Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected
The Wallsend Wrap-Up
Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected. Spring
Contents
Message from Facility Manager, Bronwyn Message from the Lifestyle Team, Grahame
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Community Happenings
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Message from the Clinical Team, Colleen
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Meet the Team, Victoria Chefs Corner, Vincent Meet the Resident Jill
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Quality Corner, Lee
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Spring Highlights
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Noticeboard
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Games Corner
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Games Corner answer
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Bronwyn
Facility Manager
Spring has now drawn to a close, but not before leaving us with its wild and unpredictable weather. Thunderstorms, bursts of heat, and heavy downpours kept us on our toes and even claimed
one of our trees in the car park. Weather and Seasonal Highlights
• Unpredictable spring storms and rain showers • A fallen tree reminding us of nature’s power • Residents making the most of the sunshine between showers Community and Care On 1st November, the new aged care standards came into effect, bringing an increased focus on collaboration of care with residents and their families. This marks an important step forward in ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued in the care journey. Gardening Club Our dedicated gardening club has been hard at work, transforming what was once a sad garden into a vibrant display of colour. Their efforts have brought joy and beauty to our outdoor spaces, making springtime strolls even more delightful. Celebrations We celebrated the Melbourne Cup in style, with residents donning beautiful fascinators, enjoying delicious food, and raising a glass of champagne together. It was a day filled with laughter, fashion, and community spirit. Looking Ahead to Summer With spring behind us, we now look forward to summer. Hot breezes will remind us to stay hydrated, and the season will be filled with festivities:
• Christmas • New Year • Australia Day It promises to be a busy and joyful time for all. A Seasonal Message
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our residents and their families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. Until our next edition, Bronwyn, Facility Manager
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Message from the Lifestyle Team Grahame
BREAKING NEWS! “Flood ‘n’ Drought Station” Episode 1 is now live! In an exciting world first, residents have been writing their very own comedy radio serial. A huge thank you to volunteers and friends for producing it. New episodes will be posted at the beginning of each month, so stay tuned!
What a pleasure to recap the past busy months! We made the most of beautiful weather with a picnic at Redhead, lunch outings to Hexham Bowling Club and 3 Sicilians Restaurant, and scenic drives to see the New Lambton Heights jacarandas, the beaches, Morpeth and the Hunter Valley. Monthly international fine dining experiences featured cuisine from France, Germany and Greece. We had a visit from “Bubsey” the Citroen, the first car to drive around Australia 100 years ago! Melbourne Cup was a fantastic day with fascinators, fashions on the field, and a red carpet. Thanks to the kitchen for catering, especially the Devils on horseback! Hosting community visitors is important to us. The Callaghan College Inclusive Education school boys have enjoyed their monthly visits, helping with art, craft and games. Many school and community groups will join us over Christmas. We’re looking forward to unveiling the next group art project, and the Choir will perform on Wednesday 17th December. We’ve enjoyed great concerts, including a classical piano recital, and special thanks to Wayne Rodgers of Flamingos for tickets to an afternoon cabaret at his Lambton venue. The car wash was a great afternoon with our “cars” (4w walkers) getting a good clean and milkshakes all round! Morning Lifestyle Musical Exercises continue to be popular, a great way to start the day with movement, laughter and even dance moves! Christmas highlights include Carols by Candlelight on Friday 5th December at 6:30pm, Christmas Lights Night Bus Trips on Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th at 6:30pm, and the Residents Christmas Party with Wayne Rodgers on Friday 12th from 2pm. On behalf of Jemma, Mandy, Natalie and Jo, thank you for your support for a fantastic year! Stay active, stay social and stay well! Grahame
Community Happenings Spring
Gardens That Flourished The transformation of the outdoor spaces this spring tells its own story. The gardeners worked steadily throughout the season, nurturing seedlings into flourishing plants that now fill the Manor with colour and life. The chilli plants that showed such promise in early October delivered on their potential. In late September, residents came together to paint decorative pots, and by the end of the month those same pots had been filled with spring blooms. The planting days brought many hands together, making light work of the tasks at hand. Kathleen found particular joy in the rear garden throughout the season, spending considerable time watching the space evolve. The before and after photos from September to November reveal what steady attention and care can achieve over just three months. Cultural Celebrations and Special Events Melbourne Cup Day 2025 stands as one of the season’s most memorable celebrations. The lifestyle team orchestrated a fantastic day complete with a red carpet for participants, handcrafted fascinators that residents had spent the previous week creating, and a decidedly dodgy bookmaker who added just the right amount of mischief to the proceedings. The catering team ensured the celebration felt appropriately festive, with everyone embracing the spirit of the day. October’s Oktoberfest happy hour brought a taste of German hospitality to the Manor, with the lifestyle team embracing the theme wholeheartedly. Jemma, Jo, Grahame and Nat dressed for the occasion, creating an atmosphere where “Prost!” rang out throughout the afternoon.
