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INTRODUCTION
The Bundaberg Region is expected to remain a very attractive destination for senior citizens. The region already has a significantly higher proportion of people over the age of 55 compared to other regions in Queensland. The relative concentration of seniors in the Bundaberg region is expected to continue. The number of people over the age of 55 in the Wide Bay Burnett region is expected to double within 25 years.
This continued high proportion of aged persons raises many issues not only with regard to the services required by seniors, but also for the economic and social future of the region.
A Seniors and Ageing Plan completed in 2006 identified the following issues and opportunities;
Service Delivery – access to services and collaboration between service providers. Improving awareness of the availability of services, particularly for new residents moving to the region. Improving transitions to care, the skills of aged care staff and improving access to aged care services.
Balanced Community – ensuring interaction between older persons and all other sectors of the community. Overcoming social isolation and encouraging older persons to participate in the community.
Economic Development – attracting and retaining skilled workers in health and aged care and developing economic opportunities related to the aged population.
Housing and Accommodation – improving the availability of housing, aged care respite places, including dementia, health and safety – improving public infrastructure such as footpaths and crossings, and encouraging greater home and personal safety.
Transport – enhancing transport options for seniors.
Promotion and Awareness – improving the “welcome” that migrants receive and helping them become more aware of services and opportunities to be involved in the community.
Click below to view
Bundaberg Region Seniors and Ageing Plan
Bundaberg Region Social Plan
NEW COMMUNITY SERVICE
Gracie Dixon Respite Centre - Dementia Cafe OPENING 13 July
Gracie Dixon Respite Centre has just received funding from the Dept of Health and Ageing to run a Decaf Dementia Cafe at Botanical Gardens cafe 1928. 
Queensland only received three funded programmes from DOHA in this funding round and Gracie Dixon was lucky enough to be one of them. We believe Gracie Dixon Centre will be the only Dementia Cafe run in Queensland funded by DOHA so this is pretty exciting.
The aim of the cafe is to provide the first dementia specific model within the region that bridges the social gap between persons with dementia and their carers and the wider community. (that is the cafe is situated in the midst of the community and not set apart in a special setting such as a respite centre or within a nursing home).
The dementia cafe will provide a safe, welcoming, environment in a local cafe where over a cup of tea or coffee, persons with dementia and / or their family and friends and health care professionals can interact with others for emotional support, and socialisation. Health care professionals would be on hand to provide education and information. The aim is to assist in breaking down the barriers of dementia in the wider Bundaberg region.
This programme will commence by 13 Juy 2011. We will be advertising in the local papers as well as via email and the community radio.
Anyone requiring further information can phone Gracie Dixon Respite Centre directly on 41304120.
Cyber Safety Information for Seniors
Handy tips and suggestions for seniors relating to cyber safety will be the focus of an information flyer to be launched this month.
The launch in Childers on March 14 will be a part of the first of four Senior Safety Education sessions on cyber safety being presented across the region.
Production of the flyer is a joint initiative of Bundaberg Regional Council, Bundaberg Crime Prevention Unit and Bundaberg Centacare.
View the Seniors Cyber Safety Flyer here
Seniors Broadband Kiosk is NOW AVAILABLE in the Childers & Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centres and the Gracie Dixon Respite Centre
If you are aged 50 years and over and are interested in learning new technology to stay in touch with friends and family, you are eligible to use the kiosk services free of charge.
The kiosks will allow you to send and receive emails, swap files and photos and meet with other seniors who are venturing on to the internet for the first time.
What are the aims of Broadband for Seniors?
Broadband for Seniors aims to:
- provide older Australians with access to computers and the internet via free internet kiosks,
- support seniors to gain confidence and build skills in using new technology,
- address the issue of older Australians feeling isolated and ‘left behind’ in a technological age, and,
- build community participation and social inclusion amongst older Australians.
Funded by Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)
Update from Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre - 15th February, 2011
The Broadband for Seniors Kiosk was officially opened by Cr Judy Peters, (Community & Arts portfolio) and Cr Wayne Honor on Tuesday 13th July, 2010.
The occasion was well attended, with representatives from Bundaberg Regional Council and the Gin Gin community.
The Kiosk is open Monday, Tuesday and Fridays, and features 2 computers with broadband access, and has been installed in the HH Innes Room at the Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre. To use a computer, and/or have access to a tutor, bookings are essential. Please phone the Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre 07 4130 4630.
NEC Broadband for Seniors is part of the wider Australian Government initiative "Making Ends Meet".
