Lifestyle Archives - Page 3 of 4

Home modifications to support ageing

As part of the Home Care Package program, aged care recipients receiving in-home care can make home modifications to support their ageing. My Aged Care offers funding assistance for changes to your home that help you live safely and independently.

How can I get funding for home modifications?

If you’re planning to use your Home Care Package for modifications, you’ll need to confirm eligibility with My Aged Care. As with all Home Care Package funding, modifications must be related to your ageing needs. Additionally, they must be support by an assessment and recommendation from an appropriately qualified health professional such as an Occupational Therapist.

From 1 July 2025, the new Support at Home program will introduce changes to the funding scheme. The Assistive Technologies and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme will allow quicker access to the home changes you need, ensuring older Australians can stay safe and independent at home.

What home modifications should I make?

Modifications to your home should always reflect your assessed needs. For example, if you’re concerned about falling, you might consider installing grab rails in your shower.

If you’re unsure about the types of modifications you need, reach out to your care partner at Trilogy Care. They can make a referral for an in-home assessment to recommend modifications tailored to your circumstances.

Example home modifications

Here are some common household modifications that can improve your safety and independence:

Grab rails – prevents falls in the shower, bath, or toilet
Ramps – ensures easy wheelchair access
Easy-access taps – helps if you have arthritis or a weakened grip
Accessible cooking appliances – provides assistance for those with mobility challenges
Long-handled gardening tools – enhances safety while gardening
Step modifications – ensures safer movement around your home
Handrails – improves safety on stairs
Adapted cutlery – assists those with weak grips or tremors while eating

Speak to us today for assistance!

Our friendly team at Trilogy Care is ready to help you start the process of modifying your home. Reach out to your care partner anytime with any questions or concerns you may have.

Not with Trilogy Care yet? Call us on 1300 459 190 or visit our website to learn more.

Health tips for summer

As another sweltering Australian summer approaches, staying safe in the heat is more important than ever. Trilogy Care’s clinical team has compiled key summer health tips to help you enjoy the sun safely.

The dangers of heat

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission warns that heat stroke and heat exhaustion pose significant risks for older individuals this summer. Our clinical team understands that even small tips can be crucial for staying cool and safe as the temperature rises.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

pale skin
headache
nausea, vomiting
dizziness, fainting
weakness
irritability
thirst
heavy sweating
muscle cramps
decreased urine output

Symptoms of heat stroke may include:

confusion
slurred speech
agitation and altered mental state
loss of consciousness
profuse sweating or hot, dry skin
muscle twitching or seizures
rapid breathing
a quick and strong pulse
very high body temperature

Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and can quickly threaten your life. If you are concerned about heat stroke, immediately call triple zero (000).

Outdoors advice

When heading outdoors this summer, keep these tips in mind to stay safe:

Dress for the weather: Wear cool, loose-fitting clothes to avoid overheating
Avoid direct sun exposure: Whenever possible, stay in the shade or under cover
Wear sunscreen: Apply sunscreen before going outside, and remember to reapply if you’re staying out for a while
Seek air-conditioned spaces: Cool down in air-conditioned places like shopping centres, senior centres, or the movies. Don’t forget, your Home Care Package can help with transportation costs

Indoors advice

Staying cool indoors is just as important. Trilogy Care’s clinical team suggests:

Keep your space cool: Use air conditioning or fans to maintain a comfortable temperature
Block out heat: Install blinds, shades, or place plants in sun-exposed areas to reduce indoor heat
Cook outdoors: Consider using a BBQ at night if your house feels too warm
Check your lightbulbs: Switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs, which emit less heat

General summer health tips

To stay safe during the warmer months, here are a few more tips from Trilogy Care:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration
Limit alcohol and caffeine: These can dehydrate you faster, so it’s best to avoid excessive consumption
Consult your doctor: If you have concerns about overheating or dehydration, speak to your doctor for personalised advice

Support from Trilogy Care

Summer is a time of fun and festivity, but it’s important to be cautious about heat and sun exposure. If you have any concerns or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact Trilogy Care’s clinical team.

Call us on 1300 459 190 or contact us here to learn more about how we can support you this summer. In case of an emergency always call triple 0 (000).

What community services are available to older Australians?

