winter 2019 community care · coming together; without these volunteers many of the activities ......

Focusing on your good life

Community Care is funded by the Commonwealth Government and supported by the City of Parramatta Council. Approved provider for National Disability Insurance Scheme and Home Care

WINTER 2019

7 Seniors and Disability Expo

Community Care

8 Burramatta Naidoc

21 Let’s Dine Out exciting news

We’re all for Accessibility & Inclusion

2 If you have any questions in regards to the accessibility of the venues and/or activities please contact 9806 5121.

WelcomeA Message from the City of Parramatta Lord Mayor

Recently, I was fortunate enough to meet some of the amazing volunteers who support you at Council’s Annual National Volunteers Week event.

This event was an opportunity for Council to highlight the importance of our volunteers and the services they provide to our communities. It also helps to increase the awareness of volunteer opportunities at Council, and some of our community volunteer champions.

As we develop and deliver much-needed programs to local communities, our volunteers are an essential part of Council.

Without the help of our over 600 volunteers, many key programs would not be possible.

Closer to home, over the last year our 115 volunteers across Social Inclusion, Over 55’s Leisure and Learning, and Meals on Wheels have worked an astounding 8,770 hours.

Council is grateful for the hard work and commitment of our many volunteers and for the outstanding contribution they make to our City.

Lord MayorCouncillor Andrew Wilson

Lord Mayor

Do Not Call Register This is a free confidential service for information, advice and referrals. If you experience, witness or suspect elder abuse happening, call 1800 628 221.

NSW Elder Abuse can be Financial, Physical, Verbal, Sexual, Psychological and Neglect.

Want to stop those unwanted telemarketing calls?

This register can be very useful however it does need to be updated every couple of years, so if you are experiencing these type of calls please register or re-register to ensure they stop. It will take a few weeks before they reduce. visit donotcall.gov.au or call 1300 792 958.

Elder Abuse Helpline

3If you have any questions in regards to the accessibility of the venues and/or activities please contact 9806 5121.

WelcomeA Message from the Acting Service Manager of Community Care

ElizabethCollins

We hope you enjoy the articles in this edition. If there is anything in particular that you would like to hear about, please contact the office and let us know what that topic is.

I wanted to start by letting you know of some great things the team have been doing:

• A recent event was held to celebrate National Volunteer Week. The event was hosted by the Lord Mayor with many volunteers from across Council coming together; without these volunteers many of the activities that Council runs would not operate. Twenty volunteers from Community Care attended the event; we hope that you enjoyed the day and that you felt absolutely appreciated.

• Gabby and Samantha continue doing a fabulous job with providing Support Coordination to people under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

• Carolyn Hodge has arranged for training for staff across Council on Disability Awareness. This is an action under Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

• Thank you to Maree, Renea and Susan for taking on and fulfilling different roles whilst Julie has been doing project work. Julie will be back in the role of Manager Community Care as of 1 July 2019.

The project that Julie has been working on involves a restructure within Community Care. The aim of restructuring is to ensure that we are working as efficiently as we can and that we are able to continue to offer people the best service that we can without losing the quality of the service that is provided to people. There has been changes in the aged and disability sector and for us to continue to provide the services that we do, we also need to keep up with those changes. Any upcoming changes with the restructure will not affect the service that you currently receive. If for any reason you have a concern please do not hesitate to contact either the Team Leader or the Manager to discuss.

I would also like to let you know that Community Care will be in attendance at the Aged and Disability Expo that is being held at Olympic Park on September 13 and 14, if you are attending please come and say hello. If you want more information about the expo, please call us at the office 9806 5121.

Stay warm, Beth


Council’s Annual National Volunteers Week event 23rd May 2019

4

5If you have any questions in regards to the accessibility of the venues and/or activities please contact 9806 5121. 5

Staff ProfileGeorgette has been a City of Parramatta Council employee for over 20 years. Predominantly Georgette’s work is behind the scenes within the Community Care Team and her main role is directly connected to financial tasks.

