neighbour news - iwna.com.au ed 103 summer newsletter_final.pdf · career as an executive assistant...
TRANSCRIPT
Neighbour News The Best of 2019
2019 has flown by at a blistering
pace. We’d like to take a moment
to recap and celebrate our
achievements and successes.
- The 5 Senses Garden opened in
February 2019 - an important
milestone for our physical and
cultural presence in the community.
- Established Workshops at the 5
Senses Garden, offering an
opportunity for people to share
skills, knowledge on wellbeing and
meet like-minded people.
- With the City of Canada Bay
Council’s support we organised an
information session on the Changes
to Aged Care Services attended by
over 80 people.
- In April our Alive & Kicking group
performed alongside Year 2
students at Strathfield South Public
School for our second Young and
Young at Heart Performance.
- Help at Home, our non-
government subsidised program,
started in April 2019 with a long term
view to support our Mission and
provide a separate income stream.
- Established a partnership with
Rivendell School, where students
with an interest in horticulture and
volunteering support our clients in
their gardens.
- Showcased our programs at a
Regional Forum on Wellness and
Reablement, funded and
facilitated by the Commonwealth
Home Support Programme
Development Officers across the
Sydney Metropolitan.
- Embarked on a new fundraising
initiative by listing as a local
community donation partner with
the Return and Earn Scheme, a
NSW State Government initiative to
reduce litter of drink containers.
- Achieved additional funding for
the Commonwealth Home Support
Programme and the Community
Visitors Program and also new
funding through My Community
Project for Dementia Wellness
Workshops in 2020.
Daily there are other successes to
celebrate: new friendships and the
rekindling of old friendships
amongst clients, volunteers making
friends and continuing to make a
difference in our programs, positive
feedback from family and friends
on how we have brought a smile to
their or their loved one’s faces, staff
who continue to enjoy their work
and stay motivated to deliver the
best services possible.
The great thing about getting older
is that we get to bank up all these
experiences and share the joy with
others. Wishing everyone a joyous
festive season and a healthy and
happy 2020.
Allison Yee-Brogan, General Manager
Inside:
1. Welcome
2. Celebrating 2019
3. Our Volunteers
4. Volunteering
5. From the Garden
6. From the Garden
7. 5 Senses Workshops
8. January Outings
9. February Outings
10. Out & About
11. Stand Tall
12. Health & Well Being
13. Client Corner
14. Photos of 2019
15. Client Feedback
16. Our News
Summer
2019
Issue 103
2
Celebrating 2019
Thank you
We appreciate the 2018 ClubGRANTS we
received from the following clubs. Your support
enables us to continue to innovate and
support those most in need:
We are grateful for the support of
the NSW Government who
awarded us $53,231 for the
Dementia Wellness Workshops we
will be holding at the 5 Senses
Garden in partnership with Sydney Local
Health District.
We could not do without the ongoing support
of our key funding body:
Thank you and Welcome Board Members
Dorothy Jamieson (Client
Representative): An inner west
resident for over 50 years, Dorothy
retired in 2007 after a successful
career as an executive assistant and
office manager across a range of
industries. She has been a member of
Neighbour Aid for over 20 years, becoming
more involved over time, taking advantage of
the social outings and participating in the
Stand Tall program.
Lorna Clifford (Client
Representative): Lorna has
accumulated a wealth of life
experience. She grew up doing jobs
at the Red Cross, CWA and church
social clubs where her mother was a
member. Lorna enjoys the social side of
Neighbour Aid outings as well as experiencing
new places safely whilst keeping her brain
active. Her hobbies include sewing, reading,
walking, the movies, and keeping up with the
latest retail trends.
We thank Wendy Turner for two terms as
Chairperson and welcome Ben Lever as our
new Chairperson, Jeanette Gilbert as returning
Treasurer and Francesca Grace as returning
Secretary. Congratulations and thank you to
our other Board Members who were elected
for another term, including Janice Adam,
Wendy Turner, Lorna Clifford, Fiona Fischer,
Lesley Hambusch, Dorothy Jamieson and
Mercy Splitt.
