March 2016 Newsletter3.45 MB

Accessible Living Options (ALO)
March, 2016
1
ALO updates
2
Carers Information session,
Relationships Australia
3
Poem, “Wake up Rosie” - Support
for girls mental health
4
Staff: Liz Goodfellow. Riddles.
YourLink for Seniors
5
Peer Group for Disabled. Carer
Groups in our region. What's on
in Bathurst
6
Care-Giver Burnout. Welcome
Hunter Smith
7
Sudoku. Respite Program Report
ALO Improvements
8
Social Support Programs.
9
New staff member: Fran Dwyer
ComPacks Program Report.
Aphorisms
10
Case Management Report.
Dementia Carer Groups.
Volume 4, Issue 1
Welcome to our first newsletter for 2016!
This year started with a bang as we had a
Quality Review conducted by the
Department of Social Services Aged Care
Quality Agency. We met all 18 out of the
18 Outcomes of the Home Care Standards.
Congratulations to all!
We have a dedicated and wonderful team
of staff and volunteers who are committed
to their many participants and the
community of Bathurst.
We welcomed Liz Goodfellow to the
Administration team on 15/12/2015 and
Fran Dwyer as the Respite Coordinator on
04/01/2016. Meet Liz and Fran - P. 4 & P. 9.
We farewelled Kate Miller in December.
We wish Kate all the very best and thank
her for her innovation and commitment to
ALO’s participants, colleagues and all
associated with ALO.
11/12 Christmas with the Stars
13
Anzac Day 2016. Aged Care
Complaints.
14
Seniors week, After school and
Saturday respite opportunities
15
Message to ALO members/
Parents/Carers. Relay for life.
16
Nominate a worker or volunteer,
Recipe
In December our Lifestyle participants had
a great night at their Christmas party with
the theme “Christmas with the Stars”.
Read more on P’s 11 & 12 for some great
pictures and information.
In February ALO hosted a series of training
topics for staff and volunteers. ALO is
committed to providing opportunities for
professional development for staff and
volunteers. Thank you Relationships Australia for providing the training.
Tricommunity Exchange from Penrith provided training in IT (Information
Technology) . As technology quickly
changes we aim to keep moving with the
latest in software systems and training.
As well as Stan Williams from Macquarie
Accessible Living Options
1
Safety trained the new Administration staff to
be Wardens in the case of an Evacuation. This
was followed by an Evacuation Drill. These
drills will be a monthly as a way of training
staff, visitors and participants to evacuate
quickly and safely.
Site Visit—late February we had our first
surveillance visit for an onsite audit to verify
our compliance with the Attendant Care
Industry Standards. This was a follow up to our
Third Party Verification. We are delighted to
report all went extremely well and wish to
thank every one involved in the preparation
and on the day.
Planning events for 2016 is well underway.
Starting in March, ALO is hosting monthly
Carers gatherings. The focus is to bring people
together who are caring for a loved one with a
disability. We want to make it an informal
social occasion that is friendly and relaxed. We
are also aware that many families are keen to
know more about the National Disability
Insurance Scheme and how to prepare as well
as other topics of interest. Information will be
circulated once dates and speakers are
confirmed.
Fund Raising Committee— We are seeking
interested ALO members to be part of a
dynamic and active fundraising committee that
will oversee all our fundraising events OR be on
one of the subcommittees. We are aiming to
have two subcommittee—one to help organise
our annual Sports Ability Gala Day in September 2016 and the other to assist with arranging
a Ball in October 2016. So please if you have
some time and want to help please:
02 63 382345 or email contact@alo.org.au.
March, 2016
Carers Information Session and Afternoon Tea
Accessible Living Options would like to invite you to attend a Carers
Information session whilst experiencing an afternoon in the Lifestyle Hub

Presentations by our staff who will give overviews on what is on offer at ALO –
 Lifestyle Services
 Case Management
 Respite
 Social Support and
 Individual Packages

Opportunities for questions will be available
Following the presentations you will have the opportunity to take part in a complimentary
Zumba class as experienced by our participants (wear comfortable clothes)
Light refreshments will be available


When:
Wednesday 16th March 2016
Where:
Accessible Living Options Lifestyle Hub
369 Stewart Street, Bathurst.
Time:
4.30pm-6.30pm
RSVP to confirm your attendance by Monday 14th March 2016.
