Keep Connected Spring 2023

Welcome to the Spring issue of Keep Connected

It has been a wonderful 12 months at ECH and it has been a privilege to meet many of our clients, residents and team whilst visiting our sites and hosting ECH events. What is evident across the entire organisation is the passion, purpose and commitment that drives us all.

Since commencing, I have been focused on listening to your feedback and ensuring that as a team we are responding. Our home care client survey, which was recently distributed, ensures that we are celebrating the wonderful work our team does as well as focus on improving areas like our responsiveness and call wait times. We are implementing a number of solutions to address this and your feedback is greatly valued.

To coincide with National Reconciliation Week and as part of ECH’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) we launched our Bush Tucker Garden at Encore Apartments in Modbury. The garden and event gave our clients and residents the opportunity to explore the garden, learn about edible native flora and the importance of these plants. ECH designed the garden with Leanne Williams, local Aboriginal woman and horticulturist, to ensure that we are learning and walking beside Aboriginal people. You can view photos of the garden in Community News on page 20.

In July, our team members gathered for the first time in several years at our Employee End of Year Dinner, to celebrate the achievements of our team. As I was also marking my first year as Chief Executive, it was

the perfect time to launch the new ECH five-year strategy, which is aimed at ensuring we are all united in a common purpose. It was an opportunity to create conversations, ask questions and learn more about bringing ECH’s vision for the future to life.

During the evening, we heard from Rosina Hislop, ECH’s Board Chair. She highlighted that over the past 60 years, ECH has remained committed to ensuring that our clients and residents get more out of life, each day. This was reinforced through video interviews, as we heard from several clients and residents sharing their experiences and the difference ECH makes to their lives. Lastly, we launched our employee awards celebrating the outstanding work of so many of our team which will continue as an annual event.

In early September, as part of our partnership with State Theatre Company South Australia, our clients and residents enjoyed a ‘Book Club’ evening, hosted by Jane Doyle, featuring acclaimed author Pip Williams. Pip spoke about her compelling novel, The Dictionary of Lost Words, which is set during the height of the women’s suffrage movement.

Finally, we celebrated Aged Care Employee Day on 7 August taking time out to thank our team for caring and the impact they make to the lives of our clients and residents. Each year, we acknowledge the contribution our team members make, however we believe it shouldn’t just be once a year but taking time to say thank you every day. On behalf of myself and

the Executive team, we want to say thank you to all our team who make a difference and allow our clients and residents to live their best life.

Thank you for reading this edition of Keep Connected, we do hope you enjoy reading about the amazing community within the ECH family. If you have any ideas about the magazine, or any of our services, please let us know at keepconnected@ech.asn.au

Warm

Regards, Claire Scapinello ECH Chief Executive

Want to discover more about what is happening in the ECH community?

Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram page to see the wonderful stories from our community. Be the first to know the latest news, including our appearance on HelloSA on Channel 9, learn more about exciting group activities, bus trips and events near you.

Don’t forget we include all this content on our website ech.asn.au

We celebrated Senior Care Coordinator Constance’s 20th anniversary in July - marking an incredible achievement. Keep Connected sat down with Constance to learn more about her two-decade career at ECH.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER AT ECH

In 2003, I started working at the Henley Beach Wellness Centre as a receptionist on a part-time basis. At the time, my youngest son was a toddler and now he works with ECH in our call centre, Member Connect. Over time, I increased my hours and took on occasional projects, helping our home services and day program teams. Then I moved to the role of Senior Administration Officer overseeing administration services across five wellness centres, before spending a year in Retirement Living selling ECH units. My next role was in the Member Connect team, in early 2017, where I progressed to a Member Connect lead role. Most recently, I moved to be a Home Care Packages Care Coordinator in 2021 and I am now a Senior Care Coordinator.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL AS A SENIOR CARE COORDINATOR?

