At Barunga Village we have spent the winter busy preparing for the new year ahead, with a major focus on Business Planning against the three priorities of the Barunga Village Strategic Plan, which are
Advance recruitment and staff capacity building
Strengthen consumer experience
Secure financial stability
After an intensive consultation process with specially selected reference groups including Board Members, staff and consumers we have identified our major business activities for the upcoming new year.
They include projects to strengthen the organisation’ s culture of diversity and inclusion
introduce systems and processes to support working parents of young children
extend the award winning specialised dementia model of care across all Barunga Village
grow and consolidate our Barunga Community Care services
develop the concept, design and business case for new businesses including use of the vacant land adjacent to Barunga by the Sea, and NDIS in the community.
In other good news, Barunga Village has been successful in our application for funding under the National Aged Care Grants Business Improvement Fund grant (round 2). This major grant means we can now implement a significant upgrade to our IT infrastructure at Barunga Homes, (new nurse call system, phone and Wi Fi upgrade), install additional solar panels, and purchase a wide range of new care and clinical equipment.
It will be a busy year, and we are very much looking forward to getting started on these new and exciting projects. Over the remaining months of 2022, we will start planning and get ready to swing into action in 2023.
Following the retirement of the Barunga Village Board of Directors, Chairperson, Juan Elliott and Board Member,
Brenton Rosenthal, I am pleased to announce the appointment of our new Chairperson and Board Members.
Our new Chairperson is Julie Norman. Julie has been on the Board of Directors since 2016 and is teacher at Port Broughton Area School. She is passionate about quality care, community connection and has a great vision for the organisation.
We warmly welcome new members Robyn Bowley and Debra Devlin to the Barunga Village Board of Directors.
Robyn is a Registered Nurse, who has worked at the Port Broughton District Hospital since 1989 and in the role of Nurse Unit Manager for the last five years. Robyn brings a wealth of management and clinical governance expertise to the Board, and will represent the Board on the Clinical Governance Committee.
Debra is a former teacher; her previous roles include Councillor at Port Pirie Regional Council and Executive Manager at Uniting
Country SA. She brings to the Board a depth of expertise in management, governance, policy, planning and grant applications. Deb has been elected by the Board to sit on the Finance Sub committee.
As 2022 draws to a close, on behalf of myself and the Board I wish to thank all staff and volunteers for their support over the past year.
To our consumers, thank you for choosing to give us the honour of supporting you to live the best life possible.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and stay safe.
With the arrival of Spring comes the opportunity for us to begin work on a few important and long awaited projects.
Three specific projects have been made possible from us securing Commonwealth Government funding under the Business Improvement Fund for Residential Aged Care, (round 2).
The first of these projects involves the purchase of equipment that will enable us to improve the comfort and quality of care provided to our House Members. Much of the new equipment will have a focus on functionality things like power wheelchairs, commodes and gantry lifters,
relief chairs. Importantly, we will be purchasing these items in quantities large enough to make a real difference. This is great news for our House Members, and our staff.
(Commonwealth Government funding contribution: $552,283)
The second project will see the upgrade of our communications technology in Barunga Homes. When completed, the outcome will be less obvious. It should, however, make a significant difference to the way our clinical and care teams operate, and this should also improve the care standards for our House Members.
(Commonwealth Government funding contribution: $227,700)
that is on the roof at Barunga Homes. Aside from the important environmental benefits, this will help us to mitigate the future energy cost increases. This is consistent with our strategic commitment to improving our financial sustainability. (Commonwealth Government funding contribution: $50,261)
These projects will begin kicking into gear soon. We are committed of course to minimising the disruption to House Members, visitors and staff from the project related activities. You may not even notice them when they are happening.
During the past months
Barunga Village attended three ‘Meet the Employer’ sessions in Port Pirie, Kadina and Maitland, these were planned and conducted by Local Jobs Program Mid North SA. As an organisation we were able to meet jobseekers from the surrounding regions and showcase our services and the job opportunities available at Barunga Village.
