The decision follows months of collaboration between Kirinari and The Blessed Bean, which has been operating from Kirinari’s café headquarters (Rise Espresso) over the past six months. As part of this transition, The Blessed Bean’s founder, Jason Dowding, will join Kirinari as the Head of Coffee Operations, ensuring continuity in quality and service for customers.

“I’m thrilled to take this next big step with Kirinari,” said Jason. “While ownership is changing, everything else will remain the same during the initial transition. Most importantly, The Blessed Bean’s product isn’t changing. Customers can expect the same exceptional brews, crafted personally by me, every time.”

In the coming months, The Blessed Bean will undergo a relaunch as a Social Enterprise, aligning with Kirinari’s mission of “building a good life for all.” This transformation will mean that every cup of coffee contributes directly to creating meaningful change in the community.

“This partnership offers a unique opportunity to support The Blessed Bean’s growth while giving it a renewed sense of purpose,” said Diane Lynch, CEO of Kirinari. “We’re excited to align this beloved product with our broader mission of creating social impact, driving positive change, and bringing people and community together.”

The Blessed Bean will retain its name and brand during the initial transition, with the relaunch to occur later in 2025.

The post Kirinari is taking over the Blessed Bean – a new chapter for coffee and community appeared first on Kirinari.

Physiotherapy can help improve:

• Balance: Reducing the risk of falls and improving stability.
• Muscle Strength: Enhancing mobility and supporting daily activities.
• Joint Mobility: Alleviating stiffness and increasing range of motion.
• Bone Density: Promoting better bone health to prevent fractures.
• Dexterity: Improving fine motor skills for everyday tasks.
• Injury Recovery: Managing both acute and chronic injuries.
• Cardiovascular Fitness: Boosting overall heart health and endurance.

At Kirinari Health, our physiotherapists create tailored pathways to help you improve your health, reduce pain, and build confidence in your body. Treatments may include:

• Bracing and taping for support.
• Walking aids to enhance mobility.
• Massage and joint mobilisation for pain relief.
• Customised exercise programs to suit individual needs.
• Referrals for scans like X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, or CTs when needed.

Exercise as a Protective Factor
Exercise plays a vital role in fighting the impacts of ageing, from arthritis and cardiovascular conditions to balance issues and mental health concerns. For older adults, evidence-based physiotherapy support helps overcome barriers to exercise and fosters recovery and improvement.

Achieving Personal Goals
Many of our older clients have ambitious goals—whether it’s travelling, playing sports, continuing to drive, or gardening independently. We’re here to help you overcome challenges like reduced walking ability or the fear of restarting beloved activities after an injury.

Physiotherapy empowers older adults to live fuller, more active lives. If you’re ready to take the first step toward improved health and wellbeing, our team at Kirinari Health is here to support you.

The post The Benefits of Physiotherapy for Older Adults appeared first on Kirinari.

Employment for selected cadets will begin in February 2025. Applications Close 10 January 2025.

The Cadetship Program is open to residents of NSW who are:

• unemployed young people aged 18-24 years (whether connected to social housing or not); or
• adults (25+) who are social housing clients (tenants, waitlist, those receiving private rental assistance and those living in crisis/supported accommodation);
• people who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander;
• people living with disability (those who have one or more physical, mental, intellectual, neurological or sensory impairments or conditions); and
• refugees and migrants (those that may face barriers to employment due to English being a second language, cultural differences, prejudice).

Funded by Homes NSW, CHIA NSW work with Community Housing Providers across NSW.  

There is a great deal of support for the learning in this program, the completion rate and ongoing employment for previous years exceeds 70% which is a fabulous result.

To find out more, please read the ‘How to apply” flyer at this link.

The application process

The Cadetship Program provides 25 places people each year for four years to 2029 (100 in total). To submit your application, please follow the steps below. If you do not have access to a computer, head to your local library to use their resources.

1. Complete an Online Application Form
   Read the information on the CHIA website communityhousing.org.au/cadetship and complete the online application form via the link in the information booklet. Be sure to include a brief statement outlining why you would like to be part of the cadetship
   
2. Complete the Online Reading & Numeracy Assessment
   After submitting your application, it will be reviewed. If you are successful in progressing to the next step, you will receive a link to complete an online Reading & Numeracy Indicator Assessment. This will consider your ability and skills for undertaking study, community participation and workplace employment requirements.
   
3. Eligibility Check via Phone
   We will call you to discuss your application and tell you more about the cadetship. If you are eligible, your application will be given to the participating Community Housing Providers.
   
4. Attend an Interview
   If successful, you will be invited to attend an interview with a Community Housing Provider to discuss the cadetship and your suitability.
   
5. Cadetship Offer
   If successful, you will receive an offer of 12 months employment as a Cadet. Employment will begin on 24 February 2025.
   
6. Attend Induction
   Your training program with CHIA NSW will commence with a 5-day induction from 3 March 2025.

The post Community Housing Cadetship: Applications Open appeared first on Kirinari.

