Tidings April/May 2019

SPECIAL STORIES EDITION Stories from across SwanCare

Sweet Treats Delightfully decadent recipes

Footy Fever Eagles visits and an ode to the game

INSIDE THIS ISSUE CEO’S COLUMN | GENERAL NEWS | WHAT’S COMING UP | NOTICES

DECEMBER/JANUARY APRIL / MAY 2019 2018

tidings

26 Plantation Drive Bentley WA 6102 Phone: (08) 6250 0000 Fax: (08) 9470 2017 www.swancare.com.au facebook.com/swancare

African drum recital - See Page 4

twitter.com/swancare

Tidings Magazine is a bi-monthly publication produced and printed on behalf of the residents at SwanCare.

Material deadline for advertising is the 7th of the month preceding each bi-monthly edition.

To book advertising or for information regarding rates please contact SwanCare on 6250 0032.

Please supply editorial contributions as a Word document electronically to tidings@swancare.com.au. Hard copies of articles can be handed to reception in the main Administration offices at Bentley Park and Australind Rise Any supporting photographs may be supplied electronically or as hard-copy prints.

Spiral cupcakes - See Page 24

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CEO’S COLUMN SwanCare news

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SWANCARE HAPPENINGS

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STAFF STORIES

Reports straight from SwanCare to you

Disclaimer In good faith SwanCare accepts articles, a small selection of advertisements, and other content for Tidings. However, the opinions and claims expressed in articles and advertising materials presented in Tidings are those of the authors and the advertisers respectively, and do not necessarily reflect the views of SwanCare, unless stated.

No responsibility is accepted by SwanCare for the accuracy of information contained in the articles or advertisements.

Cover image: SwanCare resident Ron Honey

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Vicki and Dawn.

Maintenance with meaning

VILLAGE NEWS Happenings close to home

NOTICEBOARD General notices

Michael Sinclair - See Page 23

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Life in the outback

RESIDENT STORY Garden gives a fresh start

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RESIDENT STORY

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RECIPES GALORE

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RESIDENT STORY

SwanCare’s super cycling polar bear

Sweet treats

PUZZLE WA regional towns

Eagles land - See Page 6

GARDENING UPDATE Autumn pest control

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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IN THE AREA

Puzzle answers

Local area happenings

Swan Grocery Store New Phone Number: 9470 6021 • Home delivery • Freshly prepared salads, fruit and vegetables • A range of everyday products at a great price OPEN 8AM-4PM MONDAY-SATURDAY Tidings Magazine

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CEO’S COLUMN

SwanCare News African Drum Recital About 40 people attended the African Drumming Session in March including two little boys, residents and staff.

In this edition of Tidings we celebrate with stories, sport and sugar– what a great combination!

We have taken a closer-thanusual look at the people that make SwanCare a great community. In this edition we have published staff stories from our care centres and maintenance department, also village residents’ stories from Michael Sinclair and Shirley Barnes, and a highlight from Waminda resident, Ron Honey. We hope you enjoy the read!

The Tidings’ writers tell me there are many more resident stories to come – some already typed up and waiting a turn and some yet to be discovered. I can’t wait to read them all.

Now for the sport - as an Eagles supporter through and through, I was over the moon when the Club visited us back in February.

It was great to see the SwanCare community get together – Eagles supporter or not! I really enjoyed the experience and hope you all did too.

Lastly, sugar. We also have - not one - but three recipes this edition.

They are all sweet, in the sense of being sugary but also sweet, just like the lovely ladies who wrote them!

Thank you.

Graham Francis, SwanCare CEO

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The little boys loved the idea of banging drums as hard as they could without being told ‘not to be so noisy’ as well as doing some dancing. The adults enjoyed trying to keep the rhythm going (which looked very easy when shown to us all by instructors Paul and Sally) while singing along.

Workmen, and passing foot and vehicle traffic were all mesmerised into forgetting what they were supposed to be doing!

It was a very interesting hour or so, and thoroughly enjoyed by those joining in, although their hands and arms may have become somewhat sore! A couple of residents joined in some of the dancing, so it may be the new item at line dancing on Mondays.

Most important of all, Paul played a musical number to bring the rain, and GUESS WHAT… IT DID, the following night and morning! It was all topped off by morning tea – many thanks to the staff involved.

It’s back to basics for SwanCare care staff Title change reflects carer’s place within nursing team SwanCare is formally acknowledging the critical importance of carers within its residential care facilities, by changing their job title back to an earlier time when carers were more easily recognised as part of the core nursing structure.

SwanCare AIN Tanya Rose said the new title better reflects the everyday responsibilities of the role.

“I think the name really does reflect more of what we actually do,” Ms Rose said. “We are the clinical team’s eyes and ears on the ground floor and so much of what we do is vitally important to the nurses.

The Bentley retirement and aged care organisation has announced that a Person Centred Carer (PCC) will now be called an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) to reflect the skills, knowledge and experience required to succeed in the role.

“At SwanCare we are very proud of the professionalism and dedication of our care staff, and moving the role of Personal Centred Carer into our SwanCare nursing structure, acknowledges the critical importance of their role,” SwanCare CEO Mr Graham Francis said. “Our nursing and care staff have always worked together as a complete unit, so it makes sense to reflect that in job titles.”

“It also highlights SwanCare’s culture of nurturing career pathways with merits based on experience, skills and dedication, ensuring that our residents receive the very best of care.”

The revised structure will be rolled out over the next four months, and will be represented as: • Clinical Nurse Coordinator (CNC) • Registered Nurse (RN) • Enrolled Nurse (EN) • Assistant in Nursing (AIN)

SwanCare AIN Tanya Rose

“Since the notification, I have received positive feedback from the whole nursing team. We are always going to be ‘care staff’ but changing to AIN tells a much better story of exactly what we do day to day.”

Arnel Braulio is a CNC and experienced Registered Nurse and commends the name change.

“I think the new title will better define and distinguish the work that our care staff do at SwanCare,” Braulio said. “For me, everyone who plays a part in the ongoing care of a resident is part of the nursing team.”

“It’s also definitely a morale-booster for our AINs, who do an amazing job day in and day out.”

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SwanCare News

The Eagles land With the West Coast Eagles imminent move to Lathlain Park, SwanCare will soon to be in the heart of Eagles territory and to celebrate, SwanCare welcomed West Coast players and the Eagles AFLW coach Adam Selwood for some serious footy chat.

In February, and as part of the 2019 AFL Community Camp, West Coast Eagles players Nathan Vardy, Josh Smith, Patrick Bines and Rosie Deegan (AFLW West Coast Eagles) signed memorabilia and took time out to have photos with residents.

