HELLO FRIENDS
Dear Residents, Families & Friends,
Welcome to the Year of the Horse and our Summer social engagement Wrap Up.
As the festive season has drawn to a close, we reflect on the joy spent over the holidays. Father Christmas was very generous with his time, visiting our residential care centres with sacks full of gifts regardless of his tight schedule. Our Christmas light tours to the suburbs were enjoyed by many, ample festive food and drinks were consumed and plenty of carols sung.
Australia Day and Valentines day are now a memory that each delivered delightful activities shared. The Lunar New Year was brought to life by the Love Heartz entertainers who once again performed with a whirlwind of mesmerising colours and elaborate dances. It’s always so beautiful to experience.
As we enter a New Year, I am pleased to introduce Amy Coster, SwanCare’s new Occupational Therapist, who has joined Alex.
Amy is currently looking after our Kingia and Tandara residents so please make sure to introduce yourselves to her when you see her smiling face around our centres.
Last, but not least, our thanks to all the volunteers who dedicate their time to our residents; to SwanCare Centres Auxiliary and to the Villagers, your ongoing donations are most appreciated.
Yours,
Curia
Nilla Curia
Nilla
GREAT MOMENTS 1
All things Festive
Christmas was a joyful and memorable time across all four care centres. Residents were delighted by visits from Santa Claus, proudly supported by Bunnings, who brought festive cheer along with generous Bunnings stuffed toys.
A Christmas concert with Studio J was held in The Club, where residents enjoyed lively entertainment and lucky participants received gifts through fun games. Continuing an annual tradition, residents also toured the city and neighbouring communities to admire the beautiful Christmas lights.
In the lead-up to Christmas, the Social Engagement Team visited every resident personally, delivering presents to ensure everyone felt included and celebrated. The season concluded with a vibrant Christmas party filled with laughter and music.
Ningana, Kingia and Tandara residents gathered for Carols by Candlelight with the Mackie St Singers, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Ningana and Waminda residents embraced the spirit of the season with creative cookie-decorating sessions, while Waminda proudly showcased a special performance by The Sassy Waminda Choir, made up of residents themselves. A dazzling car light show added extra excitement one evening. Kingia and Tandara residents also enjoyed a free Christmas Day concert from Aurora and a New Year’s Eve performance from Derek. Santa Phil and family ensured every resident received a gift, complemented by treats to both staff and residents from Pamela L and her sister Elaine.
GREAT MOMENTS 2
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie
Australia Day was extra special this year as Redz Zoo visited our care centres with a fantastic line-up of native and farmyard animals. Residents were delighted to meet bettongs, bobtails, owls, rabbits and guinea pigs, enjoying the chance to see them up close and learn more about Australia’s unique wildlife.
Ningana residents embraced the active spirit of the day with friendly doubles tennis matches, bringing energy and laughter to the celebrations. Ningana, Kingia and Tandara also tried their hand at a new Aussie-style “thong toss” game, which quickly became a crowd favourite and sparked plenty of goodnatured competition.
Waminda, Kingia and Tandara residents expressed their creativity with Australia-themed arts and crafts activities held on the floors, producing colourful decorations to mark the occasion. Kingia and Tandara also hosted their own Aussie parties in their lounges, complete with music, conversation and shared treats.
Down in the clubhouse, residents joined in themed bingo, adding a patriotic twist to a classic favourite. For the more adventurous, there was food tasting featuring Vegemite-flavoured biscuits and other traditional Australia Day treats, rounding out a day filled with fun, laughter and true Aussie spirit.
GREAT MOMENTS 3
Welcoming the Year of the Horse
Residents from Ningana and Kingia welcomed the Lunar New Year with a vibrant celebration, highlighted by a special performance from the Love Heartz Dance Group. Their colourful, joy-filled dances captivated everyone and created a wonderful atmosphere as we welcomed the Year of the Fire Horse.
At Waminda, residents embraced the occasion by decorating and crafting beautiful paper lanterns to display around the clubhouse. The Social Engagement Team enhanced the festivities by organising traditional treats, including seaweed cakes, fortune cookies and sweet pastries. Kingia and Tandara residents took part in themed arts and crafts, while Tandara also hosted a cultural presentation led by Sue, our Chinese Social Engagement team member, who shared insights into Lunar New Year traditions and customs.
Love & Connections
Valentine’s Day was equally heartwarming across the centres. Ningana residents gathered for a special morning tea celebrating love, sharing stories of how they met and how many years they had been together. A light-hearted couples quiz brought plenty of laughter and created a joyful start to the day.
Kingia and Tandara residents created Valentine’s crafts for their celebrations and, a few days later, enjoyed a lively jazz concert together. Tandara residents and staff received heart badges, while Pamela L and her sister Elaine generously provided sweet treats for all. Adding to the fun, some staff purchased Sharon D’s playful “kissing” stuffed animals for their own Valentine’s Day celebrations.