“During my spare time away from my desk and working with numbers, I enjoy reading, walking and spending time with my family and my six granddaughters who I absolutely adore.”

Georgette was part of the project team who won the Innovation Award for the Mobile App in 2016, which has aided the Community Care team dramatically in efficiency in their roles when working out of the office, when visiting the people we support.

She comes from a very talented artistic family, and her father’s stonework is considered some of the finest in her homeland. Her brother has also won awards locally for his painting. Georgette’s artistic side shines through in her cooking. She is a magnificent cook and baker! Each morning she bakes her own fresh bread, which makes for a delicious sandwich.

Easter at Parramatta Food ServicesWhat better way to celebrate Easter than with delicious homemade biscuits, enjoyed on your own or shared with family and friends. Customers of Parramatta Food Services did just that! Thanks to the generosity of Council’s own Anna Stramandinoli - Development Support Officer, 120 customers were delighted and pleasantly surprised to receive these delicious home baked

biscuits delivered by the wonderful Meals on Wheels Volunteers, which were beautifully wrapped.

A big thank you to Anna from all of our customers and staff.


Eric has been receiving NDIS Support Coordination through the City of Parramatta Council for just over a year now. He describes his initial meeting with his Support Coordinator as a positive experience, one where he felt a good connection and was understood.

Eric felt thankful that his Support Coordinator was knowledgeable with

National Disability Insurance Scheme in the Spotlight - Eric’s Story

“While anyone is in a position to help, my Support Coordinator encouraged me

to keep my independence and be part of the process by

working through solutions with me to best suit my

needs”.

the NDIS processes, funding and supports; she (Gabby) has always been helpful throughout it all. Eric stated that prior to meeting her he did not know how to navigate the NDIS or engage the funded services he needed.

Did you know? The City of Parramatta Council are a registered NDIS provider, offering the following specialised supports to NDIS funded participants:

• Coordination of Supports• The Preparation and Delivery of

Meals (through Parramatta Food Services)

• Individual Support for Social, Community and Recreational Activities

• Peer Support Group Outings


SPEAKERS200 EXHIBITORSOVER

ENTERTAINMENTALL AGESGUEST

EXHIBIT & SPONSOR NOWsydneyseniorsdisabilityexpo.com.au

FRI 13TH & SAT 14TH SEPTEMBER 2019HALL 4, SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

9AM - 3PM

FREEENTRY

EXPO FEATURES

Live performances & entertainment

Seniors talks & workshops

Interactive Exhibitors featuring a variety of services, social groups, products & technologies

Café & large seating area


NAIDOC is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields. NAIDOC week (7 – 14 July) showcases a national Indigenous program of events that acknowledge the diversity of Aboriginal culture and celebrating reconciliation. This year’s NAIDOC theme - “Voice.Treaty.Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future” will be a platform for acknowledgement, conversations and understanding of our history

in order for all Australians to move forward together.

Burramatta NAIDOC held on 14 July, at Parramatta Park is focused on the Darug people, land and places in Parramatta and its surrounding areas.

You are invited to enjoy a range of free activities to celebrate the rich Indigenous culture through workshops, traditional arts and crafts, bush tucker, music and dance, heritage tours and market stalls.

For more information visit discoverparramatta.com/warami

Burramatta NAIDOC 2019

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Arrunga Bardo Aboriginal Bush Food GardenOn the southern shore of Lake Parramatta, this garden is devoted to native plants that were indispensable to the Burramatta people. A self-guided walk teaches visitors about a myriad of flowers, herbs, shrubs, roots and trees.

Warami Mittigar Cultural Walk An easy walk along the river and in beautiful Parramatta Park, the Warami Mittigar Cultural Walk is a wonderful opportunity to spend time on country with an Aboriginal traditional custodian. The walk is hosted monthly by the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre, secure a spot on the walk via the Eventbrite website.

Old Government HouseEvidence of Burramatta culture remains today, in the scarred trees, whose bark was removed to create canoes, shelters and containers, and in the tiny pieces of shells in the building's mortar. Old Government House is in Parramatta Park.

