Welcome to the very first edition of our client-focused newsletter. At Comlink, your voice matters, and this is our way of enhancing how we connect with and support you.
Healthy ageing is something I hold close to my heart. To me, it’s about more than just staying active or maintaining good health—it’s about fostering a sense of purpose, staying connected with others, and embracing the opportunities each stage of life brings. It’s about supporting every individual to live the life they want, with dignity, independence, and joy.
This newsletter is designed with you in mind. Through its pages, you’ll find practical tips to support your wellness journey, inspiring stories that showcase the strength and vibrancy within our community, and updates on the initiatives we’re working on to make our services even better. My hope is that it becomes a resource and a source of inspiration for you.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Comlink community. Your trust and engagement inspire us to make a little magic every day. Together, we’re not just navigating ageing; we’re redefining it. I look forward to this journey with you as we continue to make a positive impact on your life and the lives of those around you.
We’re excited to be sharing this first edition of our client newsletter. This has been created to keep you informed about Comlink, about your local area, and to keep you updated on what is happening in our industry. We hope you enjoy this first edition!
We’d love to hear
What’s Happening
We’ve been busy creating new ways to enhance your experience with Comlink and celebrating the moments that matter to you.
Festive Gatherings for Connection
Our much-loved client Christmas parties are in full swing! These events bring together our valued clients from across the regions to celebrate the season with joy, connection, and community spirit.
Improving Communication Through SMS
We’ve been trialling a new SMS notification system to keep you informed about your daily service times. Early feedback has been fantastic, and we’re excited to expand this feature soon to make your experience even smoother.
Updates to CHSP Fee Schedules
If you’re a CHSP-funded client, you should have received your updated fee schedule in November. If you have any questions, our team is here to assist.
Welcome to Our New Clients!
We’re thrilled to welcome new clients to the Comlink community, including our first clients in Knoxfield, Melbourne. It’s an honour to support more communities in experiencing healthy and vibrant ageing.
Client Advisory: Shaping Services to Better Support You
This year, we launched our Client Advisory Body, giving our clients a stronger voice in shaping the services we provide. Through meaningful discussions with client representatives, we’ve gained valuable insights that we’re excited to begin implementing to ensure our services continue to improve and support you.
Recognising the People Behind Your Services
We celebrated the incredible dedication of our team in November. Their hard work and passion ensure you receive the high-quality care and support you deserve.
What’s Happening in Aged Care
Funding Explained
Many of our clients often ask us about funding and how it works. Here’s a short explanation of the current government funding available to our older Australians. The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is designed to provide entry-level support services to help you stay independent at home, offering assistance with daily tasks like cleaning, transport, or meals.
Home Care Packages (HCP), on the other hand, are tailored for those with more complex or ongoing care needs, providing a wider range of services and greater flexibility based on a clients specific goals and preferences.
Comlink Australia supports clients with inhome care, community transport and social support. We offer:
• Community Transport
• Household Help
• Personal Care
• Social Support and Activities
• Allied Health and Nursing Services
• Assisted Shopping
Preparing for Support at Home
In December the Federal Government passed the Aged Care Bill, which will come into effect from July 1st 2025. Support at Home funding is set to replace existing aged care funding models like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP) and integrate these into a single, streamlined system. The government is aiming to prioritise the evolving needs of older Australians by:
• Reducing complexity making it easier to access the right services without navigating multiple programs.
• Providing flexible support by tailoring to individual needs, allowing users to access services that adapt as their circumstances change.
• Improving coordintation by providing a more cohesive approach to care.
At Comlink we are committed to the same exceptional service we provide today, and we are working hard to be ready for the industry-wide changes that will come from this legislation.
More information can be found: Support at Home program | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
NORTH
Welcome to our first Northern Client Newsletter.
I would like to introduce myself as the Regional Manager for the North, based in Cairns. The regions I oversee are Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville and Mackay.
I began my journey with Comlink Australia February 26th 2022 and have worked in the Aged Care industry for 10 years.
Across our region we have 1,474 clients. I would like to welcome all our new clients to Comlink Australia and I would also like to thank our existing clients for their ongoing support.
Meet the team
Kerry Geraghty – Regional Manager
Glenn Gwynne – Team Manager
Tori-Lee Windle – Care Partner – Cairns
Jade Boxall – Care Partner – Cairns
Melinda Whiting – CHSP Advisor - Cairns
Kristin Martin – Care Partner – Townsville
Sarah Taito – Care Partner – Townsville
Gemma Hake – Care Partner – Mackay.
