INSIGHTS for Service Users | Access & Ageing | City of Port Phillip

Issue no 8 / Autumn 2015

Message from the Manager

City of Port Phillip is committed to helping all members of the community feel happy

and safe in their homes and in the community. In this edition of INSIGHTS you will

find some helpful tips to stay safe in your home, as well as upcoming events and

programs that welcome your participation. One such program is the Sounds of

Culture group, a group run by our City of Port Phillip Social Inclusion Team. Some

members of the group are pictured above, captured during their recent trip to the St

Kilda Town Hall art gallery. For information on how to become involved in this group,

or other Social Inclusion programs, see page 8.

We are committed to access for all, and in keeping with this I hope you enjoy the

new-look INSIGHTS with larger font.

Until next edition,

Susan McDowell

Manager Access & Ageing

City of Port Phillip

To all our valued clients currently receiving a Home Support service from the City of Port Phillip, we thought it might be helpful to give you a reminder about the cleaning products and equipment you need in your home for our Support Workers to use when they visit for a service. In the interest of health and safety, carers have been instructed to only use equipment and cleaning products identified in this message.

CLEANING PRODUCTSCLEANING PRODUCTSCLEANING PRODUCTS

CLEANING EQUIPMENTCLEANING EQUIPMENTCLEANING EQUIPMENT

The City of Port Phillip is committed to providing a safe working environment for all its employees. Thank you for your cooperation and support in this initiative for the benefit of all. If you have any questions/concerns please don’t hesitate to contact your Team Leader who will be more than happy to assist you.

Buckets – must be lightweight and without rollers or step wringers. The picture to the left shows a suitable bucket and these are available in all major supermarkets, hardware shops and discount variety stores.

Mops – must be lightweight with an extendable handle. Mop heads must be cotton/microfiber rope or strip and are available at most major supermarkets.

Vacuum Cleaners – must be lightweight with extendable handles. Wheels must be in working order and bags supplied if necessary. Attachments should be easy to attach and stay in place.

Cordless Stick Vacuum – Clients are encouraged to purchase these in order for Support Workers to vacuum stairs. In some circumstances it may be possible to negotiate the use of a Council owned stick vacuum cleaner.

Home Care Cleaning Products and Equipment

Any Earth choice product or Ajax Cream cleanser. All of these products are readily available from your local supermarket. White Vinegar and Bi-carb soda are considered suitable natural alternatives.

Team Leader Contacts: Team 1: 03 9209 6454 Team 2: 03 9209 6346 Team 3: 03 9209 6513

Linking Neighbours program is a Social Inclusion program that provides social support to

older people. A variety of outings, lunches, weekly coffee groups, exercise groups and

presentations are held throughout the year to assist older residents to meet their neighbours

and catch up with each other. These trips will incur a cost to the participant. For more

information call Michael Wood via ASSIST 9209 6777

JOIN US AT ONE OF OUJOIN US AT ONE OF OUJOIN US AT ONE OF OUR COFFEE MORNINGS!R COFFEE MORNINGS!R COFFEE MORNINGS!

Lacking inspiration?

Need some fresh ideas?

Would you like to learn how to prepare simple and healthy meals?

Is your health at risk if you don’t eat well?

Don’t like eating alone?

If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions and would like to learn to prepare

meals for yourself in a friendly social setting, the Cooking for One program may be for you.

What: Cooking for One 8-week program

Where: Cora Graves Community Centre, Blessington St., St. Kilda

When: Next group starts on 15 April 2015

Sessions are held on Wednesday afternoons

Cost: $2.00 per session including door-to-door transport

Places are limited so please call 9209 6397 to reserve your spot.

