October 2024 Newsletter
A Sip of Inspiration at Café Connect
We had the pleasure of chatting with our amazing volunteers at Café Connect to discover what inspires them to volunteer and the important roles they play.
Matt is thrilled to be back cooking, after working in the kitchen over 35 years ago. His role at Café Connect involves everything from making sandwiches and muffins to prepping veggies and fruit. “Volunteering gives me a purpose and keeps me active,” he says. “If you’re thinking about it, just give it a try—you might find it’s exactly what you need.”
Ross, who stays busy with various volunteer roles, enjoys his time at Café Connect. Whether delivering meals or helping with orders and clean-up, he finds it fulfilling. “The
staff are great, and it’s much less pressure than paid work,” he shares. “Just give it a go—you might discover it’s a great fit!”
Sandra brings her café and aged care experience to Café Connect, where she helps with food prep and delivery. “Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet people and stay active,” she says. “Try it out—you might be pleasantly surprised!”
Our volunteers make Café Connect truly special, and we’re incredibly grateful for their dedication. Be sure to say hello if you see Matt, Ross, or Sandra around the Centre!
If you’re interested in volunteering with Burnie Brae, fill out an expression of interest form online at burniebrae.org.au/volunteer.
Volunteer Matt with café staff, Angelo
Volunteer Ross with café staff, Jen and Grace
Volunteer Sandra with café staff, Suti
National Carers Week
National Carers Week (13–19 October) celebrates the nearly 3 million Australians who provide essential care to family and friends. These unsung heroes juggle daily tasks, personal care, and emotional support, often balancing these with their own lives.
At Burnie Brae, we value carers and offer services that ease their load. Our in-home care supports daily tasks like personal care, cleaning, meal prep, and transportation.
Caring is rewarding but can also be exhausting. Our respite care gives carers time to recharge, whether through in-home support, centre day respite, or supported outings, allowing them a break while ensuring loved ones are well cared for. Funding is available through the Commonwealth Home Support Program and Home Care Packages.
This National Carers Week, we celebrate carers' incredible contributions and are here to support them through our care services. Learn more by visiting burniebrae.org.au/care or contact Burnie Brae on 3624 2121.
Have you upgraded your smoke alarms
New laws require all homes to have interconnected smoke alarms by January 1, 2027. If you’re eligible, you could get subsidised installation through the Home Assist Secure Program!
Burnie Brae can connect you with a qualified tradesperson to handle the installation, and we’ll cover both parts and labour. You could receive a $250 one-time subsidy and up to $500 from your Home Assist Secure annual subsidy to help with the costs.
Eligibility criteria:
n Aged 60 years or over, or of any age with a disability
n Owner occupier of a house, townhouse or unit
n Hold a current Pension Concession Card
n Not receiving assistance through Commonwealth Home Support Program, Queensland Community Support Scheme or Veteran’s Home Care
T&Cs: installation must be at your primary residence. Only one subsidy per household. Subsidised services aren’t available for work done before approval or by your own tradesperson. Smoke Alarm Installation Program offer ends 30 June 2025.
Home Assist Secure also provides funding for basic garden maintenance (i.e. lawn mowing, gutter cleans), minor home repairs (i.e. leaking taps, replacing light bulbs) and home safety improvements (i.e. grab rails, security).
For more details, contact our Home Assist Team on 3624 2121 or email homeassist@burniebrae.org.au
Burnie Brae's Consumer Advisory Committee
(CAC)
Throughout 2024, CAC has been working hard to represent the voices of our clients and members. Meeting quarterly, the committee members—Dianne, Denise, Elizabeth, Jill and Myra —are excited to share their achievements:
n Cafe Connect: Members input into menu suggestions (completed and ongoing), review of seating (completed)
n Feedback and suggestion box at Members Reception (completed) and Healthy Connections (under review)
n Review on how to provide more consistent in-home domestic cleaning services to clients (under review)
n Review and update of CHSP Fee Reduction Form (completed)
n Suggested communication methods for any proposed/ upcoming Transport procedural changes (under review)
n Emergency procedure signage at Healthy Connections (under review)
n Phone message bank for Healthy Connections (under review)
All committee recommendations have been endorsed by Burnie Brae's Board and Senior Leadership Team. We are grateful for their dedication and effort in making our community better!
Interested in joining the committee in 2025? Reach out to Aynsley at aynsleyj@burniebrae.org.au or call 3624 2121 to learn more.
Odd Socks for Mental Health
Save the date for Odd Socks Day on Friday 4 October! Join us in raising mental health awareness by rocking your mismatched socks and starting important conversations. Our Burnie Brae staff will be getting in on the action too – let’s have some fun together for a great cause!
Public Holiday Closure
Reminder that we will be closed for the King’s Birthday Public Holiday on Monday 7 October. If you have any questions about your services, please contact us on 3624 2121.
Craft Workshop
Creating one-of-a-kind, eyecatching designs in our GOLD Alcohol Inks on Pots workshop.
Indoor Bowls
Join us for some fun and friendly competition! It’s a great way to meet new people and enjoy a relaxed game! Wednesdays 1pm and Fridays 9am in the Burnie Brae Hall, Members $5
New Members
Welcoming our newest Burnie Brae Members with a lovely morning tea, where they mingled, enjoyed treats and learned about the services we offer. It was a great chance to connect, ask questions and discover how Burnie Brae can support them.