Annual General Meeting
Our Annual
General
Meeting was
held on 23
October
2019 at the
Canada Bay
Club. We
presented our 2018/2019 Annual Report with
the theme The Power of Connection. Human
connection is a unique and powerful force in
creating communities and meaningful
relationships. This is the essence of Neighbour
Aid. Please read our stories in the Annual
Report. Thank you to the wonderful team at
Neighbour Aid for their assistance at the
Annual General Meeting and to Anne-Lee and
our Coordinators for bringing together a
comprehensive and professional Annual
Report. Thank you to our volunteers and Board
Members present on the day - Wendy Turner
(Chairperson), Ben Lever, Janice Adam,
Dorothy Jamieson, Lorna Clifford and Val Day.
Thank you also to the Canada Bay Club for the
lovely venue and catering.
3
Thank You to our 2019 Volunteers
Alex Kyaw
Alex Maitland
Alex Stoker
Amy Fisher
An Minh Thi Nguyen
Anandwardhan Harkikar
Andrew Lummow
Andy Keum
Anna Kelly
Anna Xue
Ashley Reed
Azeem Dawre
Ben Lever
Benjamin Cantelo
Carlo Gilchrist
Cassandra Houlihan
Chelsea Chan
Cheryl Sumady
Cherylyn Channell
Chloe Wagenknecht-Reid
Chris Li
Christine Carter
Christopher McFarlane
Cindy Zhang
Clive Gilmore
Colin Buckman
Colin Dunn
Collins Nguyen
Col Garvey
Connor Anagnostopoulos
Daniel Fechner
Daniela Mrencevski
Danielle Nasr
Daphne Lackner
David Braund
David Wilke
David Wood
Deb Harris
Deborah White
Debra Brown
Dianne Couch
Dolly Kachwaha
Dorothy Jamieson
Elissa Howie
Ella Callan
Ella Low
Emily Goldenstein
Eric Lam
Eve Mullen
Fiona D’Souza
Fiona Fischer
Francesca Grace
Francesca Koovousis
Gary Kearns
Geethu George Chenginiyadan
George Cooley
Gibson Marijcke
Harley Mahon
Heidi Lau
Helen Forstman
Henry Yeung
Holly Neely
Ilikini Sorova
Jace Hoffman
Jack Johansson
Jackie Chen
Jade Campbell
Jade Houghton
James Bradley
Jan Ireland
Janice Adam
Jean Burkinshaw
Jean Hanna
Jeanette Gilbert
Jee Teng Ong
Jeff Graham
Jeff Northam
Jenida Satem
Jenny Mines
Jeremy Tsz Yim Chan
Jetty Lim
John Yang
Joseph Cabusas
Joseph Szima
Jo Penkala
Julie-Anne Hall
Ka Shin Leona Leung
Kani Shan
Karina Kouck
Kate Vincent
Kimberley Jenkins
Kirsty Azzopardi
Kizzy Yang
Kristina Kresic
Kristina Strangers
Lachlan Kadrian
Lauren Rice
Leianne Ross
Lesley Hambusch
Lisa Tran
Lorna Clifford
Louisa Wilson
Lynnette Hewitt
M M Imran Khan
Maddie Andrews
Marc Schroder
Maria Prendergast
Maria Splitt
Marijcke Gibson
Mark Maureira
Marla Cranston
Melanie Mence
Melanie Morningstar
Melissa Watt
Meryn Slater
Michael Doyle
Michael Myant
Miriam Tomita
Mirsina Houvardas
Moana Peai
Myriam Baghhnaqui
Natalie Bamber
Nick Kulevski
Nicole Bondoc
Nicole Jones
Nicole Sultana
Oliver Ashcroft
Pam Williams
Paris Bradford
Paul D’Arcy
Paul Wayland
Peter Crawford
Peter Dale
Prasad Wijesekera
Queenie Saguin
Richard Crass
Robert Matthews
Rodney Strangers
Roman Dronov
Ron Pond
Rosanna Kerwan
Sally James
Sarah Buxton
Sarah Lindsay
Sean Bradley
Selina Foo
Shannon Kiernan
Shannon Tong
Sharon Filippi
Sharron Chen
Shaun Herat
Shonagh Briscoe
Simon Bromage
Simon Kennedy
Sivathmajan Tharmanathan
Stella Angelo
Stephen Edwards
Stephen Trickey
Susanne Liang
Suzanne Weinert
Terry Lockyer
Thufail Rafeekh
Thuy Van Ngo
Tim Wilkinson
Tony Moody
Tracey Forrest
Tri Nguyen
Trisha Molinari
Val Day
Van Brian To
Vijendra Singam
Vishal Patel
Vivian Faraj
Warren Farrell
Wendy Turner
Wesley Stewart
Yin Xu
You are all a valued part of the Inner West Neighbour Aid community. The
dedication of your time and skills is appreciated. Have a happy, safe festive season.
