Winter 2014 Issue 32

VSLO Quilt

Everyone at VSLO spent months working on decorating a calico square. Their aim was to incorporate an illustration of what was important to each person. Together with their key worker, they were able to illustrate lots of different ideas and get very creative. The end product, as shown below, is great and hangs with pride at the cottage.

Our beautiful quilt

Veranto news & muse Winter 2014 Issue 322

Visit to “Redbanks”

Early in January this year, Ray Miller and Harold Dimmack made the trip from New Norfolk to “Redbanks fish and Field” near Nugent, to try their hands at a spot of shooting. Ray and Harold were joined by a group from the Lodge for the occasion.

The staff at Redbanks were very helpful and showed Harold and Ray the correct way to hold a gun and shoot them with safety. The “shooters” tried .22 rifles, high powered air rifles and sling shots, and Harold even had a go at archery.

Harold showed himself to be particularly good with the shotgun, scoring 3 hits from the 5 clay pigeons put up.

Both Harold and Ray enjoyed their day and would like to visit Redbanks again.

In this issueVSLO Quilt 1

Visit to “Redbanks” 2

Trikemania 3

Bruny Island Trip 3

“Burwood band” 3

Another Bruny Island trip 4

Rosny Park Bowls Club Donation 4

Board Report, April 2014 5

Thank-you to Acorn Branch 6

Botanical Gardens outing 6

Carbeen fundraiser 6

Dianne’s vegetable garden and activity 7

Talking with Scouts 7

Visits to Bushy Park and Taste of Huon 7

CEO Report 8

Relay for Life 9

A Melbourne visit 10

Sunlea outings 11

Devonport Bocce trip 11

Hot Rod Cars 12

Vale David Gigney 12

Harold at Redbanks

Ray Miller at Redbanks

Veranto news & muse Winter 2014 Issue 32 3

Trikemania

Late last year, Carbeen residents Graeme Cross and Reid Free decided to take a trike ride with Trikemania driver David. They agreed between them that each would travel independently accompanied only by a member of support staff.

Graeme was hoisted into a comfortable position and donned his helmet and fastened his seat belt.

It was a beautiful calm sunny day as he set off towards the airport. They travelled onto Cambridge Road and passed the Cambridge Complex back to the large roundabout junction with the main highway before heading back to Carbeen Street where he was all smiles as his helmet was removed.

Next it was Reid’s turn and he was on the trike with his helmet on without a minute to spare. As they set off down the highway Reid was all smiles. He did get rather cold on the ride as the cool air flowed up his trouser leg and they enjoyed a joke about that. When they arrived back at Carbeen Street, David made the trike do a wheelie in the driveway which amused Reid considerably.

Both Graeme and Reid had thoroughly enjoyed their Trikemania experience and thanked David for the rides of a lifetime.

Bruny Island Trip

January 10th was one of those warm summer days when Sandra Palmer, Robyn Green, Mary Holowenko, Ian Rayner, Neville Fitzmaurice, Cleve Mitchell, John Geeves, Russell Pearce, Maree Watt, Rohan Naughton, Stanley Henry and Patricia Henry set out for an adventure. Their destination was Bruny Island and all its magical spots.

They boarded “Mirambeena” for the journey across the water but not before they had a chance to stretch their legs and have a chat with the other intending passengers. There was plenty of chatter as people decided what to see and where to go once on the island. The south of the island was the preferred destination as it was believed there was more to see and explore there.

The Berry farm was their first call, and although there were no longer enough berries left to pick, they were still able to enjoy fresh home-made scones with berry jam and some fresh berries with cream.

The nearby beach was the next stop and everyone enjoyed a pleasant walk taking in the fresh air on this lovely Friday afternoon. After the walk they decided to head to Adventure Bay where they found another lovely beach with numbers of people enjoying the water. They undertook a leisurely stroll and chatted with other beach users before heading to a quaint little cafe where they were welcomed by staff and diners alike.

