Arundel

This year the Seachange Arundel Social Club organised three different events for the purpose of raising funds for a great cause; the Queensland arm of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.  The three diverse events allowed the community to be proactive in raising both awareness and funds for increasing life expectancy and improving the quality of life of patient’s families and carers in respect to Prostate Cancer.

Residents opting to be involved stood together and all got behind this fundraising in various ways.  The men proudly grew moustaches and in doing so sought out sponsorship to have their moustaches shaved off. A resident Colin Howard, himself, proudly raised $325 for growing and shaving his moustache, stating, “I am passionate about the cause.”

A lunch, with entertainment sponsored by Seachange Lifestyle Resorts, and a large raffle comprising of 52 prizes, also proved to be popular with 260 residents in attendance.  Residents Beryl and Bruce Ackroyd actively supported and enjoyed all three fundraising events especially the ‘Lions Den’ show, which was their personal highlight.

The Lions Den Performance

Without a doubt the ‘Lions Den’ show proved to be most popular with approximately 300 residents and their family and friends in attendance, singing along, toe tapping and getting caught up in the energetic and vibrant show. The fusion between fundraising for such a worthy cause and entertaining a mass audience enabled for an emotionally charged memorable event held for an unforgettable and important cause.

According to Brian, “hosting such three diverse fundraising events for such a worthy cause was a no brainer.”  Both Brian and Di have found fundraising for Prostate Cancer to be both fun and more importantly so very rewarding.  “The cause clearly struck a chord within the community with a sell-out crowd to the final event, raising a staggering record sum for $13,310,” as Brian so humbly stated.  The Seachange community certainly are not sitting in silence- they are making a difference the best way they know how, by uniting as one!

Colin Howard raised much needed funds growing his ‘mo’ pictured with Julie enjoying the Lions Den show

Di and Joy at the box office

The sell out crowd at the Lions Den show

The Lions Den performers

Fundraising and giving back to the community is high on the agenda at Seachange Lifestyle Resorts Arundel.  With the continued commitment and support from the greater Seachange community led by the very capable duo of Brian and Di Dawson, the not for profit organisation – Rosies, received invaluable support and generous donations totalling $6000, this year.

Seachange Arundel held two fundraising events for Rosies, our friends on the street, these events included the Ladies Sewing and Craft groups organising a market/craft day and also hosting a morning tea. The sales from both of these events went directly to Rosies.  In addition, a variety show was held with full production costs being sponsored by Seachange Lifestyle Resorts and an anonymous supporter, enabling all ticket sales from the show to go directly to Rosies. According to Brian, “the sheer joy of fundraising on behalf of Rosies by all in attendance of the show made for a fun and rewarding event with the majority of money raised going to the Rosies Gold Coast branch.”

Both events were very successful in not only providing awareness but also an avenue for fundraising through superb fun and entertainment for all.  The connection Seachange Lifestyle Resorts has with Rosies is invaluable as the Seachange community continues to acknowledge and provide unconditional support and friendship to such a worthy cause.

“For men and women alike, this journey is the trajectory between birth and death, a human life lived. No one escapes the adventure. We only work with it differently.”-Jon Kabat-Zinn

The University of Queensland are working with Seachange Lifestyle Resorts to present the Ageing Mind Initiative. A series of short courses, the latest presentation at Seachange Arundel on Monday 7^th November was on the fundamentals of mindfulness.

UQ Honours Psychology student Joel gave an enlightening short course presentation on the basic principals of mindfulness, how our residents can practice mindfulness on a daily basis, the benefits of being mindful and some handy tips and tricks to get us through our daily activities in a peaceful way.

Joel taught us that mindfulness is about placing focus and attention on your here and now, facing life with openness, interest and receptiveness. Mindfulness is about experiencing the moment and your surrounds in an accepting and non-judgmental way. This practice allows us to experience emotions and teaches us how to better understand them, while the consistent breathing exercises helps to settle our heart and relax our body.

Presenting to a full room, Joel captivated the audience with the numerous exercises, helping to get each and every resident to be present and mindful throughout the course. Some Arundel residents amazed Joel on their current understanding of mindfulness and the different ways they practice it. One resident spoke of his colour imagination exercise and another resident discussed the notion of re-packaging an ancient concept and making it accessible to the now.

We all lead busy lives, especially the residents at Seachange Arundel. Busy keeping an active mind, body and soul, Arundel residents fill their days with physical, social and educational activities. Joel gave us some wonderful tips and tricks to help practice mindfulness on a daily basis. Some of these helpful ideas taught us how to practice mindfulness while washing up the dishes, walking and cooking.

Finishing up the short course, we were all present in the room and enjoying the moment for what it was. Tea and biscuits and a quick chat with Joel after the morning course helped put everyone in a delightful mood ready to take on whatever the day had in store.

