Advance recruitment and staff capacity building
People and Culture Manager, Monica Merlano has convened a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee with the support of a mentorship program from the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing. This group will review Barunga Village’s Diversity Action Plan and work to implement priority actions. Staff, consumers and community members are invited to participate in this group – if you are interested in being involved in this group, please contact Monica on 08 8635 0662 or via email at monicam@barungavillage.com.au.
Monica has also established a Staff Well-being working group, which is working to plan and implement activities to support staff well-being across the organisation, including activities that support all domains of well-being, including social, financial, physical and emotional well-being. Again, please let Monica know if you are interested in being involved in this group.
We are updating our staff qualifications certificates to identify gaps against our expectations.
This year the training program is focused on starting to close those
gaps and provide a more qualified and professional workforce to offer a better quality of service.
Improvements have been made to our staff accommodation options, freeing up two Barunga Cottages that were previously used for staff accommodation, and which are now available again for affordable housing for seniors.
We have made much-needed improvements to lighting and office furniture at Barunga Village Head Office.
Strengthen consumer experience
Our Barunga Homes Pastoral Care Program has been established, with many thanks to Vicki Schmitt, our first pastoral carer volunteer. We are now seeking more volunteers to participate in the Pastoral Care Program - full training and support is provided - please contact our Wellness, Lifestyle and Volunteer Manager, Stacey Meschede on 08 8635 0529 or via email at staceym@barungavillage.com, if you are interested.
We recently have been
advised that Barunga Village have been successful in our application for $8,700 grant funding to implement a Virtual Reality pilot project. The funding is under the SA Government’s Office for Ageing Well, Grants for Seniors fund. Please refer to page 13 for further details.
Barunga Homes Wi-Fi upgrade is now complete, and we are nearly ready to accept a quote for an upgrade to a new nurse call system. Secure financial sustainability
Director
of Business
Operations, Carly Barnes and our external Chief Financial Officer, Adam Drabsch have made significant steps to enhance our financial performance reporting, including the introduction of monthly budget forecasts. This is supporting Barunga Village management to make informed decisions to ensure that we remain within our budget, and is also supporting our financial year 2023-2024 budget planning.
Barunga Village is a NDIS registered provider we provide NDIS services to several Barunga Homes
House Members. Our NDIS registration is due for renewal this year, and to prepare for this we have conducted a gap analysis against the NDIS Quality and Safeguards framework, and have booked our external audit to take place in June/July.
We are also considering whether we should deliver NDIS services into Barunga Community Care, and I am in the process of developing a business case for the Barunga Village Board of Directors for consideration.
Carly has also convened a reference group to give us feedback and suggestions for the various options for use of any potential development on our vacant Spencer Highway land.
If you are interested in being involved in this group, please contact Carly on 08 8635 0598 or via email at carlyb@barungavillage. com.au.
Our volunteers have been back in the swing of things, planning activities for events including Valentines Day, Easter and Mother’s Day, on top of running the many activities that are held throughout the day in each house and our Function Room.
Choir is as popular as ever. In April, we introduced virtual quiz mornings, these have been very successful. During the recent school holidays, House Members have enjoyed the companionship of our Junior Volunteers, Tahlia and Jaspa.
At Easter, our House Members had a special visit and delivery from the Easter Bunny, thanks
Our Pastoral Care Program has been enhanced by our new Pastoral Care Volunteer, Vicki, who is coming to visit with House Members. Further Pastoral Care training will commence with our volunteers later in the month.
One of the main misconceptions is that Pastoral Care is just about religion however Pastoral Care is more than this. It is about engaging in what is meaningful to each person, this may be helping them to make connections with others or something as simple as assisting them with an activity that they enjoyed before they came into our care.
Officer and am seeking volunteers for this exciting new project. The VR technology will enable our consumers to go to Paris, see Loch Ness or visit Big Ben from the comfort of their homes.
Thank you to all of our volunteers your warmth, kindness and care is simply wonderful, whether you are a volunteer community car driver, a visitor or assisting with our activities, your smiles and care brightens up our consumers lives.
If you would like to join our fabulous bunch, I can provide a stress-free transition and process to becoming a volunteer at Barunga Village, please give me a call on 08 8635 0529.
Autumn is a wonderful time of year. The trees break into a rainbow of changing colours, the weather cools down and daylight savings has ended. It might be the extra hour to sleep in, or the many public holidays, or just the cooler weather that makes everything this time of year seem a little calmer. It is a great time of year.