NORTH
Dates for our client Christmas Parties
Cairns – Tuesday 10 December, Bungalow Hotel 12pm – 3pm
Townsville – Thursday 12 December, Brothers Leagues Club
Mackay – Monday 9th December, South Leagues Club
To book your ticket please call 1300 761 011
Team Recognition
The below staff were finalists in the Awards for Excellence. These awards are for all regions in Comlink Australia. Congratulations to all our Northern finalists
MVP Driver – Allan Benton – Townsville
MVP Caregiver – Anglea Lee – Townsville
Ita Conway – Cairns
MVP Reginal – Kristin Martin – Townsville
Outstanding Leader – Glenn Gwynne
Super Squad – Northern Region
Client Story - Meet Dot
Dot joined the Comlink family on the 1st of November. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:
“I was introduced to two ladies, Kerry and Tori from Comlink Australia, and explained I was an 88-year-old Grandmother who was very independent. I loved being independent, loved to socialise, and have always led a very busy life but was in need of a different direction. Comlink Australia opened a new world to me both physically and mentally. I consider myself very lucky to have found them.”
– Dot Smith
It’s that time of year in the North where we head into cyclone season . Here are some tips to assist you in getting prepared .
BEFORE THE CYCLONE
• Listen to your radio (ensure you have spare batteries).
• Check your emergency kit is ready and nearby.
• Tie down or pack away all outdoor items and furniture.
• Make sure your vehicle is full of fuel and park under cover if possible.
• Fill drinking containers, your bathtub and wheelie bin with water – this water can be used to flush toilets if water supplies are affected.
• Freeze water in case of power failure.
• Place important documents and valuables in plastic bags or other waterproof containers and store safely.
• Turn off and unplug all non-essential electrical equipment.
DURING THE CYCLONE
• Continue to listen to your batterypowered radio for all warnings and advice.
• Stay safe inside and keep calm.
• Shelter in the strongest part of the building. This is often the bathroom, toilet or hallway.
• Mattresses and blankets may protect you.
• Beware of the calm eye/centre of the cyclone – stay inside!
AFTER THE CYCLONE
• Stay inside until officially advised on the radio that the cyclone has passed.
• Stay well clear of fallen lines! Always assume that fallen powerlines are ‘live.’
• Stay out of floodwaters.
For more information visit: https://plan.getready. qld.gov.au/
CENTRAL CENTRAL
Welcome to the Central Region .
Our area includes the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg. My name is Mikhaila Frampton and I am the Regional Manager, based in our Sunshine Coast office. I have been with Comlink Australia since 2022 but have worked in the Aged Care Industry for over 13 years.
We are the largest region at Comlink Australia and currently service approximately 2000 clients. We have had a very busy 12 months in our region and would like to share some updates with you.
Welcome New Team Members
Wide Bay Office
Team Leader – Jaye Spinks – Bundaberg Office
Care Partner – Kristy Campbell – Hervey Bay Office
Sunshine Coast Office
Care Manager – Kim Strandberg
Care Partners – Helen Baldwin, Mandy Firth, Bree Scammell, Ellie Graham, Paige Mullins
Team Manager – Dalai Liddy
Offices on the Move
Both the Bundaberg and Sunshine Coast offices have recently moved.
For our clients on the Sunshine Coast, you can still find us at the Vitality Village but we have moved up in the world to Level 5. Feel free to come and visit us and see our new outlook when you are next in the building.
The Bundaberg team have now vacated the Phoebe Crescent office and will be working out of the Regional Business HQ in Bundaberg for 2 days a week as of the 27th of November 2024. We are currently viewing potential office spaces for a permanent space. Due to growth we need to find the right space so that we are able to continue to grow and expand over the next 3- 5 years.
Team Recognition
We are thrilled to announce that the Central Region was well represented with finalists in our annual Comlink Australia Excellence Awards. Stay tuned to find out the winners!
MVP Driver – Greg Thomas – Sunshine Coast
MVP Carergiver – Catherine Bell –Bundaberg, David Dunn – Sunshine Coast
MVP Regional – Kim Speare - Sunshine Coast Jenni Morey – Hervey Bay
Outstanding Leader – Sarah Watson –Bundaberg
Chief Magic Maker – Rose Shutz –Sunshine Coast, Kim Speare - Sunshine Coast
Welcome Knoxfield!
We are excited to welcome our clients from the Knoxfield region to Comlink Australia, where we are dedicated to providing our compassionate, personalised support to you to enhance your independence and build strong, supportive relationships with you and your loved ones.
