Gardening isn’t just about the flowers and the vegetable garden, it’s about joy and well-being. Engaging in gardening activities provides a fulfilling sense of purpose and achievement. It’s not solely about nurturing plants; it’s about fostering physical activity and contributing to improved long-term health. Furthermore, gardening serves as a shared activity that encourages social interaction…
For the past two years, Ormsby Aged Care in Buderim has been graced with the presence of a beloved furry ambassador, Zeata. Every Sunday morning, accompanied by her devoted owner—a Suncare volunteer—this adorable miniature labradoodle spreads warmth and happiness among residents. Zeata’s arrival marked the beginning of beautiful friendships. Within the home, Zeata visits seven…
Len and Phyllis Celebrate 70 Years of Marriage with Royal Recognition Len and Phyllis, members of our Suncare community, recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. What makes their milestone remarkable is the outpouring of recognition they received from VIPs around the realm. The couple were surprised and honoured to receive letters from Her Majesty the…
Earlier this year, our valued Gympie Support Worker, Freda Paison, became an Australian Citizen. Back in 2018, Freda and her partner moved Down Under from Papua New Guinea. They got married when they arrived, the occasion becoming even more memorable with torrential rain making them move the celebrations indoors. Freda had a tough time adjusting…
What was meant to be a brief 6-month stay in their motorhome stretched into an 18-month-long adventure for Maria and Candido! As delays in their home construction altered their plans, Maria, Candy, their daughter Elisa and her partner embarked on a journey that took them across Australia. Constantly on the move, the family travelled through…
From Military Service to Community Superhero This Anzac Day, we would like to acknowledge one of our Suncare customers, Frank. When Frank was 18, he enlisted as a mechanical and electrical engineer in Wagga Wagga. His preparation for Vietnam involved rigorous training and ongoing specialised instruction in mine diffusion and combat tactics. Frank and the other…
Have you heard of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy? It’s a groundbreaking program offered by Suncare specifically designed for individuals grappling with mild to moderate dementia. This innovative form of “mental exercise” has been crafted by our qualified Occupational Therapists to provide tailored support and stimulation for those navigating cognitive decline. Studies have found that Cognitive Stimulation…
Step into a healthier and more confident life with Suncare’s Stepping On Program. This program is designed to improve your overall health, physical strength and wellbeing. The program spans 8 weeks, starting on the 14/02/2024. You’ll learn about important topics such as reducing fall risks, and tips and tools for staying both safe and independent. …
70 years of marriage is an extraordinary milestone and deserves be celebrated! We would like to celebrate Jan and Rita, a beautiful couple who have shared life experiences and loved one another deeply for over 70 years. Jan and Rita first met when Jan was 19 and Rita was 16 in their home country of…
For an outstanding 77 years, Lynette demonstrated her musical prowess by playing both the regal pipe organ and the modern piano. Now 92 years old, she began her musical journey at the age of 16, initially gaining her skills through classical piano lessons. Whilst these lessons helped and provided a foundation in fundamental keys, Lyn…
Late last year, Edward (Ted) was given the opportunity to attend his daughter’s wedding thanks to our very own Suncare support worker, Daniel. Ted, who was navigating hospital and respite care, faced the challenge of making it to the Sunshine Coast for the joyous occasion. As luck would have it, one of Suncare’s dedicated support…
Meet Barbara, an exceptional artist here at Suncare. Barbara began her painting journey at 28, inheriting the creative mantle from her great-grandfather. This artistic legacy has continued to the next generations, with her five children following in her footsteps artistically. In 2022, Barbara achieved acclaim by winning the Judge’s Choice Award for a painting of…
‘Tis the season of joy and our annual Rotary Christmas Lunch! The lunch was once again hosted by the Kawana State School, with food prepared and served by Kawana Waters State College Hospitality, Tourism and Lifestyle students. Guests were entertained by the very talented students from the college with an atmosphere filled with gratitude and…
Ginette was born on a small island in The Seychelles located on the eastern edge of the Somali Sea, growing up with her parents and her 14 siblings! Ginette is the 7th child in her family, born between 4 older brothers and 4 younger brothers. Her father worked on a train in Africa and would…
Amidst the thundering cheers and electric atmosphere of the Woman’s World Cup stood one of our very own volunteers, Julie Fortescue-Phillips. Julie fell in love with soccer from the moment she could kick a ball with her dad. She took that passion and ran with it, culminating in winning the gold medal for England at…
