City of Kingston Senior΄s Newsletter May/June 2020

In this Edition

1 COVID-19 Updates 4 “Your Local Community Radio Station” 1 Celebrating Kingston Centenarians 4 Be Physically Active Senior Citizens of Freccia Azzurra Club 5 Social Support 2 “Nonni Days” Carer Support: 6 3 Stories of Support and Fellowship Services Operating During the Pandemic 3 Kingston Libraries Digital Support 8 Kingston AccessCare Service Reminders 3 ‘Be Connected’ Program

COVID-19 Updates For comprehensive information about COVID-19 and associated support programs, please visit Department of Health and Human Services website: dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19

Celebrating Kingston Centenarians Kingston Council will host its annual ‘One Hundred Years of Memories Luncheon’ to celebrate the lives of Kingston residents Kingston Mayor, Cr Georgina Oxley and (From left) Kingston City Council CEO Julie who have reached the milestone of 100 years. Junior Mayor Jack O’Connor present a Reid, Centenarian Hiek Neang, Kingston The Centenarians and two family members Certificate to Mavis O’Neill Mayor, Cr Georgina Oxley or friends will be invited for the luncheon. The Mayor will present our Centenarians with commemorative gifts and certificates. If you, your family member or friend will celebrate a 100th birthday in 2020 or in the beginning of 2021 or are over 100 years of age, please contact Alina Urbanczyk – Social Inclusion Officer on 9581 4948 or email [email protected].

Guests - Kingston Centenarians, Kingston Mayor and Kingston Junior Mayor Celebrating Kingston Centenarians event 2019 1 Kingston clubs and their members

Senior Citizens of Freccia Azzurra Club “Nonni Days” There are more than 60 senior clubs in Kingston and surrounding areas. All of them play a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of their members through participation in activities and socialising over a cuppa, lunch or dinner. Senior Citizens of Freccia Azzurra The “Nonni Days” are very popular Club was established in 1997 to with around 350 people attending, provide activities for seniors of of which half are children. Italian background. Currently the Antonietta is very passionate Club has over 500 members who about the Club and its members. represent many backgrounds She says “attractions must be including Italian, German, Dutch, of the highest possible quality Polish, Hungarian, Russian, Greek, despite limited resources. Each English and Australian. The Club’s event does require a lot of activities include bocce, billiards, planning and preparation, but it cards, social bingo, information is worth it. Seeing the families sessions and day trips as well as having great time together, weekly nutritious lunches cooked grandchildren playing bocce with by skilled and trained Committee their grandparents or dancing members. Once a month the Club together. It is so rewarding seeing holds a lunch and dance event with the smiles on their faces, receiving a professional chef’s cuisine. comments about how great the Antonietta Coppola, Club day was. It is a rare opportunity Secretary, came up with a for the grandchildren to see new, very special idea – Senior their grandparents having fun, Citizens of Freccia Azzurra Club playing games, dancing, looking “Nonni Days” (Grandparent’s and feeling young. It is also the Letter to Club’s Secretary from Ruby – young Days). Since 2018, three times time when generations can learn participant of a Nonni Day a year, during school holidays, something about each other, the grandparents come with strengthen their relationships and their children, grandchildren and build respect towards each other. great grandchildren to celebrate The unforgettable moments are information she receives from tradition, culture and family values. often watched by the families on Kingston Council about support “Nonni Days” are themed with the Club’s Facebook page and the programs available during this the April event focussed on the bookings for each event are made difficult time. making of Easter decorations and way in advance”. Council’s Social Development Team preparing Easter baskets. In July Antonietta says that during would like to thank Antonietta it is a Lego Day with participants COVID-19 social distancing when all and the other Club Committee working on their individual activities are suspended, she and members for the great work they building projects, and in October the other Committee members are doing for the community. it is a Show Day with a dancing have a lot of time for planning. For information please call competition for seniors and their In future the Club will increase Antonietta on 0414 922 797 grandchildren. There are always the number of day trips and will or visit facebook.com/ prizes and show bags for the continue with all other activities frecciaazzurrascc/. children. Other attractions include including “Nonni Days”. In the face painting, an animal farm, meantime, Antonietta is in touch bocce competitions, live music, with Club members over the phone dance, and delicious, healthy meals or on Facebook – socialising, cooked by a professional chef providing support and forwarding supported by Club volunteers.