At SwanCare Bentley Park, Mrs Joy LesterSmith and her husband, former Perth footballer Mr Murray Lester-Smith (played 1951 – 1955) are residents whose son, Rod Lester-Smith, played for East Fremantle, Hawthorn, Brisbane and then went on to be on the West Coast coaching staff. Their son, Neil Lester-Smith, played for East Fremantle also.

Eagles visit part of the bigger picture Shirley Barnes Since the AFL Australia Post Community Camp initiative began in 2003, the West Coast Eagles players have helped to improve the accessibility of their club by providing a chance for regional fans to get up close and personal with their favourite football stars, while they give back to the community and encourage participation in footy throughout the State - as well as blue and gold passion across Western Australia at a grass roots level!

So, at the beginning of every year the West Coast Eagles visit a remote town in Western Australia to provide an opportunity for West Coast supporters to meet their heroes before the season proper gets underway.

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Murray Lester-Smith with Nathan Vardy

Currently, the Eagles have visited regional towns all across the state, including Kalgoorlie, Albany, Northam, Esperance and this year, the Midlands region. While there, players spent two days visiting schools, aged care facilities, hospitals, community centres and making public visits to sponsors. They also held an open signing session for the local community, ran a training session with local players and coaches, and attended a community dinner.

With the full backing of the Town Council of Victoria Park, the West Coast Eagles will be relocating within the next few months to their brand-new accommodation and playing fields in Lathlain Park, along with the Wirrpanda Foundation and the Perth Football Club.

The Council itself is working on a new Community Benefits Strategy which is designed to upgrade various aspects of living in this area. It involves working with

community groups, retirement villages, aged care facilities, children of all ages, adults who are not interested in sports as such but could make good use of the facilities at Lathlain Park via walking groups and various courses etc. The Council and the West Coast Eagles, in association with the Wirrpanda Foundation, are also working towards mutual activities which maintain community wellbeing and growth. As our Village is home to a substantial number of people, it is appropriate for the two visits the Eagles have made here in the last few weeks to begin strong interaction and mutual support between us where possible, especially once the buildings in progress on both sites are finalised. The first visit in January, was by special invitation from the VRAC to show ‘The Cup’ and for about 50 residents to hear from Michelle Phillips and Phil Narkle (WCE) and Troy Cook (Wirrpanda Foundation) how the groups will operate, as they plan to be involved in various town activities – and for ‘selfies’, of course!

(who I managed to spend a few minutes with for this article – thank you!), and his crew Nathan, Josh, Patrick and Rosie. I understand that they also enjoyed themselves, so the aims for the Community Camps were fully covered in this instance, I believe!

Eagles AFLW coach Adam Selwood

The latest Eagles’ visit attracted more than 80 attendees who had a very enjoyable morning definitely mainly fans - and it was great to see some residents of the care facilities attending, plus some staff, family members and a few other ‘extras’. Upon interviewing some attendees, the comments mainly were: ‘Of course I would come along, I am an original member.’

‘I have been a member for years and came along to hear the speakers.’

‘I am a member but my deceased husband was addicted to the team so I am attending in his honour mainly.’

‘I came to get autographs/photographs for my grandchildren.’

There are many families which will now have a good range of photographs and autographs at hand! All those I spoke to particularly enjoyed the question/answer session and the camaraderie, good humour and professionalism shown by the leader, Adam

Eagle Patrick Bines talks footy with Bentley Park residents

Have morning tea with us!

SwanCare Bentley Park residents are invited to a free, casual morning tea at Sophia’s Café. Come along and enjoy a cuppa and a delicious morsel, thanks to your host SwanCare At Home’s Mechy Scharlach. Each attendee is invited to bring a family member or friend. Hurry, spaces are limited to five per month!

When: Friday, 12th April 2019, 10am Where: Sophia’s Café Bookings essential: Call 6250 0300

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Staff Stories Why we chose aged care

Why choose aged care as a graduate nurse?

Graduate Nurses Dawn Ogden and Vicci Millett

1. We have more independence

Dawn Ogden and Vicci Millett

Many graduate nurses say that aged care is not their first choice as a working place, and it can be difficult to imagine the rewards that come from taking on this responsibility. Yet so many nurses who end up in aged care, love what they do and the impact they have. With this in mind, we asked SwanCare’s two exceptional graduate nurses about their experiences.

About Vicci and Dawn Vicci Millett and Dawn Ogden graduated from the University of Murdoch’s School of Health Professionals in 2017 and were successful applicants to the 12-month Graduate Nurse Program at SwanCare, which finished in March 2019.

Vicci is a friendly, driven 23-year-old, who, like many of her peers, didn’t strongly consider aged care as a career path. However, after running activities for residents in aged care as a student volunteer, she felt very drawn to the sector.

Dawn, an experienced nurse who radiates positivity, began her career in community health as a carer in 2007. She felt compelled to help the elderly community and learn more about dementia, after her father’s diagnosis.

So what is it like to work in aged care as a graduate nurse? Vicci and Dawn reveal some truths about nursing at SwanCare.

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In this sector, nurses are required to step up and take responsibility, working with a team of carers and other support professionals.

“The stereotype that nurses in aged care will be ‘baby-sitting’ are well known but they’re not accurate,” explains Vicci. “I’ve found it’s a great responsibility, and it’s so different to what I expected. Dawn agrees, “We’re running the floors now. We are out there - and that’s progress. Our supervisors still come down and make sure we’re doing well. We have their full support.”

2. We thrive in a dynamic environment Nurses in aged care attend to the physical and mental health of residents as their needs evolve and the level of dependency changes. “People don’t recognise how diverse our roles can be, or how interesting. It’s more than just wound care or distributing medication. We play a key role in the resident’s overall quality of life,” Dawn reflects.

More broadly, Dawn says that the aged care sector itself provides a host of opportunities for graduates because of the vast choice of facilities.

“There are so many options available. There could be a single hospital in one suburb, but two or three aged care facilities; you have options.

And I’m really happy I chose SwanCare.”

3. We form deep connections In aged care, emotional intelligence and the ability to be in tune with the needs of patients, who can’t always communicate clearly, are as essential as practical nursing skills. For Vicci and Dawn, getting to know the residents and their families is the best part of their job.

“They’re not in and out - it’s not a hospital environment. This is their home.”

Vicci agrees, and her voice breaks as she recalls a couple she nursed towards the end of their lives. “At the husband’s funeral, the daughters were very thankful...I got a card in the mail that said ‘Thank you for all you did. The care you showed them means everything.’ I feel I’m really impacting and that makes me appreciate my job.”

