December Edition 2016 1

SOUTHERN

m a g a z i n eDecember 2016

SOUTHERN CROSS CARE (SA & NT) PUBLICATION December 2016

151 Greenhill Road, Parkside South Australia 5063

PO Box 155Glen Osmond South Australia 5064

South Australia 1800 180 781

Northern Territory 1800 894 375

Phone 08 8291 8000

Fax 08 8291 8001

Web southerncrosscare.com.au

Southern Cross Care (SA & NT) Inc ARBN 129 895 905,

South Australia, liability limited.

COVER IMAGESALA Exhibition at The State Library of South Australia, knitters from Lourdes Valley, The Pines and broader community. All information correct at time of printing November 2016

CONTENTS

4 Giddy-up . . .

5 SALA - Why hats?

7 The hat tree of life

8 Art in the atrium

9 Tree Murals

10 Southern Stars Awards

12 When I am flying I only have one word ... Woohoo

13 Christmas colour-in

14 Work on it, wipe it out, get on with it . . .

15 Old cars bring back memories

16 When only a better life will do

17 Every Generation Poem

18 Facebook Article

19 Summer

Message from the

EDITORAs the year draws to a close we wish everyone a safe and joyous Christmas celebration. We look forward to welcoming the new year all it brings. We love hearing from our customers; especially when they write stories and poems for us! We thank Steve for his fun insights into staying active, physically and mentally fit in retirement and Alice for her gorgeous poem about every generation. There’s a message in there for all;

‘One often heard of generation gaps. How can it be when each one just overlaps?’

In this edition, we also share key case studies from our first SALA Exhibition, our Southern Star Award winners and many stories taken from interviews from across our community, retirement and residential customers!Our “letters to the editor” could feature you! Simply write us a letter.

Charlie-Helen Robinson The Editor

Send your mail toCharlie Robinson 151 Greenhill Road Parkside SA 5063

Email Att: Charlie editor@southernxc.com.au

SOUTHERN

m a g a z i n e

SoundcloudWherever you see this symbol you can hear this article on Soundcloud! Visit soundcloud.com/southerncrosscare

December Edition 2016 3

Farewell AndrewMemories from beneath our radiant Southern CrossWe have toiled together with hearts and hands;To make this Organisation of oursRenowned of all the lands;We thank you ‘Andrew from across the seas’With your boundless energy to share;And, with courage we must say farewellTo release you, home you go.In joyful strains then let us sing,Farewell our friend, you are a jolly good fellow.

Message from our new CEO, Mr David MoranThe Government is following what they call a “Roadmap”, and we at Southern Cross Care are looking ahead to navigate the turns and changes in the road….we are trying to move fast and be ahead of the changes so we can take best advantage.

Southern Cross Care communities are becoming fitter, stronger and healthier because of our new focus on Wellness. This comes from a great base, as the World Health Organisation has a definition of health being a state of physical, mental and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.

Our promise 'Better for Life' will be just that…. this means for us, our staff and volunteers will remain committed to ensuring we improve people’s quality of life in our services.

We say farewell to Andrew Larpent who returns to the UK to work on CommonAge and spend time with the family and grandchildren!

Best wishes from the Southern Cross Care Community!

Andrew & Anne Larpent with David Moran

4 Southern Cross Care (SA&NT)

You could say life threw him from the saddle recently with a few health concerns, however when blessed with a spirit of simply getting back up in that saddle, you do just that! You get back up and you start walking again!

To put all this talk of horses and saddles in context, let’s go back.

Born in Burra South Australia, Malcolm was introduced to Salter Springs near Balaklava in 1922 at four years of age, with his father who was sent to manage the property. Soon after his father was also given two other properties to manage and life on the farm as he knew it, became the solid foundation of his youth. Malcolm shares that he had only primary school learnings, as the high schools were located too far away. So at 15 years, his father put him on a horse and he started riding the boundaries.