I provide support to my manager and I have a team of five Care Coordinators who I oversee. Our role is to coordinate the services that meet each client’s needs and goals. I also provide induction for new Care Coordinators, including training, mentoring and coaching. I support the team in ensuring our clients are receiving the support they need to continue to live safely and as independently as they can in their own home. While I still see clients from time to time for annual reviews, my main role is to support the team.

Constance reaches a 20 year milestone with ECH!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING AT ECH?

ECH offers many opportunities for staff to explore different career pathways. I am also very proud to be involved in the Diversity Reference Group in ensuring that ECH is a diverse and inclusive workplace. I am proud of what ECH has achieved in that space such as the Rainbow Tick Accreditation.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I’ve enjoyed my leadership role and the opportunity to help staff to develop skills and reach their potential by my mentoring and coaching. I also love that I get to meet clients and develop a relationship with them.

Constance

As a Care Coordinator, you identify what support clients need and successfully implement that support to fulfill their potential to live safely at home.

If you know someone who is passionate about making a difference and is committed to supporting others, we encourage them to explore our employment opportunities at ech.asn.au/about-us/working-at-ech

ECH Senior Care Coordinator Constance

VolunteeringREWARDS AND AWARDS

Barbara and Jeannette’s contribution has seen them nominated and recognised by an Australian Government Volunteer Award. Here is their story:

It is with their generosity of time and effort that ECH can deliver activities such as art, crafts, music, cooking and recreational pursuits such as indoor bowls. And it is as beneficial for the volunteers as it is for the recipients - they get just as much joy out of the experience.

So say ECH volunteers Barbara and Jeannette.

A few years after Barbara moved into her unit at ECH Lewis Court, in 2007, she wanted to give something back.

Barbara joined a program, where for two years she took clients out for a weekly coffee or walk at the beach, providing them with company and a friendly face.

Four years ago, she became involved in the weekly activities at the Cumberland Park Community Centre - or as it is affectionately known as The Cumby - welcoming people, operating the mini op shop and organising fashion parades four times a year using donated clothing.

ECH volunteer Jeannette

With ECH, I’m very grateful for being accepted into the village and I felt I wanted to do something for ECH because they have done so much for me.

Barbara couldn’t be happier giving her time to help others.

“I’ve been volunteering on and off for most of my married life, and I think if you’re reasonably lucky in life, you should give back to the community. Being at The Cumby every week has become part of my routine, it feels like a family atmosphere,” she says.

Just like Barbara, Jeannette feels a sense of purpose and community spirit when she volunteers for the Life Stories Project, an activity where she is linked with an ECH client to learn about their life in order to write a biography.

Because of their contribution, the pair was nominated by ECH and recognised with a volunteering award at a recent morning tea hosted by Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas.

Jeannette says: “I was touched to be recognised even though I hadn’t been volunteering for long; there are so many deserving people who do a lot through their ECH volunteering.”

Barbara says: “I advise anyone thinking about volunteering just to give it a go. If you start, you soon find out how rewarding it really is.”

To learn more about volunteering or view our available opportunities, visit ech.asn.au/volunteering

ECH Lewis Court resident and volunteer Barbara

Often volunteers are thanked for their time and energy and while we appreciate those thanks, the ability to engage with others, gain experience in a different field and have a sense of purpose and fulfillment while making a meaningful contribution can’t be measured.

Jeannette

I really enjoy my time at the community garden - I’m helping to create something that other people can use, like the vegetables, and I’m meeting new people; it’s the social aspect as well. It’s about keeping connected.

ECH Clutterbuck Lodge resident David

DAVID’S GARDEN PATCH BRINGS joy

Having a little patch of earth to call his own has always been the key to happiness for ECH resident David.

No matter where he has lived - from a Stirling house with an expansive garden, to a courtyard home in Frewville, and now at ECH Clutterbuck Lodge, in Lockleys, with “a little patch” - David has maintained his avid interest in gardening since his early 20s.