Barunga Village is now a sizeable regional employer and since 1 September 2022 we have recruited:
4 new Community Support Workers
1 new Housekeeper
We welcomed a total of 10 new staff who will strengthen our team and add to our capacity to provide the best care and service. Our career vacancies are advertised on SEEK, our website, and Facebook page.
We also welcome expressions of interest in employment with Barunga Village at any time via our website and we often interview and employ people as a result.
Our People and Culture Officer, Donna is assisting me to strengthen our already strong
kindness, support connections and strive to improve. Connecting with our workforce and our consumers to think about better ways of ensuring we all embody these values will benefit all of us and our community.
For the full list of our current career vacancies, please visit our website at www.barungavillage.com.au/ careers/
Another avenue of entering the workforce is our traineeship program in 2023, these traineeships are a good way to enter the workforce and progress on to a career in aged
I am excited to announce that we have warmly welcomed six new volunteers to our team.
Welcome to David, Jayne, Tahlia, Jaspa, Zaid and Vicki. David is assisting with our transport drives
Jayne will be at Barunga Homes helping with House activities
Junior volunteers, Tahlia, Jaspa and Zaid will be assisting with House activities at Barunga Homes
Vicki will be providing pastoral care support to our
have hosted a number of activities including, concerts and cultural celebrations. For Dementia Action week, we hosted a BBQ lunch for family, friends, staff and volunteers at Barunga Homes.
The Barunga Village choir participated in a concert via Zoom to Japan to sing some well known Australian songs. A highlight for many was the song, ‘Click Goes the Shears’ sung by Ikomadonna group from Japan. Our choir also provided entertainment via video to the Barunga Village Annual General Meeting held in October.
Port Broughton Bowling club, including entertainment by the Barunga Village choir.
Our newly formed craft group is growing in numbers and seems to be a big hit. There is a lot of excitement about Christmas. The craft group has started making Christmas decorations for the Homes.
We are looking forward to our annual volunteer’s day out to be held at the end of November and all the Christmas festivities in December.
If you would like to join our team of volunteers, please give
Spring is here, flowers are in bloom and the gardens are full of colour at Barunga by the Sea.
What a blur the last three months have been. Living in such a fast paced world, it is lovely to take the time and literally smell the flowers.
We recently farewelled Janice and Leif Haugen, who have moved to be closer to their families, we wish them both well for the future.
Three homes at Barunga by the Sea have recently been refurbished and we welcomed new residents over the last few weeks.
We are delighted that Sue and John Koenders, Elaine Rogers
and Elaine Dunn have all settled well in to their new homes.
At the Barunga by the Sea Community Centre in October, guest speaker, Kylee from CFS gave a talk on the new bushfire rating system, and assisted residents with implementing personal plans in case of an emergency. Kylee encouraged everyone to review their bushfire and emergency plans prior to the onset of summer.
The flowers below are grown by Barunga by the Sea resident, Kaylene who has a green thumb, they are grown in her front yard, Kaylene also potters around in the community garden and has many flowers growing there as
well. It is well worth walking around and admiring the beautiful gardens at Barunga by the Sea.
As Christmas approaches, we are looking forward to an afternoon tea in December with our residents full of fun, games, good company and of course, yummy food.
I would like to wish everyone all the best for a safe and happy holiday period.
Seven months after commencing at Barunga Village and leading the Community team I am happy to report that we now have a cohesive and diverse team in the Community Administration Office and while we are still grappling with workforce shortages of Support Workers in the community sector, the reduction of the impact of COVID 19 is resulting in less pressure on our ability to provide consistent quality services.
Our goal to shore up our capacity and strengthen our team by employing new talented people is working and our clients have a greater level of reliability in whom provides their services and when they have them. It is not perfect
The new line up in our Client Liaison Officer team includes are range of diverse and experienced workers which adds to our resilience and capabilities. We are also using a strategy of working from home to ensure that our Client Liaison Officers are closer to their client base. This ‘Hub and Spoke’ concept is a new strategy that we are trialing to see if it adds to our teams work life balance and encourages them to have greater connection with their clients.