Client Feedback Session
Thank you to the clients who recently attended our Client Feedback Session. The feedback was overall very positive, and clients appear happy with services provided. Some points of feedback were:
• Need new ID tags with names easily visible in bigger writing and can be pinned/ secured near pocket area on shirt as current id tags unable to read
• Requests to recommence Ageless Grace
• Requests to start up fishing trips
• Would like the bigger/longer events to be spread out over the month such as 1 long event per week with more rest stops and chance to get out of the car/van
• Would like to have a space where clients can come to events in office
• Phone lines still cutting out while on hold
Out & About
Our Social Events Guides have been packed with fun activities and thrilling adventures, spreading joy and bringing smiles to everyone, ensuring everyone feels socially connected and supported. From social groups and chair yoga, to fishing groups and shopping trips, Ageless Grace, and the much-loved pub lunch and entertainment, there’s always something available to suit everyone’s tastes.
Partnership with UniSC
The University of the Sunshine Coast Healthy Ageing Research Cluster officially launched on Monday 25th November. This cluster brings together researchers from across the university dedicated to enhancing the health and well being of older adults through innovative research that promotes functional ability, meaningful engagement, and independent living.
The launch included a panel discussion, which we are very proud to say Comlink Australia was included in. We were represented by our Executive, Dr Amanda Clacy, as well as our client, Wendy Schellhammer, who has been a part of our Photo Walks project as well as our ongoing Ageing Well Creative Lab program.
Our ongoing relationship with the University was further showcased on Friday 6th December at the panel discussion hosted by Comlink Australia at Vitality Village – Ask the Experts: Healthy Ageing Insights. This was a discussion about the latest research and how you are able to be a part of our relationship with UniSC.
SOUTH SOUTH
Welcome to the Southern Region
Wow, who can believe that we are almost at the end of year 2024! It has been such a pleasure to lead the Southern Team and to get to know the clients and families we support. We look forward to working with you all in the new year and welcoming new clients to the Comlink Family.
I know Christmas can be a joyous time for most, and for others it can be lonely. If you find yourself needing support over the Christmas period, please reach out to us. We do not close over the Christmas period and may be able to assist you to find support during this time.
Warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season,
Leah
Meet the team
Leah Randle – Regional Manager
Sharyn Lewis – Care Manager
Raechel Keys – North Brisbane Team Manager
Vicki Martin – West Moreton Team Manager
Emily Sankowsky – Care Partner
Hayden Downey – Care Partner
Judy Waterworth – Care Partner
Rebekkah Ball – Care Partner
Samantha Garrett – Care Partner
Lyn Wyer – Care Advisor
Mavanza Mudzi – Care Advisor
Angela Jacobsen – Program Manager
Intergenerational Play
Lisa Attwood – Lifestyle Coordinator
Lisa Martins – North Brisbane Team Leader
Debra Heilmann – West Moreton Team Leader
Caboolture
North Brisbane
West Moreton
Brisbane South
Logan River Valley
Paper Planes Fly High
As we approach the end of another successful year with the North Brisbane Paper Planes Intergenerational Play Program, we’re preparing to bid farewell to our kindy friends as they get ready to begin their journey in ‘big school’ next year.
Our senior friends have loved spending time with their kindy friends each week, learning from one another and growing together. We’ve enjoyed some special moments together, including excursions to a local park, a café, White Ridge Farm, and even a day trip to SeaLife Mooloolaba.
With the program returning in 2025 and plans to expand to other Comlink Australia regions, if you’re interested in getting involved as a senior friend or would like to learn more, we’d love to hear from you .
Phone Angela on 0460 700 111 or email angela.jacobsen@comlinkaustralia.com.au
Southern Team Represents!
We would like congratulate the following finalists for our Comlink Australia Excellence Awards:
MVP Caregiver- Michelle Phillips
MVP Driver – Jarrod Grindall and Chris Lee
MVP Regional- Lisa Attwood
Outstanding Leader – Leah Randle
Chief Magic Maker – Tammy Ludewig and Leah Randle
Super Squad- Southern Region Team
Out & About in Southeast Queensland
Our Social Events Guides have been packed with fun activities and thrilling adventures, spreading joy and bringing smiles to everyone, ensuring everyone feels socially connected and supported.
From scenic drives and masquerade parties to Melbourne Cup celebrations, BBQ picnics in the park or by the beach, scavenger hunts, and the occasional pub lunch for good measure, there’s always something available to suit everyone’s tastes.
Client Stories
Eileen Ross
Eileen made an enormous milestone turning 100 years young last month, she celebrated with family and friends, many flying from afar to see her. Her lovely Care Partner, Emily, organised a little morning tea in our office for Eileen and her daughter Vicki. During our morning tea the team were keen to hear a bit about Eileen’s weekend celebrations as well as to read her letter from The King. We touched on a bit of her history, where she grew up and her journey towards living in Deception Bay with her daughter Vicki. When asked if Eileen had any secrets to living a long and healthy life, she said she didn’t have any special tricks up her sleeve and feels she has just been lucky. When asked if she would do anything differently, she said she wouldn’t change a thing, and it was all meant to be.
