Why am I so delighted and moved each year when I hear the wonderful stories from carers about how businesses, services and truly selfless individuals have supported them in their caring role in big and little ways? I LOVE the opportunity our Carer Friendly Business Awards provide carers to acknowledge such support and this year has been no exception! We have endeavoured to capture the spirit of these awards in the photographs on the next page of the award category winners.

There is great news too about opportunities for short respite stays for carers through the generosity of some of our local Air BnB owners. Inspired by

an article in Noosa Today featuring our Regional and State Award winner, Adrienne Penny, three other Air BnB owners have contacted us and would like to offer mid week short stays for carers in need of a break… at no cost!

We are hoping that Adrienne’s Carers Air BnB Project will not only spread Statewide but possibly across the Nation as she is in contact with the Air BnB administrators to promote this concept. For obvious reasons Carers Queensland is very supportive of this project.

As we approach the end of the year our thoughts are projected to the year ahead. The team here is in the midst of planning activities and

workshops for 2018.

Whilst acknowledging Christmas can be a stressful time of year, I trust each of you finds time for yourself and looks forward to the New Year.

Summer 2018

Inside this issue:

Carer Friendly Business Award Winners 2017

2

Photos of Carer Events

2

From the Counsellors’ Desk

3

Air BnB respite opportunity

3

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity officer update

4

Office Closure Dates and Emergency Numbers

4

Accessible Housing Survey

4

Upcoming Events 2018

5-6

Calendar of Events

7

Me Time Photo Finalist

8

Ode to Family Carers

8

Christmas and New Year Greetings

8

Sunshine Coast Regional Newsletter

January - March 2018

Proudly sponsored and printed by

A message from our Team Leader

Good News! We have been advised by Suncare Community Services that Taxi vouchers are available for carers and care recipients over 65. Each taxi voucher is for $10 and can be used towards one trip through Suncoast Cabs (no need to book in advance, just phone when required) with the balance paid by the carer / caree.

Eligible carers and care recipients will receive $500 worth of vouchers which can be used over a three month period. After 3 months, another lot of vouchers up to $500 can be applied for.

These vouchers are valid for the whole Sunshine Coast area including Caboolture, Gympie, Maleny and Kilcoy.

Carer / care recipients must register with My Aged Care 1800 200 422 for taxi voucher transport and ask for a referral to Suncare.

Taxi Vouchers for over 65’s

Adrienne Penny, Rain Forest Beach Studio, Great Service Award State Winner.

Sunshine Coast Page 2

Carer Friendly Business Awards 2017 Congratulations to all winners and those nominated for the 2017 Carer Friendly Business Awards. Well done!

Carer Support Groups 2017

Maleny End Of Year Lunch

Hawaiian Lunch

Lunch Maroochy Surf Club

Craft Day

Lunch Golf Club Bli Bli

Caloundra End of Year Lunch

Winner Best Dressed Hawaiian Lunch

Great Employee Winner: Kristy Brightfield—Mobile Intensive Rehabilitation Team nominated by Glennis Barber

Some great activities were held throughout 2017. If you have ideas for carer support group guest speakers, workshops, information sessions or events for 2018, please let us know.

Great Employee Commendation: Luke McGillivray, Q Invest nominated by Dianne Mooney

Welcome to Country: Brianna Asher and Coen Anderson

Staff in attendance: Kathryn Kalogerakis, Janine Dowdell, Sandy Hancock and Kath Kelly

Great Service Provider Winner: Carers Outlook—Vince and Lorrae O'Rourke nominated by Robyn Conway and Raylene Stephanos

Great Service Winner: Adrienne Penny, Rainforest Beach Studio AirBnB nominated by Matthew Gould

Wow I cannot believe it is almost the end of the year…….again! What a year it has been and hopefully 2018 will bring much joy and happiness to everyone.

I am very pleased to let you know that the Writing Group is going from strength to strength and we have decided to continue these in 2018 . They will be held on Wednesday 17

January, 21

February and 21 March. Please book as there are only ten places in each group.