• Kirinari Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Fee Policy
• Kirinari Home Care Package (HCP) Fee Schedule
• Kirinari Community Care (Private Customer) Fee Schedule

The updated Fee Policies and Schedules come into effect in 1 February 2025 and can be accessed at the links above.

At Kirinari, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care and service. We also want to make sure you understand any changes that may affect you ahead of time. If you have any questions or would like more information about the updated fee schedules, please feel free to reach out.

You can contact our Community Care Customer Service Team via 1300 547 462. We’re here to assist you.

The post Notice of updates to Healthy Ageing fees appeared first on Kirinari.

Jeff set a goal for independent living, finding support in the welcoming atmosphere of Kirinari and the dedicated assistance of a local team 18 months ago. His journey with Kirinari since has included practical aids, such as a walker, provided to enhance his mobility and navigate daily life with increased independence. He is also supported to attend medical and allied health appointments, and to attend a local day program for adults with disabilities.

Beyond meeting his basic needs, Kirinari enables Jeff to pursue his passions and engage in community life. Jeff’s love for sports, instilled from his younger years as a football and cricket player, is kept alive through Kirinari’s support. Whether it’s attending local football games or reminiscing at the Men’s Shed about old farming tales, Jeff’s life is enriched by the connections and activities facilitated by Kirinari.

What sets Kirinari apart is its commitment to personalised care. Jeff attests to this, noting how the staff consistently seeks his input on activities and outings. “They always ask me what I would like to do. And that’s the way it should be,” he asserts. This approach not only fosters a sense of autonomy but also ensures that the support provided aligns with Jeff’s preferences and needs.

Jeff’s story resonates with a message of doing what one wants to do, finding purpose, and enjoying what can still be enjoyed, echoing the essence of living life on his terms.

Stuart George, Kirinari Business Development Manager, highlights the significance of empowering individuals like Jeff to make their own choices. “All people deserve to receive services that are responsive and empower them to make their own choices. We’re proud to be a small part of Jeff’s incredible life and story.”

The post Jeff is living on his own terms with Kirinari support appeared first on Kirinari.

Here are some tips to help you stay healthy while gardening:

• Maintain fitness year-round: Our bodies often don’t respond well to sudden changes in force or repetitive movements. By staying fit and keeping your cardiovascular system in good shape throughout the year, you can prevent overload injuries, especially when tackling seasonal tasks.
• Alternate hands when possible: Switching up the hands you use helps distribute the force evenly across your body, reducing the risk of overloading a single area. This technique is particularly useful for activities like weeding and sweeping.
• Vary your posture and position: Change your body position between bending, squatting, and lunging to evenly distribute force across your major joints and muscle groups. This helps minimise strain on any one area.
• Use well-maintained tools: Keeping your tools and machines in good working order allows them to do the heavy lifting, which reduces strain on your body and makes tasks easier to complete.
• Take regular breaks: Depending on your fitness level and the difficulty of the tasks, short breaks can help reset your posture, allow you to breathe, and give you a chance to stretch before returning to work.
• Prioritise safety: Take the time to properly set up your working environment, such as ladders and digging equipment, to minimise the risk of accidents.

Enjoy your time in the garden and all the benefits it brings!

Disclaimer: Everyone is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to health. You should always seek health advice from a registered health professional. The blog article above is for general informational value only and you should not rely on this as a substitute for health advice.

The post Healthy Gardening: Injury Prevention Tips appeared first on Kirinari.

This transition has provided continuity of services to MidCoast Assist’s ageing clients and also for many MidCoast Assist staff who have elected to take up employment with Kirinari.

Council entered into talks with Kirinari following a request for proposal process from interested providers, which was a result of a decision in February to transition out of the delivery of ageing and disability services.

MidCoast Council and Kirinari have worked closely to ensure continuity of care for the clients of MidCoast Assist’s ageing services. All existing supports will remain in place, with many former MidCoast Assist team members joining Kirinari to continue to deliver care locally.

“We’re excited to welcome MidCoast Assist clients to Kirinari,” said Diane Lynch, Kirinari CEO.

“Our priority is ensuring they receive the same trusted care and wrap-around supports that help them live a good life. We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible so that customers continue to enjoy the reliable services they have come to depend on.”

Council’s Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell, has also welcomed the transition.

“We are pleased with the outcome for both participants and staff, as it has always been our aim to ensure the continuity of services to our clients,” Mr De Szell said.

“I am pleased that we are able to transition our clients to Kirinari.”

To further ease the transition, Kirinari has partnered with MidCoast Council to lease service delivery spaces. Most in-centre services will continue at their current locations, with the Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens office relocating to Hawks Nest Hall.

The transition of ageing services to Kirinari completes Council’s transition out of ageing and disability services.

Mr De Szell paid tribute to the staff of MidCoast Assist, saying they have delivered a fantastic and valued service for our community over the course of its operation.

The post A warm welcome to the MidCoast Assist team and customers appeared first on Kirinari.

