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Volume 8, Wednesday February 2, 2011
Andamooka battles for its seniors by Emma Offler
School’s in!
HAPPY: Young St. Barbara’s Parish School students Madison and Claudie are happy to be back at school and to see their friends.
20/20 Cricket to aid Queensland Flood Appeal Friday, February 4, 2011 Roxby Town Oval starting 7 pm
Spencer Gulf Rural Health School in Whyalla and must complete the needs assessment in 2011. “The methodology chosen is called ‘participatory action research’ which emphasises local involvement and action rather than just gathering statistics,” Dr Lewis said. The first meeting of the Andamooka research committee was held on January 21 in the Andamooka Town Hall. The meeting was attended by local people and visiting experts. The committee will meet monthly and will be assisted by Alison Henderson, who works part time for APOMA and studies social science. In the first meeting there were two people aged 65 and over and Dr Lewis and Mr Allen will be inviting one or two more older adults to join. Member of the Outback Communities Authority, Jen Cleary, was also invited to be on the research committee. She says that needs of older people face every remote rural community and rank very highly among community concerns. At this meeting Mr Allen said, “It is immoral that any older resident of Andamooka might have to leave their home town against their will.” Dr Lewis said, “the Andamooka needs assessment is happening at a time when funding for aged care is receiving attention at a national level. “When decisions about new funding arrangements are being made in Canberra, it is very important that the particular needs of remotely based older people are considered. The Andamooka research may contribute to that debate.”
There are great plans in progress for the older residents of Andamooka. Several months ago, Peter Allen, Chair of Andamooka Progress and Opal Miners Association (APOMA) and Dr Owen Lewis, general practitioner in Roxby Downs, discussed ideas of a facility to accommodate older residents of Andamooka who experience difficulty in looking after themselves. Dr Lewis suggested a needs assessment to be conducted so they can apply for funding from the Government. Meanwhile, Peter McCready, coordinator for Home and Community Care for clients of Frontier Services put together a submission for a day care facility in Andamooka. The day care facility would mean older residents could visit and interact with others and ease the burden on their carers. Dr Lewis said the ideal arrangements in Andamooka would include a combination of 24 hour carers, a day care centre, respite care, more available para-medical services, and a high level care nursing home. “What we don’t know about a nursing home/hostel is whether the government would consider it feasible. “How many beds do we need? Obviously this question is easier to answer in bigger communities where it matters less if the numbers are incorrect. “Rural communities are at a disadvantage in trying to compete for such allocations of funds for new services that may be considered economically marginal, even though Continued on page 2 the human need is great.” Andamooka resident of 15 years, Jean Dr Lewis has managed to secure short term funding for research from Lawrie, is very supportive and involved
in Roxby Mitchell’s Mining Giants versus Viljoen’s Process Greats Food and beverages available on the night. Auction of sporting gear, flights and more. Come and help our mates in Queensland as they rebuild their homes and communities and have a great and entertaining night! Contact Graham Warren on 0407 139 107 or Jason Schell on 0417 817 172 for more details