4
Volunteering at Neighbour Aid
Volunteer Survey
Thank you to everyone who responded to our
Volunteer Survey. Below are some of the
comments from the survey and what
volunteering with Inner West Neighbour Aid
means to our volunteering community.
“They are all passionate about the services they
provide & I see the clients appreciate the
attention & service they receive. It is a warm,
fun, welcoming environment to work in.”
“Positive attitude in dealing with clients and
volunteers, making both groups feel wanted”
“Neighbour Aid cares for volunteers and those
who get the service”
100% of respondents believe their volunteering
role and/or client they are matched with is the
right fit for them. They all feel confident giving
feedback and believe Neighbour Aid would
deal effectively with any complaint made. This
is wonderful as it highlights the sense of
community and working together that exists
throughout our community.
“Fostering community & their clients’ place in it”
Volunteers feel Inner West Neighbour Aid’s
greatest strengths are:
“Inclusivity and thoughtfulness”
“Building a bridge between the volunteers and
the clients.”
“People power. It has a group of
knowledgeable, friendly and genuine
employees.”
“Community spirit and genuinely valuing its
volunteers”
“It is uniquely strong as it successfully combines
both compassion and professional service.”
An area to improve is around the training we
offer. I am happy to report we are looking to
offering an online training option next year. We
are always open to feedback.
Appreciation from a Client’s Daughter
“I just wanted to say a very big thank you for
allowing Stuart and the NAB team to come to
Mum’s and do such a remarkable job.
When Mum came in half way through the day
the first thing she commented on was the
wonderful smell of the garden – we were both
overwhelmed.
The remainder of the day after everyone had
left, she was out there pottering around with a
little pair of garden secateurs pruning away,
collecting pots and dead-heading azaleas and
following all the paths that they uncovered.
It has brought more light into her bedroom in
particular, which she loves and overall, the
place just feels a whole lot better.
Stuart was a wealth of knowledge about the
plants in the garden and was enthusiastic
about the hidden treasures in the garden.
Some things we were even unable to
recognise.
Again, thank you very much for all the work –
the team from NAB were fabulous and I think
they really had a good day even though they
sure worked for it – glad they were able to
head off for a counter lunch and a cool ale –
they sure deserved it.”
Save the Date
Please save Saturday 7 December,
8.30-10.30am for our Volunteer
Christmas Breakfast. It’s wonderful to
get together to celebrate. Details to
come.
Rochelle Self, Volunteer Coordinator
5
From the Garden
Words from a
Volunteer
Gardener
“We choose to
become
volunteers not to
feel good about
ourselves but
because we care
about others, the
elderly and those
living with a
disability. We
care about their
circumstances,
their needs and wellbeing, so we want to help,
help them to do things they might not be able
to do themselves, like gardening.…The fact that
their garden… is now a safe place to spend
time in… it’s worth the effort we put in. Okay,
volunteering does make you feel good, it just
happens!”
Col, volunteer
Australian Institute of Horticulture Awards 2019 Award of Merit Roman Deguchi 5 Senses Garden
Rivendell Flower & Garden Show 2019 – Exhibit and presentation
What’s Growing in the Vegepods?
Spring is a busy time in the veggie garden and
our 5 Senses Garden raised Vegepods are no
exception. The weather has warmed up and
it’s time to plant those lovely summer cropping
fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant,
chilli and lettuce.
We have added
organic fertilisers such
as Dynamic lifter to
feed the plants and
sugarcane mulch to
keep the weeds down
and keep the moisture
in. Now growing in the
Vegepods: Cherry
Tomatoes, Roma
Tomatoes, Lebanese Eggplant, Nepitella
(Lesser Calamint), Sorell, Onions, Shallots,
Leeks, Chives, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels
Sprouts, Spinach, Rainbow Chard/Silver-beet,
Bok Choy, Rocket, Lettuce, Parsley, Coriander,
Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Curry plant, Carrots,
Broad Beans cucumber & Celery
Our Working Bee volunteers have been busy
germinating Heirloom Italian seeds for summer.