There are many community services available for older Australians. These are typically free and allow you to engage with government and community-run programs to enhance your lifestyle and wellbeing. For those on a Home Care Package, community services may assist with items and tasks that are not covered by the package funding.

What are community services?

Community services come in many forms, often as group activities run by volunteers or people passionate about supporting aged care. These groups might meet once a week for coffee, a walk, or just a chat. While the activities may be simple, they offer valuable opportunities for social interaction with people of a similar age.

One great example is the Rockhampton 60 and Better Program, where the group meets on the first Wednesday of each month for coffee and on the second Monday for lunch. These meet-ups provide older people with the chance to connect and have meaningful conversations.

Regular social interaction like this can play a vital role in preventing feelings of isolation and loneliness, which is particularly important for older people.

Who provides community services?

Community services can be delivered by individuals or organisations that want to provide their time and effort to improve the wellbeing of others. Local governments may also provide community services based on their location.

Government services

Local governments offer a range of community services that help older Australians access programs to enhance their quality of life. These services may include:

Immunisation clinics – Councils often offer free vaccinations, particularly to those who are vulnerable
Cab services – Councils offer cab services to people who find it challenging to complete essential tasks, such as grocery shopping or accessing medical appointments. If you live in Brisbane for example, you can check if you are eligible for this service here
Events and activities – Councils often run programs such as classes, social outings, or even award nights for older residents
Pension concessions – Certain councils offer discounted rates for pensioners
Bin collection service – Councils can arrange in-home bin collection services if you’re unable to manage it yourself

Volunteer services

Many community services are provided by volunteers, often coordinated by organisations dedicated to providing care services. These services can include any assistance that older Australians require, including:

Gardening
Household maintenance
Social visits
Administration tasks
Running classes or courses
Helping in respite care
Assisting in residential aged care

How can I connect with community services?

Accessing community services varies depending on where you live. We recommend visiting your local council’s website to explore the services available. For instance, Brisbane City Council’s community support page lists all the services offered in their area.

Additionally, you can use sites such as My Community Directory or Our Community to find organisations that can provide you with services you need. You may also wish to read our article on the aged care volunteer scheme for more information.

If you would like to get involved with volunteering or providing community support, there are websites such as Seek Volunteer that can connect you to relevant services.

If you need more assistance, please contact us via our website, or call 1300 459 190.

International Day of Older Persons

October 1, 2024, marks the annual International Day of Older Persons, a global event celebrating the invaluable contributions older people make to society and highlighting the key issues they face.

This day encourages organisations and communities worldwide to reflect on the challenges older individuals encounter and take action. At Trilogy Care, we’re proud to celebrate International Day of Older Persons by sharing how our Home Care Packages help older Australians live life to the fullest.

Celebrating Trilogy Care’s care recipients

At Trilogy Care, we’re dedicated to supporting individuals to live well in their homes. We provide care services that enable people to stay engaged with their hobbies, interests, and social activities, continuing to enjoy life as they always have.

In recognition of International Day of Older Persons, we spoke with Harry Knowles, a long-time Trilogy Care care recipient. Harry’s journey with us, since 2021, exemplifies how Home Care Packages empower people to maintain a vibrant, fulfilling life.

Meeting Harry

Harry Knowles, aged 78, is more than just a care recipient – he’s a man with a rich history and a love for life. He and his wife, Emmy, have been married for 58 years, happily residing in their remote Northern Queensland community. In his spare time, Harry restores vintage caravans and builds intricate scale models and dioramas.

But Harry doesn’t keep his passions to himself. He actively shares his creations with other care recipients through Trilogy Care Connect—our Facebook community group. On the page, Harry regularly posts updates on his caravan restorations, model building, and home projects, inspiring others to embrace their own interests.

Harry is committed to spreading the message that ageing doesn’t mean slowing down. “People need to stop thinking old,” he told us. “If I can inspire just one person to keep going and enjoy their hobbies, then I’ve succeeded.”

On this International Day of Older Persons, we celebrate all of our care recipients, especially those like Harry, who continue to live life to the fullest and overcome the challenges that come with ageing.

Why a Home Care Package?

Harry and Emmy live in a remote Northern Queensland community, where traditional home care providers often struggle due to limited availability of local care workers. Fortunately, with Trilogy Care’s self-managed Home Care Package, Harry is able to hire a neighbour as a paid carer when extra help is needed. This ensures that Harry and Emmy can maintain their lifestyle without having to compromise.