Also exciting is a new workshop I am presenting on Family of Origin, the roles that we play. This identifies roles that we played in our families and how we may be still playing them in our adult lives and how that can affect us in our caring role. This exciting workshop is scheduled for Monday 12

February 2018.

Sandy will take your booking on 5451 1882. All workshops are from 10am to 12pm at Carers Queensland 10 Wrigley Street, Maroochydore.

I hope you all have a joyous, safe and happy festive season.

‘Til next time. - Michelle

From our counsellors’ desks

Sunshine Coast Page 3

I will be conducting a workshop on 8 February about, “Is the caring role different from being a son, daughter, spouse, parent (or step) grandparent, friend or paid worker?”

Does it matter?

What might be gained or feels necessary and what might be lost? The workshop will be part discussion, part exploratory exercises and part sharing.

A second workshop on 1 March will

be on the topic of, “What helps with Stress?” We will explore what helps, what doesn’t and how to

know what to do. Stress affects everyone and if left too long, can have debilitating effects. We are often so committed to our role, that we don’t always notice the accumulated stresses until things start falling apart. By that time it may be hard to think, we may have become hopeless, or even homeless! Thinking about options before things get to a crisis point is a great preventative and makes us feel a little more hopeful about the future. As above, the workshop will be part discussion, part exploratory exercises, and part sharing.

Please see the calendar or phone our office for further details. I’d love to support you!

- Pam

Are You in Need of a Short Break?

As mentioned, we have an opportunity to offer mid week short stay respite to carers in need of a break from their busy caring role. This is possible through the generosity of a couple of Air BnB owners in the region for selected down time periods.

The cost is waived for family carers who could not otherwise afford such a break. One bed studio apartment accommodation is available in the Hinterland and by the beach.

If you are interested in having your name added to the wait list, please contact the office to outline your need so that we can prioritise support and match with availability.

With permission we will pass on your contact details to an Air BnB owner so that they can contact you directly to arrange your stay.

Contact Maroochydore Office on 5451 1882 to register your interest.

Rainforest Beach Studio Air BnB

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (CALD) Officer

Sunshine Coast Page 4

As part of my role as CALD Family Carer Support Officer I belong to Sunshine Coast Multi Cultural networking group who meet once a month at our Carers Queensland Maroochydore office. We have identified a number of needs in the Sunshine Coast Community around raising awareness of the positive outcomes produced when the community embrace Cultural Diversity. Therefore, whenever possible this group is striving to reach the Sunshine Coast community with information and promotion of multi-cultural events. A free Multi Cultural BBQ end of year celebration was held on 25

November at Cotton Tree Park. This event was attended by several hundred-community local members. Be sure and look out for regular multi-cultural events that will continue to be planned throughout the coming year.

Multi-Cultural Community Members are now also posting regular information on the newly created SCMC Facebook page, which I invite you all to access. https://www.facebook.com/groups/scmulticulturalnetwork/

I will be representing Carers Queensland at a Social Inclusion Week interactive event, which had originally been scheduled to occur on 30

November at Quota Park

Nambour. Unfortunately, due to heavy rain it has been rescheduled to occur in January. We have planned to have a blank canvas activity and will invite attendees to paint a symbol of what inclusion means to them.

I look forward to sharing the finished product with you all on our Facebook page in the next year.

Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday season and all the very best for 2018.

Kala Christouyenna, shubho bôṛodin,

Meri krismas, Buon Natale, Meri

Kirihimete, Kreesmasko

shubhkaamnaa

Feliz Navidad, Suk sarn warn

Christmas, Chuć Mưǹg Giańg Sinh,

Schöni Wiehnachte, Suba Naththalak

Wewa

- Kathryn

Office Closure over Christmas - New Year Period

The Sunshine Coast office will be closed from end of business Friday 22 December 2017 and will reopen on Tuesday 2 January 2018

Contact Numbers over this holiday period are:

Emergency: Ambulance, Fire, Police: ............................................................................................ 000

Carer Advisory Service (Closed 25 Dec & 1 Jan): ......................................................... 1800 242 636

Emergency Respite CRCC: ............................................................................................. 1800 059 059

