Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected
The Burpengary Bulletin
Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected. Spring
Contents
Message from Facility Manager, Annette Message from Lifestyle Coordinator, David
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Community Happenings
5 - 8
Message from Clinical Care Coordinator, Giselle
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Meet the Team, Ken Chefs Corner, Steph
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Meet the Resident, Edward
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Quality Corner, Janet
Spring Highlights
14 - 16
Noticeboard
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Games Corner
18 - 19
Games Corner answers
20 - 21
Annette
Facility Manager
Well, we are near the end of 2025, there have been a lot of changes to the staff some have moved on due to moves interstate or to rural areas and some have moved on to other careers. We have had 6 staff have babies in the last 12
months and there a few more to come. Most of them will be returning in the new year but not working as much as they did before because they now have a little one to deal with as well For Christmas this year we have organised the Christmas Partys in the Activity Room so that more could attend. We invited 2 guests per resident, and this has worked out exceptionally well with many attending the lunches so far. It is wonderful to see some of the residents decorating their doors and rooms for the season and we have a lot of other residents admiring their handwork. I would like to thank you all for your support for the facility over the recent road works which have turned out to be a disadvantage for anyone coming and going from the facility. We have sent off concerns to the local council town planner as well quite a few families have also complained to the local council member. We did get 5 car parks back (of the 10 they took) so we are keeping our fingers crossed. We would also like to extend our best wishes for the Christmas and holiday season and hope to see you all again next year. Annette, Facility Manager
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Message from Lifestyle David Wow, it’s that time of year again, how quickly the year has flown by! Christmas is always one of our busiest and most joyful times, and we are now preparing for our residents’ Christmas parties. Our staff have worked incredibly hard decorating the facility and creating a bright, colourful, and festive environment for everyone to enjoy.
The past few months have been filled with many wonderful events and meaningful moments which you can read about in this newsletter. We are proud to have recently completed a project within our Memory Support area. With the assistance of Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre, residents worked together to paint beautiful artworks. Thanks to the dedication of our maintenance officer, these have now been proudly displayed for everyone to enjoy. We also recently celebrated a very special milestone as one of our residents turned 103 years old. Everyone joined together at a concert to sing Happy Birthday, and the celebration was made even sweeter with a birthday cake shared by all. It was a truly memorable and joyous occasion for both residents and staff. December is a special time of year, and we are delighted to celebrate the festive season with our residents and their families through a series of Residents Christmas Parties. In addition, residents will enjoy our popular Christmas Light Bus Tours running from 16 to 19 December. We are also pleased to share that we have recently purchased a pool table and rearranged our Chapel and Games areas. Pool will be added to our weekly activities calendar shortly. Lastly, please stop by and admire our garden, which is currently thriving with lush greenery and beautiful flowers. We have also just purchased a second greenhouse to support our residents’ orchard project. We look forward to celebrating this joyful season with you. David, Lifestyle Coordinator & The Lifestyle Team
Community Happenings Spring
As spring blossomed around us, our community embraced the warmer months with joy, creativity, and connection. From September through November, we shared countless special moments, from tending our flourishing gardens to celebrating milestones, welcoming visitors, and enjoying the simple pleasures that make life at Burpengary Manor so meaningful. Growing Together: Our Thriving Gardens Our gardens became a true centre of activity this spring. We spent many happy afternoons planting, nurturing, and harvesting the fruits of our labour. Our fairy garden project captured everyone’s imagination, bringing smiles to residents and children alike. The tomatoes we picked straight from the garden made their way into our cooking sessions, and our strawberry patch thrived under the spring sunshine. Together, we painted garden beds, built potato towers with help from the kindy children, and watched puppies frolic amongst the flowers, simple joys that reminded us of the beauty in everyday moments.