“The support I receive helps both Emmy and me maintain our way of life,” Harry shared. “With Home Care Package funding, Emmy doesn’t have to give up her freedom. If she’s away, we can get help from our neighbour, whether it’s for yard work or other tasks.”

Self-managing with Trilogy Care

Harry, with the support of his eldest daughter, manages his Home Care Package seamlessly. While Trilogy Care simplifies the process, Harry’s daughter steps in whenever needed, particularly with administrative tasks.

“She understands the paperwork side of things,” Harry explained. “And while Trilogy Care makes managing the package easier, it’s great knowing my daughter can step in if we ever need help.”

Trilogy Care is committed to empowering care recipients like Harry to continue living well in the homes they cherish. This International Day of Older Persons, we encourage you to explore whether self-management could enhance your lifestyle or help you maintain it.

Take the next step

To discover how Trilogy Care can help you make the most of your Home Care Package, give us a call on 1300 459 190 or visit our website to learn more.

Events for seniors – How to get involved

Community and social events play a vital role in the lives of older Australians, especially for those living alone. Engaging with others and participating in activities can greatly enhance your wellbeing. Whether it’s a small, interactive gathering or a larger event filled with valuable information and activities, there’s something for everyone.

What events are available?

There are a wide variety of events that cater to different interests and health needs, such as:

Health and activity sessions – Join classes that promote fitness and wellbeing through light exercise and other activities
Educational classes – Learn new skills, such as computer and internet basics, to stay connected and engaged
Senior centres – Participate in a variety of activities, from language lessons to yoga, board games, art, and more
Community parties – Local councils often host events for older Australians, such as Christmas celebrations
Expos – Find out more about the aged care services available to you and other helpful resources

How to find events

Each state and territory promotes upcoming events for older people in its own way. Depending on where you live, event details can be found on your state government’s website or through services like Eventbrite.

Here are some helpful links:

State	Carer Gateway Provider
Queensland	Seniors event calendar
New South Wales	Seniors festival
Victoria	Seniors festival
Western Australia	Seniors events
South Australia	Seniors events
Tasmania	Activities in your area
Northern Territory	Seniors event calendar
Australia Capital Territory	Seniors activities

Other avenues such as COTA (Council on the Ageing), local council pages, or Eventbrite also provide event options.

Using COTA

COTA is a government-funded organisation that advocates for older Australians. It also offers a comprehensive list of events tailored specifically to seniors. Each state has its own COTA website, allowing you to view events relevant to your location.

To learn more, visit COTA and select your state to explore upcoming events.

Seniors month festivals

Several states celebrate Seniors Month with special festivals. From October 1 to 31, Queensland and Victoria host senior festivals, while Tasmania celebrates Seniors Week from October 14 to 20. South Australia also marks its Week of Ageing Well from October 1 to 7.

These festivals offer a range of activities, including concerts, guided tours, film festivals, communal lunches, and workshops. Whether you’re exploring new interests or just want to enjoy a day out, these events have something for everyone.

Attending events

If you receive a Home Care Package, you may be eligible for assistance in finding and attending senior events. If transportation is an issue, contact your care partner to discuss available options. Alternatively, you can reach out to service providers like Careseekers to arrange transport.

Want to know more about how Trilogy Care can help connect you with community events? Call our team on 1300 459 190 or contact us here. You can also explore our lifestyle blogs for more event details and tips.

Aged care volunteers - what is the ACVVS Volunteer Scheme?

Aged Care Volunteers ACVVS Volunteers Scheme

As of the 1st of July 2023, The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) replaced the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS). The ACVVS aims to provide a free resource for older Australians, particularly those at risk of being socially isolated, that connects them with volunteers.

Sourcing volunteers

Should you sign up to receive a volunteer, the ACVVS will help to pair you with a like-minded volunteer. You and your volunteer will have the opportunity to spend time together, chatting and doing various activities.

Volunteers are matched with care recipients who would benefit from their interaction. For example, a care recipient who prefers to speak French would be paired with a volunteer who can also speak French. In this way, the ACVVS allows you to match with a volunteer who is aligned to your cultural or linguistic background, or who has interests similar to yours.

