End of an era for arthritis group
The Warragul Arthritis Self Help Group has celebrated a milestone achievement and end of an era.
The group’s 30th anniversary celebration earlier this month also marked the announcement the group would disband at the end of the year.
For the past five years, the same committee members and three exercise leaders taking three classes a week has kept the group going.
With no one new to take on any positions, the inevitable decision was made to disband the Warragul Arthritis Self-Help Group at the end of the year.
The idea for an arthritis self-help group was initiated by Olive Lyon and Tony Hausler. A few people had completed their arthritis self-management course and at a public meeting on September 2, 1992, they called for volunteers to establish the group.
Elly Carey had previously completed the course in Melbourne and immediately agreed to take on the challenging role.
The first meeting of the group was held at Grace Berglund on October 7, 1992. A representative from Arthritis Foundation of Victoria attended to help set up the informal group. Meetings were held at the Mawarra Training Unit on the first Thursday of the month from 3pm to 5pm. An afternoon tea roster was prepared with the nominated person supplying a packet of biscuits and refreshments.
Initially, six to 10 people attended each meeting. The aim of the group was to give members support and friendship and to keep the group as informed as possible about everything related to arthritis.
Two years later, the group became became associate members of Arthritis Foundation Victoria.
Guest speakers from the local community spoke on specific issues relating to arthritis as well as outings including a visit to the Independent Living Centre in Melbourne to look for aids for people with arthritis.
In February 1998, Elly Carey and Mina van der Veen began a warm water exercise class in the hydrotherapy pool at Warragul Leisure Centre. The classes were so successful that they attracted even more members.
After 10 years, Elly resigned as co-ordinator and Lesley Welch took over the position. Lesley instigated many changes. As the group was getting too big for the Mawarra venue, it moved to Vision Australia with meetings held from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. An official committee
was formed, and a constitution drawn up.
Around this time, Barry Davis arrived from Darwin. He offered to teach Tai Chi and began lessons in 2003. The group involved themselves with Vision Australia clients and did demonstrations for other community groups. The group no longer teaches Tai Chi but a friendship group continues to meet weekly for exercises.
Barry also published the group’s first newsletter in 2003. These were initially produced bi-monthly, but over the years it has become necessary to keep the group informed monthly.
In 2003, Richard Adams, manager of the West Gippsland Hospital’s physiotherapy department, approached the group to put in a joint submission with the West Gippsland Healthcare Group for the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions Improvements grant program.
The application was successful, leading to the formation of “Strength Training and Falls
Prevention” classes in the physiotherapy department for people with arthritis.
Lesley Welch set up a library and sold a variety of aids for people with disability.
The group has advocated for changes in the local community, including campaigning for more disabled parking in various places around town, and seating in Medicare and banks for people waiting to be served.
Lesley Welch and Joan Lowrey were on the Baw Baw Shire’s disability improvements committee for many years.
In 2009, Arthritis Victoria awarded the Warragul group the Molly Riches Trophy. The annual award recognises the significant contribution to community awareness of arthritis health issues, the mutual support of members and the growth of the group.
Joan Fletcher and Wendy Mather began chair-based exercises in 2011. These proved popular and a number of members have trained to be a leader over the years.
The Warragul group contributed for many years to Camp Limber Up, a camp for young children with arthritis and their parents.
Aquatic areas at the Leisure Centre were closed for re-development in March 2015. Elly Carey and Annette Gallagher attended the Warragul Leisure Centre project reference group meetings run by the shire. Council provided the group with a minibus and driver to take members to Casey RACE at Cranbourne.
A Nordic Walking Group began in 2016 led by Don McArthur, Jo van de Burgt and Glenda MacFarlane. Maree Wallace organised the loan of nordic walking sticks from the shire.
Over the years, there have been many changes to venues, exercise classes and membership. Many members have stepped up to take on various roles when required and everyone enjoys the annual bus trips, barbecue for Arthritis Awareness Week and mid-year and Christmas luncheons.
Outings include Sand Sculptures at Frankston, visits to the Desalination Plant and Coal Mine at Wonthaggi, a trip by ferry to Williamstown, and Old Gippstown.
Afternoon teas were a memorable highlight of monthly meetings. Huge queues formed to devour the delicious food supplied by the catering team led by Shirley Gapes and Sylvia Middleton. Members also contributed with their favourite cakes and slices.
Jenny Drummond did a wonderful job with the group’s monthly newsletter, putting in much research, and her newsletters included recipes, jokes and useful information - which was all much appreciated during COVID lockdowns.
COVID had a huge impact on the group. General meetings and exercise classes were all put on hold and when the group could reconvene numbers were limited.
The 30th anniversary celebrations recognised long service awards for a number of members:
25 years - Elly Carey, Mina van der Veen, Lesley Welch
20 years - Anne Bisseling, Mary Dorling
10 years - Elaine Anderson, Annette Gallagher, Ray Derbyshire, Karen Algie, Jenny Drummond, Dave Drummond
5 years - Betty Bence, Sylvia Middleton, Ann Naudi, Ray Brydon, Don McArthur, Marita Duncan, Maree Wallace.
Outstanding service awards - Elly Carey, Betty Bence, Annette Gallagher
WASHG life members are Elly Carey, Mina van der Veen and Annette Gallagher.