FRAMED MOMENTS 1
FRAMED MOMENTS 2
KINGIA FAMILY
Winners are Grinners
Congratulations to the Kings of Kingia team for proudly winning this year’s SwanCare Games. The team wore their blue crowns with pride as they received their gold medals, and a few weeks later were presented with their Champion’s House plaque, now proudly displayed in Kingia.
Swimsuits for all
Over summer, residents embraced creativity with their own “Swimwear Competition.” Through arts and crafts, they designed and painted their dream swimwear. After allowing the artwork to dry, everyone gathered for a lively Luau party featuring a fun cup-stacking game. The event concluded with residents modelling their creations, followed by judging. Joan S and Barbara P were announced as the well-deserved winners.
Happiness & High Tea
Kingia and Tandara residents also enjoyed a festive High Tea Christmas Party featuring Santa Ramy and Mrs. Santa, along with special guest singers Derek and Stuart, who entertained the crowd with favourite tunes. A raffle was held during the celebration, with five lucky winners from each centre. In addition, Kingia and Tandara staff, family members and visitors took part in a paid raffle, with prizes including small kitchen appliances and other useful kitchen items, adding even more excitement to the celebration.
NINGANA FAMILY
Ringing in the New Year
Residents enjoyed drinks, nibbles and a quiz about New Year traditions from around the world. They finished with a TV fireworks display that sparked lovely memories.
Food Experience
To celebrate Australia Day, Ningana residents sampled iconic Aussie treats, including lamingtons, Tim Tams and a delicious pavlova prepared with Lyndall. It was a sweet and cheerful afternoon.
Armchair Travel: Venezuela
Venezuela has beautiful landscapes, traditions and food, all of which were shared with our residents in our latest Armchair Travel. The session was full of curiosity and pleasant surprises.
Ice Cream Cart
Who doesn’t love a visit from the ice cream trolley?! Our residents wait with childlike anticipation when they hear the nostalgic music echoing the hallways and one thing is true, strawberry is aclear favourite.
TANDARA FAMILY
SwanCare Olympics
Both Tandara and Kingia hosted their own versions of the Olympic Games, with residents enthusiastically taking part in friendly competitions held in their courtyards. The events encouraged movement, teamwork and plenty of laughter. During the warm summer days, residents also enjoyed refreshing seasonal treats, including icy poles, ice creams and colourful slushies, making the most of the sunshine.
Customs & Traditions
Cultural and religious events were thoughtfully recognised throughout the season. Waitangi Day was acknowledged through arts and crafts activities, along with discussions highlighting its cultural and historical significance. Many residents also observed Shrove Tuesday, followed by religious services to mark the beginning of Lent, providing meaningful opportunities for reflection and faith.
Carols Abundant
Christmas was especially filled with love and generosity. Residents were treated to three free concerts, featuring performances from Aurora, Derek and Alan, a family friend of Keith S. Amala, our IT staff member, kindly brought children from her church to deliver a heartwarming Christmas presentation. In the spirit of giving, Tandara residents also received thoughtful Christmas gifts donated by members of the community through a connection with one of our kitchenhands, rounding out a truly special festive season.
WAMINDA FAMILY
Armchair Travel: Nepal
Residents at Waminda traveled to Nepal with the Armchair Travel activity held in the clubhouse. Residents saw many places to visit and were treated to a traditional dance by staff member Devi. Every resident appeared to enjoy themselves with many comments on the lovely dress Devi wore. After the dance Devi answered many questions from the residents about her culture.
One Stitch at a Time
The first knitting club of the year saw many residents joining up. Everyone appeared to have a wonderful time working on personal projects, making squares for the blankets that are used by many or helping sort out the mess of the wool box. Looking forward to seeing what beautiful things are created this year by the very talented knitters.
MESSAGE OF THE MONTH
Introducing our new Therapy Coordinator
Hello, my name is Amy, and I’m the new Occupational Therapist joining the team at SwanCare. I’m really looking forward to getting to know residents, families and staff.
I have experience working in different areas, ranging from community disability (NDIS) to Geriatric rehabilitation in a hospital setting. I have come to SwanCare to develop my skills and learn about what it is like to work in aged care. Throughout my experiences I have had a strong interest in working with the older adult community.
I chose Occupational Therapy as a career because I value supporting people to live meaningful, fulfilling lives in ways that are important to them. I have a strong passion for person-centred and holistic care and I truly enjoy listening to people’s life stories to better understand who they are and what matters most to them. I also love incorporating creativity into my work, as this can be a powerful way to support wellbeing and connection.
Outside of work, I enjoy painting, crocheting and playing netball, and I’m excited to bring both my professional skills and personal passion to supporting our residents’ wellbeing.
I’m excited to work alongside residents, families and staff to help support engagement, comfort and quality of life.
Amy Coster Therapy Coordinator
SwanCare would like to welcome the following people:
Kingia: Sheila T.
Elizabeth B.
Marion A.
Frederick K.
Marjorie W.
Tandara:
Dorothy S.
Omar S.
William H.
Wendy W.
Kevin B.
John W.
Kenneth S.
Barry S.
Ross P.
Waminda:
Anthony R.
Tini K.
George C.
Leslie S.
Margaret P.
