The Aboriginal Elders Village Site Manager Ingrid has kindly shared her speech that she made at the Village’s Christmas party back in December, which saw the gathering of Elders, staff, and their families.
This was a very special event for all who attended, and her words illustrate the hard work of the AEV team, and how they have been able to improve the lives of residents. She reflected on the formation of the Marra Elders Playgroup, an initiative that has enhanced the wellbeing of residents and learning experiences for little ones in our community. Its one of the many things to celebrate about the village this year.
Playgroup SA, Marra Dreaming, and Aboriginal Elders Village gather for intergenerational Playgroup
Ingrid spoke about facing the challenges of reform, and the learning journey with the new act and strengthened standards.
While there were some hard times for the team, highlights she pointed to were being a part of the Maggie Beer Mentor Program, and the My Journey Needs Round project that saw improvements in end-of-life care.
My Journey Needs Round team attend SA Health Awards 2025
Thank you Ingrid for sharing your speech with us! We are so proud of the Aboriginal Elders Village team!
Good morning everyone, and welcome. As we gather here today, the festive season is truly upon us, and it’s wonderful to see all of us coming together to celebrate.
To relatives and friends, we welcome you as visitors, the positive impact your visits bring to your loved one cannot be underestimated.
And to our residents, thank you for sharing your lives with us. It’s a privilege to care for you, and the joy you bring to us all is immeasurable. I hope you feel comfortable, supported, and surrounded by the warmth of this community, especially during this festive period. Thank you for trusting us to be a part of your lives and for sharing your traditions and stories with us.
For our staff, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Your hard work and dedication are what make this place feel like home. You’ve navigated the year with professionalism, kindness, and a genuine commitment to our residents. Thank you for your tireless efforts.
This year we have had, and faced many challenges, such as the flooding which caused damage to a few of the units. A big thank you to the residents and staff for coping with these disruptions whilst repairs occurred. The introduction of the New Strengthened Standards and the Reform Act which commenced on Nov 1st.
This year, we have achieved so much together. We are so fortunate to be part of the Maggie Beer Mentor Program. Chef Cam our Trainer, will help us to continuously improve, meet regulatory requirements and enhance the quality of life for our residents. I would like to thank Chef Cam for all his assistance in helping us with the program.
This year Marra Elders Intergenerational Playgroup was formed, the little ones learn directly from the residents in fostering respect, identity and belonging from an early age. Held on a fortnightly basis during school term the program includes storytelling, singing in Aboriginal language and cooking such as making damper. The response from several media organisations such as NITV, The Women’s Weekly, New Idea, ABC Radio, Gawler Bunyip as well Sunrise on 7 in promoting this initiative has been overwhelming.
My Journey Needs Round- a culturally informed palliative care initiative. The Northern Adelaide Palliative Service have worked alongside with Sam, Priya and me to improve end of life experiences through culturally respectful person-led care planning and palliative care. The My Journey Needs Round was nominated as finalist in both the NALHN and the State Health Awards, a great achievement for all involved. The services of a Consultant from Dementia Australia were engaged, to assist the Elders Village in enabling the entire facility to become dementia friendly rather than having a specific memory support unit.
As we look ahead to the new year, I’m filled with optimism for what we will achieve together. May you all have a wonderful, safe, and memorable Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Thank you.
Ingrid Coad, Site Manager, Aboriginal Elders Village
Part of the wider community and want to support the work we do at Aboriginal Community Services and help the Village improve? Consider donating and be a part of providing culturally appropriate care to Aboriginal Elders in SA.
