The start of autumn marked the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and a slow return to – almost – normal. Annecto’s office teams have started leaving their houses and Zoom meetings to enjoy face-to-face contact with their coworkers. Our support workers have been able to go out more with the people we support and enjoy more social activities.
This change also meant that catch-ups, celebrations and group events could be held again.
The Kempsey team opened the ball this month with a Close the Gap Day event on 16 March. Care recipients and local Support Workers were encouraged to come to the office and showcase their musical talents. Other customers and Annecto staff were invited to join the festivities via Zoom. Stories were shared and people sang, clapped and enjoyed time together on this beautiful Wednesday morning.
With this fun and interactive event, we wanted to show our support in achieving health equality for Australian First Nations Peoples. The Close the Gap campaign aims to close the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians by 2030.
The following day, on 17 March, the Footscray team organised some after-work drinks to celebrate everyone slowly going back to the office. Staff enjoyed some well-deserved snacks and beverages. Smiles and St Patrick’s Day green clothes were at the rendezvous.
On 21 March, it was the Coburg team’s turn to get together and have lunch for Harmony Day. To the delight of many, food and delicacies from many different cuisines were served to celebrate the cultural diversity of our staff.
Later in the week, the Glebe Sydney team organised an event for the older people in their local community, on NSW Seniors Festival Day. The get-together aimed to help Glebe residents over 65 discover the different activities and organisations available locally, while also enjoying good conversation and nibbles.
This is just the start of the year, and we are looking forward to seeing what the teams across Annecto have in store for the rest of it. There are many other events to come in the near future, and Annecto will be attending some of the following:
- Disability Expo – 1 and 2 April
- Aboriginal Mental Health Event – 1 April
- Cooee Festival – 9 April
- Ballarat jobs and training expo – 7, 8, 9 June
And much more to come!