Relationships Australia - Seminars
Relationships Australia is running two seminars on relationships.
1. Managing Strong Emotions. Do you often get anxious, angry, or overwhelmed? Do you manage your emotions or do
they manage you? Learn the WHY, WHAT AND HOW of managing your strong emotions, so you can enjoy life!
Date: Mondays 29th February to 11th April, 2016. Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Venue: Panorama Clinic, Bathurst Hospital.
Cost: $20 per session or a donation you can afford. To book a place or for more information phone: 6333 8888.
2. Self-Esteem and Communication. Topics covered are: building self-esteem, self confidence and communication skills.
Problem solving. Caring for yourself. This course can be run as a “women only” or a “men only” or a mixed gender,
depending on your needs.
Date: Wednesdays from February 3rd to March 16th. Time: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Venue: Lithgow Probation and Parole
43 Main Street, Lithgow. Cost: $20 per session or a donation you can afford. To make a booking phone: 6333 8888.
Web site: www.nsw.relationships.com.au
Accessible Living Options
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March, 2016
I Love This Land Australia - Poem by Francis Duggan
I love this Land Australia of gum and wattle tree
This vast and sunlit Continent is home from home for me
And though I come from a distant Land when I have had my day
Than underneath Australian soil where better place to lay.
I love this Land Australia home of the kangaroo
Of echidna and wombat, platypus and cockatoo
Of lorikeet and rosella, koala, possum and emu
And other unusual birds and animals as I've mentioned just a few.
I like Australian people if poor man make good they say
The man he is a battler, good on him anyway,
In Land of wedge tailed eagle there's room to spread one's wings
And in the lucky country the battler is a king.
I love this Land Australia it's home from home for me,
Home of the kookaburra and gum and wattle tree
And bell bird and bell magpie who through the Winter sing
A Winter oft times milder than Ireland in the Spring.
I love this Land Australia of sunshine and bird song
And with each passing day my love for this great Country grows more strong
And though I come from a distant Land when I have had my day
Than underneath Australian soil where better place to lay
“Wake Up Rosie” - Support for girl’s mental health
Wake up Rosie, an initiative of The Victorian Women's Trust and The Dugdale Trust for Women and Girls, has developed
an alarm clock iOS app [for iPhones] called; “Wake Up Rosie”. It is designed to help start the day in a positive frame of
mind. A recent report by Mission Australia and the Black Dog Institute revealed that young girls are almost twice as likely
to be affected by mental illness than boys. As most of us know, when you have a mental illness, getting up and feeling
motivated in the morning can be really hard. This app was created to help everyone to make happiness part of their daily
routine.
How it works:
Each time the alarm sounds, Wake Up Rosie will send you an inspirational image, just made for sharing. You can set the
alarm for every morning or during the day for a happy little pick-me-up. This app is only for an iPhone.
All images + alarm tones have been generously donated by independent artists – a big thank you to everyone who helped
to make this app possible!
1. Step by step guide to the Wake Up Rosie app:
2. Download and install the Wake Up Rosie iOS app onto your iPhone.
3. Set your alarm. You could set it for every day, some days, or you use the ‘surprise me’ setting, for happy message at a
random time during the day!
4. Select your alarm tone. Aside from the usual alarm sounds, we’ll also be including a selection of musical alarm tones
from Australian musicians! Lucky you.
5. Wakey, wakey. Every time your alarm sounds, you will receive an inspirational image or quote. Happy days!
6. Share the love! These images are made for sharing. Spread the good vibes by sharing your favourite images on
Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
Accessible Living Options
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March, 2016
Getting to Know our New Staff Member - Liz Goodfellow
Where were you born? Bathurst
How long have you lived in Bathurst and surrounding district?
