Here we are in Watsonia, living among the renovations, that are taking a lot longer than we expected. There are still many things to be unpacked. Infact, we can’t remember what most of it is. It’ll be a nice surprise when we finally have access to it again. Either that or the Op Shop will benefit.
Roy retired two years ago (2014) so he continues to enjoy his freedom with more line dancing, gardening, socialising, and some odd jobs around the house. Roy still keeps in touch with the folk at Croydon SDS. He and Duane regularly walk Amy’s dogs. Roy also goes around to Duane’s place to visit or help with gardening etc.. Roy would probably say the highlight of his year is the ticket he has for the ACDC concert on December 6.
Liz is still working at La Trobe University at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, three days a week. She continues her watercolour painting at U3A on Mondays, and enjoys catching up with old friends from former workplaces. This year she was involved in a community art project with Carers Victoria, that took place in Melbourne in Sept/Oct, during Seniors’ Week and Carers’ Week. This was great fun with brainstorming and developing ideas, filmmaking and recording. The activities culminated in an art installation in Southbank and the initiation of some strong friendships with carers across Melbourne.
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| Carers' Project |
Duane continues to work at HiCity Industries, now three days a week. In July we secured funding for him to attend La Trobe University Life Skills Program two days a week. Duane travels to and from the university in the local buses, which will maintain his travel skills. We hope this will continue into the future, as Duane is enjoying the change in his routine. Duane has participated in drama company events in the Winter Festival (Federation Square) and in South Melbourne. Duane also enjoys dancing on Tuesday evenings and can often be found enjoying the music at Watsonia RSL with his friends on a Saturday night. Duane will also benefit from a weekly session with a personal trainer in 2016 (we hope).
Miles has adjusted well to living in his self-contained bungalow/granny flat. (Give him a routine and he will follow it.) He loves his independence. Miles has had another successful year with his paintings. He exhibited in at least eight group exhibitions, and a solo exhibition in Melbourne in May, which was very popular. He is enjoying photography also. Miles still enjoys regular SteamRail rides throughout Victoria (as well as all his travel on the MET system). He also gets his money’s worth with his annual pass to the Melbourne Aquarium. Miles’ work at Fire & Clay (Lilydale) offers weekly relaxation session, which he enjoys. He is also an enthusiastic member of the work choir, Fireworks, and they enjoy singing in various concerts and nursing homes throughout the year.
Amy and Craig have had another good year with a trip to Japan and Korea as their highlight. The aim of the trip was visiting an old school friend in Seoul Korea. They also shared the large tank at Melbourne Aquarium with a number of sharks, stingrays and assorted fish. This has been a birthday present to Amy to which a number of her friends contributed…. Another one off her bucket list! Their two dogs, Charlie and Mittsy, and Austin, the cat, are still going strong. Craig changed jobs and is now working for an app developer, whilst Amy is still working for the accountancy firm in East Ivanhoe.
Liz and Amy have maintained their tradition of ‘Girl Time’ where they share high teas. The quality continues to be high and the enjoyment evident.
Mid-Year, Liz, Roy, Duane and Miles enjoyed a week holidaying in Coolangatta. The photo on this year’s Christmas Card was taken when we went to the
Outback Spectacular on the Gold Coast. We also enjoyed
Strictly Ballroom earlier in the year, and numerous trips to the cinema.
We have now settled in Watsonia. Liz has joined a book group at the local library. Miles has transferred to Special Olympics Northern Melbourne Region. (We were on the table that won the Trivia Night in September). We love being within walking distance to the shops, the station, and the library and close to family. It is just a 40-minute train ride to the centre of Melbourne for sporting events and the theatre. Liz can be at work in about 10 minutes, and at Jeanette’s in about 15 minutes.
The winner of this year’s Wilks-Handley footy tipping competition was Alison, Craig’s sister. We are hoping for better things in 2016, on and off the field.
Banyule will be adopting the NDIS in July 2016 and we are hoping that this will mean an improvement in services for all people with disabilities. The NDIS is new and will need some adjustment.
This year has seen the sad passing of Grandma Ede. She will be missed, especially by Duane, who loved his Grandma and looked forward to her weekly phone calls. Ede lived in Sydney but her funeral was in Melbourne, in keeping with her wish to be buried with her husband. Vale Ede!
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| Duane with Ede in 2011 |
The 2015 Wilks’ newsletter is coming to an end. We hope you had an enjoyable year and you are healthy. We wish you the compliments of the season and hope you will visit, if you are in the area.
Love from
Liz & Roy Wilks.
XXXXXX (Let Christmas 2015 begin!)
