Feature Article

You make me feel so young

Intergenerational projects are the talk of the town, so much so that the ABC has dedicated two hit shows to them. Steps to make these projects a permanent fixture in our communities are being supported and funded by pre-schools, community groups and councils.

WORDS NICOLA RICHES

It’s been four weeks since the last episode of “Old People’s Home For Four-Year-Olds” aired on the ABC. Heart-warming and tear-jerking, the second series of the hit show built on the concept of the first: that social isolation, frailty, low mood, and depression among seniors can be combatted when they socialise with the young.

Where the first series showed the effects of four-yearolds spending time with seniors in a retirement village, the second flipped the tables and brought seniors that live alone into a colourful and busy pre-school environment.

Prior to their taking part in the TV show, the “classmates” were tested for mood and frailty. By the time the show finished, When Werner, Alina, Maureen and Joseph from ABC all participants had seen and enjoyed generations lead show “Old People’s Home for Four Year Olds”. improvements in their mood, physical capabilities, and social connections. Sometimes the effect was so strong it such separate lives, it damages turned their lives around (cue the tearjerking moments). Similarly, the pre- everyone attended. Even better, advocacy from families attending led to the creation of schoolers who, like many kids in Australia intergenerational playgroups at other local lack a wider family network, benefitted too aged care services. (cue the heart-warming moments). Taking the whole concept one step

“When generations lead such separate lives, it further is South Australian aged care provider ECH damages everyone. We need deliberate initiatives to bring which has commenced building a $42.5 million retirement them together,” said a report from Griffith University village that incorporates a Montessori Early Learning in 2017. Centre in Adelaide suburb, Modbury. Residents and pre-

The ABC show capitalised on a wave of intergenerational schoolers are expected to engage daily either in the centre experiments and projects have been bubbling away in or the community garden, café, gym and community hall Australia for a few years. Many of those projects have now that are part of the new development. become permanent programs. Intergenerational groups don’t necessarily include pre-

In 2017, Catholic Healthcare and Playgroup Queensland schoolers either. In Western Sydney, year six students from came together to pilot an intergenerational project that Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary school in Greystanes brought a community playgroup into a residential aged have started to spend regular time with seniors in their care home. In February this year, the ‘pilot’ celebrated three local community and throughout Covid lockdown years in operation and is still regularly and enthusiastically continued their relationships on Zoom.

When generations lead such separate lives, it damages everyone

Seth, Aesh and Maddie from ABC show “Old People’s Home for Four Year Olds”.

Ultimately, however, there are 1.6m seniors living alone in Australia, many of whom have experienced the passing of a loved one and lack wider family connections. Hyperlocal projects, it is hoped, will serve them better.

Enter the City Of Ryde which has recognised the need for smaller projects and is making funds available to groups via its community grants.

One such initiative to benefit from the City of Ryde’s funding has been “Generations Together” – a joint project between Riverside Pre-School in Henley, the Happy Hens who run the Henley community garden and Sydney Community Services.

The Happy Hens provides access to the community gardens (which have been deemed a safe and accessible outdoor venue), Riverside Preschool brings the brighteyed pre-schoolers and Sydney Community Services taps its existing network for enthusiastic “classmates”. What is special about this project is that the activities, weather permitting, take place outside – giving the whole initiative the added dimension of fresh air and sunshine.

The first “Generations Together” event took place at the end of April when more than 20 Riverside pre-schoolers came along to meet a group of more than 10 gentlemen whose ages span from mid-70 to mid-90. The gentlemen were asked to bring an artefact or device that the children may have not encountered before, and lively conversation was sparked by their intrigue and learning.

It’s the first of many events that the three organisations hope to host on a regular basis. One participant, Greg Adam (84), said, “I have a memory problem and this enjoyable, nostalgic experience – showing the children all of these special items – brought back many wonderful memories for me.”

Richard Dawes, who is the oldest of the group at 94 years, recalled how he was an Industrial Chemist who worked in Fiji and how he was “totally impressed with the enthusiasm shown by the kids.” He explained how the gathering had filled him with hope about the future for the children.

“This is the type of project Council is thrilled to support,” says Senior Coordinator Community Services, Sue Verhoek. “The project has had a positive impact on everyone that has been involved including the older adults, the children and their families. Lasting relationships have been built, which is especially important for children and their families who don’t have grandparents.”

City of Ryde is now hoping to identify similar intergenerational projects that could be implemented across the Ryde area in partnership with local community groups.

With the ABC’s power to inspire a much bigger audience and commitment from so many parties, it seems that projects such as these will become permanent features of our local communities.