They returned to the beach after lunch and were sure to apply their sun block. Many of the locals re-established contact and conversation with the group. Maree was thrilled to be able to run along the beach and, with her shoes off, paddle in the water with the waves lapping round her ankles. Mary was “introduced” to the young son of a local couple and was delighted when “Charlie” reached out to touch and hold her finger. Everyone admired the lovely beach scenery, the cliff clinging trees and the sandstone rocks which provided such lovely seating.

It was all too soon time to return to the city, and after some discussion and a suggestion from Russell, they decided to run-away from the Lodge [presumably to live at Bruny?] After a stop at Kingston to buy ice-cream they realised that the day was moving towards tea time, so they bought some chicken and salad to eat for dinner at Kingston Beach.

Everyone agreed that it had been a most enjoyable day.

“Burwood band”

Monday nights at Burwood are all go as Matthew Hoori brings out his guitar, Troy Pearn brings out his keyboard and Andrew Clark brings out his violin. Between the three of them, they have 4 guitars, one violin, one Irish bodhrin , one electric drum kit, three electric keyboards, a Harmonica, various shakers, tambourines …oh, and a cowbell! You can imagine the amazing sounds all those instruments can make, once in the hands of the Burwood band.

Yes folks that’s right, they have started a band!

Veranto news & muse Winter 2014 Issue 324

On Monday night at 8pm sharp the house comes alive to the sounds and rhythms of the Burwood band. They have their own unique sound that changes from week to week but they are always keen to improvise. Sometimes they play quietly, sometimes loudly, they can play fast, slow, sometimes in time with each other and other times their music sounds very avant-garde indeed.

Watch out Mona Foma, The Burwood band’s-a-comin!

Another Bruny Island trip

It was a lovely Friday morning in December when Rohan Norton, Andrew Mayo, Robyn Green, Peter Stephenson, Russell Pearce, Graeme English, Rodney Howe, Maree Watt, Ian Rayner and Amy Dalton headed south towards Bruny Island for a day of activities including the award winning Bruny Island Cruise.

Thanks to some extra efforts from staff in the lodge, including Christine getting up an hour early to get everyone ready, they arrived at Kettering early and lined up for the short ferry trip across to the island. After a few photo opportunities it was time to board the ferry and across they went.

Adventure bay awaited them. They checked in on time and eagerly awaited their turn to board one of the four Bruny Island Cruise Boats. Mr Byrne made an appearance to say hello much to the joy of everyone. Paul Dolzan was incredibly proud of everyone as they climbed down the somewhat slippery and steep ladder onto the boats, put on their rain gear and headed south into what he considered rough & cold waters (Paul is from QLD and still a bit soft when it comes to the cold!!)

The friendly guides showed them all some wonderful local attractions – the largest blowhole in the southern hemisphere, wonderful sheer cliffs and some of the best scenery ever seen.

The highlight of the day was seeing a baby dolphin swimming alongside its mum. The tour guides believed it to be only 2-3 days old.

It was no surprise to anyone that the Bruny Island Cruise Company has won so many awards.

After a few hours the tourists reached the southern ocean; the wind was blowing and there were two meter waves all around them, but still, everyone had wide smiles and a very positive attitude. Some of the other tourists didn’t fare as well, spending the majority of time with their heads over the side of the boat…but we will spare you the details.

After a great time they met back up with Amy, Ian and Maree who had been sightseeing elsewhere, and shared a lovely lunch, cup of coffee and a period of relaxation before boarding the ferry back to Kettering.

A great day, very well organised by Kelly, and the wonderful company made for a memorable time.

Rosny Park Bowls Club donation

On Tuesday 28th of January, Graeme English and Rodney Howe attended the Rosny Park Bowls Club Annual Fundraiser Day held for Veranto – Oakdale Lodge. They were joined by Caitlin Jenkins (DSW) and Todd Hitchens (Board Member).

The day was a very hot and muggy 38 degrees, and due to this weather they were only able to have a quick 20 minute bowl as it was too hot for the players to stand out in the heat.

A beautiful afternoon tea was then provided by the bowling ladies for everyone to enjoy.

The Rosny Park Bowls Club kindly donated $650.00 to Oakdale Lodge to be utilized for the benefit the residents of Oakdale Lodge.

