Blue Care Rangeview- 25 years young
The Brisbane-based respite and social support centre, Blue Care Rangeview, has marked its 25th anniversary with the opening of a new Men’s Shed, worth $150,000.
Above: Ashgrove Men’s Shed member, Rod Cottle and Blue Care respite assistant coordinator, Darryl Jones, enjoy the new Men’s Shed at the official opening last Friday.
The Brisbane-based respite and social support facility, Blue Care Rangeview, has marked its 25th anniversary with the opening of a new Men’s Shed worth $150,000 last week.
The respite care provider, located in the inner north-west Brisbane suburb of Ashgrove, celebrated a quarter of a century in style, with a visit from several local, political notorieties including the Queensland Premier and Member for Ashgrove, Campbell Newman; and Federal Member for Ryan, Jane Prentice.
Blue Care Rangeview’s service manager, Caroline McCormack, said much had changed at the centre since it first opened 25 years ago, back in 1988.
“Our services now have a wellness, person-centred focus where the primary things we look at are helping clients reach their potential physically, emotionally and cognitively so that they feel motivated and positively energised,” Ms McCormack said.
“Clients don’t think of Rangeview Place as respite, rather as a social club to which they are members, where they come to meet new people, make friends and have an enjoyable time.
“When members come in, they all do different things, and form little groups based on their interests − one group might decide one day they would like to go on a day trip to an art gallery in New Farm, so we support them to do that.”
Blue Care executives, staff and friends attended the milestone event, as did the Andrew Thomas, the general manager of Perpetual Philanthropic Services – the organisation which donated most of the fund for the new Men’s Shed.
Ms McCormack said the organisation was extremely grateful for Perpertual’s generosity.
“This event will not only celebrate the centre’s past 25 years but also the changes which have taken place to ensure the services offered remain current and valued in the local community,” Ms McCormack said.
The shed will enable local men to enjoy isuch features as a large-screen television, library, barbeque and outdoor facilities, work shed and gym.
“The Men’s Shed is an example of a modern service which will reconnect men with their community and give them an exclusive area to socialise and take part in male-orientated activities,” she said.
“The notion of [setting up] a Men’s Shed and establish a social men’s group had been a dream of mine for quite some time after I saw how many men were not settling well into social respite or ‘club’ activities.
“Dreams really can come true – but not without wonderful community support and the generous funding from the John Thomas Wilson Endowment managed through Perpetual.
“The Lions Club of Ashgrove has been involved with this project right from day one and this community connection has been essential to get the shed to what it is today.”
The Ashgrove Men’s Shed membership is open to all men in the local community. Those interested are encouraged to attend an open day on Wednesday, November 14.
Blue Care Rangeview is available for people who are cared for by a friend or family member, or who live alone. A pick up and drop off service is available. For more information please phone 07 3514 4900.
