Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected
The Narangba News
Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected.
Autumn
Contents
Message from Acting Facility Manager, Manpreet 3 Message from Lifestyle Coordinator, Yvonne 4 Community Happenings 5 - 7 Message from Clinical Care, Mansi 8 Meet the Team, Bree & Vanessa 9 Chefs Corner, Sandra 10 Meet the Resident, Derrick 11 Quality Corner, Janet 12 Autumn Highlights 13 - 15 Noticeboard 16 Games Corner 17 - 18 Games Corner answers 19 - 20
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Acting Facility Manager Manpreet
As we farewell autumn and welcome the winter season, I’m delighted to share some highlights from the past few months here at our facility. This season has been filled with connection, activity, and exciting improvements around our
home. Residents have enjoyed a variety of lifestyle activities and social gatherings, creating many wonderful moments and memories together. One of the most significant improvements has been the completion of our carpet replacement project in the hallways and lounge areas. The new carpet has given these shared spaces a fresh new look while adding warmth and comfort for residents and visitors alike. We have also commenced painting works throughout the facility, which are already bringing a brighter and more refreshed feel to our surroundings. We remain committed to continually improving our services and environment, and we thank everyone who takes the time to share feedback and suggestions. Your input plays an important role in helping us enhance the experience of living in our community. As we move into winter, we look forward to more engaging activities, social events, and opportunities for residents to spend time together. With flu season now upon us, we kindly remind residents, families, and visitors to practise good hand hygiene and avoid visiting if feeling unwell. These simple measures help protect the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community. Thank you to all residents, families, volunteers, and staff for making the past few months so enjoyable. I look forward to sharing many more wonderful moments with you throughout the winter season.
Warm regards, Manpreet Kaur Acting Facility Manager
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Message from Lifestyle Yvonne As we welcome the cooler months, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful events and activities we have enjoyed together over the
past few months. Recent Highlights
Harmony Day was a fantastic celebration of diversity, with residents learning about and appreciating the many cultures that make up our community. We enjoyed a variety of foods representing different countries and celebrated the unique traditions that make each culture special. Our residents also enjoyed visits from the Brass Band, whose performances always bring smiles, singing, and plenty of happy memories. Other special events included: • Easter celebrations • ANZAC Day commemorations • International Pink Day • Mother’s Day • International Potato Day For International Potato Day, residents explored the fascinating history of the potato, discovering where it originated and how it has become a staple food enjoyed in countries all around the world. We also discussed the many different ways potatoes are prepared and enjoyed across various cultures. Upcoming Events We have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks, including: • Queensland Day • Vegemite Day • World Music Day • Regular Brass Band performances Exciting News We are currently working with Sesame Lane Day Care to organise visits from the children. We look forward to building intergenerational connections and creating special moments between our residents and the young visitors. As always, thank you to our residents, families, volunteers, and staff for helping make our community such a warm and welcoming place. We look forward to sharing many more wonderful experiences together throughout winter. From the Lifestyle Team
Community Happenings Autumn
Autumn at Narangba has been a season that brought people together, honoured important occasions, and made the most of every opportunity to celebrate. Coming together Anzac Day was one of the most meaningful moments of the season. We were joined by students from Narangba Valley State High School, who helped create a service that was moving and memorable for everyone who attended. It is always an important occasion in our calendar, and this year it was particularly special. Lest we forget. International Women’s Day gave us a chance to pause and acknowledge the remarkable women who have shaped our world, and the remarkable women right here in our own community. We shared stories, enjoyed morning tea and cupcakes. Easter brought some beautiful moments. The Easter Bunny paid us a visit, delivering eggs and smiles to everyone.
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Community Happenings Autumn Harmony Day was a genuine highlight of the season. Our lifestyle team worked hard to source ingredients and prepare traditional dishes from many different cultural backgrounds. Fifteen different foods were explored across the day, and sitting together to share those meals and the stories that came with them was something we will not forget. Our monthly disco in May was an afternoon of pure delight. The music had everyone moving and the energy in the room was infectious. It is exactly the kind of activity that nourishes both body and soul, and the smiles said everything. Mother’s Day was celebrated across the whole week, with morning tea, nail care, foot spa treatments, cool drinks, bocce, quoits, singing, bingo, and Edward’s always lovely keyboard playing. Our mothers were made to feel genuinely special, and the raffle draw added an extra touch of excitement to the day.
Community Happenings Autumn
The rhythm of everyday life Happy hour every Wednesday continued to be a favourite throughout the season, whether it brought live music, cold drinks, or simply a good conversation and an afternoon well spent. A brass band performance in April lifted spirits across the whole home, and a morning of golf out in the fresh air was enjoyed by all. Chef Sandra deserves a special mention for the wonderful breakfast spreads laid on for our residents. And a warm thank you to our staff for wearing their vibrant and colourful scrubs - the laughter and conversation they bring to each day makes such a difference. What a season. We look forward to everything winter has in store.
