INSIGHTS for Service Users | Access & Ageing | City of Port Phillip

Issue no. 10 | Spring 2015

Get Ready for City of Port Phillip Seniors Festival - 12 to 18 October 2015 Look inside to see what’s coming up for the City of Port Phillip Seniors festival this year.

The City of Port Phillip respectfully acknowledges the Yalukit Wilam Clan of the Boon Wurrung. We pay our respect to their Elders, both past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.

Free Public Transport for Seniors across Victoria Sunday 4 October to Sunday 11 October 2015 Free public transport is available to Victorian Seniors Card holders during the first week of the Victorian Seniors Festival. During this time, pensioners still need to touch on and off using their myki, but will not be charged. For more information visit: www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au

Notification of permanent Changes to the Community Bus Timetable In the winter edition we notified you that we were trailing some changes to the Community Bus timetable. Through a community consultation process it has been established that the fee community bus is considered a really valuable service and these recent changes have had minimal impact on the community. As such, these changes have now become permanent. The new timetable is now available from Port Phillip Town Halls, Port Phillip libraries, on the Port Phillip Website and on the Community Bus. For further information phone: Community Transport Office 03 9209 6223

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Keeping our Community Support Workers Safe

Community Support Workers provide a variety of support services to older people, people with a disability and their carers to maximise their independence at home and in the community. It is important to us at the Council that we provide a safe and healthy workplace for our employees. As Community Support Workers often work within our client’s homes, the client’s home can be considered their “workplace” whilst providing personal care, home care and respite care. The Community Support team conducts a home safety check prior to services commencing to ensure that our workers are providing services in a safe and healthy ‘workplace’. Smoke detectors, power points, cleaning equipment and cleaning products are reviewed as part of the home safety check. To assist us in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for our Community Support workers, we request that if you usually smoke indoors, that you refrain from smoking and open the doors and windows prior to and whilst the Community Support Worker is present. Also, be sure to let the Community Support Worker know if there is anyone staying with you or visiting at the time too. While we understand that pets, especially dogs are considered “man’s best friend” their behaviour can be unpredictable and there is the possibility that they can attack or bite out of fear or to protect their owner. Please keep your dog and/or cat confined behind a closed door or outside whilst the Community Support worker is present. Other pets including reptiles, birds, guinea pigs and rats must be placed within their locked cages whilst the worker is present in your home. We appreciate your help in keeping our Community Support workers safe and injury free.

Mobility Project Trial

Community Support is trialling a mobility project starting in October, for 6 months. Ten Community Support workers in Team 3 will be using a smart phone to access and confirm their roster and to communicate with the office. We hope that this will lead to improved communication, improved privacy and improved safety, and also enable workers to more efficiently communicate with the office. Most of these changes will not effect you, however you may not need to sign a piece of paper when your Community Support worker comes to provide you with home, personal or respite care. We hope the project is successful so that we can consider rolling the smart phones out to all of our Community Support workers. Please contact your Service Support Officer if you have any questions about the project.

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The Older Persons Consultative Committee (OPCC) presented their annual forum in June, this year on “Legal Matters and Ageing”. The forum was in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June each year. There were presentations by Gary Ferguson from Seniors Rights Victoria and Jeni Lee from St Kilda Legal Services. The presentations covered topics around protecting older persons medical and financial rights, and included information on caring for your assets, preventing elder abuse, enduring powers of attorney and medical powers of attorney. Over 90 people attended the event, and feedback was resoundingly positive. Thank you to members of the OPCC, members of the Linking Neighbours group as well as City of Port Phillip Staff for volunteering on the day. If you were unable to attend and would like further information on “Legal Matters and Ageing”, the City of Port Phillip has pamphlets from Seniors Rights Victoria, please phone: Leigh Mckinnon 9209 6777 or email: helpdesk-diversityageing@portphillip.vic.gov.au to have information sent to you. Alternatively, booklets can be downloaded from: http://seniorsrights.org.au/resources/older-people/