2 Staying connected during COVID-19

Stories of Support and Fellowship

Dingley Central Probus Club woollen rug and the photography vulnerable members to ensure Prior to the lockdown the Dingley group will have photos to share that information about support Central Probus Club held its Annual with the theme ‘At home in isolation’. programs and services is General Meeting and elected In between newsletters, Greg has forwarded to all who may need their new committee. Their first put out special bulletins to keep help during this difficult time. motion was to cancel all meetings in touch with the membership. Anonymous and activities, which is not what In addition to the regular welfare you would normally expect of a group, the Club has also set up a The Club didn’t want to be club committee. But these were care team of volunteers who make mentioned by name but was not normal times, with COVID-19 themselves available to assist happy to share their story: dictating changes to nearly all where needed or phone those aspects of our lives. without internet access. “Our Club is maintaining Club President, Greg Pullen, has COVID-19 has challenged the contact with members via not yet had the opportunity to Club to find new ways to keep newsletters, a phone tree, preside over a normal meeting but their membership together by welfare checks and Messenger initiated trial video conferencing communicating regularly to keep group Committee meetings. using Zoom. Once some test their spirits high and maintain This is working well, and we sessions were completed, the fellowship with each other. can act upon any individual committee met via Zoom which member’s needs forwarding included a telephone link to those Other strategies used by Clubs help as needed. We are without a computer. Some clubs continue their finding our generation still The Club has their regular monthly activities online or just meet in has resilience for hard times. newsletter that has continued to small social groups using Zoom. Some are ordering meals, be published despite having fewer Members of Clubs stay connected groceries, using the opportunity activities to report. The members through Facetime, Houseparty, to upgrade their banking skills, are encouraged to knit colourful WeChat or WhatsApp. All clubs’ downloading books to read etc.” squares to eventually make a committees are in touch with

Kingston Libraries Digital Support ‘Be Connected’ The Kingston Library team is working hard Program to ensure we are still available to support the Many of us are now willing to community whilst our branches are closed. learn more about technology You can contact our friendly staff for help with using the internet, or and the devices we may or smart device including tablet, iPad, computer, and smart mobile phones. may not have. The ‘Be Contact us to help build your confidence on getting online and to help stay Connected’ program is an connected to those you care about. Australia wide initiative Call Kingston Libraries between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on empowering all Australians 1300 135 668 or email us at [email protected]. to thrive in a digital world. It is an online learning Please provide details of the type of device you are wanting support with resource as well as a network and what you are hoping to learn. A staff member will get back to you to of community partners who conduct a one-on-one consultation to assess your needs and how we can offer in-person support, so assist you. you can develop your digital The Library also has a wealth of online tutorials available for you to skills and confidence. For more practise your computer skills at home. For further information visit information, please visit kingston.vic.gov.au/library or call 1300 135 668. beconnected.esafety.gov.au.

3 Activities during COVID-19

“Your Local Community Radio Station” During these uncertain times where, social distancing is the new ‘norm’, the radio and music are welcome partners to those feeling alone and isolated. Golden Days Radio (GDR) 95.7FM commenced broadcasting in 1991 and in 2001 the station was granted a full-time licence to broadcast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Established for the Over 50s, especially the senior community, GDR showcases a broad range of music drawn from Jazz, Swing, Dance and moving into ‘baby boomer’ tunes. Today GDR is operated by some 90 volunteers from all walks of life and broadcasts from a modern studio complex at Glen Huntly along with an Outside Broadcast Unit.