60 years - 2 years in Bourke [2013—2015]
What is your job? Administration Assistant
Why did you join ALO? Career change and part-time hours
What do you enjoy about being at ALO? Meeting everyone learning something new.
Your hobbies? Sewing, Reading. Learning to crochet at present.
What is your favourite meal? Pumpkin Soup
What is your favourite film / book? Books...All Bryce Courtney’s
novels. My favourite is “April Fools Day”.
What is your favourite quote? You are never too old to learn.
What do you like most about Bathurst? Location
What do you like least about Bathurst? Cold weather
Who is your hero? Marie Curie
Do you have a pet? Yes, an emu called “Big Bird”
Riddles
1) Johnny's Mother had three children. The first child was named April. The second child was named May. What was the
third child’s name?
2) A worker at a butcher shop stands five feet ten inches tall and wears size 13 sneakers. What does he weigh?
3) If you were running a race and you passed the person in 2nd place, what place would you be in now?
4) How many times can you subtract the number two from the number fifty?
[Answers on p.15]
Technology - YourLink for Seniors
YourLink is designed for seniors to stay connected to your family and friends, the services you need and the things you
enjoy doing. At present the app is only for iPads. The app may be downloaded from www.yourlink.com.au
YourLink allows you to:
a)
message your family and friends
b)
see what is going on in your local community
c)
find services available in your local area and receive regular updates.
This app gives you a home page in YourLink where you can have connections to Family and Friends, Aged Care and
Disability Services, Transport services, Technology and Health care.
Accessible Living Options
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March, 2016
Bathurst Peer Group for People With a Physical Disability
A peer support group is being formed for people with a physical disability. The group is being managed by the PHYSICAL
DISABILITY COUNCIL OF NSW.
The group will meet every 4th Thursday of each month—beginning on February 25th.
The group will meet at The Neighbourhood Centre from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
The Neighbourhood Centre is located at 96 Russell Street, Bathurst. Phone number: 6332 4866
Carer Groups in our Region - Blayney, Oberon, Bathurst
The monthly Carer’s Groups are for carers of older people with chronic illness. At the meetings matters of a very
sensitive nature may be discussed and so it is suggested that a carer should organise Respite for the person for whom they
care.
Here is the calendar of meetings for groups:
CENTRE
TIME
WHEN
VENUE
Blayney
Last Tuesday of the month
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Meals on Wheels 39 Church St., Blayney
Oberon
Last Wednesday of the month 11 to 12:30 p.m.
Bob Hooper Community Centre, Oberon
Bathurst
Last Thursday of the month
St. Vincent’s 51 Gorman's Hill Rd. Bathurst
Month
Blayney
Oberon
Bathurst
Month
Blayney
Oberon
Bathurst
FEB
23.2.16
24.2.16
25.2.16
JULY
26.7.16
27.7.16
28.7.16
MARCH
29.3.16
30.3.16
31.3.16
AUGUST
30.8.16
31.8.16
25.8.16
APRIL
26.4.16
27.4.16
28.4.16
SEPTEMBER 27.9.16
28.9.16
29.9.16
MAY
31.5.16
25.5.16
26.5.16
OCTOBER
25.10.16
26.10.16
27.10.16
JUNE
28.6.16
29.6.16
30.6.16
NOVEMBER
29.11.16
30.11.16
24.11.16
11:00 to 12:30 p.m.
What’s On in the Bathurst Region?
MARCH EVENTS
All of March, April and May:
Autumn Colours Program - Autumn is a beautiful time to visit and enjoy all the events and activities taking place.
For a copy of the program contact Bathurst Visitor Information Centre Contact: 02 6332 1444 or 1800 68 1000
March to May:
Begonia House - begonias flower between February and late April - early May. The best time to view them is midMarch when they are at their peak. Venue: Machattie Park, Mon to Fri 9am to 4pm; weekends and p/h 11am to
3pm; closed Good Friday. Cost: free Contact: 6333 6285 (business hours)
Until Sunday, May 29:
Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum - meet SuperCroc (Sarchosuchus Imperator), ‘flesh crocodile emperor’.