It seems his love of horses and the land never waned; unlike his profession.

A boundary rider was responsible for maintaining the outer fences on a station. This style of boundary rider is recorded from the 1860s however in more recent years, and perhaps as a result of changes in technology and transport, the occupation as it was back

in Malcolm’s day, is rare. These days, the term refers more to that of a boundary umpire in Australian Rules Football or a cricketer in a fielding position.

However, it didn’t stop there. Malcolm went on to become the President of the Pony Club Association, as well as the National Vice President. There are over 50 clubs in South Australia and if you asked him, Malcolm could talk for hours about the activities and events he became involved in during his time – like the time he got to share a story for a project established by the Australian Bicentennial Authority, titled '200 unsung heroes and heroines'. He is that (the unsung hero)!

It was in fact due to his youngest son Richard enjoying the ponies which lead him down this path, and it’s now Richard who leads him down the garden path for a chat in the fresh air at the local park over a coffee each week… but that’s how life changes!

Malcolm’s health is not what it used to be, however he still likes a close shave and was over joyed when his eldest son, Andrew, sent him a surprise gift of a new electric model which he can use to shave in his room while still seated in his wheel chair. He goes for daily exercise walks under the guidance of Lauren Ciappina, our Occupational Therapist at Fullarton and when asked what his plans are for his 100th, he just laughs and rolls his eyes.

It’s the simple pleasures in life, with a few jokes and smiles thrown in which keep him going… and we joked, 'what would a man be without his left arm?'

'All right.'

From over the hills, to the plains, our boundary rider is up walking again!

Malcolm Carter, a 98 year old Fullarton resident, was a young lad of 15 years, when he started as a Boundary Rider for the Salter Springs property, on the Adelaide Plains. He continues today, to ride along on this journey called life.

Giddy-up…

December 2016 5

Southern Cross Care was immensely proud to show off a sample of our residents' talent, which we witness every single day, to the broader South Australian community, through our South Australian Living Artists Exhibition, curated by Mary Freer.Hats have been around for a very long time. It is impossible to say when the first animal skin was pulled over a head as protection against the elements and although this was not a hat in the true sense, it was realised that covering your head could sometimes be an advantage. Since their invention, hats have come and gone as status symbols, uniforms and fashion statements as well as being functional sports and protective headgear. They capture many memories for people, from all walks of life. Residents have created their art forms through reminiscing about for example, their favourite hat that blew away, the time they had to eat their hat or come with their hat in their hand, and basically interpreting the “hat” theme in their own way.

Sala Case Studies Knitting the communityLourdes Valley, The Pines, Pearl and the broader community

'A piece of string can travel the globe and connect a community.'

The concept was easy enough; to cover a frame with knitted red yarn squares, 10cm x 10cm in size, to create a large structured hat. What happened next was more surprising as the whole community got involved. The project was initially set for just Lourdes Valley to connect between their retirement and residential customers; however, we ended up with residents getting involved from all over, including The Pines Retirement Village and our Pearl residents in Darwin, from where they said, “In Darwin, we knit for a cuppa and a cause. There isn’t much need for warmth up here but if we knit and send it somewhere where there is a need or a request, that’s warmth enough for our Territory hearts.”

SALA Why hats?

6 Southern Cross Care (SA&NT)

Sharing Stories - Mt Carmel

'Our residents now get more exercise and go out at recess to wave to the children. Both children and residents thoroughly enjoy their time together and they all know each other by name.'

The concept was to build a working relationship with the neighbouring school to encourage engagement and develop friendships. The children, in the Year 3 and 4 levels, worked on a research project which explored different styles of hats. The students would then come across for excursions to discuss their findings with our residents. Our own aim was to inspire our residents to respond by sharing their own personal stories, memories and experiences. What happened next far surpassed everyone’s expectations. Their face to face conversations, when the students explained what they were doing and discovering through their research, has created an irreplaceable bond of friendship.

