Avenues to promote entertainment and connectivity took a mighty leap forward this week for residents of Forest View Childers.
Childers Rotary, with the support of local MP Stephen Bennett, have purchased and installed a new large screen smart television and smaller tablet with accompanying speaker.
Childers Rotary president Geoff Fay and Mr Bennett visited Forest View this week to engage with residents as they enjoyed the new additions to their facility.
Residents Barry and Llisa said the new technology was a boost to residents who particularly liked the large screen television for exercise classes and the “golden oldies” music that was available through YouTube.
“I particularly like the exercise programs. I’m recovering from a shoulder injury and the programs available through YouTube are tailor made to assist my recovery,” Barry said.
Forest View resident welfare officer Dianne Parr said the new equipment was extremely well received by the residents.
“The television is in a common room where we meet for exercise classes or sing alongs.
“The tablet and speaker are available to residents who may be confined to their rooms or who want privacy to contact family members or friends through a face time connection,” Dianne said.
Barry, who has family outside of Childers, said the ability to speak with family or friends on a larger screen represented an incredible improvement in connectivity for the older residents.
Geoff Fay said Sue McLoy, a member of Childers Rotary, had identified that Forest View was lacking a large screen television and raised the proposal with our club.
“During the process of purchasing the television we also learned that a tablet and portable speaker would be an asset to residents so we explored the opportunity to purchase that equipment as well.
“We wrote to Member for Burnett Steve Bennett seeking his assistance and Steve very quickly agreed to fund the $600 purchase of the items.”
Mr Bennett said it was great to see Childers Rotary active within its community and he had been delighted to assist the club when it wrote seeking funding support.
“It also made me aware that perhaps more can be done for residents at places like Forest View to ensure they can get worthwhile and maximum benefits from technology.”
Geoff Fay said Childers Rotary had a lengthy association with Forest View and had supported a number of initiatives.
“We do most of our fundraising within the local community so we enjoy supporting our community when we get the opportunity.”
Mr Fay said the items were purchased through the Childers Betta Electrical store which was in keeping with the club’s “buy local” philosophy.
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