This 11 metre, 9,000 kg replica was the largest known crocodilian to ever roam the earth. SuperCroc was a 110
million year old ancient African monster. Venue: Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, 224 Howick St Museum
opening times: Mon - Sat 10am to 4pm; Sun 10am to 2pm. Museum entry: adult $14; concession $10; child $7;
family $30 Contact: 6331 5511 website: somervillecollection.com.au
What’s On? continued
Accessible Living Options
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March, 2016
The Sneaky Side of Care-Giver Burnout by Carol Bradley Bursack
Care giver burnout doesn’t happen all at once. We have good days and bad days...that’s normal. Eventually, though, we
may find ourselves edging dangerously close to a meltdown over a situation which would have been simply a mild irritation
not long ago. The future looks bleak and our responsibilities endless...that’s a danger point.
How can we spot and extinguish the small fires that, left smouldering, can eventually lead to burnout? What do you do if
you already feel fried?
The best approach is, of course, to take preventative action before burnout is upon you. One way to do that is to keep a
journal, log or diary. How are you feeling on a particular day...and the next…and the next? By making a few notes each day,
in a journal or on a computer, you may be able to look back and see a pattern. You’ll become more aware of your own
moods, actions and reactions and you may be able to recognise and prevent care-giver burnout. Just the act of writing it
down can relieve your stress. You can go back through your journal and see repeating problems and/or attitudes and that
gives you insight into your own state of being.
What are the signs that care-giver burnout could be present or imminent.
1. You experience relentless fatigue. If you are constantly tired without an explanation [such as too much physical activity
or not enough sleep] you should see your doctor.
2. You get sick more frequently. Constant illness can be a sign that you have had enough. Constant recurring infections or
medical problems can be a sign your immune system is compromised by fatigue or depression.
3. You lose your cool more often. If you find yourself sniping at everyone - for any reason or no real reason at all - you may
have gone beyond your capacity to handle stress. If you were once an easy-going person, then this type of behaviour is an
alarming signal. It is not fair to you to ruin your health and well-being.
4. You may begin withdrawing from your loved ones. If you can see that you are distancing yourself from friends and
family—gradually developing an attitude that you don’t want to see them...and you are finding no joy in your life. That’s a
signal to yourself. Changes will need to be made.
5. You have trouble finding happiness. No matter what happens which should make you joyful - you find that you do not
find any joy in what has happened...with yourself and your family and friends.
6. You become prone to accidents. It seems that every time you do something you hurt yourself. You make minor errors
driving - sometimes seeing that you were in danger and only just avoiding it. It is possible that you are so distracted and
worn out that you cannot concentrate...look for the signs.
7. You stop seeking information and support. Your mom has Alzheimer's and you used to cope well with her lapses of
memory and her sinking into an alternative world. Now, everything she does irritates you to the point that you struggle to
be kind and you no longer seek information and support. You do what you have to do but your heart isn’t in it.
8. Caring for yourself doesn't seem worthwhile. Small gifts to yourself don’t seem worth the trouble. Need a haircut? Why
bother. A gift certificate, for a massage, from a caring friend? You don’t get around to making an appointment. It’s just too
much trouble.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may already be into the burnout stage. It’s possible you may need
professional help to guide you back to emotional health. You need to make changes when serious problems occur. You
may have told your mum that you would never put her into a nursing home - but you didn’t know she would have a
stroke and require more help than you can manage. Make the changes you need for your health. No guilt is allowed!
Welcome Hunter Smith
Emma and Andrew Smith are happy to announce the
birth of their son, Hunter Patrick Smith, a brother to
Charlie.
All the staff and participants at ALO would like to
welcome Hunter and wish the Smith family the best.
Accessible Living Options
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March, 2016
A Sudoku
Every Sudoku has a
unique solution that can
be reached logically.
Enter numbers into the
blank spaces so that each
row, column and 3x3 box
contains the numbers
1 to 9. You must not
repeat the numbers in
each box of nine.
Respite Program Report
by Erin Trevor-Jones
We hope everyone had a happy Christmas and New Year. It’s hard to believe we are into March already! We would like to
welcome Fran Dwyer, who is now working with Erin in the respite program.
