APRIL 2020

COMMUNITIES@WORK UPDATES

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on The World Health Organisation website and through your national and local public health authority.

• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze

• Avoid close contact (1.5 metres) with people who are unwell

• Stay home and self-isolate from others in your home if you feel unwell

• It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused or angry during a crisis. Talking to people you trust can help. Contact your friends and family

• If you must stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle – including a proper diet, sleep, exercise and social contact with family at home or with friends by email or phone.

• Limit worry and agitation by lessoning the time you spend watching or listening to media coverage that you perceive as upsetting.

Communities@Work is taking a highly precautionary approach to managing the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, and the health and well-being of our staff and clients is our highest priority. Communities@Work also has a role to play as part of broader community efforts. We aim to continue providing our essential community services in the face of this unprecedented crisis. For more information on how we're managing the situation and for regular updates and the status of our programs and services, visit our COVID-19 Information and Advice webpage. Please also refer to the ACT Health page for updates and advice.

We are starting to hear many wonderful stories of acts of kindness throughout our organisation. Take for instance, the children at our Palmerston OSHC service, who brought their parents to tears when they surprised them with amazing care packages they had thoughtfully made for their hardworking and stressed parents and carers, mainly essential workers.

We'd love to hear other good news stories around our organisation. Please call the office on 6293 6500 so we can keep spreading the kindness!!!

COVID-19 HEALTH UPDATES

NGUNNAWAL UPDATE - Tess

Tuesday Group – We have really enjoyed catching up with you all over the phone and it’s great to hear you are doing well. A number of you have mentioned how much you miss going out with the group and having lunch at the club. In the meantime, why not have a look through some recipe books and try to recreate your club favourites? You may be pleasently surprised with what you can create! We look forward to sharing a cuppa over a game of Rummikub soon! Thanks, Tess!

Wednesday Group - Hello Wednesday Group! I have really missed seeing you all at the centre and am looking forward to when we can return, it will be quite the reunion! It has been lovely to hear you all asking after each other so if you are interested in a Pen Pal group, please let me know. Hopefully we can continue these, and some new activities when we return to group! Take care, Tess!

MENS GROUP UPDATE - Bernie

Hi Guys, Bernie here. Just want to say hi and send you all my regards during this lock down period. It’s been a challenging time for everyone around the world.

What is important is that we continue to support each other during these times. I have enjoyed chatting to you all and hearing how you are looking after yourselves and doing activities such as gardening, puzzles, going for walks, spending time in the shed and connecting with family. I wanted to also pass on the regards you had for each other.

The Men’s shed in Ngunnawal has been cleaned out and had a little revamp for future use. It looks much better now. I’m looking at ways we can improve the facility. In the meantime ask yourself what is the best thing you can do to spend your time now? What is something you always wanted to do that you can do at home? Take care, Bernie!

NGUNNAWAL UPDATE - Yvette

Friday Group - With all the recent rain our garden beds have shot up again! We have some spinach, radishes, spring onions, lettuce, and broccoli growing. The garden beds were given a good weed by the Friday Variety group in early March and are ready for some winter crops.

We also have the addition of some Mint, kindly donated by Nevis in our herb garden which we will build upon more at the end of winter. I’m looking forward to getting the area ready for next spring when our seniors groups will be hopefully back in action!

I received our care package from Angel Gowns for Australian Angel Babies with the resources we need such as material, ribbons and more! We can still be productive while we isolate so if you still want to help out and would like some resources please call the office on 6293 6500 or email me yvette.jones@commsatwork.org and I will make arrangements for the items to be dropped off to you. Thanks, Yvette!

HOLDER UPDATE - Bianca

Tuesday Group - It has been great to catch up with most of you on the phone and I have been really happy to hear most of you are in very high spirits. I think the fact that it has been quite sunny and green in Canberra lately certainly helps.

Thursday Group - It is a pity I was away for our St Patrick’s day event but I heard you had a great time. Thanks to Jean R for bringing in the beautiful St Pats themed clover bunting. It is still hanging in the centre and is brightening up our days. It has been great to catch up with many of you on the phone and I am sure you will all be pleased to know that Rosa is out of hospital and doing well.