Celebrating our Seniors October 2023 was Queensland Seniors month, and we opened the doors of our Community Centre for our local Sunshine Coast community. This year, we encouraged our customers and friends to get involved in our full program of events and activities offered at Suncare. The event this year was celebrated at the Suncare…
Jill looks forward to attending the Suncare outings. And sometimes she brings some of the delicious treats she is so good at making! “I love to bake, and I so enjoy meeting up at the Social Support outings. It’s a win-win”. Jill grew up in a home filled with a love of cooking. Her Dad…
‘Winter? Won’t let that stop me!’ And so, Warren, fondly known by all as Bluey, heads into the water at Mooloolaba Beach for another 3km swim. “I swim with a bunch of old fellas 3-4 times a week, summer and winter. It is great for my health, and I catch up with my mates and…
Not everyone can showcase two birthday cards from different Sovereigns. Gladys Rudd received her 100th Birthday card from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and recently added a 105th birthday card from King Charles III to her Royal card collection. Gladys, who loves reading books on her iPad with a little assistance from her daughter-in-law, celebrated with…
Being 101 years old doesn’t mean you can’t participate in the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023. Suncare customer Mabel Matthews, a true inspiration to us all, proudly lit the cauldron at Bundaberg’s Legacy House. The nationwide journey commemorated the 100th anniversary of Legacy, an iconic charity dedicated to providing support to the families of deceased and…
It was at a jazz festival in 1988 that Colleen Ryan honed in on her artistic talents. “I spotted an elderly gentleman with the most interesting profile. And I knew I wanted to draw him.” With a Croxley drawing pad, pencil and eraser in hand, Colleen surreptitiously drew the profile and spent the next two…
Suncare is proud to be associated with the ongoing work towards a more inclusive and reconciled Australia and this year again participated in the Aunty Betty Memorial Walk in Dicky Beach. The weather was perfect as the Gubbi Gubbi Dance Troupe performed traditional dances and music. Traditional custodian Lyndon Davis then led a short walk…
Brett is not just a great chef, creating the delicious meals for Suncare’s Meals on Wheels Maroochydore. He found a passion for karate five years ago and it has led to a great outcome, with Brett jetting off to Japan in August to compete at the Chito-Ryu World Karate Championships. More than just reaping the…
Jenny is a self-taught artist and loves anything to do with Arts and Crafts. She loved art at school and learnt to crochet handkerchiefs and tray clothes at the age of 16. Knitting jumpers was also on her list of handy talents and when she joined the Craft group in her hometown of Forbes, she…
From boats to books and wood to metal…..there is no doubt that Neil and Lilian have talent in spades. Married for over 60 years and both with a drive to keep busy, the couple are humble when it comes to showcasing their crafts. Neil’s love for boating saw him build a number of boats from…
76-year old Arthur visits 81-year old Alan every Friday. “I first thought I may be too old to volunteer but clearly not! It gives me such a sense of purpose and it’s a great way to spend my extra time, giving back to the community”. Arthur is a Volunteer on the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS)…
It can start with difficulty in climbing the stairs or getting off a seat. It gets harder to walk any distance. And what many people may attribute to ‘one of those things that happen as we get older’ may be the first signs of a rare, and, at present, incurable disease that affects 1:100 000…
At Suncare, we always try to match interests of clients to the staff that visit them. And for Russell and Support Worker Aleasha, it was just a click of the camera away! Russell, who now lives in Bundaberg with his wife Megan, began his love of photography with underwater shots taken in Jarvis Bay. When…
For Owen it was an endless flow of birthday cards, amongst them one from King Charles, friends from his retirement home sharing in a birthday lunch at the Village and a celebration with family which included 3 children, 5 Grandchildren, 7 Great-grandchildren. With his wife of nearly 60 years by his side, Richard celebrated his…
A jig, Irish stew and a pint of Guinness – St Patrick’s Day was celebrated in style at Suncare. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish. Previous Next
When Laurie White moved from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast, it created a path for what is now the well-loved tap-dancing group, Tap Katz. What started out as a dance group, led to a performing cast and eventually to costumes that were spoken about well after the curtain came down. With up to 20 dancers…
For almost 20 years, a team of dedicated sewists have made a difference to those living in largely remote communities. The now dissolved Friends of the Pacific would fill shipping containers of equipment for rural schools and hospitals, with local ladies adding a variety of clothing they had made to the load. When Friends of…
Two Suncare customers recently celebrated a milestone birthday. Geoff Garratt and Ray Fuller recently enjoyed their 100th birthdays with balloons, cake and great company. Congratulations!
