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ANNUAL REPORT 2015 - 2016 BEGA VALLEY MEALS ON WHEELS PLUS Annual Report

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Annual Report

2015 - 2016

BEga VAlley Meals on WHeels PlusAnnual Report

ContentsBega Valley Meals on Wheels Plus......................................................................................2

Mission of the Co-operative...............................................................................................2

Philosophy.........................................................................................................................2

Board of Directors..............................................................................................................2

Chairperson’s Report..........................................................................................................3

Bermagui Social Club..........................................................................................................5

Centre Based Day Care.......................................................................................................6

Food Services.....................................................................................................................7

Management......................................................................................................................9

Partnerships.....................................................................................................................12

Volunteers........................................................................................................................13

Social Support and Respite Care.......................................................................................14

Two Saints Café................................................................................................................16

Veterans Community Support Service..............................................................................17

Volunteers........................................................................................................................18

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 1

Bega Valley Meals on Wheels PlusBega Valley Meals on Wheels Plus (BVMOWPlus) is a legal entity registered under the Co-operatives Act 1992 (NSW). BVMOWPlus is a registered charity and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Co-operative was established in 1993 to provide meals to Bega, Eden, Merimbula, Tathra, Bemboka, Pambula, Bermagui and Candelo.

BVMOWPlus is funded by Federal and State Government.

Mission of the Co-operativeThe mission of the Bega Valley Meals on Wheels Co-operative Ltd is:

To provide services that support people who are frail aged, adults with a disability, their carers and veterans community, to actively make a difference to the health and well-being of our diverse community.

PhilosophyBega Valley Meals on Wheels Plus believes in:

The right of people to make choices in their own lives; The right of people to dignity, respect, privacy and confidentiality; The right of people to be valued as individuals; The right of people to access services on a non-discriminatory basis; and The right of people of the community to accountable and responsive services.

Bega Valley Meals on Wheels Plus acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters of the Shire – the people of the Yuin and Monaro nations and offers our respect to elders past and present.

Board of Directors Carolyn McColl ChairpersonTony Toussaint Vice Chairperson

Sue Middlewood SecretaryHans-Wilhelm Theile Treasurer

Pat Irving MemberFrank Pearce Member

Sue Stephenson MemberNeil Austin Member

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 2

Chairperson’s Report 2015 / 2016 has been a year of major changes and at times, it has been very hard to embrace the changes and difficult to move ahead in a positive way.

Our industry is changing from a provider bulk funded system to a client funded system. The ongoing reform process for the aged and disability sectors, continues to become operational, whilst trying to address the many problems and shortfalls in a system unable to cope with expectations and the community’s needs.

New client numbers have dropped, and this would in part be due to the complex new system and the requirements to register for help. It has been a frustrating time for the board, staff, volunteers and clients.

Home and Community Care no longer exists, and we are now guided by the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

As clients become more in control of their own care and funding, our bulk funding will reduce.To remain viable, we need to become more aggressive in the market to gain our share of the market or paying clients.

We have already been advised that we will lose $33,000.00 in bulk funding in 2016. The best outcome is that this money will now be paid directly by clients. But unfortunately, at this early stage our client base under the new system is also reducing. This is a problem across our industry.

On the positive side, we continue to collaborate with Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels Co-operative Ltd. Sharing resources and training. With a neutral facilitator paid from grant money, we looked at the possibility of amalgamating Bega and Eurobodalla. Due to the logistics and current industry reforms, both boards elected at this stage not to amalgamate, but continue our collaboration.

Our peak body NSW MOW Association is very aware of the industry reforms, and continues to help members embrace the changes and address the problems of becoming an accredited provider. The Association has looked at scenario planning with Keith Suter and is in the process of show casing all scenarios to its members.

After many years of legally jumping through hoops, our association has finally been able to register our name 'meals on wheels' Australia wide. Our Australian peak body has also been recognised by State and Federal Governments as speaking for all our members, and are now being consulted with, obtaining our industry opinion before changing systems. For the first time we have a voice.

