January 30, 2014
Members of the Morwell RSL Power House Day Club will be out and about across Victoria over the next 12 months thanks to $10,000 in Federal Government funds.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the club had been successful in its application to the Commonwealth’s Veteran and Community Grants program.
He said the group would visit Bendigo, Port Albert and metropolitan Melbourne as well as other sites in Gippsland as part of its bus trip program.
“As people get older it is easy for them to feel socially isolated with financial and physical barriers often preventing them from undertaking individual outings,” Mr Chester said.
“Groups such as the Power House Day Club are working hard to actively keep older residents engaged with the community which research has shown improves their physical and mental wellbeing.
“The club’s bus trip program has been running for over six years and helps to promote a healthy lifestyle by getting members active and outdoors while interacting with other club members.”
Morwell RSL Power House Day Club Co-ordinator Rosa Schumann said it was expected that between 500 and 600 people would benefit from bus trips over the next three years.
She said the group would also use the grant to purchase equipment for use by members including an iPad; digital camera; Nintendo Wii console; mobile cooler; collapsible trolley; and utility chairs.
“The majority of our members are in the seventies, with some in their eighties and nineties,” Mrs Schumann said.
“Many live alone and find it increasingly difficult to attend social functions and outings and for some people, the effects of not having family close to home due to relocation or bereavement, leaves them in a position where they do not have day-to-day or weekly contact with others.
“Identifying and addressing issues as such social interaction, inclusion and mental wellness is the reason that the club has been successful over the past six years and we’re pleased that our work is being supported by the Federal Government.”
The Morwell RSL Power House Day Club meets every Tuesday at 10:30am and is supported by the committee and staff from the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch. Anyone seeking further information can contact the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch on 5134 2455.
Further information on the Veteran and Community Grants program can be found at www.dva.gov.au/health_and_wellbeing/veterans_community_grants