‘I was a bit of a kamakazi when I was young” laughs Peter. “I used to climb high into the trees and cut branches with my tomahawk to reach the beehives”. And tending bees has been a hobby for Peter ever since. Still able to live in the home he has lived in for 31…
In a wonderful show of Community and Christmas spirit, Suncare’s Wide Bay RAS Team made a donation to Angles Community Group, Bundaberg instead of buying one another gifts. The donation was used by the charity to provide food hampers and Christmas presents for local families in need. Well done to the Wide Bay Team for…
It’s important to be aware of dehydration symptoms. And not just in Summer! Symptoms can range from having a dry mouth, feeling thirsty and lethargic, having cracked lips, a headache and dark colour urine to creating very serious health conditions including confusion, hallucination, a racing heart and even kidney failure. The key is to drink…
A visit to Suncare’s Boronia Cottage on Bribie Island always delivers a ‘home away from home’ feeling and what better way to enjoy an afternoon than with some puppy love. Customers recently enjoyed plenty of licks and cuddles from some furry friends who came to visit. For more information on the purpose-built respite facility, enabling…
Peter is a Meals on Wheels volunteer driver and he’s done it since 2020. His lovely wife Rosanna, decided to get in on the action (and fun) around a year ago and began volunteering in the Meals on Wheels kitchen. We asked them why they love volunteering and this is what they said. “I love…
Suncare now offers additional Social Support groups in Caboolture, Bribie Island and Meridan Plains. Join us for a variety of outings in Bribie Island including a visit to the Seaside Museum and enjoy a waterfront lunch at Scoopys Café or a shopping trip to Bribie’s iconic Second Hand Store, Busy Fingers. At the Suncare Kawana…
If you are living in the Wide Bay area, there may be new or other services that will allow you to continue living independently in your own home. At Suncare, we always welcome the opportunity to discuss your complete package of home care services and any changes you may need as your circumstances change. Please…
Bribie Island charity shop, Busy Fingers Fundraising Inc. recently approved another grant that has provided new furniture for Boronia Cottage further enhancing it’s ‘home away from home’ reputation. The charity began over 30 years ago as a knitting and crochet stall outside the local Bribie Island IGA. Today it has grown into a bustling shed…
Once again our end of year Rotary Christmas Party held at Kawana State School was a wonderful success.
Data breaches and scams are becoming a common occurrence. Unfortunately, they often affect older or vulnerable people.
Our 8-week Stepping On program is designed to improve overall health, wellbeing and physical strength whilst creating new social connections. Our first Stepping On programs for 2023 are starting soon.
Leanne Cook provides more than amazing support for her Suncare customers, she is an artist who regularly draws life-like images of their beloved pets. A treasured gift her customers appreciate.
After 18 months of being closed due to COVID restrictions and then renovations, the need for our Suncare Community Centre is greater than ever. Officially re-opened by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, along with the Minister for Aged Care and Sport Hon Anika Wells MP and local Federal Member of Parliament, Fiona Simpson MP in attendance…
With each new season comes a new menu from our Meals on Wheels Maroochydore team. Commencing December, we invite you to enjoy the Summer Menu.