 

The Kimberley in Western Australia is a region like no other and with thanks to Seachange Lifestyle Resorts and APT Tours Gwyneth Thompson was the lucky winner of the referral competition. The big win, meant Gwyneth and her friend Michelle were fortunate enough to be able to experience cruising this unique and spectacular destination.

Cruising the Kimberley provided Gwyneth with the opportunity to see such raw and innate beauty of Australia.  Whether it be flying over Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles in a helicopter or going down King George River in a Zodiac boat, she saw it all!  Gwyneth met with local Aboriginals, climbed to the top of a dry creek bed, gasped over ancient rock art and enjoyed time relaxing back on the beautiful cruise ship with a cool drink. Gwyneth certainly absorbed all that this top corner of Western Australia has to offer.

When asked about the cruise, Gwyneth stated, “the entire coastline has a special feel to it and we both felt very fortunate to have been able to experience such a friendly and professionally organised cruise full of ambiance and atmosphere.” The very friendly and helpful APT staff, excellent weather, diverse and stunning scenery and great company all combined have enabled Gwyneth to enjoy a picture perfect adventure with many holiday moments that will no doubt become lifetime memories.

Taking to the seas in true style, Gwyneth was full of anticipation for a holiday that she can now tick off her bucket list. Returning home from her holiday Gwyneth felt the experience far exceeded her expectations and highly recommends it to all who ask. According to Gwyneth, “in winning this competition cruising through the Kimberley and the serenity it offers has been a truly memorable moment.”

APT is offering special discounted rates for all Seachange residents wishing to experience a holiday as memorable as Gwyneth’s. Simply pick up the phone and give APT a call today to discuss the T’s & C’s and get ready for your next adventure.

The Hon Stuart Robert MP officially opened Seachange Arundel Community Garden on Tuesday 6^th September.  The afternoon proceedings started off with a leisurely walk through the new established and renovated community garden, followed by a delightful garden tea party hosted by the residents.

 

The ambience for the afternoon was simply one of getting back to nature!  A vast array of residents took the time to show off their beautiful community garden to all in attendance.  This garden is for the resident’s family and friends alike to enjoy, treasure, develop, improve and importantly love.   The residents were in their elements in their new community garden, with all quick to discuss, eager to explain and with all taking pride answering questions. Connie Glover a long term resident mentioned that, “every time I come, there is something different to see – a new type of lettuce, newly laid herb beds, and features to appeal to different residents”.

 

John Cowan proudly walked both the Hon Stuart Robert MP and Phil Goodman throughout the garden. The Hon Stuart Robert MP commented on John’s enthusiasm and knowledge which was so refreshing to see and simply stated, “there is just something beautiful about a community garden and it is clearly evident with the funding received that Seachange Arundel is making a difference within their community”.

 

During the formalities of the afternoon John spoke of how this community garden will provide many opportunities for recreation and exercise, from a simple stroll amongst the plants, to the day to day work of maintaining the garden– exercise carried out in friendly company, with a real sense of satisfaction and purpose.  He also spoke of the impact this garden has already had on the community, “…already access to this garden has had positive impacts on people’s physical and emotional wellbeing.  There are as many ways of starting and maintaining a community garden as there are gardeners and with the vision commitment and dedication and help of Mike Cecil and many others we are very proud of our community garden”.

 

The community garden, within Seachange Arundel, is a great way to grow food, foster good health, support learning, and cultivate vibrant friendships. Undoubtedly through connection to this community garden the residents are growing together as a community and loving their garden and in doing so nurturing their mind body and soul.

 

Over the past two months residents of Seachange Arundel have rolled up their sleeves to get dirty whilst reconditioning a community garden after receiving a generous community grant from the Governments Healthy Communities Initiative.

John Cowan, also known as JC the Garden Gnome, is the resident Project Manager of the community garden and he was assisted by fellow resident Dianne Cecil who played an integral role in submitting the application to receive a community grant for the garden.

Dianne proudly states “All residents can benefit from the new community garden, whether it is simply a walk through the garden, watering plants, learning about the growing of diverse vegetation or simply admiring the beauty of the garden.”

John, a keen and passionate gardener was thrilled to receiving the grant as he sees the community garden a place that will encourage active hands on participation and collaboration, uniting residents through common interests and a love for gardening. John added, “This garden has already created positive social interaction with residents showing a keen interest and working well together as a team to see the garden flourish.”

From the very beginning, the aim of the community garden was to establish and construct a productive garden precinct.  It is wonderful to see the community spirit that has arisen from the project as the garden builds a sense of community and belonging amongst residents and allows them to nourish their mind, body and soul.