September 2020 MENZIES SUPPORT SERVICES NEWSLETTER Haybale artists impress again Rupert and Wayne pictured with the hay art group’s latest creation; a reminder to wear a face covering and practice social distancing. Community appreciation for hay artists We often receive comments from the wider community about our hay art installations. The displays have long been a talking point amongst locals, and visitors to the area can often be seen pulled over on the highway, taking photos. We received this feedback on our Facebook page, from new local, Leanne: “As a new local I love your hay bale creations. I look forward to seeing each new one. It brings a smile to my face and lifts my spirits. You are so talented and I want to thank you for doing this. You are such a blessing.” Thank you Leanne, and welcome to the community. Janet tuned in to The Social Channel for a chat with Jamie. To learn more about virtual social support activities please visit menziessupport.org.au/social or contact Jamie on 5772 1888. Staying home, staying safe
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September 2020 MENZIES SUPPORT SERVICES NEWSLETTER
Haybale artists impress again
Rupert and Wayne pictured with the hay art group’s latest creation; a reminder to wear a face covering and practice social distancing.
Community appreciation for hay artists We often receive comments from the wider community about our hay art installations. The displays have long been a talking point amongst locals, and visitors to the area can often be seen pulled over on the highway, taking photos. We received this feedback on our Facebook page, from new local, Leanne:
“As a new local I love your hay bale creations. I look forward to seeing each new one. It brings a smile to my face and lifts my spirits. You are so talented and I want to thank you for doing this.
You are such a blessing.”
Thank you Leanne, and welcome to the community.
Janet tuned in to The Social Channel for a chat with Jamie. To learn more about virtual social support activities please visit menziessupport.org.au/social or contact Jamie on 5772 1888.
Staying home, staying safe
September 2020 | Page 2 MENZIES SUPPORT SERVICES NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER
Ethan
Happy birthday from everyone at MSS
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Hi I’m Kerryn. I have moved into my new flat and I love being there.
It’s nice and warm and my sister, Marie, did a great job decorating it for me.
I sometimes work in the office and answer the phone.
When I was at the office, Karen and I took footy tipping cards to
Kerryn had pancakes for breakfast at her new home.
REPORT BY KERRYN R.
SETTLING IN TO MY NEW HOME the shops and The Mount.
While we were at The Mount, we went into Jess’s office and got to talk to some of the gang on Zoom.
We made them all laugh, and then we went back to the office.
Congratulations, Kerryn! We hope you’re enjoying your new home. From all of us at MSS.
Ian Hewitt
Trivia Spot WITH IAN THE TOPIC THIS MONTH IS DAME PATTIE MENZIES
Have a go, then find the answers on the back page!
1. Where was Dame Pattie Menzies born?
2. How did she get to school?
3. What sport did she play as a teenager?
4. Who was her husband?
5. What was her involvement with the Children’s and Royal Melbourne hospitals?
6. In what year did she become patron of the Dame Pattie Menzies Centre?
7. In what year did she open the centre?
JOKE SPOT:
1. What do you call a woman with a frog on her head?
2. What do you call a sleeping bull?
3. Why did the painting go to jail?
4. Why did the tailor go to the doctor?
Annual General Meeting
26th October, 2020
If you are interested in becoming an Association member please phone the office on 5772 1888. More information will be provided in the October edition of Menzies News and all current Association members will receive an invitation and renewal notice.
MENZIES SUPPORT SERVICES NEWSLETTER September 2020 | Page 3
Farewell and thank you, Ian What was your job before you became support worker?
Dairy farmer. I stopped dairying after 50 years because I needed a new hip.
When and why did you start working at MSS?
After I finished milking, we leased the dairy property, but I found I still wanted to work. As I am a people person, I thought MSS was worth a try. After recovering from surgery, I started working at MSS and with Rupert in 2006.
How many clients were there at the time?
There were around 25 clients when I started.
What course did you do to become a support worker?
I completed the Certificate IV Disability with Mansfield Adult Continuing Education (MACE).
What do you plan to do when retired?
I'm challenged to do more farm work like spraying weeds and attending to fences. I do some work around the house. I spend a lot of time in my favourite chair doing Sudoku and crossword puzzles, and I read a lot. My wife Diana says sitting too much is bad for me, but I do many exercises to keep my back, knees and shoulders mobile. I also ride my bike a lot. Perhaps after covid-19 Diana and I will have a few trips. I'm planning to visit The Mount on open days, maybe bring my violin to play Christmas carols. I’ve also been practicing my trombone and mandolin.
With Rupert at our 2019 Christmas celebration, Ian provided entertainment on the violin. What are some favourite memories and moments during your time with MSS?
Jamie being confirmed: Jamie progressed from me pushing him in the wheelchair to church, to taking a taxi to the church of his choice.
Echuca bus trip: The best part was the cruise on the SS Pevensey. Although it wasn't wheelchair friendly, the captain of the paddle steamer helped Jamie down the bank and onto the boat.
Ten pin bowling: I liked driving the original Toyota bus and several times we went bowling in Shepparton. It was one of the most popular programs. Evan and Rupert often starred.