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 3

I am currently on the end of a three year term as a director of our peak body NSW MOW Association. During my term, I have been a member of the governance subcommittee, I am currently Treasurer, a member of the executive committee, and appointed to the board of the Association's for profit company. This company’s sole purpose is to feed funds, other than members’ fees and government subsidies into the association, for the benefit of all members.

I have nominated for a second three year term commencing after the AGM in October, and will be appointed unopposed.

Bega MOW Co-operative manager Fiona Scott retired after serving six years in the position and has taken up the new position of support services with our peak body for southern NSW incorporating Bega Valley. So Fiona's knowledge of our industry and local area has not been lost to us.

David Atkins has been appointed our new Manager and comes to us with a wide experience in management and our industry. The board is positive about David's appointment and look forward to working with him.

I would like to say a big thank you to our staff and volunteers for their work over the last 12 months. The board appreciates your energy and support that helps to stabilise our industry. In particular, I would like to thank Gina Sly, who just gets on with the job with a minimum of fuss. Thank you Gina.

To my fellow board members thank you for your support and welcome to our new board members Frank Pearce, Susan Stephenson and Neil Austin. I hope you enjoy your time on our board. I appreciate your varied knowledge and support of meals on wheels.

These difficult times of change are a challenge for us, but I have no doubt that our co-operative will continue to prosper as long as there is a need in our community for volunteer services.

Carolyn McColl - Chairperson

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 4

Bermagui Social Club There are six clients registered for this group but only one has had to do so through My Age Care. The monthly outings are held the first Tuesday of the month and we have travelled to Tilba, Narooma, Tuross Heads, Tura Beach and Bodalla as well as participating locally with events in Bermagui, a U3A talk on the Snowy Hydro Scheme, Four Winds - musical story time held at the library, Bermagui Garden Group visit to Maryvale Lavender and Tilba for a slide show on birdwatching and vegetation in Costa Rica, Seniors Week – Young at Heart Film Festival held at the library, Biggest Morning Tea, Bermagui Mudworks – pottery and Shop 7 Artspace.

Discussions and displays are an important part of each day and topics have been instigated by the clients as well as stimulus topics provided by Helen or the volunteers.

Identifying birds in our local area using recall, books and the computer. Snowy Hydro Scheme. Scarves – history, types and how to wear. Chooks – especially heritage breeds. Craft shows, local gallery exhibitions and projects Garden topics – identifying flowers and plants, orchids and bamboo. Helen’s Tassie holiday. Preparedness for disasters, evacuation plans, emergency food supply, coping with

hot weather and new food group’s chart. St Patricks Day and Harmony Day. Reminiscing about life when younger. My Post Account for cheap stamps. Musical instruments from different countries, specifically Chapman Stick and Persian

drums. Cockatiels. Falls Prevention. Arthritis and Tai Chi for Arthritis. Driving for the over 65s. Voting.

Craft Activities and Games PlayedWe are still knitting the bags for the orphaned wildlife and made bunting for the Cobargo Folk Festival. Christmas decorations were stars, button trees, bells and these were donated to the Christmas tree in Cobargo. Christmas shopping bags and placemats were also made. Easter chocolates were made and we have just made some felt. Rummikub, Jenka, memory, beetle, dominoes, draughts, pick up sticks, find a word. Rummikub is still the favourite.

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 5

Helen Stafford – Bermagui Social Club Coordinator

Centre Based Day Care This financial year has flown by so quickly. I have a few new clients join our Bega Social Club Group. A few clients have moved into higher care facilities. Candelo is still lacking numbers. We sadly lost our much loved Bega volunteer Sandra this year which really emotionally knocked myself and a lot of Bega clients. Happy to say that we now have a new volunteer Robyn who has slipped into the roll beautifully and the clients and staff enjoy her company and help.

Candelo Social ClubNumbers have dropped, in which I am constantly trying to increase. In saying that, with the clients that still attend weekly, we have had a great amount of social outings and attended the community bingo once a month at the Candelo Bowling Club.

