Tutto bene!
Everything is felice at Wyndham Lodge’s Italian Club.
Every Tuesday morning for the past eight years two big-hearted Baptcare volunteers, Concetta Cini and Maria Lock, bring a touch of Italy to Wyndham Lodge Aged Care community.
Superb coffee, home-made tiramisu and Italian biscuits are shared, while Italian music plays on the stereo.
“Late in her life, before she passed away, my Mum reverted to using her native tongue,” Maria says. “It made me realise how important it is for these older people to have others around who can speak their language.
“Giving them that extra attention helps takes them back home. We hold these moments with them.”
Resident Connie is a former President of the Italian Social Club. Another resident, Maria, was Secretary. Maria’s neighbour growing up, Dino, is another weekly attendee.
They reminisce about riding their bikes from farms into Werribee, hanging out with the men playing bocce, and the thieves who stole artichokes from the vege beds just when they were ready for eating.
“The residents who attend Italian Club look forward to it all week,” says Samantha Pullen, Leisure & Lifestyle Coordinator. “They sing songs, tell a few jokes, share some stories. It’s all about joy and togetherness.”
Wyndham Lodge Residential Aged Care is a caring place where residents create new memories with new friends, share old memories with old friends, and live life on their own terms.
Call 13 22 78 for more information
Community news
-
Honouring hearts in action: BaptistCare celebrates its inaugural Excellence Awards
BaptistCare has celebrated its people in a powerful way, hosting its inaugural Excellence Awards Dinner in Melbourne. BaptistCare has celebrated its people in a powerful way, hosting its inaugural Excellence Awards Dinner in Melbourne this month. The event brought together employees, volunteers, and leaders from across the country to honour those who embody the organisation’s mission and values.
- 20 Aug 2025
-
Men supporting men at Wyndham Lodge
Once a month, men at Baptcare Wyndham Lodge Residential Aged Care community make a visit to the MCG – but it is no footy excursion. This MCG is Men’s Chat Group. Volunteer Coordinator Keith Charlesworth says the gentlemen love coming together to share some food and plenty of banter.
- 12 Aug 2025
-
From passion to purpose: Meet the young people in aged care
Across Australia, the average age of people who work in aged care is 47, but the younger generation are making their presence felt. To mark Aged Care Employee Day, meet some of BaptistCare’s next generation of aged care workers and hear what draws them to a career caring for older Australians.
- 06 Aug 2025