1. family and parenting

The voice
Autumn 2015
Helping hand for
new parents and families
Getting a good start in life is essential for a healthy and happy
future – so to help new mums 3Bridges is proud to announce
the establishment of our new Early Years Support Service.
“3Bridges already offers a range of
services and programs for children
and families so the addition of an Early
Years program is a very natural fit,”
says 3Bridges CEO Rosemary Bishop.
“The program will be coordinated by two
highly experienced community workers,
Lina Willmott and Anne Van Vuuren, who
joined the 3Bridges team in March.”
The Early Years Support Service has just
been launched in the Sutherland Shire
and over time will expand to the St George
area as well.
“We are delighted that the Big Sister
Foundation is keen to work in partnership
with 3Bridges,” says Rosemary. “They have
a very good understanding of the need for
such a service and have long supported
Lina and Anne, who have worked in the
Sutherland Shire for a number of years.
“We are also thrilled that the 3Bridges
Early Years Support Service will have the
benefit of a strong group of volunteers,
and a fundraising committee that is
dedicated to seeing the service continue
to grow and support families in the area.”
“The Early Years team will help parents
to build their confidence and parenting
skills,” says Rosemary. “They can also help
families to link up with other support
services and agencies if necessary.
“The aim is to make sure that families
who are already experiencing challenges
can cope with the extra stresses and
demands that can come with having
a young child join the household.”
To contact our Early Years
Support Service, or to enquire
about volunteering, please
contact our coordinators.
Vibrant
Openness
Innovation
Collabration
Excellence
At 3Bridges, people are at the heart
of everything we do. As a trusted
community partner, our goal is to
connect people so that together we
build happier, healthier, sustainable
communities. We have more than 40
years experience in working with the
community to deliver services and
programs across south-east Sydney
for everyone from young children
and families through to youth, older
people, carers and volunteers.
Lina and Anne will coordinate a pool of
trained volunteers who provide a home
visiting service designed to respond
effectively to the needs of parents, their
newborn and young children (0-3 years).
The service will operate from 17B
Casuarina Road, Gymea Bay, hosted
by the Big Sister Foundation.
OUR VALUES
Front: CEO Rosemary Bishop (left)
welcomes Lina and Anne, watched by
3Bridges staff and EYSS supporters.
02 9531 7684
[email protected]
We acknowledge the traditional
owners and custodians of the
land and pay our respects to
elders both past and present.
Message from CEO Rosemary Bishop
Leaving a legacy
Early this year I had the
privilege of going to Antarctica
on a “think tank” organised by
the Unstoppable Movement,
founded by Julio De Laffitte.
People on the “think tank” ranged
from passionate 20-year-olds intent
on solving world sustainability issues
to the more mature who were also
passionate about sustainability,
supporting young entrepreneurs, and
options for the ageing population.
I was asked to lead the workshop about
leaving a legacy and I focused on the
opportunities that a connected community
organisation like 3Bridges offers.
We discussed the value of being
part of the community, volunteering,
learning new skills and working
together to bring connection and
fun into the life of the community.
During the workshop I encouraged
people to reflect on their life’s purpose
– the connections and contributions
that are part of their legacy.
I was also able to lead a number of
conversations during the think tank about
3Bridges key causes, which in essence are:
n No one needs to be alone;
n Celebrating rites of passage; and
n Caring for carers.
Our causes focus on the individual
person at the centre of each of our
services. So in the past weeks as I
have spoken at conferences, I have
drawn the audience’s attention to the
rites of passage for people over 65.
from primary school to high school
and then later as they move out of
home, get their first job, engage in
volunteering and develop new skills.
It is a privilege for 3Bridges to
be seen as a partner in a person’s
growth and development and to walk
alongside them as they meet life’s
challenges and opportunities.
I encourage you to connect with us
as you read this edition of The VOICE
and consider the opportunities to
join with us to make a difference.
There are so many enjoyable and
challenging steps as people move to
their Encore years – the years when
they have the chance to have another
turn at being everything they can be.
At 3Bridges, this means working with
older people as they engage in volunteering,
develop new skills and networks, take on
leadership roles and plan for a future that is
engaged and purposeful.
Likewise, we are
working with younger
people – first as they transition
‘I encourage
people to
reflect on their
life’s purpose’
Building community
With the significant changes underway in the community
services sector, and growing links between business and the
community, here is a conference you will not want to miss.