This initiative is aimed at people aged 50 years and over who have never had the opportunity to learn how to operate a computer or explore the internet and feel threatened by this technology or believe it is too late to learn. People in this group who have a desire to learn can freely do so with help from their peers in a familiar environment. They will learn how to use a computer, how to explore information of the World Wide Web and how to stay in touch with friends and family online. The Broadband for Seniors concept is to provide a seniors-friendly environment where they can come and learn basic computer and Internet skills.
Since the opening of the Kiosk, there have been 138 booked appointments, either for tutoring or to access e-mails and surfing by Seniors who have knowledge of the internet.
Currently, there are four regulars coming to learn about the internet.
We have found that when they (the seniors) have gained some confidence, and got over the ‘fear factor’ they have ventured to purchase their own computers and internet connections for use at home in their own time.
We have had a couple of minor ‘hiccups’ with out computers, but NEC have been quick to amend any problems.
CURRENT COUNCIL ACTIVITIES
Supporting the Bundaberg Region Seniors Network
Purpose of the Bundaberg Region Seniors NetworkNetwork
To provide One Voice for seniors in the Bundaberg region.
Role:
- Provide and support a variety of opportunities for Seniors issues to be heard.
- Encourage seniors to be proactive and involved in determining their future.
- Develop strategies in response to sector priorities.
- Promote collaboration between senior groups in our community.
- Facilitate knowledge, understanding and information exchange of seniors focused products and seniors (includes resources and tools).
Membership is open to all organisations, groups and individuals who have a ‘Seniors’ focus.
For more information on Membership to the Seniors Network please contact Council’s Community Development Team on 1300 883 699 or email Community Development Unit
Click here to view the Bundaberg Region Seniors Directory
Click here to view the minutes from the Seniors Network Meeting - AUGUST 2011
SENIORS EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Seniors Forum - Thursday 21st July, 2011
View the Seniors Forum Invitation Flyer Here
SENIORS WEEK IN 2011 21 - 28 August
Date Claimer
To Register for a stall at the Seniors Expo & Healthy Lifestyle expo please complete the form here Registration for stall holders closes 5th August 2011
HELPFUL INFORMATION - TIPS FOR SENIORS
Click on the links below to view the following information.
Driving
Securing Your Property
Home Medicine Review
Safety in the Home
Keeping Kids Safe
COUNCIL FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR SENIORS
Seniors Units
Kolan Centenary Seniors Village
Council owns and operates two Retirement facilities. These are the Kolan Centenary Seniors Village in Tirroan Road Gin Gin and Margaret Olsen Place Units in Dr Mays Road Bundaberg.
Council currently does not have any other form of housing, rental accommodation or crisis housing
The Kolan Centenary Seniors Village (Gin Gin Seniors Village) has 16 Units and has a Recreation room for use by the village residents and has well maintained gardens, in a peaceful setting.
The Seniors Village is walking distance to the local retail precinct and doctors.
The complex provides independent living units and operate under provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act. Council does not provide in-home care to the residents.
The Retirement Villages is classified as long term public housing, with the Queensland Department of Housing managing the Wait List for potential residents. When a vacancy occurs at the facility, Council notifies the Department of Housing. That agency then provides Council with a short-list of applicants with high need for housing accommodation. A new tenant is then selected on the basis of highest need and personal circumstances.
Council maintains all buildings lawns and gardens.
To contact the Kolan Gardens Facility or to enquire about admissions, phone the facility direct on (07) 4157 3744 or call the Churches of Christ Care on (07) 4153 8000.
Margaret Olsen Place Units
Located in Dr Mays Road, Bundaberg, Council owns and operates two Retirement facilities. These are the Margaret Olsen Place Units in Dr Mays Road Bundaberg; and Kolan Centenary Seniors Village in Tirroan Road Gin Gin.
Council currently does not have any other form of housing, rental accommodation or crisis housing. The Margaret Olsen Place facility has 36 Units and has a Recreation room for use by the village residents and has well maintained gardens, in a peaceful setting.
Margaret Olsen Place has easy access to public transport. The complex provides independent living units and operate under provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act. Council does not provide in-home care to the residents.
The Retirement Village is classified as long term public housing, with the Queensland Department of Housing managing the Wait List for potential residents. When a vacancy occurs at the facility, Council notifies the Department of Housing. That agency then provides Council with a short-list of applicants with high need for housing accommodation. A new tenant is then selected on the basis of highest need and personal circumstances. Council maintains all buildings lawns and gardens.
If you are seeking accommodation in a Council Retirement Village, please contact the Department of Housing (Bundaberg office) at 16 Quay Street or on 4131 5990. For more details on the Department of Housing, housing application forms, eligibility and assistance you can email
The Department of Housing or click here to access the
Department of Housing website.
If you have other enquiries regarding either Retirement Village, please contact Council on 1300 883 699.