2016 has been very busy for the respite program so far, with a lot of school holiday respite provided. We were able to
assist a few families to have some time away together, as well as arranging one-on-one respite with support workers.
Participants decide what event or activity they wish to access and we link them with relevant information, provide staff and
transport (if required). Bathurst and surrounds have so many wonderful locations and we encourage people to access
their communities.
The respite program provides respite that is planned and short-term. It aims to enable carers and families of people with a
disability to continue in their caring role. To be eligible for the respite program, the person with a disability must be under
65 years of age. Accessible Living Options provides respite from Lithgow to Orange and into Mid West region (Kandos/
Rylstone).
The Respite Program is flexible and aims to ensure individual needs are met. We encourage you to contact us to discuss
what you want to get out of your break.
If you would like to share your respite experience, a photo or a few comments for our next newsletter, please feel free to
contact us. If you require respite, or know someone who may benefit from the program, please call Respite Coordinator
Fran on 6338 2310 or Erin on 6338 2318. You can also send an email to erin@alo.org.au or fran@alo.org.au.
Some of ALO Improvements since last newsletter
ALO continues to review and refine our practices. We are keen for your feedback both positive and not so as we
want to make improvements for the benefit of all. Internally we continually review policies and recently
completed: Governance, Community Understanding, Engagement and Physical resources. As well as using a
quality improvement tracking system.
We finally have a new Air-conditioning System in Lifestyle Hub which we are delighted with, especially with the
warmer weather.
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March, 2016
Social Support Programs – Denise and Shirley
We hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas and New Year break with family and friends and everyone is ready for another
busy year in 2016 with the Social Support programs. To anyone who has lost a loved one, relative or friend recently, we
send you our heartfelt condolences. Let’s hope 2016 is a safe and happy year for everyone.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has given up their time to assist the social support
programs. We are extremely lucky to have such beautiful souls working with us as paid staff or volunteers and also have
members of the community offering their skills and expertise entertaining the groups on the outings and lunches. We look
forward to continuing this connection and establishing new ones for the oncoming years.
The group outings have kicked off the year with a Group outing day trip to Leura and Lithgow and the Mobile Lunch and
Social Club has held a luncheon at Bathurst Golf Club. We have seen both groups steadily increasing due to the friendly
social nature of every trip with everyone returning from their day out with smiles on their faces and stories to tell. We look
forward to visiting more exciting places during 2016
We also have Participants accessing the community with one on one support from volunteers. There is a current wait list
for this service however this is due to the program endeavouring to match the Participants to Volunteers with similar
interests to enable an easy conversation and enriching experience.
Oberon Coffee Group are meeting every Wednesday at DJ Café from 10.30—11.30 except for the last Wednesday of each
month when they go for lunch at The Big Trout Motel, Titania Street Oberon at 12.00pm
The ALO Social Support programs and Bathurst Community Transport are partnering to encourage male participants to
engage in social activities by offering them a Men’s Social Group. Two wonderful male volunteers are leading the group
with the first outing to be held on 31st March 2016. The group will be travelling to the Lithgow Small Arms Factory and will
also be having lunch at Lithgow Workies. The Men’s Social Group are aiming to have regular outings on the last Thursday of
each month. Looking forward to hearing their stories from their first outing and what the group plans are for their next.
If you, or anyone you may know, are feeling lonely and are interested in knowing more than contact us on 6338 2302 .
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March, 2016
Getting to Know New Staff - Fran Dwyer
I joined the team at ALO on the 4 January 2016 to cover Emma Smith while
she takes some time out with her second baby.
I am working very closely with Erin in learning the ropes around ALO’s Respite
Program and coordination whilst undertaking a Case Management role as well.
I was born and bred in the Bathurst area living with my parents and eight siblings
on a property the other side of Newbridge. I went to school here in Bathurst and
then went onto do nursing at St Vincent’s Hospital Bathurst. Not long after finishing
I met a guy (as you do!) and we decided we’d motor bike it around Australia.
