A Western Australian First: Oryx and Ngala bridge the intergenerational gap

MEDIA RELEASE

1 June 2021

A Western Australian First: Oryx and Ngala bridge the intergenerational gap

A Western Australian first, Ngala and Oryx Communities are proud to launch the co-location partnership of their respective Early Learning and Development Service and Residential Aged Care and Seniors Living residences at The Queenslea Claremont. Located at 5 Tiger Way, Claremont, the new building will house not just the state of the art facilities customised to suit each service, but will also launch an intergenerational care model. 

Integrating an Early Learning Centre into The Queenslea provides a unique opportunity for connection between young and old. The intergenerational activities at The Queenslea will form a keystone of meaningful activities and responsibilities to assist residents as well as the children to remain engaged and rewarded, with the collective effect of proven rejuvenative and meaningful, enhanced learning opportunities for the multi generations involved. 

For 50 years, Ngala’s Early Learning and Development Service has led the way in child care delivery with a child initiated approach, where play-based learning is the focus. Ngala ELDS’s vision is to create learning environments where children feel safe and secure, to experience happy moments of play and learning and be able to look back at their time at Ngala with awe and wonder from the special memories they have created.  

“At Ngala our Why statement is the very lens we look through when making strategic decisions, which benefit the outcome of not just the organisation, but the families, carers, children and community we support. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to be their best, and that raising children should be a joyful and rewarding experience,” said Fiona Beermier, CEO, Ngala. 

Ms Beermier further said, when the opportunity to collaborate with Oryx at The Queenslea Claremont was introduced, it was viewed as another way Ngala could enhance a child’s developmental milestones. To have the proximity, experience and outcomes of not just a state of the art centre but the human link with an intergenerational model. This would see Ngala, leading the way with an enhanced and innovative child-initiated service delivery and model.

“Apart from being innovative and contemporary, Ngala believes that learning takes place across the lifespan of a human being and our lives are enhanced through the co-construction of learning,” said Ms Beermier. 

Oryx Managing Director, Toby Browne-Cooper said, “We are delighted to partner with Ngala to enable The Queenslea to offer vitality to the young and old within the Claremont-on-the-Park precinct.

“The way we view aged care in this country has changed: our residents at The Queenslea will be able to enjoy a homely environment in an enriching and supportive community where couples can stay together and where families, friends and pets are welcome; with the delight of interaction with children available on a daily basis.”

Oryx’s commitment to their residents at The Queenslea is they will never want for anything. Our aim is to ensure that the full spectrum of health and wellness services and facilities, combined with the specialist expertise required, are readily available and accessible. It is all about creating an environment to assist the individual pursuit of optimal health and wellbeing, in the way that works for each individual.

Mr Browne-Cooper said while the on-site intergenerational concept was in its infancy in Australia, it had been successful in the US, where he saw it in action over a decade ago, and had been planning to implement it in Australia ever since.

“The elderly benefit from socialising beyond their existing friendship circle,” Mr Browne-Cooper said. “They increase their self-esteem and emotional wellbeing by sharing their stories, experiences and care to younger people.

“As we all come from different walks of life, child based interactions with the older generations vary. Our new location will provide the opportunity for children to build relationships, friendships and support good mental, emotional health and wellbeing,” Ms Beermier said. 

“The benefit children and their families will gain is undeniable as through this form of interaction, a child will learn to interact with care, empathy, respect for others and develop self-regulations of their emotions. We look forward to achieving the outcomes for children and residents through the delivery of this service and program.”  Said Ms Beermier.

Both Ngala and Oryx, look forward to a successful launch The Queenslea Claremont into the local community and the future the co-located partnership will bring. 

Media contacts:

Ngala : Yvonne Tessensohn, Brand and Marketing Manager, Ngala, 0451 518 564

Oryx Communities : Toby Browne-Cooper, Managing Director, Oryx, 0419 767 558

Backgrounder 

Ngala:  Ngala continues to use the latest internal and external research and training, alongside community stories and experiences to develop and deliver evidence informed services that meet the needs of today’s parents and for children aged from 0 to 18 years. Today Ngala operates early childhood education and care, parent education and youth services across the vast state of Western Australia. For more information about Ngala please visit www.ngala.com.au.

Oryx:  Oryx believes everyone deserves to live a life filled with vitality, and so Oryx’s care is founded on generating genuine connections between all types of people of all ages. Oryx currently operates The Richardson aged care home in West Perth and has recently obtained approval for its boutique Melvista home in Nedlands. For more information about Oryx please visit www.oryxcommunities.com.