Art Group - It is great to hear you have all been being creative. Whether it be art, knitting or gardening. Keep up the great work! I have high hopes of seeing all of you enter #CraftItCBR and exhibit at Tuggeranong Arts centre. Thanks, Bianca!

ART NEWS

Feeling stuck at home or looking for something to do? Join #CraftItCBR!

Use your skills, imagination and materials you already have at home to create a unique craft piece for this creative craft challenge ready for exhibition at the Tuggeranong Community Centre (date TBC)

Enter your item into one of the five challenge categories. A panel of judges will vote on the best craft item against each category, with prizes to be won!

MOVIE NEWS

While the release of the new James Bond film ‘No Time To Die’ has been delayed until later this year, there are plenty of ‘007’ favourites to catch up on. Take a look at the list below for some of our top Bond picks available on Stan!

• From Russia with Love (1963) • Live and Let Die (1973) • The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) • A View to a Kill (1985) • Casino Royale (2006) • Skyfall (2012)

Love movies? And Popcorn? And Choc tops? Why not come along to our Movie Group held at the Ngunnawal Community Centre. Meet new friends as we work our way through a collection of old classics, rom-coms, dramas and comedies. The group is currently on hold however if you are interested in joining when we return, please call us on 6293 6500!

MOVIE SUGGESTIONS

Romantic Comedies

- Something’s Gotta Give - The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - 27 Dresses

Musicals

- The Greatest Showman - La La Land - Chiddy Chiddy Bang Bang

Dramas

- Gifted - A United Kingdom - The Pursuit of Happiness

Australian Movies

- Tracks - The Dressmaker - Red Dog

Challenge Categories:

1. Something useful or functional (gain that nod of approval)

2. Something decorative or gorgeous (encourage people to look twice)

3. Something weird or funky (inspire curiosity)

4. Something to wear or accessorise (raises an eyebrow)

5. Something you like (just because) To enter –

a) Take a photo of the craft item and send it via email to linda.o'connell@commsatwork.org

b) Call or leave a message for Bianca on 6293 6245 and let us know your name, phone number and that you would like to enter into the #CraftItCBR challenge.

How Australians are knitting together to help save the lives of orphaned lambs thegoodnewsmovement.com

The kindness of Australians has saved the lives of dozens of orphaned lambs who needed knitted jumpers to stay alive after being abandoned by their mothers. Aussie farmer Marie Knight put out an emergency SOS for help on Facebook when she couldn’t provide enough jumpers to save ‘poddy lambs’ on her New South Wales property – and was overwhelmed by the response.

“It was just a small request, at first, but it’s grown so big that we’ve had to stop taking jumpers and are now looking for farmers to take all the jumpers we’ve been sent!” The idea exploded and before long Marie was driving a truck to the post office to pick up all the jumpers she’d been sent. “Even driving a truck to the post office, which is about 32km away, I still couldn’t get all the jumpers on the truck.”

The initial post led to the Lamb Jumpers project, which Marie says has been a lot of work, but also immensely rewarding. “Every time I get a photo of a little lamb wearing its new jumper, it gives me a wonderful feeling.”

If you would like to make your own lamb jumpers to send to Australian farmers, please contact Tess on 6126 9022 and we will provide you with the pattern and wool if required!

Coronavirus self-isolation sees spike in backyard campouts abc.net.au/news

What’s more Australian than sitting around the campfire at Easter, toasting marshmallows and slapping mosquitoes? With Australia’s wide brown land suddenly only as far as the fence, many have taken up the challenge to roll out a swag or pitch a tent in the backyard. Outdoor education teacher David Marriott launched a social media page – the backyard campsite – for his school community to connect over a virtual campfire, and share pictures and stories. In Ballarat, Tyler Simmons, 11, has been camping with his family in the backyard. "Instead of just being inside in your bed watching YouTube, you actually get to be outside at night," he said. "It's still the same sky, just at home" he said.

