Jen's New Work

Well, week 1 has come and gone and I am feeling good about the new job.

For those of you unaware, I am the new manager at Riverside Centre. The NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care have 3 remaining Large Residential Centres. These are institutions for people with developmental and physical disability. The NSW state government are in the process of changing disability services across the state. (Thankfully.) DADHC is the largest human services organisation in NSW and as the name suggests, encompasses aged care, disability services and home care services.

Riverside Centre, is one of 3 remaining LRC (Large Residential Centres), as I mentioned. Hunter Residences encompass facilities at Stockton, Tomaree, Peat Island, and Kanangra which are all located in the Newcastle to Central Coast area of NSW. The Metro Residences are Marsden (at Westmead), Lachlan (at Ashfield) and Grosvenor. And then there is Riverside. Riverside is in Orange on the campus at Bloomfield. Between these 3 LRC there are over 1,500 residents.

I am really excited about working at Riverside; the role is a new one and so there will be a bit of an adjustment for everyone. The people are great, the staff are compassionate, competent and take pride in their work. The residents are happy and engage well and the facility itself is stunning. It is heritage listed and just gorgeous.

Monday was a bit fragmented and Tuesday I had an exec meeting in Sydney with the other LRCs. Wednesday things started to really pick up, which was a ripper because I arrived on Thursday morning and it was fan-bloody-tastic.

I did my thing until half ten again then wandered down stairs and had a chin wag with the admin crew.

After that, I said to Russell, the retiring Nurse Manager Accommodation & Services, that I was going walk about. Which I did. I got back to the office around 4pm!!! I had a lot of people to see and chat to. I really enjoyed it and the feedback was great and the staff are wonderful and compassionate and committed and the residents are delightful. I have picked up a few drawings already (a few residents who were very outgoing whom I met on Wednesday remembered me when I dropped in on Thursday and so I came back to the office with three drawings and pictures they had drawn for me and are now on my wall)

Here is the run down:

There are 6 units, one of which is the admin office.

They are all named for Rivers, hence the name Riverside. When Riverside was a part of Bloomfield hospital (1940's until 1985) the units were named after local rivers and when someone from Bloomfield was coming to the disability units they would say they were going to 'riverside' which explains things well because there ain't no river round here!

The buildings are absolutely gorgeous- as I mentioned they are heritage listed. Huge ceilings, beautiful mouldings, leadlight windows, all the beautiful things found in heritage cottages.

The campus is gorgeous also- it is surrounded by a country golf club on one side, a nature reserve on two other sides and I can't see what is on the other side of Bloomfield hospital from here in my office. Bloomfield hospital is a mental health facility with 10 or 12 units for the care of mentally ill patients and two drug and alcohol units. There is also specialist centres (6 in all) so Bloomfield is big. It is part of the Department of Health and is not us. We separated from Health in 1985 when DADHC was created. (NSW Dept of Ageing, Disability and Home Care) I have been out to Bloomfield a lot with my work with Lifeline.

Riverside is actually 8 units, 2 of which are vacant and no longer used, but because they are heritage listed, they can not be demolished so they are just there and are empty. One of them, Ward 5 will become a laundry and the washing machines arrived today and will be installed next week. (another story)

The organisation is structured like a hospital, but it is NOT a hospital in that sense of the word. I will draw you a chart: (just click it to see a larger image)

A Legend for you:
RUNM = residential unit nurse manager

RN = Registered Nurse

EN= Enrolled Nurse

AIN = Assistant in Nursing

I will start with the residential units:

Bell Unit- Bell is a unit for frail aged clients and is run by Ray (RUNM) and has 16 residents- I really like Ray, he and I are going to get along a treat.

Namoi Unit- Namoi is a bit of a mixed bag and is run by Kerry and has 15 residents- I have not had a chance to catch up with Kerry but her staff are all ok

Macleay Hostel- has 3 very highly functional residents and is the flag ship unit of Riverside- it is fitted out with all the mod cons and looks a treat. It has a kitchen and dining area unlike the other units which have a place where residents go and are fed by staff or at least where they pick up their meals to feed themselves, but in Macleay, the residents cook and prepare their own meals which is really, really good. (A nutritionist comes in a day a week to plan the following week's meals for each unit)

Peel Unit- has 14 residents, this is the only all male unit. It is divided in 2 operational units, one is high functioning and the other is very low functioning. There are 2 CJP (Criminal Justice Program) clients here. Both Macleay and Peel are run by Chris- I must have spent 2 hours here, it is great. A really well run ship and Chris and Ray are like peas in a pod and work closely, I really like Chris also. Peel does not have the luxuries or mod cons of either Macleay or Bell; largely due to the destruction of property which happens here. It also has a fenced and secure yard. Whereas the others have open courtyards and gardens and are really pretty.