On behalf of the residents of Oakdale Lodge they would like to say Thank you to the Rosny Park Bowls Club for their generous donation.

Afternoon tea at Rosny Bowls Club

Veranto news & muse Winter 2014 Issue 32 5

Board Report, April 2014

I am writing this Board Report on ANZAC Day having just attended the local Dawn Service and Parade through the streets of Hobart. Whilst the number of veterans marching is sadly declining, it is great to see that the number of children and young people attending both ceremonies has been increasing over the last few years. It is important that we commemorate and respect the sacrifice made by so many in the various wars and conflicts over the years.

Service comes in a variety of forms and it was so pleasing to receive so many high quality applications from members of our community who want to make a difference and join the Board of Veranto. At our Board meeting on 28 April, we will welcome Ms Saskia Hobbs, Mr Brenton West and Mr Phil Dewis who will fill casual vacancies on our Board until the next AGM. Saskia, Brenton and Phil all bring a very wide variety of skills and experience and they will round off our team very well. Welcome to the Veranto family to all of you and thank you for giving your time and energy to help enrich the lives of the people we support.

If you would like to meet our newest Board members, it would be great if you could attend our Special General Meeting to be held in July. The purpose of the SGM is to vote on some minor amendments to the Constitution including a change to allow us to extend the date by which we have to hold our Annual General Meeting from the end of September each year to the end of November. An extension will give us more time to properly complete the various financial and audit reports and to ensure we can present the best possible Annual Report to our members.

Over the last couple of months, the Senior Management Team and the Board have been working together to develop a new Strategic Plan that has established our Vision and Objectives for the next few years. Together, the directors and managers of Veranto will use this as our road map for the future and ensure that we are well prepared to meet the challenges we will face. I would sincerely like to thank everyone who participated in the planning sessions; there was a great vibe in the room and it was very pleasing to see that the Board and Senior Management Team are united in how we will move forward. At the SGM in July, we will present an overview of the Strategic Plan and outline our goals for the future. Again, I really hope you can join us.

On 13 May, I will attend a ceremony at Oakdale Lodge to acknowledge the contribution of several employees who have achieved long service with Veranto. Congratulations to Melissa-Jane Moore, Maureen Chellis and Sharon Newton for their remarkable achievement and thank you for choosing to work with Veranto. Your dedication, professionalism and care for the people we support is what makes Veranto such a special place to live and work.

Ginna Webster

Chair

Veranto news & muse Winter 2014 Issue 326

Thank-you to Acorn Branch

Oakdale residents send a big “thank-you” to the Acorn Branch for the new outdoor setting. It arrived in plenty of time for the lovely summer weather and has received considerable use. A highlight was a very pleasant morning tea with Roy on the setting just before his retirement.

Botanical Gardens outing

Early in January, Laura Judd, accompanied by Mahmoud, attended the live performance of “Robin Hood” at the Botanical Gardens.

Because they were fifteen minutes late for the play, the ticket seller kindly allowed them entry for half price, and despite their late arrival they were able to locate themselves in the audience in a position which allowed them to have a clear view of the activity and see the signs and movement of the actors with some ease.

At the end of the first half, Laura and Mahmoud moved to the bottom of the garden to watch the remaining parts of the play. Laura was thrilled by the melodious sound of the instrument used during the performance and was so delighted with the actors’ moves that she was compelled to laugh and giggle which, she admits, drew some attention to her by some other members of the audience!!

Laura admits to being a little distracted by the movement from one location to another and prefers a performance at one location. Despite this though, she thought the play was awesome overall.

When the play ended, it was 12.30pm and time for some lunch, Mahmoud took Laura to a MacDonalds, after which they returned to the bus and headed home after a happy and enjoyable outing.

Carbeen fundraiser.

Residents Graeme Cross and Reid Free from Carbeen, recently held a Slice and Biscuit Drive to raise money for their garden at home. They sent out forms to everyone at Veranto, including staff and the people supported by Veranto services and collected the forms themselves after people had enough time to make their choices and place an order.