Being Physically Active Several websites and resources have become available to encourage older people to exercise and be active while staying safe at home. Safe Exercise at Home Digital LGBTI+ Dance Club The Australian Physiotherapy Association has launched a new website Enjoy this free online dance Safe Exercise at Home which shares simple, gentle exercises and gives platform that celebrates ideas of safe ways for older people to increase activity levels while at Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, home. safeexerciseathome.org.au Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI+) elders during these Moving For Life turbulent times. Designed for Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) the whole rainbow and allied has moved its Moving for Life program online, offering community, all welcome! free classes. When: Every fortnight, Moving for Life has been designed to increase the physical activity levels Sunday afternoon from 4pm of older Australians through a range of exercises. The exercises will Upcoming events: delay frailty, maintain independent living, reduce your risk of falling, and help you to keep doing the things that are important to you. All exercises Sunday 14 June, have been created by qualified instructors. Classes are adjustable for 4pm – 5.30pm (AEST) seniors of any level of ability and activities include Yoga, Tai Chi, Gentle Sunday 28 June, Exercises and Strength Training, Line Dancing, and Party Dancing. 4pm – 5.30pm (AEST) It’s never too late to become physically active. For more information, please To exercise online with AMCS, visit contact the Social Inclusion facebook.com/MovingForLifeAMCS Officer on 9581 4948. or contact Project Coordinator, Linzee Ifi at [email protected] or call 9689 9170. Exercise Programs on TV AMCS has been providing support services Channel 44 (C31 Melbourne to seniors from diverse backgrounds for over Community TV) have Move It 35 years and specialises in providing culturally Or Lose It gentle exercises from appropriate community services and home care packages. 8.30am each weekday. For more information, please call 9689 9170, email Channel 94 (9life) has Daily [email protected] or visit amcs.org.au. Move exercise and wellbeing sessions from 9.30am daily.

4 Updates on services during COVID-19

On Australia Day 2020 GDR was invited to broadcast from Government House, the first community radio station to do so! For many people, being without the companionship of radio such as GDR is unimaginable. GDR recognises how important it is in providing a vital resource to our senior community. The station receives no Government funding. It relies totally on income through sponsorship, membership donations and bequests. They engage with the community through a Speaker’s Group, Listener’s Luncheons and Studio Tours. Membership is President Larry James with GDR 95.7fm patron encouraged and costs $40 per year. This revenue is vital to the continuation Peter Smith OAM. Both passionate about community radio. of the station. New volunteers are always welcome. For more information please see the Contact GDR page on their website goldendaysradio.com.

Social Support Social Support Services, available through My Aged Care referrals, have been developed to keep seniors connected with their community. Below are some examples of the services currently delivered by service providers:

PolCare – Polish Community Care Services provides activities for Polish speaking seniors. Currently their services include: Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC) for people from non-English speaking backgrounds • Weekly phone contacts with clients provides online exercise, line dancing, over the phone • Visits (with social distancing measures) and phone supports, including carer support, activity packs and calls by volunteers many other programs. For more information, please • Social support at home: including chatting, games, call 9767 1900. playing music, singing, computer lessons, reading, craft, light exercise, and walking • Telelink – phone chats up to 10 people • Individual Veb chats through Messenger, Skype, CO.AS.IT Remote Social Support Engagement WhatsApp, Zoom Program for people of Italian background, please • Group Video chats through Messenger with call 9349 9000. exercise and social programs • IT lessons (including iPad) • PolCare broadcasts on SBS Radio, Polish program for PolCare clients, every Friday Central Bayside Community Health Services, • Daily Facebook updates through Polish Community please call 8587 0200 or visit cbchs.org.au/ Council of Victoria and Polish Community Care novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-latest-news/ Service ‘PolCare’ – links to interesting news. There are more than twenty (20) service providers • Delivery of food parcels with Polish products offering Social Support Programs for seniors and accessories including Newsletter (Bulletin) in Kingston area. Please be aware that the way and helpful hints on how to stay well and active the services are delivered during the pandemic during COVID-19. may be different for each service provider. To PolCare also provides other services including check your eligibility for Social Support Services, domestic assistance (cooking, cleaning, shopping etc.) please call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and visiting programs. For more information please or visit myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home/ call 9569 4020. commonwealth-home-support-programme 5 Carer support