Unfortunately, older Australians can feel isolated for a variety of reasons, and the ACVVS program allows you to connect with volunteers who can help you reconnect with your culture, heritage, or community.

In addition to providing a social experience, your ACVVS volunteers can help you engage in your favourite activities, prevent you from feeling lonely, and allow you to discuss your feelings and concerns.

Why use the ACVVS?

Studies have shown that the ACVVS positively contributes to the lives of Australians with a Home Care Package on both a mental and emotional level. Regular social interaction, particularly with a trusted volunteer, can help you feel a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and prevent stress.

The Department of Health and Aged Care currently funds more than 140 community organisations that provide trained volunteers for social experiences with older people. Volunteers are sourced from aged care services providers and health professionals, but family and friends are also encouraged to participate. This means that there is a large number of volunteers for you to be paired with, based on what you’d like to achieve from the program.

Aged care providers’ role

Aged care providers have an essential role in the ACVVS. With direct access to care recipients, it is crucial for aged care providers to inform you of the ACVVS, and your ability to access beneficial volunteer services.

In addition, aged care providers must:

Refer eligible care recipients to ACVVS (particularly those from a diverse background)
Remain in communication with the ACVVS volunteer manager should circumstances change with the care recipient

Providers should also be aware that:

ACVVS volunteers should be considered similarly to visiting friends or family members, including visiting hours on weekends and after 5pm on weekdays
Do not need to complete a service agreement between the ACVVS organisation and the Home Care Package provider

Your care provider will always work to ensure that you are matched with a volunteer who will help enrich your life and achieve your goals.

ACVVS volunteers’ role

Volunteers are essential to the ACVVS; without their assistance, the scheme would be unsuccessful. Importantly, volunteers must attend at least 20 visits a year with the same care recipient to ensure a strong relationship is developing.

ACVVS volunteers should also be aware that they must:

Complete a national police check
Work within their ACVVS organisation’s rules and policies (not the Home Care Package provider)
Are not to access a care recipient’s personal or care records
Continue to work with the same care recipient

Volunteers are available to spend time with you; whether you want to play a card game, go for a walk, or just chat.

ACVVS volunteer managers’ role

ACVVS volunteer managers, or Auspice Coordinators, are the link between Home Care Package Providers and ACVVS volunteers. They play a vital role within the scheme, and their key tasks are to:

Recruit, train, and provide support for volunteers
Increase awareness of the ACVVS
Maintain an open line of communication between the ACVVS organisation and Home Care Package Providers they work with
Work to resolve any issues or concerns raised by volunteers, care providers or care recipients
Ensure volunteers are matched with an appropriate older person

Volunteer managers ensure that your ACVVS experience is always running smoothly. If you ever experience a problem with a volunteer, your volunteer manager is the person to speak to.

Accessing the service

The ACVVS is an important service that provides much-needed social care to older Australians who have a Home Care Package. If, at any time, you feel isolated or lonely, organising a friendly volunteer is only a phone call away.

The scheme is a great opportunity for you to connect with similar people and make new friends.

For more information on the ACVVS, visit this site or contact your Home Care Package Provider.

If you think you or someone you know may benefit from an ACVVS volunteer, visit this site or register to volunteer here.

Links by State:

New South Wales, Victoria, and the ACT

Have you met the Trilogy Care clinical team?

Unlike many Home Care Package Providers, Trilogy Care maintains a clinical team consisting of 10 dedicated, highly trained nurses who are available at any time. The team is committed to supporting our care recipients through any clinical needs they experience at no additional cost.

Trilogy Care’s clinical team is always accessible to assist care recipients by rapidly responding to incidents, changes, deterioration, clinical escalations, and management plans. To this end, Trilogy Care can be confident that we are compliant with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and provide peace of mind to our care recipients.

The role of the clinical team

Trilogy Care’s clinical team is dedicated to assisting you with any health concerns or problems you may be experiencing. Should we be informed of any significant medical, healthcare, or lifestyle changes in our consumers’ lives, we endeavour to follow up as part of our duty of care.

Each of our nurses has extensive experience within the healthcare industry and is eager and enthusiastic to provide free, expert assistance as needed.

After consulting with the clinical team, Trilogy Care will determine if changes are required to your care plan or Home Care Package. Any recommendations that the clinical team has will then be provided to your care partner, who can discuss them with you or your authorised representation.