Parramatta Riverside WalkAlong the northern bank of Parramatta River, bright murals cover the footpath, telling stories of Indigenous history. These artworks are the creation of Jamie Eastwood, a Ngemba man who hails from northwestern New South Wales. The murals begin just west of Lennox Bridge, in front of Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre, which is at 346A Church Street.

Third Settlement Reserve ToongabbieThe site of the Battle of Parramatta when Aboriginal resistance leader Pemulwuy, a Bidjigal man, led an attack, backed by 100 fierce fighters. The 5.4-kilometre long Pemulwuy Loop is a walking trail named in his honour.

Domain CreekThe Burramatta Aboriginal Landscape Trail takes walkers on a revelatory cultural journey, exploring the relationship between the Burramatta people and their surroundings. Domain Creek runs through the western section of Parramatta Park. Source: Jasmine Crittenden- Discover Parramatta.

Six Places to Experience Indigenous History and Culture in Parramatta

http://bit.ly/2q0cds0


China - A country profileDid you know that after Australia, the next country that was home to the majority of people we support on our services and our volunteers is China?

China is considered the oldest civilization with some historians marking 6000 BC as the beginning of the Chinese civilization. In addition, it has the world’s longest used written language.

What was China called before 1949?

A republic was formally established on 1 January 1912 following the Xinhai Revolution, which itself began with the Wuchang Uprising on 10 October 1911,

successfully overthrowing the Qing dynasty and ending over two thousand years of imperial rule in China. From its founding until 1949, it was based on mainland China.

China is officially known as the People’s Republic of China. China has the largest population in the world, with over 1.3 billion people as of July 2012. China is the third largest country by area at 9,706,961 sq. km.

In China, there are at least eight different linguistic groups, in addition to hundreds of dialects and variations. Most of the times they are not mutually understandable. The official language


is Mandarin Chinese, bases on the dialect of the ethnic group the Han, originally from the North. The majority of people on our services though speak Cantonese, which traditionally is the language of the Southern regions of China.

The Chinese zodiac is a classification scheme that assigns an animal and its reputed attributes to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. In 2019, we celebrate the Year of The Pig (Boar). People with Chinese zodiac Pig sign are considerate, responsible, independent and optimistic. They always show generousness and mercy to endure other people’s mistakes, which help them gain harmonious interpersonal relationships.

The Chinese invented paper, the magnetic compass, printing, tea porcelain, silk and gunpowder, among other things.

Mei, from our Social Inclusion team was born in China. “I came from a city called Wuhan, which is the capital city of Hubei Province in China. It is the most populous city in Central China. It lies in the eastern Jianghan Plain on the middle reaches of the Yangtze River’s intersection with the Han River. Wuhan is a major transportation hub, with dozens of railways, roads and expressways passing through the city and connecting other major cities. Because of its key role in domestic transportation, Wuhan is sometimes referred to as “the Chicago of China” by foreign sources.

Maree our Acting Team

Leader


I have been living in Australia for 14 years and I call Australia home; however there is one thing I always miss – Hot Dry noodle. A traditional dish and most popular breakfast of Wuhan. Hot Dry Noodle has a history in Chinese food culture for 80 years. Hot dry noodle restaurants stand all over the city of Wuhan. Typical hot dry noodles contain soy sauce, sesame paste, pickled vegetables chopped garlic chives and chili oil. It can be served in minutes, it is affordable, and it tastes DELICIOUS!”

Maree our Acting Team Leader and Renea our Acting Business Coordinator have both travelled to China and walked the Great Wall. “I walked the

Juong Pass and it was very steep!” Maree said.” I was amazed at how varied the steps were, some were knee high and steep and I needed to pull myself up and yet others were tiny little trip hazards, just enough to catch your foot.”

Renea added, “I remember it was very steep but I made it in my thongs!”

Maree adds - “I travelled to see the Terracotta Warriors, which were amazing. I visited Beijing and Shanghai. I hung off a building in Shanghai and accidently ate a duck’s head…there were a LOT of bones in that little skull! I enjoyed the experience but I missed the blue skies of home.”


