To date this year we have had some great opportunies to share the story of Anam Cara and learn from other organisaons. Networking and sharing knowledge always brings great benefits and the ongoing relaonships are a terrific support to all involved. On 14th March 2019 six nurses and one volunteer set off to the Gold Coast to represent Anam Cara at the 1st Naonal Hospice Symposium. Aſter arrival our first official event was to aend the 25th Birthday celebraons at Hopewell Hospice. We had the opportunity to hear the stories of the beginnings of Hopewell, through the 25 years to the thriving place it is today and plans for the future. The staff were all very welcoming and happy to take us on a tour through the hospice and explain in more detail how they operate. It was a great inspiraon to all of us and gave us lots of ideas for the future. There were 12 hospices represented at the forum. Most were from Queensland where hospice care is well established. Victoria is rapidly catching up and grateful for the lessons we could learn from our Queensland friends. The most striking aspect of the symposium was the level of commitment of all involved, and the feeling of being part of a group that really gets what we do at Anam Cara. Comments from our staff about the hospice centred around the feeling of being “with our own people”. It was very sasfying to share a day with 80 other people who understand exactly what we do and why we do it, and who share the passion and love for their work that we feel. Our involvement in the End of Life Ancillary Services Programme through DHHS and membership of the Victorian Compassionate Communies Network also provide us with an ever growing group of like-minded organisaons. Open Days and events at Anam Cara are opportunies to share what we do within our community and also build a strong local support network. 20th to 26th May this year marked both Naonal Palliave Care Week and Naonal Volunteer Week and we welcomed 40 people to our Open Day. We celebrated the contribuon of our great team of dedicated and hard -working volunteers with a morning tea. Without volunteers we would not be able to provide the care we do. They are involved in all aspects of Anam Cara including fundraising, governance, maintenance and gardening as well as the core acvity of supporng guest care and day to day operaons. We always welcome new volunteers to our team so if you are interested in learning more please contact us on 52338203. 2019 – Community Appeal Our Community Appeal is off to a fantasc start! Our Appeal Gold Sponsor, Mormer Petroleum has once again contributed $10,000 to our fundraising campaign. We kindly thank David and Krisne Mormer for their connual support. To date we have raised over $24,000 and are well on the way to achieving our goal. It’s not too late to make a donation! Donaons can be made via cash, cheque, eſtpos, credit card, direct deposit or online at: hps://www.givenow.com.au/ anamcarahousecolac. Donaons over $2 are tax deducble. a place like home Soul Friend June 2019 Contact Us 50 Forans Road, Barongarook West, 3249 PO BOX 508 Colac, VIC 3250 p. (03) 5233 8203 e. [email protected] w. www.anamcarahousecolac.org.au Our Mission is to provide the South West community with excellence in respite and end of life care within a home-like environment; embracing respect and com- passion for all people. Other Events Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings Last Friday of each month- 1.30pm Bereavement Support Group Meeting Colac Neighbourhood House 17 June 2019 - 2.00pm Dying to Know Day To be held in August More information to follow Thank you for your Support QIC Accredited Organisation Member of Palliative Care Victoria Inc. (PCV) Member International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) a place like home A word from … Karen Eccles, Hospice Manager Pictured: Julie & John