Jimmy’s Life - Fullarton

'The life of Jimmy’s Hat from the day he got his hat to the day he was buried in it.'

The concept was to stimulate conversations among our residents who are living with dementia; to look at the process of life and to have them reminisce about their own 'favourite moments and milestones'. From this, the project developed into creating a fictional character they named Jimmy. At each session they would laugh and share stories about Jimmy, creating stages in his life which held meaning to each of them and along the way they taught each other Australian slang and the Australian way to say things, as Jimmy would have. They then recreated Jimmy’s hat using an old wool trench coat – looking at elements such as the age, wear and tear of the fabric, to make the hat for each stage of his life ie the older the fabric, the later in life he must have been wearing it.

The hat you wear - Philip Kennedy Centre

'We all have our hats we wear; some days you will be playing with your kids and have your ‘parent hat’ on to protect them or ensure they’re safe, other days you might need your work hat on, to get a job done.'

The concept was to remove the ‘old person’s hat’ some residents feel they are given when entering aged care and put back on the hat of the person who they really are. The project aimed to find the hats of our residents. What best represented them? Who they are on the inside? What is the part of them we cannot see? We were able to find the small but important stories of a number of our residents. The decision to share the particular stories we selected was to remind others we all have something that makes us who we are, and that something is always with us.

Making something out of nothing - McCracken

'How they wished wearing hats would come back in vogue, an outfit was always complimented and finished with a lovely hat.'

The concept to use the Fleurieu as the main theme came from our residents who are very proud to be living in the Fleurieu Peninsula. Many grew up here and spent their childhood on the beach and being involved with the Surf Life Saving Clubs. Discussions during regular craft sessions are always light and cheery and it led on to hats; their favourite hats, different types of hats and so on. The wall mural idea, depicting the underwater scene with hats on sea creatures and hats with gems falling out of a treasure chest, simply evolved out of the laughter.

Sala Case Studies

Growing period Not all residents could physically make their hats, so those with physical constraints helped out by picking their hat designs and favourite colours. Their designs were then put together for them and the final product always brought smiles to their faces.

Bugs We certainly encountered some bugs along the way, mainly through ambitious planning! The original tree was hand made by a Lifestyle Assistant and was too large for the final space, so plan B was a smaller tree, however there was still not enough space, so plan C was to display the tree on a canvas!

Fruitfulness The outcome of the project can be reflected in the statements made by the residents and brought back memories of when we had to be properly dressed.

The project was very suitable for people of our generation and was an interesting exercise matching the hat to the person.

Discussions resulting during the hat making process:

Mother would say 'Where's your hat dear'? 'When we were going to church or in the sun. I had to wear a hat outside because I was a redhead and my skin burnt. I had to wear a hat to school but I would put it on at the school gate.'

'We used to wear straw bonnets as children to Sunday School. I had some pretty hats when I was older.'

'I used to wear hats to church and town I bought them at Harris Scarfe.'

The hat tree of life; the seed was planted!By Carol Frew, Lifestyle Coordinator, West Beach

Residential Care

At West Beach Residential a SALA themed idea developed around the question and consequential art piece of 'what do you consider was the ‘feather in you cap’, in your lifetime'. This question could be asked of anyone, as it’s a good one to ponder.

8 Southern Cross Care (SA&NT)

Art in the atriumOur residents become artists, and brighten the atrium walls

Art can make a significant contribution to a person’s wellbeing so Labrina Village successfully applied for a Community Foundation grant to provide a “special creative experience” for their residents as part of their 20th year birthday celebrations. The emphasis in their grant application was for the process of creating, rather than the end product.

The end product is stunning though!

Our Labrina residents attended ‘The Art Bus’ workshops, where tutor and Art Bus co-director Miranda Harris, oversaw a process of running weekly clay modelling workshops, through to firing the work, and preparing it for permanent display in the atrium.

