Local carers connect at ‘Take a Break’ session

By Lua Ikenasio

Apr 14, 2025

The Lockington and District Bush Nursing Centre held the first of its ‘Take a Break’ sessions for carers on Tuesday, April 1.

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District carers gathered to find out more about services they can reach out to for more support and to share insight about life as a carer.

The day was made possible with a Community Recovery and Resilience Grant from Campaspe Shire Council.

Care Victoria regional carer adviser Abbey Brown with Lockington and District Bush Nursing Centre staff Michelle Stephenson and Natasha Collins and Tameaka Collins from Love TC. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Bush Nursing project manager Michelle Stephenson said the event was created in response to a community survey.

“We want to use the opportunity to see what carers in our community need and we will extend further activities,” she said.

“We have surveys where we survey our community every year and support for carers was something that had come up and we thought we’d like to look into it a bit more.

“Once we establish a connection with this carers group, we will then look at opportunities for funding and activities in the future as well.”

Lindsay Govett, Ted Jepsen and Tracey Porter with Lockington and District Bush Nursing Centre staff Natasha Collins and Michelle Stephenson. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

The day included an information session with Care Victoria regional carer adviser Abbey Brown.

Ms Brown shared information about the services available to carers, including further learning, financial support and self-care services.

She then spoke to attendees one-on-one to find out why carers attended the day and what areas they were interested in learning more about.

Guests were invited to enjoy lunch together, catered by the community kitchen.

Tameaka Collins from the Love TC led the guests in a creative session to make their own keyrings.

Lunch was provided on the day by the Lockington Community Kitchen. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Ms Stephenson said the event was intentionally held in conjunction with the centre’s FoodShare day to create a network for carers.

“By having the luncheon on the FoodShare day, we wanted to try and link the carers to the FoodShare and our meals we’ve been doing through the community kitchen,” she said.

“That’s part of providing support and releasing the carers to reduce carer burnout by making sure they’re supported.”

Lockington residents Stephen Peter, Deborah Peter, Graeme Haines and Fay Haines attended the event. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

The FoodShare and Community Kitchen project was launched in December 2024 to help battle food poverty during the rising cost of living crisis.

The program gives residents access to free groceries through monthly open pantry days and weekly hampers, as well as pre-cooked meals for emergency food relief.

The bush nursing centre recently received a $25,000 Foundation for Rural and Regional Recovery grant to help make the program more sustainable into the future.

This grant will help purchase more equipment such as freezers, storage and resources.

If any Lockington residents would like more information on any of these services or events, they are encouraged to call the bush nursing centre on 5486 2544.