Celebrating the K-Life Auxiliary and 15 Years of Leadership

The Killarney Community Pool has reopened for the 2026–27 swimming season, providing the community with a welcoming place to swim, exercise, develop water skills and enjoy time together. To celebrate the beginning of the new season, K-Life will host a free community Pool Party on Saturday, 3 October 2026, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.  The Pool Party will include: • Free pool entry • Free lunchtime sausage sizzle • Inflatable pool activities Families and community members of all ages are invited to attend and enjoy a fun day at the pool. K-Life General Manager Andrew Millard also welcomed the pool’s new manager, Bec, to the Killarney community. “We are delighted to welcome Bec to Killarney Community Pool,” Mr Millard said. “Bec brings extensive experience in swimming-pool management and swim teaching. Her knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to water safety will be a great asset to the pool and the wider Killarney community. “We are excited about the positive direction of the pool and the opportunities Bec will help create for local children, adults and families.” Killarney Community Pool’s Term 4 programs will officially commence on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. A broad range of programs will be available for children and adults, including: • Learn to Swim classes • Swimming squads • Aqua Play for children under four • Higher-intensity Aqua Aerobics • Low-impact and Gentle Aqua Aerobics • Adult SwimFit • Adult and private swimming lessons, subject to availability • One-on-one swimming lessons and support for neurodivergent community members The one-on-one swimming option will provide a quieter and more individualised learning environment for neurodivergent children and adults. Lessons can be adapted to suit each participant’s abilities, confidence, communication style, sensory preferences and learning needs. This individual approach can help participants become more comfortable around water, develop essential water-safety skills and progress at a pace that is appropriate for them. Families and support people are encouraged to speak with the pool team about individual needs and suitable lesson arrangements. Bec said she was looking forward to becoming part of the Killarney community and expanding the opportunities available at the pool. “I am very excited to be joining the Killarney community and introducing a range of new swimming, fitness and water-based programs,” Bec said. “My goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where people of all ages and abilities can feel comfortable in the water, improve their skills and enjoy being active. “I am particularly pleased that we will be able to offer one-on-one support for neurodivergent community members. Every person learns differently, and individual lessons allow us to adapt our teaching style and the swimming environment to better support each participant. “I am looking forward to meeting local families and working with the community to make the pool a vibrant, safe and inclusive place for everyone.” The reopening of the pool and introduction of the new programs represent an important investment in the health and wellbeing of the Killarney community. Killarney Community Pool is located at Willow Street, Killarney. For information about opening hours, programs, one-on-one lessons and enrolments, contact the pool on 07 4664 1119 or email pool@klife.org.au.

From 21–27 September 2026, Dementia Action Week encourages Australians to start conversations, improve understanding and help reduce the stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with dementia. This year’s theme, “It’s time to talk about dementia,” reminds us that honest and respectful conversations can make it easier for people to seek information, receive a diagnosis and connect with appropriate support. Dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians. In 2026, an estimated 446,500 Australians are living with dementia, while approximately 1.7 million people are involved in their care. Despite the number of people affected, dementia can still be difficult to discuss. People may worry about saying the wrong thing, misunderstand dementia as a normal part of ageing or feel uncertain about how to support someone experiencing changes to their memory or thinking.  Talking openly about dementia helps build understanding and reminds people living with dementia, their families and carers that they are not alone. Local connection through the K-Life Dementia Support Group Support and connection are available locally through the K-Life Dementia Support Group. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month and provides a welcoming and supportive environment for people living with dementia, their families, carers and friends. It offers an opportunity to connect with others who understand the experience of dementia, share information, discuss challenges and learn more about available services and support. For carers and family members, simply speaking with someone who has faced a similar situation can provide reassurance and reduce feelings of isolation. For people living with dementia, the group offers an inclusive setting where they are welcomed, respected and encouraged to remain connected with their community. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to contact K-Life for information about the next meeting. Become a Dementia Friend One simple way we can all help create a more understanding and inclusive community is by becoming a Dementia Friend. A Dementia Friend is someone who wants to improve their understanding of dementia and learn how to support people living with dementia in ways that are meaningful to them. This support may be as simple as showing patience during a conversation, taking time to listen, challenging an unhelpful stereotype or helping someone remain involved in a community activity. Becoming a Dementia Friend is not about becoming a dementia expert. It is about learning, listening and taking practical steps to help people living with dementia feel respected, supported and included. K-Life is encouraging individuals, workplaces, clubs and community groups to become involved in the Dementia Friends program. If you or your community group would like to learn more or become part of the program, please contact K-Life. Together, we can help make Killarney a community where people living with dementia and their families feel understood, welcomed and supported. Learn more: • Dementia Action Week • Become a Dementia Friend For free and confidential information, advice and support, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 , available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