“I’ve always had a range of vegetables, and I’m a keen fan of European and North Asian plants, camellias and hydrangeas,” David says.

“When I lived in Stirling, I had more than 70 azalea plants. They like acidic soil, so the soil in Stirling was perfect for them.

“Now at Clutterbuck Lodge, I have a little patch; it’s small but manageable and I have that all to myself. I have a mixture of plants such as annuals, three different groundcovers that flower and new miniature Bougainvilleas climbing on the brush fence, and I plan to experiment with baby tomatoes.”

David’s love for gardening has extended beyond his little patch in Lockleys to the Henley Beach Community Garden, which he stumbled across in an edition of Keep Connected. The Community Garden is located at the front of ECH Day Program Henley Beach, 1/11 Laidlaw St, Henley Beach.

David has made many connections with the Community Garden group, sharing a birthday cake with them after he turned 80 in May.

David can enjoy what he loves doing most because of the low maintenance lifestyle he has at Clutterbuck Lodge, plus it’s a friendly neighbourhood close to public transport, which enables him to maintain his independence.

“I really enjoy living in Clutterbuck. It’s not a big village, only 25 to 26 units, it’s well situated; I’m at the back where there is no noise and there is a bus stop at the front, it’s very handy,” he says.

Do you have a story to tell about your village or a hobby you would like to share? Let us know at keepconnected@ech.asn.au

David celebrating his 80th

Spring INTO YOUR STEP-UPS

As our winter turns to spring, the desire to embrace the outdoors grows, but so do our pollen allergies! There are ways to stay active and exercise without exposing yourself to pollen.

ECH Exercise Physiologist Bridget highlights some of her simple indoor exercises that allow you to make the most of the season while avoiding pollen discomfort. So, shed those winter coats and get moving inside for a pollen-free spring experience. The following exercises are all designed for you to do in your own home and will help you stay fit and healthy.

Remember, incorporating movement into your daily routine doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming! If you start your day with a simple routine well before daily plans get in the way, you are sure to get more out of life from the healthy benefits.

PREPARE YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Before you dive into exercises, start by making sure your indoor environment is suitable. It’s a good idea to clear some space in where you can comfortably move around.

Kickstart your mornings with a gentle stretching routine. Stretching helps improve flexibility, releases muscle tension, and enhances blood circulation.

MEET BRIDGET

Bridget graduated from Flinders University in 2019 with a specialisation in Sports Science. She enjoys seeing her clients reach their goals and become independent and confident in their exercise.

1. Sit to stand from a dining chair or seated recliner

2. Side stepping at kitchen bench

3. High knee marching at kitchen bench

4. Shoulder rolls

To learn more about how an ECH Exercise Physiologist can help improve and maintain your physical health, visit ech.asn.au/wellness/ exercise-physiology

MEET DEAN

Born with a green thumb and a lifelong fondness for gardening, Dean was destined to become a horticulturist. He works to assist clients and residents with their gardening and outdoor needs while incorporating the therapeutic benefits.

A lift from colourful blooms

Who loves surrounding themselves with flowers? It’s a joy when we receive flowers as a gift, however it can be even more rewarding when we have flowers in our own home or garden. Those delicate blooms have the power to uplift us and those around us.

The act of gifting flowers and plants goes beyond being a mere physical gesture; it holds the potential to offer emotional support and strengthen connections. Colourful blooms evoke positive emotions and lift our spirits and infuse joy and happiness into our living spaces1

ECH Social and Therapeutic Horticulturist, Dean presents three compelling reasons why the presence of flowers brings about a sense of wellbeing. By incorporating flowers and plants into our lives, we can easily enhance our overall state of happiness and contentment.

1. Dopamine is triggered by an unexpected reward, such as a rare bloom, a gift of flowers.

2. Oxytocin creates a feeling of trust and group solidarity i.e. feeling friendship when receiving a lovely bunch of flowers.