Rosemary Bishop, CEO of 3Bridges, says, “We
are building a conversation that I know you
will want to contribute to and be inspired by.
(Australian Business for Purpose, 2013 ).
innovative community projects.
“By joining the conversation you
will be better prepared to:
“3Bridges will bring together business
and services that are stretching towards
building connected and productive
communities. We will showcase how
businesses are responding to the belief held
by 95% of Australians that business has a
broad social responsibility to help in global
efforts to address major social problems
including poverty, hunger and disease
n Build businesses for purpose to
meet community needs
“We will chat with older people
about how they bring their wisdom
to big challenges such as technology
and health, safe communities and
intergenerational relationships.
2
the voice - AUTUMN 2015
Colour and culture for
Harmony Day
About 70 people arrived for a
special shared meal at our Arncliffe
Community Centre, with many different
cultures represented, enormous
piles of fabulous food and lots of
laugher and chatter as we shared the
many things we have in common.
Over at Menai – just a skip and a
jump from our community centre
– the 3Bridges team was on hand
at beautiful Parc Menai to share
information about our services and
to applaud the colourful entertainers
who took over the rotunda.
Despite the rain, there was a good
turn out, with 3Bridges providing an
information stall, sausage sizzle and the
microphone on stage. Thanks especially
to Fiona, Felicity, Shayne, Helen and
our wonderful volunteers for their
great work in pulling the day together.
+
Skills
EXPERIENCE
Along with significant changes
in how services are funded and
delivered, governments – and
service providers themselves – have
identified a need for a more flexible
and well qualified workforce.
training across Sydney (and across
the state via distance learning),
offering the Diploma in Community
Service Coordination, Certificate III
and IV in Home and Community
Care, and Certificate III in Disability.
When we think of rites of passage – the
significant life changes, the big steps – we
reflect on who we are and why we are here.
SADVAETE! Business for purpose
THE
23-24 er
Septem5b
201
Harmony Day is one of
our favourite events at
3Bridges and this year our
community pulled out all
the stops to celebrate.
n Partner to make a difference in
communities and increase engagement
n Identify opportunities for alternative
revenue streams and increased services.
“The second day of the conference will
build conversations for specific segments
of our community as we showcase
“There will also be workshops
on the options and leadership
opportunities for people with a
disability and for younger people.”
For more information see
www.3bridges.org.au.
an exciting future
There is no doubt that
the social services
sector in Australia
has been undergoing
massive upheaval in
the past few years.
As part of the shift to the new
Commonwealth Home Support
Program, support workers and
volunteers must meet minimum
training standards from the
start of July this year.
That is where 3Bridges’ 40 years
of experience comes in: Through
our registered training organisation
(RTO 41056) we can help you to
review your skills set and help
you to identify any gaps.
3Bridges provides high-quality
3Bridges offers a range of
programs and delivery options
to suit everyone’s needs so we
invite you to contact us today.
Training and Development
Coordinator Bernadette Frawley says,
“There has never been a better or
more important time for community
workers to demonstrate their
professional competence than with a
nationally recognised qualification.
“The sector is changing but so
are the opportunities to help make
a difference in new and exciting
ways. To increase your skills with an
RTO that has deep knowledge and
expertise in the community sector is
a solid investment in the future.”
02 9558 4000
[email protected]
the voice - AUTUMN 2015 3
and healthy people emerged as common
themes, while accessible community
spaces and opportunities to learn and
connect with others were also priorities.”
Study finds more folk
home alone
Sessions were held in Arncliffe,
Carss Park, Menai and Penshurst,
as part of 3Bridges’ commitment to
offering services and programs that
are both valued and needed.
Chance to share
community’s views
Do you want to
know what people
in the community
really think?
Just ask them!
What makes
“Nearly 200 residents have attended
community conversations hosted by
3Bridges over the past four months
and they were very keen to share
what is important to them,“ explains
Community Development Worker
Ibtisam Hammoud. “Safety, harmony
a good life?
What we perceive to be “a good life” is
heavily influenced by having choices,
friends and quality support networks.
The project, funded by the IRT
Group, focused on older people with
lifelong disabilities, including intellectual
disabilities, who are now living longer and
beginning to interact with the aged care
system. A control group comprised older
people from the general population.
Similarly both groups identified issues
such as loneliness, having no clear role in
life, lack of control and lack of access to
coordinated support or specialist health
services as barriers to a good life.