Our second block of staff training was held in Kadina and Port Pirie the training included current topics of importance. These training sessions are part of an ongoing strategy to professionalise our work force. We touched on a range of
communication improvements. A program of gaining industry related certified credentials is also in development.
Communication is another core principle in our armoury of professional improvement. We recently held a Community Client meeting at the Port Broughton at the Bowling Club which was well attended. Everyone was interested to meet the new team and discuss issues. Our face to face meeting allows for excellent open communication.
The two central themes remain to focus on building a highly skilled, professional workforce who are trained and resilient at adapting to changes along with a client base who are more than satisfied with our service
On Monday 12 September 2022, two representatives from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission arrived for an unannounced site audit. Within 30 minutes an entry meeting was underway for the Barunga Village Site Audit where Provider performance was to be measured against the Aged Care Quality Standards through a three day site assessment, review of documents and interviews with staff, consumers, and representatives.
I am pleased to be able to announce that Barunga Village has been issued a Performance Report dated 2 November 2022 that states that performance standards have met all requirements. The following has been copied from the Performance Report:
Standard 1 Consumer dignity and choice Compliant
Standard 2
Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers Compliant
Standard 3 Personal care and clinical care Compliant
Standard 4 Services and supports for daily living Compliant
Standard 5
Organisation’s service environment Compliant
Standard 6
Feedback and complaints Compliant
Standard 7 Human resources Compliant
Standard 8 Organisational governance Compliant
The Performance Report noted, there are no specific areas identified in which improvements must be made to ensure compliance with the Quality Standards. The provider is required to actively pursue continuous improvement in order to remain compliant with the Quality Standards.
The report also details in brief the requirements and outcomes related to each Standard and informs that Barunga Village is accredited to provide residential care services for a further three year period.
I sincerely thank the staff team, our House Members, and families for the support that has been evidenced through this audit process. The weight of regulatory scrutiny cannot be underestimated and for staff and consumer feedback to be holistically affirming of quality care services is significant in this age of sector reform.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) will publish information relating to this decision during November 2022, including the Performance Report, and this can be access by visiting www.agedcarequality.gov.au in the ‘Find a report’ link (where the content of the report is published against the Barunga Village Inc. profile).
Aged Care Reform includes our current growth of physiotherapy services. With the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN ACC) replacing the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) from 1 October 2022, therapeutic goals are now enabled to change from a prescriptive pain therapy to an holistic restorative program.
Restorative care focuses on achieving a reasonable level of function for each person in addition to managing their pain. This means that the planning of a therapy program is guided by the outcome that the physiotherapist wishes to achieve, and falls prevention can now be targeted through mobility based reablement. Our physiotherapists are currently transitioning House Members to this new restorative physiotherapy program.
Speaking of aged care reform reminds me to mention the new Star Ratings for residential aged care. This new system is a key reform recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Star Ratings will be available for all residential aged care services on My Aged Care from the month of December 2022 with a goal to support older Australians and their representatives to easily compare services and make informed choices based on an overall Quality Rating and four sub categories:
Quality Measures data compiled from multiple nursing and care areas.
Compliance based on non compliance decisions made by the ACQSC (reported daily).
Residents experience at least 10% of older Australians living in residential aged care homes are now interviewed face to face about their overall experience at their residential aged care home by a third party vendor annually.
Staffing Minutes derived from reporting under new mandatory reporting systems to evidence minimum staffing levels. More about this complex development in future correspondence.
To briefly add to the above detail Quality measures is an expanding area for our clinical team and an increasingly important clinical focus. A quality improvement opportunity is for us to share the reporting data outcomes with our consumers following them being evidenced through the Clinical Governance committee to our Board of Directors (as they are currently) and we will be working on this process throughout the coming year.
The lived experience of our House Members has been evaluated through the past quarter by both our Site Audit assessors and a Consumer Experience delegate from the ACQSC. This delegate enjoyed a day here at the Homes with our House Members and will return regularly to conduct the questionnaire with willing participants who have been randomly selected by The Commission. Should a House Member be selected and be unable to speak for themselves, their substitute decision maker will be contacted to speak on their behalf.