Some of our outings have been: Our monthly community bingo at Candelo Bowling Club A trip out to Bermagui for fish and chips Lunch at Tathra Bakery Picnic lunch and BBQ in Candelo Park Lunch at Eden by the water We also had a visit from Australian Aged Care Quality Agency

Bega Social ClubOur numbers are slowly increasing, which is good to see. I have encouraged the existing clients to invite their own friends out on a Monday and this is working well. I have been liaising with Helen and Jenny in Social Support and Alzheimer’s Australia who are encouraging people to come to the Social Club. We recently had a visitor from the Roads Maritime Service who came and gave us a presentation on safety for the over 65!

Some of our outings have been to: Tathra Bakery for lunch High tea morning in the Toussaint Centre Trip up to Nimmitabel Bakery and The Old Mill Lunch and tour of Narooma

On our outings, we tend to do a lot of sightseeing. I find as the clients’ age their mobility is decreasing; they really enjoy sitting in the bus and taking in the view. I recently purchased a few new board games that the clients are learning to play and are really enjoying. The games help the clients to think, remember and socialise with each other. Some of the clients are busy knitting squares for the Women’s and Children’s Hospital for premature babies.

All in all we have had a fun year, with loads of laughter, great food and very helpful volunteers.Thankyou Robyn in Bega. Anne, Jenny and Keith in Candelo.

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 6

Gina Sly - Social Club Co-ordinator

Food Services

In the best part of my first year with Bega Valley Meals on Wheels Plus, food services has faced some very meaningful triumphs and challenges.

Through a restructure and streamlining of positions, we have welcomed Cath Turville and Sally Green into the positions of Kitchen Supervisor's. Melissa Moon is welcomed in the position of Freezer Coordinator. The streamlining of these positions will enable us at BVMOW Plus to endeavour to work as a productive team.

As Food Services Coordinator, I am very excited to be working with our new Service Manager who has the utmost respect of the team. New challenges have us working on collaborative and cost effective ways to compete within the market for services including, Consumer Directive Care and NDIS clients.

Meals Outputs19,404 meals were provided to clients within the financial year 1/07/2015 to 30/06/2016. In cost terms this was $112,765.37 of meals which is $2,200 less than the previous financial year. There are a couple of reasons for this, but prominently the new process of referral and assessment through My Aged Care.

With new government legislation, service providers of Home-Care packages are now responsible to the clients to negotiate services and provide a budget for care precipitants allowing transparency of the client’s allocated budget. This has prompted aged care service providers to offer hot meals to clients in receipt of a package.

New MenuAs from June 2016 I have introduced a new menu that provides a variety of meals. I have included some smaller portioned meals at the cost of $3.70. The rational for this that the feedback has been that some people feel overwhelmed with a big meal some clients (such as diabetics) need to have smaller meals more frequently. Another reason is the risk that clients may reheat / reuse bigger meals and may risk food sickness.

Food ProductionThe food production team continue to cook meals for Monday Social Club and on Friday's for Toussaint’s Cafe. Soup production continues, and we currently have four homemade soups on the menu. As per last year’s Annual Report "Increased production from our kitchen" A three month trial of homemade desserts was trialled, however this was not cost effective.

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 7

Food Authority AuditIn June this year we passed the Food Authority Audit. We are continuing to ensure that our food safety systems are compliant with Food Authority requirements.

Staff TrainingRhonda and Sally attended the Food Safety Supervisors Course. Three staff have obtained First Aid certificates.

Volunteer TrainingAll volunteers have attended induction. Mental Health and Diabetic Awareness have been offered and well attended. Safe Food Handling training will be held in the near future.

Delivers / DriversA big thank you to all of our wonderful Volunteers, what a wonderful job they do. I cannot express how much all of our volunteers are appreciated. Our drivers, our delivery volunteers in all areas of the Bega Valley are so gratefully appreciated. They are the glue that holds our community together.

Community Partners RecognitionOur Community Partners continue to support Meals on Wheels: Robert Smith Pambula, Eden Coastal Patrol, Club Sapphire, Tathra General Store, Collins Bega - forklifts our frozen meals on delivery.

