TRUE BLUE MATESHIP
Australia Day came early for a community group which is breaking down barriers of isolation to bring older Gold Coasters together
FOR two years after Irene Mintrum’s beloved husband Fred died, she rarely left her Nerang home.
“One day the welfare people came around and they wanted to know what I did all day,” Mrs Mintrum said.
“And I told them the truth – most of the time I did nothing.
“They were the ones who told me about Liberty.
“Now every week the driver comes to pick me up, he puts his arm under mine and escorts me to the bus. It is so lovely.”
Mrs Mintrum, 92, and her friends at Liberty Community Connect now have such a packed social schedule with a number of excursions planned that they’ve been celebrating Australia Day early.
The non-profit organisation provides a diverse offering from social activities to technology courses and services like a hairdresser and podiatrist to adults with a disability and older people.
This also gives much needed respite to family members and carers.
Clients Harold Brown, 83, of Nerang and Edna Machon, 86, of Carrara got stuck into the thong throwing at the recent Australia Day party.
“I came here because I wanted to get to know some new people and find out what’s happening in the community,” Ms Machon said.
“We go on so many trips on the bus to picnics and our luncheon club.”
Diversional therapist Katrina Vuori had put together a packed program of iconic television and radio jingles and books on Australiana for the clients to discuss.
“But really all the activities are just a bonus because to most people the most important part is coming here and forming friendships,” Ms Vuori said. “A lot of our clients used to feel very isolated but now they look forward to coming here each week.”
Liberty Community Connect is located in Nerang but a bus picks up clients from across the Gold Coast.
To find out if you or a loved one is eligible for the service call 5578 1668.