The Trilogy Care clinical team is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with our care recipients. Our team’s care and kindness have allowed us to provide our consumers with safety and comfort, resulting in the clinical team achieving a record number of case management plans within the last quarter.

Free service for our care recipients

Consulting with the clinical team is a free service available to all our Home Care Package recipients, and we strongly encourage you to contact them if you notice any significant changes in your daily life.

We understand that unexpected changes, particularly regarding healthcare, medication and mobility, can be confronting, but you do not have to suffer in silence. Our clinical team has 10 members available to provide advice on and answers to your most pressing concerns.

Our team leverages its experience within the healthcare industry to provide comprehensive, relevant advice for your concerns. Each member is a trained nurse, allowing you to take solace in the fact that you will always be looked after.

Case studies

Our clinical team has experience assisting our care recipients through their healthcare concerns. Below are some real-world examples of our team helping our consumers with their problems.

Incident response

One of our care recipients reported to the clinical team that they had suffered a fall and had a fractured arm. In response, we assigned a nurse to call the care recipient and check in on their health. This check-in included confirmation of what additional support was needed for the care recipient in managing daily activities. A fall mitigation strategy was also created to reduce the risk of more falls.

The clinical team then created a new management plan for the care recipient. The new plan accounted for fortnightly check-ins to see how the care recipient was managing their condition and pain levels.

Clinical escalation

During a standard care plan review, our care recipient reported they had a wound. As this was a notable change for our client, the situation was escalated to the clinical team. We then had one of our nurses contact the care recipient to determine how they were managing the wound. The nurse also provided advice on how to apply medical dressings.

The nurse also determined if the wound was infected and if our care recipient should see a GP. This allowed us to develop a new management plan that included fortnightly check-ins to confirm if the wound had healed or if there was an infection present.

The Trilogy Care clinical team is committed to improving your daily wellbeing and quality of life. If you require support from our clinical team or have any questions, contact us on 1300 459 190 or email clinical@trilogycare.com.au

Our website also contains several helpful resources for you to view at any time:

Trilogy Care also has a community group on Facebook, Trilogy Care Connect, where you can chat with other care recipients. The group, which can be found at this link, is an excellent resource for discussion.

Share the Care: Refer a friend to Trilogy Care

Are you happy with the care and support you receive from Trilogy Care? We believe that the best recommendations come from those who’ve experienced our services firsthand, which is why we’re excited to introduce Share the Care, our referral program!

By referring friends, family, or acquaintances to Trilogy Care, you can help others receive the high-quality home care they deserve. Plus, for every successful referral where your friend selects Trilogy Care as their Home Care Package provider, you’ll receive a $100 Bill Fairy voucher.

Friends helping friends – it’s the best kind of care.

Why refer a friend?

Help your friends: Ensure your friends and family get the same trusted, quality care you receive.

Strengthen community: Build a community of well-cared-for individuals with Trilogy Care.

Earn rewards: Enjoy a $100 Bill Fairy voucher for each successful referral.

By participating in Share the Care, you’re not only helping others discover top-quality home care but also earning rewards as our way of saying thank you. Start referring today and enjoy the benefits of sharing Trilogy Care’s exceptional services!

How to refer a friend

Referring someone to Trilogy Care is simple:

Referral link: Share your unique referral link directly with friends, family, or acquaintances through email, social media, or any other communication methods.

https://trilogycare.com.au/share-the-care

Direct contact: Alternatively, the referral may call Trilogy Care and provide the referee’s details over the phone.

Eligibility

To ensure the success of our referral program, the following criteria must be met:

Referrer eligibility

Current care recipient or authorised representative: The referrer must be an active Trilogy Care care recipient or authorised representative of a current Trilogy Care care recipient with at least three (3) months of continuous service at the time of the referral.

Valid contact details: The referrer must provide accurate contact information for the person being referred.

Consent: The referrer must have obtained explicit consent from the referred person to share their contact information with Trilogy Care.

Referred person eligibility

New to Trilogy Care: The referred individual must not have previously or currently received services from Trilogy Care.

Service agreement: The referred individual must have a current Home Care Package and agree to receive services from Trilogy Care as a result of the referral.

Three months of service: The referred individual must remain a care recipient with Trilogy Care for at least three (3) consecutive months.

Referral criteria

To take part in the Share the Care program, your referral must be a new contact who hasn’t previously used Trilogy Care’s services.

