Supporting Killarney’s health and community

K-Life Auxiliary — stronger together for our community.

The Killarney Community Pool has reopened for the 2026–27 swimming season, providing the community with a welcoming place to swim, exercise, develop water skills and enjoy time together. To celebrate the beginning of the new season, K-Life will host a free community Pool Party on Saturday, 3 October 2026, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.  The Pool Party will include: • Free pool entry • Free lunchtime sausage sizzle • Inflatable pool activities Families and community members of all ages are invited to attend and enjoy a fun day at the pool. K-Life General Manager Andrew Millard also welcomed the pool’s new manager, Bec, to the Killarney community. “We are delighted to welcome Bec to Killarney Community Pool,” Mr Millard said. “Bec brings extensive experience in swimming-pool management and swim teaching. Her knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to water safety will be a great asset to the pool and the wider Killarney community. “We are excited about the positive direction of the pool and the opportunities Bec will help create for local children, adults and families.” Killarney Community Pool’s Term 4 programs will officially commence on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. A broad range of programs will be available for children and adults, including: • Learn to Swim classes • Swimming squads • Aqua Play for children under four • Higher-intensity Aqua Aerobics • Low-impact and Gentle Aqua Aerobics • Adult SwimFit • Adult and private swimming lessons, subject to availability • One-on-one swimming lessons and support for neurodivergent community members The one-on-one swimming option will provide a quieter and more individualised learning environment for neurodivergent children and adults. Lessons can be adapted to suit each participant’s abilities, confidence, communication style, sensory preferences and learning needs. This individual approach can help participants become more comfortable around water, develop essential water-safety skills and progress at a pace that is appropriate for them. Families and support people are encouraged to speak with the pool team about individual needs and suitable lesson arrangements. Bec said she was looking forward to becoming part of the Killarney community and expanding the opportunities available at the pool. “I am very excited to be joining the Killarney community and introducing a range of new swimming, fitness and water-based programs,” Bec said. “My goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where people of all ages and abilities can feel comfortable in the water, improve their skills and enjoy being active. “I am particularly pleased that we will be able to offer one-on-one support for neurodivergent community members. Every person learns differently, and individual lessons allow us to adapt our teaching style and the swimming environment to better support each participant. “I am looking forward to meeting local families and working with the community to make the pool a vibrant, safe and inclusive place for everyone.” The reopening of the pool and introduction of the new programs represent an important investment in the health and wellbeing of the Killarney community. Killarney Community Pool is located at Willow Street, Killarney. For information about opening hours, programs, one-on-one lessons and enrolments, contact the pool on 07 4664 1119 or email pool@klife.org.au.

From 21–27 September 2026, Dementia Action Week encourages Australians to start conversations, improve understanding and help reduce the stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with dementia. This year’s theme, “It’s time to talk about dementia,” reminds us that honest and respectful conversations can make it easier for people to seek information, receive a diagnosis and connect with appropriate support. Dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians. In 2026, an estimated 446,500 Australians are living with dementia, while approximately 1.7 million people are involved in their care. Despite the number of people affected, dementia can still be difficult to discuss. People may worry about saying the wrong thing, misunderstand dementia as a normal part of ageing or feel uncertain about how to support someone experiencing changes to their memory or thinking.  Talking openly about dementia helps build understanding and reminds people living with dementia, their families and carers that they are not alone. Local connection through the K-Life Dementia Support Group Support and connection are available locally through the K-Life Dementia Support Group. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month and provides a welcoming and supportive environment for people living with dementia, their families, carers and friends. It offers an opportunity to connect with others who understand the experience of dementia, share information, discuss challenges and learn more about available services and support. For carers and family members, simply speaking with someone who has faced a similar situation can provide reassurance and reduce feelings of isolation. For people living with dementia, the group offers an inclusive setting where they are welcomed, respected and encouraged to remain connected with their community. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to contact K-Life for information about the next meeting. Become a Dementia Friend One simple way we can all help create a more understanding and inclusive community is by becoming a Dementia Friend. A Dementia Friend is someone who wants to improve their understanding of dementia and learn how to support people living with dementia in ways that are meaningful to them. This support may be as simple as showing patience during a conversation, taking time to listen, challenging an unhelpful stereotype or helping someone remain involved in a community activity. Becoming a Dementia Friend is not about becoming a dementia expert. It is about learning, listening and taking practical steps to help people living with dementia feel respected, supported and included. K-Life is encouraging individuals, workplaces, clubs and community groups to become involved in the Dementia Friends program. If you or your community group would like to learn more or become part of the program, please contact K-Life. Together, we can help make Killarney a community where people living with dementia and their families feel understood, welcomed and supported. Learn more: • Dementia Action Week • Become a Dementia Friend For free and confidential information, advice and support, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 , available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

R U OK? Day is a held on 10th September each year to remind us to check in with the people around us and ask a simple but important question: “Are you OK?” R U OK? Day encourages Australians to have meaningful conversations with family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and members of their community who may be experiencing a difficult time. The message is simple: you don't need to be an expert to start a conversation. Sometimes, taking the time to notice a change, ask how someone is going and genuinely listen can help a person feel supported and less alone. R U OK? Day is more than asking the question once a year. It is about building a culture where checking in with each other becomes part of your life, everyday. Why is this important in rural communities? Living in a rural community has many strengths. We often know our neighbours, families and local businesses, and there can be a strong sense of community spirit and looking out for one another. However, rural and remote communities can also experience challenges such as geographical isolation, limited access to services, fewer transport options and people needing to travel further to access health and support services. This makes connection particularly important. A friendly conversation over a cup of coffee, checking on a neighbour, inviting someone to a community event or simply making a phone call can make a difference. We should also remember that people don't always tell us when they are struggling. Someone may appear to be coping on the outside while experiencing loneliness, grief, stress, anxiety or other challenges privately. This is why noticing, asking and listening matters. R U OK? and people living with dementia or chronic disease The message of R U OK? is equally important for people living with dementia or chronic illnesses.

An exciting new outdoor space is taking shape in front of the Kadimah verandah, with the installation of new raised garden beds and an accessible concrete pathway. The specially designed garden beds have been supplied by a Melbourne-based company and will provide residents with a comfortable and accessible place to enjoy gardening. Their raised design will make it easier for residents to participate in planting, watering and harvesting without needing to bend down or work at ground level. A new concrete pathway has also been constructed from the ramp leading off the Kadimah verandah to the garden beds. This will provide safer and easier access for residents, including those using wheelchairs and mobility aids, and help connect the new garden area with the verandah. Once completed and planted, the garden beds will provide opportunities for residents to grow flowers, herbs and vegetables while enjoying fresh air, gentle activity and time outdoors. Gardening can support physical movement, stimulate the senses and encourage social connection, while also bringing a sense of purpose and achievement. The project will create a welcoming outdoor space where residents can participate according to their interests and abilities—from actively planting and caring for the gardens to simply sitting nearby and enjoying the colour, fragrance and changing seasons.  We look forward to seeing the new garden area come to life and sharing updates as our residents begin planting and growing.