Flag flies high at Torquay’s aged care centres

TORQUAY’S aged care facilities now have flagpoles and flags to go with them, thanks to the work of the Torquay RSL.

Torquay RSL president Bob Tyler said the RSL’s Welfare Officers reported none of the centres – Japara Elouera, Ocean Mist and Star of the Sea – had flagpoles, so a bid was made earlier this year for funding under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Community Commemorative Grants program.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker provided Australian flags to be flown at each centre, and officially handed over the newly installed flagpoles on behalf of the federal government last week.

Mr Tyler said each of Torquay’s centres had exservice men and women and war widows among their residents.

“This was reason enough for us to organise poles and flags to fly proudly at each centre.

“The poles will become the centrepiece for outdoor commemorations held each year at the centres, such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and on other days of commemorative significance, such as Vietnam Veterans Day.”

Flagpoles supplied and installed at the sites are the first steps in developing small commemorative gardens for the aged clients in each establishment.

Torquay RSL’s Welfare Officers sought flagpoles based on their regular visits to each establishment where questions from aged clients triggered plans to establish small commemorative gardens.

The grant of $4,500 was received in May and the flagpoles were delivered and installed at each facility in early June.

Mr Tyler praised the work of the RSL’s Welfare Officers.

“They do a wonderful job making visits to veterans and war widows living at home, and to residents of each of our local aged care facilities,” he said.

“Their role of caring for, and assisting those who need help of some kind, has led to occasional working bees, outings, and organising aids that are needed to allow older persons to remain safely at home.”