Scott Arkwright with Bentley Park resident Pam Hind

Maintenance with meaning Our Maintenance Officer, Scott Arkwright, decided to join SwanCare back in 2005, having never worked in the retirement or aged care arena before. That decision changed his life.

For thirteen years, he’s brought his skills, a great work ethic and a dedication to SwanCare residents. In return SwanCare has helped him find purpose, personal challenge and a wonderful wife!

Scott Arkwright will be the first person to tell you he’s a bit of an introvert. He’ll also tell you he loves fixing things. It’s perhaps surprising, then, that he describes his maintenance role at SwanCare as “10% fixing stuff, 90% listening and supporting!” Although he admits it didn’t come naturally to him, Scott says the everyday interactions with residents and staff have become a big motivator to come to work every day.

“A maintenance role here at SwanCare is about so much more than just fixing things. In the independent living village, where I do most of my work now, we’re the front-line for the residents so the way we behave really matters.”

To be a good maintenance team member he says you need to fit with the environment.

“You have to have patience and enjoy working in a team environment. Most importantly, you have to want to help people and be able to interact with everyone. You can't be selfabsorbed here - it just won’t work.”

A SwanCare wedding!

One thing Scott didn’t expect when he joined SwanCare was that he’d meet his future wife.

Sharon Arkwright is SwanCare’s training officer and they met while working together.

Their colleagues organised a surprise wedding reception for them, followed by a ‘fake wedding’ - dress and suit, cardboard cake and all! Many of our residents attended and two of them dutifully took on the roles of Bridesmaid and Best Man. For years afterwards, one resident in particular regularly told visitors “I went to her wedding, you know”, adding “It’s a shame they couldn’t afford a real cake!”

“I guess that story shows you what this place is like,” Scott explains. “It’s like a family.”

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Village Happenings New Bowls

Fish 'N' Chips on Stratton

The Bentley Park Indoor Carpet Bowls Club recently acquired two sets of brand new carpet bowls.

What a way to celebrate an early St Patrick's Day! The tables decked out in several shades of green together with an abundance of Shamrocks. Patrick O'Hooligan entertained us not only with the usual Irish & Scottish tunes but also some golden oldies, concluding with an Australian favourite "We are Australian."

“The Bowls Members were pleasantly surprised when they arrived for Bowls to see the new coloured bowls” Club President Beryl Moule said. “On behalf of the Bentley Park Indoor Carpet Bowls Members, I would like to thank SwanCare and the Bentley Park Social Club for their contribution towards the purchase.”

We hope you enjoy!

Swan Village Bowling Club Our use of the rink is coming to an end. The Club will join the Bentley Park Bowling Club on their regular bowling days of Monday and Saturday while retaining our normal Wednesday bowling, followed by the usual happy hour.

With the start of construction, we will lose the Club noticeboard. Club notices will be posted on the Administration noticeboard and hopefully Mavis Cleaver Court. Members have indicated they wish to continue with night bowls until we lose the rink which is scheduled to occur in April.

Next month our theme will be Easter with our entertainment being "The Entertainers."

Bookings available on the day for the following month or by contacting Lesley on 6250 0590.

Tickets are $15.00 which includes drinks & nibbles (red & white wine, beer, soft drinks & juice) fish and chips served with a fresh garden salad followed by an hour of quality entertainment & afternoon tea.

Our next club luncheon is booked for May 9th.

Watch the notice boards for updates of the club’s movements and lunch details.

Come along & spend an enjoyable few hours socialising with friends & neighbours. Doors open 10:30am. See you in the Auditorium in April!

Jim Leavy. Ph: 6250 0555

Fish n Chips on Stratton Committee.

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Bentley Park Show Saturday 26th October 2019 There will be changes made this year to the show with regard to prizes. It seems to be the consensus of the community that trophies are not really wanted. So this year we will be trialling awards of certificates with a gift card from Bunnings or Coles Myer. The over 90s trophy will remain as usual.

It is time to think about entering your garden for the prestigious ‘SwanCare Best Garden of 2019’. This will remain the same, with the very attractive plaque to be placed in the winning garden as well as a gift card prize. So time to plan and plant for October. The garden chosen will be one that can be viewed from the road, so should be no inconvenience to entrants.

Just remember to pick up a flag from reception when you put in your entry. I will remind you all again later in the year.

Also, it was decided that the winning garden will be exempt from winning for two years, which seems fair to everyone.

There will be an extra section in Photography this year for portraits. There were some lovely portraits in last year’s entries so it was decided to put them in their own section for 2019.

All other sections remain the same.

We are hoping there will be more in the baking section this year. So please all you cooks think about entering this year.

The jams and preserves were of a very high standard last year, the only change for this year is we would like to have a date on the jars.

knowledge is required. The job entails taking minutes of the meetings held once a month for approx. one hour, then emailing them to committee members and other staff. At the moment Noelene is doing this along with many other jobs and we do not want her to burn out. However much we appreciate her.

Maureen Grickage, 2019 Coordinator Ph 6250 0580

SwanCare Allsorts Choir The choir is currently working hard on a wide range of songs in readiness for its June concert which includes songs from many countries.

The majority of the songs are folk songs which were written and composed for solo singers.

Adapting such songs to suit choirs presents many challenges. However, the choir has been quick to develop a sense of musicianship and vocal skills which has made it possible to embrace these songs in readiness for the concert.

Attention will soon be given to choosing items for the Christmas Carol and Song Concert on 15 December and we will strive to achieve a balance of new and familiar carols and songs.

Residents are welcome to attend our practice sessions which are held every Tuesday from 3.00pm to 5.00pm in the auditorium. It is good to have Howard Bromley and Maureen Grickage back on board. Maureen has promised that she will not try dancing the Can-Can ever again!

Harry Williams, Conductor

The Committee is working hard to make 2019 SwanCare Bentley Park Show as successful as previous years, but we need a Minute Secretary.

This is not a difficult job but basic computer The SwanCare Allsorts Choir Tidings Magazine

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Village Happenings

Meet the dancers Line Dancing is going from strength to strength with the Auditorium full of movement each Monday morning.

Tidings asked four Bentley Park Line Dancers about their experiences and this is what they said.

Jenny Dawson “I’ve been line dancing now for eight weeks, and I’ve never in my life done anything like it.

My neighbour Dianne May has been amazing, helping me navigate so I don’t bump into anyone. Pam emails me the instructions to the dances – step forward, step back, turn - and my computer reads them out to me so I can practice.