Graeme and Reid gave themselves enough time to make all the biscuits and slices from scratch, before it was necessary to deliver the goods. They allowed themselves a week to prepare, but by the time delivery was due, they found still themselves under considerable pressure to have the biscuits and slices wrapped and labelled in time.

They headed to Oakdale Lodge where they delivered the items people there had ordered.

Much praise was received on how well the project had gone and Graeme and Reid couldn’t have been happier with the success of their fundraising venture.

Eating outdoors

Veranto news & muse Winter 2014 Issue 32 7

Dianne’s vegetable garden and activity

Dianne Cowen enjoys growing a few veggies in her backyard garden at Sunlea. She has planted zucchini, pumpkins, snow peas, silver beet and potatoes.

Dianne waters everything regularly and recently harvested her Dutch cream potatoes.

Dianne has also branched out and has recently cooked zucchini soup made from her own veggies.

Well done Dianne!!

Dianne’s potatoes

Talking with Scouts

In February, Luci Giblin travelled to Kingborough to talk with a group of scouts about competing in the Special Olympics and to give them an insight into the life of a competitive swimmer.

Luci stood confidently in front of a group of about twenty kids to tell her story. She spoke about travelling to places like Greece, Queensland and Victoria to participate in the Special Olympics.

Luci proudly showed her audience the two medals she had brought along. The silver one she had won in the 2006 Special Olympics in Queensland, and the bronze one she had won at a special race in Adelaide.

Luci enjoyed sharing her story with the scouts and was thrilled to be asked for an autograph by numerous members of her audience after she finished her talk..

Visits to Bushy Park and Taste of Huon

The annual Busy Park Show, held on Saturday 15th February this year, was the destination for Alicia Road residents Kayleen Harwood, Maxine Flakemore, Hartmuth Pallavincini and Robert Helps.

The journey northwards from Kingston took approximately 60 minutes and as they travelled Kayleen reminisced about her childhood and growing up in the Derwent Valley.

At the show they enjoyed the wood chopping and the chain-sawing while they ate their picnic lunch before finishing up with a nice cup of tea.

The horses competing on the oval were a definite highlight, as was listening to the live rock band.

All too soon it was time to head back to Alicia Road, but everyone had enjoyed the outing immensely.

(Those of us who are old enough can remember when the Bushy Park Show was always held on New Year’s Day and was, for those of us with Derwent Valley connections, a regular outing on New Year’s Day. Ed.)

On March 10th, Maxine, Kayleen, Robert and Hartmuth attended the Taste of Huon at Ranelagh, near Huonville. They had been looking forward to some tasty treats and were not disappointed.

The day was very hot and, thankfully, they had remembered their hats and sunscreen. Having chosen which meals they would sample, they were lucky to run into some friends when queuing up for service. Their choice included roasted root vegetables and gourmet sausages and they were able to sit in the shade of a big white tent to enjoy their food to the accompaniment of nearby live music.

The heat of the day determined that several drinks were necessary, and they enjoyed strolling round the oval checking out the offerings.

The drive back to Kingston was a good time to reflect on what a pleasant day they had enjoyed.

Veranto news & muse Winter 2014 Issue 328

CEO Report

Surprisingly we find ourselves in May already and thinking about the end of the financial year, the Annual Report and, of course, the AGM. The year now almost seems to be divided into seasons that fall broadly as, setting up for the year ahead, followed by strategic planning, end of the financial year that includes the financial audit, Annual Report and AGM, preparation for Christmas and the holidays. I will resist the temptation to cite that the speed of the cycle seems to accelerate, as that would lead to references of age.

So the last parts of summer and well into Autumn have been shared between strategic planning (as referred to by Chair Ginna Webster) and the introduction of new software to support the organisation in our existing service areas as well as preparing us for the new world of the NDIS.

IT

The software includes a comprehensive information system for the people we support together with an integrated business package to cover accounts, payroll and human resources. Veranto has made a substantial investment, both financially and in man hours to ensure the new systems will be most effective and efficient once full roll-out occurs. A further investment in new server hardware is occurring to ensure the system has the physical capacity to meet our business requirements as we diversify our services. All of this is keeping IT Manager Ian Hopkins and the Management Team very busy as we manage this project along with our day-to-day roles.