Lifeline 24 hrs/7days: ............................................................................................................... 13 11 14

Men’s Line Australia 24hrs/7days: .................................................................................. 1300 789 978

Policelink (for Police attendance non-urgent): ....................................................................... 13 14 44

COAG's 2010-2020 National Disability Strategy is committed to support the National Dialogue for Universal Housing Design's goal that all new homes will be of an agreed livable design standard by 2020. At the direction of the Building Ministers Forum, the Australian Building Codes Board is assessing the need to

regulate for livability in all new housing in the National Construction Code. This survey will help to identify:

the difficulties (if any) in finding livable housing

the cost and benefit to Australian Society in providing livable features in all new housing; and

the features that should be in a livable standard for all new housing.

The survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ANUHD or call into the Maroochydore office for us to support you in completing it on line.

Would you like to have a say in reaching a standard of housing livable design?

Kathryn Kalogerakis, CALD Officer

Sunshine Coast Page 5

Monday 15 January

10am to 12pm

Living Gems Lifestyle Resort

23 Macadamia Drive,

Maleny

MALENY CARERS SUPPORT GROUP

WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR

Come along to our first get together for 2018 and enjoy a relaxed catch up with other carers.

You will have the opportunity to make suggestions for guest speakers in the year ahead and share ideas on how to take

care of yourself.

A delicious morning tea will be provided.

On arrival please advise reception for gate entry to the resort.

Wednesday 31 January

12pm to 2pm

Marcoola Surf Club

64 Marcoola Esplanade

Marcoola

SUNSHINE COAST CARER SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP

All carers are warmly invited to attend a relaxing lunch with sea views at Marcoola Surf Club. Take some well deserved time out

from your caring role with others who understand.

Meals are available from $10 per carer.

Carers Queensland will contribute $10 to each carer’s meal. Drinks at own expense.

Friday 2 February

10am to 12 noon

Beerwah Library

Meeting Room

25 Peachester Road

Beerwah

BEERWAH CARERS SUPPORT GROUP

Welcome back for 2018 to those providing care for a family member, friend or neighbour who has a disability, mental illness, chronic illness or for someone who is frail aged.

Come along and enjoy some well-deserved time away from your caring role. Carers share experiences, local knowledge and positive strategies. A lovely morning tea will be supplied.

Tuesday 13 Feb

10am to 12pm

Lagoon Creek Café

(next to PCYC)

1-11 Tovey Street

Caboolture

CABOOLTURE CARER SUPPORT GROUP

NOTE : NEW VENUE

Come along and catch up with other Carers from the Caboolture area for a cuppa, scones and chat.

Enjoy the surrounds this lovely café has to offer.

Gold coin donation appreciated.

Upcoming events: January / February / March 2018

Sunshine Coast Page 6

Upcoming events: January / February / March 2018

Monday 26 February

10am to 12pm

Meeting Room, Carers Queensland,

Cnr Wrigley and Parker Streets, Maroochydore.

MAROOCHYDORE MENTAL HEALTH

CARERS SUPPORT GROUP

This month Judy Davidson, Carer Consultant, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Mental Health Unit, will join us to discuss the Hospital Carer Reference Group and her role in

supporting carers.

Cuppa and informative conversation assured.

Wednesday 28 February

10am to 12 noon

Meeting Room, Carers Queensland,

Cnr Wrigley and Parker Sts, Maroochydore.

MAROOCHYDORE CARER SUPPORT GROUP

PLANNING AHEAD: Let’s talk Enduring Powers of Attorney

Do you wonder why you may need an EPoA?

Are you unsure who you should trust with your health? Your money? Decisions about your life?

A peer educator from COTA Queensland is offering a session on the importance of planning ahead with resources to help each

person think through their own unique circumstances and support them to consider their options.

Wednesday 7 March

10am to 12pm

Meeting Room, Carers Queensland,

Cnr Wrigley and Parker Sts, Maroochydore.

DEMENTIA CARERS SUPPORT GROUP

GRIEF AND LOSS PRESENTATION

Christine Wellfare from White Lady Funerals will be holding a presentation on Grief and Loss.