Rhonda Aked - Food Services Coordinator

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 8

Bunting for Cobargo Folk Festival – Our Community Involvement Bermagui Social Group

Management Bega Valley Meals on Wheels Plus now delivers services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) by providing Meals on Wheels, Social Support and Centre Base Day Care which outreaches to Bermagui, Candelo and Bega. It also provides the Veterans Community Support Service covering the Eden Monaro region.

Bega Valley Meals on Wheels Plus has under gone major changes over the past year as the state and federal governments continue their ongoing reform process of the aged and disability sectors. There will be further changes ahead as the full impact of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Commonwealth Home Support Program, My Aged Care, Community Directed Care and other major reforms become operational.

These reforms present serious challenges to the community and organisations. The restructures are designed to enhance independence, increase choice, flexibility and wellbeing for clients. The reforms require our organisation to transform over the next twelve months.

Consequently all Ageing Disability and Home Care (ADHC) funded service providers are required to undertake third party verification of their performance against the NSW Disability Service Standards (NSW DSS) once during the term of the 2015-18 funding agreement (1 July 2015 – 30 June 2018). The verification process includes recognition of

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 9

other quality standards and systems a service provider may have in place. BVMOWPlus has achieved third part verification through SAI Global ensuring we are compliant with the Disability Services Standards and ADHC’S funding agreement.

Continuous Quality Improvement at BVMOWPlus is achieved through our Strategic and Operational Plans. Over the past year the emphasis has been on implementing a centralised client management system, strengthening relationships with the community and other organisations, supporting volunteers, developing the team, and efficiently using transport. Considerable improvements have been accomplished in all five organisational wide objectives and we will continue to work towards achieving full compliance in all areas. Consultation are ongoing at BVMOWPlus. An extensive survey completed this year provided feedback from 104 clients and 93 volunteers. Thank you to everyone involved, especially Robyn for collating the piles of information into logical order. Some of the clients’ statements regarding the Two Saints Café were:

Meeting others and enjoying the company Saves cooking a meal one day per week Good value and good food Nice meals and good company Friendship and people Meeting people and not having to cook a meal at night I don't have to cook tea Good meals and just being with nice people Good meal and friends Friendships, good health food and a meeting place Relieves any isolation, stimulating The volunteers are very helpful, friendly and excellent in all they do Excellent, a real gem, our friends and I love Two Saints. I have highly recommended

it and brought friends along, thank you

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 10

More than just a

volunteer

Some of the volunteers’ comments in regards to the question, ‘Do you feel that volunteering has improved your life?”

It may not help us but I hope it helps someone else I like to think I'm doing something for the local community Have formed a great friendship and offered a willing ear to listen when client needs

to vent Keeps me alive and interested in life Helping others is very important to me It gives me great satisfaction to have elderly people appreciate the help I am able to

give them I gain self-satisfaction in helping I've met many people who I would not of met otherwise Keeps you active and meeting people Gives me an outside interest. Outside of my own family and personal pursuits Shows those we help that others care. Good to know someone is benefiting from my help Makes me feel good Feels good to help others as we might need help from others in future Putting a smile onto faces Widowed, it fulfils my need to be needed I have always volunteered to different groups in the community because I am

healthy and able to help others I like helping, if I can I feel that if I hadn't become a volunteer my retirement would have made me selfish,

thinking only of my own pleasure Meeting people from different life backgrounds Connects me with the community I like to think I can improve client's life. Many people have no family around. We as

volunteers can help them not to feel isolated Meet new people whom you can help and enjoy their company Has helped me meet new people, some have become friends, feels good to be

needed It has improved my confidence because it is a supportive environment Great opportunity to learn of the life experiences of many people over the past one

hundred years Fill a need in client's life

It’s important to recognise that the reason people volunteer are diverse and personal. Bega Valley Meals on Wheels Plus understands that there are important benefits to both organisations and to volunteers. For individuals, volunteering provides an opportunity to be involved in activities reflecting their interests and using their skills. Meaningful activity in turn promotes a sense of belonging and general wellbeing. Volunteering can also be a way to develop skills, potential pathways to employment, or a way to contribute existing skills for the common good. BVMOWPlus is a strong supporter of the National Standards for Volunteers and its aim and principles.