These include ‘Piriforme Abruzzese’ & ‘San
Marzano’ tomato varieties, ‘Italian Fryers’
mixed capsicums, the all-rounder bush bean,
Italian Romano and sweet basil.
Some of our Workshop clients have helped by
bringing seeds from home. Giovanni planted
cucumber, tomato and basil seeds which
have all sprouted. Natalie, has contributed
Radicchio and the Nepitella mentioned
above, which is like a cross between oregano
and mint.
The Little Library at the 5 Senses Garden is now Open
Trade a book and relax in
the Garden to read a new
one today.
Roman Deguchi, Garden Projects Coordinator
Natalie Ciccio, Garden Team Leader
Stuart Blundell, Garden Team Leader
6
From the Garden
Nonnas and Yiayias are Sharing their
Recipes at the 5 Senses Garden
“More salt,” says Natalie Saitta, as she checks
the water in the big pot of pasta bubbling
away on a portable burner. Beside her, Mary
Ianni nods, as the two of them test whether the
penne is al dente yet. Behind them, two more
women are slicing bread and chopping onion
and tomato for what will become a plate of
vibrant bruschetta, decorated with edible
flowers from the garden where all of this is
taking place.
Nonna Saitta, as she's also known (she tells us
later that she has two children, seven
grandchildren and one great-grandson), has
just finished a pesto-making demonstration,
part of the weekly workshop program at a very
special community garden in the Sydney
suburb of Concord West.
Soon, she’s stirring her pesto into the drained
pasta – “Always save some of the cooking
water,” she says, as she adds some in along
with the pesto (the starch in the water helps
distribute the pesto, and create a thicker,
smoother sauce) – then serving up bowls for
the gathered group of 18 women and three
men, including her husband, Filippo and her
daughter, Maria. Each bowl gets a dusting of
parmesan and a small sprig of basil on top,
and then everyone sits down at the long
communal outdoor table.
After the pasta and bruschetta, and plenty of
lively conversation, there are homemade
sweets; Elsie Tan has come with a lime and
lychee cheesecake, while Linda Kendrick,
who’s here with her mother Joan Kingston, has
made raspberry blondies. “It’s a beautiful
morning,” says Joan. “I come often!”
The Monday morning gatherings are
sometimes a cooking lesson, sometimes about
plants or other topics, but always with a meal
to share at the end. Previous sessions have
ranged from risotto-making to gardening for
good health; coming up, there’s a talk on
geraniums and pelargoniums, a Greek-Cypriot
feast and a session on Christmas cooking.
The workshop program has evolved alongside
the growing garden this year. Roman says, “It’s
about providing opportunities and opening
doors, so the wider community can meet these
incredible people, and older people can share
their stories…
what happens
with a lot of
community
services that
focus on older
people and
people with
disabilities, it's
often
segregated.”
The Monday
sessions, and
the inclusion of
a playground in
the garden,
aim to
encourage multiple generations to come
together.
Excerpt from SBS Online story featuring the 5
Senses Garden on 21October. To read the
whole story and watch the video visit: https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2019/10/21/n
onnas-and-yiayias-are-sharing-their-recipes-
community-garden
7
Workshops February 2020
Monday 3 February - Cooking Class with
Two Good Co.
Learn the tricks of
the trade from the
fabulous Chef
Angie Prendergast
from Two Good Co.
Chef Angie, will
guide us through a
new recipe and
teach us
techniques on how to make cooking
enjoyable, easy and healthy. This is a hands on
experience, so be prepared to get involved (if
you like). By the end of this workshop you will
have learnt a recipe and shared a meal with
new and old friends. Two Good supports local
women’s refuges for domestic violence
survivors.
Monday 10 February - Encouraging Beneficial
Insects and Wildlife into the Garden with
Elizabeth Docking, The Royal Botanic Garden
There is something
special about
hearing birdsong
and frogs in your
garden, watching
birds feeding their
young and
discovering a blue
tongue lizard has
made your garden
home. Learn how to
create a garden
that encourages wildlife into your garden.