GOOD NEWS STORIES

Loggerhead turtle’s journey tracked 37’000km from Cape Town in South Africa to Australia abc.net.au/news

An 180 kilogram turtled named Yoshi has excited scientists, who tracked her remarkable journey halfway around the world after she was released from 20 years in captivity.

It's believed the loggerhead turtle may be Australian, after she made a determined 37,000-kilometre swim across the Indian Ocean to a turtle nesting site on Western Australia's Pilbara coastline. Scientists, who began tracking her journey from Cape Town two years ago, believe Yoshi may have wanted to return to her original hatching site to breed and nest.

Yoshi arrived at Cape Town's Two Oceans Aquarium after crew on a Japanese fishing boat found her with a damaged shell. “We did not know all that much, but she crept into everybody's hearts, and settled down really quickly” aquarium chief executive Maryke Musson said.

In December 2017, after a farewell party, aquarium staff worked with South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs to fit Yoshi with a satellite tag and released her 30 nautical miles off Cape Town. The aquarium contacted the WA Government, and its scientists then started watching Yoshi too. Currently, Yoshi is

just off the Pilbara coast near Point Samson. “We are thrilled because of course she’s protected over there. There are lots of sea turtles, and it seems as though there is a lot of food for her”.

Irish leader Leo Varadkar picks up shifts as medical doctor to help tackle the pandemic

edition.cnn.com

Seven years ago, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar quit medicine for politics. Now he is going back to work as a doctor as his country battles the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The Taoiseach, as the Prime Minister is referred to in Ireland, has re-joined the medical register and will work one shift a week to help out during the pandemic, national broadcaster RTE reported. Varadkar worked as a doctor for seven years before becoming a politician. He left the medical profession in 2013.

RTE reported that he re-registered as a doctor in March and offered his services to the country's Health Service Executive for one session a week. Varadkar will carry out phone assessments to free up staff for frontline work.

GOOD NEWS STORIES

Baked Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 200 ̊ C

2. Wash and pat dry potatoes

3. With a fork, prick around each potato six times

4. Cut a cross in the top of each of each potato with a knife

5. Par cook potatoes in the microwave for 5 minutes

6. Wrap each potato in foil and place on tray in the oven to cook for 20 minutes or until soft

7. While the potatoes are cooking, heat baked beans in the microwave or on the stove

8. Once the potatoes are cooked, top with baked beans and sprinkle with cheese

9. Season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!

IN THE KITCHEN

INGREDIENTS

4 Potatoes 1 x 420g can of baked beans 1 cup of grated cheese Salt and pepper to season

A NOTE FROM LEAH

Many of you have expressed to me at one time or another your reluctance to cook for "one". On one hand you want to eat something that is beneficial to your health but on the other hand you find it difficult to be enthusiastic about cooking for just yourself. I have chosen this recipe to hopefully entice you. It really is a pantry recipe, meaning that all ingredients are found in most homes. This recipe is quick and easy, inexpensive and most importantly healthy! Give it a try, you could even modify the recipe to give it a personal spin. We would love to hear what you've done.

KEEPING HEALTHY

IN THE GARDEN

How to stay active at home: Exercises Videos – Exercise videos are a great way to stay active in the comfort of your own home and there are plenty online! If you are connected to the internet, have a look at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22cy2Uj87Cs. It is a great video aimed at seniors that focus on strength and balance using your body weight for resistance. No equipment required!

Walking – As the cooler months approach, make the most of the last of the warmer weather and head outside for a walk. Walking is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and it’s free! It is great for your physical and mental health and helps you stay connected to your local environment. If you would like someone to walk with, let us know when we call you next, there might be opportunities for staff to accompany you.

Dancing – Getting your groove on is a great exercise activity for people of all ages. It comes with lots of feel good benefits too such as boosting your mood and enhancing your balance. Why not pop on some of your favourite music and bust a move!

Gardening - Depending on the size of your garden, maintaining it can also be a great way to be physically active. This could be as strenuous as mowing the lawn, or as gentle as getting a good stretch and practice stabilising yourself while kneeling, sitting or reaching. Just make sure you stay hydrated and Slip, Slop, Slap!