Vision-impaired line dancer Jenny Dawson (left) is assisted by Dianne May (right)

The ladies have done such a great job to help me – I am conscious that I don’t want to hold up the group and they get it. They are a wonderful bunch.

I am fully committed to line dancing now. It’s great fun, good exercise and a reminder that I CAN DO IT! My favourites are all the waltzes, but Tina's waltz is my absolute favourite.”

Janet Openshaw “I’ve lived in the village for 22 years and have done line dancing for the past four years.

I’m a physiotherapist by trade so know good exercise when I see it, and line dancing does it for me. After having open heart and knee surgery I’ve tried many types of exercises but line dancing is the only one that doesn’t upset my back or legs.

It’s great for balance and coordination, and brain training as well – you really need to focus to remember the sequences.

My favourite dance is the Belfast, which is a proper line dance to great music.”

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Hilda Evans “On and off I’ve done line dancing for 25 years, and have been with the Bentley Park Line Dancing group since it started over five years ago.

I help out instructing the class if Pam is away, along with Lesley Foster.

It’s a social gathering that is also good exercise and great for balance, which is good because line dancing is the only formal exercise I do.

My favourite routines are Latin American-style, like the Rumba.

If you’re a resident thinking about line dancing, definitely come down, Pam is an excellent teacher.”

Valerie Barrett “I started line dancing not long after I moved into the village 18 months ago. I’ve always loved music and rhythm so naturally love dancing.

It’s great that line dancing is so accessible, like many things in the village, it costs very little, $2, and there’s morning tea too! Not everyone can afford dancing lessons, but Pam gives great instructions.

On top of that, that money goes towards many good causes as the line dancing group do contribute to various charities like drought relief, Biggest Morning Tea and our own Auxiliary.

It’s also great socially, everyone is acknowledged, we go out for birthdays and have a great Christmas function – it’s a bit like family really.

My favourite dance is Tina’s Waltz.”

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Village Happenings News from the VRAC The Village Residents’ Advisory Council (VRAC) has met as usual, with a residents’ coffee morning in January and February, followed by our regular Council meeting each time, the week after the coffee morning.

At our January Council meeting we were informed that John Jacobs had resigned from the Council. We continued with the scheduled voting for the positions of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, and we are now seeking to co-opt another resident to fill the existing vacancy on the Council. Ellen Clair was voted in as Chairperson and Judy Mackintosh as Deputy Chairperson.

Paul Grzelec continues to give us a regular, monthly update on the Leisure Centre project and other building developments around the village and an interesting schedule of speakers for the monthly coffee mornings has been organised by Shirley Barnes.

At the January coffee morning there was a visit from the Wirrpanda Foundation and the West Coast Eagles (plus the premiership cup!).

Although that was a hard act to follow, in February Graham Francis, our CEO, gave us a comprehensive update on plans for the Village in 2019.

Residents have expressed concern about both the direct impact of the building program

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(noise, dust, traffic) and the unanticipated, indirect impacts (e.g. parking problems, damage to gardens and reticulation). We have brought all of these concerns to SwanCare Management, and we are reassured that they are aware of the problems and are working to minimise the impacts on residents’ quality of life.

VRAC has organised some small focus groups with residents to discuss the Bentley Park gardens. These focus groups were initiated because of the changes in the classification of various areas of the Bentley Park site (Tidings, August 2018). The discussions have become particularly relevant because of the new gardens planned as part of the Leisure Centre redevelopment, and the need to restore garden areas damaged by the building and lack of water. We will be continuing these focus groups during the next few months, as we would like to canvas the opinions and ideas of as many residents as possible.

A few people noticed the absence of our “lucky door prize” tickets at the last coffee morning.

We have decided instead, to provide a little more variety at the morning tea, as well as sausage rolls when Graham comes to talk to us! We thought that would benefit more people, and we hope that you will continue to come and participate in the monthly meeting.

See you soon, Ellen Clair, VRAC

Noticeboard Rate us!

Can we please ask a favour? If you use Google or Facebook, next time you’re online please leave a rating or recommendation for SwanCare. It will really help us to get the word out there about our unique services and community. Thank you!

Save at the Post Office Did you know that pensioners can obtain free and discounted stamps? With a free Australia Post Concession account, you'll pay just 60c per stamp, instead of $1.

You can buy up to 50 stamps per year, in booklets of 5 for $3.

You'll also get a free booklet of 5 concession stamps to get you started. Simply take your Pensioner Concession Card into the Post Office to get registered.

Friday Night Flicks We have quite a variety of movies this year: some Rodgers and Hammerstein; some Andrew Lloyd Webber; and others ranging from The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Movies are held on the second Friday of each month.

Our Frequent Flicker Program commenced in January. To take part in the Frequent Flicker Program, all you have to do is to collect a voucher at each screening, and when you have collected four different vouchers, you can attend a movie of your choice free of charge.

The SwanCare bus will commence its pickups at 6 pm, and return you home after the movie. Movies commence at 6.30pm in the Auditorium.

Contact Bruce May dianbrucemay@ozemail.com.au (preferred) or 6250 0549.

Mobility Scooter/Gopher Drivers Residents who drive a mobility scooter/ gopher we ask that you drive cautiously, at a reduced speed, be courteous and give way to pedestrians.

This is particularly important when accessing enclosed areas such as the auditorium, village shop, hairdressers and other venues.

If you do collide with a pedestrian, please stop and make sure they are okay.

Please contact Resident Support Services/ Security on 6250 0020 if you require assistance. Thank you.

Office: Special Closing Dates Please note the following dates of temporary closure of SwanCare Administration: Easter Public Holidays: • Good Friday, 19th of April • Easter Monday, 22nd of April Anzac Day Holidays: • Anzac Day, Thursday 25th of April • Also, the 26th of April. Please note Resident Support Services and the Bentley Park Library will be available on this day, as usual.

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Resident Story

Life in the outback

By Shirley Barnes which the Post Office was located, the small school, the Police Station/prison and house, about a dozen other houses. There was also another old pub which was used as an overflow from the main pub or for large, long term groups such as exploration groups – and an old Court House which was not used while we were there, as the local Justices of the Peace (or local judges) held court in the Police Station when required. Both of the latter buildings were around the corner from our house on the main street, so we were virtually isolated in a very short street.

There were many memories made in Laverton.

Aboriginal ways Lunch anyone? Bungarra today

Back in the mid-1960s, I spent two and a half years in Laverton in the North-East Goldfields; 369 kilometres north of Kalgoorlie which is 600 kilometres from Perth - the last town before the Gibson Desert and soon to be a booming nickel area.

