Morning Tea at “The Cottage”
A new location for the GreenConnect Dementia respite morning tea activity was held at the Mildura Rural City Council (MRCC) owned venue known as “The Cottage” on Tuesday 25 March 2025.
Set in the Mildura Station Homestead precinct at 278A Cureton Ave, within a picturesque and tranquil location, on the banks of the Murray River, shaded by river redgums and Native Belah trees, the space was selected for the growing group numbers, to provide a welcoming and enjoyable space for people living with dementia and their carers to come together in an informal and safe setting and watch the river flow by.
Twenty four participants in the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project, one care friend Bev Cook, two staff members (Diane and Tina) from Mallee District Aboriginal Services, Dementia Australia Support Specialist Bertilla Campbell, Sunraysia Community Health Services Occupational Therapist Belinda Dixon and the Mildura Respite Care Coordinator were in attendance.
Two new participants were warmly welcomed to the group and were able to connect with family participants in attendance and additionally, make new friends.
The gathering featured a relaxed morning tea of plump sandwiches and sweet slices and the very much welcomed addition of Anthony Fotia and his “Curly Top Expresso” Piaggio barista cart.
The little cart was a highlight of the morning with freshly brewed coffee from his unique mobile set up, sparking conversations and encouraging social interaction. Participants appreciated the high-quality beverages and the opportunity to enjoy them in the relaxed, open-air setting, for the many who wandered outside to engage with Anthony. Many of the men in attendance were intrigued by the small, motorised machine.
Sunraysia Community Health Services OT Belinda Dixon delivered an information session on her COPE program (Care of people with dementia in their own environments) providing valuable information and fostering discussions among attendees, with many sharing their situation and the challenges they face. Discussions were held around the types of strategies and measures the COPE program can recommend and some of the social supports available within our community for those living with a dementia diagnosis.
Participants shared some of their thoughts of the morning gathering:
“It is our first time coming to this group and we were made feel so welcome by all. It was nice to see my big brother”
“Enjoy being with the group and ideas to help us with our current situation”
“What an amazingly peaceful setting on the doorstep of town. It is beautiful”
“Good experience, great coffee and interesting and good ideas”
“It was nice to have a bit more space to move around in this new venue and it feels so lovely”
“Coffee and morning tea was great. Love the new venue”
“I loved the little coffee cart. We came from broad acre farming, and I love tinkering in the shed. I might try and weld one up if the wife lets me.”
GreenConnect would like to acknowledge and thank the MRCC staff of Arts Culture and Venues and their community wellbeing focus, to enable us to have this space made available to the group.
GreenConnect: Building Community and Connection
GreenConnect is dedicated to providing meaningful, enjoyable experiences for individuals living with early to mid-stage dementia. Our activities offer participants a chance to relax, foster friendships, and enjoy a sense of belonging in a safe and supportive environment.
Get Involved with GreenConnect
GreenConnect is always looking for new business partners, accommodation providers, and care organisations to join the network. If you’re interested in supporting the project and helping provide vital services to individuals living with dementia, reach out today to learn more about how you can contribute.