Tuesdays are eccellente at Wyndham Lodge’s Italian Club
“Tuesday is my favourite day of the week,” says Baptcare volunteer Concetta Cini.
For the past eight years she has spent each Tuesday morning helping run Italian Club at Wyndham Lodge Aged Care community.
Superb coffee, home-made tiramisu and Italian biscuits are shared, while Italian music plays on the stereo.
Concetta and fellow volunteer Maria Lock were both born in Sicily and moved to Australia as teenagers. They are long-time residents of the Werribee/Hoppers Crossing area who are dedicated to bringing joy into the lives of Italian-speaking older people.
“Late in her life, before she passed away, my Mum reverted to using her native tongue,” Maria says.
“It made me realise how important it is for these older people to have others around who can speak their language.
“On Tuesday mornings at Wyndham Lodge we create a little bit of Italy. Concetta and I are Italian women, so we love to touch people, give them a hug. Speaking Italian and just giving them that extra attention helps takes them back home. We hold these moments with them.”
Resident Connie is a former president of the Italian Social Club. Another resident, Maria, was secretary.
“She’s my boss,” Maria says, laughing. Maria’s neighbour growing up, Dino, is another weekly attendee. They reminisce about riding their bikes from farms into Werribee, hanging out with the men playing bocce, and the thieves who stole artichokes from thevege beds just when they were ready for eating.
“The residents who attend Italian Club look forward to it all week,” says Samantha Pullen, leisure & lifestyle coordinator.
“They sing songs, tell a few jokes, share some stories. It’s all about joy and togetherness.”
“Graziano to be together,” says one resident, reaching for their espresso. “Now, mangiate! You all eat.”
Wyndham Lodge Residential Aged Care is a caring place where residents create new memories with new friends, share old memories with old friends, and live life on their own terms. For more information, call 13 22 78.