April also brings families together to celebrate Easter and its promise of new beginnings I hope everyone was able to share some precious family time together. Our social committee hosted a successful Hot Cross Bun morning tea with many
faces into our beautiful village.
Recently, residents attended an information session with Rosemary Coulter on becoming a dementia-friendly community and forming a Dementia Alliance group here in Port Broughton. Everyone is encouraged to join in as the whole community will benefit.
Also, this month, residents enjoyed a cooking demonstration by our Hotel Services Manager, Dharma Whitanage. Residents were treated to the amazing aroma of one of Dharma’s trusted recipes – chicken and fried rice.
Dharma demonstrated how to
telling stories of his childhood in Sri Lanka, cooking for celebrities and royalty in the Maldives, and the love of his family here in Australia. It was an enjoyable event, and everyone attending was delighted to taste his cuisine.
We also welcomed our new Maintenance Officer, Wayne to the team. Many residents have had the opportunity to meet him whilst he works his way around the village and cottages. He has been with us for just a short time, but already we can see the positive impact he has had on the grounds, and also the residents.
Stay safe everyone, and enjoy
In February, we held a Community Engagement Forum. This addressed the changing program for aged care and gave current clients and community members an opportunity to share what services they would like available.
Strength and balance classes were high on the agenda for all participants. This is currently being arranged and we will forward communications to our clients regarding this shortly.
Our next Community client meeting will be held on Wednesday 7 June 2023 at 10:00 am at the Barunga Homes - Function Room
Everyone is welcome to attend. Please join us for morning tea and an update on the aged care reforms and the implications for older persons. To attend, please RSVP to Community Roster Officer, Melissa Hunt on 08 8635 0526 or via email at community@barungavillage. com.au
In April, we welcomed Melissa Hunt to our team in the role of Community Roster Officer. Melissa recently moved from Adelaide to Port Broughton and has previous experience in Administration. Melissa is full of life and has a great bubbly personality so please feel free
to have a chat with her when you call.
We are also pleased to welcome Support Workers, Alisha Kapoor from Kadina, Sydney Bateson from Port Pirie, and returning Support Worker, Kirby Eatts from Port Pirie.
We are still actively looking for staff in Balaklava, Clare, Auburn and surrounding areas. If you know anyone that may be interested, please suggest they contact Barunga Community Care.
Our team recently attended the training session ‘Navigating the Home Care Package Guidelines’ hosted by Lorraine Poulos and Associates. It was insightful and a wealth of information for us to use on a daily basis.
Home Care Packages have received clarification on how the package money can be spent, helping us to be better equipped to ensure we are within the Government guidelines.
Announced in the Australian federal budget on 9 May 2023, the In-Home Aged Care Support has been delayed until 1 July 2025 to allow for further refinement. We will continue to keep you updated as more comes to light.
Takeaway meals are now available from Gloria’s Coffee Shop. If you are interested please contact, Community Roster Officer, Melissa on 08 8635 0526.
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) became available to South Australians on 31 January 2023.
VAD offers all South Australian’s access to highquality end of life and palliative care, regardless of their medical diagnosis, age, culture, background or where they live.
The introduction of safe, accessible, and compassionate voluntary assisted dying provides choice and autonomy by allowing the person to elect the time and the circumstances in which they die with the effect that unbearable pain and suffering caused by advanced stages of incurable disease can be reduced.
Eligibility criteria for access to voluntary assisted dying
A person can only access voluntary assisted dying if they are assessed by two doctors who have been registered and trained to support the voluntary assisted dying process. Both doctors must assess the person as meeting the eligibility criteria set out in the Act, including:
18 years old or older; and
An Australian citizen or permanent resident; and
Live in South Australia and have lived in South Australia for at least 12 months at the
time of making your first request; and
Have decision making capacity in relation to voluntary assisted dying; and
Be acting freely and without coercion; and
Overview of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 for residential facilities
Be diagnosed with a disease, illness or medical condition that:
is incurable; and is advanced, progressive and will cause death; and
is expected to cause death within weeks or months, not exceeding 6 months (or 12 months for people with a neurodegenerative condition);
and is causing suffering that cannot be relieved in a manner the person considers tolerable.
Barunga Village is committed to upholding the principles of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 through assisting an older person to access the VAD scheme in response to their request.
All employees and contracted staff are prohibited from initiating a discussion about VAD and may choose to be excluded from involvement in VAD process.
