centre, our residents have the opportunity to visit the local daycare centre and spend time connecting with the children.

“Seeing how the resident’s faces light up when they start interacting with the little ones just makes my day!" Says Nilla.

Over the course of each session, the relationship between our residents and the children continue to flourish, something Nilla says she always hoped would be a key outcome of the program.

“Unfortunately, lots of residents don’t get visited by their grandchildren on a regular basis because they live far away or they are becoming busy young adults, even starting families of their own," she explains, "With this project, I want to make

sure that the special bond between elderly people and the younger generations survives the times.” Not only is Small Steps a whole lot of fun, but intergenerational programs have also proven to have significant benefits to the physical and mental wellbeing of participants.

“I find the sessions very positively stimulating and rewarding for all our residents, but especially those with dementia who immediately remember how to nurture and take care of the children. Spending time with kids brings out the best in all of us, it’s been beautiful to experience.”

This community connection has proven that even the smallest friends can make the biggest impact. Well done to all involved, and we look forward to seeing what this program has in store for the year ahead.

SwanCare resident & team member meet their new friend

Everyone loves storytime at Small Steps

Resident Watch

Cyber Safety is Everyone’s Concern

Here at SwanCare, we understand the importance of cyber security. That’s why we implement enterprise level systems and policies to protect the data and information of our residents. We monitor the network 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can respond extremely quickly with the help of AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools, however, we also know that being informed is one of the most effective methods to remain protected from cyber threats. Here are some tips and tricks from our team to keep you and your loved ones cyber safe.

Tip #1 - Smishing… pardon?!

From a quick glance, a seemingly innocent SMS could be telling you that your delivery is being delayed, you have an overdue invoice, or that you’ve won the local meat raffle! However, a simple SMS like these could result in someone stealing your personal details. Crafty SMS messages will also invoke some urgency and a convenient link to find more information. These types of messages are referred to as smishing.

If you get a SMS from a number you don’t recognise, ask these questions:

1. Are you expecting a message from this company?

2. Does the link have the web address that matches the company? (e.g. austpost.com.au for Australia Post)

If you are still unsure, call the company’s main phone number and ask them, but make sure you get the main number from Google - not from the SMS!

Tip #2 - Multifactor Authentication

Nearly everyone knows of someone (or themselves) that has unfortunately had their Facebook or email account hacked. MFA (multi-factor authentication) or 2FA (two factor authentication) is a system that

can prevent this, where websites like Facebook can be set up to require not only your username and password, but a code that could be sent to your email or to your phone as a SMS for further verification. It’s so effective in stopping scammers that it’s listed as the highest effective single action that anyone can do, whether you’re a SwanCare resident or the CEO of Telstra!

If you would like to know more, SwanCare IT will soon be hosting monthly ‘IT Information Sessions’ to focus on topics like these and others. More information to follow.

Mat Allam - ICT Operations Manager

Village News

Fish N Chips with Friends

Our first Luncheon for 2024 started off with a “Big Bang!” Nancy, Hannah and Sean from Marketing were our Special Guests. Sean came into the kitchen to take photographs of The Committee while we were serving lunch and finished up helping out! The Entertainer for February, Robert Graham, was absolutely terrific. Instead of singing his choice of songs, he asked residents to choose their favourite tunes which he then performed for us.

Upcoming Entertainers:

• Friday 1st March

Patrick O’Hooligan for St. Patrick’s Day, so wear something green.

• Friday 5th April

Rockin’ Ronnie & Colly for Easter

• Friday 3rd May

Paul Robertson for Mother’s Day

All residents, and especially new residents, are most welcome to join us at our popular monthly luncheons held in the Auditorium on the first Friday of each month. Bookings are essential. We are a happy bunch, and you will meet new friends and reacquaint with old friends. We have a variety of Entertainers each month, with raffle tickets on sale and prizes to be won.

- Lesley Foster

Swan Village Bowling Club

Night bowls will continue until the end of March with the possibility of an extension into April if the extreme hot weather continues. Autumn sees the start of our bowling gala days with the Murray Raynard Shield on the 16th of March followed by the Hazel Lancaster Trophy in April and the Keith Withers Shield in May. Entry details will be listed on the club notice board. A sausage sizzle is planned for the opening of day bowling. Summer evening bowls has been well attended this year with some really beautiful WA evenings.

Scroungers has continued on Monday evenings but if numbers increase any further, we may have to revert to rink bowling to ensure all members attending can get a game. Happy Hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays continue to attract several non-playing members as well as participants. If you have not attended for some time, you might be surprised at the range of drinks currently available. All members are welcome to attend.

The club is primarily a social club and while we all try to do our best on the greens, newcomers at any level are welcome. Do not be concerned that your skills are not as good as experienced bowlers, just keep coming along, enjoy the camaraderie and your skills will improve. Even if you don't improve, just enjoy the company and allow some of the others to be thankful that they are no longer the novices!

