ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter
September 2017
Contents
News Items 2
Upcoming Events 7
Notices and Information 17
Employment and Retirement 27
Learning and Development 29
Volunteering Opportunities 31
Health and Wellbeing 32
Finance and Budgeting 38
Mailing List and Future Articles 40
News Items
Treasures needed for Canberra Seniors Centre Fete
Canberra Seniors Centre
Date: Sat 18 Nov 17
Time: 8am to 2pm
Where: 10 Watson Street Turner
Do you have a treasure you really should part with but haven’t the heart to throw out?
Perhaps that treasure could find a good home through the Canberra Seniors Centre Christmas Fete.
Canberra Seniors Centre is looking for a wide range of goods to sell. Anything in clean, good condition from clothes to toys, games, books, jewellery, plants and, of course, trash and treasure will be gratefully accepted.
If you have something to donate please bring it to the Centre at 10 Watson Street, Turner on weekdays. For further enquiries please telephone 6248 9509 or email
Additional Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Licences
The ACT Government recently announced that five additional wheelchair accessible taxi (WAT) licences have been released to the Canberra market in June 2017.
This release increases the number of WAT vehicles licensed to operate in the ACT, from 26 to 31. In announcing the release Minister for Regulatory Services, Gordon Ramsay MLA noted that stakeholders have indicated a need for more accessible taxis. Releasing five additional WAT licenses assists in meeting the on-demand transport requirements of Canberrans, no matter where they live or what their accessibility needs are.
You can learn more about the WAT taxi release through the ACT Government’s media release and there is more about reforms to the on-demand transport industry at Access Canberra.
Additional Financial Support Now Available for Victims of Crime in the ACT
From 1 July 2016 a new Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme became available. This government funded scheme provides financial assistance to eligible victims of crime in the ACT. The purpose of the scheme is to:
· assist victims of crime to recover from acts of violence;
· contribute to the safety of victims of crime and the prevention of future acts of violence;
· acknowledge the harmful effects of acts of violence; and
· complement other services provided for victims of crime.
Under the new administratively-based scheme the Victims of Crime Commissioner is the decision maker for applications.
The ACT Government has implemented generous transitional arrangements which will see the entitlements of applicants under the previous scheme preserved. Applications relating to acts of violence before 1 July 2016 will continue to be made under the old scheme, with the new scheme applying to acts of violence committed from 1 July 2016.
The new scheme covers a range of expenses that victims may incur as a result of their injury from a crime such as medical and dental, measures for personal security and loss of actual earnings.
More Information: Call Financial Assistance Team, Human Rights Commission on 6205 2066, visit Victim Support or email: .
How Much do You Know About Dementia?
Alzheimer's Australia ACT will belaunching a health promotion campaign funded through ACTHealth, aimed at people aged 40 - 65 years of age.
Before this campaign is released, we need to ascertain whether people in Canberra have an awareness of dementia risk reduction or are aware of the everyday steps we can take to reduce our risk of dementia. The below link will take you to our survey. Your input is invaluable! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/alzheimersact
COTA ACT Road Safety Program “Street Smart Seniors” Book Now!
COTA ACT’s Road Safety Program (previously funded through the NRMA Road Safety Trust) has received further funding and support from the ACT Government.
The program has been updated and refined and we are now taking bookings for 2017 and 2018.
This free information session is all about enhancing road safety for older Canberrans and is available to any seniors’ group in the ACT.
We discuss driver safety, pedestrian safety and offer useful information such as concessions, alternative transport options and what to consider if you are thinking of retiring from driving.
The sessions are facilitated by trained peer educators who are supported by COTA. The sessions are free of charge, one hour in duration, include handouts – and we come to you!
We can also tailor the talk to the particular circumstances and interests of your group.
So if you would like to book a session for your group or to have a chat about the program – please call Ingrid Pepper (Community Education Manager) on 6282 3777 or email .