Margaret Korczak, the RSM, shared at the launch, 'The aim of the program was to provide participants who have mild to moderate dementia living with us, a life enhancing experience through the expressive art of clay work.'

Participants explored and looked at collected native plants and flowers and then began sculpting clay shapes of the plants and flowers.

Miranda said, 'Clay is a beautiful material for residents to explore and create with. Working together with nature, plants and flowers or an individual’s particular interests, the project provided a two fold opportunity – individual creative expression and a way of making the environment interesting and beautiful.'

The installation showcases each individual’s sculpture and is now on display on the external brick walls of residents’ rooms. Each piece flows as one, a connected piece of artwork around the atrium.

December 2016 9

Tree murals Creating a positive space for people living with dementia

The memory support team at Bellevue Court Residential Care, have created an interactive art work mural along the corridor, to distract residents living with dementia from the exit door, and to highlight the way to the outdoor garden.

They applied to the Community Foundation Grants program during the last funding round and were rewarded for their initiative!

One of the residents worked with the Lifestyle Co-ordinator Julie Lloyd to hang the tree mural.

Their mural concept is to seasonally decorate each tree with buds, blossoms, flowers and leaves in the green or autumn shades. They, together with their residents, will be continually adding and subtracting items to show the changing seasons, creating a visual reminder of which season we are in, as well as giving everyone something meaningful to work on.

Julie says, 'We have had wonderful feedback from residents, family and staff about how lovely it is and brightens up the area. The Community Foundation provided a grant of $400 and ongoing expenses will be incorporated into the general lifestyle activity budget.'

$400

Your donation can make a real difference to over 4,000 people that Southern Cross Care support every day…

a donation of $32 will enable residents to enjoy a day trip to Monarto Zoo, $100 will purchase equipment for the Men's Shed and $400 will provide the style of tree mural now seen at Bellevue Court within our memory support area.

Community Foundation Christmas Appeal

Donate today phone 1800 180 781 or visit southerncrosscare.com.au

Community Foundation Grants

10 Southern Cross Care (SA&NT)

The inaugural event in February 2002 was held in recognition of staff who had exceeded 10 years service or more. That was almost 15 years ago.

At this event we acknowledged those who had been with SCC for 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years. Can you believe we had one person up here for the 30 years award even back then? Back then, our turnover of staff was 27%. That’s not too bad for our industry… however compared with today; we now sit at 16%. It means people are staying in the jobs they love, doing the work they enjoy.

'The Board and Executive team collectively felt it was one of the best staff, simply because of the spirit in the room and the genuine compassion shown by the milestone and award recipients for the people in our services and those staff who they work with;……this was so clearly evident when recipients spoke after receiving the award.

We recognise and acknowledge many staff who do not get nominated for awards, still do amazing things in the pursuit of making people in our services Better for Life.'

From CEO, David Moran

They go above and beyond... they are our Stars.What a wonderful night of celebration! Our Awards night celebrates those who consistently rise to the occasion and go above and beyond.

Southern2016

1

page 11

2016 Southern Cross Care Star Award WinnersStar Volunteer Murray Holland, The Pines Lodge (Image 3)

Creativity Star Lourdes Valley Wellness and Lifestyle Team (Image 2)

Care Star - Personal Care in Residential & Home Support Services Mekdalawit Girma Tadesse, Personal Carer, The Pines Lodge (Image 1 centre)

Care Star – Lifestyle Navneet Kaur, Lifestyle Assistant Bucklands

Care Star – Allied Health Megan Smart, Physiotherapist Oakfield Lodge

Care Star – Nursing Rachel Perry, Care Manager McCracken Views

Connected Customer Stars Customer Connect Centre

Care Star – Hotel Services Susan Perry, Cleaner Philip Kennedy Centre

Star Team Procurement / Smart Buy (Image 7)

Leadership Star Sue Richards, West Beach (Image 6)

Rising Star Kate Weger, Clinical Nurse Educator (Image 4)

Best Practice Star Stuart Reid, Business System Analyst Central Office

3

2

1

4

45 Years of ServiceMary Gowland

67

12 Southern Cross Care (SA&NT)

How does washing and polishing an aeroplane, pushing it around, refuelling, servicing the engine and changing tyres sound? Physical enough? What about mental activity? Flight planning, weather considerations, distances, flight times, fuel planning, radio frequencies and controlled airspace.