Linking Neighbours Café Mornings

“Legal Matters and Ageing” a Great Turn Out

All those aged 65+ are welcome to come to one of the regular Linking Neighbours café mornings listed below. Bring some money for a cuppa and find out about the variety of outings and exercise groups that Linking Neighbours holds throughout the year. More information phone: Michael Wood Linking Neighbours Officer 9209 6777

Tuesdays: De Cuba Café Elwood, cnr Glenhuntly Road & Broadway, Elwood at 10am Tuesdays: Neighbours Café, cnr Inkerman & Chapel Streets, St Kilda at 11am

Wednesdays: PM’s Café, cnr Bay & Liardet Streets, Port Melbourne at 10am Wednesdays: Hot Honey, 40-42 Armstrong Street, Middle Park at 11am

Thursdays: Albert Park Deli, 129 Dundas Place, Albert Park at 10am

Juggling / Circus Workshop for All Ages and Skills

If you have marvelled at the skills of a juggler or circus performer and you want to give it a go, or you just want to try a different type of physical exercise that helps train your brain, this is the workshop for you! Come to one session or come to all, no bookings required, just show up. Teenagers, Parents & Grandparents welcome. All skill levels welcome. Conducted by Collin Bogaars - The Great Gizmo! With over 20 years circus performance experience Where: South Melbourne Community Centre 1 Ferrars Pl South Melbourne VIC 3205 When: Mondays during school term 5pm-7pm Cost: $5.00 per session. Family discount: 4 family members $15.00. Questions please email: info@funarts.com.au

The mayor pictured (middle) with two OPCC members

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Port Phillip Seniors’ Festival 2015 Event Highlights - Monday 12 to Sunday 18 October 2015

Speaking Stories: Digital histories from the Seniors Festival Port Phillip Writes Presented in with the Emerald Hill Library & Heritage Centre. When and Where: Rotates through Port Phillip Town Halls during October as follows: St Kilda Town Hall ASSIST Foyer: 5 to 12 October South Melbourne Town Hall ASSIST Foyer: 13 to 23 October Port Melbourne Town Hall ASSIST/Library Foyer: 24 to 31 October Opening hours: 8.30am to 5pm, except 24 and 31 October (both these dates have reduced opening hours of10am to 2pm). Cost: Free Take a trip back into Port Phillip's rich heritage. Oral Histories recorded by the authors from Port Phillip Writes with matching historical images from the Authors and the PORT PHILLIP CITY COLLECTION. Enquiries, phone: ASSIST 9209 6777 All welcome. No bookings required.

Seniors Festival Art Exhibition Date: Launch: Wednesday 14 October from 10am Open Days: Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 from 10am to 4.30pm Where: Angela Robarts-Bird Gallery, Gasworks Arts Park, 21 Graham St, Albert Park Cost: Free All local Senior Visual Artists who work in the art forms of painting, drawing, ceramics and sculpture have been invited to enter a favourite piece of work for the Art Exhibition. Gasworks Farmers Market is on Saturday 17 from 8am till 1pm. RSVP to official launch, phone: ASSIST 9209 6777 or email: rsvp@portphillip.vic.gov.au

“Pop Up Tea Pot” Exhibition presented by Emerald Hill Library & Heritage Centre When: Exhibition runs from Monday 5 October to Saturday 14 November Where: Emerald Hill Library & Heritage Centre, 195 Bank St, South Melbourne. Opening hours as per the library times. Cost: Free "Pop Up Tea Pot" Exhibition celebrates all things related to tea drinking. A wonderful collection of Tea Pots, Caddies and Cosies.

The annual City of Port Phillip Seniors Festival is a week-long celebration running from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 October 2015. It recognises the valuable contribution older people have made and continue to make to our community. The Seniors Festival is a great opportunity for older people to get out and about, meet new people, try new activities and have fun! For the full program please pick up from local Town Hall, Library or Community Centre and/or download from the City Of Port Phillip website.