We eventually landed in Melbourne, ditched the bike, had three kids, bought a
house, furniture, car and after eight years came back to settle our family in
Bathurst.
I nursed at Kelso Nursing Home, then went to work for many years at Bathurst
Rehab Centre and Bathurst Base Hospital until 2001.I then took up a position at
Charles Sturt University working in as Prospective Student Adviser travelling
many miles around NSW and Victoria for the past fourteen and half years.
We now have three grand kids and a forth on the way in August so it is great to
be back working close to home and to be working with a great team. I have
always been passionate to help people and particularly those who cannot do so for
themselves and need support. ALO‘s vision and purpose aligns closely with my belief
in giving individuals’ choices, support and opportunity to reach their own potential.
ComPacks Program Report by Jenny Sparrow
ComPacks referrals are continuing to be received from various public hospitals for patients residing in the Lithgow and the
lower Blue Mountains LGA’s.
ComPacks is funded by the NSW Ministry of Health and is a short term package of community support services, for up to
six weeks after discharge from hospital. It aims to assist people to safely return home from hospital and prevent hospital
readmission. Regardless of the persons age, anyone discharged from a public hospital, is eligible as needing case
management and a combination of two or more community support services. Hospital staff work with the person to
identify if ComPacks is suitable and make the referral accordingly.
Services can include assistance with meals, personal care, housework, shopping, transport to follow-up medical
appointments and respite. Before ComPacks finishes, the case
manager will link the person with ongoing services and/or provide
information but there may be a waiting period for available services.
If you have any questions regarding a referral to ComPacks, please
speak to the staff during your stay in hospital, or, contact Jenny on
6338 2309 or by email jenny@alo.org.au.
From Hospital to Home
Aphorisms
An aphorism is a short, pointed statement that expresses a wise or clever truth.
*Money will buy a good dog, but only kindness will make it
wag its tail.
*If you don’t have a sense of humour you probably don’t
have any sense at all.
*A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you’re in
deep water.
*Why does it take so little time for a child who is afraid of
the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all
night?
Accessible Living Options
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*Business conventions are important because they
demonstrate how many people a company can operate
without.
*No one has more driving ambition than a teenage boy who
wants to buy a car.
*I have reached the age where the “happy hour” is a nap.
*The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the
same size bucket.
March, 2016
Case Management Report by Jenny Sparrow
Welcome to the New Year and we hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Christmas. January was a busy month
to start the New Year.
This year, we welcomed Fran Dwyer who is also working across Respite.
The Case Management Program continues to assist Participants to strengthen their abilities, confidence and
maintain independence at home. We are committed to ensuring a quality service to allow choice in the level of
control the Participant wants, to have their say in the range of supports they need to live life, their way. Listening,
learning and planning goals on what is important to them and their family.
We continue to attend numerous meetings across the Central west, and the opportunity to share information and
networking with colleagues, community groups and government representatives.
Referrals for the Case Management Program are received by phoning (02) 6338 2345 and asking to speak to our
Intake Officers. Remember, a referral cannot be accepted without the consent of the person who is being
referred. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact ALO and every effort will be made to assist
you.
Dementia Carers Groups
Dementia Carers Groups meet on the following regions/dates and times.
Bathurst—St Vincent's—last Thursday of the month. St Vincent's Outreach Services, 51 Gorman's Hill Road.
11—12.30pm
Phone: 6332 8963
Mudgee—Third Friday each month. Legacy House, 133 Market Street
11.00 - 1.00pm
Phone: 6373 2902
Oberon—Last Wednesday each month. Bob Hooper Community Centre, Fleming Street.
10.30 - 12.00pm
Phone: 6861 2555
Bathurst—Third Tuesday each month. Venues vary.
2.00pm
Phone: 6332 1449
Mudgee – Re-Member Morning Tea. (for carer and person with Dementia) Every Tuesday, Legacy House, 133 Market
Street.
10.00am
Phone: 6372 2902
Blayney - Last Tuesday each month. Meals on Wheels/Social Support Services, 39 Church Street.