3. Serotonin can stimulate a sense of pride in the vision before us of our own efforts by growing flowers.

The act of caring and receiving gifts can create a sense of belonging, reminding us that we are cherished and not forgotten. Nature’s beauty can be calming and tending to plants encourages a simple daily routine in your life.

EASY FLOWERS TO GROW IN POTS

Petunias

• Pansies

• Marigolds

EASY FLOWERS TO GROW IN THE GARDEN

Zinnias

• Sweet Peas

• Geraniums

Our gardens crave positive care - just like us. Remember, the more you give your garden, the more you’ll get out of it. Dean says it’s important to maintain your garden and carry on tending to your plants and vegie patches - not only for your garden’s sake but so you can share your blooms as a gift to others.

1https://safnow.org/aboutflowers/quick-links/health-benefits-research/emotional-impact-of-flowers-study/

If you enjoy spending time outside and want to meet new people, ECH has community gardens at the ECH Day Program Henley Beach and ECH Fairfield Lodge village. You can also support the garden at the Cumberland Park Community Centre.

To learn more, visit ech.asn.au/community-connect/community-gardens

BRIGHTER

LIFE: A TECH-ENABLED JOURNEY TO INDEPENDENCE

DAY,

“He’s always researching things himself. Michael is not relying on us, he has a lot of input, especially with the stairlift, he did a lot of research.”

A stairlift installed at his back door, grab rails on walls throughout his house, a shower mat to ensure he doesn’t slip, an electric adjustable bed and a recliner chair, are the safety and comfort features that have been added to his Goolwa unit.

Then there are his two scooters - a standard size for his daily travel needs and a smaller one capable of fitting into a taxi when he wants to go further afield. Both keep him active in the community and enable him to attend appointments on his own.

Lastly, there’s the three days a week of domestic assistance, such as hanging out laundry or vacuuming floors, he receives from ECH. All combined ensure that Michael feels safe, secure and able to continue living independently.

“The modifications are very necessary, and I’m absolutely delighted to be able to be independent. I had this fear of being housebound, but I can get out and about,” Michael says.

And it’s all thanks to his ECH Occupational Therapist Chelsea, who has been the driving force especially in securing the modifications to his unit.

Chelsea first started working with Michael five years ago, and while her visits have been intermittent - only when he needs new equipment - she has seen the joy added to Michael’s life.

“Every time there is a new challenge with his health, Michael works with us to find a solution,” Chelsea says.

Chelsea says: “Whenever I’ve got a question, the ECH team are always there to help. It’s a good team effort.

“I’m very happy within myself that I get to remain independent, and having that social aspect too is very important.”

Michael, who has been an avid photographer since the age of 14, enjoys visiting his monthly camera club meetings locally as well as using his scooter to ride between Goolwa and Middleton.

If you would like to learn more about Occupational Therapy services, visit ech.asn.au/wellness/occupational-therapy or call 1300 275 324.

Small changes made to ECH client Michael’s house and circumstances have had the biggest, positive impact on his life.

Together we work on problem-solving to maintain his independence, and those challenges haven’t stopped him from doing what he loves.

BELLA MAKES FRIENDS fur-ever

Wherever Ngaire goes, her cuddly and fashionable cavoodle Bella goes too. And the four-legged bundle of fur has brought loads of joy and melted hearts since she first started accompanying Ngaire to work 18 months ago, becoming a regular - and welcome - sight ever since.

Ngaire is the ECH Rental Property Officer managing our rental unit portfolio and she says when she is out at inspections and client interviews, Bella tags along in her latest outfit – anything from puffer jackets, overalls and t-shirts.

“People love to see the different outfits she wears everyday - it’s a topic of conversation,” Ngaire laughs.

“Bella likes to be around people, but it needs to be on her terms, but with clients, she senses they need a cuddle and that people need a bit of lovethey get so much from her.

“Even if someone in the office is having a challenging day, they make a beeline for Bella, give her a cuddle and a bit of a play and they feel calmer. Bella brings people together.”