If you have any queries, please refer to the Bentley Park Bulletin for more information.

- Stan Barclay, President

SVBC enjoying their evening bowls

Entertainer Robert Graham at Fish N Chips Luncheon

Board Game Group

We’re inviting new members to join our Board Game Group on the first and third Friday of every month from 6:00pm in The Club. We have nine games on offer including Skip-Bo, Rummikub, Bananagrams, Scrabble and Monopoly Deal to name a few. We love to play although we’re not (too) competitive! It’s a sociable get together, all about having fun and making new friends. We would like to see some new faces so I’m hoping you can join us!

- Wendy Jones

Village News

Bentley Park Show Committee

For the past three years, Bruce May has done a wonderful job volunteering his time and efforts to make the Bentley Park Show a success. I think I can speak for us all when I say his hard work has not gone unnoticed, and we sincerely appreciate all he has done.

This year Bruce has decided to step down from this role, and thus, the Bentley Park Show will be taking new shape in 2024. This new committee will be meeting every second Wednesday at 9:30am in the Swan Centre, and all Bentley Park residents are welcome to join. Together we will discuss suggestions, ideas and other topics concerning the Show to help make it the best it can be. I hope to see you there!

- Maureen Grickage

The Bentley Park Show 2023

Wendy playing Skip-Bo

Board Game Group always playing with a smile

Valuable Volunteers

It Takes a Village

They say that if you enjoy what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Well, the same can be said for volunteering. And there’s no better example than our wonderful SwanCare retirement living resident, Thelma Chilton.

Towards the end of last year, Thelma was invited to our annual International Volunteers Day event, where CEO Graham Francis presented Thelma and fellow resident, Ricki McPherson, with the prestigious Villager of the Year Award.

“What an honour it was!” said Thelma, “I’m not often speechless, but it was heart rendering, and I was very humbled indeed.”

International Volunteers Day

A high tea was organised by Executive Assistant Karen Parker, to honour and celebrate our valuable volunteers.

“It’s a very small way of thanking our volunteers,” said Karen, “They make a huge difference to the lives of our residents and SwanCare as a whole. They not only help to provide a more fun environment, but they help residents live more independent lives.”

Having worked at SwanCare for the last 29 years, 15 years of which she has been the Volunteer Coordinator, Karen has become acquainted with many volunteers, including Ricki and Thelma.

“Both Ricki and Thelma are wonderful women. They both individually approached management with their ideas of how they could provide a service, then took the time to do the research, work out logistics and make it happen. They also have a great sense of humour and bring such happiness to everyone they meet.”

Thelma spoke about her respect for fellow award winner, Ricki. “Ricki has the most wonderful personality,” said Thelma. “She’s very friendly, in fact her whole family are lovely people. She’s always helping others and brightening their day. I have only praise and laughter for Ricki.”

When reflecting on the day, Thelma says it all came as quite the surprise.

“It’s funny, at the high tea before the awards happened, I noticed that everyone on my table was wearing a medal. And I said ‘What am I doing sitting here, everyone’s got a medal around their neck, and I haven’t got one?’ Then Graham announced that I had won a medal of my own!

It now hangs on my door so I can see it every day.”

A Long-serving Passion for Serving the Community

Thelma has a significant history of volunteering, and her care, compassion and generosity have been felt by many through her ongoing work.

Thelma’s journey with volunteering started after her husband passed in 2007. In an effort to take her mind off things, she offered a helping hand at the Army Museum of Western Australia.

“I'm a military historian and a history buff!” said Thelma, “I'm a gun girl, a swashbuckler! I’ve researched my family's military history and I also help others do theirs. I love military stuff!”

Thelma accepting her Villager of the Year Award from Graham

Valuable Volunteers

While researching, Thelma worked as a Duty Officer which involved giving tours to people around the museum. She then started her role as Manager of the souvenir shop. In total, she spent a successful 17 years working at the museum.

Village Volunteering

Thelma moved to SwanCare in 2013, and quickly established herself as a keen and eager volunteer, most notably helping to run a range of Bentley Park’s clubs and groups.

Gardens Interest Group meet once a month and it involves Thelma and other members helping residents manage their gardens throughout the village. These days she is not as physically active, but she still provides optimum value through her knowledge and advice, keeping everyone’s gardens beautiful.

Thelma also helps to coordinate the SwanCare Allsorts Choir. The group of 25 or so members practice every Tuesday, with their hard work and commitment paying off in regular shows throughout the year.

“The camaraderie in the group is stupendous,” said Thelma. “We’re not all great professional singers,

but it doesn’t matter. It’s all about being together and enjoying ourselves.”

On a Monday night you’ll find Thelma throwing darts at The Club, and at the end of the week, she returns there to run her exciting Friday Night Chase. And if that wasn’t enough, Thelma also volunteers on the Bentley Park Show Committee!

Bringing People Together

Thelma gives up her time selflessly, and she does it because she loves it. She simply enjoys making people happy.