Skate, eat, play at Winterlight where magic happens

Throw your skates on and get ready to glide, slide and play at a magical winter wonderland in the heritage-listed Prince Alfred Square during Winterlight! Kicking off with an opening night party on Friday 5 July from 5pm – 11pm. Accessible parking, entry, toilets and skate rink.

Winterlight is one of Sydney’s biggest winter festivals with activities for everyone. Skate on the 7NEWS Ice Rink, the largest open-air rink in Sydney; glide down the elevated ice slide; ride the illuminated Ferris wheel

and other amusement rides; or gain some circus skills with juggling, stilt-walking, spinning and balancing at the circus playground.

Visitors can also join a free, creative workshop, and discover Morphology - an interactive neon art installation, then relax and re-energise with delicious gourmet food and live music at the Alpine Food Village.

For the first time this year, Market Street will come alive with stalls offering exciting treats at The Parramatta Night Markets.

For more information and to book visit winterlight.com.au

Winterlight 2019

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FREE WorkshopsLive with Less – Decluttering Workshop, presented by Less MessLocation Date Session Age Bookings CostConstitution Hill Library

Thursday 8 August

Start 5 pmFinish 7 pm

All Ages Bookings online essential

Free

Location Date Session Age Bookings CostEpping Leisure & Learning Centre

Monday 26 August

Start 10 amFinish 12 pm

Adults Bookings online essential

Free

Meal Planning, presented by Less Mess

Hindi, presented by Muslim Women National Network AustraliaAnti-Ageing Activities

Digital Literacy In Other Languages

Location Date Session Age Bookings CostDundas Library Thursday 15

August Start 5.30 pmFinish 7.30 pm

Adults Bookings online essential

Free

Location Date Session Age Bookings CostParramatta Library

Saturday 22 June Start 11.30 amFinish 1 pm

All Ages Bookings not required

Free


Saturday 3 August

Start 11.30 amFinish 1 pm

Adult Bookings not required

Free

Mind and Meditation


Fridays,7 June, 14 June, 21 June, 28 June

Start 10.30 amFinish 12.30 pm

55+ Bookings essential. Contact Parramatta Library

Free

Arabic - Learning Basic Computer Skills, Using Internet and Email Course for SeniorsParticipants are required to attend all 4 sessions. Certificate of Attendance on completion of course

Cantonese - Improving the Basics of E-Mailing. Participants are required to attend all 3 sessions.


Mondays,17 June, 24 June,1 July

Start 10 amFinish 11.30 am


Free

Basic Operation Skills for Seniors Using Android Tablet/Smartphone Course for SeniorsLearn how to use Apps, and social media. Participants are required to attend all 3 sessions and bring their own charged device.


Mondays,26 August, 2 September, 9 September

Start 10 am Finish 11.30 am


Free


Easy-Go Connect are currently providing Transport Education Programs throughout the Blacktown, Parramatta, Cumberland and Hills LGA. This is a free service and is and for participants aged 10 years and older who have the intellectual and physical capacity to learn to travel independently.

Within this portfolio we offer a range of different programs ranging from group outings, community events, information sessions and individual training.

Individual travel training allows clients to gain specific support whilst developing confidence and independence to use public transport. Each client is allocated 12hrs for free,

this time also includes time to plan the trips. The aim of the individual training is to give the participant intensive training around all aspects of catching public transport and to overcome possible issues that may arise for the individual.

Our Transport Education Assistants work with the clients to determine their needs from the program and support them throughout the 12hrs of training.

If you would like further information about this program or the other services we offer please contact Sarah at (02) 9621 5518 or [email protected]

Easy-Go Connect Transport Education Programs

Cantonese & MandarinComputer Classes for BeginnersParticipants are required to attend all 5 sessions.