By joining our Refer a Friend initiative, you’re not only helping others discover high-quality home care but also receiving rewards as a thank you from us. Start referring today and share the benefits of Trilogy Care’s exceptional services with your community!

For more details, please refer to the terms and conditions on our website.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at marketing@trilogycare.com.au

Joe’s Reconciliation: From hidden roots to proud ancestry

Two men celebrating National Reconciliation Week 2024 with a selfie

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for reflection, learning, and coming together as a nation to build relationships and promote understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It’s a time to acknowledge the past, celebrate the present, and look towards a more harmonious future.

Joe, a Trilogy Care recipient, shared his journey to reconnect with his culture and history, shedding light on the challenges many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals encounter while striving to reclaim and celebrate their ancestry.

Although Joe was born Christopher James Hall, when his grandfather first saw him as a baby he exclaimed, “That’s my little Joe right there!”. From that day forward, he became known to all as Joe.

Growing up, Joe was unaware of his Indigenous heritage as his mother kept their ancestry a secret.

“Our mum was somewhat prejudiced about our black heritage. Although we’re not fully black in colour, we never understood why she kept it hidden. After her passing, a lot was revealed by uncles and aunties. We are proud to be Aboriginal, and now we are welcomed by our heritage elders.”

Following his mother’s passing, Joe and his sister sought to reconnect with their heritage. After researching the family and discovering they have Cantwell Partridge heritage dating back to the 1800s, Joe and his sister visited Mindaribba to present evidence of their ancestry.

“Well, the elders said ‘Welcome to the family. Good to see you. Come back to us.’ And then they said, ‘you need to be named’. So, my sister was named Tiriki which means bright star and I was named Kuway Kuway which means proud man.”

Being accepted into the family and recognised as uncle and auntie by the younger generation brought a sense of belonging and validation to Joe and his sister.

“To be accepted straight away, it’s amazing. And they walk past now and say, ‘hey uncle’ and it gives you a great feeling inside that you’re accepted back into the family.”

Joe’s connection with his culture has been a guiding force throughout his life, influencing his personal and professional paths.

About five years ago, I went to an Aboriginal seminar. They put name tags on us, of course. And my last name is Hall. But mum’s last name was Bates. I looked around and saw all these ‘Bates’. All the name tags ‘Bates, Bates, Bates’, and I’m going ‘hang on’. I walked up to one guy and said, ‘Are you from Sydney? My grandfather is, and his name is Lionel George Bates’ and the guy replied, ‘Yeah, he’s part of the family’. I couldn’t believe it.” Joe’s exploration of his roots has shifted his perspective, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and identity to his daily life. By engaging with his community and culture, he has not only rediscovered his history but also reclaimed it after it was obscured for much of his youth.

Joe’s journey, especially when it comes to care and supports, has not been without its challenges. In the past, he encountered discrimination and bureaucratic struggles when seeking care services. Since shifting to Trilogy Care, Joe expressed how easy it is to access the support he needs to live the life he wants.

“Being self-managed allows me to choose services that align with my cultural beliefs. I can pick and choose what I want and how I want it. I also have to put in a good word for Madison [my care partner]. She’s a great girl. I only have to drop her an email and it’s solved within a day or two at most.”

By listening, advocating, and adapting to individual circumstances, Trilogy Care has shown that quality care is not just about providing services, but about building meaningful and respectful relationships.

“They’re not prejudiced. They’ve never said anything like ‘well, because you’re Aboriginal…’ they don’t use those type of words. They just treat as they would anyone else.”

As Joe continues to navigate his care journey, he remains committed to advocating for his rights and embracing his heritage with pride. He emphasises the importance of listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and experiences while also being mindful of potential misconceptions. Joe’s experience highlights the importance of compassionate and culturally competent care in creating positive outcomes for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance.

Reflections on Reconciliation: A story of identity and culture

Trilogy Care employee celebrating National Reconciliation Week 2024 with the hashtag #NRW2024.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to come together to reflect on the shared history and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

Held annually from May 27 to June 3 , these dates mark two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey. May 27 is the anniversary of the 1967 referendum, in which over 90% of Australians voted to remove discriminatory clauses from the Australian Constitution and recognise Indigenous Australians as equal citizens. June 3 is the anniversary of the High Court’s landmark 1992 Mabo decision, which recognised the rights of Indigenous peoples to their land and paved the way for Native Title legislation.

