Autumn 2023 Issue 21 HillView Times

RESIDENT FEATURE: DON KNISPEL

Donald Knispel, affectionately known as Don, was born in Adelaide, South Australia, in 1931. At the age of 19, he left his job at the Commonwealth Bank in Adelaide to pursue his dream of travelling the world. Don worked on a ship and cruised his way to London, where he continued his love of playing drums and all things music

To fund his drum lessons, Don took a job selling baby prams He later applied for a bank manager job with Bank of Montreal, and despite stiff competition from over 200 applicants, Don emerged as the successful candidate He was posted to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and later to a small town just outside Winnipeg called Neepawa It was there that Don reignited his love for marching bands, having enjoyed them as a child in the Barossa Valley

Don played many musical jobs with his brother Robert, an amazing piano player, and also met his future wife, Ernestine, in Neepawa Ernestine was one of the lead baton twirling marching Majorettes in the town's amazing marching band, and as soon as Don saw her, he knew he would marry her They have been married for 67 years and split their time between Australia and Canada, where they bought and renovated houses

Don worked for CBC Canada in Vancouver as a studio drummer and had the opportunity to work alongside many famous people, including Olivia

Newton-John He accompanied numerous musicians, including Buddy Rich, Rosemary Clooney, Dusty Springfield, Pearl Bailey, Marvin Hamlish, Tom Jones, and Louis Armstrong. He also had his own bands, including Trio Bayonne, which aired on CBC, and the Funky Brass Ensemble. Don taught music in Vancouver, as well as in Australia at TSS and John Paul College, and many public schools

During the 1970s, Don and Ernestine travelled from west coast to east and back again, looking for work, finally settling in the province of British Columbia, which is when they bought the restaurant Jerry's Steakhouse, located in North Vancouver. Don and Ernestine renamed it 'The Walkabout Steakhut'. They had never owned a restaurant before, but through hard work, they made it a success Jack Wasserman, the Vancouver Sun's harshest and brutal critic, did a write-up on the food and gave them and the restaurant a glowing and rave review. Don and Ernestine were also amongst the first restaurants in Vancouver to introduce Australian wines to the city

Don toured Japan with the Vancouver Symphony and worked in the percussion section of the Brisbane Symphony. He also toured Japan with Carmen Cavallero, who wrote music for the Eddy Dushin Story Don was a composer of music and made his own Tubular Bells He worked with Brian May, who wrote the music for the Mad Max movie, and was also great mates with him. Don met Duke Ellington, played with Sammy Davis Jr, Mitzi Gaynor, and Eric Jupp's orchestra Eric Jupp wrote the Skippy song

Aside from his many achievements and experiences, Don was also known for his funny and jovial personality. He was always up for a party and celebration, and he remains a loving father who is cherished by his family.

STAFF FEATURE:

NANETTE DU PLESSIS, CATERING MANAGER

Nanette has recently joined the HillView Care team, as Catering Manager for both homes. Let's get to know Nanette, as told in her own words:

NANETTE & FAMILY

My name is Nanette, I'm a born and bred South African! Growing up on a farm, much of my time was spent riding tractors, trucks, and horses. I competed in horse show

jumping until I got married 20 years ago. Following my passion for cooking, I studied Classical French Cooking at Prue Leith's cooking school in South Africa. From there, I worked in a variety of foodie roles, including corporate catering, private cafés, restaurants, and food sales. Since my husband, two daughters and I moved to Australia in 2015, I continued my career in the food and catering industry, even working in David Jones’ food court in Sydney. I moved into catering within Aged Care 5 years ago, joining the HillView Care team as Catering Manager in December 2022.

Q: So far, what do you enjoy about working at HillView

A: The family culture amongst the team and how everyone is always willing to help

Q: What is your favourite food to cook

A: Anything Asian, especially Pad Thai

Q: What food do you most enjoy eating

A: Anything Asian, especially Pad Thai ��

physiotherapy

GLUTE BRIDGE EXERCISE

The Glute bridge is a simple exercise which aims to st d core muscles The bridge is an important exercise for a bed

Lying flat on the bed in supine position, palms facing down and legs straight

Slide your heels towards your chest and bending your knees Try and keep your feet flat on the bed and shoulder width apart

Squeeze your buttock muscles and lift your hips up off the bed, using your hands to support Try and hold for 3 seconds, then lower back down to starting position

FOR PROGRESSIONS OF THIS EXERCISE, FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO THE PHYSIO

Director's Award

The HillView Director's Award seeks to recognise an individual who has continually gone above and beyond to provide service and care to our residents.

Chrystal is relatively new to HillView Care, but has already become part of the family! She brings a very competent and calm approach to what can be considered a hectic role, sourcing staff for 3 different shifts, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across both sites! Chrystal is a dedicated and hard working team member, very deserving of this recognition Well done Chrystal!

CHRYSTAL PHILLIPS ROSTERS COORDINATOR

Tell us about yourself:-

I started at Hillview in October 2022 as the Rostering Coordinator What you may not know, I am the eldest child of six, I come from a Kiwi

and English background and moved to the Gold Coast in 2011 from North Queensland (Bowen, a small country town in the Whitsundays)

My greatest joys in life are my younger siblings Hope, Gregory, Michael, Damian and Liam, my baby niece Ruby and my border-collie Kawhi (named after the NBA player, Kawhi Leonard)

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at HillView Care?

A: What I enjoy most about HillView is the dedication and commitment the Staff have in providing the best care for our Residents. I love hearing all the stories from our long-standing Staff who have been around for years and their love and passion for aged care

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?

A: When I am not working, I enjoy being at the beach or in the ocean as much as possible. I have a passion for marine wildlife (all types of wildlife for that matter) and can ramble on about random facts of various animals that I find fascinating. This year I have also completed an item off my bucket list, in becoming a certified free diver (which I am over the moon about!)

Q: What are some of your favourite things?

A: I have a great love for food and a greater love for hot chips loaded with chicken salt and gravy! I don’t have a favourite flower per se, but I love eucalyptus (so I guess that can count) I also don’t have a favourite animal, but all my life (as long as I can remember) I have obsessed over animals. I remember convincing my parents and grandparents to take on stray cats and dogs, abandoned/injured birds, rescuing baby possums, rabbits, turtles and even snakes

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS AUTUMN