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 11

After eleven years at Bega Meals on Wheels Co-operative and six years as manager Fiona Scott has moved on to greater challenges. She will be missed by clients, volunteers and staff, as her valuable contribution to BVMOWPlus and the region is deeply appreciated. Fiona is held in high respected and has taken up a position with NSW Meals on Wheels as a regional Network Support Officer. We wish her success on her new career path.

BVMOWPlus thanks all our partners and supporters throughout the year. Our appreciation extends to our funding bodies for the ongoing support including the Department of Social Services, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, the Department of Family and Community Services – Aging Disability and Home Care and the Department of Health.

I must also thank all the hard working staff and volunteers who make Bega Valley Meals on Wheels such a quality organisation. They put in hundreds of hours, thousands of kilometres, millions of meals and care about people and their community.

Finally I would like to thank of our hard working Board of Directors for their professionalism and dedication to the organisation. Meals on Wheels is still strong after all these years and it will continue into the future under their guidance.

David Atkins – Manager

Partnerships Partnerships are essential for the delivery of services to clients. Bega Valley Meals on Wheels Plus acknowledges support from the following organisations throughout the region.

Anglican Church Bega Valley Shire Council Bermagui Country Women’s Association Candelo Rural Fire Services Catholic Church Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels Cooperative IGA Tathra Kellow Parberry and Associates Kothes Chartered Accountants Lions Club Robert Smith Homemakers Rotary Club Southern Farm Supplies Tathra Country Club Twofold Aboriginal Corporation Uniting Church

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 12

Volunteers

At Meals on Wheels our volunteers we applaudThey offer their time and their tasks too are broadThere are meals to deliver and vans to driveSo that bellies are full and our people can thrive.There’s helpers at clubs and the café and moreThey wait tables, play games and even sweep the floor.They visit your home for a good old chin wagAll over the show quietly flying our flag.There’s the drivers for buses for clubs and for shoppingAll over the shire they’re collecting and droppingIt goes without saying the contribution is whopping.

This year at the officeWe’ve seen lots of changesThere are a new faces, but they are not strangersThere’s Rhonda, she’s the new meals boffinShe’s fitting in well . . . splutterin’ and coughin’For such a huge task

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 13

She has undertakenBut a great gal she is, don’t be mistaken.

There are others tooFitting into old shoes.The service is the sameJust the names change.

We’re today thoughWith volunteers to honour.To thank you and praise you for all that you doSome faces we’re used tooAnd others are new.

Most of all from the very bottom of our heartsWe thank you and praise you for being on our team.And we look forward to seeing you all againIn 2016!

Helen Kuriger - Poetess

Social Support and Respite Care Another year has passed very quickly. The 2015-16 year began with the roll out of My Aged Care. This has not passed without several hiccups. Social Support referrals have dropped as a result. However, the Bega Valley is not unique. It seems intake for Social Support and Flexible Respite have dropped to services like ours across the State. Unfortunately one of the fall-outs of My Aged Care is the very thing that we were promised would be avoided, over assessment. Clients under the new system are assessed by every service they are referred too. Hours have been spent on inappropriate referrals. Many times the client does not want the service they have been referred for. There are ongoing meetings with the assessment services and hopefully a smoother system awaits. Fingers crossed. The clients who are referred for Social Support or Respite are generally more advanced in ageing than used to present, sometimes being too high in need for entry level service.

Leading up to the end of the financial year I have been visiting our clients with disabilities informing them of the roll out of the NDIS and how the changes may affect their services.

I performed higher duties for nine weeks of the past year. My trusted assistant Jenny Taylor stepped into my role and did a fabulous job. Thank you Jenny.

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 14

January was a busy month preparing for the Aged Care Quality Review on 10 th February. BVMOW+ was very fortunate to have the expertise and experience of Kathy Davis to assist in this process.