Aged Care Facilities
Kolan Gardens Aged Care Facility
Kolan Gardens is a residential hostel facility for the aged, assisting the elderly who have low care needs. The Facility is located in Mulgrave Street Gin Gin.
It was constructed by Council in 2004, through a Federal Government grant, community donations and Council loans. Resident fees and Government concessional payments assist Council to maintain the facility and to service existing construction loans. The Facility is not cross-subsidised by Ratepayers.
The Facility is managed and is accredited under stringent provisions of the Federal Aged Care Act and Aged Care Standards to protect our aged residents.
The Facility has 20 bedrooms and two Respite rooms, all with ensuites; shared dining and lounge rooms; an activities area and administration offices. A secure dementia wing is included in the building.
Kolan Gardens is fully owned by Council. Nursing care is provided by Churches of Christ Care, a leading aged care and community care organisation in Queensland.
Council is currently developing plans to expand the facility with 14 High Care rooms, following recent approval from the Federal Government and Council has negotiated the transfer of land from Queensland Health for the Stage two development.
The facility is usually at full occupancy and Churches of Christ Care (CARE) manage the waiting list and admissions.
Kolan Gardens accepts both high income and low income residents.
To contact the Kolan Gardens Facility or to enquire about admissions, phone the facility direct on (07) 4157 3744 or Churches of Christ Care on (07) 4153 8000.
For more details regarding Churches of Christ Care and their care programs and facilities click here
Gracie Dixon Respite Centre
The Bundaberg Regional Council operates the Day Respie Centre from 9.00am to 3.00pm, Mondays through Saturdays. The Centre provides an enjoyable social program for its members who are frail aged or younger people with a disability. The program is designed to maintain, develop and support the capacity for independent living and social interaction. Carers also benefit by receiving much needed respite from their caring role. The Centre can arrange transport, if required, and offers its member's services including hairdressing and referral to podiatry and other allied health services.
The Gracie Dixon Respite Care Centre is auspiced by the Bundaberg Regional Council and funded by the Home & Community Care Programs (HACC).
Isis Community Care
Isis Community Care is jointly funded by the Bundaberg Regional Council and through the Department of Disability Services Home and Community Care Program. The program operates from the Childers Neighbourhood Centre at 69 Churchill Street Childers.
Home and Community Care is available to support frail aged and younger disabled persons. The program is designed to maintain, develop and support the capacity for independent living and social interaction. Carers also benefit by receiving much needed respite from their caring role.
If you are wanting to know if you are eligible for Home and Community Care please contact the Coordinator to arrange an appointment to assess your needs. If the Isis Community Care is unable to assist you, the Coordinator will let you know of other suitable services and can arrange for a referral, which hopefully will meet your needs.
Minimum cost for services apply, however Clients are not excluded from this service if they are financially disadvantaged. Payment of fees is a confidential arrangement between the client and the coordinator.
- Bargara Day Respite is held on the first and third Thursday morning at the CWA Hall, Nielsen’s Park Beach Bargara. It is an opportunity for people to come along and make new friends, enjoy morning tea, have lots of laughs and enjoy activities.
- Transport is available and the Bargara Service is open to all Home and Community Care eligible people. To attend Bargara Day Respite please contact the Co-ordinator of Gracie Dixon Respite Centre on 41304120.
- Gracie Dixon Respite Centre also runs smaller programs at Margaret Olsen Place. On Monday mornings a ladies craft group meet between 10am and 1pm. Morning tea and transport is provided for Home and Community Care eligible members. Friday mornings is a men’s group which meet between the hours of 9.45am until 11.45am.
Isis Community Care
Isis Community Care is jointly funded by the Bundaberg Regional Council and through the Department of Disability Services Home and Community Care Program. The program operates from the Childers Neighbourhood Centre at 69 Churchill Street Childers.
Home and Community Care is available to support frail aged and younger disabled persons. The program is designed to maintain, develop and support the capacity for independent living and social interaction. Carers also benefit by receiving much needed respite from their caring role.
If you are wanting to know if you are eligible for Home and Community Care please contact the Coordinator to arrange an appointment to assess your needs. If the Isis Community Care is unable to assist you, the Coordinator will let you know of other suitable services and can arrange for a referral, which hopefully will meet your needs.
Minimum cost for services apply, however Clients are not excluded from this service if they are financially disadvantaged. Payment of fees is a confidential arrangement between the client and the coordinator.
Kolan Community Options
Kolan Community Options is designed to provide flexible Care Options to the frail and elderly, younger people with disability and their carers.
By offering a range of basic support services, the Community Options Service may provide an alternative to residential care, thereby assisting to maintain elderly or disabled people in their homes, within the community.
More information can be found about Council's Home & Community Care (HACC) programme by visiting their webpage