Seniors Festival Tea Dance Date: Monday 12 October from 2pm to 4pm *Doors open at 1.30pm Where: St Kilda Town Hall Corner Brighton Road & Carlisle Street St Kilda Cost: Free with Entry Ticket, includes light refreshments Seniors are invited to celebrate the launch of the Festival at the Tea Dance. Enjoy a musical introduction from the “All Sorts”, then kick up your heels with the Royal Australian Navy Band who will play all your favourite tunes. So dress to dance and we’ll see you on the dance floor! RSVP ESSENTIAL by Monday 5

October

Phone: ASSIST 9209 6777 or email: rsvp@portphillip.vic.gov.au Pick up your tickets inside the Portico door entry of St Kilda Town Hall

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Port Phillip Seniors’ Festival 2015 Event Highlights - Monday 12 to Sunday 18 October 2015

Seniors Festival Guided Outdoor Gym Fitness Session Date: Saturday 17 October from 10.30am to 11.30am Where: Peanut Farm Reserve Exercise Equipment, Corner of Blessington St and Chaucer St, St Kilda Cost: Free This City of Port Phillip Exercise Equipment has seven workout stations which use a counter-weight system to limit resistance, meaning it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Fit-for-Parks will provide a trainer to run a session for seniors. All welcome. No bookings required.

Port Phillip Writes: Seniors Festival Writing Awards Date: Sunday 18 October from 2pm to 3.30pm Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Cost: Free with refreshments This enjoyable afternoon of literature includes the announcement of Judges Awards. Special guests will read sections of writer’s entries. Supported by The Grumpy Swimmer, 110 Ormond Road, Elwood. RSVP phone: ASSIST 9209 6777 or email: rsvp@portphillip.vic.gov.au

The annual City of Port Phillip Seniors Festival is a week-long celebration running from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 October 2015. It recognises the valuable contribution older people have made and continue to make to our community. The Seniors Festival is a great opportunity for older people to get out and about, meet new people, try new activities and have fun! For the full program please pick up from local Town Hall, Library or Community Centre and/or download from the City Of Port Phillip website.

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Werribee Open Range Zoo In May we took a chance with the weather and enjoyed a wonderful day out at the Werribee Open Range Zoo with the Big Day Out group. The Safari ride was the highlight, with Hippo’s, Giraffes, Rhino’s and Zebras on view and up very close. The group enjoyed a nice picnic lunch and hot tea and coffee, very popular due to the cold cloudy day. We were rewarded with some memorable photos and lots of happy moments. - Julie Armstrong Art and Memory Tour Once a month the Activity Group goes on an Art & Memory Tour at the NGV's Ian Potter Gallery at Federation Square. We are assigned two informative volunteers to explain the wonderful art works. In July the exhibition was called Follow the Flag to commemorate 100 years of Australian Artists at War from 1915-1945. War Artists were sent to capture the war through painting, posters, sketches, sculpture and photographs. The highlight was the sea of red poppies of war that represent Boulogne, France, and we all placed a poppy in the wall. - Eva Carfora

Aura Vale Lake and Cardinia Reservoir In July, as part of our monthly outings, the social Group Big Day Out went on a day trip to Aura Vale Lake and Cardinia Reservoir. Everyone enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Village Green Hotel afterwards. Aura Vale Lake plays an important role in Melbourne’s water supply. The lake forms part of a drainage system designed to channel run-off water from neighbouring properties and roads and stop it entering the main reservoir. This system prevents polluted water from affecting the quality of our drinking water. Cardinia Reservoir is an Australian man made water supply damned reservoir. The 287,000 mega litre water store is located in Emerald-Clematis in south eastern suburbs of Melbourne Victoria. Construction of Reservoir started in May 1970 and completed in 1973. - Alexis Cartwright

All Planned Activity Groups listed are subject to an eligibility check and availability. Transport can be provided for many of the groups if necessary. For more information on any of these groups phone: the Social Inclusion team 9209 6738

Social Inclusion Planned Activity Group Recent Trips

Older Persons Consultative Committee (OPCC) want to hear from you The OPCC has been appointed by Council as the main advisory body on all issues affecting older residents of City of Port Phillip. If you have any concerns, or great ideas that would improve the lives of older people, please phone: Laura Cattapan 9209 6777 or email: lcattapa@portphillip.vic.gov.au

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Nutritious Hot Lunch!

