This program operates from Healesville but provides a service across the entire Yarra Valley district from Reefton to Hoddles Creek, Yarra Glen to Healesville and beyond.
Our Mission Statement
The Melba Program aims to assist older people to maintain the independent lifestyles by facilitating and promoting interactions between them and the local and broader community with the view of raising individual self-esteem and the value of older people within society in general. Through social communication networks and capacity building strategies the program recognises the importance of incorporating groups of varying ages, cultures, interests and life experiences.
Melba Program Activities include:
Telephone Social Club
Members of the telephone social club have weekly contact with each other over the telephone via a tele-link facility. “The Link” is a great way for older people who may be socially or geographically isolated to stay in touch with others, over the telephone. Club or “link” participants speak to each other from the comfort of their own homes, making friends, chatting and sharing news with others on the link.
Mens Group
Our Melba Men’s Group enables men to meet regularly on a social basis, providing friendship and companionship to each other. Activities include outings, light lunches and special events and monthly trips to the movies.
Celebrating Older Women and Celebrating Older Men Luncheons
Click here for an information flyer on the next Celebrating Older People Luncheon on Thursday 15th October 2009
These annual events focus on positive aging while celebrating and acknowledging the contribution older women or men have made to their families and communities and is a wonderful opportunity for participants to get together, enjoy a beautiful luncheon and celebrate life and ageing.
We were very excited to have Bud Tingwell join us for our recent Celebrating Older People event held on the 9th of April! He has led a colorful and rich life on the radio, the stage and silver screen. Born in Coogee NSW, Bud grew up during the depression and during the War he joined the Royal Australian Air Force. He related some interesting tales of his war experiences when he flew 75 operational flights in Spitfire and Mosquito aircraft as a photographic reconnaissance pilot.
His career as an actor has seen him appear in many Hollywood movies and Australian classics.
Picture below courtesy of Mail Newspaper Group
Wheelchair Chat
This group meets regularly for afternoon tea. Wheelchair chat offers friendship, social connections, support and advocacy to old people who rely on wheelchairs or motorised scooters for their mobility. New members and their carers are always welcome.
Home visiting
This activity links an individual client to one of Melba’s wonderful volunteers for weekly social visits. Home visiting may involve simply sharing a cup of tea and a chat, taking a stroll around the garden or local neighbourhood, or providing support to visit a friend or enjoy an outing.
Ann's 88th birthday!
Outings
Various outings and special events (small and large groups) are arranged through the Melba Program including picnics, trips to the movies, open garden scheme etc.
Listen to Older Voices Radio Program
Broadcast through Yarra Valley 99.1FM a ComRadSat and the National Community Radio Network this Award Winning Program raises the profile of older people by enabling their voices and thoughts to be heard; promotes interaction between the aged and other members of the community and entertains and informs people of all ages in the wider community.
Collection of 50 oral stories on DVD donated by program producer and interviewer Rob Greaves, to Eastern Regional Library, Healesville Primary School and Healesville High School at our Celebration for Older People 2008. (picture courtesy of Mail Newspaper Group)
Rob, Kath and YVFM presenting the Older People Speaking Out Media Award in 2006
For more information on Listen to Older Voices contact Rob Greaves on 5962 1055