Ngaire, who has been with ECH for 31 years, says she is grateful her workplace has been welcoming of her seven-year-old “baby”.

“I appreciate the fact that I can bring her to work, it means the world to me. She’s a good little dog who brings joy and those around just love her,” Ngaire says.

If you would like to learn more about ECH Independent Retirement Living visit ech.asn. au/retirement-villages-adelaide

ECH Rental Property Officer Ngaire and Bella

ECH resident Barbara

ECH resident Ray

PREPAREDNESS FOR SUMMER’S HEAT BECOMES TOP OF MIND AT THIS TIME OF YEAR

ARE YOU READY?

Heatwaves can be a difficult time, especially when the heat never seems to end. If we look back, Australia’s Indigenous peoples developed a deep connection with ‘Country’ – the land, sea, sky, rivers, sites, seasons, plants, and animals that surrounded them; Australia demanded it. With South Australian summers getting hotter with an increase in record hot days, we encourage you to:

BE SUPPORTIVE

Firstly, if you ever need additional support from ECH, please ask. During the summer season you could also form a friendship or support network you can rely on and check in on each other, friends, or family as part of your daily routine.

Red Cross South Australia has Telecross Redi Service (1800 188 071) and helps people cope during extreme weather events.

BE AWARE

You may consider that your mobility may not be what it once was and while your house can be the best defence against heat, you could head to places that have cooling systems, such as a shopping centre, the cinema, a community centre or a friend or family’s house.

Mild heat-related issues can be dealt with at home and with friends, however heatstroke is considered an emergency and you should contact your GP, hospital or ambulance service immediately. If you are unable to access your usual GP call Healthdirect 24 hours a day seven days a week (1800 022 222) to speak to a health professional.

BE READY

If you need to evacuate on extreme days, it’s good to be ready with the important items that you will need to pack, including items such as:

1. Glasses, hearing aids and medical equipment

2. Medication and spare prescriptions

3. Your mobile phone and charger

For further information regarding bushfire safety, phone the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline on 1800 362 361 or visit cfs.sa.gov.au

Maureen rediscovers her joy of baking

While Maureen didn’t initially feel up to taking part, with a little encouragement from Jenny, she has now visited the baking group a few times and has the confidence to continue.

That’s why the ECH Living Well Program was developed to connect our clients to a range of social activities to meet like-minded people, learn new skills and re-engage with their community.

ECH Living Well Consultants work with our clients to link them with an activity that helps improve wellbeing and their physical and mental health.

This is how Living Well Consultant Jenny met ECH client Maureen in January this year.

Maureen, who receives cleaning and gardening support, nursing and social services, has faced a challenging few years, and after a stay at Modbury Hospital last year was referred to the program.

Knowing Maureen worked at ECH for 10 years and loved cooking in the past, Jenny found a baking group nearby at the Wandana Community Centre.

Jenny says: “Maureen said to me on the way home one day, how grateful she was that I’d supported her to go along, and she can’t wait to go again to the next group in two weeks, independently, because she now has the confidence to do so.”

Maureen’s sister, Diana, who also cares for her, loved the fact she was socialising with others again.

“She has really enjoyed it, and slowly she has felt a bit more confident to be involved and communicate with people,” Diana says.

The baking group is held every fortnight where participants bake quiches, cupcakes and scones, and it costs just $5 to participate.

Being socially active is essential to your wellbeing and having the best life possible.

I did enjoy it. It’s a different atmosphere when you get there. I’m thankful for Jenny’s help and encouraging me to take part.

Maureen

Diana and ECH client Maureen

Eating a rainbow

Our body is our temple, but we still need to fill it with the colours of the rainbow to make sure it receives the nutrition for good health that it needs – even more importantly as we age.

