Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected
The Strathpine Snapshot
Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected. Spring
Contents
Message from Facility Manager, Karen
3
Message from Lifestyle Coordinator, Ingrid
4
Community Happenings
5 - 8
Message from Clinical Care Coordinator, Trudy
9
Meet the Team,
10
Chefs Corner, Wayne
11
Meet the Resident,
12 13
Quality Corner, Janet
Spring Highlights
14 - 16
Noticeboard
17
Games Corner
18 - 19
Games Corner answers
20 - 21
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Karen
Facility Manager
What a season it’s been! As I walk through our home each day, I’m struck by how much laughter and life fills these halls. Spring has brought a real energy to Strathpine, and it’s been wonderful to watch our community embrace it.
This season, we’ve said some heartfelt goodbyes. After 11 years with us, Mary headed off on her new adventure – we celebrated her last day properly with lunch at Pine Rivers Bowls Club, and the tears and smiles were flowing in equal measure. We also farewelled RN Kellie, whose dedication to our residents has been truly valued. These moments remind me that whilst people move on, the connections they’ve built here remain part of our home’s fabric. But there’s been plenty to celebrate too. Our partnership with Burpengary Manor’s Men’s Shed has opened up new friendships for our gentlemen, and seeing them head off together for woodworking and afternoon tea has been brilliant. Then there’s our new postbox – handcrafted by Milton and Antonio from The Men’s Shed at Old Petrie Town – now sitting proudly at our visitors’ desk. It’s these thoughtful touches that make our home special. Our team continues to amaze me. From the lifestyle staff creating such varied and engaging programs, to our care team ensuring everyone’s wellbeing, to our new chef Dipesh settling into the kitchen – every person here contributes to making Strathpine a home worth celebrating. As we head into summer, I’m looking forward to more sunny courtyard gatherings, more bus trips to discover local spots, and more of those everyday moments that make this place feel like home. Because that’s exactly what it is – home. Karen Facility Manager
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Message from Lifestyle Ingrid Spring has absolutely flown by, hasn’t it? And what a season we’ve had together! Our Thursday bus trips have become the stuff of legend around here. We’ve explored Strathpine Central over coffee and doughnuts, taken in the
stunning views at North Pine Dam, and yes – we’ve made more than one stop at McDonald’s for those irresistible soft serves. There’s something about getting out and about that just lifts everyone’s spirits. The courtyard has been our happy place. Garden Group sessions have seen us planting marigolds and snapdragons in recycled mugs, whilst Craft Corner has been bursting with colour and laughter. Our Drum Fit sessions got everyone moving and grooving, and the sensory cooking – decorating Arnold’s biscuits with rainbow icing – was a delicious success! I have to give a massive shout-out to our wonderful volunteers and entertainers. Natalie and Rosie (therapy dog extraordinaire) have become absolute favourites, Rob Stevenson’s Happy Hour performances get everyone singing and dancing, and the RSL Old Brass Band brought magic to our courtyard on that beautiful sunny morning. Thank you to everyone who joins in – your enthusiasm makes every program a success. Summer’s just around the corner, and I can’t wait to share what’s planned! Ingrid Lifestyle Coordinator
Community Happenings Spring
Music Filling the Days Rob Stevenson’s Happy Hour performances had us up dancing and grooving throughout spring. His sing-alongs in September and November brought joy and music. Watch Rob Stevenson Happy Hour performance - 09/12/2025 Darrel from The Pitch Factory brought concerts throughout the season. The Halloween concert saw Kristina and Cerina dress in costumes and dance while Darrel performed Surfing USA, getting everyone involved. He returned for another concert in November. Watch Halloween concert dance performance - 10/31/2025 The RSL Old Brass Band entertained us in the courtyard in September, returning in November. Music Grace provided music therapy sessions in mid-November. Cultural Celebrations Diwali came twice during spring - first in September as the Festival of Lights began, then in October with the full International Theme Day celebration. The September morning brought colour, traditional attire, lights and mandalas for colouring, with morning tea and conversation. The October celebration brought traditional festival food, henna art, music and dancing. Halloween transformed the space in late October. Craft sessions turned spooky as we made Halloween-themed artworks. Halloween day brought Bingo, Garden Group and a concert with Darrel. Kristina and Cerina dressed in costumes and danced while Darrel performed Surfing USA. Special Days Father’s Day in early September brought MP Nikki Boyd’s visit and her donated hamper, which Ian McD won. The day itself saw special bags for all the gentlemen, making it a heartfelt Sunday. Melbourne Cup Day in early November brought the sweep, bingo, buffet lunch and watching the race that stops the nation. Hats, fascinators and smart bow ties showcased the fashion. Ladies Day in early November featured High Tea with sweet and savoury treats, connection and fashion shared with friends.