Services Operating During the Pandemic: Alfred Health Carer Services - Services that support carers Alfred Health Carer Services supports carers in Kingston, and across all of Melbourne’s southern metro region. Who is a carer? COVID-19 means we have changed the way we deliver • A carer is someone who provides significant unpaid services. We will make sure respite we arrange is safe personal care or support to someone who has a by asking health questions about you, your family and disability, mental illness, chronic (long-term) the person you care for. Some of our other face to illness, aged related condition, dementia or face activities and supports are on hold for now. someone receiving palliative care. How can you contact Alfred Health Carer Services? • A carer can be a spouse, partner, parent(s), child, guardian, sibling, friend or neighbour. • carers can call us on 1800 51 21 21, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm • You do not have to be related to be called someone’s carer. • our website carersouth.org.au provides helpful links to information, services and events for carers • You don’t have to be receiving the carer payment or carer allowance to be a carer • subscribe to our electronic ‘What’s On’ and Carer South eNews to receive up to date information and What services are available? news about activities to support your caring role All carer services are free. Carers can call us for Carer Gateway information and support: Alfred Health Carer Services is a local provider of the • arranging respite inside and outside the home national Carer Gateway services. You can explore • linking to the right service Carer Gateway by going to carergateway.gov.au • navigating the aged care, mental health or or call 1800 422 737 to register, and then come disability systems through to Alfred Health Carer Services to learn more. • accessing services through My Aged Care or There are also many online resources: the National Disability Insurance Scheme • Online peer support • information sessions, peer support and social • Self-guided coaching activities • Phone-based counselling and • carer coaching and support to manage carer • Practical skills courses. health and wellbeing Urgent respite • for young carers to stay in education and have a break from their caring role For emergency and urgent respite: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.

Disability Information Helpline The Australian Government has funded a dedicated helpline – the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787 to provide accessible information, counselling and outreach services for people with disability, their families and carers who are concerned about or affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). People can contact the Disability Information Helpline if, for example, their support worker has not turned up or their provider has stopped services; or if it’s hard to get essential items like food or medications. The Helpline can provide information and refer people to advocacy, counselling and other supports. The Helpline is available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (AEST) and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 7pm (AEST). It’s not available on national public holidays. For more information visit dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp

6 Carer support

Cottage Respite offered by 39+ Connect 39+ respite services are designed with the individual in mind. Flexibility is key as we know Health & that you may need different support at different Community times. Why not take a break while we care for your loved one. Services We have two cottages, one based in Berwick in Melbourne’s updates South East and the other located at Rosebud on the Mornington Peninsula. Our highly qualified, skilled and experienced direct While we may be staying at home care staff have been carefully screened to ensure you receive more than usual during this time, the high-quality care you deserve. We welcome you to come keeping healthy means more than and have a look around, have a chat and a cuppa! just remaining isolated. Focusing on our health also means staying What does flexible, short term respite mean? connected to health services like Flexible respite is just that, a flexible style of care in our well- ours that are open and providing appointed cottages or in the community. It can be for a day, support to clients. At Connect Health overnight or several nights and is designed to fit with your & Community we have changed the individual needs and circumstances. way we deliver some services to keep our community safe. 39+ also provides emergency respite and in-home respite services as well as un-escorted shopping, domestic assistance Currently our following services are and garden maintenance services. For more information, available: please call 1300 397 587. Face to face services Connect Health & Community are continuing to operate the following services face to face for urgent and Banksia Frankston Respite Services emergency situations that include dental, podiatry, physiotherapy, Everyone needs a break and some extra support occupational therapy assessments sometimes. For flexible day, evening and overnight for adults and children, nursing, respite care, we can still help. children’s speech assessments and The Brotherhood of St. Laurence has offered children’s dietetic services. respite care to the local community for more than 30 years. Our overnight respite cottage hosts just six guests in Importantly, we are providing warm and welcoming surroundings, with additional infection individual transport for necessary control measures in place to keep everyone safe and well. medical appointments, using our bus Contact us to book a tour and find out how we can tailor care fleet to maintain social distancing. to suit your needs and wishes. Telephone or video conferencing Banksia Frankston Respite Services are funded under the services Commonwealth Home Support Programme, Support for Current general and non-urgent Carers Program and Home Care Packages. services delivered via telephone Phone: 1300 147 147 and video include Gamblers Help Email: [email protected] therapeutic and financial counselling, Visit: agedcare.bsl.org.au general counselling, podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, children’s dietetics, psychological intervention and our youth outreach program. Services may change. Find out more at connecthealth.org.au or call 9575 5333.