In conclusion, I wish to highlight that we await introduction of a new Code of Conduct for Aged Care, effective from 1 December 2022. The Code will
be introduced to improve the safety, health, wellbeing, and quality of life for people receiving aged care, and to boost trust in the services.
Aged Care Providers, workers, and governing persons, for example board members and Chief Executive Officer’s, will be required to comply with the Code and new powers will allow the ACQSC to take enforcement action for breaches of the Code which can include banning or restricting individuals from working in aged care.
The aged care sector is experiencing ongoing change and there is evidenced unity in efforts to ensure that safe and quality care is delivered to our older people. Here at Barunga Homes, we work tirelessly to strive for our people to be able to live and work in a safe and homely environment and for these walls to witness connection between people that brings deep understandings that lead to fulfillment and joy. Quality improvement means that we are always working to learn and inspire.
I thank you all for your support and care and wish every reader a wonderful spring, and a safe and joyful Christmas period.
The Annual General Meeting was held on Thursday 6 October at the Barunga by the Sea Community Centre. The event was well supported by staff, volunteers, current and past Board Members and others, including Barunga West Council’s Mayor, Leonie Kerley.
Chairperson, Juan Elliott provided a comprehensive report on the previous year, and the meeting received the annual Finance and Treasurer's reports. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elizabeth Carroll gave an update on the 2021/2025 Strategic Plan and the Business Plan for the next 12 months.
On behalf of the Board and
their time on the Barunga Village Board of Directors, and the major challenges, changes and achievements they have overseen as Board Members.
Elizabeth also thanked and acknowledged recently retired Chief Executive Officer, Merrilyn Hewett (25 years) and retired Clinical Nurse, Carol Elliott (24 years). Merrilyn reflected briefly on her time as CEO and wished Barunga Village all the best for the future.
New Board Members, Robyn Bowley and Debra Devlin each gave a brief outline of their background and experience and were warmly welcomed to the Board of Directors.
On behalf of the Board, Juan
25 years
Gaynor Hewett
15 years
Helen Stringer 10 years
Theresa Kumnick, Stacey Meschede, Carmen Stringer, Jane Birrell and Samuel Meschede
5 years
Elise Bormann, Marites Buchanan, Samantha Crane, Lauren Edmiston, Debbie Pluckrose, Jasmin Rich, Tania Rimington, Tina Smith and Brigitte Wichmann
The meeting closed with a moving video from Barunga Homes House Members celebrating Aged Care Employee Day and a video of two rousing songs performed
Strong relationships, connecting people and ensuing they are engaged is important to us.
On Wednesday 26 October 2022, Barunga Homes House Members were thrilled to reconnect with local school students.
Wellness, Lifestyle and Volunteer Manager, Stacey Meschede worked closely with our new Chairperson, Julie Norman and the Port Broughton Area School to coordinate a successful event
for House Members and students held at the Port Broughton Bowling Club.
The morning started with an Acknowledgment of Country, from Student, Harley then the Barunga Village Choir lead by Volunteer, Jane performed a number for their favourite songs.
Next, students from the year 2/3 class sang a catchy tune, followed by year 4 students, Puppet Show ‘How the animals got their beautiful coats’.
The Barunga Village Choir then invited the students and guests to sing a long with them.
The Student, House Member and Volunteer shared a BBQ lunch. It was wonderful to see the interactions between our House Member and Students.
Special thanks to our volunteers and Port Broughton Area School, we look forward to many more events together.
Congratulations to Gaynor Hewett for 25 years of dedicated service to Barunga Village.
Gaynor grew up with her family in Port Broughton and attending the local school. She began her career at Barunga Village in the role of House Carer on 14 April 1997.
A lot has changed at Barunga Village in the last 25 years. Gaynor has seen the expansion of Barunga Homes and the
Community Care.
Gaynor has worked in her roles as House Carer and studied to completed a Certificate III in Individual Support (ageing) since she began with Barunga Village.
“I love my job, the people I work with and those I care for.
It is easy to come to work each day when you love what you do”. Gaynor said.
Over the years she has been and active member of the
with fellow colleagues.
