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With 7 August marking Aged Care Employee Day, we encourage all services to take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible people who make a difference in the lives of Elders and communities every day. Whether it's a morning tea, BBQ or simply taking time to say thank you, recognising the contribution of your workforce is an important way to acknowledge the care, compassion and commitment they bring to their roles.
Are you finding that your activity calendar needs a refresh? Significant dates throughout the year provide wonderful opportunities to connect clients, families and communities while celebrating culture, history and diversity. Whether it’s through storytelling, music, art, food or time spent together, these occasions can inspire meaningful and enjoyable activities for Elders and clients.
Here are a few ideas for the coming weeks:
🌳26 July – National Tree Day
Celebrate caring for Country by planting a tree, native bush or community garden with clients. Invite Elders to share stories about traditional plants and their uses or create nature-inspired artwork using leaves and seeds collected during a walk.
🧡4 August – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
Bring generations together by inviting local children, grandchildren and families to join clients for afternoon tea. Activities could include face painting, traditional games, colouring-in,storytelling, singing, or creating artwork together. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the important role Elders play in passing on culture and knowledge.
🫶🏼7 August – Aged Care Employee Day
Show your appreciation for the dedicated staff who care for Elders and communities by hosting a shared lunch or morning tea. Clients and family members could contribute handwritten notes, photos or messages of thanks to celebrate the difference aged care workers make each day..
🌏9 August – International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
Celebrate Indigenous cultures from around the world by sharing stories, music and traditional foods. Clients and staff could create flags or artwork representing their own culture, watch cultural performances, or hold a "yarning around the world" session exploring similarities and connections between Indigenous communities globally.
💜31 August – Wear It Purple Day
Show support for diversity and inclusion by encouraging staff and clients to wear purple. Decorate communal areas, enjoy a purple-themed morning tea and create a "Kindness Wall" where everyone can share messages of acceptance, respect and belonging.
📚2 September – Indigenous Literacy Day
Celebrate the power of stories and language by hosting a reading circle or book display featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and illustrators. Invite community members or school children to read with Elders, share favourite books, or record stories and memories that can be preserved for future generations.
Remember, activities don't have to be complicated or expensive. Often, the most meaningful experiences are those that bring people together, encourage conversation and celebrate culture, community and connection.
Have you organised an activity that has been a great success? We'd love to hear about it and share your ideas with other service providers in a future edition of the newsletter.
