GreenConnect Dementia Respite Bus Trip: A Day of Discovery and Delight at Hattah Lakes
On Tuesday 3 September, the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project hosted a memorable day trip to Hattah Lakes, marked by perfect weather and enriching experiences. Following what felt like weeks of high wind and dust, the weather gods delivered a calm, clear, sunny day, ideal for exploring the natural beauty of Hattah Lakes.
The day began at 9:45am with a gathering at Mildura Wharf. The group, including seven people living with dementia, seven carers, a Care Friend, a volunteer bus driver, and the Mildura Respite Care Coordinator (RCC), boarded a 25-seater bus for the 64km journey to Hattah Lakes. Upon arrival, the group enjoyed a scenic walk near the edge of Little Hattah Lake, where they viewed an ancient river red gum, carved by Traditional Owners into a canoe—a poignant reminder of the area's rich Aboriginal heritage. The Hattah Lakes area contains over 1,000 registered Aboriginal sites, including burial sites, scar trees, and shell middens, underscoring its cultural significance.
A short bus ride brought the group to the larger Lake Hattah, where participants carried BBQ supplies to the picnic area by the lake’s edge. Here, they were greeted by an unexpected treat: one of the carers played well-known Scottish tunes on his precious vintage bagpipes, delighting the group. He graciously took song requests from a couple of the participants with dementia, demonstrating the powerful connection between music and memory, with plenty of foot-tapping observed.
As the gas BBQ was lit and the camp kettle boiled, participants explored their surroundings, marvelling at the size of the old red gums, the vibrant flowering wattles, and a stand of Murray Pines on the sandy rise. One carer shared the historical significance of the Murray Pine, explaining its traditional use in building practices in North West Victoria, particularly for huts and fences due to its termite-resistant properties.
The lunch featured artisan-made sausages in crusty bread rolls with organic coleslaw and balsamic beetroot chutney, complemented by a lemon and goat cheese yogurt cake with lemon thyme icing baked by the RCC (as the harvest slice meant for the trip was accidentally consumed by her family!), and fresh fruit. The cake and tea provided a sweet ending to the meal.
The day concluded with a return trip to Mildura Wharf by 2:00pm, in time for one of the carers to resume their part-time role as a school crossing supervisor. Feedback from participants was consistently positive. Many remarked on their enjoyment of the bagpipe performance, spotting emus on the drive, and the peaceful ambiance enriched by birdsong. Several couples noted that they had never visited Hattah Lakes before and were grateful for the opportunity.
The GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project continues to excel in organising meaningful outings that provide participants with enriching experiences, fostering a sense of community and connection for people living with dementia and their carers.