Emotional wellbeing is important, too. When I’m flying I only have one word – woohoo!

My aeroplane is a 2 seater Jabiru, made in Bundaberg. It is the third aeroplane I’ve owned over the years and besides flying with Paula for fun and recreation, I use the aeroplane in my work. Although I’ll be 70 yrs before Christmas, I still work 4 days a week for the Catholic Education Office, often flying to the remote Indigenous schools to help with their infrastructure needs (buildings).

Recreationally, Paula and I fly to Crabclaw Resort in Bynoe Harbour (15 minutes flight time), or to Wildman Lagoon resort on the Mary River flood plains (30 minutes flight time), have breakfast, then fly home. On occasion we have flown in to Coomalie Creek for a flying and social function. It is a former World War 2 military airstrip (one of many in the Darwin area) and we camp under the wing beside the runway, very romantic!

In August, a group of nine small aircraft from the Top End Flying Club flew into Darwin International for the Pitch Black Open Day. Pitch Black is a biennial military exercise involving the aircraft from several countries – Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, France, Holland . . . The Open Day is a static display of the military aircraft for the people of Darwin – as a ‘thank you’ for putting up with the roar of squadrons of fighter jets taking off day and night.

When I’m flying I only have one word – Woohoo!A story by Steve Allen

We are told to stay active, physically and mentally. Well, there are activities to suit all tastes at the Pearl Retirement Resort in Fannie Bay, Darwin but my passions are a little different.

wg

December 2016 13

Ag

We put our small aircraft on display. I had told people 'When you have finished looking at the military aircraft, come to us and see some REAL aeroplanes'. The level of interest was astonishing, with people lining up to sit in our planes (some open cockpit, some with no cockpit to speak of just a seat in the open air, with a joystick, wings and an engine).

To put the icing on the cake, when we took off (from a runway 60 metres wide and 3.3 kilometres long) we were able to fly right over

the Pearl village and get some good aerial photos, and past the city blocks and waterfront, for more.

I have other passions. Paula and the kids and grandkids (14 grandies), singing, walking, travelling. And I must tell you about my motorcycling – but that’s for another day. Some years ago a work colleague said, “You fly aeroplanes? You ride motorbikes too, don’t you? You could die!” My reply, “Yes, but they keep me alive”. Woohoo!

MerryChristimas

Colour-in, cut out and write a message to a friend! Art by Daniel Hope JPII

14 Southern Cross Care (SA&NT)

One often heard of generation gaps

How can it be when each one just overlaps?

As each one brings its own exchange

Be it schooling or science, or another range.

Things were so different in my day,

You hear them so often as they have their say

Schools don’t seem to recite tables any more

Or learn to write or spell as we did before.

Science has taken over with each generation

Be it computers, whatever … not in moderation

They learn different methods to what we did

So can’t help them as we’d like to – Oh forbid!

Now there are phones that take photos if you please

And loud music you can put to your ears

No time now to visit or make a call

Or chat to a neighbour over the fence at all

So on we go to the next generation

What will it bring? We haven’t a notion!

Who can stay its rapid flight?

Maybe next generation not yet in sight?

Now it is over, and into your lap

If you think there is a generation gap!

By Alice

Every generation wg

December Edition 2016 15

'Wasn’t it a lovely day, the day we went to Victor'This is an old song but this time it was different when members of Victor Harbor’s Historic Motor Vehicles Club instead brought their cars to Sandpiper on their annual visit.