Ningana:
Vera H.
Margaret B.
Antonia C.
Norma T.
Eunice F.
Diana P.
June A.
Jennifer M.
Constance L.
Patricia B.
IT'S A CELEBRATION!
Birthdays & Milestones
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 6th Desmond L. 2nd Marion A. 11th Manijeh P.-E. 12th Severina C.
4th Carol N. 6th Jean W. 11th May S. 12th David H. 14th Frank L. 16th Frances C. 17th David O. 17th Jean B. 22nd Audrey B. 24th Wayne L. 25th Johanna M
4th Michael S. 5th Eileen D. 7th Helen H. 10th Pamela B. 16th Glenn E. 17th Kathryn D. 21st Charles M. 24th John R. 28th Barbara P. FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 3rd Ann L. 3rd Verna D. 4th John M. 6th Ann F. 6th Nancy S. 7th Vangelis R. 11th Kasik N. 11th Richard T. 12th Peter K. 19th Rabia S. 21st Sri T. 25th Lila M. 27th Blanche M. 27th Jeffrey S.
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
2nd Shirley H. 5th Greta L. 5th Sigurd C. 6th Stanley B. 11th Anthony F. 19th Norma T. 19th Marlene B. 20th Wendy H. 23rd Doris W.
3rd Esme T. 7th Jeanette H. 11th Diane M. 13th Vera C. 14th Jean J. 15th Lorraine B. 15th Ian W. 16th Barbara M. 22nd Ray T. 23rd Antonia C. 23rd Keith C. 24th Shirley P. 27th Margaret B.
3rd Barry S. 6th Merv C. 14th Terence J. 20th Raymond S. 27th Lily W. 27th Maureen C. APRIL BIRTHDAYS 2nd Marianna Z. 8th Terence B. 12th Richard M. 14th Brian D. 15th Stanley T. 16th Marion M.
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 3rd Gloria F. 13th Elaine K. 24th Margaret S. 25th Lynne J.
MARCH BIRTHDAYS 1st Vincent F. 5th Carolyn P. 21st Renate K. 24th Joyce R. 27th Una L. 27th Joan D. 29th Lorelei R. 29th Joan M.
APRIL BIRTHDAYS 2nd Estelle T. 2nd Margaret T. 6th Wilma L. 12th Peter C. 12th Arthur G. 24th Jan J.
MEET THE TEAM
The Spritz Laundry Team
Every day, our Spritz Laundry Team works behind the scenes to keep residents feeling comfortable and looking their best. We sat down with the team to learn more about the wonderful people who make our laundry service run so smoothly.
Who are the Spritz Laundry Team?
Our hardworking team includes Cathy, Adam, Christine, Jasmin, Jamyang, Gavin and Shanti (currently enjoying maternity leave). We’re also supported by our fantastic casuals: Kencho, Pema, Tandin, Sanjay and Steph. Each person plays an important part in keeping the laundry running like clockwork.
Who has been part of the Laundry Team the longest?
That honour goes to Christine Harshaw, who has been with us for an incredible eight years. Her experience and dedication are invaluable.
How would you describe your team in just a few words?
We are a team that works hard every day, always showing kindness and care to residents and to one another.
How does your team support residents and each other each day?
We work together closely to make sure every resident receives their clean linen and clothing back promptly and in good condition. Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.
What is something your team is especially proud of?
There’s nothing more satisfying than reaching the end of the day with every item returned to its owner, empty baskets and a cleared folding table. It’s our sign that we’ve done a good job.
What’s one thing people might not know about the Laundry Team?
We operate a full commercial laundry right here in the basement of Ningana, using some pretty impressive industrial equipment. And yes, we take great pride in the little things, including matching every single pair of socks!
What’s the best part of working together?
We genuinely enjoy each other’s company. There’s plenty of laughing, joking and good humour throughout the day because we think we’re all pretty funny! It makes the work lighter and the days brighter.
If your team had a motto, what would it be?
“We’ll make your clothes sparkle!”
Durian Mangosteen Rambutan Jackfruit Acai Longan Carambola Soursop
ALWAYS SOMEONE TO TALK TO
SwanCare Kingia Reception (08) 6250 0100
Care Services Manager Jovy Tesani
Clinical Nurse Manager Iva Gayagoy
SwanCare Ningana Reception (08) 6250 0650
Care Services Manager Sharleen Mann
Clinical Nurse Manager Arnel Braulio
SwanCare Tandara Reception (08) 6250 0101
Care Services Manager Jovy Tesani
Clinical Nurse Manager Iva Gayagoy
SwanCare Waminda Reception (08) 6250 0051
Care Services Manager Judy Mayagma
Clinical Nurse Manager Jacqueline Adero
SwanCare Visiting Hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Spritz Café hours: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 3:00pm
Jarrah Café hours: Monday & Tuesday 6:30am to 1:00pm Wednesday to Friday 6:30am to 3:00pm Saturday & Sunday 8:00am to 3:00pm
There are plenty of volunteering opportunities for you to share your skills and time with our residents, so get in touch with us to express your interest. WE LOVE