According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, by definition the phrase ‘pushing the envelope’ is to behave in a more extreme way or to try new things that have not been acceptable or tried before. These words regularly sum up the actions of Suncare’s customer, Barry Pittard.
Queensland’s Seniors Month kicked off on 1 October with the theme being Social Connections, and Suncare Community Services could not be happier that they will once again be offering a range of group activities for local seniors with the doors opening to their newly renovated Suncare Community Centre.
At Suncare we’re committed to making people’s lives better through social support and community activities.
Suncare Support Coordinator and NDIS Team Leader, Lani and our entire NDIS team, are committed to helping their NDIS customers live a life of choice through Suncare’s NDIS services.
Suncare customer Michael enjoys domestic assistance and gardening support so he can spend more time at his potter’s wheel, and says “when we have a concern, Suncare comes up with a solution.”
Suncare Activities Coordinators Michaela and Nikki are known for creating some of Suncare’s most exciting events and activities.
October 2022 is Queensland Seniors Month, and we are celebrating our seniors in true Suncare style!
A little update on Biggie Here we find out about our beloved sponsor dog, Biggie in his latest ‘Tail’.
Suncare has a growing program of activities focused on encouraging physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Suncare team members were out and about in Hervey Bay recently.
Celebrating Suncare customers… One of the great highlights for Suncare staff is uncovering the rich history and life stories from our customers, and in this article we celebrate three Suncare customers.
Suncare’s ‘Stepping On’ program, run over eight weeks, is designed to improve your overall health, wellbeing and physical strength, all while creating new social connections.
Congratulations and happy birthday to Suncare’s 100+ Club customers who recently achieved their 100+ year milestone.
Restoration works at the Maroochydore Day Respite Centre are now complete and we are pleased to rename and relaunch our Suncare Community Centre.
It’s a visit, a cuppa, a drive to the shops or an outing to the local park that often makes all the difference in the life of an elderly Australian, combating loneliness and isolation.
From a rainy start, even the sun came out to play when Suncare recently hosted a Garden Party at the Buddina Activity Centre.
Did you know establishing the Maroochydore Day Respite Centre 35 years ago was a family affair? And, that very special family connection continues today.
Suncare customer Robert ‘Bob’ Gregory is an avid stamp collector who has enjoyed this pastime since he was seven years old.
Reducing your risk of falls is important for living independently and safely at home.
For 30 years the Community Visitors Scheme has helped improve the quality of life for older Australians.
Four Suncare volunteers have been nominated for both the 2022 Queensland Volunteering Awards and the Sunshine Coast Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of their dedication and commitment.
Suncare’s Art Group meet every Wednesday 10.00am until noon at the Buddina Community Centre.
Suncare customer Nev Paull is a keen artist and has regularly attended the weekly Suncare Art Group for more than three years.
With the Prime Minister, and many others, labelling the aged care and community sector in crisis, Suncare Community Services, one of South East Queensland’s leading community service providers, has taken its time to ensure its new CEO, Melanie Wilson is the strongest choice to navigate the troubled waters.
Accessing transport is an important aspect of staying mobile and independent, and here Suncare Training Officer, Deb Knight. shares her tips for getting in and out of vehicles safely.
Suncare runs a number of activities through our Community Centres… from nature walks, belly dancing and morning swims to playing cards, sewing and creative art.
Deb Knight is focused on maintaining the safety of Suncare staff and customers.
We hope you enjoy these Valentine’s Day love stories.
Congratulations to our customers who have joined Suncare’s 100+ Club. The 100+ Club celebrates the rich and full lives of our centenarian customers.
For veteran John Hunter, the importance of ANZAC Day and remembering fallen mates and honouring the values of sacrifice and courage never diminishes. Every year, he attends the Dawn Service and marches in the parade.
Suncare is helping support vulnerable young people in the community by donating decommissioned laptops to the Sunshine Coast Teens Take Control initiative.
Volunteer John Ogino visits Suncare customer Ernest Tebby every fortnight and the pair work on building model boats together.