The garden at Holder has been growing well, we have harvested many tomatoes, chillies and oregano which Leah has processed along with capsicums and onions into a lovely Bolognese sauce for when you return. The pumpkins have been maturing well with ten harvested so far including the one served up on St Patricks Day, with a dozen left to pick in the next week or so.

For those gardening at home, now is a good time to tuck some garlic in among your pots or into a prepared garden bed. You can plant cloves from the supermarket and they will grow into bulbs. Did you know that you could plant the little root sections that you cut off your spring onions and they will grow a new plant for you? They don't take up much room but they do like some light and will manage frosts well.

Take the time to sit in the sun and enjoy the autumn leaves in your backyard if you have them as many of us are missing seeing them this year. We would love to see photos of your own little gardens and you can send them to my email sue.marks@commsatwork.org

Sometime in April 1564, William Shakespeare was born. Happy Birthday Will! He was widely considered the world's greatest dramatist and wrote 38 plays and 154 sonnets. To celebrate, why not test your Shakespeare knowledge by taking the quiz! No peeking at the answers below! Question 1: Where was Shakespeare’s birthplace? Question 2: How old was Shakespeare when he married? Question 3: What is Shakespeare’s longest play? Question 4: What theatre company was Shakespeare apart of? Question 5: How did Shakespeare die?

FOR SOLVING Answers: Question 1: Stratford-Upon-Avon Question 2: Hamlet Question 3: 18 Question 4: Lord Chamberlain’s Men Question 5: It is believed he died from a fever following a drinking binge with fellow play writers.

A poem from The Mike Webb Collection

He said, ‘Take a look at the stars up above As they colour the darkening sky, Their numerous beauty that brightens the night And brings gilded joy to our eye. I would give to each person who’s helped me, A gift of one light from afar, I would give to the women who loves me, The gift of a morning star.

For in spite of the people who hurt you, There are many who brighten your days With encouragement, kindness and laughter And help in so many ways. And whether you work as a drover Or an office desk might be your fate, It doesn’t matter much what you’re doing, It’s much better if shared with a mate.

Mike is a member of our Ngunnawal Men’s Group

ANZAC BISCUITS BY DONNA HAY

• 2 cups (180g) rolled oats • 1 cup (150g) plain (all-purpose) flour • 2/3 cup (150g) caster (superfine) sugar • 3/4 cup (60g) desiccated coconut • 1/3 cup (115g) golden syrup • 125g unsalted butter • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of (baking) soda • 2 tablespoons hot water

1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Place the oats, flour, sugar and coconut in a bowl and mix to combine.

2. Place the golden syrup and butter in a saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring, until melted. Combine the bicarbonate of soda with the water and add to the butter mixture. Pour into the oat mixture and mix to combine.

3. Place tablespoon-fulls of the mixture onto baking trays lined with baking paper and flatten to 7cm rounds, allow room to spread. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until deep golden. Allow to cool on baking trays for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

FEEDBACK

SOMETHING EXTRA

While ANZAC day might look a little bit different this year, there are still a number of ways you can commemorate our diggers. Call a friend and share stories of past ANZAC celebrations over a cuppa and an ANZAC biscuit or have a look at some photos of family members who may have served our country. It’s a great way to reminisce and share their memory.

We miss seeing you all at the group however we hope this newsletter finds you well and is an enjoyable read for you all. We would love to hear more stories of what you have been up to during this time. This could include recipes you have been cooking, games you have been playing or any stories or jokes you would like to share with the group. We would also love to hear your thoughts on this newsletter and if you would like to contribute to our next Seniors Newsletter, please speak with your group facilitator during your weekly call.

If you have feedback for Communities@Work services such as social support phone calls, transport and shopping assistance, please call Tess on 6126 9022 or email tessa.hutchison@commsatwork.org. Please advise if you DO NOT wish for your feedback/contribution to appear on the Communities@Work website or one of our other public channels. We look forward to hearing from you!

PHOTO GALLERY