Narran Unit- Narran is the unit with the most dependant and low functioning residents, it is run at the moment by Kate who is on leave and has 18 clients.

So, in testing your math, there is 66 clients, however 86 is the capacity with about 40 or so staff.

The other unit, in case you were not paying attention after looking at the org chart, there was another unit which I have not mentioned, Severn Oakes is a Day Program facility only, there is a coordinator there as well as domestic staff however it is not a residential unit.

There is a juke box and dance room as well as an art and craft room and a theatre room in Severn Oakes. Each unit also has a garden and a covered picnic area and a pretty back yard feel. Severn Oakes also has the relaxation room and spa area for residents.

Finally, Nymagee is the unit that is no longer direct care and has been transformed into an office for the administrative centre. In this office is the admin clerk, the account clerk, the Nurse Manager and his off sider, a Nurse Systems Support Coordinator and myself.

Now, there was a whole range of other positions which appear on that org chart, but they are vacant.

In a nutshell, now then, you have a bit of a picture of my new centre. More on the job another time. Hope you have a stellar weekend! I am about to take the kids for a walk.

Toodles!!

Sunday Boil Up in Boyd River National Park

Ever wonder what peace, tranquillity and serenity look like?

I can show you.....

Welcome to Boyd River National Park. This is where Scotty and I, and Kerry and Andrew spent a leisurely Sunday this past weekend. We could not take the kids, unfortunately because we were exploring a National Park and our ferocious beasts might do something horrendous and go on a rampage against Echnidas, Wallabies, Kangaroo, Wombats and other native wildlife. Not to mention the wanton destruction of all of the wonderful natural and native flora and fauna....

Yes, I am talking about our precious kids. They are forbidden to enter National Parks for the previously mentioned reasons. I mean, I know Neville comes off all aggro and Ginny is unpredictable and well Muffy and Sash are just volatile, violent creatures who firecely attack any and all who cross their path.... so it is best that they stay at home.... alone.... without anyone.... no company....

Now that I am over it and have received my grief counselling, I will tell you all about our trip to serenity and quietude...

We, the AWESOME FOURSOME, that is to say; Kerry, Andrew, Scotty and I set out on a Sunday expedition of quantum porportions...

Firstly, we drove to Oberon (where we went to the pet expo last weekend!) and took the Tourist Drive to Jenolan. Stopped for a pee and a chat to the information centre lady. (She was very nice and helpful). Then we drove to Jenolan Caves and Boyd River National Park on our way to Kanangra Walls for a bush walk. It was really pretty and quiet and we had a relaxing morning.

We followed this path that was straight out of a CS Lewis or Lewis Carroll story and I thought that perhaps we would end up with Narnians but alas and alack, no Pevensie children turned up. I thought I saw a mad hatter at one stage, but as it turned out, I was mistaken, it was just Kerry. I won't mention who Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee were, though.

We walked this path, avoiding or jumping into (depending on if your were Tweendle-dum or not) various puddles and enjoyed the fresh air and life to turn a corner to end up.....

at the edge of the world.

You can not get a sense of depth or dimension from this photo, which is unfortunate, as it is one of the most breathtaking sights you shall see.

After admiring the Blue Mountains, Kanangra Walls, and various other sights from our look out (I think I could see Newfoundland from here, but it turned out to only be Tasmania) we decided it was high time for some lunch. All that bushwalking creates an appetite... or, if you are Andrew Hobbit who has 5-7 meals a day, getting to Kanangra Walls was DEFINITELY lunch time.

So it was off to find a picnic site. Scotty could not take the vertigo any longer caused by Kanangra Walls so we hoofed it back to the Prado and drove to another area with less cliff and more flat bits.

We went to Reduce Speed Camp Site.... honestly, that is what the sign read: "Reduce Speed Camp Site". Only later to discover that we were at Boyd River Camp Site and not Reduce Speed Camp Site, afterall.

We got a wonderful fire going and had a boil up. It was a beautiful way to spend a Sunday. Here we were, sitting around a roaring blaze enjoying a cuppa and a tasty feed when Skippy turns up.

Closely followed by Wally the Wallaby who just had to check out who on Earth was making all that noise.... (it was Jen!)

After spending a refreshing couple of hours with a roaring fire and local wildlife, we decided to take a spin to Jenolan. My mum can attest to the fact that there is not a single stretch of straight road in the whole blooming country..... well, if she was with us on Sunday, she would be right.