“I now have the privilege of caring for my Mum who is a House Member at Barunga Homes”. Said Gaynor, as Gaynor continues in her role at Barunga Village.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank Gaynor for her years for service and her ongoing contribution to the organisation.
Gaynor Hewett receiving her certificate of recognition from People and Culture Manager, David Manser. Retired Chief Executive Officer, Merrilyn Hewett and Clinical Nurse Carol Elliott receiving their certificates of appreciation at the Barunga Village Annual General Meeting.Carol began at Barunga Village in December 1997 as a one day per week Diversional Therapist. This new position was perfect for her skill set as she enjoyed working in aged care and she continued to work her way toward becoming fulltime in this role.
Carol completed a Certificate III in Individual Support (ageing) so that she could grow with the organisation and later, after Cathy Winen successfully applied for funding for staff training, she was able to pursue her Enrolled Nurse certificate through TAFE by distance. Then she won a scholarship to complete her Registered Nursing degree at the University of South Australia, again by distance education.
Carol took on the Clinical Nurse role six years ago and the role of Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI). She was responsible for working with House Members on the funding models and financial arrangements, a crucial role in the organisation, securing its future financial strength.
During COVID 19 she again stepped up to become the Infection Prevention and Control Lead having trained for the role, again by distance learning. Her responsibility during COVID 19 for Outbreak
Management was exemplified by minimising outbreaks and minimising the time the outbreaks were active. Three weeks maximum was a very good outcome of which she is justifiably proud.
Carol has had many highlights during her long career. She was awarded ‘SA & NT Employee of the Year in Aged Care’ in 2010. This moment was made even more special by the Barunga Village Choir accompanying her to the ceremony and singing with one of the local Adelaide College choirs. Carol formed the Choir and developed it over her years at Barunga Village so it was extremely fitting that they would sing at this special occasion. “Merrilyn Hewett recommended me however I never saw what she wrote in the application. I got it because Merrilyn really valued my work, nothing was ever too much trouble and I really enjoyed working in aged care.”
Another highlight was her father John’s marriage to May Hucks aged 82. They had the service in the Barunga Homes Function Room with family attending and an afternoon tea catered by Glorias Coffee Shop. “It was a lovely afternoon.”
Another fun thing Carol instigated was a five day
houseboat trips from Mannum on the Murray River with eight House Members, two staff and two volunteers. “It took a lot of organisation nonetheless it was great fun”.
Carol is not leaving Barunga Village entirely and you will continue to see her as a Registered Nurse. She plan to spend more time with the grandchildren and travelling in her caravan. She says that Barunga Village is a very supportive environment both professionally and personally and she has enjoyed seeing the place grow since she first arrived. “It had about 21 beds and was connected to the hospital when I first started. So, much has been added.
“I enjoyed every day and there was never a day I did not enjoy coming to work. You just have to pick a time in your life”. Said Carol.
This is Carol’s time to do all the things she wants to do while still keeping her hand in at Barunga Village. Everyone who knows Carol, across the entire Barunga Village organisation would like to express our gratitude for such committed and impressive service to our and the wider community.
Born and raised in Strathalbyn South Australia, one of six siblings. Juan joined the South Australian Police Force in 1976 and trained at Largs Bay Police Academy. He graduated in 1979 and had postings in Port Adelaide, Murray Bridge, Keith and ended up in Port Broughton in 1992. Juan along with his wife Carol and their three children soon settled into this community.
He was the resident police officer here for 27 years and retired in 2017. He enjoyed a rewarding career in the police force, looking out for the community. He said people were expecting a “hard policeman” Juan prefers to describe himself as dealing with people in a “firm but fair” manner, he was on call 24/7 generally without respite and only from time to time was there assistance from other nearby stations.
People may think that Port Broughton was a quiet little town where nothing happens, however according to Juan it is just a microcosm of everywhere else and the crimes are as varied and serious as in any capital city. Over the years he saw just about every type of crime although not every day. He added that lots of positive things occurred as well.