Location Date Session Age Bookings CostDundas Library

Thursday - 18 July,1 August, 8 August, 15 August

Start 5 pmFinish 6.30 pm

Adults Bookings essential. Contact Dundas Library

Free

KoreanLearning Basic Computer Skills, Using Internet and Email Course for SeniorsParticipants are required to attend all 4 sessions. Certificate of Attendance on completion of course.In partnership with NSW Government, Telstra and State Library of NSW.


Mondays - 5 August, 12 August, 19 August, 26 August

Start 1 pmFinish 3 pm

Adults Bookings essential. Contact Parramatta Library

Free


Wednesdays - 4 September, 11 September, 18 September, 25 September

Start 10 amFinish 12 pm

Adults Bookings essential. Contact Parramatta Library

Free

mailto:[email protected]


Over 55’s Leisure & LearningTerm 3 from 22 July to 27 September 2019

Line Dancing (easy beginner & intermediate mix) Thursdays 12.30pm - 2pm Harry Todd Band Hall, Jubilee Lane Parramatta

Age has no barriers to learn line dancing and it is a fun way to stimulate the brain and improve coordination as you learn new dance routines. It is a great social activity - no partners required!

Zumba Gold Tuesdays 9 am- 10am Newington Community Hall, cnr Europe and Asia Avenues Newington

Have fun at this dance exercise program and improve your strength and balance as you move and groove to the music at a slow dance pace.

Active Strength and Balance Exercise Fridays 11am - 12am Roselea Community Centre, 645 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford

Keep independent and active in your community by joining this class to improve your muscle strength and balance.

Exciting News!We are now ONLINE for Parramatta Classes

For information visit cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/community-care/over-55s-leisure-and-learning or call 9806 5121.

We have capacity in the following classes:

The Outreach classes in the suburbs already have the option to pay online. Our recent surveys show that most customers are wanting to pay online and from Term 3 we will be offering the opportunity for all those participating in paid activities with the Over 55s Leisure and Learning Service to be able to use this option. You will be using Eventbrite to book and pay online.

An annual registration form for July 2019 must be completed for

all attending activities. You will be asked for your current registration number at time of booking online. An email address and a credit card is also required.

Using this method of payment will give customers convenience and choice, it will also alleviate the need to come to Parramatta or any of the branch libraries.


Bus Outings A variety of outings are offered in group settings. This could be via train, foot, ferry or bus, allowing choice for customers. Please note the bus departure times and pick up locations for each trip, as they vary.

Bus fees: Payable from 10am at Branch Libraries, no Cash payment at Branch Libraries, and Business Hours from

CoP Customer Service, 126 Church St Parramatta

Entry fees: Payable on the day unless specified otherwise

Note: You must be registered with Over 55’s to attend. For those needing some extra support such as making a booking, transport from your home, or making a payment for the bus; please call 9806 5121.

When: Friday 2nd August 2019

Bookings from: Monday 8th July 2019

Travelling through lush country land with a morning tea stop at the lookout. Reminisce while listening to the Curator and viewing the many articles on show at the Wollondilly Historical Society.

Bus Cost: From $12.75

Entry Fees: $5 Includes entry fee, a talk and tour of the Museum

Lunch: From $12 at one of Camden’s Clubs or Café nearby

Pick Up: 8:30am outside Ermington Library

Pick Up: 9:00am at Fitzwilliam Street across Parramatta Library

Wollondilly Historical Society and Burragorang Lookout


When Attending an Outing Bus trips can be booked one month ahead to avoid disappointment. There will be no refunds for cancellations however we would appreciate it if you could advise of non attendance at least 24 hours in advance to allow wait listed members to

be contacted. Bus payments are made to City of Parramatta Council.

ALL entry fees (unless advised) and your lunch expenses are to be paid on the day, so please ensure you have the correct money where possible.

Concord Heritage Society and Kokoda Trial

When: Wednesday 28th August 2019

Bookings from: Wednesday 31st July 2019

A chance to see a tribute to the Kokoda Trail, take a photo (selfie) at the stream and enjoy a great lunch at the Café.