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Community Happenings Spring
The Arts and Creative Expression The unveiling of the collaborative artwork in November stands as one of spring’s most significant achievements. Under Jo’s expert guidance, residents worked together to create something truly extraordinary. The piece now has pride of place within the Manor, inspiring everyone who takes a moment to appreciate it. Music enriched the Manor throughout spring. Stuart’s piano recital in late October brought classical masterworks to life, his performances of Chopin, Bach, Beethoven and Mozart creating moments of genuine beauty. Earlier in the season, Greg Dymmock captivated his audience with an astonishing array of instruments, demonstrating both versatility and exceptional talent. The creative pinnacle of spring came with the premiere of the comedy radio serial, written entirely by residents. Inspired by the golden age of radio drama, this project gave everyone involved the opportunity to craft narratives, develop characters and tell stories in a format many remembered fondly from their youth. The writing sessions themselves became social events, filled with laughter and creative collaboration as the serial took shape.
Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Journeys Spring weather called for time outdoors, and the season delivered. Early September’s cruise around Newcastle’s beaches combined spectacular coastal views with the simple pleasure of soft serve ice cream. The expedition to see New Lambton Heights’ jacarandas took full advantage of nature’s timing, with the trees’ vibrant purple blooms proving well worth the journey. The magnificent day spent picnicking at Webb Park, Redhead, brought everything together. Judy navigated the journey with her usual skill, while the kitchen team prepared a proper picnic lunch. These outings maintained connections to the broader community and allowed residents to experience seasonal changes firsthand, creating new memories in familiar places.
Community Happenings Spring
Competitive Spirit and Recreation The “Big Pong” table tennis tournament ran throughout spring, with monthly championships determining the best players. Ken emerged victorious in September after five intense finals matches, while Andrina claimed the October crown, receiving the monthly trophy from the previous champion. These competitions showcased genuine skill and competitive spirit. The Men’s Club continued its popular gatherings throughout the season. The fishing casting competition on the lawn became a highlight, with every participant managing to hit the target. The afternoon naturally evolved into an opportunity to share beer and swap fishing stories, with plans forming to get to the lake soon for the real thing. Daily Rhythms and Simple Pleasures Spring 2025 brought flourishing gardens, tournament victories, musical performances, collaborative art, and a comedy radio serial from conception to premiere.
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Message from the Clinical Team Colleen It is a pleasure to share updates from our clinical team in this quarterly newsletter. It is our privilege to care for and support every resident entrusted to us. 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, Colleen Clinical Care Coordinator
Meet the Team Victoria Victoria has been at Wallsend Manor for 6 years and LOVES the homely community feeling. The changes that she has seen over her time of service have all been to the benefit of residents and Victoria wouldn’t have it any other way. When she’s not setting the standard of a dedicated personal care assistant, Victoria enjoys spending time with her family and reading (fantasy novels being one of her favourite literary styles) Travel plans include a trip to Germany (to connect with her heritage) and Victoria would also love to visit Japan. Victoria’s favourite foods are Thai, Vietnamese and other Asian cuisine and if she’s watching a movie, it’s likely to be one of her favourite Narnia stories (having been enchanted by the C S Lewis novels) With a broad appreciation of music, Victoria can find enjoyment in every genre from classical, jazz, right through popular and even heavy metal. Spending time with residents and colleagues is Victoria’s favourite part of her job and we’re thrilled that she’s part of a wonderful team!
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Vincent
Chef’s Corner
We held another menu tasting session this Spring, thank you to the residents for your valuable feedback. Vincent designs the menu based on nutrition and resident preferences. Here is a popular favourite seasonal treat.