Speaking about his time on the Barunga Village Board of Directors he reminisced about being invited to the Board by the persuasive Gloria Edwards in 1998 and in 2016 he took on the role of Chairperson.
Juan always had an interest in community affairs. Juan says it has been his pleasure to serve on the Board with so many dynamic and progressive thinkers over the years. Juan joined the Board at the time when services were limited to hostel type services and occupancy was very low compared to today. At that time, it was managed by a subcommittee of the hospital although after it formed its own identity Barunga Village blossomed into what it is today.
During his time on the Board, he has seen many good executive managers guide the progress of the organisation, been engaged in the strategic direction, and participated in driving sustainable growth. As the organisation diversified, Barunga Homes was expanded and the building of Barunga by the Sea (retirement village) planned and built. Barunga Homes now has the capacity to accommodate 83 House Members whilst Barunga by the Sea has some 45 retirement homes. “I am confident that the organisation will continue to
evolve and will meet the needs of the community”. Juan said.
Juan’s role as chairperson has enabled him to develop close relationship with the executive teams. He really has enjoyed the strategic planning and financial management along with representing the organisation at various government levels.
Recent changes on the Constitution meant board members can only serve ten years, Juan has well and truly done his time. His retirement from the Board after 24 years means that he can focus on hobbies, intra and interstate travel, watching sport and fishing. He will also be able to enjoy more time with family.
He says that he leaves the organisation at a stage of healthy optimism and retiring will allow new people to bring in new ideas.
Received by a tell us what you think form was a request for an alternative shirt be added to the dress code.
After reviewing a number of options it was decided to add a men's and women's scrub style shirt to the dress code.
This new addition is available in two colours for Enrolled Nurse, House Leader, House Carer, Hotel Service, Support Worker and Trainees staff.
The scrub shirt has been a popular choice with House Carers, Alicia, Kylie, Sue and Casey and don’t they look smart!
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 IT Manager to review we may contact you to discuss your comments or you can remain anonymous.
Thank you for your feedback.
Stanley House Members, Jessie and Margaret warming up under their new knee rugs.
Thanks to Bute sisters Maxine and Coralie for their kind donation of five brightly colours crocheted knee rugs for our House Members to enjoy.
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.
We also welcome the opportunity to celebrate the lives of those we have cared for by sharing their eulogy on our website.
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.
On
21
Retiring
Wednesday
September 2022, Barunga Village staff, Sandy, Narelle, Carol, Kathy, Karlie, Tania, Brooke and Stacey dressed up in their favourite footy colours and made a donation to show their support for the Fight Cancer Foundation.
Board Member and Chairperson, Brenton and Juan receiving their certificate of appreciation for their years of service.
Stacey Meschede (10 years), Merrilyn Hewett (25 years), Jasmin Rich (5 years), Debbie Pluckrose (5 years), Jane Birrell (10 years), Carol Elliott (24 years), Tania Rimington, (5 years) and Samuel Meschede (10 years).
For the month of October Barunga Homes raised funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Thanks to generous donations they held a raffle with 17 prizes raising over $500. On Thursday 20 October, Barunga Homes hosted a pink morning tea, House Members and staff were invited to showed their support by dressing up in pink.
On Tuesday 11 October 2022, Barunga by the Sea residents, Lorraine with guest speaker, Kylee from CFS reviewing the new bushfire rating system.
On Wednesday 28 September 2022, House Members Peggy, Margaret and Colin with House Carers, Chloe, Brooke and Darren enjoyed a day out at the Smelters Picnic in Port Pirie.
During the school holidays, our newest junior volunteers Zaid and Jaspa spent time at Barunga Homes. Spencer House Member, Rodney enjoying a game of chest with Zaid while Jaspa helped the craft ladies with their preparations for Christmas.
On Monday 24 October 2022, Administration Officer, Nirmal was delighted to share Tihar celebrations with fellow colleagues. Nirmal moved to Australia from Nepal in 2013.
Tihar is a five day Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal. “Living abroad, festivals season can be a lovely time. It’ s a time when you miss family and friends. I enjoyed the chance to share my culture with fellow colleagues”. Nirmal and House Carer, Shankuja, Accountant, Pooja and Community Manager, Virginia dressed up in traditional clothing. “I felt recognised which made me happy” said Nirmal.