Entry Fees: Gold Coin donation

Lunch: Kokoda Café for their $12.50 Lunch Specials


Pick Up: 10.30am at Bus Stop outside Newington Community Centre, crn Avenue of Asia & Avenue of Europe

When: Friday 23rd August 2019

Bookings from: Friday 26th July 2019

Experience the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom, visit the wonderful gardens, and enjoy the native animals and a bird sanctuary within the gardens. Morning tea will be held in the gardens picnic ground.


Entry Fees: $5

Lunch: Auburn Tennis Club for their $10:00 Lunch Special

Pick Up: 9:30am Bus stop, Opposite Winston Hill Shopping Centre Caroline Chisholm Drive (outside tennis courts)


Auburn Botanical Gardens


NOTE : All outings are evaluated prior to booking the venue and destination. There may be times when our bus outings will require you to stand/walk for periods of time up to 1.5hrs. This is due to specific tour lengths round gardens or restrictions

regarding seating due to historic house guidelines. Some outings will be outdoors & some indoors. If you are not sure if the trip is suitable for you please call to discuss it.

For more information call 9806 5121.

Travel by Train - Sydney Town Hall Tour & Organ Concert

When: Monday 9th September 2019

For Bookings, call 9806 5121 from Monday 12th August 2019. (Group size limited to 20).

Travel to Town Hall Station where we visit the Sydney Town Hall to learn about all the archives and wonders of the City of Sydney Council while on this tour. Following the tour, we will attend a free monthly organ concert before lunch.

Train Cost: Use of personal Opal Card

Meet at Parramatta Station outside Woolworths Metro at 9:20am to catch the 9:36am to City

Entry Fees: $5 for the Tour and the Organ Concert is FREE

Lunch: There are many venues nearby for you to choose on the day

When: Friday 27th September 2019

Bookings from: Friday 30th August 2019

Travel down to Bowral for the annual tulip festival. A visit to the Southern Highlands to see one of the magnificent gardens and floral display.

Bus Cost: From $12.75 based on income

Entry Fees: $7 entry fee to the Corbett Gardens

Lunch: Bring your own or purchase from one of the many café’s in Bowral

Pick Up: 8:30am outside Ermington Library


Bowral Tulip Festival


The photos were taken at the second Taiji Cultural Festival held at Weinan, Shaanxi province China, on Saturday 13 April 2019, which entailed an international competition of which the Over 55s Leisure and Learning Tai Chi & Exercise Teacher received a gold medal based on his performance.

Weinan is a regional city in the east of Shaanxi province, China. The city lies about 60 km east of the provincial capital Xi’an. (Source: Wikipedia)

A delegation of 30 from the Yang Zhao Tai Chi Australia left Sydney to celebrate a grouping of all renowned Tai chi

Masters from around the world. A gathering of around 3000 came together from various places all over the world such as France, England, Montenegro and Australia to not only compete in competition but to attend workshops and cultural activities.

Congratulations Cyril Loa on his Gold Medal Win

Turn Your Smartphone into a Magnifying Glass

Samsung Settings > Accessibility > Vision > Magnification > Turn on when you need to use the magnifying glass, go to the camera app and tap the screen three times.

iPhone Settings > General > Accessibility > Magnifier > Turn on when you need to use the magnifying glass, go to the Home button and tap the screen three times.

Enable Display Zoom This handy iOS accessibility option

increases the size of text and other elements. Here is how to enable it:

Settings > Display & Brightness > Display Zoom > View > Zoomed

You can view a few previews before choosing if you like.

Smartphone Tips

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https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/make-text-larger-useful-iphone-accessibility-features/

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“I am so grateful for the volunteer services. It is only when you start to get older that you realise just how fragile life is. People are able to stay in their homes because of volunteers like Sandra.

I actually think many people do not understand what volunteering gives, not just to the people they are assisting but to themselves.

Before Sandra’s help with my Iphone, I would have just been sitting here pushing buttons. Now the phone is my lifeline.

I believe so much in the service of volunteering. People who volunteer have special desire to help”.