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Community Happenings Spring
Artistic Expression The spring art exhibition in October showcased what we’ve been creating - paintings, photography, quilting, drawings, colouring pieces and woodwork from the Men’s Shed. Residents, families and staff were amazed by the range of work on display. Regular craft sessions filled afternoons throughout spring. Sensory button craft with Hollie brought relaxation and creativity. Petrie Wing residents decorated Arnott’s biscuits with homemade icing in whatever colours caught their eye. Gardens and Outdoor Spaces Garden Group kept us connected to the outdoors throughout spring. Planting marigolds and snapdragons in recycled mugs on sunny mornings gave us reasons to be outside, hands in soil, chatting while we worked. Later, the planter boxes got filled with colourful blooms. The garden gnomes that appeared in the courtyard in November got the laughs they deserved. They’ve made themselves right at home among the plants. Community Outings Thursday bus trips took us out throughout spring. Strathpine Central for coffee and doughnuts, then on to North Pine Dam, topped off with ice cream. The Sands Social Sandgate for morning melodies, music and lunch. Strathpine Library for browsing books and playing with the interactive laser projector, then a scenic drive to Dayboro with ice cream. Norths Leagues Club for lunch. Seafood Town at Woody Point for fish and chips and a walk along the jetty. The destinations changed but the Thursday trips remained favourites.
Community Happenings Spring
Culinary Experiences Sensory cooking sessions brought us together in the kitchen. Decorating Arnott’s biscuits with homemade icing meant choosing colours and creating something worth eating. Wednesday morning buffet breakfasts became something to look forward to each week. The ice cream trolley visits on Wednesdays brought choices. New menu tasting in November let us sample what was coming. Ladies Day featured High Tea with sweet and savoury treats. Melbourne Cup Day brought a buffet lunch alongside the sweep and the race. Recreation and Games Bingo remained what it’s always been - the activity that brings everyone together. Word scrabble sparked friendly debates over whether certain words actually count. Card games and board games brought out the competitive streak. Drum Fit got everyone moving and grooving. Seated exercises kept us moving, walking groups got us outdoors. Parachute games, balloon tennis and ring toss all made appearances. Napkin folding gave our hands something useful to do. Arts and crafts filled afternoons. Scrapbooking let us organise memories. When Halloween came around, the craft sessions turned spooky.
Pet Therapy The fortnightly pet therapy sessions with volunteer Natalie and therapy dog Rosie were big favourites throughout spring. Residents absolutely loved Rosie, with the visits providing comfort and joy. Community Partnerships The collaboration with Burpengary Manor in mid-November saw some gentlemen join their Men’s Shed programme followed by afternoon tea, creating connections between facilities. MP Nikki Boyd’s Father’s Day visit brought her generosity with the hamper donation. Nourish Street donated beautiful flowers that brought colour throughout the facility. The Men’s Shed made a post box for the visitors’ desk.
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Community Happenings Spring
Farewells Mary Rutene retired in September after 11 years. Some residents took her to Pine Rivers Bowls Club for lunch on her last day. A memorial morning tea was held for Jan Timms, organised by her family. Di Obourne and Manpreet Sidhu were farewelled in October. Kellie Leanne was farewelled Spring at Strathpine combined music, cultural celebrations, garden activities, outings, artistic expression and meaningful connections. Rob and Darrel sang. Brass Bands performed outdoors. Diwali brought colour and tradition twice. Halloween brought costumes and dancing. Bus trips took us to libraries, dams, clubs and jetties. The art exhibition showcased talents. Gardens were planted and gnomes discovered. Mary retired. Jan, Di, Manpreet and Kellie Leanne moved on. The Men’s Shed made us a post box. Some gentlemen joined Burpengary Manor’s Men’s Shed. Ladies Day brought High Tea. Melbourne Cup brought sweeps, fashion and winners. Rosie visited fortnightly. in November. Looking Back
Message from Clinical Care Trudy
It is a pleasure to share updates from our clinical team in this quarterly newsletter. Clinical Focus Falls Prevention and Pain Management
This quarter, we are focusing on falls prevention and pain management, particularly for those who may not be able to verbalise their discomfort. Pain is common; yet often overlooked. Since many residents cannot clearly communicate their pain, it is essential for staff to remain vigilant and regularly assess any new or unusual behaviours that may indicate discomfort. Our staff are effectively using the PainChek app to assess residents’ pain. Identifying and addressing pain early can significantly improve a resident’s comfort and quality of life. Staff continue to receive training in recognising symptoms and providing appropriate treatment. Falls: We have reintroduced the autumn leaf symbol to identify residents at high risk of falls and to alert all staff to keep a closer eye on them. A few reminders to help residents stay safe when walking within the facility: • Use your walker if you have one, even for short trips. • Wear supportive footwear or non-slip socks to prevent slips and falls. • Ask staff for help when needed; whether it’s picking something up or reaching for an item. We encourage residents and families to speak with our nursing team if they have any concerns, and we will assist you. Allied Health Services Let us know if you would like to see the visiting optometrist, mobile dentist, or Hearing Australia, and we can organise this for you. Kind regards, Trudy Clinical Care Coordinator
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Staff Awards Will Our Monthly Staff Awards are here. The winner from December was PCA Will. Will was recognised for being the most helpful and truly loved by our residents. His dedication and care make a real difference every day—thank you from your team. Now it’s your turn to vote for the staff member who you feel is exceptional and deserves recognition! You can cast your vote by using the barcode at Reception or ask a staff member for assistance. The winning staff member will receive a gift voucher, which will be presented at the Monthly Staff BBQ. Don’t miss the chance to show your appreciation!