We went tearing around hairpin turns and bends that made you pucker up, or at least grab onto rails, car seats, driving companion or whatever you could lay your hands on quickest- which as it turns out, is not a good practice if you are trying to eat, are holding fresh eggs, or trying to sip hot coffee, or, note to self: if the person sitting NEXT to you is trying to do either of these.

The drive is a pretty one and the destination, simply stunning. I think I may have got a sun burn on the roof of my mouth. I know I kept banging my head on the window attempting to look up at caves and mountains and things which were looming so high. I had to wear foundation today to cover up the bruise on my forehead- first day of the new job and I did not want to show up black and blue.

We went in and out of tunnel after tunnel and past these caves and massive rock formations which are just gorgeous. There is a hotel at Jenolan and we could not, for the life of us, figure out how they got the materials there to build the ruddy thing in the first place. I don't think they drove the road that we took....

I was impressed at the coach and bus activity there and the shear number of tourists out and about.

We had a marvelous time- as work has been challenging and stressful for some of the AWESOME FOURSOME, I think this trip was just what the doctor ordered, even if it was without the kids.....

Sunday at the Oberon Pet Expo

The kids decided a trip to Oberon was on the cards....


In fact, they would not let me leave the kitchen until we went for a drive...


They guarded the door pretty well, so it was off to Oberon...


Just what is an Oberon, you may ask?

Oberon is not your average small rural country town. Oberon's natural beauty, altitude and climate, as well as the proximity to the world heritage listed Jenolan Caves and greater Blue Mountains national parks system makes it one of the most prettier towns in the area. (which is saying something as I feel we live in God's Country)

At 1,113m, Oberon is the highest town in the Blue Mountains region. (which makes it bloody cold). It is the perfect hub from which to explore a multitude of unique attractions, towns & villages, including Jenolan Caves and Kanangra Boyd National Park. With four distinct,idyllic seasons and the most beautiful scenery in rural NSW, a visit to the region will reward & delight. So that is exactly what we set out to do, today.


Fast facts

• Oberon was proclaimed a village in 1863
• Popular area for trout fishing, bushwalking and fossicking for sapphires.
• 180 km west of Sydney, population 2,700

Why go there

• It's the highest town in the Blue Mountains region and some 30 km from the world-renowned Jenolan Caves.
  
• It's a strong rural community producing lambs, (yummy!) beef cattle (barbie anyone?) and a wide range of vegetables. (who needs veg when you can have LAMB?!)
• It is particularly delightful in spring, when the appearance of bulbs and colourful wildflowers joyfully greet the season. But we went today in the winter cold...
  

History
The traditional owners of the land where Oberon now stands were the Wiradjuri people. Settlement commenced along the Fish River after the discovery of gold in 1823. The town was first known as Bullock Flats, but when it was proclaimed a village, it became Oberon.


Every great trip must kick off with sustenance, which is where Cafe Savannah comes in:


It was a quirky little shop with knick knacks
And bric-a-brac
And it almost made me think of Stephen King's "Needful Things"

But we just had coffee and got out safely.

So why did WE go there you might ask??!!
Why for the Oberon Pet Expo, of course!

So what exactly is a Pet Expo?
It is a place for pet freaks like us to meet other pet freaks and feel somewhat normal....


There was agility demonstrations, a dog show and of course the odd raffle or two, and the standard jumping castle and sausage sizzle happening. All of which created a fun, fairground sort of experience. But the real event, was the fly ball.


For the un-initiated, Flyball is a relay race between two teams of four dogs. Racing side by side, one dog from each team must go over four hurdles, trigger a flyball box pedal, catch (retrieve) a ball and then return over all four hurdles to the start/finish line where the next dog eagerly awaits.


After watching these kelpies, border collies and a maltese who I must admit looked out of place in the queue, but put on a real show- it was time to take volunteers. Well, Neville just had to have a go.

Let's just say that he would not be in contention for the Australian Fly Ball Association Division 5550 Championship, let alone, Division 1. But he gave it his best.

Now, after watching Sir Lame-lot have a go, I will sign off with a video clip of two of the newbies trying

June Long Weekend

Once upon a time there was a happy little blended family of Quills who decided to explore the Bridletrack northwest of Bathurst one June Long Weekend. The Bridletrack is in the Black Gate region and stretches along the Bathurst, Hill End and Orange borders in NSW. Picture a landscape with rushing streams, thick, fragrant eucalypt forests, rolling hills and magnificent castles. (aka Jen and Scotty's new tent)This is one of the best places to walk in the world with its wild berries, roaming stock and idyllic streams and bridges. Kangaroos look at you lazily and then return to their grazing. It is an area that is rich with folklore and legend, magical in appearance and atmosphere.