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Message from Clinical Care Mansi
Dear Residents, Families, and Staff, With the change in season approaching, I’d like to take a moment to share some updates and highlights from our home. It has been a busy and productive time, with a strong focus on enhancing the safety, wellbeing, and comfort of everyone in our care.
Over the past few months, we have introduced several new strategies aimed at preventing falls. Our team has been working closely with residents to review individual mobility needs, ensure appropriate use of mobility aids, and implement environmental safety checks. We have also strengthened staff awareness through ongoing education sessions, reinforcing the importance of proactive observation and early intervention. These measures are already helping us create a safer environment for our residents. With winter approaching, our focus has also turned toward protecting our residents from seasonal illnesses. We are actively supporting residents to receive their flu vaccinations and COVID-19 booster doses, in line with current health recommendations. This is an important step in safeguarding our community and reducing the risk of illness during the colder months. Education continues to be a key priority within our home. Our staff have participated in regular training sessions covering a range of topics, including infection control, recognising early signs of deterioration, and responding effectively to changes in residents’ health. It is encouraging to see our team’s ongoing commitment to learning and delivering high-quality care. Alongside our clinical focus, we are equally committed to creating a positive and enjoyable environment for our residents. Our lifestyle and care teams continue to work creatively to provide meaningful activities, social engagement, and moments of joy throughout the day—whether it’s group activities, shared conversations, or simply spending quality one-on-one time with residents. We also recognise the importance of staff wellbeing, as a supported and energised team is essential in delivering high-quality care. Our staff are encouraged to look after their own health, support one another, and take time to recharge. It has been wonderful to see the strong sense of teamwork and positivity across the home. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff for their hard work and compassion, and to our residents and families for their continued trust and support. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence in care
and wellbeing. Warm regards, Mansi Gill Acting Clinical Care Coordinator
Meet the Team
Vanessa, FSA
What do you enjoy most about working here? The friendships I’ve made and the stories I’ve been told by the lovely residents What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I LOVE AFL, watching my kids play a sport they love. Catching up with family and friends and helping our local footy club. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would love to go to Africa to see the Meerkats in their natural habitat. What do you enjoy most about working here? Bringing smiles and enjoyment to residents’ days What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Sewing and renovating my house If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would love to visit Canada
Bree, Lifestyle
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Chef’s Corner I would like to take a moment to say thank you for the wonderful support and feedback you continue to give to the kitchen team. It truly means a lot to us and helps guide what we create each day. Sandra
Ingredients • 125g butter, melted • 60g (1/2 cup) plain flour • 65g (1/2cup) self-raising flour • 65g (1/2 cup) Milo • 85g (1 cup) rolled oats • 150g (2/3 cup) brown sugar, firmly packed • 65g (2/3 cup) desiccated coconut • 1 egg, at room temperature
1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (fan forced). 2. Grease and line a 20cm x 20cm slice tin with baking paper. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, self-raising flour, Milo, rolled oats, brown sugar, and desiccated coconut. 4. Add the melted butter and egg, then mix until well combined. 5. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared slice tin. 6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. 7. Allow the slice to cool completely in the tin before cutting into squares and serving. Milo Slice is a delicious treat that combines the rich malt flavour of Milo with oats and coconut, making it perfect for morning tea, afternoon tea, or a sweet snack.
Meet the Resident
Derrick
Can you tell us a little about where you grew up? A small town in centre of England. The milkman brought milk in a churn with dippers to put the milk into your jug at the road side. Until about 1935 you walked to the station to catch a train to literally anywhere. A bus service started after then and the world changed. But you still walked most local places. TV/television mast went up 1942 - years before locals had sets.
What are some of your fondest childhood memories? The freedom to walk and roam the surrounding countryside. Pick wild flowers and blackberries, watercress from the streams. Find and watch birds nesting. Helping Dad with the bees. Scrumping after choir practice (pinching apples from the Vicar’s orchard). Visiting grandparents by bus and train - a several hour journey. Discovering tennis and cricket - and girls! What kinds of work or hobbies have you enjoyed throughout your life? Hobbies, stamp collecting, reading anything and everything - still do. Sport, tennis, cricket, running, walking, rugby, theatricals, singing. Most until I was in my mid ‘80s. Writing, poetry, novels, memoirs. RAF in 1940s and also later, UK and overseas. As an Electrical Engineer, later specialising in Microwave Technology from my time in Radar in the RAF. Do you have any favourite pastimes or hobbies you still enjoy today? I still read anything I can lay my hands on. I enjoy using my computer for writing and to keep abreast of things worldwide and to keep in touch with friends and rellies. What is something you’ve learned that you’d like to share with others? That there are no strangers in this world. Only friends who you have not met yet. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t believe everything you hear! What is a book, movie, or song that has made a big impact on you? A book. ‘The Life of Nelson Mandela’. What do you think has been the biggest change in the world during your lifetime? Ability to travel anywhere. Do you have a favourite place you’ve travelled to or lived in? Singapore. In the forces with the RAF and frequently since. What is something that always makes you smile? A picture of a baby laughing. Are there any clubs or activities you’re interested in joining here? I would love to join in more but finding time beyond what I have to do is almost impossible. What has been your proudest achievement? My children. Is there anything about your story you’d like to share with our community? Yes. Meet others halfway.