Good nutrition is especially helpful for people who have specific dietary restrictions or requirements. For example, people with diabetes or food allergies. Telling signs for you to know when your body isn’t receiving enough nutrients include when you have a reduced appetite, unintentional weight loss, or you are feeling tired. This may lead to getting ill often, and taking a long time to recover, poor concentration or feeling cold most of the time (even in a warmed sunny winter room).

ECH Dietitian Deepti frequently works with people to help them select and eat the foods they need.

Deepti shares that it may be that a person loses their appetite, finds it hard to swallow, or may have chronic diseases or take medications that affects their diet. Being isolated and lonely, with failing health, depression and grief can all affect people’s diets too. You can encourage someone (including yourself) to eat by adding herbs and spices to bland food or by exercising to boost appetite. If the cost of food is an issue, you could consider drawing up a budget, buying food on sale, or splitting the cost of bulk purchases with a friend or neighbour.

The key to eating well is to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods from each of the five food groups.

Your main diet should include a combination of:

Vegetables

Fruit

• Grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and/or high cereal fibre varieties

• Lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans

Milk, yoghurt cheese and/or alternatives, mostly reduced fat

Some foods and drinks do not fit into the five food groups because they are not necessary for a healthy diet and are too high in saturated fat and/or added sugars, added salt or alcohol and low in fibre. These ‘optional’ foods and drinks are referred to as ‘discretionary choices’.

MEET DEEPTI

Deepti is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Accredited Nutritionist (AN) with a Masters in Food Nutrition and Dietetics. She is committed to evidenced based practice and helps her clients to achieve realistic goals. She works effectively with people of all cultural backgrounds. She has a passion for assisting people to achieve optimal health outcomes through tailor-made dietetic interventions and personalised counselling.

For more information on dietetic services that can help you improve your nutrition, visit ech.asn.au/wellness/ dietetics

Serves – 2

Cook time – 15 minutes

Prep time – 15 minutes

EGGPLANT SCHNITZELS

INGREDIENTS

1 large eggplant cut lengthways into 1cm thick slices

• 1/4 cup plain flour or gluten free flour

• 1 egg, lightly beaten or 1/4 cup aquafaba (water or brine you find in canned chickpeas or beans)

1 cup fresh breadcrumbs or gluten free breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast flakes

• 1 tbsp parsley finely chopped Lemon zest

Salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper halved and thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Lemon wedges to serve

METHOD

1. Preheat oven 140°C (120°C fan-forced). Line a baking tray with baking paper.

2. Place flour on a plate and season with salt and pepper. Place beaten egg in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs with Parmesan, parsley and zest, tossing to combine.

3. Take each eggplant slice and dip it in the flour on both sides until evenly coated, followed by the beaten egg and then the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside.

4. Heat two tablespoons olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a mediumhigh heat and cook eggplant schnitzels in batches for three to four minutes each side or until golden and cooked through. Place on prepared baking tray and keep warm in oven. Repeat process until all the schnitzels are cooked.

WHAT’S ON Spring

23 SEPTEMBER SA SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL

Nestled between the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills, the picturesque town of Mt Pleasant will once again host the annual SA Spring Garden Festival. The festival features a full program that includes very special guest speaker Hannah Moloney, a large variety of plant and garden stalls, garden themed workshops, talks, activities and free Nature Craft activities for the kids. There will also be lots of delicious food and beverages, including gluten free and vegan options.

For more information, visit saspringgardenfestival.com.au

2 - 8 OCTOBER ACTIVE AGING WEEK

Active Aging Week encourages adults over the age of 50 to take advantage of all that life has to offer. During this week ECH has a number of free physical activities on offer for a life of better health and wellbeing.

For more information on these activities, visit ech.asn.au/events

10 OCTOBER –22 NOVEMBER

ECH AND SANFL WALKING FOOTY

Whether you love footy or are just looking for a fun way to stay active, Walking Footy might be the ideal activity for you. Walking Footy is a fun, modified Australian Rules Football program created for people aged 50 or over. Played in small teams on a field the size of a basketball court, Walking Footy is a fun, inclusive and safe game with no running, tackling or bumping involved.

