More than 100 people came for a dance and great food at the Bull Creek Multicultural Centre Open Day. What did people think of the day?
“Congratulations on a great open day – plenty of community and lots of fun and food – a winning combination!”
“I love coming to this centre, it has a lovely atmosphere, and the people are so nice.”
One of Hoa’s greatest joys is to get out and about, and socialise. English is Hoa’s second language. She is also visually impaired and has a challenging personal life. She felt overwhelmed, disconnected and isolated.
We visited Hoa and although hesitant at first, she agreed to go for an initial visit to the Bull Creek Multicultural Centre with a staff member. Transport was organised for the following week for her to go on her own – a bold move, as she had previously been supported by a carer.
Hoa was welcomed into the Monday Asian Group. Speaking in Cantonese helped her to feel at home very quickly. Week after week, with Andy Lau’s support, she started to blossom, feel connected, was smiling and so much happier. She has continued to attend the Bull Creek Multicultural Centre every week.
(Pictured L to R: Kah, Andy, Hoa, Hock)
Bull Creek Multicultural Centre customers Carmelo and Nunziata have been married for 62 years. What’s their secret to a long, happy marriage?
“Being understanding of each other and when we argue, we forgive and forget because we love each other,” says Carmelo. “We do everything together,” adds Nunziata, including attending the Centre for years.
Claudia was born in Eritrea, Africa and when she married, she lived in Rhodesia and taught Italian language, literature, history and music. Now Claudia lives in Perth and comes along to European Day at Bull Creek Multicultural Centre.
She loves coming to the Centre. “I am very, very happy,” she says. “Everyone is friendly.” Claudia also loves the food and Italian coffee! We talked to Claudia on the Chorus Voices podcast: The man who loved his donkey more than his wife. Click below to listen.
Mrs Lee at 100 from Chorus on Vimeo.
All the neighbours in the Our House street were invited to share morning tea. We had a fabulous turnout and not only got to know our neighbours, but also answered lots of questions about Chorus. Thanks to Chorus Kitchen for the morning tea!
Albany Senior Citizens Centre has been operating in Albany since 1972, providing a Meals on Wheels and dining kitchen service for the Albany community. In January 2019 we joined together with the Centre. Our coming together was celebrated with an afternoon tea.
“The future of the Centre is secure and the tireless work that has been put in by the hundreds of volunteers who have been involved over the last 54 years has culminated in a fantastic outcome for the town,” said Taryn Bristow, Albany Senior Citizens Centre Coordinator.
Chorus Senior Citizens Centre Albany welcomed little visitors from the Albany Occasional Child Care Centre for a bite to eat.
“A lot of the older people are away from their families so they might not have contact with their grandkids or great grandkids as much as they’d like,” said Taryn Bristow from Chorus Albany. “It cheers up the place and makes it that little bit brighter.”
The ‘Fit-for-Life’ exercise demo team from Bull Creek Multicultural Centre were busy with demos across the community this year. At Kwinana we practised Ba Duan Jin martial arts moves.
Merle is 92 and on her bucket list was going to Optus Stadium. She didn’t know how she was going to get there, so we thought it was time for Mandurah’s Monday Community Connections to go on tour of the stadium. The group had so much fun – and Merle, she was beyond ecstatic. As a keen Fremantle Dockers fan she got to see behind the scenes of where all the action takes place.
Chorus Ability Arts in Cumberland Street hosted their very first Seniors Group. The group joined Ability Arts to try out yoga for the first time, and loved it! Two ladies were in their nineties and loved the fact they could remain seated while still getting to take part in the class. They also participated in craft classes, played cards and learnt how to play Rummikup. Everyone’s feedback was very positive and it was great way to mix members of the Chorus community.
Chorus Kitchen - out on delivery from Chorus on Vimeo.
In August and October 2018, we set up information stalls to showcase our support for seniors in the community at the Aged and Caring Expo, and the Seniors and Carer’s Expo. Chorus Kitchen baked cupcakes for everyone who stopped by.
Elder abuse can lead to homelessness and mental health problems. We talked to a Chorus customer about her experience with elder abuse.
