Community & Business
7 October, 2022
Aged care residents host community thank you BBQ
On Thursday 29th September, McDonald House residents hosted one of their monthly barbecues where they invite local organisations and community members along to say thank you for their voluntary efforts.
Some of the groups invited were the Oakey RSL which helped construct the new war memorial at the Hospital, members of the Oakey Men’s Shed who built the wooden bench as part of the war memorial garden plus the Community Chest Raffle duo John Webster and Michael Carpenter who donated raffle funds to the residents.
McDonald House recreation officer Elissa Parker said the barbecues are held monthly as a way for the residents to engage with community members and thank them for their support.
“Recently, John and Michael donated us their monthly raffle proceeds which we are letting the residents decide what to do with them,” she said.
“At the meeting the residents voted to host a luxury barbecue and spend the money on some nice steaks.
“Another joint community project was the building of the new war memorial, which we have invited those local groups today who have funded and contributed to its erection.
Oakey’s Director of Nursing Mary-Anne McKenzie said the gardens and outdoor area at the home are about to undergo some big changes thanks to the $13,000 donation
by the Thorpe family in June this year.
The Thorpe family held a community golf day fundraiser for the Oakey Health Service in honour of family member Desley Thorpe who spent her final days at the facility.
“Thanks to the Thorpe family, we will be completely re-landscaping, repainting and resurfacing the outdoor area,” Ms McKenzie said.
“We will also be getting new furniture and chairs for the residents to enjoy spending time outside in the gardens.
“Kids from the local schools did an art project and painted totem poles with indigenous designs on them, which they are giving to the hospital."