New Disability Respite Centre Coming Soon

Currently under construction and planned for an official opening in November 2015, Jewish Care Victoria’s new Coppel and Piekarski Family Disability Respite Centre promises to deliver an innovative model of care, developed through community consultation and industry research. The Centre, located at 476 Glen Eira Road, Caulfield will provide respite, carers support and community outreach services for children, adults and their families. The Centre’s services will be open to anyone with a disability as defined by the Victorian Disability Act 2006, where the children’s wing caters for children aged 6 to 17 years and the adults’ wing caters for adults from 18 to 64 years. Through a combination of facility-based respite, support and community engagement, the Centre will allow people with disability to build confidence, improve skills and trial a more independent lifestyle. Featuring the latest in style, innovation and functionality, the unique architectural design will cater for 5 children and 5 adults in separate and secure wings. The Centre is to be equipped with modern features, with each wing containing a sensory room and assisted baths, accessible kitchen and lounge areas, and smart TVs in each bedroom (adult bedrooms with an ensuite). Parents and carers are ensured peace of mind with the facility’s safe and supervised premises that have Sabbath-friendly access. Another key feature is the community hub, which runs carer support, outreach and training programs. The Centre can also assist carers with funds applications, brokerage and case coordination. Fees for the services are still being finalised, but will include meals, recreation and transport. For more information or any queries about the Coppel and Piekarski Family Disability Respite Centre phone: Jewish Care (03) 8517 5999 or email: info@jewishcare.org.au or visit: www.jewishcare.org.au/growing

We invite you to come for a nutritious hot lunch in a social

environment at the Betty Day Community Centre. Lunch is served by

the friendly Food Services team and is open to City of Port Phillip

residents aged 55 years and over or any person with a disability and

their carer.

Where: Betty Day Community Centre 67 Argyle Street, St Kilda When: Monday to Friday, 11.30AM to 1PM Price: Soup, Main Meal and Desert $6.00 Soup and Main Meal $4.50 Main Meal and Desert $4.50 If possible please phone: 9209 6422 to let us know if you will be joining us or if you have any special dietary requirements.

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We would love to hear from you if you have any feedback about our newsletter or if you have any ideas about what to include in the next edition, including programs and services that would be of interest. Please contact Leigh Mckinnon via the ASSIST phone number listed below. City of Port Phillip - Access & Ageing Private Bag No 3 PO St Kilda, Victoria 3182 ASSIST Phone: (03) 9209 6777 Website: http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au Email: assist@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Are you finding it difficult to access transport to go out? Can’t drive anymore? Accessing public transport is not easy? Walking is tiring? Whether you live in Port Melbourne or Balaclava, St Kilda or Middle Park, Elwood or South Melbourne, then why not use the transport service that SOUTH PORT DAY LINKS (SPDL) provides. SPDL has been operating for over 27 years and offers door to door transport to residents to visit friends, go to social gatherings, shopping, the hairdressers, doctor and other medical appointments and attend classes and other activities within the City of Port Phillip. The City of Port Phillip supports and endorses the valuable community service that South Port Day Links offers in assisting residents to maintain their social connections and support their ability to live independently. Registering is easy. There is no means testing, no physical examination, you only need to be able to get from your front door and into and out of a car to be eligible for the service. Once you have registered you can use the service as little or as often as you like. SPDL is a community run not-for-profit so a donation for return trip keeps them on the road. To find out more about getting you around phone: South Port Day Links on 9646 6362

Contact Us

Flexible Transport Services for you!

Home Library Service

Want to borrow from the library but can’t visit one of our branches due to ill health, frailty or a disability? Our Home Library Service brings the library to you! If you are a resident in the City of Port Phillip and are permanently or temporarily housebound, we can deliver library items to your door fortnightly, 3 weekly or monthly. For more information phone: Janie & Penny on 9209 6652