For more information, visit ech.asn.au/walking-footy

18 – 29 OCTOBER

ADELAIDE FILM FESTIVAL

One of Australia’s most distinctive and innovative film festivals, Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) screens films you won’t see anywhere else.

Also known as the ‘friendly festival’, AFF is renowned for its warmth, welcoming film industry guests from around Australia and the globe to an event where makers and audiences alike can enjoy and celebrate films together as a unified community.

Named as one of the top 50 film festivals in the world by Variety, the festival shows the very best in contemporary Australian and international feature films, documentaries, shorts, artist’s moving image and VR productions.

For more information, visit adelaidefilmfestival.org

OCTOBER5 NOVEMBER

OzAsia Festival is Australia’s leading contemporary arts festival engaging with Asia. Held annually, the festival showcases the best theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, food and cultural events from across Asia.

Audiences love OzAsia Festival’s Moon Lantern Trail – a free outdoor reimagining of the everpopular Moon Lantern Parade; and foodies adore the Lucky Dumpling Market - the vibrant and ever-popular hub offering delicious food inspired by Asian cuisine, bars, and free entertainment throughout the three weeks.

For more information, visit ozasiafestival.com.au

4 NOVEMBER

NATIONAL PHARMACIES CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is a magical, free community event, full of fantasy, floats, colourful characters, bands, dancers and more, shared by generations of Australians.

Since 1933, the Pageant has grown to become one of Australia’s most cherished events and marks the official welcoming of Father Christmas to Australia.

For more information, visit christmaspageant.com.au

23 – 26 NOVEMBER

VAILO ADELAIDE 500

The Adelaide Street Circuit is world renowned both for the excellent racing and the race atmosphere that takes over the city. The 3.219 km (2.000 mi) circuit has played host for the Adelaide 500 Supercars event since 1999 to 2023.

Global pop sensation Robbie Williams will be performing as the headlining act at the after-race concert on Sunday 26 November.

For more information, visit adelaide500.com.au

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

ECH EVENTS

ECH offers a wide range of social events, activities and experiences so you can meet other people, learn new skills and share your hobbies and interests.

Discover all our current events and experiences at ech.asn.au/events or scan the QR code.

OZASIA FESTIVAL

VAILO ADELAIDE 500

NATIONAL PHARMACIES

COMMUNITY news

Bush Tucker Garden

ECH is proud to be an inclusive organisation and is committed to the continued reconciliation, capacity building and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan, a new Bush Tucker Garden was developed at Encore Apartments in Modbury to expand our cultural knowledge while learning about the health benefits of native flora.

To mark National Reconciliation Week, the Bush Tucker Garden was formally opened on 1 June with a multisensory tour of its edible natives and bush foods by horticulturalist and Bunganditj woman Leanne.

Leanne shared with clients, residents, staff and guests the rich history and cultural significance of the plants as well as the supplementary flavours they can add to culinary dishes. Afterwards, guests enjoyed an Indigenous inspired afternoon tea.

All are welcome in the garden and signs placed throughout the garden detail the history and benefits of the plants for visitors.

To learn more about the garden and our commitment to reconciliation, visit ech.asn.au/about-us

Horticulturalist and Bunganditj woman Leanne

CREATING COMMUNITIES

Are you looking for a way to give back to your community and share your skills? ECH has a variety of volunteer opportunities available including art and gardening volunteers, bus drivers and walking group organisers.

We are currently seeking Greek and Italian speaking volunteers to share their time with a few clients who attend our Day Program in Walkerville who are of Italian and Greek culture. Visits can be spent doing something both you and the client enjoy whether that be reading, listening to music, chatting, gardening, art, craft or board games. No special skills are needed just the ability to brighten someone’s day with a conversation.

