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Cafe-based healthcare JAY FIELDING
AN EXCITING new cafebased healthcare concept is helping Maryborough seniors who have recently experienced a fall regain their confidence and strength so they can get back, and stay, on their feet. An initiative of the Fraser Coast Falls Prevention Service, the Lifestyle Cafe, which incorporates the Active at Home program, launched at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre this month for seniors over 65 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50. The Fraser Coast Falls Prevention Service is a collaboration between Central Queensland Wide Bay Sunshine Coast PHN, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Ambulance Service and Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre. PHN older person’s health manager Paige Martinez said injuries resulting from falls were the major cause of death, hospitalisation, and emergency department presentations for people in the target group. “We’ve worked with our partners in the Fraser
Coast Falls Prevention Service to co-design an initiative which incorporates a social aspect and establishes a pathway to reduce the risk of falls,” Ms Martinez said.
The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 18th November 2021
$15k grants on offer JAY FIELDING LOCAL businesses will be able to fast-track upgrades thanks to grants of up to $15,000 from the Queensland Government.
“Education programs that are purely falls-prevention focussed tend to have a negative connotation,” she said.
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders says the Business Boost program will help businesses in the Heritage City grow.
“With the Lifestyle Cafe we are working from a wellness focus incorporating the Active at Home strength and balance program with other health and wellbeing activities.
“These Business Boost grants are all about helping businesses improve their efficiency and productivity and can be used for things like website upgrades, strategic marketing, training and coaching and advisory services,” Mr Saunders said.
“This means social connection opportunities through afternoon tea, group-based programs like choir signing or craft, and various entertainment each week.” Participants are referred into the Lifestyle Cafe via the newly established WBHHS-led falls pathway by eligible referrers including WBHHS emergency departments, QAS and GPs. More than a quarter of people living on the Fraser Coast are aged over 65. WBHHS chief executive Debbie Carroll said the purpose of the weekly,
Carinity’s Carlee Dreyer leads Lifestyle Cafe participant Patricia Davison through some exercises.
three-hour Lifestyle Cafe was to provide the Active at Home program in an informal setting and fill a gap in the community. “This program gives older people who are at risk of falling access to the Active at Home strength and balance program, as well community support and social connection in one venue, with no cost to the participant,” Ms Carroll said. “WBHHS is grateful to all of the partners who have made this collaborative venture possible and looks forward to the future development of the
service.” Participants who attended the recent launch of the Lifestyle Cafe with Active at Home said they enjoyed the friendly, relaxed and professional atmosphere and were keen to return for the full 12- week strength and balance program, alongside a cup of tea and some entertainment. The PHN has partnered with care providers Carinity and Bolton Clarke to ensure delivery of the Lifestyle Cafe with Active at Home on an ongoing basis for at least the next 12 months.
“The type of grants, business requirements and the application process are a direct result of feedback from the Small Business Roadshow which toured around Queensland earlier this year.” Central Safety Training chief executive officer De’Anne Stegert said a $13,000 Business Boost grant would allow the Maryborough business to undertake critical website redevelopment to encourage local employment.
“We applied for the Business Boost Grant so that we could update and expand our website with new technology that is now available,” she said. “This means when people are looking for the courses that we conduct, they will be able to find us better and much easier which means our bookings will increase beyond our expectations. “We like to make sure we can help our local area by employing local people and a new website that meets the new technology will definitely help us do that.” Employment and Small Business Minister Di Farmer said backing small businesses was vital to the state’s economic growth. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local communities, and we want to support them, their families and their customers.” For more information about all small business grants programs visit www.business.qld.gov. au or call the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687.
Measure twice. Cut once. Major changes to the national building code relating to Accessible Housing and Energy Efficiency must be handled right, or we’ll all wear the costs. The Queensland Government is trying to push through substantial changes to the building code, without addressing the very real concerns for home buyers and the building industry. It’s true that future provisions are needed for the elderly and people with disabilities and to ensure sustainable housing stock into the future, but the benefits won’t be realised if not introduced properly. We also must have fair and practical outcomes for Aussie home
Authorised G. Galvin, Master Builders Queensland, 417-419 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000.
buyers who are struggling with housing affordability, and the builders and tradies who deliver new homes for our communities. If this is going to work and genuinely benefit those who need it, we need more clarity, and time for transition planning.
Let’s build the new code right. mbqld.com.au/measuretwice