We are delighted to introduce you to volunteers Kim Murdoch and Jura from the Delta Society Australia Dog Therapy team.
When Suncare Support Worker Miles Tollan first started visiting Spyros Destounis at home, they discovered they have much in common.
Did you know Suncare sponsors Biggie as part of the 4 Paws Permanent Resident Program.
Congratulations to Suncare customer, Grace Alexander who celebrated her 100th birthday late last year with a lunch and tree planting ceremony in Maryborough.
The sun was shining as Suncare customers enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch at the Buddina Community Centre last December.
Suncare is collaborating with the University of the Sunshine Coast to help achieve improved health outcomes for our customers through the Stepping On Program.
Recent statistics have revealed the proportion of Australians volunteering has declined since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic with close to 1 in 4 (24%) people now undertaking voluntary work, compared with 1 in 3 (36%) people in late 2019[1].
Scammers take advantage at Christmas time to try and steal money or personal and financial information.
It pays to be suspicious when it comes to avoiding scams, and if you are in doubt, always ask someone to help you.
Frances Lawrence maintains a strong connection with her family and community with a little help from Suncare’s Transport Service.
As we celebrate International Volunteers Day in December, we pay tribute to dynamo husband and wife team, Stu and Dian, who have a lifetime of volunteering experience.
Walking is a great way to improve your health, and just 30 minutes a day can help to improve your overall wellbeing.
From touching her toes, to jogging on the spot every morning, at 98 years-old, Yvette Hervo, is a champion for seniors. “The first thing I do each morning, before I get out of bed, is my gymnastics,” Ms Hervo said. With age comes wisdom and Yvette is proof that getting old doesn’t mean one needs…
Congratulations to Support Worker, Dennis Jones, who celebrates 25 years of dedicated service to Suncare and our customers.
A diagnosis of dementia is not something to be ashamed of… it’s a part of life and ageing for many people. In fact, almost half a million Australians are living with dementia. There are many misconceptions associated with dementia, and a diagnosis does not mean you should expect the worst-case scenario. Many people live full…
Suncare Community Services has more capacity to drive down social isolation and loneliness in older Queenslanders, after Eastern Star Foundation generously funded a brand-new car, to help volunteers reach more people, especially those living in remote areas.
Suncare is helping connect more people in remote areas thanks to the generosity of The Eastern Star Foundation.
Staying active and involved in the community can be more difficult once you are no longer driving.
Scamwatch has received more than 6,415 scam reports with more than $9.8million in reported losses associated with COVID-19 scams since the outbreak began.
Improve your confidence and general physical ability with Suncare health and wellbeing support services.
Sometimes it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference. Suncare supports Sunshine Coast customer Robert ‘Bruce’ Orchard with twice weekly walks which help improve his functional mobility.
Being socially connected with friends and family is important and using technology and apps such as FaceTime, Zoom or Skype is commonplace for many of us who are separated by distance.
To commemorate NAIDOC Week held annually in July, we spotlight the wonderful work of Gubbi Gubbi Elder, Lyndon Davis.
As we celebrate National Meals on Wheels Day in August, we reflect on Suncare’s beginnings which started the Meals on Wheels service on the Sunshine Coast in 1970.
Ageing well is about being proactive, and there are positive steps you can take to reduce your risk of falls.
Five Suncare volunteers were recognised for their service to their community when they were nominated in awards as part of National Volunteer Week 2021 celebrated in May.
If you need occasional help in the garden or maintenance around the house, we can help you tailor your Home Care Package to fund it.
Hydrotherapy is a great way to exercise for those experiencing pain or weakness.
At 98 years of age Arthur (Bill) White is looking forward to ANZAC Day commemorations this year, laying not one, but two wreaths as he takes the opportunity to reflect — something which veterans were denied in 2020 due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Betty Graham-Higgs has dedicated her life to helping others, with a career advocating for the most vulnerable members of our community.
Suncare has more than fifty years of dedicated service to the community. We are proud of our history and providing genuine solutions for making people’s lives better. Here we celebrate Dr Dorney OAM.