Here A. J., my husband and a Police Officer, was in charge of a one-man Police station, with responsibility for the biggest area in the State – over to the SA/NT border, up to the Murchison area and down towards Kalgoorlie.

Our two children attended the local two teacher school and I became the Kindergarten Teacher of about 10-20 mainly Aboriginal children each day and also worked part-time in one of the shops in town.

The town itself consisted of the Hospital, the Pub, the Shire Office, a community hall, two shops which sold everything and in one of

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The local Aboriginal Reserve was on top of the hill, opposite the hospital, as you entered the town by road from Leonora.

There were about a dozen little huts on the reserve but most were not used because people who they were registered to had died, and tribal superstition would not allow anyone else to live in that house/hut. Incidentally, while we were there the Native Welfare Office in Kalgoorlie sent an officer to check on the indigenous population, and this person was horrified that virtually all Reserve residents were sleeping on the dirt and branches outside these small huts, unless they had found an old bed spring - which seemed very natural to the residents themselves. So inner spring mattresses were sent up for each Reserve resident - and they were all enjoyed as windbreaks!

Another example of government mentality occurred later, when one of the elderly aboriginals who had been brought in from the desert for his own good – very unwillingly – decided to walk back to Giles Weather Station in the desert so he could die on his homeland,

but the Regional Native Welfare Office did not like that idea and sent my husband out to bring him back. A couple of the local aboriginals, who had a new 4wheel Toyota (while we had only our own car and then a utility), took my husband and some other local aboriginals from different areas of the region who knew where water supplies were available, out into the desert to track the wanderer, and found first his dog by the track he was leaving, then his clothes, then his spear and lastly, his waterbag just before arrival at Giles. There was just time for a quick shower, a beer and some food before the elderly traveller walked in – and everyone piled back in the 4WD to return home! It was an interesting trip apparently, as most locals sat in the back and watched for signs of tracks – including a large Bungarra which had just crossed the road and was tracked to a small cave/hole, from which he was disinterred and became their next meal! (A Bungarra is a very large and anti-social type of lizard with very strong jaws which inflict massive injuries. The adult is generally known to grow up to about 5 feet long and would run straight up to the top of the highest point nearby whether tree, sandhill or person when it felt threatened, so I was always glad I was about the shortest person around!)

The small yard of the police station became a space often used by some of the older, male Aboriginals as a meeting place where ‘men’s business’ was discussed. They sat in a circle for hours and did not require anything else.

However, when I came through that backyard from the town as I always did, they would stop talking, say hello ‘Mrs Barn-as’ and wait until I crossed into our house yard before resuming their lengthy discussion. Some of the Aboriginal women sat in similar circles during the day outside the old, vacant Courthouse up on the main street.

Front door of the police station with cells at the rear

Bogged whilst picnicking

Magnificent sandhills

Pets In our yard, as well as a small patch of grass we had some trees and a small pen with about

Sheep and horses cleared away for takeoff

Tidings Magazine

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Resident Story half a dozen hens, but we had to wait until a contractor came to town to put in a fence around the school before we had a secure fence around the chooks. The contractor had to blow holes in the rock hard, red dirt with dynamite to be able to put the fence posts in, so he brought over about a stick and a half of the gelignite to make holes for said fence, which the kids thought was great as debris landed on the roof of the house with a lot of noise and at a great rate! The hens were let out during the day for a scratch around and the kelpie, true to her breed, loved rounding them up in the evening and putting them back in their yard.

Susie, the black and white kelpie – donated to the kids as a pup from a sheep station litter kept guard during the day, as she was able to roam freely in the adjoining yards around the house and the police station.

Apparently, she had no problem letting anyone at all into the yards but then refused to let them out and they had to wait until one of us arrived home, to be released! On the very hottest nights she used to keep guard by sleeping under the raised veranda floor when we slept outside and then checked on all of us every hour.

But this proved very unfortunate when she was bitten one night by a red-back spider and died as a result, despite full care from a temporary, crusty, old hospital matron who liked animals better than people.

The kids were also given a small lamb from one of the nearby stations and he used to love standing in the toilet on the verandah behind the cistern, because it was cooler than anywhere else but as he always had purple paint on his ears to stop them becoming infected by fly bites, there was always a purple stripe around the walls as he brushed up against them. He objected sometimes too to being brought out of the toilet when others wanted to use it, as he considered it was his domain. A.J. named him ‘Baaaasssil’, which was a bit awkward when a new headmaster arrived a couple of months later, and I kid you not, his name was ‘Basil’!

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We were also given a black and white, female, smallish goat which we named ‘Nanny’ of course, who was an absolute pain because she climbed anything and everything to stand on the top of any pile, including the car that a couple of young relatives had driven up from Perth for a visit. It was parked in our yard and after she tap-danced on it for a few days, it looked a bit the worse for wear.

The necessities No generator was provided by the Police Department for the house, as one of the previous policemen stationed in Laverton many years before, had not had such a ‘luxury’ when he was stationed there, despite everyone else in town having one. Therefore, I had a petrol driven washing machine which needed kickstarting, a gas iron which frightened the life out of me (run on the same principle as a gas fed barbecue, with lots of flames shooting out of the top where my hand was) plus gas and kerosene lamps, and two kerosene fridges which were run on burning kerosene and required very regular topping up, which I refused to do. Incidentally, while A.J. was on patrol, there was always some male in town who would volunteer to ‘keep the home fires burning’ - figuratively! So good manners still held sway even in the desert.

There was really no official water supply in the area or to the town, so water was pumped from nearby, old goldmining shaft/s and distributed to houses, shops etc. This water tasted absolutely disgusting at first and we were advised to always boil it before using it but we would get used to the taste. We were then told that the shafts generally had all sorts of things in them – which we discovered for ourselves when we ventured out to look and found a dead horse, dead goats and various other wholesome components in this one and only local supply! We did get used to the taste too.

Wonderful rain We did actually have a rainwater tank in the yard but as it had not rained for about four years, there was nothing in it. We did however, have one rainstorm while we there which turned all the red dirt to red mud; brought out wildflowers such as the black-eyed Sturt Peas (even one plant was found with an all-white flower!); caused frogs to come out of hiding from their bases deep under the soil and sing relentlessly; and also caused Skull Creek which surrounded the town and usually had not a drop water in it, to catch some raindrops and actually bog a few vehicles.

School sports day

A day or so later, you would never believe it had rained, except for the wildflowers which everyone drove miles to see in various spots around the area and which no-one picked but all just enjoyed the sight.