Linking Neighbours Program

Cooking for One

Tuesdays:

De Cuba Café Elwood,

cnr Glenhuntly Road & Broadway,

Elwood at 10am

Neighbours Café,

cnr Inkerman & Chapel Streets,

St Kilda at 11am

Wednesdays:

PM’s Café,

cnr Bay & Liardet Streets,

Port Melbourne at 10am

Hot Honey,

40-42 Armstrong Street,

Middle Park at 11am

Thursdays:

Albert Park Deli,

129 Dundas Place,

Albert Park at 10am

Have you signed up for the Seniors Register? The seniors Register is for residents 55+ who live in the City of Port Phillip. The Register is a

confidential and secure list of people’s emergency information held at the City of Port Phillip

and St Kilda Police Station. The information provided will be used to help you in emergency

situations. To receive a registration form, contact Michael Wood via ASSIST 9209 6777

Home and Community Care services SOCIAL INCLUSIONSOCIAL INCLUSIONSOCIAL INCLUSION The City of Port Phillip’s Social Inclusion Service operates

from the beautiful Cora Graves centre opposite Blessington

Gardens in St Kilda. The Social Inclusion team run a range

of community based programs and events, including the

Planned activity groups.

The Social Support Program provides older residents, those

experiencing dementia or who are socially isolated and

people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in recreation and cultural activities

in a relaxed and fun environment. Local residents can meet and participate in a variety of

fun and interesting activities including multicultural games days, discussion groups, arts

and crafts, day trips and lunch outings. Our community based activities include Strength

Training, Gentle Exercises, Water Leisure and Lawn Bowls. Transport is provided for some

activities and outings. The price ranges, with some activities being free, whilst others cost

a small fee of up to twenty dollars.

If you are interested in finding out more about the City of Port Phillip’s Social Support

Program, please call the Team Leader Social Inclusion Tracey McAlpine on 9209 6738

DELIVERED MEALSDELIVERED MEALSDELIVERED MEALS Would you benefit from our Delivered Meals service?

Our delivered meals menu rotates on a seasonal basis and offers a soup, main course

(including side vegetables), dessert and a fruit juice. Special dietary requirements such as

vegetarian, low salt, low protein, diabetic, and texture modified meals are available. The

Delivered Meals are sealed in plastic packaging and are delivered chilled in an esky bag by

a delivery driver from the City of Port Phillip. The meals require heating by use of a

microwave, stove top or oven. A regular delivery time can be selected at a time that suits

you. The cost of delivered meals is dependent on your assessment and may be subsidised.

To request an assessment to receive the Delivered Meals Service contact Intake and

Assessment via ASSIST 9209 6777 or email meals@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Already a delivered meals recipient?

Some of you may already be receiving delivered meals. Many

clients ring our office to advise us that they are going away,

have a medical appointment or would like to make a change to

their service. Their first point of call is Rodney Whitehead

Food Services Operations Officer. Rodney has been with

Council for 18 years and has built up a great rapport with

many clients over the years, however very few would know

Rodney if they passed him in the street!

So here he is pictured to the right—the man behind the voice!

The Older Persons Consultative Committee (OPCC) has been

appointed by Council to be its main advisory body on all issues

affecting older residents living in the City of Port Phillip.

Encompassing a wide range of backgrounds and views, the

OPCC is an accessible and impartial group.

The OPCC want to hear from you!

If you have any concerns or great ideas that would improve the

lives of older people, please contact Laura Cattapan or Sherridan Green via ASSIST

9209 6777or email: lcattapa@portphillip.vic.gov.au

SAVE THE DATE: SAVE THE DATE: SAVE THE DATE: The OPCC will be presenting “Legal Matters and Ageing, A World

Elder Abuse Awareness Day Forum” on June 17, if you receive Home Support look out for

further information with your May account or otherwise check on the Port Phillip website

closer to the date.

Are you looking for a service that can support you during the night?

Nightlife is a service that offers flexible overnight-time support for

people with physical disabilities living in their own homes in the Southern

Region of Melbourne.

Nightlife is a Department of Human Services (DHS) funded service,

offering support 8:30pm until 4:30am, seven days a week. Nightlife staff

can come over for a few minutes or for up to an hour to support you with more complex

physical supports.

If you want to be able to have a social life and not have to worry a family member to get up

during the night to assist you at 3am, then Nightlife is the service for you.

Please contact the Nightlife Service Manager on 9532 5455 or email enquires@nightlife.org.au

Nightlife Disability Services

Older Persons Consultative Committee

South Port Day links (SPDL) “Supporting People to Live Independently in the Community”

SPDL is a not for profit organisation that has been providing volunteer services to residents of

the City of Port Phillip for over 25 years. They aim to help residents maintain their social

connections and support their ability to live independently.