During the year I have attended various forums and workshops including the Bega Valley Service Provider Network, Bega Valley Dementia Network, various NDIS forums and workshops, CHSP and Community Care Forums, Mental Health Providers Network, Food Forum and the NCOSS Consultation. I supported four volunteers and accompanied them to Mental Health First Aid. The National Volunteering Conference in April 2016 was certainly my learning highlight for the year. Thank you for the opportunity to attend.

Rhonda and I were successful in a grant application for Seniors Week. As a result we were able to partner with Bega Valley Shire Council in hosting the Young at Heart Film Festival in Bega, Merimbula, Eden and Bermagui. We are hopeful we can make this an annual partnership arrangement. Rhonda and I have also hosted information sessions at Haven Place in Tathra and with the Bermagui Social Club.

After much deliberation, the Narooma Shopping Bus ceased in December 2015. Over time the numbers had dwindled and it was no longer viable.

Unfortunately, changes to the TAFE system this year meant we were not referred any student placements. Historically we have had three to six each year.

Unfortunately the past year has seen a slowing in the number of volunteers presenting. This is a current trend throughout Australia. In Social Support and Respite there are 40 volunteers providing service to 55 clients. They travelled 61,000km and spent 5,000 hours. Some volunteers chose to donate their reimbursement back to the organisation to the value of $1,900. Volunteers have attended various training opportunities throughout the year.

I am humbled each day by the time given by volunteer workers. They work tirelessly for our community with seldom a complaint. They are the foundation of my work and I honour them all.

Helen Kuriger - Social Support and Respite Coordinator

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 15

Hilda – Margaret – Joy

They made this piece of felt and are using it to be the base of a puzzle.

Two Saints Café Another year of Café which has passed very quickly. I have been again very delighted with the attendance of satisfied customers and the enthusiasm of the volunteers. There have been so many changes but it is starting to feel more settled. At least 10 different cooks have graced us from mid last year to the beginning of this year, but it is good that we are settling into the new routine of Cathy and Sally on alternate weeks. I think our new cooks are starting to feel more confident and comfortable with our routines and client preferences and this will only improve. Numbers towards the end of 2015 were in the mid to high 30’s regularly.

The Christmas Party had a good attendance of 30 plus volunteers and was a very enjoyable time as the last Café for 2015. There was a lovely meal with lots of extras, great decorations and happy atmosphere. The excitement of a false fire alarm did not dampen spirits at all. While we waited outside for the Fire Brigade, Nita serenaded us on the violin with some favourite tunes and office staff provided chairs and water. Even the annoying alarm noises

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 16

that continued did not concern. Hopefully all those little glitches between local and central alarm HQ are now sorted and will never arise again. Though a little late, our clients had a festive time and were looking forward to the January reopening.

This year has started slowly and numbers have been up and down a bit. Mostly in the low to mid 20’s. Several former clients have gone to Casuarina and some are in poor health and no longer attend and some are intermittent. There are always various events such as funerals and fundraisers which take them away. Those who come have strong friendship groups and arrive early and leave late and chatter animatedly and merrily.

The change of manager has had little impact and clients have been very welcoming. Our group of volunteers is terrific. Several long term volunteers resigned and were farewelled at the end of last year. Others have joined and others have dropped off mostly due to work commitments. They are a wonderful group to work with and Café would not survive very well without them. I am grateful to Helen and Jenny for new volunteers that have come and joined the pool. It is much nicer to juggle extras than stretch a few.

I am always so encouraged by the happy time clients have and how thankful they are for our Café.

Michele Ling - Café Supervisor

Veterans Community Support Service The Veteran’s Community Support Service is funded by the Department of Veteran’s Affair to provide information, support and referrals to the ex-service community and their families.

The support worker continues to develop community links with service provider and networks in the Bega Valley such as Centrelink, Far South Coast Legacy, Bega Legacy, the Bega Valley Dementia Network, the Suicide Prevention Network, Far South Coast RSL District Council, Mental Health Peer Network and Commonwealth Home Support Program, other regional and local forums. These networks enable the identification and reporting of unmet need. Discussion regarding care for Veterans occurs regularly with the contracted nursing service, occupational therapists and with the Community Health Team.

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 17

Anzac Day is an important event in our region. The support worker attended the dawn service in Tathra and the morning service in Bega. Both services were strongly supported by ex-service men and women and our community.