Staying Safe During Storm Season in Southeast Queensland
The Bureau of Meteorology have warned Queenslanders to expect more severe storms, heatwaves and an increased risk of bushfires until the end of the year. Queensland is likely to see above average rainfall across most of the state for the rest of the year while the south-east sees an increased chance of severe storms this spring.
Councils in the Southern Region offer various methods to help you stay informed and receive alerts about potential severe storms and weather events.
Brisbane City Council Residents can register online for free severe weather alerts delivered by email, SMS or voice message. Brisbane City Council -- Brisbane Severe Weather Alert Service -- Home Page
Ipswich City Council Residents can stay updated by visiting their Disaster Dashboard.
Logan City Council Residents can get severe weather alerts straight to your phone or email by registering for their Logan Early Warning Network: Logan Early Warning Registration Form.
Moreton Bay City Council Residents register online for free severe weather alerts delivered by email, SMS or voice message: MoretonAlert - City of Moreton Bay.
The Get Ready Queensland website offers valuable information and resources on how to prepare for natural disasters, as well as providing support and assistance in the aftermath of these events: Home | Get Ready Queensland
Client Spotlight
Have you met our media star Garry Reynolds? Garry has been a client since 2021 and is an active attendee of our Social Support Groups as well as a member of our Consumer Advisory Board. Garry also has a regular column in the local Your Time Magazine. “Comlink’s caring staff helps seniors fulfill their needs and dreams from their home base. As a beneficiary of these services, I share events, friendships, and exploits with other clients. My role on the Consumer Advisory Board is a privilege as part of Comlink’s drive for continuous improvement. By participating in exciting partnership programs between Comlink and the University of the Sunshine Coast I will endeavour to promote the interests and image of seniors contributing to their community.”
Nurturing the Child Within by Garry Reynolds
During the festive season I attended more seniors’ parties than ever.
It was a revelation how they unleashed the child within bodies that had aged but not the spirit within.
Yes, I even won a best dressed award as the CEO elf of Santa’s workshop. Who could imagine the young boy within me would rise to executive level!
When a senior lady was asked what it was like to be old and to know that most of her life was behind her, she replied: “I’ve been the same age all my life.”
As wonderful as this sounds with a bundle of
positive qualities, gerontologists point out the inner child can also be carrying unresolved hurts.
They say a healthy inner child rich in love and fulfilled with a sense of purpose enables us to tolerate the pains of the ups and downs of life although we may feel a bit tireder in our later years.
Much of this is going on in our subconscious. Mindfulness to reach this subconscious can provide us with an explanation of why we are sometimes still surprised by what we do.
My mindfulness comes poignantly when I am walking within mother nature.
Experts say circulation in the blood stream improves circulation in the mind. Steady walking is like a rhythmic mantra in meditation. The bonus is that a growing amount of research suggests that spending only 20 minutes in a green space can lower our stress hormones.
Let’s be frank, embracing the inner child is not just warm fuzzy stuff as it can be painful and confronting if we’re honest with ourselves.
Unfortunately, in dealing with knots of suffering, some people turn to alcohol and drugs in a vain attempt to deaden the pain, hurting others along the way.
In our formative years, many people sought solace in formal religion but less so today although church attendance remains dominated by those in their senior years.
I am no good sitting still and meditating but friends do it well. With the calmness of coming to terms with their inner child, they exude senior serenity which draws others to them.
When I interview seniors about their life, I am struck by the number of times they refer to incidents and attitudes they have had to come to terms with from their childhood.
The unleashing of love and compassion once they climb that emotional mountain is inspiring. It opens a gateway to being returned during their senior years often by people they have hurt along the journey in coming to terms with their inner child.
If you would like to submit an article or news item to the newsletter please email: marketing@comlinkaustralia.com.au
Out & About
A Big Thank You to Comlink Poem by
Valerie Palmer
Comlink we hold in high esteem, because everyone there is such a great team. They are so helpful caring and kind, no matter the place, no matter the time. On our outings and mystery tours we can see, how helpful they are when we stop for lunch and morning tea.
Many of us oldies with walkers rely on them to help us with slopes and coming down. Fetching our meals for us so we don’t have to queue is another charitable thing they do. Comlink gives us the freedom to have some fun, otherwise we could be sitting home feeling glum.
So thank you Comlink for setting us free, for without you Comlink where would we be!
