Rumba salutes Elders every day
Seniors Week is just like any other at Rumbalara Elders Facility. Every day at the facility is used to celebrate its Elders.
Approaching its ninth year, the 30-bed residential facility with a dedicated palliative care room is supported 24 hours a day by staff.
Executive manager David Shipston said there was a huge emphasis on family within the facility, as well as providing culturally appropriate care.
‘‘Seniors Week is like every week at the facility, that focus is on making the Elders foremost in everyone’s lives,’’ Mr Shipston said.
Offering a range of supports, the facility works to provide aged care assistance and support for First Nations NDIS clients, with further support from the positive ageing and disability branch of the Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative.
‘‘We offer culturally appropriate care with a focus on cultural events,’’ Mr Shipston said.
‘‘NAIDOC Week, Sorry Day and the Apology Breakfast are big events that we want to recognise in
WE OFFER CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE CARE WITH A FOCUS ON CULTURAL EVENTS. — DAVID SHIPSTON
the facility.
‘‘Obviously we also love to celebrate all big events, with birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.’’
This year in celebration of Seniors Week, culturally significant celebrations in a COVID-safe environment are set to include a high tea and smoking ceremony, with plans to also make a possum skin cloak.
In conjunction with the celebrations, the facility will also soon be graced with artwork Elders took part in creating at the recent Turtle Muster, run by Kaiela Arts.
With restrictions making celebrations a difficult feat, the team at Rumbalara Elders Facility is hoping for more Seniors Week celebrations to come in the future.
‘‘My goal is eventually to hold a family market to encourage family cohesion and togetherness,’’ Mr Shipston said.
‘‘Elders could focus on crafts and singing, cultural activities with didgeridoos and fire burnings, it will be fantastic when we can do it.’’
For more information on Rumbalara Elders Facility, contact the team on 5820 6200.