There are many benefits of sharing your
garden with wildlife that you may not have
considered. If your garden is full of flowers and
native plants you will have a diversity of birds,
bees, butterflies, frogs, lizards and soil fauna
and flora. In a diverse garden there is a
greater chance that plants, pests and
predators will live in harmony, thus giving you
healthier plants. Your diet and health will also
be enhanced.
Monday 17 February - Acai Bowl Cooking
Class with Karima from Karima’s Kitchen
An Acai Bowl is made
from acai berries that
are native to Central
and South America.
Some studies show that
acai fruit pulp is even
richer in antioxidants
than most berries. There
are many health
benefits to acai,
especially if eaten in the
form of an acai bowl,
which has yoghurt,
bananas, berries and nuts, topped with
Karima’s crunchy homemade granola. Karima
will also have a special tasting of her gourmet
homemade pickles, relishes and jams. There
will also be the opportunity to purchase these
at a special price, however there is no
obligation to buy.
Monday 24 February - Sharing Project
We return to our popular
sharing project. Bring a book
for the new little library in the
Garden, share a favourite
recipe, bring along some
family photos or produce from
your garden. We will also have
a special appearance from
our friends at the Concord West Rhodes
Preschool. They will share something that is
special to them too.
Book Today
All workshops are held at the 5 Senses Garden
Rhodes Park, Concord West
Mondays 11am-1pm
Lunch is provided
Workshop cost $5 (client) $15 (family/friends)
Client transport (if needed) $10
Open to all Neighbour Aid clients
Workshops are very popular. Please book early
to avoid disappointment.
Call 9799 5099 to book
There will be no workshops in January.
8
9
10
Out and About
Highlights and Plans
2019 has been a great year for outings. We
have driven far and wide with our fantastic
Social Support Workers and witnessed
friendships develop amongst our clients.
Neighbour Aid offers and safe, happy place to
enjoy getting out of the house into the
company of wonderful people.
During 2019 we visited
the Sydney Ageing
and Disability Expo at
Homebush. It was a
very interesting day
enjoyed by all who attended. The Expo
provided information on retirement living and
future planning. It gave clients an opportunity
to connect and network with Allied Health
professionals and service providers in Sydney.
It featured practical equipment to assist with
staying independent. A must for 2020. Keep an
eye for it in the outings calendar.
2020 promises to
be a great year
for some new and
interesting
activities. Some
of the favourites
will be included as
requested: a
lunch by the
water is always
popular.
We will embrace
our creative side
in 2020 with some
trips to Sydney art
galleries to enjoy some exhibitions by both
Australian favourites and international artists. It
is something to challenge ourselves and there
are varied opinions of some of the works.
SH ERVIN Gallery is presenting an exhibition to
celebrate Margaret Olley and her generous
donations of artworks over her lifetime. A very
special exhibition honouring a very special
Australian artist. It will be wonderful.
The Art Gallery of NSW features ARTEXPRESS, a
collection of the most outstanding student
artworks of 2019. The creativity of these young
people is amazing.
The ABC is part of
everyone’s history
listening to the radio or
watching television.
Please join us for a
specialised tour of the
Ultimo studios.
Who knows they might put us on the air!!
Book Early
Please remember when booking for outings all
clients go onto a waiting list. Confirmations are
done every two weeks. Please book in for your
outings as soon as possible.
Final reminders
If it has been a long time since you’ve been on
an outing or you’ve never been on one with
us, please call us on 9799 5099 to help make
the process easier.
A reminder to wear layered clothes this time of
year. Please also bring a bottle of water when
on the bus with the hotter weather.
If while travelling to or from an outing you
need to use the toilet, just ask for a ‘pit stop’.
Staff are sensitive to everyone’s needs and will
find the closest bathroom.
The Social Support Team
11
Stand Tall with Friends
‘Stand Tall’ is about building a person’s
confidence as well as improving their health
and wellbeing by not sitting at home on the
couch. This program aims to re-enable people
coming back from falls or injuries, create
friendships, while reducing isolation, minimising
falls risk and celebrating every achievement in
a supportive group of like-minded people.
What does Stand Tall mean to you?
Dorothy: The weekly Stand Tall lessons for me
have improved my posture, my strength and
especially my balance. I feel a lot more
comfortable walking along the street. It’s not
just about the exercise, it’s the company also!