Dementia carers often experience grief and loss for the person they used to know and the relationship they had with them. There can also be strong feelings of loss for the future that had been planned together. These feelings may be felt at any time - at diagnosis, as

the dementia progresses, right up to and even after death.

Come along to a session aimed at supporting you in these feelings, how to deal with them and where to get help.

WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH

10am to 12noon

“The Orangery”

Cairncross Corner

10 Mountain View Rd

Maleny

SUNSHINE COAST SOCIAL CARER SUPPORT GROUP

MAD HATTERS EASTER TEA PARTY

SAVE THE DATE

Come along to our Mad Hatter’s Easter Tea Party. There will be a prize given to the best hat on the day!!

FURTHER DETAILS TO BE PROVIDED

Sunshine Coast Page 7

January 2018 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

8) Gympie MH 10am - 12pm

9)

10) 11) 12)

15) Maleny CSG 10am - 12pm

16) Noosa CSG 1.30pm - 3.30pm

17) Writing Stories with Michelle 10am - 12pm

18) 29)

22) Maroochydore MH 10am - 12pm

23) 24) 25) 26)

29) 30) 31) Social SG All Welcome

February 2018

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1) 2) Beerwah CSG 10am - 12pm

5) 6) 7) Dementia CSG 10am - 12pm

8) Therapy Workshop "Exploring The Caring Role and Our Relationship" 10am - 12pm

9)

12) Gympie MH 10am - 12pm Therapy Workshop Roles we Play 10am - 12pm

13) Caboolture CSG 10am - 12pm

14) Caloundra CSG 10am - 12pm

15) 16)

19) Maleny CSG 10am - 12pm

20) Noosa CSG 1.30pm - 3.30pm

21) Writing Stories with Michelle 10am - 12pm

22) 23)

26) Maroochydore MH 10am - 12pm

27) 28) Maroochydore CSG 10am - 12pm

March 2018

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1) Therapy Workshop “Managing Stress” 10am - 12pm

2) Beerwah CSG 10am - 12pm

5) 6) 7) Dementia CSG 10am - 12pm

8) Caboolture MH 10am - 12pm

9)

12) Gympie MH 10am - 12pm

13) Caboolture CSG 10am - 12pm

14) Caloundra CSG 10am - 12pm

15) 16)

19) Maleny CSG 10am - 12pm

20) Noosa CSG 1.30pm - 3.30pm

21) Writing Stories with Michelle 10am - 12pm

22) 23)

26) Maroochydore MH 10am - 12pm

27) 28) Social SG All Welcome

29) 30)

Page 8

CARERS QUEENSLAND Cnr Wrigley and Parker Streets Maroochydore 4558 PO Box 377 Cotton Tree 4558 8.30am– 4.30pm M-F Ph: 5451 1882 Carer Advisory Service: 1800 242 636 (free call except from mobiles) www.carersld.asn.au www.facebook.com/CarersQueenslandSunshineCoast

Maleny carer, Sam Dawes who cares for his wife Patsy, was one of the many carers who submitted a photograph depicting a celebration of “me time”. We are proud to say that Sam’s wonderful photo was selected as a finalist in the competition.

The photos submitted depicted images of the unique way carers find moments to themselves.

Many of the images were shared at national and regional events during National Carers Week 2017 (October 15-21) including the Sunshine Coast Carer Friendly Business Awards.

Well done Sam and belated happy 80th birthday!

Carers Queensland Inc. ABN: 20 061 257 725 ACN: 618 755 490

‘Me Time’ Carers Week Photo Competition Finalist

Ode to Family Carers C is for caring for that's what you do,

A is for anxiety this is what you go through,

R is for respite you could use every day

E is for energy, I need more you could say,

R is for responsibility that is heaped upon all of you

S is sadness that may often be there,

For this is what happens when you begin to care.

By outgoing Deputy Chair, Carers Queensland Di Vella

Sunshine Coast

Best Wishes for the festive season! Kath, Janine, Kathryn, Pam, Michelle and Sandy (your local Carers Queensland team) wish you all a safe and a fun-filled Christmas and hope that your dreams come true in 2018.