Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected
The Seabrae Sentinel
Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected.
Autumn
Contents
Message from Facility Manager, Esther
3
Message from Lifestyle Coordinator, Skye
4 - 5 6 - 9
Community Happenings
Message from Clinical Care Coordinator, Kate
10
Meet the Team, Keely Chefs Corner, Nirosh Meet the Resident, Jim
11 - 12
13
14 - 15
Quality Corner, Janet
16
Autumn Highlights
17 - 19
Noticeboard
20
Games Corner
21 - 22
Games Corner answers
23 - 24
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Esther
Facility Manager
Dear residents, families and friends, On this cool and wintery morning for Brisbane, welcome to our current newsletter as we reflect on the past few months at Seabrae Manor. I’d like to especially extend a very warm welcome to new residents who have joined us. With our new wing
Chapman House open and filling fast, there are many more new faces at Seabrae. I would like to thank you for trusting us to provide you with care and support. I trust you have settled in and found staff to be compassionate and helpful. If there is anything you feel we could improve on or are not sure about, please don’t hesitate to contact the Clinical Care Coordinators or myself. I welcome feedback and value your insights. You can talk, ring, email or use one of the feedback forms located around the facility. I am aware though, that adjustment to residential care, and any change really, can be challenging. We want to work with you and your families and help in whatever way we can, during this time of transition. Here are some points that might be helpful for residents and their family and loved ones to focus on. • Keeping in touch with family and friends can help you feel less isolated and more connected to your loved ones. If visiting is difficult or not feasible, we can help with phone calls, video calls etc. • We encourage you to participate in group activities and have meals in the dining room. This helps establish a sense of normalcy and find new friendships. Families are always welcome to join us for activities or meals. If possible, please book it in at Admin the day before. Lifestyle will be very happy to email you the Lifestyle program too. • Please communicate with us if you feel you are struggling. We are all so different and the approach often needs to be multi-faceted. There are also psychology services fully funded by the government for residential care that can be helpful in identifying strategies or simply someone to talk things through with. Recently, we have installed a commemorative wall celebrating the life of Joyce Stephan. Joyce was the Facility Manager for many years at Seabrae, and I am sure many of you have fond memories of her time here. It is located near the entrance to Moreton and shares the story of Joyce’s journey, from her childhood in Clontarf to becoming one of the region’s most respected aged care leaders. It serves as a reminder of the values that continue to shape Seabrae Manor today. I would also like to welcome Kate to the team at Seabrae as a Clinical Care Coordinator. With the increase in our resident numbers, she will work alongside Angie ensuring the very best clinical care and support is provided to each resident. The portfolio of residents for each will vary as Chapman fills, but for now she will look after residents in Kabi and Chapman. Thank you for making her feel welcome. I hope you enjoy this edition of Seabrae Sentinel. Esther Facility Manager
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Message from Lifestyle Skye Over the past few months, Seabrae has been full of laughter, celebration, and moments shared by residents, families, and staff. March was a colourful and exciting month as we celebrated St Patrick’s Day with plenty of green
throughout the home. Residents enjoyed participating in fun games including Potato Toss and Gold Coin Toss, with prizes awarded for the best dressed. The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and wonderful community spirit. We also proudly celebrated Harmony Day, recognising the many cultures that make our community so special. Staff brought in traditional dishes from their cultural backgrounds, creating a beautiful shared feast for everyone to enjoy. It was wonderful to see many staff members dressed in traditional cultural attire, showcasing the diversity and inclusiveness within Seabrae. April was another busy month filled with celebrations and special events. Residents thoroughly enjoyed our Easter festivities, including a visit from the Easter Bunny and our much-loved Easter Hat Parade, where residents proudly displayed their creative hats. April also marked the exciting grand opening of our new wing, Chapman House, an important milestone for our home and community. Towards the end of the month, we held a heartfelt ANZAC Day service to honour and remember those who served our country. We were very fortunate to have ex-Navy veteran Rob Pye from the Deception Bay RSL Sub Branch lead the service for us. Residents and staff greatly appreciated the opportunity to reflect and commemorate this important occasion together. May was another month full of wonderful activities and celebrations. For Mother’s Day, we hosted a lovely High Tea attended by residents and their families. It was wonderful to see families joining together to celebrate the special women in their lives. We also held a glamorous Mother’s Day photo shoot where all the ladies were pampered and glammed up for beautiful photos, creating many treasured memories. We were also honoured to celebrate two incredible milestones, with residents Des Wardman and Mavis Holland both turning 100 years old. Reaching 100 years of age is an amazing achievement, and it was a privilege to celebrate these very special birthdays with residents, families, and staff. Another highlight during May was the arrival of the Chicken Hatching Program at Seabrae. Over two weeks, residents watched eggs hatch
Message from Lifestyle
into fluffy baby chicks and were even able to cuddle them. The joy and excitement on residents’ faces while watching the chicks grow was heartwarming and brought so much happiness throughout the home. We also proudly participated in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, where the facility was transformed into a sea of yellow and blue. Residents, staff, and families came together to support a wonderful cause while enjoying delicious treats and beautiful live music performed by a talented harpist, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere for everyone. We are also proud to share that together we raised over $290.00 during the event. As we move into winter, there is plenty to look forward to at Seabrae. Upcoming events include the State of Origin decider, NAIDOC Week celebrations, Bastille Day, the exciting Ekka Day celebrations, Daffodil Day, and RSPCA Cupcake Week. There is certainly no shortage of fun and celebration at Seabrae, and we look forward to creating many more wonderful memories together in the months ahead.