The paper reveals that living alone
is slightly more common among
women than men, while on average
women who live alone are substantially
older than men who live alone.
“These conversations are the beginning
of a continuous process of engaging with
our community members. One of 3Bridges’
goals is to build strong, sustainable
communities and community conversations
play a very important part in this.”
According to the Institute’s
Professor David de Vaus, a number
of factors underlie the shift, including
cultural background, age, family
breakdown and level of affluence.
There will be other opportunities for the
community to be involved in this ongoing
conversation. We will keep you informed!
A recent research project, led by Professor
Trevor Parmenter and Dr Marie Knox of the
University of Sydney, has confirmed what many
3Bridges clients and staff already know:
The researchers found that both groups
had similar responses to the question
“What is a good life?” also nominating
autonomy, mobility and the ability to stay
at home as important indicators.
A quarter of all Australian households now consist of
only one person, according to a new paper released
by the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
“Feedback from the sessions will
be shared with other agencies and
organisations such as Councils
to help them review and plan
services,” says Ibtisam.
“The research confirms that services
such as those offered by 3Bridges are an
important option for older people and
those with a disability to feel a sense of
connectedness and wellbeing as they
age,” according to Community Care
Director Vicki Petrakis. “It is also interesting
that mobility and staying at home were
identified as very important to those
interviewed.”
“As the population
ages and as more people
are living alone, social
isolation amongst older
people is emerging as
a major issue... because
of the adverse impact it
can have on health and
wellbeing.”
Dr Robyn Findlay,
University of Queensland
“In some quarters, this trend
has been linked to a decline in
commitment to family living, increased
social fragmentation and a rise in
loneliness,” he says. “For others,
living alone has been celebrated
as reflecting greater choice.
In 1986 nine per cent of those
who lived alone were over 80 while
today the number is 15 per cent – an
increase of more than 62 per cent.
“In the middle-aged group, living
alone often results from separation and
divorce,” says Professor de Vaus. “Among
younger groups, living alone is linked
with delays in marriage while among
older people it is more often than not
the result of the death of a partner.”
“The shift has coincided with an
increase in people living alone in
their middle years – with a third
of those on their own being aged
between 40 and 59 years of age.”
One of the key causes that 3Bridges
promotes is that nobody needs to be
alone. The choice to be independent
is to be honoured and the joy of
connecting with others celebrated.
We are seeking to connect with
older people by providing leisure
and lifestyle activities such as book
clubs, storytelling using tablets and
iPads, and connecting with young
people through school projects.
Researchers also found that there has
been a sharp increase in the proportion of
those living alone who are aged over 80.
For more information visit
www.3bridges.org.au or
call 02 9580 0688.
3Bridges has a range of programs that
support these values, including social
activities and a home modifications and
maintenance service.
The Parmenter study also looked at the
experiences of workers in the aged care
and disability sector.
Interviewees reported a need for
more staff training to support the idea
of person-centred care, and a need
for greater access to services for older
persons living with a lifelong disability.
Building on the initial study, Professor
Parmenter and his team secured additional
funding for a study titled Keeping my
Place in the Community: Achieving
Successful Ageing-in-place for People with
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Their findings are due for release in 2016.
4
the voice - AUTUMN 2015
the voice - AUTUMN 2015 5
Reconciliation action plan
moves into second year
When 3Bridges officially came
into being in 2014, one of the
key projects undertaken was to
complete our first Reconciliation
Action Plan (RAP).
Where is
she now?
With all the changes around
3Bridges since the merger
of Keystone, Pole Depot and
Menai Community Services
last year, it’s nice to catch
up with an old friend.
“Our Reconciliation Action Plan
is an important part of 3Bridges’
commitment to understanding our
community and responding to its
diverse needs,” explains project leader
Kaye McCulloch, Director Community
Development. “As such, the theme
of the first year’s RAP was to build
our knowledge and understanding of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people’s histories, cultures and goals.”
A working group was formed
late in 2013, and members
met monthly to consult with
stakeholders and shape the plan.
The team drew on 3Bridges’
existing relationships and
partnerships,
including those with the Kurranulla
Aboriginal Corporation and
community service agencies.
The plan was then translated
into action, with a range of
training opportunities, staff
awareness sessions, events and
regular updates on progress.
