Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected
The Wallsend Wrap-Up
Winter Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected.
Contents
Message from Facility Manager Community Happenings Message from Lifestyle Coordinator
3 - 4 5 - 6 6 - 8 9 10 11 - 12 13 - 14 15 - 16 17 - 18 19 20 - 21 22 - 23
ACED Day 2025 Meet the Team Chefs Corner Meet the Resident Quality Corner Winter Highlights Noticeboard Games Corner Games Corner answers
Message from Facility Manager
Bronwyn
Farewell Winter, Hello Spring! As we bid farewell to winter, we welcome the vibrant season of spring. Winter has blessed us with comforting soups, hearty stews, and delightful
hot desserts, keeping us warm and satisfied. It also offered a variety of indoor activities and the joy of celebrating Christmas in July, keeping our spirits high. However, our winter weather brought challenges as many families faced the impact of local floods, with some areas still underwater. Our thoughts and support go out to those affected during this difficult time. On a brighter note, our residents have been enjoying bus outings, where our skilled driver expertly navigates potholes to ensure a smooth ride for everyone. Many of you may remember Ike, the black Labrador guide dog in training. We are thrilled to announce that Ike has successfully completed his training and will soon be providing essential support as a guide dog for a blind individual. His training journey was made memorable thanks to the active participation of our residents.
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Message from Facility Manager Bronwyn
We are also excited about our new menu, crafted with care after your input during our food focus meetings. Chef has been working diligently to create delicious new dishes, and I can’t wait for you all to try them! Spring heralds the return of barbecues and outdoor activities, offering us a wonderful opportunity to enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces. Let’s embrace the warmth and joy of spring together! Bronwyn Ling Facility Manager
It takes two years and $50,000 to breed, raise, train and match a suitable Guide Dog with a person with low vision. Legally, a Guide Dog can go anywhere the person with the dog can go. Many Guide Dogs assume more of a family pet role once they are home and finished work for the day.
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Community Happenings Winter As winter settled over Wallsend, the Manor was anything but quiet. Our residents stayed warm and active with an inspiring calendar of events that combined laughter, creativity, gourmet treats, and meaningful connection. Culinary Delights & Celebrations Food remained at the heart of our community this winter. From a mouth-watering BBQ served by Chef Vincent and his sidekick Kevin, to a lively Italian National Day where residents whipped up rich, chocolate tiramisu, appetites were truly satisfied. Our Bastille Day celebration was a resounding success, and the Christmas in July cookie decorating spread joy and festive cheer. The month ended on a sweet note with the Birthday Bear celebrating our July babies in style!
Grooming & Style Winter brought the debut of our popular “Beer & Beards” afternoon with the talented Barber Jay. Gentlemen received precision shaves, moustache trims, and relaxing hot towel treatments, giving them a boost of confidence and style. This will now be a regular offering every 6–8 weeks!
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Community Happenings Winter
Entertainment & Creative Expression Residents laughed out loud during a spirited axe-throwing day (safely, of course!), and artistic souls flourished at a vibrant Paint and Sip afternoon. For many, this was a chance to uncover hidden talents and enjoy good company. We also had a powerful musical highlight with a beautiful Happy Hour featuring Connor, whose angelic voice left residents feeling uplifted and inspired.
Community Fun & Outings A bus trip to Spoonbill Café at the Wetlands proved a favourite, with tea, cake and conversation enjoyed by all. Residents also took initiative by forming the Manor’s Choir, and the return of BIG PONG had everyone laughing and fiercely competing.
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Message from Lifestyle Coordinator
Grahame
Hello folks!
What a thrill it is for me to be jotting down some highlights on behalf of the Leisure & Lifestyle team. Though I’ve only recently joined Wallsend Manor as the Lifestyle Coordinator, I bring three decades of
experience in aged care and will be working with the team in bringing new engaging leisure opportunities to compliment the old favourites. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome and we’re willing to give anything a go! Highlights of the winter months included a visit from the exceptional Wayne Rogers, a cuppa outing to the Spoonbill Café at the Wetlands, lunch at the Fire Station Hotel, a magnificent Christmas in July feast and visits from the Waratah Warblers Male Singers. We were also treated to a concert by the talented, Connor Winc, who has promised to return shortly. His sublime voice raised everyone’s spirits so I urge everyone to try and make his next performance. The arts and crafts groups are bringing out the creativity in all participants and we can’t wait to unveil our major group art project - an homage to Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpiece “Sunflowers”. Leisure and lifestyle, Jo has done a fantastic job facilitating the creation of this beautiful artwork, stay tuned to see this masterpiece in person or photos. The shopping trip to Lake Fair was a great success and it was so nice to browse the shops, have a coffee and enjoy lunch. No clear winner of “Spotto” was unearthed on the trip home due to constant rule changes and cheating. Thanks to our volunteer driver, Judy for the day.
