Community News Spring 2023

Bush Tucker Garden

ECH is proud to be an inclusive organisation and is committed to the continued reconciliation, capacity building and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan, a new Bush Tucker Garden was developed at Encore Apartments in Modbury to expand our cultural knowledge while learning about the health benefits of native flora.

To mark National Reconciliation Week, the Bush Tucker Garden was formally opened on 1 June with a multisensory tour of its edible natives and bush foods by horticulturalist and Bunganditj woman Leanne.

Leanne shared with clients, residents, staff and guests the rich history and cultural significance of the plants as well as the supplementary flavours they can add to culinary dishes. Afterwards, guests enjoyed an Indigenous inspired afternoon tea.

All are welcome in the garden and signs placed throughout the garden detail the history and benefits of the plants for visitors.

To learn more about the garden and our commitment to reconciliation, visit ech.asn.au/about-us

Mesmerising Masterpieces

The South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival is a state-wide festival of visual art, which promotes and celebrates the many talented visual artists in South Australia including a few ECH clients.

Husband and wife duo, Terry and Virginia, have been creating and sharing several beautiful paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures with SA art lovers in this year’s SALA festival from their outdoor studio.

The couple started their art journey after retirement when they enrolled in three-year TAFE course. Terry was drawn towards painting while Virginia towards creating sculptures from clay, bronze, chicken wire and cement.

Paul entered his exhibition ‘Family Matters’, which was displayed at the Wakefield House Community Centre. He has participated in many exhibitions over the last 20 years showcasing his unique string art. Paul’s goal was to complete one exhibition as part of SALA this year as he had been battling with some health concerns. The exhibition was enjoyed by all including the mayor of Onkaparinga.

Congratulations to Terry, Virginia and Paul for creating and sharing your magnificent and truly unique art pieces!

ECH clients Virginia and Terry

Summer Evening by Terry

ECH client Paul

Family Matters by Paul

Behind the Scenes and Behind the Seams

Our sponsorship partner, State Theatre Company South Australia hosted some of our clients, residents and volunteers to an exclusive backstage tour of the theatre company. The tour involved an informative talk from the amazing staff who create the costumes, props and sets involved in countless State Theatre shows.

It was a wonderful experience, and a nice way to give back to some of our clients, residents and volunteers who sew and create many items for various charities.

A Round of A-Paws

Meet our furry friend Baylei! ECH volunteer Dana has been visiting our Day Program in Happy Valley for nearly a year with Baylei and our clients adore the dynamic duo. Baylei loves being pet and cuddled by our clients. When given the chance, Baylei likes to take centre stage and show off their talents by performing tricks.

Thank you both for continually bringing joy to our clients and team.

Stroll in the Sunshine

As winter comes to a close and the warmer weather returns, ECH Home Support Team Workers Donna and Kirby had the pleasure of taking Shirley and George out for a walk through the Botanic Gardens. The big trees in the garden are a special place for the couple and they thoroughly enjoyed taking in the beautiful views and fresh air. To end the trip, the couple relaxed at lunch with delightful view overlooking the lake.

Spring has Sprung!

Residents at ECH Robinson Lodge are beginning to enjoy the warmer weather and beautiful flowers on John’s Cherry Blossom Plum tree.

Thank you for sharing your lovely photo.

Creating Communities

Are you looking for a way to give back to your community and share your skills? ECH has a variety of volunteer opportunities available including art and gardening volunteers, bus drivers and walking group organisers.

We are currently seeking Greek and Italian speaking volunteers to share their time with a few clients who attend our Day Program in Walkerville who are of Italian and Greek culture. Visits can be spent doing something both you and the client enjoy whether that be reading, listening to music, chatting, gardening, art, craft or board games. No special skills are needed just the ability to brighten someone’s day with a conversation.

To view all our current volunteering opportunities, visit ech.asn.au/volunteering

Bus Trips are Back!

ECH bus trips are back by popular demand! Jump on board and enjoy a variety of tours to exciting destinations across Adelaide and regional areas including museums, wildlife parks, botanic gardens and special interest locations and events. Meet like-minded people and share your day experiencing the best of SA.

To view all upcoming bus trips, visit ech.asn.au/events