“We are now about to start work
on our second year RAP, with the
theme for 2015-16 being ‘Innovate’,”
says Kaye. “We’ll be looking at how
we can initiate opportunities to
build better relationships with the
Aboriginal community in our region.“
An early project will be the display
of artworks by local Aboriginal artists
in 3Bridges community centres and
offices. Kaye says, ”We will also
be distributing National Sorry Day
flowers leading up to 26 May.”
EAT well
LEARN well
BE well
welcome,” says Traci, “but it would be
really great if we could source fruit and
other healthy foods locally. We want
this to be about community as much
as it is about health and wellbeing.”
The breakfast program will
be offered from 7am to 9am on
Mondays and Tuesdays.
Recent Australian research
reveals that one in five
Australian teenagers go to
school without breakfast –
putting both their health and
ability to learn in jeopardy.
“So many young people leave home
really early to get to school,” says Traci.
“The breakfast program will help to
make sure they are well equipped for
the day with a healthy mind and body.”
3Bridges offers a range of other
programs and services for youth, including
the Youth Zone Centre in Hurstville,
which opens from 2.30pm to 7pm on
Thursdays and 2.30pm to 8pm on Fridays.
To help tackle the issue, 3Bridges will be
trialling a new Breakfast Club program
for 12 to 18-year-olds in the Kogarah
area a couple of mornings a week.
The breakfast program will operate out
of 3Bridges’ new youth space in Railway
Parade, which is due to open after Easter.
“The Kogarah space will be an informal,
supportive environment where young
people can call in on their way to
school, have a healthy breakfast and
meet new friends and youth workers,”
says Traci Sii, 3Bridges’ Manager, Youth
Services. “Over time we also plan to
offer a photography club program
and a barista course in the space.”
To help create links with the local
community, the youth services team will
be inviting local businesses to partner with
3Bridges in offering the breakfast program.
“Of course financial support is always
“Our weekly cook up on a Thursday
encourages young people to
explore and develop cooking skills
of multicultural dishes in a social and
fun setting” says Traci. “This is another
way we help young people connect,
develop skills and stay healthy.”
For more information or to volunteer
with this program, call the Youth
Services team on 02 9580 8008.
Shayne O’Leary, our External
Communications and Stakeholder
Engagement Coordinator, was only too
happy to have a cup of coffee and a
chat with Kim Buhagiar, who was Centre
Director at Pole Depot for 26 years.
Kim worked tirelessly during that time,
building the community centre from a
single service neighbourhood centre to
one of the largest and most respected
community centres in the St George area.
Her final project was to join the team
that created 3Bridges for the future.
Shayne reports that since moving
on Kim is certainly not sitting still!
“Kim has been working as a consultant
with Riverwood Community Centre three
days a week,” says Shayne. “Originally it
was to be for only a few weeks but one
thing led to another and Kim is still there.”
When she’s not working, Kim is enjoying
playing grandma to her twin three-yearold grandchildren, and looking forward
to a holiday in New York in May and
further travel to Vietnam later in the year.
Y
URGENTL
NEEDED
Surrogate grandparents
Find a Grandparent, a not-for-profit organisation that connects
surrogate grandparents with young families, is urgently looking
for fit and active people to become volunteer grandparents.
“In today’s global world there are
many young families who don’t have
grandparents living close by,” says
mother-of-two Cate, who founded
Find a Grandparent in 2012.
young families on a voluntary basis. They
don‘t replace babysitters, but visit regularly
and want to establish a close, long-term
relationship with the whole family.
Like they say, if you want something
done, give it to a busy person.
“They long to find a surrogate
grandparent to share their laughs and
happy moments with and would love their
children to have another person to talk to
and to have new exciting experiences with.”
Memberships for surrogate
grandparents are free, however they
are required to obtain a National Police
Check at their own expense. Families
wishing to link up with a grandparent may
register on the organisation’s website.
Enjoy your break, Kim, from
all your friends at 3Bridges.
Surrogate grandparents who register
with Find a Grandparent get to know their
Email [email protected]
or go to www.findagrandparent.org.au.
6
the voice - AUTUMN 2015
A new view of retirement living
Register for an upcoming event
and receive your complimentary copy
of The Village Green Cookbook,
Inspiration for living a full and vibrant life.
Name
Address
Email
Phone
Whether you enjoy the panoramic outlook or the relaxed village
atmosphere, St Patrick’s Green offers a range of modern retirement
apartments designed for easy living.