To view all our current volunteering opportunities, visit ech.asn.au/ volunteering

A Round of A-Paws

Meet our furry friend Baylei! ECH volunteer Dana has been visiting our Day Program in Happy Valley for nearly a year with Baylei and our clients adore the dynamic duo. Baylei loves being pet and cuddled by our clients. When given the chance, Baylei likes to take centre stage and show off their talents by performing tricks.

Thank you both for continually bringing joy to our clients and team.

BUS TRIPS ARE BACK!

ECH bus trips are back by popular demand! Jump on board and enjoy a variety of tours to exciting destinations across Adelaide and regional areas including museums, wildlife parks, botanic gardens and special interest locations and events. Meet like-minded people and share your day experiencing the best of SA.

To view all upcoming bus trips, visit ech.asn.au/events

Mesmerising Masterpieces

The South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival is a state-wide festival of visual art, which promotes and celebrates the many talented visual artists in South Australia including a few ECH clients.

Husband and wife duo, Terry and Virginia, have been creating and sharing several beautiful paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures with SA art lovers in this year’s SALA festival from their outdoor studio. The couple started their art journey after retirement when they enrolled in three-year TAFE course. Terry was drawn towards painting while Virginia towards creating sculptures from clay, bronze, chicken wire and cement.

Paul entered his exhibition ‘Family Matters’, which was displayed at the Wakefield House Community Centre. He has participated in many exhibitions over the last 20 years showcasing his unique string art. Paul’s goal was to complete one exhibition as part of SALA this year as he had been battling with some health concerns. The exhibition was enjoyed by all including the mayor of Onkaparinga.

Congratulations to Terry, Virginia and Paul for creating and sharing your magnificent and truly unique art pieces!

ECH client Paul, Moira AM and Jordan

ECH clients Virginia and Terry

Summer Evening by Terry

BEHIND THE SCENES AND BEHIND THE SEAMS

Our sponsorship partner, State Theatre Company South Australia hosted some of our clients, residents and volunteers to an exclusive backstage tour of the theatre company. The tour involved an informative talk from the amazing staff who create the costumes, props and sets involved in countless State Theatre shows.

It was a wonderful experience, and a nice way to give back to some of our clients, residents and volunteers who sew and create many items for various charities.

Stroll in the Sunshine

As winter comes to a close and the warmer weather returns, ECH Home Support Team Workers Donna and Kirby had the pleasure of taking Shirley and George out for a walk through the Botanic Gardens. The big trees in the garden are a special place for the couple and they thoroughly enjoyed taking in the beautiful views and fresh air. To end the trip, the couple relaxed at lunch with delightful view overlooking the lake.

SPRING

HAS SPRUNG!

Residents at ECH Robinson Lodge are beginning to enjoy the warmer weather and beautiful flowers on John’s Cherry Blossom Plum tree. Thank you for sharing your lovely photo.

Have you recently celebrated a special occasion, reached new a milestone, achieved a goal, or have a hobby you would like to share? Let us know at keepconnected@ech. asn.au

PUZZLES

SPRING 2023

WORD SEARCH

BRAIN TEASERS

What can you hold in your right hand, but not in your left?

I am strong enough to smash ships, but I fear the Sun. What am I?

Forward I am heavy, but backward I am not. What am I?

PASS IT ON

At ECH we are constantly looking at ways to reduce our ecological footprint on the planet. This is why we ask that once you’ve enjoyed this magazine you pass it on to a friend, family member or even your local café so that it gets a long life.

This magazine was printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper which supports the growth of responsible forest.

WIN!

Once you have found all the words in the word search, use all the remaining letters in the order they appear to discover the secret sentence.

Send this sentence to keepconnected@ech.asn.au or call 1300 275 324 by 27/10/23 and two winners will be drawn at random, each win a $50 EFTPOS gift card.

Winners will be announced in the next issue. Last issue’s winners were Bill and Joy Watson, and Felicity Johnson.

REBUS PUZZLE