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After an exhibition match, the inaugural monthly Big Pong Tournament is on in the middle of September. Come along and join in the fun or simply cheer on the competitors as they vie for the glory and accolades of being the Monthly Champion. Men’s Club had a great afternoon looking at “treasures from the top draw”: a collection of antique fountain pens, watches, pocket knives, smoking pipes, cufflinks, lighters, watches, shavers and other odds and bods particular to gentlemen. We also enjoyed a great photo presentation on car design and are planning a courtyard camping trip, fishing casting competition along with our regular catch ups and chats. Chase the puppy is a most welcome visitor to Wallsend Manor. Chase is a Bull Arab Cross Red Cattle Dog and you’ll see him visiting folks in their rooms with the lifestyle team from time to time. Please don’t offer him any snacks as (just like the lifestyle team) he is learning to be good. A huge thank you to all volunteers who have helped out and visited throughout the winter months. You are the heart and soul of Wallsend Manor. With the warmer weather upon us and (hopefully) a break in the rain, we’re looking forward to getting out and about. Whether its lunch at a local club or restaurant, a lakeside picnic or a scenic drive exploring our beautiful region, we are part of our community. So with fresh new leisure and lifestyle offerings, new entertainers and a hint of spring in the air; its time to start living life to the fullest! Grahame Lifestyle Coordinator 8 Did you know Wallsend Manor have started a choir? We meet every second Friday and new members are always welcome – you don’t have to be a great singer; just bring your voice and enthusiasm! Performances are planned for later in the year and and it won’t be long before we start work on carols. Message from Lifestyle Coordinator Grahame
ACED Day 2025 On Aged Care Employee Day 2025, the red carpet was rolled out to honour the everyday heroes who make aged care so special. From carers to chefs, cleaners, lifestyle teams, administration and maintenance, every staff member was celebrated for their dedication, compassion and resilience.
Staff lit up the red carpet with their best moves, sharing plenty of cheers, laughter and flowers along the way. Their kindness and commitment touch the lives of older Australians and their families each day, and this moment was a heartfelt way to say thank you – not just today, but every day.
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Meet the Team
Karen
In this edition we meet Karen, who is a part of the Housekeeping Services Team. What do you enjoy most about working at Wallsend Manor? I love the residents and enjoy chatting with them while making their rooms spic and span.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spending time with my 3 gorgeous grandkids (aged 10, 8 & 3) and I love to take them to the park. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? New Zealand (I’m going in 89 days ... 88...87) on a cruise. Looking forward to it and letting all the residents know of my trip.
A fun fact about New Zealand is that it is home to the world's longest place name: “Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotama - teaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupo”
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Chef's Corner Vincent
Red Velvet Cake INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 cups plain flour, sifted 1/2 tsp salt 2 tbsp Dutch cocoa 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 1/2 cups white sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 cup buttermilk 2 tbsp liquid red food colouring
1 tsp white vinegar 1 tsp baking soda CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
1 1/2 cups thickened cream 227g cream cheese room temperature 227g mascarpone cheese, room temperature 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 cup icing sugar, sifted
METHOD: 1. Prepare pans & oven – Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins. 2. Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cocoa. Set aside. 3. Cream butter & sugar – In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. 11
Chef's Corner Vincent
Red Velvet Cake METHOD CONTINUED: 4. Add eggs & vanilla – Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. 5. Colour & buttermilk – In a jug, combine buttermilk and red food colouring. 6. Combine mixtures – Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the red buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined. 7. Activate leavening – In a small bowl, stir together vinegar and baking soda (it will fizz). Quickly fold into the batter. 8. Bake – Divide batter evenly between tins. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting. FROSTING: 1. In a large bowl, beat thickened cream until soft peaks form. Set aside. 2. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, mascarpone, vanilla, and icing sugar until smooth and creamy. 3. Gently fold whipped cream into the cheese mixture until fluffy. 4. Spread between cooled cake layers and over the top and sides. Enjoy!
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Meet the Resident Ken
Like just about every lad born in Cessnock in the middle of last century, Ken followed his father and older brother down into the mines. Ken is proud of his heritage and though he sometimes jokes that his life accomplishments are “not bad for an uneducated boy from Cessnock” he remains a staunch defender of Cessnock and the fond memories of being brought up there have shaped the man. When the mines became mechanised and there was little to do for “an uneducated boy from Cessnock” Ken moved to Newcastle and sought work at BHP. It was a time of growth for the steelworks and the workforce contained a huge number of men who had emigrated from Europe and the Mediterranean. Competition for advancement was fierce and many tried their luck at being “yes men” to get ahead, but not Ken. He went on staff and rose through the ranks by being recognized as a true, honest hard working man.