Rum Balls serves 10 Ingredients 250g Scotch Finger Biscuits (finely crushed) 250g Chocolate Ripple biscuits (finely crushed) 1/3 cup cocoa (sifted) 1 can (395g) sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup rum (or to taste) 1 cup shredded coconut
Method 1. Combine crushed biscuits, cocos, condensed milk and rum in a large bowl. Place in fridge to chill. 2. Roll level tablespoon of mixture into balls and then roll in coconut to coat. Place in single layer on baking paper-lined tray and place in fridge for 30 minutes to firm prior to serving. 3. Enjoy with eggnog (optional)
Meet the Resident
Jill
It’s not everyday you meet someone like Jill. Her ability to make people laugh and smile instantly is pretty rare. Her razor- sharp wit and sense of humour no doubt served her well growing up with two older sisters and two younger sisters, and her sense of empathy and compassion is as strong today as it has always been. Working as a psych nurse at Stockton hospital, Jill was one of the special nurses that could garner a smile from even the most troubled of souls. It’s not hard to see why. She possesses a quality that can’t be taught or learned; a twinkle in the eye, a genuine smile and a kind word for everyone, Jill can find joy and laughter in any situation.
A loving mother of 3 beautiful children, Jill feels blessed and grateful to have had a wonderful life with husband, Peter for 63 years before his sudden death 3 years ago. Having travelled the world, it’s not hard to believe that Ireland is one of her favourite places and even easier to imagine the craic she’d have had sharing jokes and stories with the Irish. Making the most of life, Jill will “have a go at anything” and being able to make people feel comfortable and at ease is a benefit to all at Wallsend Manor. If she favours you with an anecdote or a joke, be prepared for the unpredictable and, more importantly be prepared to laugh and laugh! It’s not every day you meet someone like Jill. But when you do. It’s a good day, and one you will never forget!
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Quality Corner
Lee
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.
Spring Highlights
September 2025
Spring arrived with energy and anticipation. The gardeners celebrated early successes with the chilli plants, setting the stage for a flourishing season ahead. Residents enjoyed scenic drives along Newcastle’s beaches, stopping for soft serve ice cream on glorious spring days. The jacarandas of New Lambton Heights provided a spectacular purple backdrop for Friday outings, their vibrant blooms marking the season’s true arrival. September’s “Big Pong” table tennis tournament crowned Ken as champion after five intense finals matches, while Godfrey celebrated his remarkable 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends. The Men’s Club took to the lawn for a fishing casting competition, where every participant hit the target before settling in to share beer and swap fishing stories on a beautiful afternoon.
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Spring Highlights October 2025 October brought creative expression and cultural celebration throughout the Manor. Multi-talented musician Greg Dymmock arrived with an impressive array of instruments, captivating everyone during the morning performance. The table tennis crown changed hands as Andrina claimed victory in October’s Big Pong tournament, receiving the monthly trophy from September champion Ken. The Oktoberfest happy hour saw the lifestyle team dress for the occasion, with Jemma, Jo, Grahame and Nat bringing authentic German hospitality to the celebration. Residents born in October gathered for a special birthday lunch, while others crafted elaborate fascinators in preparation for the upcoming Melbourne Cup festivities. Stuart’s piano recital filled the halls with beautiful classical works by Chopin, Bach, Beethoven and Mozart.
Spring Highlights
November 2025
November showcased the collaborative spirit at the Manor. Under Jo’s expert guidance, residents created an extraordinary collaborative artwork that now graces the walls. Despite rainy weather, Grahame pressed ahead with testing the campsite setup. The month’s highlight came with the visit to Flamingos Live, made possible through Wayne Rogers’ generous support. The gardeners’ patient work throughout spring became evident in the before and after photos, revealing the remarkable transformation of the outdoor spaces from September through November. The month concluded with the premiere of the comedy radio serial, written entirely by residents and inspired by the golden age of radio drama.
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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.
Library Service We have library service that picks up and delivers library books to residents’ rooms. If you would like to use this service, please speak to one of our friendly team members. Beer and Beard afternoons A precision shave, haircut, moustache trim, and grooming of the eyebrows, nasal and ear hair, all complemented by a soothing hot towel treatment. Beer and Beard afternoons with Jay, our exceptional new barber, will now be a regular occurrence every 6-8 weeks.
A very warm welcome to our new residents. Pam P Margaret H Peter C Dennis R Betty W Jill H This Spring we have had the pleasure of welcoming new faces to our community and what a wonderful addition you’ve all been! We’re so glad you’re here. physiotherapy team on site. If you would like to book in to see one of a lovely physios, please ask a friendly staff member at reception. Physiotherapy We have an excellent
We are here for you If you’d like more information on the above services, please contact the Lifestyle team.
Games Corner
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Games Corner Answers
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.
8 McNaughton Avenue, Wallsend, NSW 2287 wallsendmanor.com.au
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