Meet Sandra the volunteer who helped Dorothy I became a volunteer with City of

Parramatta after retiring as a teacher. I had taught children, teenagers and wanted to help older people too. It is never too late to learn something new.

What would you say to people who are afraid of technology?

I find that many people are afraid of technology. The Digital Inclusion program makes people who are scared of technology no longer scared. Teaching as a volunteer also means you learn in a relaxed environment that is friendly and with someone you may already know.

Everything is going online. Take the opportunity to learn to use technology with a digital inclusion mentor one-on-one.

Call us to set up sessions in your own home. Ph: 9806 5121.

Do you have an iPhone or smart

device and worry about how to use it?

Then Dorothy’s story will make

you smile!


Serves: 6, Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 30 mins, Ingredients: 9, Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 90g unsalted butter, chopped • 2 onions, thinly sliced • 30g thinly sliced prosciutto, finely

chopped • 1.1kg (about 4 or 5) corn cobs, husks

removed • 1.5L (6 cups) chicken stock • Basil, garlic & chilli butter• 3 long red chillies, stalks trimmed • 4 garlic cloves • 3 cups firmly packed basil leaves,

plus extra to serve • 200g unsalted butter, softened

Method

1. For the basil, garlic and chilli butter, place chilli in a small frypan over medium-high heat and cook, turning occasionally, for 10 minutes or until blistered and blackened all over. Transfer to a chopping board and roughly chop. Place remaining ingredients in a small food processor

and whiz until smooth. Stir through chopped chilli and set aside.

2. To make the soup, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and prosciutto, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until onion is very soft and beginning to brown.

3. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels, add to onion mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until corn is slightly softened. Add stock, increase heat to medium-high and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until corn is tender.

4. Transfer 4 cups (1L) soup to a blender and whiz until smooth. Return to pan and stir to combine.

5. Divide soup among bowls and add a dollop of basil, garlic and chilli butter. Scatter with extra basil and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to serve.

Source: Delicious.com

Winter Warmer RecipeSweetcorn soup with basil, garlic and chilli butter


Let’s Dine Out Program makes the finals!We are very excited to announce that our Let’s Dine Out Program has been chosen as a Finalist for an Award. This is what the 2019 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards Panel said:

“All nominations received were highly competitive and your application was a pleasure to review and a selection committee standout”.

CONGRATULATIONS to the customers, volunteers and staff!

Winners and highly commended will be announced over a dinner organised by the Local Government Professionals Association NSW on Thursday 20 June 2019.

Watch this space!

City of Parramatta Food Services are very excited to announce a NEW Let’s Dine Out Partner – Welcome Courtney’s Brasserie!

“Courtney’s on Charles Street Parramatta has built a great reputation in Parramatta for our

food, wine and service. We also have a great reputation with the local farmers. Our fresh ingredients are sourced locally, direct from the farms, selecting ingredients while they are at their best and working with them to build a menu that changes daily”.

Come and join the Group for a High Tea. See the Calendar of events for dates and times.

For more information contact Susan or Rehana on 9806 5005.


Funding for the Support Program will transition to the Integrated Carer Support Service (ICSS) on 30 September 2019. Until then City of Parramatta’s Carers Support Program will continue to provide support to Carers. To date we have not been informed as to which organisation has received funding to operate the ICSS; we will provide you with this

information when we know more. For those carers who are over 65 years of age and would like to maintain the group meetings after September 2019 we will continue to do so under the Social Inclusion Program. Should you be interested in continuing to attend the group meeting please advise Anne-Elizabeth.

Carer Programs Transition Arrangement


Connecting Carers Calendar of EventsThis is an outreach service for Carers.

If you provide support to a family member or friend, and you are 65 or over, you are welcome to join the Connecting Carer Support Groups. Caring and sharing is at the heart of these groups. Come along for a cuppa and chat. All new and existing carers welcome. We care about you!

Reaching out to others

“Carers report that social connection with others in a similar role helps them continue in their own caring role.”

Connecting Carers Support Group

We meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise notified). Come along for a cuppa, chat and catch-up with other carers. Caring, sharing and support is at the heart of these groups.