Love where you live

Proudly bought to you by Lane Cove Council

St Leonards Plaza full steam ahead

All aboard! The exciting St Leonards Plaza has reached a significant milestone with finalisation of the concept design for the new open space which is on track for completion by the end of 2022.

The proposed St Leonards Plaza will create a new green space in the heart of the St Leonards CBD by building above the current railway line.

Residents are being encouraged to provide their feedback on the design and new name of the 4,750 square metres of open space, which features a great lawn, plaza, passive nooks, boardwalk and a regional scale adventure playground.

The design features best practice in landscape urban design and safety and is seamlessly connected to the JQZ, 88 Christie Street development, and includes retail, public toilets as well as a 300 - space public basement car park.

There are also plans to upgrade the existing Pacific Highway pedestrian underpass to improve amenity, lighting and safety. In addition, an elevator will be installed for direct access the new Plaza. The proposal also includes increasing the width of the pedestrian pathway on the Pacific Highway parallel to the new Plaza incorporating a series of bus shelters for commuters. In addition, the proposal seeks to convert Canberra Avenue into a designated shared use area including a “Kiss and Ride” drop off zone, access ramps for pedestrians and cyclists and direct elevator access to the Plaza from the south.

Residents are being invited to share their ideas for a permanent name for this exciting new space. Council is seeking suggestions for names which are local, meaningful and inclusive. If you have a name you would like to suggest, please visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/ haveyoursay

The public exhibition of the proposal is open for feedback until Sunday 8 July 2021 – to view the documents, watch a fly-over video of the proposal and to complete the online survey, visit www.lanecove.nsw. gov.au/haveyoursay You can stay updated on the latest information about the St Leonards Plaza by visiting www.lanecove.nsw. gov.au/stleonardsplaza

ST LEONARDS PLAZA DESIGN INFORMATION SESSION

Tuesday 22 June 2021 I 29-57Christie Street, St Leonards I 6:00pm for 6:30pm presentation

• Join us to find out more about the design for the St Leonards Plaza with a presentation from the Principal

Landscape Architect at Arcadia Landscape Architecture. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions. • Please RSVP online via www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/stleonardsplaza to attend the 6:30pm presentation. • Staff will be on hand until 8:30pm for anyone who wishes to drop by but cannot make the presentation.

Have your say, Have your say, PAVE THE WAY PAVE THE WAY

Lane Cove residents are invited to take the online survey by 30 June 2021 to help find out what you value most in Lane Cove residents are invited to take the online survey by 30 June 2021 to help find out what you value most in your ideal neighbourhood. The 2021 Australian Liveability Census is run by Place Score. your ideal neighbourhood. The 2021 Australian Liveability Census is run by Place Score.

Simply scan the QR code to take the quick survey, and have Simply scan the QR code to take the quick survey, and have the chance to win one of ten gift vouchers to be used in over the chance to win one of ten gift vouchers to be used in over 80 retailers. Because if you don’t have your say, you won’t 80 retailers. Because if you don’t have your say, you won’t pave the way. pave the way. Can’t use the QR? Go to: placescore.org/dc Can’t use the QR? Go to: placescore.org/dc

P 0431 959 980 E mayor@lanecove.nsw.gov.au

JUNE 2021

This month more than 30 members of the Lane Cove community are coming together as part of the Lane Cove Community Panel. Their task is to consider the vision for the future use of the outdoor space at the Lane Cove Golf Course. While we’re moving ahead with the Sport and Recreation Precinct plans for the indoor courts and centre at this location, we know from our consultation last year that the community wanted us to further consider the use of the outdoor space. The Panel has been randomly selected from a group of residents to reflect the demography of the area and they will help to consider the vision for the open space. You can follow their updates at www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/communitypanel as they meet throughout June.

Latest News

Liveability Census: Residents of Lane Cove are being encouraged to complete the 2021 Liveability Census by 30 June. Place Score are running Australia’s largest communityled census to help capture what communities see as important to their neighbourhood. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and is available directly through their website www.placescore.org.au/dc. The more people in Lane Cove who complete the survey, the better picture we’ll have of how we compare to the rest of Australia.

