AGEING WELL IN NILLUMBIK NEWSLETTER

2017 Edition 2

Hello Ageing Well readers!

Welcome to Ageing Well in Nillumbik, a quarterly newsletter to keep residents up to date with Council, community news, events and information to help you live well, and age even better.

If you would like to be added to our mailing list you can email positive.ageing@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or phone 9433 3157 and leave your preferred contact address.

Take care, Rebecca Burton, Acting Coordinator Community Services

Thank you to those who attended the Positive Ageing in Nillumbik Forum on the 21st of AprilCouncil has started the process to develop our Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017-2021. Consultation has taken place with the community through a survey and discussion paper and a recent positive ageing forum workshop held at the Hurstbridge Hub.

Approximately 40 people attended the forum where they had the opportunity to provide their feedback to assist with Council’s planning for the future of health and wellbeing in our area.

Discuss surrounded a number of topics and issues including the needs of our ageing population, the need for more physical activity, be less reliant on cars, the role of alcohol, gambling and drugs in our society and the need to prevent depression.

Attendees also heard from a speaker from Gamblers Speakers Bureau; ReSpin, about the dangers of gambling on poker machines.

Workshopping this topic generated some great feedback which will be fed into the new Plan.

GRANDPARENT'S PLAYGROUPGrannies, Nannas, Grandmas and Grandpas....

Come and join us for fun times with your littlies.

Our group caters for grandparents and their grandchildren to provide the opportunity to play together and develop skills.

We have watched the children learn to share, take turns, make friends and practice and develop their language skills.

The children's ages range from 18 months to 4 years.

We meet every Tuesday from 10am to 12 at the Diamond Creek East Preschool building in Coniston Street.

The facility is well equipped with loads of toys, puzzles and games. And we have a playground with sandpit and shed of trikes and other play equipment. We enjoy morning tea together with plenty of laughs and shared experiences. We currently have the Reading Rover from the library visiting with stories, songs and games. It's a great opportunity to share the fun with your grandchild and watch them grow.

Our contribution for the rent of the building is about $20 each per school term.

We are looking for more members and would love to meet you.

For more details phone Lyn on 9438 6125 or 0419 617 839.

Meet our Positive Ageing Reference Group

Our Positive Ageing Reference Group is made up of 12 fun and interesting members of the community. Tune into our next few editions to read about the members and their involvement.

100 Years of MCH

2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the Maternal and Child Health Service in Victoria. Initially a research project which arose due to vulnerability concerns such as high infant mortality. The knowledge garnered from these early studies resulted in the Infant Welfare Service being set up to provide practical advice aimed at improving health and wellbeing of children and mothers. This service is now known as the Maternal and Child Health Service.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary Nillumbik is interested in capturing some of the history of our Maternal and Child Health Service from conception to today and would welcome the opportunity to meet with older parents who are able to share their experiences, memories, photos of Maternal and Child Health Service with us.

If you think this might be something you can assist us with please contact: Roslyn Draper on 9433 3369 or Roslyn.draper@nillumbik.vic.gov.au”

Nominate for the 2017 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards The 2017 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards are now open. You can nominate an

organisation, colleague, friend or family member.

Last year, a Neighbourhood House president, an army veteran, a quilter and a

dragon boat racer were all recipients of an award.

The awards recognise older Victorians for their individual efforts, or organisations for

their work to improve the quality of life for Victorian seniors.

Award categories are

Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year

Promotion of Multiculturalism Award

Healthy and Active Living Award

Veteran Community Award

COTA Victoria Senior Achiever Awards

Age-Friendly Victoria Award – for organisations or businesses.

Download a nomination form at www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/awards

For more information contact Seniors Information Victoria on 1300 135 090 or email

askcota@cotavic.org.au

Nominations close 23 June 2017.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The foyer at Nillumbik Shire Council offices will display information about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day from 5 June to 16 June. Whether it’s dressing in purple, hosting a morning tea, selling ribbons, organising a flash mob or convening a community forum, you can help raise awareness and stop elder abuse. June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), an important opportunity to demonstrate support for our seniors and inform communities about elder abuse and how to

get help. For more information please visit the website https://elderabuseawarenessday.org.au/

Cracking the Memory Code

La Trobe University’s Psychology Clinic is offering the LaTCH Memory Strategies Program for people over 60. This six-week group program focuses on common age-related changes and challenges in everyday memory. An experienced neuropsychologist presents evidence based strategies to help improve your everyday memory (e.g., recalling names, remembering arrangements and appointments, keeping track of belongings). The program also explores common myths about memory and ageing in an informal, enjoyable manner.

There is a charge of $60 per group to cover the cost of the materials, including a booklet that has detailed notes from each session. Groups for 2017 are commencing in August and October.

