Southern Downs community shows support for BlueCare

As BlueCare Queensland’s 70th anniversary rounds the corner, both Stanthorpe and Warwick’s BlueCare respite centre’s held celebrations in honour of the organisation’s great achievements. See how they celebrated here.

One of Gladys Tunny’s callings in life is helping build social connections and excitement in the lives of the Southern Downs’ elderly residents in her care, a long-held tradition as her company BlueCare celebrates it’s 70th birthday.

Mrs Tunny, the BlueCare Darling Downs community services coordinator, said the community was always positive about the services the Southern Downs’ respite centres offered as staff and clients came together to celebrate businesses anniversary.

The Stanthorpe event even included a special guest appearance from Southern Downs mayor Vic Pennisi.

BlueCare Warwick staff Lynne Wood (L), Vivienne Blackwood and long-term client Darryl Sinkins (R) cutting the cake for BlueCare's 70th anniversary.

“I always get great feedback from clients who tell me how much they love our services and all the activities we provide,” Mrs Tunny said.

Coming up to her second year as care coordinator for the region, she said developing care plans and activities for their clients is one of her favourite parts of the job.

“I just enjoy looking after the clients and developing activity plans for our respite clients. (The respite service) is a great way for the elderly in the community to build social connections and get out and about,” she said.

Care Coordinator Glad Tunny (L) and Southern Downs mayor Vic Pennisi (R) at BlueCare Stanthorpe's 70th anniversary celebrations.

The Stanthorpe center’s celebrations saw the unveiling of volunteer Jacki Harvey’s wall hanger, which includes handstitched hand tracings of the centre’s respite clients to commemorate the milestone of the organisation.

“We couldn’t do it without the help of the volunteers,” Mrs Tunny said.

A craft stall was held at the Stanthorpe celebrations, offering handmade goods of the respite clients which saw the community's contributions raise $600 to go towards activities for the respite centre.

BlueCare Stanthorpe volunteer Jacki Harvey unveiling the hands of BlueCare Stanthorpe wall hanger at the 70th anniversary celebrations.