Prestige Home Care Afternoon Tea

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

Amanda from Prestige Home Care brought a lovely tea for us one afternoon and gave a presentation about home care options for the future. We had pastries and scones, biscuits, tea and coffee as we listened to the different choices that people have for staying in their own homes with care from Prestige and other providers.

Prestige provides care for Government-funded home care packages, as well as private care. Amanda spoke about how the company used to be called 'Dutiful Daughters', and has been operating in the Eastern suburbs for decades. Their care packages range from 2 hours a week to 24 hours a day, and they will help with almost anything from cooking and shopping to changing dressings on wounds. Their staff are all trained in aged care, and they have registered nurses also.

It was an interesting talk and the residents that came got a lot out of chatting with Amanda and asking questions. If you would like to find out more you can pop in to the office or call Prestige on 1300 10 30 10.

Retirement Village Ambassador Visit

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

We were very honoured to welcome Retirement Village Ambassador, Kathryn Greiner, to the Astra in October. She spoke to us in depth about the Retirement Village Inquiry that she had headed, and what outcomes and new legislation had come from her recommendations. Ms Greiner is an extremely eloquent speaker, and she obviously had a great deal of experience and knowledge to share with us. It was a pleasure to hear her views on the current shape of the industry, and to have her available for a detailed Q&A session after her presentation. Following on from the Q&A session, those of us who were able to stayed for a cuppa and a biscuit and a chat.

Thanks to everyone from the Astra who came to show their support for this event, and in particular to Cleo who was instrumental in helping to bring it about.

Photography Day

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

It was a nice change of pace for us to have Guy Wilkinson, professional photographer, come to talk to us about his work last week. He showed us some of his most recent photos in a presentation, and told us about how he got into the profession. Guy mainly focuses on photographing buildings, but his enthusiasm for anything photographic was evident as he spoke. He spoke about how taking a photo of someone can show you their soul and be a very intimate experience. We discussed the interest and challenge of wedding photography, of school portrait photography, and of wildlife photography. Guy explained his editing process, and surprised us all with the length of time it takes him to edit one photograph.

Guy had his Canon camera with him and he talked about the benefits of different lenses and filters. He also had his new iPhone (with three cameras!) that he is still enjoying playing with. He showed us some tricks to focusing and changing the light levels when you take a photo on a phone. Guy’s final key message to all of us was “keep taking photos”, whether it’s with a camera or a phone, and enjoy yourself with photography. Next time we’ll plan for a practical photography workshop, where we go outside and take photos of things…

Proud Mary Murray River Cruise Presentation

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

Yesterday afternoon we were pleased to welcome Lisa, a representative of Proud Mary, to the Astra to give a presentation on their luxury Murray River and Barossa Valley experience. Lisa talked us through the itinerary, and then showed us a short video of testimonials from previous participants. The scenery there is stunning and the food and accommodation on the ships looks lovely. I think there were more than a few interested parties at the end of it, and Lisa stayed for a while to answer questions and help people to fill in forms.

Along with the presentation, we were treated to wine and nibbles in the form of cheese and biscuits, dips and fruit. It was a nice way to spend an hour at the end of the day, and thanks to Lisa and to all those that came along to hear. I look forward to seeing photos and hearing stories of any residents from the Astra going to that area. It’s certainly on my bucket list now!

Book Lovers' Day

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

It was perhaps slightly quieter than normal this afternoon on a windy Friday as we sat down to an hour of chatting about books and all things literary, in celebration of Book Lovers’ Day. Resident Cleo had prepared a short talk about significant books and authors, and we had prepared some information about local libraries and a literary trivia quiz. Despite the low numbers, those of us who were there had great fun discussing our favourite books with gusto, and here’s hoping that the next book-themed event is a real sensation.

World Health Day

/ Bondi Beach Astra Lounge/

7th April was World Health Day, and in recognition of this we held a healthy morning tea here at the Astra. Natasha from the local pharmacy came to talk to us about nutrition and healthy ageing, as well as giving us some really interesting information about Webster-paks. The talks were helpful and informative and everyone who attended had something positive to say about the morning. We had platters laden with fruit and veggies and nuts, so even the most health-conscious among us couldn’t complain about the nutritional benefit of the snacks on offer. I’ve no doubt this has inspired more than a few of us to do a little bit more exercise, eat a little bit healthier, and take the right number of vitamins in the right way. Thanks to Natasha, and to everyone who came along, for sharing ideas and tips for healthier living. Definitely food for thought.

Eastern Suburbs Private Hospital Afternoon

/ The Astra Lounge/

On the afternoon of 19th October, Astra residents were joined by representatives from the Eastern Suburbs Private Hospital for an afternoon tea in the lounge. Lucinda and Alexandra came to discuss the range of options available to residents through the hospital, including rehabilitation, therapies, falls prevention and pain management. The information was well-received and a good time was had by all. Everyone was given their own personal stress-relieving device (also known as a stress ball!) and the Eastern Suburbs ladies answered questions and gave out information on a wide range of topics. Thanks ladies!

Murray River Cruises Presentation

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Today Astra residents experienced a fun, informative morning presentation on the splendour of cruising the Murray River and the wonder of the scenic Indian Pacific Train trip. Ably led by the Proud Mary host, Adriana Malan, she talked us through what to expect, where to go, how it all works, and the prices involved, in making a journey along the Murray River. The spread of food and drink that came along with the presentation was splendid and well received by all who attended.

Adriana painted a picture of the scenes we could expect to see, the cuisine we could taste, the fresh countryside aroma we could smell and the sounds of the native wildlife we could hear. This was all to be a part of the experience of being on the magnificent and luxurious MV Proud Mary. With only 18 cabins, the personalised service is second to none. If you missed the presentation and would like to know more about the river cruise, please see the office or check out the Proud Mary website.