12.30 - 2.00pm
Phone: 6332 8963
Accessible Living Options
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March, 2016
Christmas With The Stars
Participants, families, carers and staff of Accessible Living Options (ALO) Lifestyle Hub, hit the red carpet in December to
enjoy the fun and festivities of the Christmas season.
Everyone arrived spectacularly decked out in their finery of film characters and celebrities. James Bond, Richard Gere, Elvis,
Snow White and Fred Flintstone put in an appearance.
Once the celebrities had traversed the red carpet and the Hollywood walk of fame it was down to the real business of
mingling and chatting about the exciting year that has been and the “Blockbuster” year ALO has planned for 2016.
We all enjoyed fine food, music, dancing and a VIP photo booth lounge.
The paparazzi snapped fabulous shots of our celebrities having a most glorious start to the Christmas Season. We all partied
until Elvis left the building.
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March, 2016
Christmas With The Stars -
Accessible Living Options
12
continued
March, 2016
Anzac Day 2016
This poem was written by the lady who was to become one of our most revered poets—she was then Mary Gilmore—later
to become Dame Mary Gilmore. This was first published in The Australian Women’s Weekly Saturday, June 29th, 1940.
No Foe Shall Gather Our Harvest - Dame Mary Gilmore
Sons of the mountains of Scotland,
Welshmen of coomb and defile,
Breed of the moors of England,
Children of Erin's green isle,
We stand four square to the tempest,
Whatever the battering hailNo foe shall gather our harvest,
Or sit on our stockyard rail.
So hail-fellow-met we muster,
And hail-fellow-met fall in,
Wherever the guns may thunder,
Or the rocketing air-mail spin!
Born of the soil and the whirlwind,
Though death itself be the galeNo foe shall gather our harvest
Or sit on our stockyard rail.
Our women shall walk in honour,
Our children shall know no chain,
This land, that is ours forever,
The invader shall strike at in vain.
Anzac!...Tobruk!...and Kokoda!...
Could ever the old blood fail?
No foe shall gather our harvest,
Or sit on our stockyard rail.
We are the sons of Australia,
of the men who fashioned the land;
We are the sons of the women
Who walked with them hand in hand;
And we swear by the dead who bore us,
By the heroes who blazed the trail,
No foe shall gather our harvest,
Or sit on our stockyard rail.
From the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner
If you have a concern….information for people receiving aged care, families, representatives and carers about the
Aged Care Complaints Commissioner.
 Anyone can raise a concern. You should first raise the concern with your service provider...this is the fastest
way to have your concern heard.
 If you cannot resolve your complaint then you can ring the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner on 1800 550
552 This service is free.
 What will happen when I ring the Commissioner? The Commissioner wants to resolve your concern in your
best interest.
 The Commissioner’s staff will explain the complaint process and set the process in motion. When you ring you
should have a complete set of information to relate...keep it easy to understand and try to set it out in the
order in which things happened.
 You do not need to give your name. However without a name it may be really difficult to resolve your concern
so it is best to be open about your complaint.
 Can you have support? Yes, advocacy is available to help you: your advocate can give you information about
your rights and responsibilities...help you to raise your issues with the Commissioner or your service
provider...support you at any stage during the complaints process. Advocacy is free, independent and
confidential. Your advocate will always seek your permission before taking any action. You can call the
National Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600
 The Aged Care complaints Commissioner can assist with concerns about the quality of care you are receiving
from Australian Government Funded aged care providers.
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March, 2016
Seniors Week
A variety of entertainment is available in Bathurst for the NSW Seniors Festival to be held 1st —10th APRIL 2016
which includes:
Songs of Praise—Uniting Church William Street Sunday 3rd April 9.30am—10.30am Free entry
Bathurst Seymour Centre Multicultural Open Day—55 Seymour Street Monday 4th April 10.00am –2.00pm
Bookings/Enquiries 6332 1449
Health and Wellbeing River Walk—Hereford Street Low Level Bridge Tuesday 5th April 9.45am –11.30am Free
entry Phone to register 6333 4300
Morning Melodies—The Buddy Holly Tribute Show—RSL Club, Rankin Street Tuesday 5th April 10.00—12.00
Free to RSL members Enquiries 6333 2999
Free Hearing Tests—Busby Medical Centre, 198 Howick Street Wednesday 6th April 10.30—12.00
Morning Tea at Miss Traill’s House Cnr Peel and Russell Street Thursday 7th April 10.00—12.00 Phone 6332
4232 to register
Sausage Sizzle—Principle Bathurst 61 Boyd Street Kelso Friday 8th April 11.30—2.30 Includes a talk on “Pathway
to Aged Care Services”
For further information pick up a program of the events from Accessible Living Options, Bathurst Regional
Council, Bathurst Visitors Information Centre, shopping centres and other venues and locations around the city .