The support worker has also been involved with the Bega Valley Men’s Shed. The Men’s Shed promotes social inclusion by providing a place where men can work on meaningful projects. The shed addresses issues of isolation and provide education on a range of issues is of great benefit to men across the Shire. A number of participants are ex-servicemen.

“Men don’t talk face to face they talk shoulder to shoulder.”Professor Barry Golding

The support worker also met with individuals throughout the year to provide information, advice, support and referrals on a range of issues.

David Atkins – Veteran’s Community Support Officer

Volunteers Bega Valley Meals on Wheels Plus extends our gratitude to all our volunteers.

Jane Adam Carole Edward Marie Mahoney Graham Adamson Leone Fairweather Robert Mahoney

Jan Allan Costa Fella Robyn MahoneyEna Anderson Trevor Fowles Stephen MahoneyNeil Austin Gillian Franklin Margaret Mannes-Bailey

Cato Bailey Julianne Fraser Orna MarkTygh Barbara Lisa Freedman Patricia Martin

Valma Barber Jim Gall Heather Matthews

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 18

Jan Bartlett Beryl Gamble Brian MeersPam Beaumont Bevan Goldberg Shirley McCamish

Loretta Best Barbara Grist Jeanette McCannJanice Bool Bob Grist Carolyn McCollChloe Bourke Heinz Guenther Pat McRae

Helmut Braeuer Regine Guenther Sue Middlewood Joan Brooks Julie Hennessy Sue Mitchell-Davis

Heather Browne Rex Hergenhan Dorothy MullaneyDick Buesnel Howard Hill Lyn Murphy

Sandra Burns Mei Hill Cath MurphyAlf Caldwell Nancy Hinde Col Murphy Val Cartledge Ollie Hinde Sharon Nammensma

Keith Childs Lou Holt John NeilsonAnna Clarke Karen Hooley Maureen NeilsonNick Collins Mary Hoodless Jean Nicholson

Janet Collins Eva Horn Chris NoackEddie Collins Peter Horn Cecil Noack

Nerene Collins Pancho Horne Greg O’Brien Beryl Cooper Anne Hyam Maureen O'BrienJohn Cooper Pat Irving Diana Patterson

Jeanette Corbin Alison Jenkins Mary PayneJenette Cox Lloyd Jenkins Jan Pearce

Kevin Cox Leigh Johnston Frank Pearce Eric Cran Sue Kelly Anne Pointon

Wendy Cugley Vicki Kennaugh Jan PolakVal Cupples John Kennelley John Polak

Eileen Davies Marge Kennelley Laurel PowellJudy Day Ann Knight Stan PowellJoan De La Mare Betty Koellner Garry RawsonJack Dickenson Dirk Kruit Jan Reed

Rose Dickerson Heather Leeder Brian RichardsDean Dunworth Betty Lovelock Eva Richards

Patricia Durrant Junee Lowe Helen RobbiePeter Lucas Sharon MacPherson Lee Ryan

Cidi Scott Fay Steward

Margaret Sheaves Hans Theile

Ann Sheedy Judy Thomsen

Julie Simonds Jenny Robbins

Bob Sixsmith Maree Robinson

Yvonne Sixsmith Vic Robinson

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 19

Anne Slater Nola Russell

Jenny Slater Tony Toussaint

Len Slater Fay Traise

Christopher Sly Jill Troth

Jennie Smith Helen Turton

Peter Smith Keith Underhill

Stephen Smith Albert Vinnell

Lyn Smith Maureen Walker

Heather Sobey Trish Warby

John Sobey Margaret Warren

Sue Spink Rob Watch

Ted Spinks Bob Weston

Marianne Spitzbart Judith Wells

Stephanie Stanhope June Whalley

Linda Stanley Grace Whitby

Sue Stephenson Audrey Windle

Garry Stephenson Flo Young

Debra Stevenson

Julie Stevenson

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 20

Volunteer of the Year – Alf Caldwell

BVMOWPLUS Annual REPORT 2015 - 2016 21