Their services include door-to-door transport and monthly recreational outings. For more

information or to volunteer please contact us on 9646 6362 or email info@spdl.org.au

JCAAA is a disability respite service

shared by the Cities of Bayside, Port

Phillip, Glen Eira and Stonnington.

We work with the community to

help create fun recreation, arts and

sporting opportunities for people

with mild to moderate and

sometimes complex disabilities.

Upcoming Easter Holiday Programs: Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) Teenage Recreation Program

Stay fit and have fun during the holidays. This program includes a variety of sport and

recreation activities such as the wave pool, basketball, athletics, yoga and badminton.

When: Term 1; 30-2 March / April, 9am - 4pm

Where: Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Aughtie Drive, Albert Park

Age: 13 to 18 years

Cost: $15 per day. BYO lunch/drinks

Active Bodies

Boomerang throwing, the Pirate Cove at Glen Eira Sports Aquatic Centre (GESAC),

games, Zumba and an AFL clinic! There is always something fun to try.

When: Term 1; 10 April, 10am - 3pm

Where: Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House, 22 Rob Roy Road, Malvern East

Age: 18 to 55 years

Cost: $50 per day. BYO lunch/drinks

Holiday Arts for Adults

Experience a variety of visual and performing arts in our Easter program. Activities

include painting, drawing, dramatic character development and a singing workshop.

Workshops are facilitated by professional artists and all materials are provided.

When: Term 1; 07–10 April , 9am - 4pm

Where: Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House, 22 Rob Roy Road, Malvern East

Age: 18 to 55 years

Cost: $15 per day. BYO lunch/drinks

Joint Councils Access for all Abilities (JCAAA)

There are many areas within the City of Port Phillip at risk of flooding and in

particular flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall.

City of Port Phillip can flood due to:

Prolonged rainfall events.

Overland flooding. St Kilda is located adjacent to Port Phillip Bay and both St Kilda and

Balaclava sit on flatland.

Flash flooding from heavy rainfall over a short period. This can overwhelm the drainage

system. The Elwood Canal has experienced several major and moderate floods with the

most recent in 2011.

BE READY!BE READY!BE READY! You may want to put together a pre-flood checklist. There are flood information guides

available from the Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) Website http://www.ses.vic.gov.au

and the City of Port Phillip Council Website http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au. In Elwood area

there is Elwood Floods Action Group (eFLAG), if you would like an expanded list from their

group please email elwoodflood@gmail.com

To have Flood Safety material mailed to you, please call ASSIST 9209 6777

HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW BEFOHERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW BEFOHERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW BEFORE A FLOODRE A FLOODRE A FLOOD

Prepare an emergency kit - torch, mobile phone, first aid, credit cards, insurance

policy, waterproof bag and key contact numbers

Learn about warnings from Bureau of Meteorology website, ABC radio 774, VicRoads

flood alerts, Register for Australian Government emergency phone based alerts.

Have a home emergency plan which all household members have practised, including

safest route for evacuation

Confirm that your insurance is adequate

Have a list of numbers in your mobile phone or by your home phone including

council emergency number (see the bottom of the page)

Know how to turn off utility mains - gas, electricity, water

Improve drainage around your house, check roofing, gutters, overhanging branches, fix

wall cracks and have towels and sandbags stored near doors and vents.

Important phone numbers in the event of a flood

9684 6651 Victorian State Emergency Services (SES) Regional Office

132 500 Victorian State Emergency Services (SES) State Office

000 / 112 Ambulance, police, fire brigade, life threatening emergencies

1300 360 170 Port Phillip Council emergency number ASSIST (after hours)

1300 659 217 Bureau of Meteorology warnings

9705 3939 Flood Support Worker line

1300 165 413 Flood Repair Advisory Service

1800 337 444 Financial Ombudsman Service

Are you Flood Ready?

GOT A STORY TO TELL? GOT A STORY TO TELL? GOT A STORY TO TELL? Enter the Port Phillip Writes:

Seniors’ Festival Writing Awards.

Entries open 1 March and close 22

August 2015.

You can submit fictional stories or poems

on any topics, or a non-fiction piece about

life in the City of Port Phillip.

Get inspired and share your creativity!

All entries will be published in the Port

Phillip Writes book and entrants will

receive a certificate and two copies of the

publication. Outstanding entries are

eligible for an award.