RSVP: 1 week prior to the groups would be appreciated

JULY Date: Tuesday 23rd Time: 10:30pm – 12:30pm Venue: Location to be advised

AUGUSTDate: Tuesday 27th Time: 10:30pm – 12:30pmVenue: Location to be advised

SEPTEMBERSpecial Final Celebratory EventDate: Tuesday 24th Time: 10:30am – 12:30pmVenue: Location to be advisedRSVP essential by Tuesday 10th

Connection, friendship, social support and good conversation is nourishing for the soul. You can have all this and more when you join a Connecting Carers group activity. By taking time out and replenishing yourself, you restore balance, health and wellbeing. Self-care is essential. This too will have a positive effect for the person you care for. Remember, you deserve it!


A G E R G M R O T S W O N S U

C N Y B D U C M E B C Y G G Y

H I S P K O V H R H R T L N R

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CONTACT USCommunity Care Office Hours 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday Phone: 9806 5121 Fax: 9806 5925 Web: cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

City of Parramatta 126 Church Street, ParramattaParramatta Food Services Office 10 Hunter Street, Parramatta Phone: 9806 5005

Postal Address City of Parramatta Council PO Box 32 Parramatta NSW 2124

ACCREDITEDNATIONAL HOMECARE STANDARDSNATIONAL DISABILITY STANDARDS

Julie Williams Service ManagerI enjoy skydiving, reading and spending time with family. My new pursuit is gardening.

Beth Collins Team LeaderI love the outdoors and enjoy flyball with my dogs. It is a great sport which I share with my daughter.

GabbyI love family time, home-cooked meals, laughter and creating both little and big new memories every day.

AshaI enjoy time with my family, vegetarian cooking and movies.

GeorgetteI enjoy reading, walking and cooking for my grandchildren.

MalcolmI enjoy spending time with my border collie and love all kinds of science fiction tv and movies.

MeiI love meeting new people, learning new skills, currently pursuing cosmic yoga and public speaking.

Carolyn I love being in nature. I enjoy bushwalking and gardening.

Anne-ElizabethI love nature and the outdoors and spending time with those I love.

CatherineI enjoy time at bbqs, outings and special occassions with family and friends.

GladysI love walking, exploring new places and spoiling my beautiful grandchild.

MareeI love science fictionmovies and books and I amthe proud mother of twolittle nerds (just like me).

ReneaI love spending time with family and friends and travelling.

SandraI love permaculture which encompasses caring for the earth and community. My favourite plants are roses and pelargonium.

AntonioI watch a movie almost every week and I play Pokémon Go every day (138 caught and counting).

CathyI enjoy reading books and going to the gym.

JaneI enjoy travelling, like listening to music and seeing live bands perform.

MariaI enjoy the sensory and creative experience of working with clay and shaping it into a sculpture.

RosemayFamily times are a priority for me and I get a buzz seeing animals in their natural habitat.

RozanneI enjoy food, the outdoors, martial arts and public speaking with Parrachievers Toastmasters.

SusieI enjoy learning the history & culture of new places, watching Disney films & having BBQ’s.

AgnesI am a mum of two little boys. I love swimming, baking and mushroom picking.

Susan My passion is to travel the world, meet new people and learn about their unique culture, language and way of life.

SamanthaI love spending time with my friends, and enjoying an active lifestyle filled with adventure.

SanojiI love chilli! I love company - my passion is entertaining my family and friends.

TerfaI enjoy philosophy, reading, cooking, music, dancing, drumming and meditation.

Meet the team!

If you have a hearing or speech impairment you can contact us through the National Relay Service. You will need to provide our phone number 9806 5121. For more information visit relayservice.gov.au or 133 677 for TTY/voice calls, for Speak and Listen 1300 555 727 and for SMS Relay 0423 677 767.

If you need an interpreter you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. You will need to provide our phone number 9806 5121.

It is all about what you need. You speak – we listen.

winter 2019 community care · coming together; without these volunteers many of the activities ......

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