“Volunteering brings people together,” said Thelma.

“It doesn’t matter how lonely you are, you can find something for yourself at SwanCare, even if volunteering isn’t your interest. The Leisure Centre in particular is a great place to meet for a drink, have a chat, or listen to my rubbish! Sometimes I even have a dance!

I love being here, it’s honestly the best place in the world.”

Thank you to Thelma, and all of our fabulous volunteers, for your invaluable contribution to SwanCare. Your impact on our community is huge, and we appreciate everything you do to help make SwanCare a place for everyone to call home.

Thelma hosting Friday Night Chase

Thelma giving her acceptance speech beside Graham

Brain Teaser

Street Wise | Quiz

Can you name the city where you find these world-famous streets?

1. Les Champs Elysees New York

2. Bond Street Berlin

3. Wall Street Paris

4. Sunset Boulevard Rome

5. Via Veneto Los Angeles

6. Madison Avenue Paris

7. Boulevard St. Michael Atlanta

8. Wiltshire Boulevard London

9. Peachtree Street Hollywood

10. Hans Christian Andersen Boulevard New York

11. Nevsky Prospekt London

12. Kurfurstendamm Nice

13. Promenade Des Anglais Copenhagen

14. Piccadilly St. Petersburg

15. Unter Den Linden New Orleans

16. Market Street London

17. Basin Street London

18. Fleet Street Berlin

19. Pall Mall Barcelona

20. Las Ramblas San Francisco

Gardens Interest Group

Nurturing the Autumn Garden

Autumn is time to refresh your plants after summer has taken a toll on our gardens.

Applying soil wetter liquid or granules and watering well in March, plus lightly fertilising garden beds and pots with slow-release products, will ready your beds for new annuals and bulbs. Remember to top up mulch where it has been thinned down.

Daffodils, clivia, hyacinth, iris, ranunculus, and Jacobean lily are always popular bulbs to plant. Keep checking all plants for thrip damage and spray with eco oil or Pyrethrum in the cool of the day when bees are not active.

April is the traditional time to plant garlic and sow everlasting seeds in a sunny position. It is also a suitable time to divide perennials and fertilise fruit trees. Seedling ageratum, cineraria, pansy, penstemon, petunia, salvia, stock, viola, and wall flowers can add colour for the coming months.

Sow broad beans, broccoli, lettuce onions, silver beet, spinach, radish, and turnips now. If cabbage moths come calling, spray your vegetables with Dipel.

Camellias and azaleas begin to bloom in May. Be sure to take a stroll around the village to see the many beautiful varieties growing along the pathways.

Have you tried growing strawberries in a pot? It is a fantastic way to keep them away from slugs and snails! Plant in good soil with well-rotted manure or compost added and mulch with hay.

Trim autumn flowering shrubs as they fade, add leaves to compost and trim dead foliage from kangaroo paws.

Lastly, continue to plant cabbage, pea, cauliflower, leek, turnip, spinach, and silver beet seeds for a continuous supply of winter vegetables.

Kangaroo Paws

Camellia ‘Philipa Ilford’

Pink & white Everlastings

Jacobean Lily

Penny’s Book Review

Bottlebrush Creek |

By Maya Linnell

Australian author, Maya Linnell, grew up in a small country town with a love of reading and climbing trees. She started her career in journalism working at a rural newspaper before writing fiction and blogging for Romance Writers Australia.

Maya currently lives in rural Victoria with her husband and three children. She has now written five romantic novels inspired by her rural upbringing, with Bottlebrush Creek being her second.

Bottlebrush Creek is a story of Angie McIntyre, veering between managing a bustling beauty salon, hectic volunteers’ commitments, and parenting twoyear-old Claudia with barely any time for herself.

She feels her relationship with fly in – fly out boyfriend Rob is slipping through her fingers, so when Rob faces retrenchment and a beautiful fixer-upper comes onto the market, Angie knows

this is the perfect project to bring their little family together. However, there’s a catch.

The property is right next door to Robs’ parents, and it doesn’t take long for rising tensions to set a wedge between the hard-working couple. Angie and Rob must find out the hard way whether their house project will draw them closer together or be the very thing that tears them apart.

I enjoyed this light story and found it a suitable, relaxing read for bedtime. Available to pick up from our Bentley Park Library.

Yours in books,

Penny Felder

Penny Felder

SwanCare Bentley Park Librarian

Member of Busy Fingers shares latest craft creation

Members of SwanCare's Admin team give Line Dancing a go

CEO Graham & Chairman Kim speaking at BPRC Meeting

Resident Lorraine with her beloved Community Assistant, Stephanie

All smiles at the CEO Coffee Club

Plantation Residents enjoying their Christmas celebrations

Fish N Chips bringing friends together

Resident Ricki joins the Neighbourhood Natter Podcast

The village Allsorts Choir performing at SwanCare Ningana