Further detail is available via the SA Health publication titled “Knowing your choices: Information for people considering voluntary assisted dying” (SA Health, January 2023).
How fast time flies when you are enjoying life. At Barunga Village we are committed to supporting you living the best life possible.
Our business plan priorities include, advance recruitment and staff capacity, and strengthen consumer experience.
This year we have created two important committees to address these priorities. We are doing our best to learn more about our staff, who play the most important role in providing high-quality care services to our consumers.
The Well-being committee will be responsible for events, celebrations and reward programs for our staff. We truly believe that taking care of our staff will result in greater well-being and excellence in performing their roles.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee initiative is to improve the organisational culture to embrace and support diversity and inclusion. The committee has hosted two meetings and we are proud that members consists of staff, House Members, volunteers and members of our local community however we are seeking additional members to provide ideas for a better workplace environment.
Our meetings are held monthly, to track our progress, including new ideas and take actions to pursue our purpose. If you would like to be part of it, please do not hesitate in sending me an email at monicam@barungavillage. com.au with your expression of interest. We are always open to including new members.
As an ever-growing organisation, we are always seeking new ways to connect with new employees.
In March, Community Manager, Simone Tilbury and I attended two ‘Seeking Employers Support’ events hosted by Sureway in Balaklava and Port Pirie. I presented the benefits we can provide our team and what are the most important attributes we consider when we are hiring.
Our current career opportunities include:
Support Workers
Registered Nurses
House Carers
Volunteer Drivers
To see the full position descriptions or to express your interest in any of our roles, please visit our website at barungavillage.com.au/careers.
We take expression of interest at any time to consider when we have further opportunities become available.
It is estimated half a million Australians are currently living with dementia and almost 1.6 million people are involved in their care. Dementia, as a condition, does not discriminate however people can live well with support for many years after their diagnosis.
Thanks to grant funding through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) - Strengthening Rural Communities program, Barunga Village has launched the Dementia-Friendly Community Project with the aim to:
Develop a sustainable dementia community support network in the form of a Dementia Alliance to lead and continue the development of Port Broughton as a dementiafriendly community.
Increase awareness of and an understanding of dementia, and reduce stigma.
Increase capability of businesses to serve customers with dementia.
Identify and remove physical and environmental barriers for people living
with dementia.
On Wednesday 12 April 2023, Project Officer, Rosemary Coulter hosted a community information session –‘It starts with you, Port Broughton'. The aim of the session was to connect local community members to form a Dementia Alliance (working group) and to provide local businesses with resources to become dementia-friendly organisations as part of the Port Broughton Dementia–Friendly Community Project.
Working in collaboration with Liz Withall from Dementia Australia, the session included a presentation on what a dementia-friendly community looks like and how it can benefit the whole community. Liz shared ideas used by other dementia-friendly community Alliance Groups across Australia and provided resources available to an Alliance Group and local businesses.
Those who attended watched a series of videos to learn what it is like to live with dementia and by completing the session they are now recognised by Dementia Australia as Dementia Friends.
We would encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about dementia, the challenges faced by people living with dementia and how to help people with dementia remain connected to attend one of our Dementia Friend sessions on Thursday 1 June 2023 at the Port Broughton Town Hall. Session times are 11:00am - 12:00pm, 12:30pm1:30pm and 2:00pm - 3:00pm.
Project Officer, Rosemary has had a number of community members sign up to be a part of the Dementia Alliance although she is further seeking people living with dementia or their carer to be part of the group.
Upcoming Alliance Group meeting will be held on Wednesday 24 May 2023 at 10:00am at Barunga Homes –Function Room.
If you would like to attend the Dementia Friend session, would like more information or be part of the Dementia Alliance Group, please contact Project Officer, Rosemary Coulter on 08 8635 0502 or via email at rosemaryc@barungavillage. com.au.
Barunga Village has been successful in receiving a oneoff grant for $8,700 through the Office for Ageing Well 20222023 Grants for Seniors to purchase virtual reality equipment and run a six-month pilot project, with the goal, if successful, to continue with virtual reality on an ongoing basis.
This new technology has the opportunity to improve the lives of our consumers through social connections such as video conferencing that allows them to connect with family and friends providing social and emotional enrichment especially during COVID-19 outbreaks or those with mobility impairments.
Virtual Reality offers a fun and
interactive experience, using a headset to engage in stimulating, challenging and entertaining experiences.
The experiences can be based on locations that the participant has been, reconnecting past memories or giving them the opportunity to visit a place they have always wanted to go.