Nearly 30 cars rolled up to the delight of residents as the Club celebrated Old Car Day on September 1.

They parked their cars in the driveway and carpark in a fine display so residents could take a closer look at them and relate some great times in cars they used to own. The cars included were old 1920’s models with other more modern models up to 1978.

The visit was arranged by Sandpiper’s Karen Barber who, with her husband David, is also a member of the Historic Motor Vehicles Club.

The run to Sandpiper is important to the Club as it is called The Dennis Martin Run in honour of a club member who passed away several years ago. His last car run was to Sandpiper.

His son Paul and daughter Carolyn attended with two of their father’s cars a 1934 Chevrolet Roadster and a 1957 Chevrolet Sedan.

Members enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea with residents chatting over old stories of their motoring experiences.

Earlier in the day the club visited Kirribilli at Victor Harbor.

Old cars bring back memoriesby Graham Withers HMVC Event Coordinator

wg

16 Southern Cross Care (SA&NT)

When only a better life will doThere’s a cheeky glint in the eyes from one side of the table and a smirk coming from the other. We are sitting at the dining room table chatting about 'Uncle Tim'.

The fact is though, Uncle Tim is a very tall, approachable and highly skilled physiotherapist who works at The Pines Health & Wellness Centre, focusing on keeping people active; and this fact is especially important to Frank.

You see Frank goes to see Tim regularly and professes he’s 'everything you could want', as he fixes his lower back pain through massage and assistance with using the Tens machine correctly.

Joan, Frank’s wife, says, 'we are very fortunate to have access to the centre'.

Frank cheekily adds, 'we both need podiatry and another handsome uncle does his thing on our feet.'

The Brogans have lived in the retirement village for 16 years and have seen many developments in services and people. They are part of a socially active group who organise monthly outings for lunches and dinners and simple sight seeing. They joke and laugh because they are enjoying their retirement, after long careers as a registered nurse (Joan) and electrical engineer (Frank). It’s a better life now and they appreciate their health, one where they are surrounded by family and friends and a sense of community spirit.

It’s a life to be admired.

If you personally want to get the most out of every day, like Frank and Joan, our range of health and wellness services will help make sure you're able to maintain or regain a healthy life.

Whether you're recovering from an illness or injury, or you need support to manage a chronic condition, Southern Cross Care's therapists and clinicians are here to assist.

December Edition 2016 17

&Knitting

Do you love a good yarn?

What a great motto by our inspiring new resident Geoff Thomson.

Geoff and his wife Chris have recently joined us at Riverpoint Retirement Estate and Geoff says it was his love for the area from his childhood which drew him back.

They have had a lifetime of living in Naracoorte and then Flagstaff Hill and hadn’t really made the decision to move until very recently; then the stars all shone in their favour and the pieces fell into place, and here they are. From a spark of a thought, to an open inspection, to a unit becoming available which perfectly fit their dreams (including a double lock up garage), to their own home selling within half a day, to moving in - it was “all just meant to be.”

At Riverpoint, we say you're not just moving into a new home; you're experiencing a complete new way of living. Geoff and Chris are starting to learn their way and say they have had a very welcoming start; he has the coffee machine down pat and is working his way around the pool room meeting new friends.

But, having retired from the education system at the age of 54, Geoff and Chris are

well versed in keeping themselves busy in their retirement.

A motivated outdoors lawn bowler, Geoff loves his competition and is a regular at Reynella Bowls, and is planning to join Port Noarlunga as well.

And, Chris is an avid bird watcher, conservationist and a keen botanist. She is a regular bird watcher along Sturt Gorge and Scott Creek and has assisted conservationists to document their property in Naracoorte, listing over 100 varieties of birds and flora. She is also a member of Birds Fleurieu.

