Marica and the Coolibah crew

Hi, I’m Marica. I work at the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Coolibah Centre, which is a day centre for senior citizens in Melbourne’s Fitzroy that offers meals, welfare support, health programs, recreational activities and the chance to have FUN to older people who are homeless or living in insecure accommodation.

It's Tuesday and I have just arrived at the Coolibah. It's around 9ish. There are greetings all around: "Good morning ... Ni hao!" From the pool room, I hear members negotiating who will be playing first, and who's going second.

A pleasant, homey smell of coffee, toast and baked beans is coming from the dining room.  I hear laughter - about 30 members are enjoying the most important meal of the day.   Our lovely dedicated staff busily goes about their daily duties with a smile.  I feel proud and honoured to work with such a wonderful and caring team. 

As usual, a few members stop by my office to cheerfully greet me or wave as they pass by.  Some head outdoors or get comfortable inside the Centre in their favourite chair, while others prepare for a challenging game of chess or cards. Our proud member volunteer Duc hands me a receipt. He has purchased the daily Chinese newspaper for our Chinese members.

I sense it’s going to be a busy day as usual  – I look forward to my coffee from Hudson’s, a ‘Marica’s special’.

While I’m enjoying my cappuccino, more members start to drop by my office to raise any issues they might be having. Some problems are more challenging than others , but all are  important.   They range from health issues to problems finding housing to everyday conflict.   My role requires me to be on the ball. I utilise many of my skills as a Social Engagement & Welfare Worker - negotiating, investigating, research, mentoring, counselling, motivating … The list goes on. 

Throughout the day I experience many interruptions, but I wouldn’t change that for quids. I thoroughly enjoy the interaction with the members.  However, my goal for the day is to get through my to do list – 20 things to do ranging from assessments, care plans, booking an entertainer for the next cultural day celebrations, getting activities happening, etc.   I’m satisfied if I get half of them done before the day is over!

It’s almost 10ish, and members are preparing for the exercise session by eagerly rearranging tables and chairs.  Awesome! 15 members have arrived for the session, and Sharon the personal trainer is raring to go. She has once again designed sequences of challenging physical activity.

I find myself inspired by the scene in front of me. The members, whose average age is 78 years old, are all focusing on doing the moves correctly.  It is wonderful to see the members taking control of their lives.  They are motivated; they have learnt the importance of maintaining flexibility, strength, agility and looking after their overall fitness and health and wellbeing, for life. I am so proud of their achievements.  I find myself compelled to join them – I am greeted with smiles and cheers.  They seem to enjoy an audience.

I am interrupted; a visitor has arrived.   I enthusiastically show the visitor around the Centre - I enjoy any opportunity to celebrate our achievements at the Centre.  I am extremely proud of the service we offer at the Coolibah.  You might say I am biased, but I am convinced that the Coolibah is the best multicultural seniors centre in Victoria.  Members have an opportunity to participate fully in daily activities of their choice, including things they would never have a chance to be part of, like being photographed for the My Community Life calendar and the upcoming Social Justice and Cultural Events Calendar.  There is something for everyone! We take pride in enhancing people’s skills , in  building their capacity.  We provide a home-like environment where members feel they belong and where they can interact with others and be social. We give them the tools to stay connected to their community.

After an hour, my attention has returned to the dining room, where members have just completed their exercise session – everyone is smiling, clapping, and thanking the trainer. They pat each other on the back, with a look of satisfaction on their faces. I can’t help but smile!

Coolibah member Graham, best known as our resident DJ enters my office with a huge grin on his face. He tells me which records he’s played that day, which ones are his favourite and why.  He asks when we’re next going on a bus trip to the op shops to purchase more records, as he needs more. The last time we counted his collection, it numbered 200.  

It’s afternoon, and Jason, one of our volunteers enters the Centre. Everyone is delighted to see him.  Members look forward to playing tenpin bowling with him on the Wii. Jason seems to have a way with people – our member Bill, who can be difficult to motivate, eagerly responds to him, looking at Jason with admiration as he provides him with assistance.  Jason carefully and slowly shows or reminds members how to play, offering encouragement and praise throughout the session.   It is delightful to witness the pride and satisfaction on the member’s faces as they operate the controls with confidence. Not that long ago, they didn’t know what Wii was, and many were nervous about the technology.  The group have a wonderful time. Lots of cheers and high fives all round when someone gets a strike!

Coolibah is also a place where members can delight their taste buds. For a very low $3.00, members get to enjoy a home cooked lunch (choice of two options), dessert, juice and a cuppa. Did I mention brekkie was free?  Showers and washing facilities are very well utilised too.

At the Coolibah Centre, members know they will receive love, care and respect. They can learn new things here, and grow as people. It’s great to see our members getting involved in new things, feeling included, and being part of our community.