It can support participants to engage in a broad range of virtual cultural activities, for example visiting the Melbourne Cup, the Vatican City or attending the Anzac Day Service at Anzac Cove.
It has the potential to reduce anxiety and depression, increase socialisation, stimulating memories and bring joy to our consumers.
Our aim for the project is to support connections with our consumers, their family and friends, and the wider community by hosting meaningful virtual reality sessions.
We are inviting volunteers to come on board to enhance these sessions by interactive with participates. All equipment and training will be provided.
If you are interested in connecting with seniors and making a difference in your local community, please contact Stacey Meschede on 08 8365 0662 or via email at staceym@barungavillage. com.au.
My name is Vicki Schmitt I have undertaken the role of Pastoral Care Volunteer at Barunga Village and I consider this to be a privilege and an honour. I am married to David, a fourth generational farmer and we have three adult children Sarah, Stefan and Joseph, son-in-law Christopher, daughter-in-law Jade, and two gorgeous grandchildren twins, Adelaide and Frederick.
I have always loved Port Broughton from the moment I first arrived and drove down the main street and saw the beautiful water, jetty and spectacular esplanade. It is a great community full of wonderful people and I have kept busy over the years being married to a farmer, raising a family with all the commitments and community involvement that comes with this and working in the nursing profession.
I have always been involved in the Port Broughton Uniting Church and have held a position on the Lay Ministry team for many years and continue to do so. I retired as a Registered Nurse from a lovely career in nursing when our precious grandchildren arrived so we could enjoy the wonderful times of helping our family as much
as possible as they live interstate and overseas intermittently.
I came to this role when approached by Board Member, Jan Tod (my neighbour and friend) who asked if I would be interested in this role. This was then followed up with a phone call and meeting with the Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Carroll and after discussions I happily accepted the role.
You may ask, “How does Spirituality fit within the Homes at Barunga Village?” Spirituality is part of being human and its heart is meaning, purpose and connectiveness and is essential for well-being particularly as we age.
I view my role in Spiritual Care and formulated from my own Christian beliefs as the following. To put it simply it involves coming alongside a person and listening with empathy, understanding, and kindness as everyone deserves to be respected, valued, listened to and acknowledged.
Furthermore, everyone has their own story to tell, if they choose to share, I can listen, if someone wants to be sat with in silence not wanting to talk and have their hand held for comfort, I can do that, if someone wants
to offload, I am there for them, and if prayer or communion is requested this can be organised too. Moreover, Spirituality is simply being there for someone in the moment and as needed and it is not just for the religious but for everyone, inclusive of those who do not share a faith or any beliefs, it is a connection and respect to everyone and finding purpose, meaning and hope in their day. My role is therefore inclusive for all who live or work at Barunga Village.
Currently my role in Pastoral Care is still being developed by Wellness, Lifestyle and Volunteer Manager, Stacey Meschede and I am particularly thankful to Stacey for her great support and input as the role progresses into fruition.
I continue to look forward to meeting with House Members and staff as I visit throughout Barunga Homes and will always be approachable for a chat at any time.
To conclude I leave you with this quote:
“Hopeneverleavesyouinthe dark.
It’ saraytolightenupthe darknessfromyourlife.
Hopeneverfails”
On Friday 10 March 2023, Barunga Homes Physiotherapist, Carmelo entertained Stanley House Members with a solo performance of some of his favourite songs.
On Thursday 2 March 2023, Stanley House Members made the most of the beautiful weather with a BBQ outside. L-R, House Member Glen, with his daughter Naomi, House Member Annie with Husband Stephen, House Member Peter and House Member Cavell with Isabella the dog.
Barunga Homes House Members, Thelma, Marjory, Janet, Russel, Lorene and Elizabeth enjoying a morning walk. The Barunga Homes walking group meet every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Gloria Coffee Shop before heading off for a walk. Everyone is welcome.
Stanley House Members, Janice and Margaret keeping active with a game of table hand ball with assistance from Margaret’ s husband Robert and volunteer Amanda.
Spencer House Members, Doug and Jill Bailey making the most of the beautiful Autumn weather with afternoon tea in the garden.
On Wednesday 26 April 2023, House Members, Beryl, Russell, Margaret, Shirley and Di stopped for morning tea at SeaRenity Nursery and Garden Centre after visiting the Poppy Field display at the Port Broughton foreshore.