Skye Lifestyle Coordinator
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Community Happenings Autumn Autumn was a season of milestones at Seabrae Manor, from the opening of Chapman House to two remarkable 100th birthdays, alongside all the outings, celebrations and everyday moments that make our community what it is. Welcome to Chapman House Chapman House opened its doors this quarter, and the first of us to move in have already made it home. The house is named after Janet Chapman, a long-serving leader whose work quietly shaped the way we care for one another today. It is a name chosen with real thought and real gratitude. The new house didn’t stay quiet for long, with active games soon in full swing and plenty of laughter and friendly competition to go with them.
Two 100th birthdays We had the pleasure of celebrating two 100th birthdays this season. Friends, family and staff gathered as Des marked his century and received recognition from the RSL and a message from the King and Queen. Mavis followed soon after, celebrating her own 100th birthday with family around her and a day full of cake, smiles and memories. Congratulations to them both. Their warmth and spirit are felt by everyone here.
Community Happenings Autumn
Music, art and new life Ye Old Brass Band had us singing along to old favourites, and music therapy, watercolour classes and happy hour entertainment kept the weekly calendar full. One of the quietest but loveliest moments of the season came when three little chicks hatched right before our eyes, from tiny cracks in the eggs to fluffy new life, with the room full of smiles and awws.
The Biggest Morning Tea We hosted the Biggest Morning Tea in the new Chapman House, with a talented harpist setting the mood and bright yellow and blue worn throughout the room. In the lead-up, our art therapy sessions took inspiration from the event, and some of the pieces created may be entered into the upcoming Redcliffe Show. Celebrations through the season Easter brought a morning tea, a visit from the Easter Bunny and presents for all. St Patrick’s Day gave us plenty to laugh about, with potato bowls, tossing the gold coin into the pot of gold, an art session and themed bingo.
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Community Happenings Autumn
On Harmony Day our staff dressed in beautiful cultural attire representing their heritage and brought in dishes from around the world to share. It was a lovely reflection of the many cultures that make up our community.
And for Mother’s Day we treated our mums to a photoshoot and a special high tea filled with laughter and sweet treats.
Community Happenings Autumn
Out and about Our outings this quarter stirred up plenty of memories. At Shorncliffe pier we picnicked by the water, and many of us remembered bringing our own children there. At the Redcliffe Museum we shared stories of the area from our younger years as we explored the exhibits. The fish and chip lunch on Bribie Island was a favourite, with some of us returning for the first time in more than 50 years, amazed at how much had changed and full of stories about catching the ferry across. A picnic on the waterfront closer to home rounded out the season.
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Message from Clinical Care Kate
As the cooler weather settles in, it’s a wonderful time to focus on staying warm, well, and connected. Winter can bring its own challenges, but with a little extra care, it can also be a season of comfort, companionship, and good health.
During the colder months, our bodies work a little harder to stay warm, making it especially important to keep active, eat nourishing meals, and stay hydrated. While many people associate hydration with hot weather, drinking enough fluids in winter is just as important for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Winter is also a time when coughs, colds, and other seasonal illnesses are more common. Simple measures such as regular hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and letting staff know if you’re feeling unwell can help keep our community healthy and safe. We have had an outbreak that saw some residents test positive to Covid-19, RSV or Rhinovirus which currently remains ongoing, however your clinical and care teams are remaining vigilant and continuing to car as per our current infection prevention guidelines. I encourage everyone to continue participating in activities, social gatherings, and gentle exercise programs. Staying socially connected and physically active can have a positive impact on both physical health and emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s enjoying a warm cup of tea with friends, attending a group activity, or simply taking a stroll indoors, every little bit helps. Our dedicated clinical and care teams remain committed to supporting your health and comfort throughout the season. Please don’t hesitate to speak with a member of our team if you have any concerns about your health, medications, mobility, or general wellbeing. On behalf of the clinical team, I wish you all a warm, healthy, and enjoyable winter season. Let’s continue to look after one another and make the most of the opportunities for connection, laughter, and care that each day brings. Stay warm, stay well, and take care.