Open to all City of Port Phillip Residents

aged 55 years or over. For further

information or to have an entry form sent

to you please call Sherridan Green via

ASSIST 9209 6777

SOUNDS OF CULTURESOUNDS OF CULTURESOUNDS OF CULTURE Weekly meet up on Monday

afternoon

(as pictured on the cover)

Sounds of Culture is a weekly discussion

group that meets at Cora Graves. They

cover topics such as literature, art, music,

dance, current affairs.

Recently as part of the program, the

clients went to visit the ‘Confined 6’

exhibition at the Gallery St Kilda Town Hall

which featured contemporary works by

Indigenous artists currently in, or

recently released from a Victorian prison.

All the clients enjoyed the exhibition very

much.

For more information contact Social

Inclusion on 9209 6738

HOUSING AND MENTAL HOUSING AND MENTAL HOUSING AND MENTAL HEALTH FORUMHEALTH FORUMHEALTH FORUM Wednesday 22 April - 5:30pm to

8:30pm, St Kilda Town Hall.

A forum will be held on the topic of

Housing and Mental Health. The

information session will focus on housing

issues for people affected by mental health

issues living in the Stonnington, Bayside,

Port Phillip, Glen Eira and Kingston local

government areas.

Cost is Free. RSVP by April 17 to Grow on

1800 558 268 or email vic@grow.org.au

Upcoming Events and Programs

Lesley Greagg and Inge Kulmanis at last

years Port Phillip Writes awards Sunday

19 October 2014

Members of the Sounds of Culture

Discussion Group at the St Kilda Town

Hall Gallery Exhibition

OUT AND ABOUT OUT AND ABOUT OUT AND ABOUT Commencing March 2015

OUT AND ABOUT is a new monthly

Social Inclusion program for people who

are adventurous and active, who enjoy

walking and are confident on their feet.

Each month we will explore a different

destination followed by a lovely social

lunch. Participants will be collected and

returned from three pick up points which

include St Kilda Town Hall, Port Mel-

bourne Town Hall and South

Melbourne Town Hall

Cost: $13.90 includes transport and Lunch

For more information call the Social

Inclusion Team on 9209 6738

YOGA CLASSESYOGA CLASSESYOGA CLASSES Every Tuesday, 11AM to 12noon,

Betty Day Community Centre,

Argyle Street

Chris Potter om Samyoga and the MS St

Kilda Peers Support Group Inc are

currently running inclusive Yoga sessions.

The weekly classes cater for all abilities,

focusing on breathing and relaxation.

Cost is $5 per session.

For more information contact Lisa Davis

from the MS St Kilda Peer Support Group

Inc on 0481 168 323 or Chris from

Samyoga on 0424 278 342

ABRAHAM OUR FATHERABRAHAM OUR FATHERABRAHAM OUR FATHER Sunday 15 March, 7.30PM to 9.15PM,

St Kilda-Elsternwick Baptist church,

9 Pakington Street, St Kilda

Rabbi Fred Morgan will be presenting on

the figure of Abraham in Jewish tradition

and ‘the sacrifice of Isaac’. Auspiced by the

City of Port Phillip Multifaith Network.

Entry is a gold coin donation.

For more

information contact

Alan Marr

0407 095 695

THE COMMUNITY BUSTHE COMMUNITY BUSTHE COMMUNITY BUS

Let us help you get there!

Use the Free Community Bus for your

everyday needs such as shopping at the

South Melbourne Market, Middle Park

and Albert Park Village, Bay St Port

Melbourne, Balaclava Carlisle St visiting

the libraries, travelling to community

centres and to meet medical appointments

or take part in social activities offered

through the many community support

organisations in Port Phillip.

The Current Community Bus timetable is

available from:

St Kilda Town Hall

South Melbourne Town Hall

Port Melbourne Town Hall

City of Port Phillip Libraries

City of Port Phillip Website

On the Free Community Bus

Upcoming Events and Programs

Foreshore Access Map The City of Port Phillip MetroAccess Officers have released the new Foreshore Access

Map, which details the location along the foreshore of disabled parking bays, accessible

toilets, level access beach showers, public transport connections and a variety of other

points of interest for those with access needs.

