Regional housing for young people Four refurbished units in Murray Bridge will provide a home and a chance at a
residential aged care homes. One team member making a difference in the lives of our residents a meal at a time is Constance Amaechi. Since joining the Westbourne Park hospitality team more than a year ago, Constance has completed her commercial cookery placement and has been cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Cooking for older adults has always been a passion for Constance – a passion she hopes will lead her to one day becoming a Head Chef in residential aged care. “I have always loved everything that has to do with cooking and food. I am in my happy place when I am in the kitchen,” Constance said. “What attracted me to work here was better future for young people experiencing disadvantage in the region. The four self-contained and fully furnished apartments, which will be managed by Believe Housing Australia, will become home to four young people aged 15-23 who receive an independent income as part of the Studio Purpose project. With a housing-first approach, Studio Purpose extends beyond the provision of independent accommodation to include broad supports to help young people reach their potential. This project is a result of a partnership between Believe Housing Australia, ac.care, SA Housing Authority, headspace Murray Bridge, Rural City
Believe Housing Australia’s Peter Mitchell and Jo Young celebrated the launch of the new youth accommodation with Studio Purpose partners
It is the second such collaboration, following on from the initial four Studio Purpose apartments opened in Murray Bridge in August 2021 to help tackle youth homelessness in the Murraylands.
of Murray Bridge, and Habitat for Humanity South Australia. The units were officially launched in February with a beautiful smoking ceremony and words from Human Services Minister Nat Cook MP.
Cooked with love At AnglicareSA, we’re proud to have a team of hospitality workers who work tirelessly to prepare and cook nearly 2,000 fresh and appetising meals every day for the 600 residents across our six
the opportunity to immerse myself in hospitality and care for older people. “To be able to give back and make a difference for older people using my love for food and my culinary skills has been rewarding.” Every day, Constance and the other members of the Westbourne Park hospitality team prepare more than 250 meals for their 90 residents. “It is vital that our residents are getting what they need with every dish,” she said. “Meals must be individualised to ensure that each resident’s meal has the correct texture and taste for them. We respect and cater to their different dietary preferences, requirements, and cultural needs.”
Westbourne Park cook Constance Amaechi with the residents’ favourite dish – crumbed lamb cutlets
While the menu rotates frequently and dishes come and go, Constance said there was a standout meal that the residents can’t seem to get enough of. “The residents love the crumbed lamb cutlet served with vegetables and potato bake and always request it.” Constance said it showed that cooking in aged care was beyond just feeding people – what might seem like a simple meal also has the power to increase a resident’s food intake and enhance their quality of life.
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