Successful year for Residents’ Support Group despite lockdowns

The East Grampians Health Service Residents’ Support Group held their annual general meeting earlier this month, with Marlene Goudie returned as president.

Joining her are secretary Kerry Coone, treasurer Julie Kuchel and assistant treasurer Meri White.

In her report Marlene said the group had continued to be adaptable, resourceful, flexible and patient over the past year due to COVID restrictions.

Meetings were held via Zoom and in person at St Andrew’s Hall and Chalambar Golf Club.

Marlene said the majority of regular activities at Garden View Court and 70 Lowe Street were unable to be held.

“I have heard from so many members as to how much the contact with the residents has been missed. This has also been echoed from residents and staff. Hopefully all our regular activities of manicures, Memories, Whistling Kettle, Tea and Talk, High Tea, music, footy tipping, bingo and gardening will be back soon,” Marlene said.

“Father’s Day 2019 was celebrated with small gifts for Garden View Court and a cheese hamper for Lowe St gentlemen and Christmas gifts of coat hangers with scented sachets were provided to all residents. Marg Young delivered Easter Eggs for all residents for the 47^th year – a remarkable achievement with her grandson Callum.”

Last year the group was able to hold its shopping spree (which continued this year) and it proved very successful by being held over a week due to COVID restrictions.

The Group also received a generous grant from the Ararat Wind Farm Sustainable Communities Fund to supply shade structures at 70 Lowe Street.

Other activities and fundraisers included a photograph competition, with local photographers submitting photos of rural scenes to be turned into canvasses for 70 Lowe Street, the production of knee rugs for residents and sale of children’s book ‘Santa’s COVID Christmas’.

Other donations have been:

• A Laptop computer donated to both GVC and Lowe St to assist with skyping and maintaining family contact during lockdown: $3188
• An ECG machine to be used at Lowe St and GVC: $6109
• Hairdressing equipment to set up GVC when residents are unable to travel across to Lowe St (lockdowns): $633
• Sewing machine for GVC: $271
• Mitre 10 vouchers for lifestyle activities: $300
• Large photo canvases x 6 Lowe St (3 of these still to be arranged)

Marlene said that despite it being a ‘lockdown’ year, the group had managed to fit a lot in!

“I would like to thank our executive, Kerry Coone and Marg Spong who have been very supportive, especially at our lockdown coffee catchups, and all the members of the Residents’ Support Group. We are very fortunate to have great people who work so well together, contributing in so many ways to the group depending on skills and preferences,” Marlene said.