Knitting & Crochet Group
Reminder to please BYOB— Bring Your Own Bands to our fitness classes!
Barbara is making a Broncos scarf and Elle has finished more animals for her mobile. Whether you’re working on your own projects or looking to learn, bring your ideas and projects to exchange tips with fellow crafters. Beginners are welcome— our instructor Sarah is ready to help you get started. We meet every Tuesday at 9:30am, Members $10.
To book, call 3624 2110 or visit Reception at 60 Kuran St, Chermside.
Scam Awareness
Join us for an informative session on scams with our hosts from the Seniors Enquiry Line. We’ll cover the latest scam reports, how scammers obtain and use personal information, essential safety tips, and the support available if you encounter a scam.
Wednesday 23 October 2024, 10am – 11:30am Held in the Bar Area I $5 for associate members, free for MemberPlus members
Understanding Aged Care, Home & Support Services
Jade Hurley
Experience an electrifying blend of rock and country with Jade Hurley at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre. Jade Hurley O.A.M is the undisputed “King” of Country and Rock‘n’Roll music in Australasia earning praise from legends like Johnny Cash.
Tuesday 19 November 2024, 9:00am – 1:30pm Members $58.00 includes transport and ticket
Sister Act
Direct from heaven and via Broadway. The global smash hit musical sent from above, is coming to QPAC Lyric Theatre. It’s the must-see new musical of the year, starring Casey Donovan. Genevieve Lemon and Rhonda Burchmore.
Wednesday 6 March 2025, 12pm – 4:30pm Members $98 includes transport and ticket
Discover everything you need to know about aged care and support at our free information session.
n Explore services: Supporting your wellbeing and independence through personal care, social support, home maintenance and accessibility, transport and allied health services.
n Navigating care options: Understand the different levels of care –Home Assist Secure, Commonwealth Home Support Programme (entry level) and Home Care Packages (higher needs), the eligibility criteria and how to get started.
n Ask the experts: Have questions? Our knowledgeable team will be on hand to answer them.
Wednesday 30 October 2024, 10am – 11:30am I Burnie Brae Hall Family members and support people welcome, please advise when booking. Book online at burniebrae.org.au/careinfo or contact reception.
FREE EVENT
Club Respite
Our talented woodwork group is hard at work constructing a beautiful planter box to add even more greenery to the space.
Bringing generations together for a fun and refreshing activity on our intergenerational playdate—making homemade lemonade.
Supported outings
Morning tea and chats with views of the Burnie Brae Park from our newly built outdoor deck.
This month at our Club Respite, we’re excited to introduce our new performers—a lively country and western duo! Join us for a range of engaging activities, including cooking sessions, seated exercises, singalongs and much more.
We provide specialised support for individuals with higher needs, ensuring a delightful day out with transportation included. This month, join us for a scenic drive to admire the blooming Jacarandas around Brisbane, a coastal drive to Scarborough for lunch at Salt and Vine, and a fun garden shopping trip.
For more details, visit burniebrae.org.au/respite or call 3624 2121 (funding available).
Challenge Month: November Fitness Fun
Stay motivated and push your limits this November at Healthy Connections! Each week, we introduce a new fitness challenge to test your skills and endurance.
Compete with fellow members to win prizes and join the excitement as you tackle each weekly challenge. Let’s get moving and achieve great things together! Get to know our Physiotherapist, Grace
Can you share what your role involves?
A Physiotherapist is a health professional who helps you get the most out of life. They assess, diagnose, and treat or help to manage certain conditions. A Physiotherapist can help you recover from injury, improve mobility, and help prevent further injury.
What are your qualifications?
I graduated from Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2017 and gained extensive experience working in multiple hospitals and community settings in Brisbane and the United Kingdom.
What inspired you to choose this career path?
I wanted to find a profession that could help people who were injured to get back to their activities of daily living or sport. I am also passionate about providing education on healthy living and staying active.
What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
When patients are able to achieve their goals and feel empowered to continue their journey.
Wellness with Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy involves specialised exercises in a warm-water pool, offering a gentle yet effective way to improve flexibility, strength and overall health. It’s particularly helpful for those dealing with chronic pain, arthritis, mobility challenges, injuries or anyone seeking a low-impact exercise option.
Our Physiotherapist, Grace will be leading the hydrotherapy sessions, starting Thursday 3 October. We offer two classes every Thursday from 8:00am – 8:45am and 8:45am – 9:30am.
Each class is limited to 3 participants to ensure a personalised experience. Classes are held at the Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre – 523 Telegraph Rd, Fitzgibbon.
Before attending hydrotherapy, an in-clinic assessment at Healthy Connections is required to ensure the program is suitable for your needs. For more information or to book your assessment, please contact us on 3624 2185.
Shop
Enjoy live music, freshly brewed coffee, food stalls and face painting for the kids. Find something special for everyone on your list and support our local community this holiday season! FREE entry | Everyone's welcome Saturday 16 November 2024, 8am – 1pm Burnie Brae Hall – 60 Kuran St, Chermside