After moving to the South, we missed:

Town vs Shearers cricket match

• The quietness and stillness of the bush.

• The need to really listen to hear the continuous life going on there.

• The huge expanses of inimitable red dirt with sparse trees and bushes.

• The spectacular night skies and millions of stars, as well as the ‘sputniks’ which had just become visible.

• The continuous heat of summer and the bitter winds of winter which brought out the only coat or jumper that residents owned and was worn for about six weeks around August.

Our kids enjoying a swim at home

• The feeling of a Village and concern for others regardless of race and distance.

A long dirt road through the landscape

Tidings Magazine

19

Resident Story

Garden Gives A Fresh Start He now wakes at 4am to clean the garden’s footpaths and to water plants before settling down for breakfast. After breakfast, it’s onto pruning and looking after the garden’s two resident budgies.

“Before taking on the garden I really felt quite unattached - I just felt I wasn’t being useful,” Ron said. “Now, that I have purpose and I’m busy, I feel a lot happier.”

Just over a month ago, Ron Honey, a resident at SwanCare Waminda, was asked if he’d like to take on the responsibility of caring for a new courtyard and garden to be used by residents.

Annemarie Kluvers, Diversional Therapist at Waminda approached Ron as she knew he had a keen interest in gardening, so thought he’d be perfect for the job.

She knew that Ron “isn’t the bingo type” and would be well suited to an activity that kept him busy, away from the hustle and bustle of the more boisterous activities on offer for residents, such as concerts or games.

Ron, who has battled mental health issues for many years, was quite reclusive, opting to eat meals in his room and to generally stay away from the various activities on offer around him.

This was Annemarie’s chance to get Ron out and about. “I popped up to see him one day and asked if the new garden was something he’d like to take on.”

“I was surprised and pleased when he jumped at the chance.” Growing up in Bindi Bindi (two and a half hours North East of Perth) in the Wheatbelt, but Ron had always felt at peace when working the land.

20 SwanCare

Not only does Ron enjoy nurturing the garden’s flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruit trees, he gets a kick out of helping others. “I get a tremendous buzz from seeing other people enjoy the garden too.”

Sometimes Ron and Annemarie take trips together to the local Bunnings store to pick up supplies for the garden, which Ron welcomes with a smile and glint in his eye.

Annemarie says such a simple initiative has resulted in enormously positive changes in Ron’s mental health. “I’ve seen a huge difference in Ron,” Annemarie said. “Instead of spending his days in his room, he is out talking to people, laughing and smiling. It’s beautiful to see.”

Annemarie says that there are a number of residents at Waminda who thrive on the responsibility of tasks. “There are residents taking on various tasks such as light administration duties, setting up for events or washing dishes,” said Annemarie. “Just like anybody else, most people in aged care want to contribute and there are so many ways that they are indeed still useful.

“One of our residents, who is too frail for anything physical, regularly works alongside six other residents to spend time and to work with children with disabilities, who come to Waminda as part of a local initiative.”

“We always encourage residents to look at what they can do, not what they can’t do.”

Ron Honey

Rob Donovan (PhD Psychology) is Adjunct Professor in the School of Human Sciences at the University of WA, and Founder of Mentally Healthy WA’s Act-Belong-Commit campaign and says that Ron’s story is a great example of the sorts of things that make us mentally healthy, regardless of age, and perhaps become more important as we get older.

with a knowledge of his interests and was able to nudge him back into doing something that would not only use his skills but would be something he would enjoy”, Prof Donovan said.

“Keeping active, having social connections, doing something for the benefit of others, and having a purpose in life are all good for our mental health”, said Prof Donovan. “Ron is also getting an extra boost through his contact with nature, which has direct mood enhancing effects”.

“Look around and see how you can help others, re-connect with old friends, think of a hobby or something you used to enjoy and get back into it if you’re still able to,” Prof Donovan said.

“Many people intuitively know what is good for their mental health, but sometimes they are in a position where they find it difficult to do something or lack the opportunity. Ron is fortunate in that he had someone on hand

Prof. Donovan advises seniors wanting to improve their mental health to think about activities that work for them.

And for now, Ron is committed. “If anyone wants to take the job off me now they’ve got a hell of a fight on their hands,” Ron said with a laugh. “I truly love the garden.”

Tidings Magazine

21

Care, Advice &Value

7days, 8am - 8pm

Joanne

Doris

Alex

Farhana

Tam

Trang

Debbie

Rachel

Lydia

Sue

Cheryl

Megan

Carina

Gerald

Michelle

Negina

Hunter

Alyce

Sam

Mitch

A warm hello from the St James Newstart Pharmacy team! We are here to help you with our friendly service, professional advice and low prices.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

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consultations • Blood Pressure testing • Webster-Pak • Pharmacist Free Home Deliveries NDSS Sub Agency • • • Medical Certificates

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FREE DELIVERY SERVICE – DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR, 7 DAYS A WEEK to Friday − place orders for script or non-script items · Monday in our Script Boxes (see below) or phone the pharmacy before

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3pm for same day delivery.

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays − phone the pharmacy before 3pm for same day delivery.

For deliveries outside of regular delivery times, please phone the pharmacy to arrange a special and prompt delivery time for you.

SCRIPT BOXES: 1 Administration Building 2 Akora Apts 3 Drummond Way Apts 4 Grocery Store 5 Mavis Cleaver Court 6 Medical Centre Foyer 7 Plantation Apts 8 Richard Cleaver Court

Joanne Abetz B Pharm MPS 16A Chapman Road, St James, WA 6102 T: (08) 9361 6101 F: (08) 9472 1764 E: info@sjnp.com.au W: stjamesnewstartpharmacy.com.au OPEN 7 days, 8am - 8pm

Resident Story

SwanCare’s Super Cycling Polar Bear “I really love fishing in wild weather in remote places – a special favourite is fishing at Cape Leeuwin during a storm - it is better in wild water when there is no one else around!” he said with delight.

Michael Sinclair is a go-getter with levels of energy that would put other 76 year olds to shame.

An avid cyclist and resident of the SwanCare retirement village in Bentley, Michael makes excellent use of local bike paths – cycling 20 kilometres every day from his home to join his fellow Polar Bears for a swim at Port Beach.

The Polar Bears ocean swim rain, hail or shine every day of the year and Michael joins them for his 600 metres each morning, along with a coffee and camaraderie with his fellow swimmers.

“I love my post-swim coffee and all the hugs I receive too - and a few salty kisses!” he said with a glint in his eye.