What is Neurodiversity?

The dictionary defines neurodiversity as the natural differences in brain functioning found across the human population. These differences, whether cognitive or neurological, are normal and shouldn’t be stigmatised. 

Neurodiversity reminds us that every brain works in its own way, and inclusion should be the norm, no matter how someone’s brain functions.

What is Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice?

Neurodiversity-affirming practice embraces and celebrates these differences. It’s about viewing each person through the lens of strengths and interests, rather than focusing on deficits. 

When we adopt a neurodiversity-affirming approach, we acknowledge and honour individual identities, supporting people to thrive in ways that make sense for them.

Language Matters: How We Talk Shapes Understanding

The words we use can shape how people view themselves and how they are perceived by others. Neurodiversity-affirming language can help foster positive attitudes in families, communities, and workplaces. Here are some quick tips on neurodiversity-affirming language:

• Special interest, not ‘obsession’
  The term “obsession” can have negative connotations. Instead, try referring to these interests as “special interests” or “deep interests” to reflect that these are important, valued aspects of a person’s life.
• Traits, not ‘red flags’
  Behaviours or characteristics that some may view as “red flags” can be reframed as traits. Neurodivergence isn’t a problem to fix but a different way of being.
• Describe support needs, not ‘low/high functioning’
  Labels like “low-functioning” or “high-functioning” can be limiting and misleading. A more accurate approach is to describe a person based on their strengths, challenges, and the support they may need.

By adopting neurodiversity-affirming practices and language, we can create more inclusive environments where everyone is valued for who they are. Let’s shift our focus to celebrating differences and prioritising strengths!

The post Understanding Neurodiversity and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice appeared first on Kirinari.

We know how important it is to perform at your best, and this new program is here to help you!

What is the Weekend Warriors Program?

Weekend Warriors is a program based in Albury Wodonga and designed for anyone who is active and/or engaged in competitive sport locally.

Through this program, Kirinari will offer health support over a six-month period to help you gear up for peak performance with:

• 1x 90-minute full body screening
• Development of a high-performance sports program
• 3x Physiotherapy sessions
• 3x recovery massages

Who can apply?

If you are active and/or play a local competitive sport in Albury Wodonga and are over the age of 12, you’re eligible to apply for our Weekend Warriors program.

How many spots are available?

We have two spots open for the next six months, which will coincide with the upcoming summer sport season.

How Will Kirinari choose the winners?

To keep things fair, we’ll be drawing two names out of a hat to select the winners. Everyone has an equal chance to join this awesome program!

Don’t miss out on this chance to boost your athletic performance with Kirinari’s support.

How to apply

All you have to do is enter your information at this link by Friday 6 September 2024.

The post Applications are now open for our Weekend Warriors Program! appeared first on Kirinari.

Here are three simple language strategies you can use in your daily routines at home or on the go to help boost your child’s understanding and expression skills.

Pausing

Is there a book or song that your child loves to hear over and over again? Try pausing for at least five seconds before the last word of the book or the climax of the song and see if they will fill in the blank (eg. Head, shoulders, knees and (pause)).

• If your child says something similar or doesn’t say the word back, say it to them correctly (eg. child says “dah”, caregiver says “toes”).
• If your child says the word correctly, great! Make sure to reinforce what they’ve said by repeating it back to them excitedly (eg. Child says “toes”, caregiver say “toes”).

Be a commentator

Just as Olympic commentators describe every move of an athlete, you can be a commentator for you and your child’s actions too. When you’re close by or playing together, talk about what you are both doing. For example:

• While wiping the highchair, the caregiver could say “I am wipe, wipe wiping the highchair… I am wiping up the dirty highchair”.
• If you see your child struggling to reach their toy you could comment “you need help”.
• Use the same words/comments during everyday routines. Eg. Every time you open a door say “open the door”.

Repeat and expand

Is your child already saying a few words? Perhaps even a few sentences? You can continue to grow and adapt their vocabulary by adding more to the words they say.

• If your child says “dog run”, respond by saying the statement correctly – in this instance it would be “the dog is running”.
• If your child says “I runned over there”, respond by saying the statement correctly – in this instance it would be “I ran over there”.
• If your child says “ball”, try responding with a sentence that adds a descriptive word (eg. “big ball”), action word (eg. “bounce the ball”) or a location word (eg. “the ball is in there”).

If you require further information on whether your child is meeting communication milestones, this handout from Speech Pathology Australia is useful.

If you require further individualised support, contact Kirinari’s Speech Pathology Department:

• By calling 1300 547 462 (ask to speak to the Health Team)
• By emailing speechpathology@kirinari.com.au

Referrals can also be made at this link.
Learn more about Paediatric Speech Pathology here.

Disclaimer: Everyone is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to health. You should always seek health advice from a registered health professional. The blog article above is for general informational value only and you should not rely on this as a substitute for health advice.

The post Toddler Talking Tips – Embedding language strategies in your everyday appeared first on Kirinari.