Oakdale Lodge

Over many years (certainly more than ten), we have been advocating for a funding model for Oakdale Lodge that was truly reflective of the diversity of need across the residents. At the end of 2013, the then Minister Cassy O’Connor and the Department allocated the long awaited funds and this has enabled us to develop a structure and model of support to best meet the changing needs of residents. The new structure, which will include a second co-ordinator position and together with the Team Leaders, will ensure we have the leadership necessary on every shift to maximise outcomes for the people we support at the Lodge.

New Directors

I wish to add my note of welcome to the new Directors introduced by Chair Ginna Webster. Saskia, Phil and Brenton attended their first Board meeting at the end of April and I am certain their individual and collective skills will be of great value to the Board and to Veranto more broadly. The SGM scheduled to be held in July will be an opportunity for you to meet them. I have written in this column and in my reports to the AGM of my admiration for the people who so willingly give of their time to contribute to Veranto. Being a Director on any Board has an obligation to fulfill the array of responsibilities that are legislated and enforceable by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Being a Director of Veranto also brings the role of custodian of our history, values and of our culture-- responsibility that successive Boards have embraced and respected. This is a legacy that each Board consciously entrusts to the next.

Operations Manager

Nicole Cumine was introduced to you in September of last year as the Deputy Operations Manager to work with Roy Archer in the lead up to Roy’s retirement in February of 2014. Nicole has had the operational ‘reins’ across the organisation over the past four months and it has been very pleasing to see her commitment to the people we support and the strong internal and external relationships she has developed since joining Veranto. I have recently confirmed Nicole to the role of Operations Manager and look forward to working with her in this critical role within Veranto.

In closing, I congratulate Melissa-Jane Moore, Maureen Chellis and Sharon Newton who are recognised this month for completing ten years of service (see photo over page). In an era of change, Veranto is fortunate to have many employees who have given extended service to the organisation and to the people we support.

Paul Byrne

Veranto news & muse Winter 2014 Issue 32 9

Relay for Life

For the third year running, the Veranto community has participated in the Relay-for-Life an event organised by the Cancer Council. The event runs for twenty four hours and raises money from sponsorship of the team which has to keep the team baton moving on the course around the Queen’s Domain. This year the Veranto team comprised fifty members and managed to raise $1895.

Despite the rain which fell on the occasion the team managed to have a member walking at all times and the new Veranto flag- like banner at the campsite looked fantastic.

Ten year’s service

Relay group with banner

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During the evening the team lit candles in memory of friends who had died. Maree Watt and Graeme English remembered their friends Patty Fall and Charles Mitchell.

The event is a chance for reflection on how cancer affects so many people and is also a time for hope that the money raised will make a difference to those who are fighting cancer and help find a cure.

Veranto will again participate in relay-for-Life in 2015 and we urge people to consider being part of the team and/or making a donation towards this very worthy and often personal cause.

A Melbourne visit

Lindsay Appledorf, who makes an annual trip to Melbourne, set off again this year in March with the support of Kerrilyn Packer. Lindsay was excited to be travelling with someone new and had enjoyed booking his trip a few weeks earlier at the Flight Centre. Instead of his usual taxi from the airport this time Lindsay opted for the Skybus to Southern Cross and then a smaller shuttle bus to the hotel.

Relay candle bags

Relay group

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They checked in to a room on the sixth floor of the Quest Hero Hotel on Russell where Lindsay reveled in the idea of having a Queen sized bed all to himself!, before setting off to find some groceries to supplement their food requirements over the next couple of days. The first night they enjoyed a meal at The Elephant & Wheelbarrow English style pub then back to their hotel for an early night after the day travelling.

Next day Lindsay wanted to get his shopping done so they ventured onto the Chadstone Shopping Centre free bus and headed out for a morning of shopping. This was followed by a restful afternoon watching TV in the hotel before catching a tram to St Kilda where they were able to catch up with Lindsay’s old friends Teresa and Chelsea for fish and chips. Lindsay was very excited to receive an early birthday present from them to bring home before Teresa very kindly drove them back to the city and the hotel.

