Suncare was part of an aged care compliance audit conducted by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission earlier this year. Overall, Suncare’s customers reported a high level of satisfaction with the safety and quality of our care and services, however, there were three areas identified as opportunities for improvement to align with the aged…
Christmas has come early for Suncare customer Alby Powerlett! Through a very generous anonymous donation, Suncare was able to provide Alby with a brand-new microwave and toaster, as well as some Meals on Wheels vouchers. “I was blown away by it. It’s just fantastic”, Alby said. “It really puts a smile on my dial.” That…
Suncare Community Services has taken an important step forward in our reconciliation journey, unveiling our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). A strategic roadmap promoting meaningful action and progress, the Innovate RAP embodies Suncare’s vision of contributing positively to the lives of Australia’s First Peoples. An official launch event was held on Tuesday, November 26 at…
Australia’s largest reforms to the aged care sector have been passed in Parliament. These changes put you as the customer at the centre of the change. How this impacts you as a Suncare customer? The New Aged Care Act has promised a $4.3 Billion dollar investment into the home care sector and will be delivered under…
We sat down with our new Chief People Officer Tijana Lalovic who spoke to us about why she chose Suncare to work. With over two decades of HR experience, she brings strategic vision, operational expertise, and a passion for people, she is well positioned to support Suncare’s mission and drive innovative solutions. What inspired…
“I enjoy what I do, being amongst people.” Thirty years ago, Suncare looked very different to what it does today. Before services expanded and new locations opened, Suncare offered Meals on Wheels and respite care in Maroochydore. Fast forward those three decades and Suncare’s growth has been exponential. For most, photographs and written records are…
“Close, loving and happy.” That is how Suncare customer John Crossley describes the life he and wife Nancy have shared for the past 70 years. And what a full and adventurous life it has been for the pair. From countless overseas trips to quirky business ventures, John believes he would not have done half of…
Tai Chi is a gentle exercise originating from ancient China. At Suncare, we offer ‘Sun’ style Tai Chi, which is directly aimed at those with arthritis or at higher risk of falls. Tai Chi can assist participants to: Increase flexibility, muscle strength, balance and aerobic fitness Improve immunity Lower cholesterol and blood pressure Decrease stress…
We seldom pause to appreciate how much our favourite activities mean to us—until they become harder to enjoy. When those moments start slipping away, it can feel overwhelming and deeply unsettling. Thats where Suncare’s Occupational Therapists come in – experts who can keep you living actively and independently for longer. From simple everyday tasks of…
Away from the hustle, bustle and business of hospital nursing, Leonie King explains what she loves about community nursing with Suncare. Having worked as a nurse for 14 years, Leonie, who has recently joined Suncare, describes the organisation as feeling ‘like home.’ For Leonie, the most important part of what she and Suncare’s nursing team…
Hydrotherapy offers low-impact activity in warm shallow water. Highly beneficial to those with pain or weakness in weight-bearing joints, hydrotherapy provides: A reduced effect of gravity on the body, helping participants to perform exercises they may not be able to on dry land Resistance on different muscle groups, increasing strength We offer hydrotherapy sessions four…
When it comes to Suncare’s physiotherapy services, there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. With a team of 11 dedicated physiotherapists across Queensland, we spoke with Sunshine Coast-based clinician Amy, to see what a day in the life of a Suncare physiotherapist involves. For Amy and the team, their typical working…
When Suncare customer Ray began experiencing more frequent falls and noticing a decrease in his mobility, he knew he needed to make a change. With the desire to remain living at home safe and independently front of mind, Ray decided to utilise Suncare’s Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). While many of Suncare’s Allied Health and Clinical…
Recently we gathered for the annual Aunty Betty Memorial Reconciliation Walk, reflecting on the life and contributions of our beloved Elder, Aunty Betty McMahon. A dedicated champion of reconciliation and community building, Aunty Betty’s influence continues to resonate throughout the Sunshine Coast and beyond. Aunty Betty served tirelessly as co-Patron of the Sunshine…
Welcome to our Q&A session with our dedicated Volunteer Team Leader! Get ready to dive into the inspiring journey of the person who guides and motivates our volunteer team. 1. What inspired you to start working with Suncare’s volunteers? I LOVE my job. My background as a Diversional Therapist allowed me the privilege of…
Suncare is delighted to announce the appointment of Kimberley Attenborough as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer. With a distinguished career in community services and healthcare, Kimberley brings a wealth of experience to Suncare. Formerly, as the Executive Manager of Community Services, Feros Care, Kimberley demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to improving the…
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…