It’s well known the Fleurieu Peninsula is a place of diverse habitat and we look forward to potential information about flora and fauna around the Riverpoint location or even a bird watchers group starting up! It would be a change of pace for the socially active set, outside of the gym… and perhaps an opportunity for more evening walks!

From 'We’d love to live along Serafino Drive' to 'when can we move in?', The Thomson’s obviously live and breathe Geoff’s motto to 'work on it, wipe it out and get on with it' daily. 

Work on it, wipe it out,get on with it…

18 Southern Cross Care (SA&NT)

‘It’s the 'Advertiser' of our times.‘

Social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn have become an integral part of our online lives. They are a great way to stay connected.

So, why do we say it’s like the 'Advertiser' of our times? Well, Facebook includes notices about births, deaths and marriages – and the only drawback to that is you have the ability to catch up with family every single day – not just at the christenings, weddings … and other major events!

Or do you? We will share the top tips for keeping your information private later.

There is a massive plus side to social media, in particular, Facebook. You can reconnect with old friends, connect with new ones, learn a lot, reminisce about the past, share interesting articles and stories, listen, understand someone else’s point of view, volunteer in a digital capacity, entertain your friends, or simply be entertained!

That said, there are many opinions about the good and the bad; online privacy and safety concerns are often the biggest barrier to adults using social network platforms like Facebook.

It’s true, there are risks associated and sadly, scammers often target seniors. But there are also plenty of resources for educating ourselves about how to stay safe while enjoying the social connections.

The one concept everyone should know is that ALL social media platforms have the ability for a person to adjust their own privacy settings to a level you feel comfortable with. Each site includes an area to adjust as you go and it’s a good habit to get into; to review and adjust regularly. A little like a 'spring clean', why not change your password and review what others can see about you.

Basics1. If you hesitate; don’t do it, don’t share it,

don’t say it.

2. If you are being harassed by someone, remove or block them.

3. Don’t click on links unless confirmed OK by an authoritive source

Facebook Stay in touch this Christmas

visit facebook.com/

southerncrosscare

December Edition 2016 19

SummerSummer is the time for fun. The day seems to last longer, and the fun never stops. In a romantic setting, the summer weather conjures images of evenings with cool breezes, long cold drinks, friends and family laughter and outdoor activities like picnics on the lawn. It’s all that wonderful Vitamin D being absorbed, making us feel alive.

However, the reality can be a stark contrast when we are not prepared for when there are days upon days of high temperatures or we forget our sunscreen protection. And what is it about those flies?

Of course, it depends which part of Australia you live in the humid tropics or the dry plains, each come with their own advantages and challenges.

Letters to the EditorPO Box 1 5 5Glen Osmond South Australia 5064

Write a postcard!

Write a short note

or a poem to a friend.

Capture a summer

adventure in writing

and post it. In fact,

why not send it into

us! We’d love to hear from you.

wg

We are officially 'alive and writing' and as we say,

it’s better than the alternative!

The articles, poems, prose and stories coming through are simply wonderful, and what a variety!

Have you got a story to share with us?

If you would like more information or to share a story you have written please email the editor at editor@southernxc.com.au

writers group

1. 2. 3.

4.

7. 8.

5.

9.

10. 11.

10.

6.

9.

1. Dennis and Ann Mattschoss are excited about Carmelite finishing! 2. & 3. Monarto; a Community Foundation Grant funded trip for Fullarton! 4. Students from Warradale School visiting residents at Oaklands Lodge 5. Don’t forget to check the website for more Writers Club stories, like Gertrude’s, The wisdom of the young. A story never forgotten 6. We thank Greg Holfeld for assisting Fullarton with their SALA Exhibition project 7. Vanessa Slape and Norma Sherwell at the opening of Bellevue Court's new beds 8. Dot and Andrew say farewell at PKC 9. Fred Fox from Pearl, who always approaches life “young at heart” 10. Mark Aiston our MC at the Southern Stars Awards 11. Navneet Kaur, Care Star - Lifestyle winner.

10