Success stories
We are very proud of the work we do. Here are two examples of how Cootharinga helps to change lives.
Winnie and her family - Thursday Island
Staying in touch with family is extremely important, but when family do not live close by it means that for some of the people we support this can be difficult. Knowing the importance of keeping in touch and visiting family our staff do all they can to organise family visits.
When Winifred (Winnie) David from Gardenia Avenue and her family wanted her to go home to Thursday Island for the unveiling of her mothers tombstone every effort was made by staff to make it possible. Winnie’s Keyworker, Jan Burgess said she “was only too happy to put in the hard yards to help with organising and then to accompany Winnie on her holiday”. As Jan said it was no easy feat but well worth the effort particularly seeing the enjoyment on Winnies face as she met with her family and friends she had not seen for many years.
Winnie and Jan spent five days on Thursday Island catching up with brothers, sisters, aunties, nieces and nephews. As well as attending the unveiling of her mothers tombstone, Winnie toured the island as she visited family and friends. Jan commented that everywhere Winnie went there always seemed to be children eager to be around and talk to her.
On the last evening on the Island, Winnie’s family put on a wonderful meal which was followed by singing and dancing by the children.
Her brother and sisters then sang a song to Winnie that her father sang to her whenever she left the island to return to the Cootharinga Nursing Home, bringing tears to Winnie’s eyes.
Unfortunately the time flew too quickly and it wasn’t long before Winnie and Jan were boarding the plane for the trip home with some lovely memories, photos, videos and gifts from the trip.
Dianne Diamond and her family
After many years of only having phone contact and the occasional letter from her family Dianne (Di) Diamond supported by Bernie Romer took the train to Port Douglas to catch up with her brothers, nieces and nephews. As the saying goes “even with the best laid plans of mice and men can go astray”. The Tilt Train was delayed in Brisbane by six hours delaying the start of Di’s holiday and resulting in the happy travellers not arriving in Port Douglas until 3.00am in the morning.
However, nothing could dampen Di’s enthusiasm to enjoy her holiday, and after a good sleep in Di was ready to make the most of her holiday. First thing on the agenda was to take a trip up town to check out the shops and buy some souvenirs of the trip. Followed by visits to many of the art galleries, museums and tourist sites around Port Douglas. The afternoon found Di and Bernie hopping on board the Lady Douglas River Boat where they enjoyed the tranquillity of a leisurely boat ride up the river watching the many birds and the occasional crocodile along the way.
The following day Di’s brothers Alfred and Eddie and some of their children met Di for a birthday morning tea at the park. However as is often the case it rained so the party was taken back to the hotel where they enjoyed a couple of hours of fun and laughter.
The final day of her holiday Di and Bernie hired a taxi to drive to Mossman where Di was able to spend more time with Alfred and Eddie and catch up with other family members. Di was also introduced to the newest member of the family, a fox terrier puppy, who was only too happy to curl up on Di’s knees and lap up the attention.