What positive changes have you noticed since
starting Stand Tall?
David: I have been getting stronger and fitter
and keeping better balance from going to
exercises and Standing Tall.
What do you enjoy about participating in
Stand Tall?
Elsie: It’s very good exercise. After exercising I
feel my neck pain and other pains reduce. I
feel healthier and ‘Standing Tall’ as possible.
What progress have you noticed since you
started Stand Tall?
Margaret: I’ve been coming for just over 12
months. I’ve made new friends and look
forward to each session. My biggest
improvement has been I can now clap my
hands above my head, which I’d not been
able to do since injuring my shoulder in a fall 2
years ago.
What do you like about Stand Tall?
Ella: I love Tiana. I love gym. I never miss it!
If you are interested in gaining new skills, more
confidence and improving your health with
friends, get in touch with Emma. Ask any
questions or to come along for a trial. If you
already have an Aged Care Number from My
Aged Care this will speed up the assessment
process.
Emma Torres, Social Support Worker
12
Health and Wellbeing
Alive & Kicking
Our Alive & Kicking program has been running
since 2011. It originated from clients talking
about how they would love to do exercises but
it being hard to do alone. Some clients called
Neighbour Aid and asked about issues they
were experiencing like continence, memory
loss, depression and mobility. We even had
enquiries from clients about how to release
their creative side in a friendly environment.
Alive & Kicking is not just for the girls. 2019 has
brought a couple of men to our group.
Referrals were received from local hospitals,
existing clients; one of our clients was
encouraged by his family to get involved in
regular and safe exercises. Another client is the
husband of one of
our regulars and
didn’t want to feel
left out.
The camaraderie
between the men
is fantastic. Not
only is it fun for
everyone it is
noticeable that all three are getting fitter and
stronger in all the activities.
Max has been a regular
since the beginning of
the year. He says, “It
gets me out and it’s
great to have people to
chat with as I live alone.
The exercises thanks to
Fleur are really helping
with my balance and
fitness.” He enjoys being
part of all our fun
activities.
When Joe first came along there were no
other men attending so he dropped off for
awhile. Then he heard about some new clients
so he returned to the group. Joe says, “It
makes such a difference to me when I come
along.”
Chris has also joined our group. Chris says, ‘the
group is welcoming to us. We are part of the
Alive & Kicking team. The programme gets the
mind, body and spirit moving. Move it or lose it.
The social aspect is great and I also have
enjoyed my creative side.’’
Our popular Alive & Kicking program runs
weekly on Tuesdays. Please call our office if
you would like to know more.
Jackie Walters, Social Support Coordinator
13
Photo Gallery
14
Client Corner
Are you going ok?
Loneliness and isolation can impact on our
physical, emotional and mental wellbeing as
we get older. If you need support or are
experiencing emotional distress, please reach
out:
- Talk to someone you trust
- Contact your GP, a counsellor, psychologist
or psychiatrist
- Visit a hospital emergency department
- If your life is in danger call emergency services
on 000
Other support available includes:
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14. You don't need to
face your problems alone. Lifeline is available
24 hours, every day.
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78. Support for
Australian men anywhere, any time. Phone
and online counselling.
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467. For
telephone counselling and support in a crisis.
This service is available 24/7 across Australia.
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling –
1800 011 046
Client Story: John the Bird Rescuer
One Saturday in October we were on our way
to drop John home after a lovely lunch when
we noticed an injured bird trying to fly up, up
and away off Georges River Road.
It appeared to have been hit by a car and
looked to have a broken wing.
After turning the bus around to park in a
nearby street, John went straight to the First Aid
kit to arm himself with a pair of gloves. I picked
up the bird from the kerb while watching for
cars on the busy road. John supervised safely
from the footpath. When we returned to the
bus, John carefully held the bird until he
reached home. Our student volunteer,
Catherine then bravely held the injured bird to
the local vet clinic. We left the beautiful
spotted dove in the trained hands of the vets.
John checked in the following week to ensure
the dove made it to the vet safely.
He always shows concern for others no matter
if they are a human or feathered or furry friend.
If you need help for sick, injured or orphaned
native wildlife please CALL the Rescue Line on
(02) 9413 4300. The rescue line operates 24
hours a day, every day of the year.