R U OK? Day is a held on 10th September each year to remind us to check in with the people around us and ask a simple but important question: “Are you OK?” R U OK? Day encourages Australians to have meaningful conversations with family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and members of their community who may be experiencing a difficult time. The message is simple: you don't need to be an expert to start a conversation. Sometimes, taking the time to notice a change, ask how someone is going and genuinely listen can help a person feel supported and less alone. R U OK? Day is more than asking the question once a year. It is about building a culture where checking in with each other becomes part of your life, everyday. Why is this important in rural communities? Living in a rural community has many strengths. We often know our neighbours, families and local businesses, and there can be a strong sense of community spirit and looking out for one another. However, rural and remote communities can also experience challenges such as geographical isolation, limited access to services, fewer transport options and people needing to travel further to access health and support services. This makes connection particularly important. A friendly conversation over a cup of coffee, checking on a neighbour, inviting someone to a community event or simply making a phone call can make a difference. We should also remember that people don't always tell us when they are struggling. Someone may appear to be coping on the outside while experiencing loneliness, grief, stress, anxiety or other challenges privately. This is why noticing, asking and listening matters. R U OK? and people living with dementia or chronic disease The message of R U OK? is equally important for people living with dementia or chronic illnesses.

An exciting new outdoor space is taking shape in front of the Kadimah verandah, with the installation of new raised garden beds and an accessible concrete pathway. The specially designed garden beds have been supplied by a Melbourne-based company and will provide residents with a comfortable and accessible place to enjoy gardening. Their raised design will make it easier for residents to participate in planting, watering and harvesting without needing to bend down or work at ground level. A new concrete pathway has also been constructed from the ramp leading off the Kadimah verandah to the garden beds. This will provide safer and easier access for residents, including those using wheelchairs and mobility aids, and help connect the new garden area with the verandah. Once completed and planted, the garden beds will provide opportunities for residents to grow flowers, herbs and vegetables while enjoying fresh air, gentle activity and time outdoors. Gardening can support physical movement, stimulate the senses and encourage social connection, while also bringing a sense of purpose and achievement. The project will create a welcoming outdoor space where residents can participate according to their interests and abilities—from actively planting and caring for the gardens to simply sitting nearby and enjoying the colour, fragrance and changing seasons.  We look forward to seeing the new garden area come to life and sharing updates as our residents begin planting and growing.

By Dr Konrad Kangu

K-Life residents, staff and volunteers embraced the colour, creativity and community spirit of this year’s Jumpers and Jazz in July festival. Our celebrations began well before the festival, with residents and volunteers working together to create K-Life’s tree jumper entry. Inspired by the theme of “jam,” the colourful display was lovingly made through many hours of planning, crafting and teamwork. Once complete, our entry transformed Tree No. 4 into a bright and playful festival feature. We were thrilled to learn that K-Life received second prize in the Local Business category—wonderful recognition of the creativity, commitment and collaborative effort behind the display. The project was about much more than the finished tree. It provided opportunities for residents to share their skills, contribute ideas and enjoy working towards a common goal. Every handcrafted piece formed part of a larger creation, demonstrating what can be achieved when people come together. Music was also an important part of our celebrations, with the K-Life Choir performing during the festival. Residents enjoyed sharing their love of music and entertaining visitors, adding to the lively atmosphere for which Jumpers and Jazz is known. Residents also had opportunities to enjoy the festival displays and soak up the atmosphere around Warwick. The colourful tree jumpers, music and creative installations provided plenty to see, discuss and enjoy together. When the festival came to an end, our volunteers once again generously gave their time to help dismantle the display. Their contribution throughout the project—from creating and installing the decorations to packing everything away—was greatly appreciated. Jumpers and Jazz in July is a wonderful celebration of art, music and community. For K-Life, it was also an opportunity to celebrate the talents of our residents and the value of connection, participation and teamwork.  Congratulations and thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s entry and activities. Receiving second prize was a fantastic achievement, but the greatest reward was seeing residents, staff and volunteers come together to create something special for our community.

K-Life is delighted to welcome Bec as the new Manager of the Killarney Community Pool. Bec brings almost 21 years of experience in teaching, coaching and managing learn-to-swim programs and swimming squads. Having lived in Logan for most of her life, she is now looking forward to becoming part of the Killarney community and bringing her extensive aquatic experience to our local pool. With the pool preparing to reopen in September, Bec has plenty of ideas for programs that will encourage people of all ages and abilities to get involved. Her plans include learn-to-swim programs, swimming squads and Baby Aqua Play, subject to suitable water temperatures. Bec is also close to completing an aquarobics qualification and hopes to offer opportunities for adults and older community members to enjoy the health and social benefits of exercising in the water. Water safety will be another important focus. Bec would like to introduce a Junior Lifeguard program, helping children develop valuable skills, confidence and an understanding of how to stay safe around water. Bec is also interested in introducing Pool Life Saving Sport as an alternative to traditional swimming carnivals. These activities give children the opportunity to develop and demonstrate a wider range of skills beyond swimming speed alone. This can help more young people feel successful in the pool while learning practical lifesaving skills. Away from the pool, Bec describes herself as “a collector of hobbies.” She enjoys dancing and a wide variety of crafts and is a passionate Queensland Firebirds supporter. Although knee injuries brought her own netball-playing days to an end, her enthusiasm for sport and active living remains strong. Bec’s depth of experience, creativity and focus on inclusion will be a wonderful addition to the Killarney Community Pool. We are excited to see the pool reopen and to welcome local families, swimmers and community members back for another season.  Please join us in warmly welcoming Bec to K-Life and the Killarney community. Keep an eye on the Killarney Community Pool Facebook page for reopening information, program announcements and enrolment details.