Due for completion in 2017, St Patrick’s Green is conveniently
located in the heart of St George, close to transport, medical facilities
and shops. At St Patrick’s Green, you can live independently with the
peace of mind that care is available in your own apartment or in the
village’s boutique aged care home should you need it.
Discover a new view of retirement living. Call us today to register
your interest, or join us at our next morning tea and find out more
about what St Patricks’ Green has to offer.
Greengate Level 1, 156 Gloucester St, Sydney NSW 2000 · Visit www.stpatricksgreen.com.au or call 9256 5644
the voice - AUTUMN 2015 7
Links to Learning
comes to 3Bridges
A new partnership between 3Bridges and two Sydney high
schools is set to give a group of Year 6 and Year 7 students
a fun and innovative year to transition into high school.
Celebrating volunteers
Wash away the
bathroom blues
Maintaining your independence at home, or after a trip
to hospital, can be a challenge, especially if you can’t use
your bathroom to wash yourself or use the toilet.
3Bridges offers a home modification service
for people who need to adapt their living
spaces with ramps, rails and so on – but
what happens when the bathroom is being
renovated or your loo just won’t do?
We could not agree more, and
with National Volunteer Week
coming up from 11 to 17 May, we
celebrate volunteers everywhere for
their passion and contribution.
The portable, freestanding CarePort
comes as either a shower or a shower/
toilet combination which can be installed
quickly and easily in any room of the home.
3Bridges is all about linking people
to build connected and enriched
communities. To do so, we rely heavily
on the dedication and commitment
of more than 300 volunteers to help
run our services and programs.
Without them, we simply could not
meet the needs of our community.
Bryan Molan, 3Bridges’ Home
Modifications Manager, says, “CarePort
conforms to Australian plumbing and
sanitary standards and comes with its
own water heater if required and simply
plugs into any 10amp power point.
We salute every one of you, for every
kindness and every little thing you do
to help enrich the life of another.
“The cubicle is suitable for virtually any type
of shower stool or chair, while the shower rose
is height adjustable or may be hand held.
To learn more about volunteering
for 3Bridges, please contact us.
“CarePort also provides easy access
for carers to assist the user or for
those who may be convalescing and
can’t access their bathroom.”
8
the voice - AUTUMN 2015
“Wherever you turn, you can
find someone who needs you.
Even if it is a little thing, do
something for which there is no
pay but the privilege of doing
it. Remember, you don’t live
in a world all of your own.”
So said Dr Albert Schweitzer, the great
humanitarian, medical missionary and
Nobel Prize recipient who spent his life
toiling for the wellbeing and of others.
A 3Bridges CarePort could be just
what you need.
To receive a brochure or
demonstration DVD please
contact the 3Bridges
Home Modifications team
GIVE happy
LIVE happy!
We also provide a volunteer linking
service for other organisations.
02 8558 4040
02 9558 4000
[email protected]
[email protected]
The Links to Learning program, funded
by the Department of Education and
Communities, focusses on building
students’ resilience, self confidence
and self-awareness in an educational
and supportive environment.
“Our Links to Learning program is
specifically for girls transitioning out of
primary school,” explains Kaye McCulloch,
3Bridges’ Community Development
Director. “We are working with Moorefield
Girls High School and Wiley Park Girls
High School, along with our partners
at Riverwood Community Centre.
“The program is designed to assist
girls to explore their identity through
developing emotional and social skills
through the creative use of technology.”
The students selected by their schools
to take part in the program are working
with older girls at Moorefield and Wiley
Park to write and share their personal
stories. They will then be linked with
seniors in the community, both to tell
their own stories and to hear about
WHOO
HOO!
the older person’s life experiences.
“Through peer-to-peer mentoring
and interacting with others in the
broader community the girls will learn
more about themselves but also gain
an appreciation of others’ perspectives
and experiences,” says Kaye. “It’s an
approach that fits neatly with 3Bridges’
own philosophy and service models.”
The Links to Learning program follows
a five-step process of connecting schools
with appropriate partners; engaging
students in meaningful activities; providing
learning opportunities for students to
improve their education, employment
and life skills; individualised planning
for students to identify their goals;
and transitioning from their Links to
Learning project at its completion.
The 3Bridges partnership started in March,
with 15 students selected to take part.
For more information call
Alessandra in the Youth Services
team on 02 9580 8008.
Here comes our
beaut new loo!