Mowing round: Over the years I supervised and helped various clients on the mowing round. Over a two year period, Peter C
mowed the lawn of his mother-in-law in Yea. Wayne and Ian Hewitt cared lawns in Alexandra. Welding: Evan is a skilled welder. We made wine bottle racks from horseshoes and sold them for $35 each. Trailer restoration: Another notable job was to restore the trailer at The Mount. We removed the rust, rebraced, and repainted the trailer. Community dinner: Nola’s Mum, Helen, was a regular at a friendly community dinner. She invited Nola, Peter and Rupert, with a support worker to assist. It was my privilege to take part in these outings and see Rupert develop his social skills. Coworkers: MSS have a wonderful caring staff and my experiences over the 14 years have been most rewarding. God bless you all.
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Adam attended his first woodwork session.
Wayne, Rupert and Mark N. have been busy in the Woodwork room, making colourful cow plant holders. The group recently presented support worker Toni F., with a Richmond Football Club inspired black and gold cow, a farewell gift for Toni to take to her new home.
Meanwhile, at The Mount
The woodwork program received a donation from the Glencoe social club; proceeds from the club’s “Kindling for a Cause” project. The kindling is sold in Alexandra at the Grainstore, shown above, with all proceeds going back to the social club for distribution to the local community.
MENZIES SUPPORT SERVICES NEWSLETTER September 2020 | Page 5
Thank you Glencoe Social Club COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR WOODWORK PROGRAM
The Glencoe Social Club chose the Menzies Support Services woodwork program to receive the latest round of funds raised by their community project, “Kindling for a Cause”.
Glencoe’s community involvement began several years ago with a staff basketball team, and donations to the Alexandra District Basketball Association to assist the association with operating costs. When the basketball team ceased, Glencoe CEO, Jake McArthur, asked “What else can we do to help the local community? And the kindling program was born.
Glencoe staff set aside timber off cuts at the Alexandra truss and frame production site. The off cuts are then bagged and deliveried to The Grainstore in Alexandra for sale. All proceeds from the sales go back to the social club for donation to the local community.
Above: Glencoe Social Club members, Craig and Kevin, met the woodwork group.
Right: Craig presented participant Mark N. with a generous $500 donation to the program.
Social club members, Craig Robertson and Kevin Dodemaide, visited The Mount to meet woodwork participants and present the donation. A big thank you to Glencoe for your support, from all of us at MSS. Your generosity and community spirit is inspiring and greatly appreciated.
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HOME & COMMUNITY NEWS
Judy, Frank and Faith joined activities organiser, Jamie Flynn, for a chat on The Social Channel. For information about social support, visit menziessupport.org.au/social or phone Jamie 5772 1888.
Staying connected at home
CHANGES TO YOUR SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Please contact the office when you require any changes to your support arrangements, eg. cancellations or a change of day/time.
Recently on The Social Channel we have had coffee catch up and group discussions.
We played games like bingo, word games, and quizzes.
We have watched and listened to performances from the Victorian Seniors Festival 2020 reimagined. We have had
COVID-19 hotline for older Australians and their carers
1800 171 866
morning melodies where we have listened and watched some video clips from Elvis Presley, Andre Riau, Tony Bennet, Dean Martin , Rita Hayworth, Fred Astaire and music quizzes.
Virtual trips have included The Healesville sanctuary, Cactus Country, Mansfield Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, and the Aquarium.
We took a virtual winter snow tour to Craig’s Hut, from the movie Man from Snowy River, while listening to songs from the movie soundtrack.
Coming up on The Social Channel, we continue group bingo on Wednesdays.
If you would like to learn more please contact me at the office on 5772 1888.
Social Channel update from Jamie
MENZIES SUPPORT SERVICES NEWSLETTER September 2020 | Page 7
My name is Emily Walters and I’m excited to join the Menzies Support Services team in September.
I will be working as the Disability Services Coordinator. I will work to help people access services and programs that meet their goals.
I have been studying and working in Melbourne for the past ten years. I have a masters of art therapy. I have been working as a coordinator, deaf blind consultant and creative arts therapist at Able Australia. In this time I have learned lots about the NDIS.
I recently moved back to my home town of Eildon with my partner Camilo. I grew up in Eildon. I went to Eildon Primary and Alexandra High School. I love the local community and the beautiful countryside too.
I love to spend my time being creative. I like painting, cooking and pottery. I enjoy reading and learning new things.
I have been studying Auslan (Australian sign language) and I like to spend time practicing new signs and chatting with other people.
I can’t wait to meet the big team of people that I will be working with. Most of all I am looking forward to meeting the people who are supported by Menzies. See you all soon!
Introducing Disability Services Coordinator, Emily W
Emily will join the administration team later this month. Welcome Emily, from all of us at MSS.
News from the art room: Darren finished painting his Minion-inspired planter, while Kerryn opted for a smiling face and floral base.
Plant pots taking shape
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DIRECTORY Alexandra District Health 5772 0900
Alexandra Family Medical 114 Grant St, 5772 1699
Alexandra Medical Centre 54 Downey St, 5772 1444
Alexandra Taxi 0408 576 420
Murrindindi Shire Council www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au Access and Inclusion Officer Andrew Langley, 5772 0333