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Quality Corner
Janet
Winter Vaccinations Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect against serious illness caused by respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19 and RSV. These illnesses can be severe in otherwise healthy people. In Australia, RSV and influenza seasons can start as early as March, with activity usually peaking between June
and September. Receiving the vaccination before winter gives you the best protection during this high risk period. Please speak with a member of staff for more information regarding the vaccination clinics. Code of Conduct for Aged Care The Code of Conduct for Aged Care describes how aged care providers and the people providing your care must behave and how you should be treated. People who provide care, supporters and services in the aged care sector must: a. act with respect for people’s rights to freedom of expression, self- determination and decision-making in accordance with applicable laws and conventions b. act in a way that treats people with dignity and respect, and values their diversity c. act with respect for the privacy of people d. provide care, supports and services in a safe and competent manner, with care and skill e. act with integrity, honesty and transparency f. promptly take steps to raise and act on concerns about matters that may impact the quality and safety of care, supports and services g. provide care, supports and services free from: (i) all forms of violence, discrimination, exploitation, neglect and abuse (ii) sexual misconduct h. take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to: (i) all forms of violence, discrimination, exploitation, neglect and abuse (ii) sexual misconduct. The Code applies to approved providers of residential, home care and flexible care funded by the Australian Government, as well as aged care workers and governing persons of approved providers. An introductory video is available to give older people, their representatives, families and registered supporters an overview of the Aged Care Code of Conduct. View it here. https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/resource-library/aged-care- code-conduct-introductory-video-older-people Kind regards, Janet State Quality Manager
Autumn Highlights
March 2026
We celebrated International Women’s Day with a lovely morning tea, cupcakes, and a hot cup of tea, taking time to acknowledge the incredible women who have shaped history and sharing stories from our own residents’ remarkable lives. St Patrick’s Day brought laughter, games, and delicious food - a day that had everyone in good spirits. We also enjoyed our weekly happy hour every Wednesday, which is always a favourite whether it brings live music, a cold drink, or simply wonderful conversation and story sharing. Harmony Day gave us a chance to celebrate the many cultures within our community. Our lifestyle team worked hard to source ingredients and prepare traditional dishes from different backgrounds, and sitting together to share those meals and the stories behind them was something truly special.
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Autumn Highlights April 2026 Easter brought the Easter Bunny to visit, along with a lively brass band performance that our residents thoroughly enjoyed. The music lifted spirits across the home and had everyone tapping along. We also enjoyed a fun game of bocce and a lovely morning of golf out in the fresh air, which is always a favourite. International Pink Day was marked with fantastic music, a wave of pink as residents and staff showed their support, and delightful pink cupcakes to sweeten the occasion. It was a joyful and colourful day that meant a great deal to many in our community. Anzac Day was observed with a deeply moving service, and we were grateful to students from Narangba Valley State High School who helped make the occasion truly memorable. Lest we forget.
Autumn Highlights
May 2026
Our monthly disco was an absolute highlight. The dance floor came to life and the music had everyone moving, smiling, and connecting with one another. It was exactly the kind of afternoon that does the body and soul a world of good. Mother’s Day was celebrated beautifully with a morning tea followed by a relaxing afternoon of nail care and foot spa treatments, cool drinks, and delicious food. Our mothers were well and truly pampered, and the raffle draw brought plenty of excitement. We also enjoyed Mother’s Day art making, bocce, quoits, bingo, and Edward’s wonderful keyboard playing. A big thank you to Chef Sandra for another outstanding breakfast spread, giving our residents a wonderful variety of choices to start their day.
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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.
Walking group is held in the afternoons and is supported by our physio aide Don’t forget our continental breakfast once a month Physiotherapy Tuesday and Friday from 9:00am to 9:30am, followed by a small Strength and Balance class from 9:30am to 10:00am Health and fitness Sunflower Café from 9:00am to 10:00am on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
A very warm welcome to our new residents. This Autumn 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.
We are here for you If you’d like more information on the aboveservices, please contact the lifestyle team: lifestyle@narangbaagedcare.com.au
Games Corner 1
www.qualityaging.com.au
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Games Corner 2
Games Corner Answers 1
www.qualityaging.com.au
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Games Corner Answers 2
Stay tuned for Winter
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.
23 Young Road, Narangba QLD 4504 07 3053 3700 narangbaagedcare.com.au
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