There must be something in the water in river-side Elmore. How else to explain the bright vitality and fresh faces of nonagenarians Ina, Nance and Elva?

At 91, 92 and 94 they’re defying the odds to be not only living independently at home, but out of the house three days a week; crafting, lunching, laughing.

“Well, Elmore is on underground bore water,” Elva says. “Didn’t you know that?”

Before you start bottling the local drop, it turns out at least part of the trio’s secret is their long-term attendance at the Elmore Social Support Group.

The group supports people over the age of 65, or those with a disability, to remain social, independent and well in Elmore. It’s run by Judy Ryan with support from Christine Kirby-Miller and Sue Locke.

 

ABOVE: Nance, Ina, Niesha and Elva.

“This is what keeps me sane – all these nice ladies,” says fellow attendee Niesha, of Rochester. The regular meeting three times a week has provided vital normality for Neisha, after 19 months of upheaval.

Her unit in the Restdown Retirement Village flooded – along with most of the town – in October, 2022 and she’s been renting a cabin in the caravan park since. “I wouldn’t stay home for anything,” she says on the importance of coming here.

 

ABOVE: Georgina.

Georgina is one of the newer members, but has barely missed a day over the past couple of months.

“I’d been sick in hospital for months,” she says, adding social workers were concerned about her returning home to Elmore alone, so organised for her to join this group.

“It’s brightened me right up,” Georgina says. “I look forward to it, it’s given me something to do.” And the activities extend beyond her time here, as she’s now baking a couple of times a week and sharing the goods. Today she’s brought in a vanilla cake with passionfruit icing. “Chocolate crackles are next on my list.”

Georgina partly credits this group with her recovery. “Being on your own would drive anyone crazy,” she says. “It’s good to have somewhere to go and people to talk to.”

 

ABOVE: Eddie.

This month the group moved back to its original home in the Christine Cumming Activity Centre behind Elmore Primary Health.  Members had spent the previous few years meeting in a larger community hall due to the social distancing requirements of COVID-19.

Eddie, of Goornong, is excited to return to this site, as it includes a backyard shed. Eddie is no stranger to the joys of time in a shed. It’s his happy place. Back home in Goornong, he’s spent countless hours in his own shed, restoring a beloved tractor and a number of cars, including a ’35 Chevvy used for vintage car rallies. “I’m going to bring it up here one day,” he says.

Eddie lost both his parents between 2010 and 2011, and was at a bit of a loss afterwards, until he found this group. He’s been coming for around ten years.

 

ABOVE: Judy and Garry.

Garry sings out from the shed, “How long have I been coming here Judy? Five/six years?”

“Seven or eight I reckon,” Judy calls back.

“I have no idea,” Garry laughs. “My wife works part time, so if I don’t come here, I’m home on my own. I love being able to come here and be with friends. They’re important. We don’t take any mucking around in this place, it’s good.”

Judy is organising the shed today, in readiness for lots of making ahead.

“Judy’s cracking the whip as always – she drives a hard bargain, but without her, we wouldn’t be here,” Garry says. “Judy’s my legend anyway.”

Judy’s quick to defend herself; “Without me organising them, they only gossip!”

She’s happy to pose for a photo with the resident rockstar. Garry was bass guitarist for a number of bands, the last being The Misfits. They played hits from “the sixties and seventies – the good stuff.”

He’s got the radio on in here today, tuned to Triple M.

 

ABOVE: John, Eddie and Stan.

This is week three in the group for long-term Kamarooka resident John. His comments prove there’s more to this place than tinkering and cups of tea. John was a full-time carer for his wife, who passed away two years ago.

“There’s nothing worse than sitting around out there by yourself,” he says. “This is my support group. I don’t have any family support here.” John only recently applied for My Aged Care support, and learnt about this group.

“So, I rang Judy and I got involved,” he says. “It’s been a life saver really … there’s a lot more to the story. It’s good to be here with these guys. It’s necessary.”

 

ABOVE: Christine and Joan.

The Elmore Social Support Group facilitates a full calendar of activities, which includes a day out every Friday. A two-course lunch is available, as is transport if needed. The group operates Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 3pm and costs $16 a day with a meal, or $6 a day without a meal.

To be eligible to join people must be living at home in Elmore or the surrounding rural area, be aged 65 years+ and CHSP eligible, 18-65 years and HACC eligible or be seeking carers respite.

For more details call Judy on 5406 1558 or 0408 33 3014.