Bookings essential: call 6255 0722 or email
Travel on the NSW Opal Network for ACT Seniors Card Holders
Did you know that ACT Seniors Card holders are eligible for concession travel on the NSW Opal network if they apply to OPAL for the Gold Senior/ Pensioner Opal card? However, there are a few things you should check before applying:
1. Do you have a valid Seniors/MyWay card?
MyWay cards remain valid for two years from the date of the last 'transaction' (a 'transaction' could be either travel, recharge or when the card has been originally activated). If your card has expired you will need to get a replacement card.
2. How many numbers does your Seniors Card have?
If your card has only five numbers (the older cards) or does not have a MyWay card on the reverse side, you will need to get a replacement card
3. When did you apply for/receive your Seniors/MyWay card?
It takes up to 7 business days for the Transport Canberra and NSW Opal Card databases to sync details.
If you have any questions about applying for a card, please contact COTA ACT on 6282 3777 or read more on our website:http://www.cotaact.org.au/services/seniors-card-my-way
To apply to OPAL, read more on their website at https://www.opal.com.au/en/about-opal/opal_for_senior_pensioners/ or call 136 725
Upcoming Events
Let’s Talk Dementia
Dementia: what you need to know! September is Dementia Awareness Month!
This session is for anyone caring for people with or who has an interest in learning more about dementia.
It is a basic overview of dementia –
- the definition
- its causes and impacts
- latest statistics
Ideal if you are new to dementia care or as a refresher for the more experienced.
This session is suitable for anyone interested in learning more about dementia.
When: Monday 18th September, 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Cost: Free, however, donations are welcome
Where: 159 Maribyrnong Avenue Kaleen
Bookings essential - 6255 0722 or contact
Project Dinnertime for People Living with Diabetes. REGISTER NOW!
Delivered by an accredited practicing dietitian, our 3 week cooking class program will teach you how to put healthy eating principles for diabetes into practice with simple, quick and budget friendly recipes.
Each participant will:
· Cook, eat and enjoy two nutritious dishes from our recipe selection, with plenty to take home
· Receive nutrition advice and support to help achieve their healthy eating goals
· Receive the Project Dinnertime Kitchen Companion Cookbook with recipes & simple tips to inspire more cooking at home!
· Specific cooking programs are available for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Course dates:
Type 2 Diabetes cooking class
Week 1: Tuesday 12 September 2017, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Week 2: Tuesday 19 September 2017, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Week 3: Tuesday 26 September 2017, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Type 1 Diabetes cooking class
Week 1: Wednesday 27 September 2017, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Week 2: Wednesday 4 October 2017, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Week 3: Wednesday 11 October 2017, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Click here to BOOK NOW
Hurry, spaces strictly limited!
For more information contact Nutrition Australia ACT Phone: 02 6162 2583
Email:
Website: https://projectdinnertime.org/project-dinntertime-for-diabetes/
Wills Week 2017 – Free Public Forums
The Public Trustee and Guardian will present two free public forums during Wills Week on Wills and Decision-Making under Enduring Power of Attorney or on loss of capacity.
There is no charge to attend and refreshments will be provided.
Free parking is available at both venues. Lucky door prizes.
FORUM 1 - SOUTHSIDE
Date: Tuesday 24 October 2017
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Where: Apollo Room, Hellenic Club Woden, Matilda Street, Woden
FORUM 2 - NORTHSIDE
Date: Thursday 26 October 2017
Time: 9:30am to 12 noon
Where: MacArthur Room, Ainslie Football/Social Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie
Please note bookings are essential - contact us on (02) 6207 9800
The Public Trustee and Guardian website is available at https://www.ptg.act.gov.au/ There are many fact sheets and guides on their publications page including a comprehensive guide to, and forms for, Enduring Powers of Attorney in the ACT.
Research Opportunity- Dementia Prevention
Lifestyle change program for people 65 years and over with memory or other cognitive problems.
Date: 6 month program (Sept 2017- April 2018)
Where: Mostly at home- some travel within Canberra required
Cost: Free
More Info: There are limited spaces available. If you would like to take part or would like further information contact Mitchell McMaster: or 02 6125 6351.
Arthritis ACT Dietician Clinic
Did you know that a weight loss of 5% or more can result in modest improvements in pain and function for people living with arthritis?