Emma Torres, Social Support Worker
15
Client Feedback
2019 Client Survey: The Results are In
Earlier this year we mailed out a Survey to the
510 clients registered with Neighbour Aid and
165 people responded (32%). We are grateful
for the many positive comments, but there is
always room for improvement. We’ve listened
to and thank you for your feedback:
100% of respondents said Neighbour Aid dealt
with the initial contact promptly, efficiently and
courteously and that they would recommend
Neighbour Aid to other people.
Staff were described as friendly, helpful, caring
and kind.
89% of respondents felt the garden teams listen
to and respect their requests.
77% of respondents highly value the
contribution that volunteers make to the
garden service.
“Wonderful team effort by volunteers . I now
have a happy and healthy garden. I can’t do
it so it gets a good clean up.”
75% of respondents said they have made new
friends through outings and our exercise
programs.
91% of respondents said they enjoyed the
range of outings offered by Neighbour Aid.
100% of respondents said they were matched
with a volunteer quickly and efficiently for
volunteer home visiting or dog walking.
“My dog regards our volunteer walker as a
friend. It is providing extra exercise for my dog.”
100% of respondents said the shopping
program helped maintain their independence.
78% of respondents enjoy reading the
Neighbour Aid newsletter.
87% of respondents trust Neighbour Aid to
recruit reliable and kind volunteers.
83% of respondents believe Neighbour Aid
would deal effectively with any complaint
received by a client.
77% of respondents feel safer and better
supported in their home and community
because of Neighbour Aid’s services.
At the time the Survey was released, the 5
Senses Garden Workshops and Help at Home
had just commenced.
This is how we will improve:
We have introduced Help at Home
service to provide additional services
around the home to complement our
government funded services.
Aged Care Information Sessions were
held in 2017 and 2019. We’ll try improve
the way we inform clients of relevant
changes in aged care services and
government funding.
We will incorporate changes into the
reassessment process to follow up on your
service experience with Neighbour Aid,
provide information on other services that
Neighbour Aid offers .
We’ll find ways to celebrate and explain
the roles of volunteers in our services.
There are many people we did not hear from.
We encourage you to call the office and
speak with a staff member any time. Your
feedback is important and confidential.
16
Our News
A Very Merry Xmas Breakfast on
25 December 2019
Inner West Neighbour Aid will hold a special
event ON Christmas Day for the first time. We
believe in creating a strong community, a
place where people come together and
belong. If you will be celebrating Christmas
alone this year we would like to be your ‘back
up family’ at our Very Merry Christmas
Breakfast at the Canada Bay Club. It is our
pleasure to spend the morning with clients
who are unable to spend the day with family
or friends. This event is generously sponsored by the Canada Bay Club. Places are limited
and transport will be provided. If you would
like to know more please contact Jackie.
Details
Place: Canada Bay Club, 4
William St, Five Dock
Cost: $15 for the breakfast
and $10 for transport (if
required)
Call 9799 5099 and book
before 16 December
Good Bye Anne-Lee
We farewell Anne-
Lee our Marketing
and Development
Specialist who is re-
locating to the UK
with her family to
kick off 2020. Anne-
Lee began working
with Neighbour Aid as a marketing specialist in
May 2016 and offered an ongoing role. During
her time here, she led the re-branding project,
was responsible for Club grant applications
and proposals, developed the content for
and launched our new website, our newsletter
and other publications. We thank Anne-Lee
for sharing her passion for community and the
environment with us. Her smile and friendship
will be missed in the office. We wish her and
her family all the best with the next stage in
their journey.
Holiday Office Closure
Our office will close on Thursday 19 December
and reopen on Monday 6 January 2020.
Contact us
If you would like to learn more about our
services, volunteer with us or support us, we
would love to hear from you.
Phone: 9799 5099
Email: [email protected]
Post: PO Box 247, Croydon Park, NSW 2133
Visit us: Located on the grounds of Croydon
Park Public School via Beresford Ave car park
You’re invited to join us for our
2019 Client Christmas Party
Friday 13 December
11am – 2pm
Burwood RSL, 96 Shaftesbury Rd,
Burwood
$15 for the party
$10 for transport (if required)
Call 9799 5099 and book before
2 December