On Friday morning they headed to the Stamford Hotel where they again boarded the Skybus shuttle to take them back to the airport. Lindsay is already talking about his trip next year to the wonderful city of Melbourne!

Sunlea outings

Richard Bryan and Caralyn Gaye enjoyed a pleasant outing at Kingston in the summer.

Caralyn had been “dog sitting” the family dog “Jack” and she and Richard decided that a visit to the dog beach at Kingston would provide some relief from the summer heat. Caralyn walked up and down the beach chatting with other beach goers whilst Richard decided that a quick dip was the way to beat the heat.

On another occasion, Richard and Caralyn visited the foreshore park at Montrose, not far from their home at Sunlea. They enjoyed walking along the path and chatting to people they met. They soon found the outdoor gym equipment and both enjoyed a nice workout before going home for tea.

Devonport Bocce trip

Friday 14th March found Graeme English, Peter Harvey, Sandra Palmer and Mary Holowenko travelling to Devonport to play in the State Bocce Championships. The journey, which began at the Lodge at 1.30pm, was filled with laughter, chocolates and occasional naps. On arrival at Campbell Town (the half-way mark!) at 3.30pm, everyone took the opportunity to stretch their legs and fortify themselves with a refreshing drink.

On arrival at Devonport they settled into their respective rooms and unpacked the things they would need the following day. The evening meal, purchased by Michael Mundy, was very welcome after the day’s journey sitting on the bus and afterwards, Graeme, Rodney and Peter stayed up late to watch the football (AFL, of course!) with periodic forays to the next door room to interrupt the ladies with news of the score (they were otherwise engaged in watching a “girl’s” movie on another channel!)

Everyone slept well that night, although Sandra was awake at 5am watching rabbits in the paddock adjacent to the room

Fast forward to the day’s competition, everyone played fantastically, showing enthusiastic sportsmanship and making firm friends with the other athletes. On Saturday evening it was time to let their hair down, enjoy a fantastic meal provided by the ladies of the Special Olympics Association, and dance the night away.

The same evening there was a raffle in which Sandra Palmer won a huge box of chocolates! After such a big night dancing, laughing and friendly tormenting of the staff by Rodney and Graeme! everyone got back to the hotel and went to bed.

Next day the second round of Bocce competition began. After a little worry that the weather wouldn’t hold out, they were greeted with rays of sunshine. Everyone played to the very best of their ability and supported one other throughout the entire game.

All in all, the trip was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended and the athletes returned to the Lodge on Sunday afternoon with a variety of ribbons and medals to show for it.

Caralyn, Richard and Jack at Kingston BeachFun at Montrose Foreshore Park

Newsletter of Veranto A.C.N. 055 028 562 | A.B.N. 72 867 597 283

PO Box 3130 Rosny Park Tasmania 7018 Phone: (03) 6244 8846 | Fax: (03) 6244 8024

Website: http://www.veranto.org

Editor: Graeme Rayner | Email: admin@veranto.org

Graphics: Sahara Design

Any opinions expressed herein are not necessarily

those of the management or Board of Veranto.

Sahara Design 0216

Hot Rod Cars

Brendan Craig visited the Hobart Showgrounds recently to see the Hot Rod cars on display. There were some beautiful machines on display and Brendan was especially enthusiastic with some of the brighter models.

The number of cars to be seen on arrival was limited so Brendan and his companion explored the market while they waited for more cars to arrive. After the market it was time for lunch so they found a table to sit at and have a bite of lunch.

As anticipated in the meantime more cars had arrived so after lunch they set off to examine the new arrivals. Brendan was photographed with an impressive red car but unfortunately a flat battery prevented any other photographs.

Nevertheless Brendan was more than happy with his visit.

Vale David Gigney

David Robert Gigney, a long term resident of Oakdale Lodge, passed away peacefully on May 11th. He is sadly missed by his many friends at the Lodge—as their tributes in the Mercury following David’s death, clearly indicate.

Farewell David—you will not be forgotten.

Brendan at HotRods