Creative activities and hobbies keep your mind active, help to improve problem solving, and can reduce stress and anxiety.
We say farewell to volunteer Bev Wilson as she retires and thank her for more than 15 years of service at Meals on Wheels.
Staying cool and hydrated is especially important during Queensland’s sweltering Summer months. Here we share five tips for keeping cool.
91-year-old author Milton Milligan and his wife lead a busy life at home, which they would not be able to do without the support of Suncare.
Suncare celebrated International Volunteer Day in December 2020 by recognising the significant impact our 200 volunteers make for our customers. The theme for the 2020 International Volunteer Day was ‘Together We Can Through Volunteering’, which was very appropriate in the challenging times associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Volunteering at Suncare provides opportunities for volunteers of all ages – those starting out in the workforce through to those who are transitioning to retirement. We support our volunteers through learning and development programs that can lead to paid employment.
World War II veteran Raymond Fuller’s significant contribution to Australia’s Armed Forces was recognised at the Kingaroy Remembrance Day ceremony on 11 November 2020.
Living independently at home in familiar surroundings, close to your neighbours and local community is a goal for many older Queenslanders.
They operate all year round, but unfortunately Christmas time often brings an increased incidence of scammer activity.
Suncare customer Robyn Eberle knows the importance of ‘choice’ when it comes to NDIS support.
After COVID-19 restrictions lifted, much-loved Suncare customer Jim Frew was welcomed back to Boronia Cottage with open arms.
Robyn and Mick Herman have always enjoyed living in a supportive community.
While you may no longer be driving, you still need to get out and about for appointments, shopping, social events and outings. Let us drive you.
Suncare customer Mary Haddon celebrated her 100th birthday recently by playing a round of golf at Maroochy River Golf Club.
Trying new experiences, building new friendships and learning new things can help your body and mind remain fit and active.
Honorary Life Member and Suncare Patron, June Conolly, continues to inspire others in her retirement years.
New findings associated with falls prevention place exercise firmly in the spotlight.
Jim Gibbins is a man of many talents. He’s an advocate of lifelong learning and enjoys being involved in his Hervey Bay community.
Suncare customer Durelle Dean has enjoyed Suncare social outings for more than two years.
September was Dementia Awareness Month, which encouraged all Australians to become aware of dementia.
Maroochydore Meals on Wheels has introduced a new menu with ‘bistro’ style choices, which are proving to be very popular.
A Maroochydore artist is raising awareness during Disability Action Week about how choice matters and by sharing how she managed to get her life back on track through an NDIS plan that connected her to her culture and was developed with staff from Suncare Community Services.
Suncare customer Alan Stevens loves to spend time on the water, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors.
The Suncare Digital program is keeping our customers connected digitally, by teaching new technical skills and providing iPads and access to the internet. Increasingly, services available to help older Australians require an email address. These include online shopping, banking and health and Government services including My Aged Care. For people who don’t feel confident using…
There are many programs or apps you can download on your smart phone or tablet to help your health and wellbeing. Here are FIVE of the best. 1. Healthdirect: A free health app for checking symptoms, finding a health service and trusted health information. 2. MedAdvisor: This free app helps you manage your prescription medicines…
Moira Hansen has lived in Maryborough for her whole life. She is a well-respected and active member of the Granville and Maryborough Communities.
Margaret Harrold is one of Suncare’s caring and devoted volunteers who makes a significant difference to the lives of the people she assists.
Join the Suncare Community Services team to honour the memory and work of Historical Elder Aunty Betty McMahon at the Aunty Betty Memorial Reconciliation Walk 2021. Wednesday 2 June 2021, 10.00am–12 noon.
Brighten up your home and improve the air quality with these FIVE easy-care indoor plants.
As part of National Volunteer Week, 17 – 23 May, we shine the spotlight on the personal and professional achievements of Suncare Volunteer Team Leader, Debbie Orman.
Rosemary Hill, will be celebrating Mother’s Day in a low-key fashion this year with possibly her two sons and daughter somewhere close to home and without too much fuss.