7 Kingston AccessCare Service Reminders

New service keeping you socially connected AccessCare is now offering an exciting new service to assist residents to stay connected during this period of isolation. Clients who have previously attended Social Engagement outings are being invited to participate in a small group chat via telephone or video to engage with other people on topics such as books, music, movies or a quiz. Each chat is facilitated by an AccessCare staff member, on a date and time that suits all involved. The service is also open to other people who access Home Care services within the City of Kingston. For more Feel safe and information please call Belinda Huggins or Dylan Cox on 1300 819 200. supported with a Kingston Home Kingston’s new coronavirus support hotline Care Package 1300 653 356 The City of Kingston now have a Community The City of Kingston is still open Support Hotline that aims to provide additional for business and offering home support during COVID-19 and connect people to vital services delivered support including Home Care within our community. Packages. We offer a high- Phone our hotline during business hours on 1300 653 356 for quality, flexible service that information or support in a range of areas including food, in home can be adapted to meet your support, financial counselling/assistance, family violence support or changing needs. Our Aged Care mental health services. Advisors are highly experienced and all are tertiary qualified and will support you to make the Welfare phone calls most of your package funds. Over the past few weeks we have called each of our clients to check in with them during the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 5,000 clients this As we use a range of brokered has been a huge team effort with people from across City of Kingston services which best suit your departments assisting us with making these calls. personal needs, we have purchased additional Personal Thank you to all our clients who have provided feedback and also to the Protective Equipment (PPE) for many clients who have praised our work during this pandemic. We are our suppliers to ensure services working hard to continue to provide safe, effective support services to you all. can continue to be delivered safely during the COVID-19 pandemic should any of our COVID-19 Survey suppliers be running short on Kingston Council has launched a survey to check-in with our supplies. This is at no additional community during COVID-19 and on the road to recovery. cost to our valued clients and Any Kingston resident is welcome to contribute. demonstrates our quality service By taking part, you can provide up-to-date information on the provision in action. impacts of COVID-19, how our community is responding, and any To find out more about a City of gaps in local services. The results will help Council respond to Kingston Home Care Package changing community needs through these challenging times and please call our friendly team make sure we are caring for our community. on 1300 819 200, visit Sign up at kingston.vic.gov.au/covid19-survey accesscare.org.au or stay in touch via our facebook If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact page facebook.com/ Council’s Community Capacity Officer Michelle McLean on accesscaremelbourne 0400 547 231.

For information about activities, or to provide feedback about City of Kingston this newsletter, please contact Alina Urbanczyk, Social Development Team Social Inclusion Officer 9581 4948 or PO BOX 1000 Mentone 3194 P.O. Box 1000 Mentone, VIC, 3194, or [email protected] email [email protected] 1300 653 356

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