Kate Clinical Care Co-Ordinator
Keely
Meet the Team
Meet Keely: lifestyle assistant bringing heart to Seabrae Behind every activity session, every quiet one-on-one moment and every small breakthrough at Seabrae Manor, there’s a team of dedicated people making it happen. Keely is one of them. As a Lifestyle Assistant, Keely has been part of our community for just over a year now, and in that time she’s made her mark in the most genuine way possible: by showing up, paying attention and truly caring about the people she Keely didn’t come to aged care by accident. Before joining Seabrae, she worked across other areas of healthcare, with mental health as a particular focus. That passion led her to complete a postgraduate diploma in Mental Health and Neuroscience through the University of the Sunshine Coast, a course that weaves in components of aged-related mental health and dementia studies. “I found it fascinating,” she says. When she came to Seabrae for her student placement, something clicked. She fell in love with the residents, with the facility, and with the experience of aged care in a way she hadn’t anticipated. A career change followed naturally. What the role really looks like Most families see the lifestyle team leading group activities, and that’s certainly a big part of it. But Keely is quick to point out that there’s much more happening behind the scenes. works alongside each day. A path shaped by passion “Families will often see us involved in group activities, but they may not realise how much one-on-one time we spend with residents as well,” she explains. “Our goal is to enhance the wellbeing of every single resident each week. For residents who aren’t comfortable joining group activities, we spend one-on-one time in meaningful engagement for them.” It’s thoughtful, personalised work, and Keely clearly finds deep satisfaction in it. She particularly loves the moment when a resident tries something new, and the encouragement that flows from other residents when that happens. “That marvel when someone gives something a go for the first time, and the way other residents cheer them on, it’s very satisfying,” she says.
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Meet the Team
continued
A moment that stayed with her When asked about a favourite memory, Keely doesn’t hesitate long before settling on one that quietly captures everything about why her work matters. She spent time with a resident living with dementia, doing some gentle gardening together and listening to music. In that unhurried space, something opened up. The resident began recalling and sharing memories from earlier in her life. It’s a small moment in the context of a busy working week. But it’s also exactly the kind of moment the whole role is built around. A life well lived outside work Away from Seabrae, Keely keeps herself busy in the best possible way. She spends quality time with her family, walks her dogs, attends dance classes, plays music and tends her garden. She’s also currently dabbling in watercolour painting, adding a new creative outlet to an already full and active life. What makes Seabrae special For Keely, the answer is straightforward: it’s the people, and the way they work together. “The collaboration and support between all the different teams is what makes this place special,” she says. “We help each other to give the best we can to residents. We are all one big team.” Words to live by Keely closes with a quote she holds close, attributed to Christopher Robin: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” We think that says a lot about Keely too.
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. Nirosh
Silverbeet, fennel and ricotta cannelloni 700g btl Tomato Passata 1 cup vegetable stock 1/2 cup pure cream 1 bunch silverbeet 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 small brown onion, finely chopped 2 baby fennel, trimmed, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 500g fresh ricotta 250g cannelloni 1 cup mozzarella , grated 1/2 x 150g tub baby bocconcini, drained, torn in half 150g salad leaves
Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan-forced. Grease a 7cm-deep, 25cm x 32cm (base) ovenproof dish. Combine passata, stock and cream in a large jug. Pour half the passata mixture into the base of prepared dish. Spread to cover. Remove and discard stalks from silverbeet. Finely chop leaves. Heat oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add onion and fennel. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in silverbeet and garlic. Cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until silverbeet has wilted and fennel is almost soft. Remove pan from heat. Set aside for 1 hour to cool. Add ricotta to cooled silverbeet mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon ricotta mixture loosely into cannelloni tubes. Place filled cannelloni, in a single layer, in baking dish. Spoon over remaining passata mixture. Top with grated mozzarella and bocconcini. Bake for 30 minutes or until top is golden and pasta is tender. Stand for 10 minutes. Serve with salad leaves.