Creative Spirit: Arts, Crafts & Cooking Our community’s creative energy flourished throughout spring. The Knit and Natter group continued their wonderful work, spending mornings knitting and crafting whilst sharing stories and laughter. We completed an exciting canvas painting project with support from Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre; a true achievement we’re all proud of. In the kitchen, we baked pretzels for Oktoberfest, prepared treats for Halloween, and enjoyed regular cooking sessions that filled our home with delicious aromas. Every week brought new opportunities to create, whether through music therapy, arts and crafts, or simply spending time together doing what we love. Music & Entertainment: Bringing Joy to Our Days Music filled our spring with energy and nostalgia. We welcomed
talented performers including the Scorpion Line Dancers, Gerry Come 1 with his electric keyboard, and Rob Stevenson who entertained us with
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Community Happenings Spring Halloween-themed tunes. A highlight was the special visit from Elvis Presley himself, whose performance brought back wonderful memories for everyone. Bellmere State School students delighted us with their musical performance, filling our gardens with young voices and bright smiles. Adventures Beyond: Community Outings Spring brought wonderful opportunities to explore our local area. We enjoyed scenic bus trips to Donnybrook by the water, past the beautiful Osprey House, and to Beachmere for relaxing seaside moments. A memorable visit to the Butterfly House on Bribie Island brought wonder to everyone, whilst our trip to the Brisbane Motor Museum sparked nostalgic conversations about classic cars and cherished memories. We also enjoyed a lovely lunch at Sunset Pier on Bribie Island, and of course, no outing was complete without stopping for ice cream! Intergenerational Joy: Time with Children The visits from Lead Childcare Rothwell kindy children were highlights of our spring. These little ones brought boundless energy, laughter, and smiles with every visit. Whether they were helping in the garden, sharing morning tea with cupcakes and lollies, or simply spending time together, the connections formed between our residents and these young friends enriched both generations. Their presence reminded us all of life’s simple joys and the importance of staying connected across ages.
Wellness & Pampering: Caring for Ourselves We believe in the importance of feeling good, and spring was filled with pampering sessions. Regular nail care, hand massages, and face masks helped everyone feel refreshed and valued. Combined with our music therapy sessions, ball games, and daily exercises, we maintained a wonderful balance of activity and relaxation. These moments of self- care weren’t just about appearances, they were about taking time for ourselves and enjoying each other’s company.
Community Happenings Spring
Celebrations & Special Moments What a season of celebrations we shared! We honoured an incredible milestone as our wonderful resident Delma celebrated her 103rd birthday—complete with a live band performing Happy Birthday and a beautiful cake. We also celebrated another resident couple’s shared birthday, born just one year apart and married for 58 wonderful years! Halloween brought costume fun as our staff member Panita won Best Dress-Up, whilst residents enjoyed sorting lollies and trick-or-treating with family. The Melbourne Cup saw us dressed in our finest, enjoying high tea whilst watching the race. On Remembrance Day, we came together with Caboolture RSL and Lead Childcare Rothwell kindy children for a meaningful service, pausing at 11am for a minute’s silence to honour those who served. Seeing the youngest generation learn about remembrance was particularly moving. We proudly wore pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, raising funds for this important cause, and took time on R U OK? Day to check in with each other, a reminder that a simple question can make all the difference. Community Connections Our Men’s Group welcomed friends from Strathpine Aged Care for an afternoon of creating salt and pepper holders a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and share laughter. We also enjoyed browsing in Glenda’s store and visiting the lolly shop and an outing to the Brisbane Motor Museum.
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Community Happenings Spring Looking Ahead
As we move from spring into summer, we’re already looking forward to our upcoming Residents’ Christmas Parties in December. But for now, we’re grateful for the beautiful spring we’ve shared; full of growth, connection, creativity, and joy. Every day at Burpengary Manor brings new opportunities to learn, laugh, and live well together. This spring reminded us that the best moments are often found in simple pleasures: tending a garden, sharing a meal, listening to music, or simply being together. Thank you to our wonderful staff, families, volunteers, and community partners who make these experiences possible. Here’s to the memories we’ve made and the many more to come.
Message from Clinical Care Giselle
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, Giselle Clinical Care Coordinator
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Meet the Team Ken Ken keeps everything running smoothly at Burpengary Manor, but it’s not just the buildings and gardens that benefit from his care and attention. “The staff here are really committed and fantastic to work with,” Ken says, “however I think the most enjoyable part of my job is interacting with the residents, hearing about their lives and interests.” When he’s not fixing things around the Manor, Ken can be found pursuing his passions – though he admits his fishing rod doesn’t see as much action as he’d like these days! His real love is gardening, where he finds true satisfaction in nurturing plants and watching them flourish. “It’s very satisfying to care for and nurture my gardens,” Ken explains. “Propagating new plants and sharing them with friends gives me a lot of happiness.” If Ken could travel anywhere in the world, he’d head to Germany, where his parents migrated from many years ago. “I have lots of cousins and other relatives who I’m sure would be happy to show me a good time,” he says with a smile. We’re lucky to have Ken’s green thumbs and warm heart as part of our Burpengary Manor family!
Steph
Chef’s Corner
We held another menu tasting session this Spring, thank you to the residents for your valuable feedback. Our head chef designs the menu based on nutrition and resident preferences. Here is a popular favourite.