Wayne
Chef’s Corner
I hope you have been enjoying the meals at Strathpine. If you have any special requests or feedback, please let me know. Here’s a great Christmas recipe that can be enjoyed any time of the year!
Mince Pies Ingredients 360g (2 cups) dried mixed fruit 200g (1 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar 50g (1/3 cup) slivered almonds, finely chopped 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, quartered, cored, coarsely grated 40g butter, melted 2 tbsp brandy 3 tsp finely grated lemon rind
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp mixed spice Pinch of ground nutmeg 1 egg, lightly whisked White sugar, to dust Pastry 300g (2 cups) plain flour 70g (1/3 cup) caster sugar 160g chilled butter, chopped 1 egg
Method 1.
Make the pastry Rub the butter into the flour until it looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. Add the beaten egg and mix until it forms a dough. Chill for 20 minutes. 2. Prepare the pies Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Roll out the pastry and cut circles to fit a muffin tin. Spoon mincemeat into each case. Cut smaller circles or stars for the tops and place them on. 3. Bake Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden. Cool slightly, then dust with icing sugar.
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Meet the Resident Ipswich was home for the first five years of Cynthia’s life, but it was the move to Sandgate waterfront that shaped her happiest memories. The beach became her playground, a place she could visit most days. Cynthia Those early years were filled with simple joys - playing with her sister, having what Cynthia describes as a good childhood. Those foundations of happiness have stayed with her throughout life.
Her love of being busy and creative showed itself early. Knitting and sewing became lifelong companions, hobbies she picked up young and still enjoys today. She’s already keen to join the knitting group here. But it was nursing that became Cynthia’s true calling. From age 17 until two days after she turned 50, she dedicated 33 years to caring for others in hospitals. It was a vocation that earned her a scholarship for her work. Those three decades stand as her proudest achievement, a career built on compassion and dedication. War movies held particular significance for Cynthia growing up. Her father went to war, and watching those films became a way of feeling closer to him. They left a lasting impact, connecting her to a piece of her family history. She’s witnessed remarkable changes during her lifetime - women’s rights, the fight for liberation, gaining the vote. The world has o different corners of the world, but Hong Kong captured her heart. “Beautiful and clean,” she remembers, with friendly people. It remains her favourite place she’s visited. These days, reading always brings a smile to Cynthia’s face. There’s something about losing yourself in a good book. When asked what she’s learned that she’d like to share with others, Cynthia’s answer is beautifully simple: enjoy life, just be happy. It’s a philosophy that’s clearly guided her journey, from childhood days playing with her sister, through 33 years of nursing, to this new chapter. “All I want to share with others in community is to just be happy,” she says. It’s advice worth listening to, coming from someone who’s lived it.. transformed in so many ways. Travel opened Cynthia’s eyes t
Quality Corner
Janet
From the 1st of November 2025, the New Aged Care ACT and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards commenced across all residential and home care services. The Strengthened Quality Standards are a set of requirements which Providers need to meet to ensure that Resident care is safe and of a high quality. The 7 Strengthened Quality Standards are: Standard 1. The Individual Standard 2. The Organisation Standard 3. The Care and Services Standard 4. The Environment Standard 5. Clinical Care Standard 6. Food and Nutrition Standard 7. The Residential Community
The Strengthened Quality Standards have been introduced by the teams within the homes. Education has been completed and is ongoing on the Strengthened Quality Standards and on the new policies and procedures which accompany them. The Resident and Relative meetings are a good opportunity seek further information regarding the Strengthened Standards, and more information may also be found at https://www.agedcarequality.gov. au/
As the weather warms up and we enjoy more time outdoors, it is important to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreen is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin damage. Sunscreen dispensers have been fitted within areas of the home for everyone to access, the teams are also here to help apply sunscreen before outdoor activities. Please also remember to pair sunscreen with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, light clothing for extra protection and seek some shade. During the warmer weather please also remember to remain hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
