MSWA Bulletin Magazine Autumn 17

BUSSELTON OUTREACH NEWS
BUSSELTON OUTREACH NEWS
NICOLA RYAN, MSWA SENIOR OUTREACH COORDINATOR
The first meeting of the new Busselton Outreach Group was
held at the Busselton Community Centre on 14 February.
It was very well attended and a wonderful start for the group.
The venue was perfect with a lovely bright sitting area,
comfortable chairs, easy access for all amenities as well as
a huge car park. Special thanks to Megan, the local MSWA
Physiotherapist for sounding out this great venue!
Dhyana, the MSWA South West Community MS Liaison Nurse
had a small table set up where she could check on Members’
blood pressure as well as answer their questions. Support
staff from the other departments were also on hand to give
their support to Members.
Some Members who said they had felt a little nervous about
attending were soon laughing and mixing with others as
everyone was very welcoming. Morning tea was enjoyed
by withal, with lots of new ideas being discussed over a cup of tea.
WILSON OUTREACH NEWS
NICOLA RYAN, MSWA SENIOR OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Wilson Outreach enjoyed a lovely 2016 that ended as usual
with a lot of fun! As you may have read before, we often spend
time virtually travelling around the world. November was filled
with wonderful Hawaiian themed entertainment and activities.
We made coconuts, painted hibiscuses, unscrambled word
jumbles, tried the tongue twisting challenge and danced
around in hula skirts!
Our lovely friends at Duo 41, brought their ukulele playing
friends to Wilson to serenade us with dulcet tunes. What a
treat to have such talented players perform their unique talent
WILSON live for us! We wrapped OUTREACH things up with a good NEWS old Luau; a
traditional Hawaiian feast, where staff and Members enjoyed
a beautiful outdoor BBQ lunch.
December rolled on and our Christmas party was once again
held in Como with a full house! Many staff were up on stage to
entertain us throughout the day and their special efforts were
greatly appreciated. Everyone really enjoyed the party and
Santa paid us a visit too! Once again, the QBE staff volunteers
helped with set up, serving and pack up. They are legends!
We surveyed our Outreach Groups attendees regarding the length
of closure over the Christmas period and based on the results,
most centres shortened the holiday break period. Most re-opened
this year a week earlier than usual. Attendance numbers were a
little low, however, we are now well into the swing of things.
As we carry on the ’travelling’ tradition into 2017, February has
been about exploring Italy. The food (not to mention the wine!), the
architecture, history and the fashion! What a rich culture! I’m not
Plans for games, quizzes,
educational talks as well as
visiting guest artists soon
had the Members buzzing
with excitement as to what they could expect at their
monthly meetings. The next one was held on 14 March.
If you are reading this and live in Busselton or surrounding
areas, please come and see us. If you have any questions
about the group, you can call our Wilson Office on 9365 4888.
We now have quite a team based in Busselton with
physiotherapists, occupational therapists, a masseuse, a
counsellor and welfare officer based in Bunbury.
Our MSWA staff are here to help and don’t forget the
WA NDIS first trial site began in Busselton so if you
are under 65 and haven’t registered with the scheme or
don’t quite understand what it all means, contact our
NDIS Team at NDIS@mswa.org.au and they will be happy
to provide you with essential information and support.
sure a month is long enough!
We have made our own pasta
and pizza, had a chocolate and
cheese tasting day, planted
basil and stimulated our senses
with aromatic coffee beans!
Much fun was had competing
in the traditional pastime of Bocce in our beautiful outdoor area.
Which brings me to mention our recent outdoor renovations!
Using our raffle fundraising money, we installed café style blinds
to enclose the patio, with the hope also of weatherproofing the
area. Wall fans are now being sourced to help keep air circulating
and providing greater comfort for Members whilst outside.
Our long-time volunteer gardener, John, has rejuvenated our
large raised garden beds, ready for new harvests this year. So
far, we have planted a lovely range of herbs for our new cook,
Justine, to work her magic with!
We also have a new worm farm that has been donated from
a staff member, to go with the one we have that was donated
by Bunnings. Pretty soon we will have the healthiest veggie
patch in all of Perth!
We always welcome new Members to come visit us and
participate in social interaction and activities. We have
a wide variety of facilities, with something for everyone,
even if it is just a cuppa! Please contact me, Nicola Ryan
at Nicola.ryan@mswa.org.au, should you wish to pop in
and see what it’s all about.
MSWA BULLETIN AUTUMN 2017 | 27