For nearly 50 years the downstairs toilets at the old
Pole Depot have tried to meet the needs of hundreds
of staff, visitors and clients – but not any more.
Several weeks ago the doors closed for
the last time, but before you start looking
for the nearest tree, don’t worry! While
our Penshurst team and visitors have been
cheerfully sharing a Porta-loo and the
upstairs amenities, a sparkling new toilet
block has been taking shape.
ribbon and saying come on in!
Thanks to a generous grant of $40,000
from the NSW Government Community
Building Partnership program and support
from the state member for Oatley, Mark
Coure MP, we will soon be cutting the
“The new toilet block will meet modern
workplace health and safety standards
and will include a special disabilityaccess cubicle, providing a much better
experience for everyone.”
Project manager Tina Warner says, “It
had got to the point where people were
avoiding the old facilities – but for older
people and mums with young kids who
don’t always have time to wait or get
home, there wasn’t really another option.
More choice with
changes to aged care
From 1 July 2015, the Australian
Government will launch the
Commonwealth Home Support
Program (CHSP).
The new CHSP will be the entry level for
Australia’s aged care system for people aged
65 years or over who need support to remain
living independently in their own homes.
Older people and their carers should
benefit from a standardised national
assessment process and single entry point
through the My Aged Care gateway.
CHSP clients will be able to access a
wide range of services, which will include
planned respite, meal delivery and domestic
assistance.
As with residential care and Home Care
Packages, the government expects CHSP
clients to contribute to the cost of the
services they receive. It is proposed that the
amount each client contributes will be based
on their pension status or equivalent income.
“While we understand that the
government’s changes will have an impact on
many older people, we are already working
with clients to ensure a smooth transition to
the new arrangements,” says Vicki Petrakis,
3Bridges’ Director of Community Care. “In
many ways, the changes are an opportunity
to increase and improve our services because
clients will have much greater say in what
they want and how assistance is delivered.
“We are already re-shaping our Help at
Home and Health and Wellbeing programs
to provide a more person-centred approach.”
For more information call
My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or go to
www.myagedcare.gov.au. Alternatively,
you are very welcome to call the 3Bridges
Carer Support Team on 02 9580 0688.
the voice - AUTUMN 2015 9
Reflecting on a
lifetime of service
Seniors say
Technology
needs to be relevant
A recent study commissioned
by Independent Age in the UK,
found that 70% of people in
the UK aged 65 or older have
never used the internet.
Researchers found a number of reasons
for lack of uptake, including perceived
cost, connectivity issues and sight
or dexterity concerns. However they
also found that many older people
are capable and interested in using
technology, provided they are made
aware of its benefits and receive
adequate training and support.
ANZAC Day is a special day for many Australians,
and perhaps even more so this year, which sees the
100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign.
While the nation pauses to reflect and
remember, we at 3Bridges also pause to
remember the individuals, their families
and their descendants whose lives have
been changed by the impact of war.
the same men and two stretcher bearers
who had been wounded by shrapnel.
One such individual was Reginald
Arthur Hind, service number 3275,
who was just 18 when he joined the
Australian Army Medical Corps.
Some time later, in about 1922, Reginald
and his wife settled in Hurstville, making
their home on King Georges Road, which
was previously known as Belmore Road.
Reginald’s daughter, 3Bridges client
Margaret Hind, takes up the story.
“He wanted to save lives,” says Margaret,
“so he joined the 6th Australian Field
Ambulance and was sent to Gallipoli.”
Reginald had been a cadet at school,
and his superior officers noticed he had
an excellent rapport with the other men
so he was quickly promoted to sergeant.
He also found himself right in the thick
of the action.
On 11 August 1917 Reginald was
recommended for two medals which
he received the following year.
One award was for great gallantry
as a stretcher bearer under heavy fire
during the attack at Pozieres in France,
when Reginald rescued men from the
danger area of a gas barrage. A few
minutes later he dressed and removed
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the voice - AUTUMN 2015
It was during one of these missions
that Reginald himself was wounded
and was invalided out in 1917.
Margaret recalls, “When first they
lived there it was a dirt road and they
only had gaslight in two rooms.”
Reginald became well known in the
Hurstville area where he led the ANZAC
Day Dawn Service for 40 years.
Of course, Margaret also grew up in the
area. One of six children, she was born in
a maternity home in Penshurst and later
attended South Hurstville Primary School.