Banana Bread Ingredients • 4 bananas • 2 eggs •
1/2 cup of sugar
•
2 cups of self-raising flour
Method 1.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. 2. Line a baking, loaf tin with baking paper. 3. Peel the bananas and cut in half.
4. Place the bananas in a mixing bowl, mash them with a fork. 5. Mix in the 1/2 cup sugar and 2 eggs, until well combined. 6. Stir in the 2 cups of self-raising flower with a wooden spoon. 7. Pour the batter into the tin. 8. Bake for 40 minutes Note: The bread will keep for several days in an airtight container. Alternatively freeze for up to a month.
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Meet the Resident I was born in Swan Hill, Victoria, and have lived in Bendigo, later growing up in Warracknabeal, Horsham, and Kippa Ring. With a strong love for rural life, I enjoy conversations about horses and rodeos and have a deep appreciation for the Australian outback; especially horse riding, campfires and wide-open spaces. A lifelong horse rider, I spent many years breaking in horses and working closely with stock animals, which remains a great passion to this day. Leatherwork is still a favourite past-time, a skill inspired by my father, who worked as a boot repairer. Outside of rural life, I enjoy cricket, classic comedies and cartoons. For many years, I also volunteered as an MC and singer with the Horsham Revue and have been actively involved in the Freemasons and the Order of the Eastern Star. Barry
My favourite place has always been the Victorian countryside, where some of my happiest memories were made riding horses and driving teams of eight to ten horses at a time. Words I live by: “Just take it as it comes.” “Follow your interests.”
Quality Corner
Janet
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 .
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Spring Highlights September 2025 September was a wonderful month filled with laughter, creativity, and special moments. We loved the regular visits from the children at Lead Childcare Rothwell and enjoyed a beautiful musical performance from Bellmere State School students in our gardens. Together, we worked on exciting garden projects including our fairy garden and potato tower, picked fresh tomatoes, and planted new greenery as spring arrived. Music therapy sessions, arts and crafts, and pampering days gave us time to relax and connect with each other. We ventured out on bus trips to the lolly shop, Beachmere, and Donnybrook for ice cream, enjoying the sunshine and good company. A surprise visit from puppies brought smiles to everyone’s faces. We celebrated 100 years since the first car journey around Australia, made in 1925 by a small Citroën. It was a month of connection, growth, and joy.
Spring Highlights
October 2025
October was a month of celebration, creativity, and adventures. We celebrated a wonderful couple’s 58th wedding anniversary, and the kindy children from Lead Childcare Rothwell continued their regular visits, bringing laughter and joy. Residents enjoyed two memorable trips to Bribie Island, including lunch at Sunset Pier and visits to the beautiful Butterfly House. We completed our community art project with Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre, and the finished pieces now proudly hang on our wall. Halloween brought festive fun with the kindy children, trick-or-treating with family, and a special concert by Rob Stevenson. Throughout the month, we enjoyed music performances, gardening, pampering sessions, and creative activities. Staff and residents wore pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness.
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Spring Highlights November 2025 November brought remembrance, connection, and special memories. We came together for a meaningful Remembrance Day service, joined for the first time by the kindy children from Lead Childcare Rothwell. We recognised R U OK? Day and our Men’s Group welcomed friends from Strathpine Aged Care for an afternoon of creativity and new friendships. Residents were delighted by an Elvis tribute performance and enjoyed an outing to the Brisbane Motor Museum, where one resident recalled driving an EH Holden as his first taxi. The ladies enjoyed a pampering day, and during a bus outing, one resident delighted everyone with a spontaneous song. Throughout the month, we filled our days with knitting, cooking, craft activities, shopping trips, morning exercise, nail care, and music therapy sessions.
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 a mobile library service that picks up and delivers library books to residents’ rooms. We also have our fully stocked library. If you would like to use this service, please speak to one of our friendly team. Physiotherapy We have an excellent physiotherapy team on site. If you would like to book in to see one of the lovely physios, please ask a friendly staff member at reception. New Pool Table Pool will be added to our weekly activities calendar shortly, watch this space!
A very warm welcome to our new residents
Daphne W Kathleen M Heather G Neville C Edward W Geraldine L Patricia B Richard N
Daily Health and fitness Join us each daily for a dose of gentle exercise and seated games. Remember to join us for Christmas Light Bus Tours running from 16 to 19 December.
We are here for you If you’d like more information on the above services, please
contact David and the lifestyle team: david.bolch@burpengarymanor.com.au
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Games Corner
Games Corner
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Games Corner Answers
Games Corner Answers
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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.
135 Buckley Rd, Burpengary East QLD 4505 07 5316 6000 burpengarymanor.com.au
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