Private Members' Statement
Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) (13:11): Friendships and social interaction play an important role in our overall wellbeing. The sound of laughter, conversation and social interaction can make a long, boring day go so much quicker. As they say, time flies when you are having fun. But as we age it can be increasingly difficult to maintain those friendships and enjoy social outings, particularly when mobility becomes an issue and there is little or no support or access to transport. That is where centres such as Myrtle Cottage in Ingleburn are important. For 40 years Myrtle Cottage has been supporting frail aged people, young people with disabilities and people with dementia, and their carers. Myrtle Cottage provides a range of recreational activities and social programs and has established important links with a network of complementary services across the Macarthur region.
The facility and its services are very impressive and recently attracted international attention. In July a group of 28 recreation and leisure students from the University of Texas in the United States visited Myrtle Cottage through a partnership program with Western Sydney University. The visit showcased Myrtle Cottage's exceptional programs. So impressed were the students from the University of Texas that Myrtle Cottage will now feature in an upcoming textbook. A community group in Ingleburn is being used internationally as an academic example on how to better serve those in challenging circumstances based on the ingredients of kindness, generosity and commitment to public service. Closer to home, Myrtle Cottage has developed a program with Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre supporting people with dementia. The popular art-based program provides an opportunity for people with dementia to share their feelings and thoughts on artworks in the gallery in small group settings. Myrtle Cottage has a wonderful team of 16 staff led by Elizabeth Dalcasse.
Of course, the backbone of the cottage's fabulous work is the 104 volunteers who give selflessly of their time to help others. The cottage is also supported by many generous corporates, including Ingleburn RSL Club, which provides meals. The cottage has 250 clients and 60 fully modified vehicles providing a door-to-door service for all members and enabling clients to access the programs on offer at their convenience. The centre also provides a community link line, a telephone conferencing program that has been designed to reach those who are socially isolated or who would like to socialise from their own homes with people. As the name suggests, the program is run over the phone and involves general discussion, guest speakers and games.
It is another example of Myrtle Cottage's excellent programs to break down the barriers that frail aged people and those with a disability often find in connecting with others in the community.
I recently visited the cottage and saw at first hand the joy that its programs bring to so many people. People were clapping and singing along in a boisterous fashion as the choir belted out some old classics and traditional Christmas carols. I spoke with many of the participants there and they all told me how much they enjoyed their visits to the centre. There was a lot of laughter, many smiles, much foot-tapping to the music and a wonderful atmosphere, celebrating fun and friendship.
Stan the Man, a regular at the centre, took a break from the day's entertainment to pose for a photo. He spoke to me about the value of the centre in connecting people who may be stuck at home for a variety of reasons, often lonely and in need of fun, friendship and some human company. Camaraderie was certainly on display at Myrtle Cottage, as was our caring community. The centre receives minimal funding and relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of its volunteers to administer its various activities and programs, whether it is art therapy, music or the centre's relaxing gardens. Myrtle Cottage is a place to gather, a place to share experiences and a place to form friendships.
Myrtle Cottage is certainly helping the frail aged, people with disability and people with dementia live up to its motto: Live social, live active and live well. At a time when more elderly people find themselves living independently at home, I trust that Myrtle Cottage may continue its vital work for many years to come. I commend its work to the House and congratulate Myrtle Cottage on its fortieth anniversary celebration in making our community a better place.