Port Phillip MetroAccess has been updating the map and accompanying information across

the summer based on feedback from the public, and will continue to do so in order to

maximise the relevance and accuracy of the map.

To view the map and/or provide feedback on them please visit the website at

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/accessmap.htm

If you would like further information on the Foreshore Access Map or to receive a hard

copy, contact Kelly Armstrong or Eddie Dunstan - MetroAccess officers, via

ASSIST 9209 6777

Changing Places facilities are accessible toilets with more equipment

and space than standard accessible toilets, which better meet the

needs of people with severe disabilities and their carers.

City of Port Philip currently has an online changing places campaign

page to have one installed on the St Kilda foreshore.

To learn more, watch the video at

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/people_disabilities.htm.

Changing Places Accessible Toilet

City of Port Phillip Access Network (COPPAN)

Do you want to stay in touch with access news, issues and opportunities in the Port Phillip area?

If the answer is yes then the City of Port Phillip Access Network may be for you. Visit the web

site at http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/coppan.htm to view the registration form and find

out more or call MetroAccess via ASSIST 9209 6777

We invite you to come for a nutritious hot lunch

in a social environment at the Betty Day Community

Centre. Lunch is service by the friendly Food

Services team and is open to City of Port Phillip

residents 55 years and over or any person with a

disability and their carer.

Where: Betty Day Community Centre

67 Argyle Street, St Kilda

When: Monday to Friday

11.30AM to 1PM

Price: Soup, Main Meal and Desert $6.00

Soup and Main Meal $4.50

Main Meal and Desert $4.50

If possible please phone 9209 6422 to let us know you will be joining us or if you have any

special dietary requirements.

SAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATE Vibrant Balaclava

Carlisle Street Festival

Sunday 19 April 2015

10.30AM - 2.30PM

CITY OF PORT PHILIP CELEBRATES CULTURAL DIVERSITYCITY OF PORT PHILIP CELEBRATES CULTURAL DIVERSITYCITY OF PORT PHILIP CELEBRATES CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Vibrant Balaclava celebrates the distinctive cultural diversity and

the uniqueness of Carlisle Street, through a street celebration

including live music, street performers, arts, film screenings and

food.

Shops along Carlisle Street will open their doors to welcome the

community to enjoy a number of activities and events, including

live music and the presentation of artwork. The main festivities

will take place on Carlisle Street between Chapel Street and

William Street from the mid morning to early afternoon.

Nutritious Hot Lunch!

“engage. embrace. support. LGBTIQ”

Out&About is a volunteer based home visiting program run by switchboard Victoria for older

people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer (LGBTIQ), who may

be lonely or socially isolated and whose quality of life would be improved by friendship and

companionship.

Their volunteers visit older LGBTIQ people on a regular basis to undertake activities such as

talking and sharing their life stories, reading, watching TV or going out for a walk.

What’s involved?

The Out&About Coordinator will organise a time to meet with the resident in their home to

discuss the program and relevant recipient needs. The Coordinator will then match a suitable

volunteer to the recipient and arrange a date for the first visit. The activities are to be agreed

by both the recipient and the visitor.

Privacy

Our volunteer community visitors must respect the rights of the recipients including

privacy, confidentiality and dignity whilst supporting the recipient.

Costs?

There are no fees for this service and all of our Out&About visitors are volunteers.

However, if the visit includes a movie or lunch at a cafe, both the visitor and the recipient will

need to pay their own costs.

Looking for a visitor or want to join our volunteer team?

Please contact Sandy Ashton on 03 9663 2474 or email outandabout@switchboard.org.au

We would love to hear from you if you have any feedback about our newsletter or if you have

any ideas about what to include in the next edition, including programs and services that would

be of interest. Please contact Leigh Mckinnon via the ASSIST phone number listed below.

City of Port Phillip—Access & Ageing

Private Bag No 3

PO St Kilda, Victoria 3182 ASSIST Phone: (03) 9209 6777 Website: http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

Contact Us

LGBTIQ PROGRAM

The City of Port Phillip respectfully acknowledges the Yalukit Wilam Clan of the Boon

Wurrung. We pay our respect to their Elders, both past and present. We acknowledge and

uphold their continuing relationship to this land.