On Tuesday 1 November, Barunga Homes House Members dressed up to watch the Melbourne Cup. Evelyn House Member, Merle made beautiful hats for her fellow House Members. Stanley House Members, Jessie, June, Margaret and Shirley enjoyed afternoon tea in the Function Room.Aged Care Employee Day (ACED) 2022 ‘thankyouforcaring’.On Sunday 7 August in recognition of ACED Barunga Homes House Members created a heart warming video, thanking staff for everything they do and sharing how their care makes them feel. Above are House Members, Joey, Merle, Colin, Annie, Judyth and Shirley. To view our video, please visit www.barungavillage.com.au/ news/
On Saturday 29 October 2022, while on respite, Shirley celebrated her 93rd birthday with Stanley House Members.
On
2
Wednesday November 2022, Dale House Member, Royce celebrated his 87th birthday with fellow House Members.Australia is more than a sunburnt country, with lots of sweeping plains
I’ve seen her many faces, from sandy desert to mountainous terrains
I’ve seen her raging rivers which can flow through every state
I’ve seen the heartbreak that occurs when drought has been her fate
The Kimberlys with escarpments towering, painted red by the setting sun
The awesome gorges carved by rivers over centuries, where they run Crocodiles in abundance lie sunning on the short
Or waiting in the water, an unwary animal to catch that’s natures law
I’ve seen her wondrous rain forests from Cairns to Mission Beach Swam in warm, pristine waters where golden sands the ocean reach I’ve marvelled at the outback stretched from Longreach to Bourke
Where cattle by the thousands roam and giant cotton harvesters work
I’ve travelled in the Southern Alps where snow falls thick and white
Covering hills and valleys a wonderland of sheet delight the rugged mountains five way to heavily timbered stands
Through farms where vines, fruit, and other crops frow on fertile lands
The Southern Coasts pounded constantly by unrelenting seas
The cliffs rising hundreds of feet topped by sturdy wind swept trees
The golden wheat and barley fields adjoining these rugged shores Help from a part of this countrys’ far flung stores
Yes, Australia is a place with more than sunburnt plains
As I travel her endless roads I value the knowledge that I gain If I could spend another life time along her highways and track
There would be places still where I would stay and keep on coming back
On 4 July 2022, Spencer House Members, Douglas and Jillian celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Thanks to their son for sending in a photo from their wedding day. Surrounded by family and friends Douglas and Jillian were married in a lovely ceremony at the Register Office in Birmingham, United Kingdom in 1956.Serves 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hours and 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
500g butternut pumpkin, peeled, deseeded, cut into 1.5cm pieces
1 large red capsicum, deseeded, cut into 1.5cm pieces
1 large red onion, cut into thin wedges
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1cm lengths
150g (1 cup) frozen green peas
75g soft goat’s cheese, crumbled 8 eggs
2 tbsp milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus extra baby leaves, to serve
150g mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tbsp sunflower seeds
1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
Salad leaves, to serve
METHOD
Step 1
Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan forced. Line a
large baking tray with baking paper. Place pumpkin, capsicum and onion on prepared tray. Spray lightly with olive oil. Roast for 25 30 minutes or until golden and tender. Set aside to cool.
Step 2
Meanwhile, place asparagus and peas in a steamer basket over a saucepan of boiling water. Cover and steam until just tender. Refresh under cold running water. Drain well.
Step 3
Reserve 1 tbs goat’s cheese. Place remaining goat’s cheese in a large bowl with eggs, milk and basil. Whisk to combine. Season. Add all the roast vegetables and stir to combine.
Step 4
Reduce oven to 180°C/160°C fan forced. Line base and side of 20cm round cake pan with baking paper. Pour mixture into prepared pan, evenly distributing veg. Top with tomato, cut side up, and seeds. Bake for 45 minutes or until puffed and firm. Set aside for 10 minutes to cool. Top with extra basil and reserved cheese. Serve with salad.