After School and Saturday Respite Opportunities
Attention Parents and Carers

Do you care for a young person aged between 12 and 18 years old (who has a disability)?

If so, would you like respite after school or on a Saturday?
Accessible Living Options is considering starting a new extended service if there is enough
interest.
We are keen to hear from you and would appreciate your ideas for activities and times of the
week that you would prefer. We will then collate the information to determine the most
preferred hours, a costing and advise you.
Please phone Erin: 6338 2318 or Michelle 6338 2304
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March, 2016
ALO Members/Carers/Parents
Would you like to have a more active role within ALO?
ALO staff are preparing for what will be another busy year. We have several exciting things on
the planner and we would love for you to be involved.
We are seeking interested people to be part of three dynamic and active committees that will
oversee our fundraising activities for upcoming events.
We aim to have three subcommittees –



A fundraising committee
A Sports Ability Gala Day organising committee, which is to be held in September 2016
An organising committee for a Ball we plan to hold for our participants in October 2016
What will the fundraising committee members be required to do?






Attend regular meetings
Assist staff to organise fundraising activities and events
Bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm
Take on tasks and complete them within allocated time frames
Represent ALO in the community in a positive way
Be reportable to ALO’s Management Team
If you are interested or require further information, please phone 02 6338 2345 or
email contact@alo.org.au.
Relay For Life -
Come Walk With Us
Please join us, Accessible Living Options (ALO) in the RELAY FOR LIFE
event to be held at:
All Saints College on Saturday and Sunday, March 12th/13th.
Starting Time: 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 12th...End Time:
10.00a.m. on Sunday, March 13th.
If you wish to come and walk or donate please do so by registering
online at: http://fundraising.cancer.org.au/bathurst2016
Answers to Riddles on p.3
1.
The third child's name was Johnny.
2.
The butcher weighs meat.
3.
Second place.
4.
Once—then you would be subtracting two from 48.
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March, 2016
Accessible Living Options Inc.
369 Stewart St,
Bathurst NSW 2795
Phone: 6338 2345
Fax: 6332 5844
Email: contact@alo.org.au
ALO is committed to undertaking programs and activities that
have a direct impact on the lives of people who are ageing,
people with dementia, people with a disability, people with a
mental illness and their carer’s. This includes commitment to
the development and delivery of high quality community care,
contribution to planning and development activities,
community development initiatives and broader sector
research, leadership and mentoring.
Nominate a worker or volunteer for a job well done.
Is there someone who you think has done a great job? They can be a staff member or a volunteer.
Phone: 6338 2345 to nominate them for a gift of appreciation.
This month nominated for their excellence are:
Congratulations to Liz Allenby and Kay Gibbs, two of our wonderful volunteers and Denise Simpson our Social
Support Coordinator who were all nominated for a job well done.
Chicken and Apricot Salad
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 single chicken breast fillets
1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 apricots, halved, stone removed, cut into wedges
2 Lebanese cucumbers, peeled into ribbons
100g pkt baby salad leaves with herbs
Method:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes
each side or until cooked through. Set aside for 5 minutes to rest, then cut into slices.
2. Combine the balsamic vinegar and remaining oil. Season well with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Combine the apricots, cucumber, sweet baby leaves and sliced chicken. Divide among four serving plates.
4. To serve; scatter the goat's cheese over the salad and drizzle with the vinaigrette.
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March, 2016