Barunga Village Knit and Natter group members Elaine, Margaret, June, Shirley, Brenda and Violet knitted 115 poppies and donated them to the Barunga West Council Anzac Day Poppy Field display.
House Members, Pina, Shirley, Lois, Shirley and Olive enjoyed poppy cupcakes for afternoon tea on Anzac Day.
On Tuesday 2 May 2023, Hotel Services Manager, Dharma entertained Stanley House Members with a cooking demonstration. House Members thoroughly enjoyed the experience and Dharma’ s chicken stir-fry with vegetable. Please find the recipe on page 22. Stanley House Leader, Brooke and House Member, Margaret helped prepare the ingredients.
On Saturday 6 May 2023, Stanley House Members hosted an afternoon tea and played royal bingo to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.
On Thursday 23 February 2023, Stanley House Member, Margaret shared her 81st birthday
On Friday 10 March 2023 Stanley House Member, Lorene celebrated her 83rd birthday.
On Friday 7 April 2023 Stanley House Member, Cavell celebrated her 100th birthday at a special morning tea.
On Wednesday 19 April 2023, Stanley House Member, Brenda celebrated her 93rd birthday.
Barunga by the Sea resident, Raelene celebrating four generations of the Wytens family with daughter Alison, granddaughter Amber and great granddaughter Mila.
Barunga by the Sea residents, Trevor and Lavina (Snow and Lovey) celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.
Barunga by the Sea resident, Sandy Owen marched in the Port Broughton Anzac Day procession and laid a wreath on behalf of Barunga Village at the Port Broughton Anzac Day service and is featured on the
As well as her role with the RSL, Sandy is part of the singing duo ‘Makin’ Tracks’ with friend Lyn Stead and performs at local markets, she can also be heard presenting on community radio station – 89.3 Gulf FM.
netballer, Chloe Knibbs as part of the Northern Area Football and Netball Association Anzac Round.
Sandy said Port Broughton is a lovely rural community to be a part of. It was wonderful to see
At Barunga Village, we pride ourselves on truly knowing our consumers and their life stories to ensure we support them to live the best life possible.
We invite our consumers, family and friends to contribute to BV Lifestyle.
If you have a poem, story, event, celebration or exciting news that you would like to share with the Barunga Village community, we encourage you to submit your contributions for consideration to rennas@barungavillage.com.au.
At Barunga Village, our aim is to provide the highest standard of service and to ensure that we consistently meet and exceed your expectations.
To help us to do this, we encourage you to tell us what you think.
If there is any aspect of your experience that did not meet your expectations, we would appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns and are committed to doing this in a prompt, fair and consistent manner.
For your convenience hard copies are available at the entrance of each house at Barunga Homes or please visit barungavillage.com.au/contact-us/ and complete the form for our Quality and ICT Officer to review – we may contact you to discuss your comments or you can remain anonymous.
Alternatively, you can contact:
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822 or make a complaint online at https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/making-complaint
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544 or make a complaint online at https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/contact-us/makeacomplaint
As we extend our deepest sympathies to our consumers family and friends as they pass, we also acknowledge that these donation are vital to our work.
Donations are used for a wide variety of support services and projects which enable us to continue to provide quality care to the seniors in our community.
Any donation is appreciated. Donationsover$2.00maybetaxdeductible.
SERVES 4
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
500g boneless, skinless chicken thigh cut into 2.5cm cubes
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp veg oil
200g broccoli florets
150g celery sliced
150g baby spinach leaves
1 yellow capsicum cut into 1 inch pieces
1 red bell capsicum cut into 1 inch pieces
150g baby carrots sliced
150g Spring onion sliced
2 tsp minced ginger
2 garlic cloves minced
STIR FRY SAUCE
2 tbsp sweet soy sauce
2 tbsp cold water
1/4 cup chicken broth
3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
METHOD
Step 1
In a medium size bowl, whisk together corn starch and water. Add remaining ingredients (soy sauce, chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, honey, and toasted sesame oil) and whisk to combine. Set aside.
Step 2
Add one tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet or wok and heat over medium high heat.
Step 3
Add chicken (in batches if necessary) and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 5
minutes or until cooked through. Remove from skillet.
Step 4
Reduce heat to medium and add remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
Step 5
Add broccoli, capsicum, and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, just until crisp tender. Add ginger, garlic, spinach and cook for an additional minute.
Step 6
Add chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine.
Step 7
Whisk stir fry sauce and pour over chicken
Solutions
1.
2.
1.
2.
2.