The Hind family grew up during the
Depression and Margaret recalls that
pleasures were simple: “Playing board
games and cards, hiking in the Royal
National Park, rowing on the Woronora
River and swimming at Cronulla.”
She also remembers her mother caring
for neighbours’ children who were sleeping
under newspaper they were so poor.
Margaret trained as a nurse, working at
St George Hospital. Some years later she
received her Diploma of Nurse Education
and took on a role as nurse educator,
which she enjoyed for many years.
Now 83 and vision-impaired, Margaret
is still closely connected to the community
were she grew up. She participates in a
weekly music program for mums and
toddlers at her local church, plays the piano
and accompanied by Kate, her 3Bridges
“Girl Friday”, enjoys a bit of shopping.
Writing in the preface to the
study, Independent Age chief
executive Janet Morrison said, ”Our
interest is not simply about access
to technology but more specifically
how technology can foster improved
social interaction, engaging people
in their communities and promoting
high quality face-to-face contact.
“Our work is focused on digital
participation for a purpose and the
purpose links closely to the belief that
the scope to contribute, participate
and engage is an essential ingredient
of older people’s wellbeing.”
With government services and social
interaction in the UK – and Australia –
increasingly moving online, Independent
Age argues that it is critical that older
people are not left behind or excluded.
The key to success for seniors is to
make technology relevant.
The study noted: “If we want to
enable older people technologically,
we need to help them appreciate what
technology can do for them. This means
tuning in to their interests, attitudes
and expectations, and designing
programs around their needs …
[older people] need to have its value
demonstrated in concrete terms, with
direct applications to their lives.”
Among its conclusions the study
found that “communication technologies
can help to prevent and alleviate social
isolation and loneliness among older
people. To realise its potential … we
need to develop and support [voluntary
organisations] as intermediaries
who can empower older people by
educating them about technologies.“
“Kate has great flare and is very adaptable,”
says Margaret. “She has even done some
sewing for me and helped me find these
shoes which I think are very satisfactory.”
Just as satisfactory is Margaret’s new iPad.
By embracing this modern technology,
Margaret can now stay connected with
her family by email. Showing the same
determination as her father, Margaret’s
iPad is set up to read aloud the emails she
receives while doubling as an audio book.
We can’t help thinking Reginald would
be proud.
At 3Bridges we also acknowledge
those whose lives have been affected by
war anywhere in the world, both past
and present. Our thoughts are with you.
Tapping in to the future
3Bridges staff take part in training to learn about the many advantages
of iPads and how they can be used to help older people enjoy enriched
and connected lives. The project is part of a broader agenda to make use
of technology in delivering services and programs for 3Bridges clients,
while improving our own efficiency and productivity.
the voice - AUTUMN 2015 11
K
TO BOO
,
A PLAOCUER
VISIT ITE
WEBS
3Bridges relies heavily on
grants from local clubs to
help pay for equipment
and other resources for use
in our four out-of-schoolhours child care services.
Jumping for joy
with club grants
Before putting in an application for
the recent Hurstville Club Grants
round, we asked the children who use
our Penshurst centre what they most
wanted. Much to our delight, sporting
equipment was high on their wish list.
“Now that the equipment is in use,
our educators have noticed the children
learning new skills and developing their
fitness levels,” says 3Bridges Manager
of Children’s Services, Tina Warner.
“They are also keen to take the
equipment up to our top playground,
where they are building team spirit and
cooperation. The new gym mats we
purchased are proving popular too, with
the children teaching and challenging
each other with gymnastic moves.
“It is great to see the children excited daily
by the new possibilities, while becoming
more active and interacting positively as
a result of this much-needed grant.”
OUR VISION
People living in connected
and enriched communities
HEAD OFFICE
1/72 Carwar Avenue
Carss Park 2221
02 8558 4000
MENAI
34-40 Allison Road
Menai 2234
02 9543 5115
HOME MODIFICATIONS
AND MAINTENACE
Builders licence 114673C
02 8558 4039
ARNCLIFFE
1-2/35 Forest Road
Arncliffe 2216
02 9503 9900
PENSHURST
23 St George Road
Penshurst 2222
02 9580 0688
YOUTHZONE
18 Treacy Street
Hurstville 2220
02 9580 8008
www.3bridges.org.au
The VOICE is published quarterly.
For more information or to advertise please contact [email protected]
ABN 96 039 601 269
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the voice - AUTUMN 2015
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