Are you consuming enough anti-inflammatory nutrients? Come and talk with one of our dietitians who can help you optimize your diet as part of your Arthritis management.
A 1 hour consultation costs $85 ($120 for non-members) and $62.95 ($90 for non-members) for a 30 minute follow-up appointment.
A new service being offered by the Dietician Clinic is computer dietary analysis. Keep a 5 day food diary and our dietitians will analyse your diet and provide a printed report summarizing the adequacy of your diet and written suggestions on how you can improve. Cost is $35 ($50 for non-members). Should you subsequently book a face-to-face appointment this cost will be deducted from your first visit.
Private Health Insurance rebates are available for eligible clients. You may also be eligible for a Chronic Disease Management plan which attracts a Medicare rebate (ask your GP).
If you would like to make an appointment with one of our dietitians, call the Arthritis ACT office on 6288 4244.
Are You Looking For a Personal Trainer at an Affordable Price?
Are you interested in enhancing your health and fitness one-on-one with a student personal trainer?
CIT Fit & Well are offering ‘student personal training packages’ at an affordable price, in a fully equipped modern facility. Package includes a CIT Fit & Well membership and 12 student personal training sessions with a student trainer completing their fitness qualification. All students are supervised by highly-qualified fitness practitioners in a professional gym environment.
More information: Please contact CIT Fit & Well on (02) 6207 4309.
Health Care Consumers' Association (HCCA) is undertaking an online public survey to identify:
· what quality and safety in health care means to you
· areas for improvement in the quality and safety of health care services provided by ACT Health; and
· identify priorities for action for ACT Health
ACT Health (the state government department responsible for a range of publicly funded health services in the ACT) is in the process of developing their Quality and Safety Strategy which will focus on person centred, safe and effective care.
ACT Health have asked HCCA to collect information from consumers on what high quality and safe care means to you. The information collected from this survey will be given to ACT Health to ensure that the views of the ACT community are included in planning health services for the future. The link to the survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCCAQualityandSafety
If you have any questions or queries, please email .
Sessions for Seniors at COTA ACT
COTA ACT coordinates a series of free Sessions for Seniors on various topics out of our office at the Hughes Community Centre. Get free advice on a range of issues:
· Legal (excluding wills and estate planning);
· Police issues;
· Elder abuse;
· Advance care health planning;
· Aged care and retirement services;
· Housing options;
· Changes in vision and sight.
Sessions are by appointment only. To find out session availability and book please contact COTA ACT on 6282 3777.
Canberra Bonsai Society Annual Show
When: 7-8 October 2017
Where: UC High School Kaleen, Baldwin Drive, Kaleen
Time: 9:00 am-5:00pm on Saturday and 9.00am-4.00pm Sunday
Cost: $5 for Adults, $3 for Concession Card holders (including students), accompanied Children under 12 are admitted free.
It’s spring and, once again, it’s time for the Canberra Bonsai Society Annual Show, being held this year at the new venue, UC High School Kaleen.
The display will feature high quality bonsai from the collections of CBS members, including some created by local artists currently represented in the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia at the National Arboretum, Canberra. The display will include both traditional exotic plant species and Australian species.
In addition to the display, demonstration sessions will be held at 11am and 2pm daily, covering aspects of designing and maintaining bonsai.
We are again holding the very popular ‘Bonsai Basics’ sessions at 10am and 1pm daily. These sessions are designed for novice bonsai enthusiasts or those thinking of taking up the art and provide an introduction to fundamental bonsai techniques such as wiring, repotting and root pruning, styling and bonsai maintenance.
Plant sales this year will include starter plants, advanced stock trees and styled bonsai. This is a great opportunity to buy trees of a quality which are not available often in Canberra.
Australian made and imported Japanese and Chinese bonsai pots, tools & wire, books will also be available. Visitors will also be able to vote for their favourite bonsai.
World Dance Classes for Adults
At Folk Dance Canberra we learn dances from a variety of countries around the world. They range from very simple social dances to more complex and challenging ones and give an added benefit of enjoying the music of many countries. Classes are taught at various levels throughout the week during school terms. No partner or previous dance experience is necessary.