Capecare residents and members of the Geographe Bay Gardening Club got their hands dirty planting a variety of flowers and hardy vegetation after a donation of more than $500 in gardening supplies was made by Soils Aint Soils Dunsborough.

The initiative was created after several Capecare residents discussed they’d like a more interactive garden – inspiring Jan Smith, who resides in the Capecare Independent Living Apartments, to reach out to her gardening club and work friends at Soils Aint Soils.

“It all came about because some of the residents wanted to add their own touch to the gardens,” Ms Smith said. “So, I did some site visits, and we were lucky enough to receive a large donation of plants from the local business, as well as soil conditioners and fertilisers.”

Ms Smith said the community initiative was also a good project for the Capecare residents to get involved with, because it promoted positive mental health and fun. “However, there are a lot of residents who are no longer capable, but therapeutically it’s important for them to have a garden that is beautiful and well maintained.”

“Some of the more senior residents came down too and we helped them to put some plants in. They really enjoyed it, they loved it. They all went off feeling very happy,” Ms Smith said.

The project is estimated to have installed more than 250 plants at Capecare Dunsborough, including many species requiring little upkeep. “I think it was lovely we were given the opportunity,” Ms Smith said. “The generosity of Soils Aint Soils was beautiful. It shows a great commitment to the joy of assisting others, and they were very happy to do that.”

During our Volunteer morning tea on Monday, a special group of students from Cornerstone Christian College were onsite washing cars for Capecare volunteers! They were taking the job seriously and volunteers went home in sparkling vehicles. Led by teacher and Student Leader Coordinator David van der Tang, the students are members of the Cornerstone’s Service and Leadership Council who raise funds for community services and serve within and outside the school community. A quarter of the school’s student population are members of the Council. What a great program to shape future community contributors.

Capecare is seeking to appoint two new non-executive directors in 2023.

Capecare was established in 1961 and employs over 220 people who, together with 50 volunteers, support its operations across its residential aged care, community services, adult day centre, respite and independent living operations.

Capecare is the leading regional, community-based, not for profit provider of aged care and accommodation services in the South-West and has residential facilities and independent living apartments in both Busselton and Dunsborough.

The Board of Capecare is now seeking expressions of interest to fill two Board positions that will become vacant in 2023. To complement the existing skills mix, expressions of interest are sought from candidates with a background and suitable experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Strategic and Business development
• Marketing and Communications
• Information Technology
• Fundraising
• Accounting, Finance & Audit

Board experience and AICD qualifications are preferred but not essential.

Your passion for working with a not-for-profit organisation and experience gained within government agencies or corporate/medium sized business, together with well-developed governance skills will be invaluable in ensuring Capecare continues the rich, local history of people aging well in the Capes region.

To express interest in either of the positions, please submit a brief letter outlining your suitability and your resume to our Board Secretary. Ms Sharon Sermon at Sharon.sermon@capecare.com.au

A full position description and other relevant information will be made available to suitable applicants. A modest sitting fee is payable to cover expenses.

Applications close Friday 10 March 2023.