When he isn’t at home, Michael loves the adventure of “looking for beautiful things” while mixing his love of cycling with his fondness for overseas travel. This year his itinerary is actionpacked as he meets cycling pals in the North Island of New Zealand and again, later in the year in Mauritius and the French Alps.

During his travels Michael has made a lot of new friends with fellow travellers and is part of a worldwide group of touring cyclists which links members to share accommodation and local hospitality.

“I have been very happy during my two decades at SwanCare! I love the easily accessible cycle paths, the best bus service in Perth, visiting the Spritz Café and chatting to the friendly staff.”

Michael said. “I have many great friends and I love that I can lock and leave my apartment safe in the knowledge it will be as I left it when I return.”

Michael’s other great love is fishing.

Tidings Magazine

23

Recipes - Sweet treats

Spiral Cupcakes From Margaret Bouwhuis

Ingredients • • • • • •

2 ½ cups (375 gm) SR flour 250gm butter - softened 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 ¼ cups (275gm) castor sugar 5 eggs ½ cup milk

Butter Cream Ingredients • • • •

200gm unsalted butter-softened 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups icing sugar-sifted 1/3 cup milk

• Colour as wanted

Method 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees (160 degrees fan-forced).

2. Line 2 x 12-hole muffin pans with paper cases.

3. Sift flour into medium size bowl, add the butter, vanilla, sugar, eggs and milk.

4. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined.

5. Increase mixer speed to medium for about 2 minutes or until mixture has changed to paler colour.

6. Drop ¼ cup of mixture into paper cases.

7. Bake for about 20 minutes or until cakes are cooked when tested with a skewer.

8. Stand in pans until cooled.

(Makes 22-24 cakes)

24 SwanCare

Method 1. Beat all ingredients together in electric mixer until thick and pale.

2. Decorate by piping mixture in spirals.

3. Add extra decorations if desired.

Pineapple Jelly Whip From Dorothy Henwood

Ingredients • 1 x 425g tin pineapple circles • 1 x tin carnation milk - chilled • 1 x 425g tin crushed pineapple • 1 teaspoon lemon juice • 2 x pineapple jellies

The following recipe was donated by the family of Dot Finney. Thanks, Shirley for gathering Dot’s wonderful gastronomical legacies!

Chocomallow Ingredients • 2 cups of Rice Bubbles or slightly crushed Corn Flakes (or crumbled Weetbix) • 6 (rounded) tablespoons powdered milk • 1 cup icing sugar • 1 cup coconut • 1 tablespoon cocoa • ½ lb (225 grams) copha

Method Method 1. Chill Carnation Milk, beaters and mixing bowl.

2. To make jelly: Strain crushed pineapple and use strained juice to make up 2 cups, heat to boiling point.

3. Allow jelly to start to set a bit 'wobbly'!

4. Beat the Carnation Milk till creamy and thick and Mixmaster bowl is almost full.

5. Fold in partly set jelly, then crushed pineapple and lemon juice.

6. Arrange pineapple circles in large bowl and add mixture.

(Mixture can be served in individual glasses or bowls.)

Enjoy!

1. Mix dry ingredients (items 1-5) in a bowl.

2. Pour in melted copha and stir until it’s thoroughly mixed.

3. Quickly put into greased biscuit trays.

4. Allow to set (you can speed this up by putting the trays in the fridge).

5. I usually spread it so that it’s about 1cm thick.

6. It’s a good idea to mark the mixture into squares when it’s half set, so that it’s easier to cut when it’s completely hard.

Marshmallow When set, make marshmallow, boiling together: • 1 cup sugar • ¾ cup water • 1 heaped dessertspoon gelatine, a drop of vanilla and a few drops of colouring • Boil the mixture (but don’t stir it) at a rolling boil for 2 minutes. Allow it to cool to lukewarm, then beat with beater ‘til frothy.

• Pour immediately over chocolate biscuit mixture. When set, cut into squares.

One other thing I have found is a good idea is to put two squares together in a sandwich.

Tidings Magazine

25

Puzzle Can you name the following WA regional towns?

Penny's Book review “A Diamond In The Dust” by Frauke BoltonBoshammer

Example: A Scandinavian country – Denmark 1. Happy noise 2. A horned animal joins the bird 3. Town over water 4. An Englishman's hat 5. Wet loading place for ships 6. Cold fish 7. Bread in the ground 8. A Viking 9. A month of the year 10. A large rock 11. A hill iron will not leave 12. Type of dog 13. A constellation 14. Needle tree 15. Dog on a hill 16. Finish the proverb "A new ...... sweeps clean" 17. Pot Black 18. Boy's name plus a stone

This is the true story of Frauke BoltonBoshammer, who came out to Australia with her German husband to help him carve out a farming future in the harsh Pilbara town of Kununurra. As much as Frauke hated the northern dusty, hot outback, she was determined to stay and make the most of it.

However, tragedy struck just three years later, when her husband, Friedrich, took his own life and Frauke was left to raise their family alone.

Twenty-six years later, Frauke sold her first necklace from her back porch and Kimberley Fine Diamonds was born: with the finest Argyle, pink diamonds becoming a successful business and putting Kununurra on the map.

This is a tale of love, loss, hardship and heartache but ultimately a story of a young brave woman who never gave up.

19. Breezy pig

It is an interesting story and I certainly would recommend it to anyone with an interest in Western Australia.

(Answers on Page 22)

This book is new to the Bentley Park library.

Penny

26 SwanCare

Gardening update

Autumn Pest Control

By the Gardens Interest Group

Pyrethrum is another choice. It is a natural, low persistence insecticide broken down by exposure to sunlight and remaining active for approximately 12 hours. It is suitable for controlling ants, scale, mealy bugs, grasshoppers, cockroaches, beetles, caterpillars, lice and mosquitoes.

Unfortunately, it will also kill beneficial insects, so again always use late in the day after the bees have returned to their hive.

In the last edition of Tidings we mentioned using diluted white oil to reduce scale, red spider mite and mealy bug attack on plants in autumn, when these pests seem to be very active.

You can make your own pest oil spray from the easy recipe below but choose the cool of the day (below 25 degrees C) and after bees have stopped foraging, to spray.

To learn more about natural pest and fungus control and general gardening, bring your questions and knowledge to the Gardens Interest Group meetings held throughout the year in the Coffee Lounge, 2nd floor, Administration building on the following dates: 14th April Grow plants in pots,

including bulbs & re-potting hints 9th June Succulents: some plants for sale

Homemade Oil Spray

18th August

Phalaenopsis orchids

250ml vegetable oil

20th October

Native plants/Grevilleas

Âź cup dishwashing liquid Place in a bottle and shake to blend thoroughly. Store in a cool area.