Construction Hours Reduced: From 7 June 2021, the NSW Government’s temporary COVID-19 measures related to construction hours will wrap up. This means that construction work days and hours will return to those set out in a development consent or hours permitted under the relevant approvals. Construction will no longer be able to take place on Sunday or public holidays, unless specifically permitted in a development consent. While we understand why the measures came into effect early in 2020 I know there will be a number of residents who welcome the reduced hours. Local Housing Strategy: Council is currently consulting with the community on its Draft Local Housing Strategy. Metropolitan Sydney councils are required to develop a Local Housing Strategy that assists in setting a clear plan for housing in their local government areas over the next 20 years. While it looks as though Council is on track to meet, and in some instances exceed, the housing targets set by the Greater Sydney Commission for the next 10 years we encourage everyone to take a look at the strategy and provide their feedback before the end of June.

Out and about in Lane Cove

Gai-mariagal Festival: For more than 20 years Lane Cove has participated in a regional festival running from Reconciliation Week to NAIDOC Week. This year Council has a range of exciting events taking place from walks, performances and exhibitions to a chance to meet some native animals in the Plaza. For the online program of events across Northern Sydney, visit www.gai-mariagal-festival.com.au

Men’s Health: This month Council has a range of events designed for local men to attend as part of our focus on Men’s Health including a bush tucker cooking class, 2 minute mates workshop and more. Visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events for a list of exciting free events for you to get involved in this June.

Did you know?

You can now report illegal dumping and abandoned vehicles using Council’s online services portal. VISIT

www.lanecove.nsw.gov. au/onlineservices

to access the full range of online services.

Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

Community

• Scams Prevention Information Session Wednesday 9 June, 10:00am - 11:30am, Lane Cove Library You can learn more about scams and find out how to protect yourself at this scams and safety workshop. Presented by North Shore Police Area Command, this session will cover telephone scams, mail/parcel theft, identity theft and prevention tips for the other common crimes such as break and enters, theft from motor vehicles and vehicle theft. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events • 2-Minute Mates Tuesday 15 June, 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Terrace Function Room, Lower Ground Floor, Lane Cove Community Hub, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove 2-Minute Mates is a mental health awareness project where the goal is to practice supporting and lifting up our mates. This workshop would be helpful for men 20-30 years of age who would like to know how to recognise the signs of suicide, how to look after yourself and how to support your mates. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events • Prostate Cancer Information Session Wednesday 16 June, 10:00am - 11:30am, Terrace Function Room, Lower Ground Floor, Lane Cove Community Hub, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove What is prostate cancer? Find out about the symptoms, causes, treatment options and more. Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) will be able to answer the questions you have. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events • Bush Food Cooking Tuesday 29 June, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Living and Learning Centre, 180 Longueville Road, Lane Cove In this free interactive 2-hour workshop, you’ll learn about traditional and contemporary uses of native ingredients and cook a range of delicious dishes including kangaroo stew, savoury damper, lemon myrtle lemonade and lilly-pilly crumble. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

Road Safety

• Child Car Seat Safety Check Saturday 12 June, 9:00am - 1:00pm, Lane Cove Council car park, 48 Longueville Road, Lane Cove Make sure your child is safe in their car seat with a free inspection by Authorised Restraint Fitters. You can have your child car seats, harnesses and booster seats checked for safety and fit. Please call Council’s Road Safety Officers on 9911 3576 or email roadsafety@lanecove.nsw.gov.au to book.

Library

• Online Talk: Meet Hugh Mackay – The Kindness Revolution Thursday 10 June, 6:30pm – 7:30pm, online 2020 was ravaged by bushfires and a global pandemic, impacting on both our mental and emotional health as well as the economy. Hugh Mackay reflects on the challenges we faced during that year and the questions it raised. Absorbing, wise and inspiring, The Kindness Revolution captures the essence of Mackay’s life’s work as social psychologist and researcher through this online event. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events • BAD Crime Writers Festival – Meet Candice Fox Thursday 17 June, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, Lane Cove Library Meet award-winning author, Candice Fox, interviewed by Catherine Du Peloux Menage, Artistic Director, BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival. In the lead up to the Festival, Candice will discuss her crime writing career including her latest novel The Chase. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events • Moments in Music – Verdi and Puccini Wednesday 30 June, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Lane Cove Library Hundreds of composers have brought the drama and spectacle of opera to the world’s stage, starting back in the 1600s and continuing today. The true stars of the genre were two Italians: Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. Local musician Graham Ball presents the lives and music of these giants of opera. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

Sustainability

• Talking to Kids about Climate Change – Toddlers to Teens Wednesday 16 June, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, online via Zoom In this free webinar for parents and carers, environmental psychologist Dr Susie Burke will discuss the tools and skills that are helpful when talking to kids in age-appropriate terms about climate change and how we can empower them to be part of the solution. Be guided through the key skills and competencies we can help children develop in order to thrive in a climate-altered world. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events