Find out more

To register your interest in the LaTCH Program contact,The La Trobe Psychology ClinicPhone: (03) 9479 2150Email: latch@latrobe.edu.auWebsite: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/psychology-clinicOr http://www.latrobe.edu.au/psychology-clinic/services/group-programs/latch

OM:NI (Older Men: New Ideas) Discussion Group in Diamond CreekOM:NI groups are unique in creating a safe male sharing environment where older men can meet and discuss matters with confidence and trust on issues that may affect their daily lives. There are no formal membership requirements, and the expectations of people participating in the group are simple – they are about respect, trust and acceptance of each other. OM:NI is about living and enjoying a healthy and positive retirement, and above all it is a space to talk and listen to each other.

OM:NI Diamond Creek began in 2010 and is one of twenty Victorian groups and of the four groups currently active in the Diamond Valley. Meetings are held every 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at the Diamond Creek Netball clubrooms from 9.15am to 12.00pm. Any new men are always welcomed and encouraged to come along.

Telephone enquiries can be made on 0435.805.319 or visit our blog/web site to learn more: www.omnidiamondcreek.wordpress.com

Nominate a Nillumbik Business!Inclusion @ Nillumbik want to hear about local small businesses that are welcoming and inclusive of people with a disability. An estimated one in five Australians have a disability. Better access and friendly service means more customers and makes everybody feel more welcome. Training staff about the diverse needs of our community and making small changes like ensuring unobstructed path of travel for people with limited mobility go a long way to making people feel welcome and included.

Nominate a Nillumbik business that’s inclusive.

Email inclusion@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or Phone Council’s MetroAccess Officer on: 9433 3361

St Vincent’s Care Services Day Therapy Centre in Eltham - helping you to maintain your lifestyle and stay connected to the community.

We provide Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Speech Pathology and some nursing services.

WALKING GROUP

Tuesdays

Time: 12:30pm

Cost: Gold Coin Donation

St Vincent’s Care Services Day Therapy Centre will be leading a walking program. Walks will be led by the Physiotherapist and O.T. Each week the walks will be starting from a different local location. No transport is supplied.

Ideal for older people who enjoy a walk and who may have lost some confidence to walk alone.

(Also ideal for gentle training for that next overseas trip!!)

We will be encouraging walkers to indulge in a social cuppa after the walks if desired.

Ph: 9431 0100 and ask for Tina or Margaret

What’s on at the LibrariesYack and YarnWhere: Eltham LibraryWhen: Every Monday, 10am to 12pmBring along your knitting and crafts. Join this lively group for a chat and coffee

Briar Hill Artists GroupWhere: Diamond Valley LibraryWhen: Every Friday, 1pm to 3pmDo you like painting, drawing or colouring? The Briar Hill Artists Group invites you to join them!

Community GardeningWhere: Diamond Valley LibraryWhen: Every Thursday, 1pm to 2pmMeet our volunteer gardeners in our sustainable garden to share tips and ideas, contributing to the maintenance of our Community Garden

Robotics DisplayWhere: Eltham LibraryWhen: Throughout JuneDiamond Valley College have an award-winning Robotics and Technology program and this month many of the student’s interactive projects will be on display in the alcove cabinets

Writing GroupWhere: Eltham LibraryWhen: Thursday 1 & 15 June, 6.30pm to 8pmJoin a creative writing group and build a network of writing friends that can offer support, advice and a fresh approach to writing and publishing

Silken ThreadsWhere: Eltham LibraryWhen: Friday 2 June, 11am to 12pmTextile designer and author Kathryn Gauci will share her knowledge of the 600 years exotic history of Ottoman embroidery

SpinnersWhere: Eltham LibraryWhen: Monday 5 June, 10am to 12pmJoin the Nillumbik Spinners and Weavers; spinning, felting, weaving and knitting.

French Discussion GroupWhere: Diamond Valley LibraryWhen: Tuesday 6 June, 6pm to 7pmJoin this lively group with monthly meetings and improve your French conversation skills

Food SwapWhere: Diamond Valley LibraryWhen: Saturday 10 June, 10am to 11amBring your excess garden produce along and swap for other wonderful produce. A great way to meet others with similar garden interests or save some valuable cash

Book GroupWhere: Eltham LibraryWhen: Wednesday 14 June, 7pm to 8pmExpand your reading horizons and discuss a great book over a cuppa. Enquire in branch to pick up a copy of the next book to read

Internet BasicsWhere: Diamond Valley LibraryWhen: Friday 16 June, 10am to 11.30amExplore the different ways we interact, communicate and learn via the internet. Practise browsing with Chrome, Explorer or Firefox. Personalise your browser and bookmark and save your favourite websites. BYO device or use one of ours

FermentingWhere: Diamond Valley LibraryWhen: Tuesday 20 June, 11.30am to 12.30pmMarie from Rie’s Kitchen will prepare traditional giardiniere in this fermenting workshop

Philosophy ClubWhere: Eltham LibraryWhen: Wednesday 21 June, 10.30am to 11.30amDiscuss different philosophical topics and philosophers

Family History FestWhere: Diamond Valley LibraryWhen: Wednesday 28 June, 2pm to 3pmDigital technology is changing the publishing landscape, making it easier and cheaper than ever to publish your work. Award winning writer and publisher, Blaise van Hecke, will explain the different ways to publish to suit your family history project.