Papa Quill had bought a brand new castle keep for baby Quill (Neville),


baby Quill
(Ginny),

baby Quill(Sasha- in the toilet at the campsite)

and baby Quill (Miss Muffet.)

He and mama Quill

set to constructing the new keep. It turned out to be a luxurious Baby Quill bed chamber.
which baby Quill Sasha kept taking herself to all weekend due to it's luxuriousness and 'special Sasha bedroom'.

After Mama and Papa Quill put baby Quills to bed, Mama and Papa Quill took themselves to their bed chamber for a nice long peaceful sleep.... that was not to be.

Mama Quill had a flat bed and found her knees and elbows resting on the ground and attempted to snuggle down under the swag to try to find some comfort. Papa Quill also had trouble with his bed and continued to grunt and toss and turn and huff and puff- he did not blow the house down on this occasion, however.

Waking up at 4:20 Sunday morning a very grumpy Mama and Papa Quill started their day. After getting a roaring fire going and a feed of bacon and eggs, the Quill family found themselves to be happy again and started to explore the friendly forest and beautiful country bush.
Later that day, as baby Quills were having tea by a roaring fire, the peaceful setting was abruptly interrupted by a herd of stampeding cattle. The stock came crashing through the castle moat and decided that the fodder inside the castle ramparts was prime and juicy and so, stayed.


Baby Quills were not terrified, but were very curious to find these great dragons in their midst. Miss Muffet, ever the protector of the Baby Quills, and being so big and tough, puffed her chest out and bossily stamped her way toward the dragon/cows to tell them to simply, "get stuffed."

She was clear in her directive and was quickly backed up by Sasha Quill who is the brave nave (?) (what is the female word for nave?) who is continued to be inspired by Joan of Ark.

Sasha/Joan of Ark Baby Quill found herself tearing up to the dragon/cows with all the menace of an injured rhino. Mama Quill was happily documenting all the baby Quills in the peaceful setting at the time of the stampede and had to throw her camera phone onto the baby Quills bed to go tearing after the Protector and Joan of Ark Baby Quills, meanwhile back at the castle ramparts, Sasha/Joan of Arc Baby Quill ran up to the dragon/cows with all the menace of an injured rhino when she realised with a stab of fear that the dragon/cows were MUCH bigger than she. And she stopped dead in her tracks.

Neville Baby Quill and Ginny Baby Quill ran over to the dragon/cows wagging their tails and happily wanted to pat the new creatures and take them home as pets. They were looking very happily and eagerly at the dragon/cows not realising that if these creatures took it to mind, they would squash little Neville and Ginny Baby Quill to smithereens.

At this point, Sasha/Joan of Ark Baby Quill and Neville and Ginny Baby Quills were all in a line at the edge of the castle ramparts looking over the moat at the dragon/cows not quite sure what to do next, when Miss Muffet Protector of all Baby Quills went zooming past the now dumbfounded 3 Baby Quills to the dragon/cows.

The dragon/cows had stopped and gave an uncertain look at these strange little Baby Quills, until, of course, Miss Muffet Protector Quill came swooping in to ambush and slay the dragon/cows.

By this time, Mama Quill could catch up with Miss Muffet Protector Quill and Sasha/Joan of Arc Quill and scoop them up and hurry back to the castle keep and throw them unceremoniously into their new bed chamber and return to a bewildered Neville Baby Quill and a bemused Ginny Baby Quill and take them back to safety.

Where, do you ask was Papa Quill? He had gone for a nana-nap in late afternoon due to the 4:20am start whilst Mama Quill prepared tea and fed the baby Quills. By the time all the baby Quills were scooped up to safety and Mama Quill's magnificent 'fight or flight' reaction settled down, she realised how very funny the situation was and she was then able to pick up her camera phone again and film the fairy tale as something that would only possibly happen in Australia.

Papa Quill rose from his slumber and put on his shoes and zipped his bedchamber open, stepped through, closed his bedchamber zipper, open the Baby Quills bedchamber zipper, stepped through, closed the Baby Quill bed chamber zipper, walked through the castle keep to open the castle keep zipper and step through and close the castle keep zipper to then be able to amble up the castle ramparts over the moat and herd the dragon/cows to another pasture.

Mama and Papa Quill then returned to a peaceful evening in the wild Australian Bush.

The following day, guess who returned to the castle ramparts!? Mama and Papa (and baby) Quills were prepared for their return and were able to maintain the peace and safety of the castle.
Shortly after, the Quills packed up and went for a drive to Hill End and Sofala to return to Bathurst after a long and exciting adventure up the Bridletrack.

The end.