Dilute at the rate of 1 tablespoon of concentrate per litre of water, before spraying both sides of the leaves. Use at half strength for natives plants.

17th November Christmas ornament

wreaths/flower

arrangements: Christmas

meeting, bring a plate to share

Don’t be tempted to increase the strength of the liquid or you will burn the plant.

(Not suitable for plants with hairy leaves like palms, bromeliads and ferns).

Tidings Magazine

27

Letters to the Editor To the Editor.

I am enclosing something I wrote back in the days when football was on Saturday afternoons at Subi Oval. We caught the Football Special bus from Curtin.

The Football season will be starting very soon, but these days I watch it from my comfy chair, except when it's a night game and I fall asleep.

I do like the new format "Tidings" with the travel stories, gardening hints etc. and the news and photos of what has been going on.

Jean Robinson.

Footy Fans Off we go to football, We crowd onto the bus, We grab a seat and off we go With a maximum of fuss.

We're rugged up in our coats and scarves with beanies, caps or hats, With water bottles in our bags And pens to do the stats Some regard the weather, Looking at the sky,

Dear Jean, thank you for your feedback on Tidings and sharing your fabulous footy poem. It brings back memories and provides a wonderful way to mark the start of the 2019 season. Carn the Eagles!

Ed.

Some discuss the players’ form, Who's been dropped and why.

Into the ground and to the seats What an awful squeeze.

That huge, tall man in front

Puzzle answers: (1) Merredin (2) Bullfinch (3) Bridgetown (4) Derby (5) Dampier (6) Coolgardie (7) Bunbury (8) Norseman (9) Augusta (10) Boulder (11) Mt. Magnet (12) Collie (13) Southern Cross (14) Pinjarra (15) Mt Barker (16) Broome (17) Cue (18) Bruce Rock (19) Wyndham

28 SwanCare

Is leaning on my knees.

The team comes out onto the ground.

The opposition too.

Everybody yells and claps For the yellow and the blue.

Come on Mighty Eagles!

Let us see you soar No matter how many goals you kick We always want some more.

No matter if they lost or won.

As we chatter in the bus.

The Eagles were so great today And they’ll win next week for us.

Out & About

SwanCare staff and residents enjoyed an African drumming workshop on the Akora lawn

Care facility staff wore their traditional dress to celebrate Harmony Day

SwanCare wishes Activities Officer Jasmine Henderson all the best for her retirement

VRAC's guest speaker Dwayne Rapley from Cleanaway spoke about waste and recycling

Eagles with Waminda residents

Signing autographs for their supporters

SwanCare resident talks with Eagles AFLW coach Adam Selwood Tidings Magazine

29

What’s On: Local Area Anzac Eve Service

Blueback

The RSL Club of Victoria Park Sub Branch cordially extends to you an invitation to participate in our ANZAC Eve Service.

Adapted by Peta Murray from the book by Tim Winton.

Blueback is an evocative story set along the Western Australian coastline. It captures the mystery of the sea and the majesty of an old fish called “Blueback”, and the moment when an inquisitive boy becomes a man of conviction, prepared to stand up for what he loves and believes in.

The RSL Sub Branch welcomes all Members, families and friends to attend the Commemorative Service.

After the Service, the Sub Branch is open to all and you are more than welcome to come inside and look around, enjoy a light supper, some refreshments and great fellowship.

When: Wednesday, April 24 2019, please be no later than 5:30pm Where: RSL Sub Branch, known as The Gurney Club, 1 Fred Bell Parade, East Victoria Park Contact: 0432 201 440

Australian Storytellers Festival Join us in Fremantle for one huge FREE day, with an incredible line-up of talented Australian authors and illustrators of children’s and young adult literature.

When: Sunday, April 7 2019, 9:30am to 3:30pm Where: The Literature Centre, Corner Knutsford Street and Hampton Road, Fremantle WA 6160

When: Saturday, April 13 to Saturday, 27 April 2019, 10:00am, 1:00pm & 6:30pm sessions Where: Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, 1 Short Street, Fremantle WA 6160 (opposite the Fremantle Train Station) Cost: Tickets from $23 + booking fee Contact: Book tickets at www.sppt.asn.au or call 9335 5044

Worm Farming When: Saturday, May 4 2019, 10:30am to 12:30pm Where: CREEC, Corner Kent Street and Queens Park Road, Wilson

Cost: Free

Cost: Free

Contact: Register online at www.eventbrite.com.au

Kevin, from The Worm Shed, will enlighten you on what and how much worms eat; how to look after them and the role they play in recycling and waste management. This is followed by an informal Q&A session and a practical demonstration in setting up, operating and maintaining a worm farm.

Contact: For further information, contact CREEC on creec@canning.wa.gov.au or call 9461 7160. Booking is essential- To book online visit www.eventbrite.com.au

30 SwanCare

Dementia Awareness

Ukulele Jamming Group Come along and have fun playing one of the most enjoyable and easy

Attend this insightful seminar and learn about the common types of dementia, symptoms and what it is like to be a Dementia Friend.

When: Tuesday, April 30 2019, 10:00am to 11:30am Where: Cannington Library, 233 Sevenoaks Street (Corner Wharf Street), Cannington WA 6407 Cost: Free Contact: Register online at www.eventbrite.com.au or call 08 6350 7350

2019 Fremantle International Street Arts Festival Fremantle International Street Arts Festival started as a celebration of Fremantle’s local busking culture in 1999 and has grown into a showcase of the world’s best street theatre.

instruments in this social fun group! Please note that this is not a class that teaches you how to play the ukulele but encourages people to contribute to the jamming sessions for a happy experience for all. Please bring your own ukulele.

When: Monday May 6 2019 9:30am to 12:30pm Where: Riverton Library, 67 Riley Road, Corner High Road, Riverton WA 6148.

Cost: Free Contact: Register online at www.eventbrite.com.au

Each year over the Easter long weekend, the streets of Fremantle are transformed into an open-air theatre of the amazing, weird and wacky while Fremantle’s famous alfresco dining steps up a notch, with pop-up bars and eateries extending into the streets.

When: Friday, April 19 to Monday, April 22 2019 Where: Fremantle - Multiple locations Cost: Free to access the festival, although if you watch a show it’s nice to put some money in the buskers’ hats - that’s how they make their living. While most of the festival action takes place on the streets, there are selected events with limited audiences that will require ticketing.

Contact: For more information visit www.streetartsfestival.com.au or call 9432 9999.

Tidings Magazine

31

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