Those men from Italy, Greece, Poland, Yugoslavia and beyond became good friends and not one of them ever envied Ken’s advancement and thoroughly respected the way he spoke to them as friends (which was not always the case for “new” Australians). It was while at BHP, Ken recalls his “greatest achievement” Realizing the “safety handbook” that was issued to every worker on employment was only printed in English, Ken thought of his mates from other countries who would struggle with reading a foreign language.
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Meet the Resident Ken Rather than complain, or ignore a problem, Ken knew the handbook should be printed in many languages to suit the new workforce. He made it happen. Not surprising for a bloke who reckons the best advice he ever received was from his dad and was simply, “always be honest” Ken lived by this motto and even though he could be a “cheeky bugger” always treated others respectfully and in turn is well regarded by all who meet him. Ken has always been good with his hands, and has enjoyed a lifetime of tinkering, often on his motorcycles. Fishing and golf also figure in Ken’s life and when we have a golf putting challenge at Wallsend Manor, its plain to see we are in the presence of the regular Cessnock B-Grade Golf Champion.
Finding joy and laughter in everything, within a few minutes of meeting Ken, you can tell he’s a “cheeky bugger”. Invest a few minutes more, you’ve got a mate for life. It’s hard to imagine anyone describing Ken as anything but “a pretty good bloke”
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Quality Corner
The new Aged Care Act commences on the 1 of November 2025. This will be the main law that sets out how the Aged Care System operates and will put the rights of Residents at the centre of Aged Care. st
The new Aged Care Act will include a Statement of Rights. This Statement outlines the rights that Residents will have when accessing Aged Care Services. The rights will help to ensure that Residents and their needs are at the centre of the new aged care system. The Statement of Rights includes the right for every Resident to have:
Independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice. Equitable access. Quality and safe funded aged care services.
Respect for privacy and information. Person-centred communication and the ability to raise issues without reprisal. Advocates, significant personal and social connections.
A fact sheet is available on the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing web address which details what is included in the Statement of Rights. www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-08/a-new-aged-care-act-for-the- rights-of-older-people-easy-read.pdf The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website has many resources available which further explains the
pending changes www.health.gov.au
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Quality Corner
New Aged Care Act starts 1 November. www.health.gov.au/resources/videos/new-aged-care-act-starts-1-november My choice and decisions – Aged Care Quality Standards www.health.gov.au/resources/videos/my-choice-and-decisions-aged-care- quality-standards My dignity and diversity – Aged Care Quality Standards www.health.gov.au/resources/videos/my-dignity-and-diversity-aged-care- quality-standards My protections – Aged Care Quality Standards www.health.gov.au/resources/videos/my-protections-aged-care-quality- standards The below video links are from the Australia Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing with further information:
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June 2025
Winter Highlights
In June, we celebrated Italian National Day , residents rolled up their sleeves to make a rich and creamy chocolate tiramisu . A classic BBQ also served up plenty of smiles and full bellies. Residents got active on International Axe Throwing Day , trying something a little out of the ordinary. Our first “Beer & Beards” afternoon with new barber Jay was a standout, leaving residents feeling refreshed. These sessions will now become a regular part of our calendar every 6–8 weeks. Creativity flowed at our Paint and Sip session , while happy hour “spiders” brought back sweet memories of milk bars and movie nights. A birthday visit from the birthday bear brought extra joy to the celebrations. Rounding out the month was a lively men’s lunch at the Fire Station Hotel which was full of good food, big laughs and great company.
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July 2025
Winter Highlights
Our Bastille Day celebration was a resounding success, bringing together residents and staff with colour, and camaraderie. We embraced the festive spirit with Christmas in July cookie decorating , crafting beautiful sweet treats. Residents enjoyed a truly uplifting bus trip to Spoonbill Café at the Wetlands , indulging in a heavenly cuppa and cake, while appreciating the warm hospitality of the staff. Entertainment continued with Happy Hour with Wayne R ., whose music and presence never fail to fill the room with smiles. We ended the month with a cheerful visit from Birthday Bear , celebrating all our July birthdays in style.
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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.
Physiotherapy We have an excellent
A very warm welcome to our new residents! Michael & Kathleen Vizl Martin Chamberlain Anthony Morriss Donald Hiscox Kathleen & Keith Walters Robyn Waters Pauline Jackson Robert Castles service, please speak to one of our friendly team members. Library Service We have library service that picks up and delivers library books to residents’ rooms. If you would like to use this
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. 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.
We are here for you If you’d like more information on the above services, please contact the Lifestyle team. 19
Games Corner
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Games Corner
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Games Corner Answer 1
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Games Corner Answer 2
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Stay tuned for Spring
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 encouraged and appreciated. Articles, photos, reports on community outings, staff news, trivia, poems and amusing 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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