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Meet the Resident
Jim
There are some people who seem to carry a whole world of stories with them wherever they go. Jim is one of them. Since joining us at Seabrae Manor in February 2025, Jim has brought warmth, humour and a quiet kind of joy to everything he takes part in. His smile is one of the first things you notice, and it’s rarely far away. From the workshop to the racetrack Before retirement, Jim worked as a Machine Setter for an engineering company that manufactured plumbing supplies. It was precise, skilled work that suited someone with a natural feel for how things move and fit together. That instinct for engineering extended well beyond the workshop. In his younger years, Jim was a passionate motorsport competitor. In England, he raced in hillclimbs, pushing his car up winding country roads against the clock. When he later moved to New Zealand, he built and raced on club circuits across the North Island, becoming a familiar face in the local motorsport community. These days, the racing is enjoyed from a comfortable chair. Jim still loves watching motorsport on TV, and few things lift his spirits quite like a scenic drive with family. A reunion sixty years in the making Just last Christmas, Jim and his family made a trip to Scotland and England that turned into something remarkable. He revisited places where he had raced his car more than sixty years earlier. At one of those locations, staff took him on a spin around the old track, sat him down to lunch, and arranged a reunion with another driver from that era.
Meet the Resident
continued
Music, bingo and Friday favourites Life at Seabrae Manor suits Jim well. He’s a regular at Bingo and enjoys active games like Ten Pin Bowling. Friday is a particular highlight, starting with Men’s Club in the morning and wrapping up with Happy Hour in the afternoon. Jim also has a deep love of orchestral music, especially the work of André Rieu. He’s attended a couple of Rieu’s concerts in the past, and the live music events at Seabrae are among his favourites. He especially lights up for the Brass Band and the Ukelele Band concerts. The philosophy of a gentleman When asked what wisdom he’d pass on, Jim doesn’t hesitate: “Kindness costs nothing.” It’s a simple saying, but it tells you everything about the man. Jim is someone who enjoys company, looks out for familiar faces, and finds genuine pleasure in the day-to-day connections that make a community feel like home. You’ll often catch him having a giggle with friends, bringing that easy sense of humour to whatever’s happening around him. We’re glad you’re part of our community, Jim.
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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
Ye Old Brass Band came to play for us, and their mix of timeless classics and lively favourites had everyone singing along. St Patrick’s Day brought plenty of laughter, with potato bowls, tossing the gold coin into the pot of gold, an art session and themed bingo. We packed up for a picnic at Shorncliffe pier, and even without the sun the fresh sea air and the sound of the waves made it a lovely afternoon. Many of us remembered bringing our own children there years ago. On Harmony Day our staff dressed in cultural attire representing their heritage and shared dishes from around the world, a lovely reminder of the many cultures that make up daily life here. We finished the month with a visit to the Redcliffe Museum, swapping stories of the area as we made our way through the exhibits.
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Autumn Highlights
April 2026
Easter brought a lovely morning tea, a visit from the Easter Bunny and some delightful presents. The weeks that followed were full, with a picnic on the waterfront, music therapy, a watercolour class and happy hour entertainment to finish the week. Whether it was painting, music or simply good company by the water, there was something for everyone.
Autumn Highlights
May 2026
Chapman House opened its doors, and the first of us to move in have already made it home. We celebrated two 100th birthdays, first Des, who received recognition from the RSL and a message from the King and Queen, and then Mavis, surrounded by family, cake and smiles. We hosted the Biggest Morning Tea in the new Chapman House, with a harpist playing and yellow and blue everywhere you looked. There was art therapy, active games, a Mother’s Day photoshoot and high tea, and a fish and chip lunch on Bribie Island, where some of us hadn’t set foot in over 50 years. And three little chicks hatched right before our eyes.
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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.
Mens group Run by Volunteer Colin Pyle at 9:30am every Friday in Kabi back lounge
A very warm welcome to our new residents.
Justin C Eileen E Daniel H John H Donald J Patricia J Maree K Dorothy L Winifred L Ruth M Eve M Ian P William R Ted S Sandra w Greg W
Lifestyle Exercises Tuesday and Thursday’s 10:30am
Physiotherapy Exercise Group We have an excellent physiotherapy team on site. Come along to the exercise group 9:45am Monday and Wednesday, balance beam 10:30am Fridays
Intergenerational program Fortnightly Wednesdays 10.30am
Residents Meeting 4th Tuesday Monthly
Music Therapy Fortnightly Wednesdays 10.30am
We are here for you If you’d like more information on the above services, please contact the lifestyle team: lifestylecoordinator@seabraemanor.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.
21 Buchanan Street, Rothwell QLD 4022 07 3053 3333 seabraemanor.com.au
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