Although reconciliation recognises the resilience and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultures, everyone’s experience and connection with National Reconciliation Week and what it means to them is unique.

For Warren Peisker (they/them), a valued team member at Trilogy Care, reconciliation is a time to reflect on their own journey of self-discovery, to connect with their family, culture, and ancestry, and to recognise the struggles and successes of preserving Indigenous culture in a modern society.  

Born to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mother and an Australian father with Polish and Italian heritage, Warren grew up with a deep respect for diversity and an understanding of their cultural heritage. However, a pivotal moment in Warren’s childhood led to the realisation that others viewed them as different. When they were in the third grade, Warren’s then best friend targeted them because of their skin colour. “I remember going home and I looked in the mirror for the first time and saw I was different. And then I had all these questions. Why am I different? Why do I have to be different?”

As Warren grew up, they observed that society often equated beauty with characteristics like fair skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes, which didn’t align with their appearance.

“Society has these projections and you do internalise that. You develop a sort of internal racism. You’re constantly reminded by society that you’re different. And you can also be reminded by your own family.

“I’ve got aunties, uncles, and cousins that are up in the Cook Islands, and they’re immersed in the culture, some of them are even artists, and they live and breathe the culture. And then there are others in my family who don’t like being differentiated. They see themselves as equal, probably as an Australian who just happens to have a different background like anyone else that’s migrated here or is culturally diverse.”

Warren’s grandmother was part of the stolen generation, which has meant that many traditions have unfortunately been lost. Even though some traditions couldn’t be passed down, Warren is devoted to learning about and protecting their ancestry. “I’m finding things out, not just about my own culture but even my family history. My grandma, she’s 83 years old now. Probably within the last 20 years, she found her sister. So, they’ve rekindled their relationship.”

Dreamtime stories shared throughout their life by aunties and uncles have helped them connect with their past and culture.

“When I was a kid, I remember asking ‘Can you tell us a story?’ and aunties and uncles would share stories about the bunya or the rainbow serpent, and sometimes I’m sure they even made-up stories. But I’ve found elements of their stories over the years when I’ve been reading or immersing myself in my culture, and other cultures.”

Even though their family relates to culture in different ways, Warren acknowledges that their upbringing has shaped them into someone who embraces their identity. 

“The person that I am today, is someone that accepts to a degree who I am, but I’m also constantly reminded that I’m in the minority. I’m on my own journey to work out what it means to live my authenticity.”

As Warren continues their journey of self-discovery and learning about their culture and history, they also navigate the challenges of being a minority in the workplace.

“If no one has met me before, there’s often a predetermined view of who they’re going to meet. My last name is Polish/German, and then they’re faced with myself and it’s like ‘Oh! That’s not who I thought you’d be.’ So, yeah. It’s definitely not easy.”

Since starting with Trilogy Care, initially as a care partner and now as a care inclusion and resolution specialist, Warren seamlessly fit into the culture and community.

“There are not many workplaces out there where I’ve been able to say ‘yes, this is a workplace that’s inclusive and I feel like I can be myself’. I think that’s the one thing I’ve been searching for in a workplace. So, stepping into Trilogy Care, I believe we’re an extension of the community; we have a workforce that’s very open. There’s culture here. There’s a sense of community. And yeah, I’m excited to see where that goes because it can only lead to success.”

As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Warren recognises the significance of providing accessibility for individuals who may not have encountered someone from their community before, especially in the workplace. They aim to dispel negative stereotypes and foster a cultural understanding.

“Irrespective of the workplace or environment I’m in, it’s about showcasing the best version of myself. Letting my effort and work speak for who I am. But also, openly communicating and sharing where I can – my story, my culture, my background. To proudly share the perspective of an Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander.”

National Reconciliation Week in Australia serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging, understanding, and celebrating the history and culture of Indigenous Australians. It provides an opportunity for all Australians to come together, reflect on the past, and work towards a shared future based on mutual respect, understanding, and recognition. By participating in events, discussions, and acts of reconciliation, we can all contribute to building a more inclusive and harmonious society for generations to come. Let us continue to strive for reconciliation and unity, both during this dedicated week and throughout the year.