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Spring Highlights September 2025 Spring began with MP Nikki Boyd visiting for Father’s Day morning tea, donating a hamper that Ian McDonald won. Father’s Day brought special bags for all the gentlemen. Nourish Street donated beautiful flowers. The RSL Old Brass Band entertained us in the courtyard on a sunny morning. Thursday bus trips took us to Strathpine Central for coffee and doughnuts, then North Pine Dam, topped off with ice cream. Garden Group planted marigolds and snapdragons in recycled mugs. Diwali brought colour, traditional attire, lights and mandalas for colouring. Drum Fit got everyone moving. Arnott’s biscuits were decorated with homemade icing. Mary Rutene retired after 11 years, with lunch at Pine Rivers Bowls Club. A memorial morning tea was held for Jan Timms. The Clayfield Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement sang hymns and shared encouraging words. The Men’s Shed made a post box for the visitors’ desk.
Spring Highlights
October 2025
October brought concerts with Darryl and Rob Stevenson’s Happy Hour performance with sing-alongs and dancing. Thursday bus trips visited Strathpine Library and Dayboro, Norths Leagues Club, and Seafood Town at Woody Point for fish and chips and a jetty walk. Garden Group continued planting blooms in planter boxes. The art exhibition showcased paintings, photography, quilting, drawings and woodwork from the Men’s Shed. The International Theme Day Diwali celebration featured traditional food, henna art, music and dancing. Di Obourne and Manpreet Sidhu were farewelled. Halloween brought spooky craft sessions, Halloween Bingo, and a concert with Darrel. Kristina and Cerina dressed in costumes and danced while Darrel performed Surfing USA.
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Spring Highlights November 2025 November opened with Melbourne Cup Day featuring the sweep, bingo, buffet lunch and the race itself, with hats, fascinators and bow ties on display. Winners: staff - Karen, Jane and Cody; residents - Mike, Merle and Collette B. Pet therapy with Rosie and volunteer Natalie were big favourites. Ladies Day brought High Tea with sweet and savoury treats. Kellie Leanne was farewelled. Rob Stevenson returned for Happy Hour sing-alongs. Garden gnomes appeared in the courtyard. Birthdays were celebrated. Some gentlemen joined Burpengary Manor’s Men’s Shed programme. Music therapy with Music Grace enriched the weeks. Bus trips to Sandgate continued. The Old Brass Band visited. New menu tasting took place. Darrel returned for another concert.
Noticeboard
In Memoriam We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of our late residents. Every cherished member of our community who leaves us, is sadly missed and fondly remembered.
A very warm welcome to our new residents. This Spring we have had the pleasure of welcoming new faces to our community and what a wonderful addition you’ve all been! From sharing laughs at mealtimes to joining in activities and making new friendships, you’ve already brought fresh energy and joy to our home. We’re so glad you’re here. If you have any questions or need assistance settling in, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team.
Pet Therapy Cuddles with “ Rosie” the adorable border collie – fortnightly
Physiotherapy We have an excellent
physiotherapy team on site. If you would like to book in to see one of the lovely physios, please ask a friendly staff member at reception.
Hairdresser Visits Available every Monday from 9:00 AM (except public holidays).
Music Therapy Grace and her team visits monthly.
Baptist Church Services Held fortnightly on Thursdays at 11:30AM.
Entertainers Fortnightly entertainment
We are here for you If you’d like more information on the above services, please contact the lifestyle team.
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Games Corner
Games Corner
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Games Corner Answers
Games Corner Answers
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Stay tuned for Summer
Thank you We would like to issue a heartfelt thank you to relatives and volunteers who support us day in and day out. You make such a difference and we very much appreciate your time and energy. Can you contribute? Contributions to our newsletter are encouaged and appreciated. Articles, photos, reports on community outings, staff news, trivia, poems and stories relating to residents and staff are most welcome. Please hand in your submission to reception.
5 Bland Street, Strathpine QLD 4500 07 2000 8500 strathpineagedcare.com.au
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