K-Life marked Aged Care Employee Day with a colourful week of celebration, recognition and gratitude—culminating in the announcement that its Lifestyle and Wellness Team had been named a national winner in the 2026 Ageing Australia You are ACE! Awards. The team won the Team – Consumer Focus and Care category, receiving national recognition for its commitment to resident wellbeing, teamwork, collaboration and the delivery of innovative and meaningful experiences for older people. The award was announced on Aged Care Employee Day, held nationally on 7 August to recognise the dedication, compassion and professionalism of people working across aged care. For K-Life, the award provided the perfect conclusion to its Crazy Scrubs—or Outfit— with Personality Week, organised by K-Life’s People and Culture Team. Each day featured a different theme, including Bright and Colourful, Animals, Flowers and Nature, Celebration Day and K-Life Spirit Day. Clinical staff embraced the themes through colourful scrubs, while non-clinical staff joined in with themed clothing, hats, socks and accessories. Residents were invited to vote for their favourite outfits, making the week an enjoyable shared experience for residents and staff. K-Life People and Culture Manager Leanne Fogarty said the week was designed to recognise the personality, compassion and dedication employees bring to their roles. “Our employees bring so much more than their professional skills to K-Life. They bring patience, kindness, humour, creativity and genuine compassion,” Ms Fogarty said. “It was wonderful to see our staff embrace the activities and bring so much colour and happiness to K-Life. Most importantly, the week created many special moments and shared smiles between our employees and residents.” The celebrations also included K-Life’s Thanks for Caring initiative, which encouraged residents, families and colleagues to recognise staff members for the thoughtful and compassionate things they do. Recognition slips were available throughout K-Life, providing an opportunity to acknowledge exceptional acts of care as well as the quiet, everyday moments that help residents feel safe, valued and supported. “Some of the most meaningful acts of care are the little things that can easily go unnoticed,” Ms Fogarty said. “It might be taking extra time to listen, offering reassurance, finding a way to make someone smile or simply being present during a difficult moment. Thanks for Caring gave us an opportunity to recognise those actions and remind our employees that what they do truly matters.” A celebration lunch was held on Aged Care Employee Day, bringing staff together to reflect on the week and recognise their contribution to K-Life and the wider Killarney community. The excitement grew when Ageing Australia announced that K-Life’s Lifestyle and Wellness Team had won the national You are ACE! Award. “Our Lifestyle and Wellness Team works incredibly hard to create meaningful opportunities that support connection, purpose, enjoyment and wellbeing for our residents,” General Manager Andrew Millard said. “To receive this national recognition is an extraordinary achievement for a team from our small rural community. We are incredibly proud of them.” K-Life also extended its appreciation to the People and Culture Team for the work undertaken behind the scenes to coordinate the week’s activities and staff celebration. “Our People and Culture Team put an enormous amount of thought and effort into creating a week that was inclusive, meaningful and fun,” a Mr Millard said. “We sincerely thank them for organising such a wonderful event and for ensuring our employees felt recognised, appreciated and celebrated.” K-Life extends its heartfelt thanks to every staff member for the care, compassion and commitment they bring to their work each day.  The colourful scrubs and outfits may change from day to day, but the kindness, dedication and personality behind them continue to brighten the lives of those we provide care for at K-Life every day.

K-Life’s 2026 Jumpers and Jazz in July tree jumper entry was much more than a colourful festival display. It was the result of residents, volunteers and staff bringing their individual skills, ideas and enthusiasm together to achieve a shared outcome. Our entry, “The Sweetest Jam is Community - Where every ingredient belongs K-Life” celebrated connection, belonging, creativity and community. From the earliest ideas through to the final installation, everyone had an opportunity to contribute in a way that was meaningful to them. Our K-Life crafters took on the role of Creative Directors, helping to guide the design and oversee the creation of the decorations. Residents contributed their time, creativity and knowledge, while volunteers and staff helped transform these ideas into a finished tree jumper. Some people crafted, some helped organise materials, some assisted with installation, and others provided encouragement and practical support. The project also brought together creativity and music. An original K-Life song was written to complement the “The Sweetest Jam is Community - Where every ingredient belongs K-Life” theme, and our residents’ choir performed it for the Jumpers and Jazz judges in front of the completed tree. This gave residents another way to participate and proudly represent K-Life within the wider community.