At 82, Anna is full of life and pleased to be part of the Riverland’s very own “Spice Girls.”
UnitingSA runs four groups in the region that provide social support for people over 65: a group for people of Turkish heritage, one for Italians, another for Greeks, and the aptly-named “Spice Girls.”
“Cute, isn’t it!” says Anna with a chuckle. “I love all the Spice Girls. We come from different backgrounds including Slovenian, Croation, Bosnian, Australian and other nationalities.”
Anna lives on her own on the 30-acre block that she and her husband bought in Winkie in the Riverland 56 years ago. Sadly, Anna has been widowed for 29 years.
A friend encouraged her to join the Spice Girls.
“I don’t drive and my children are all working,” she says. “I’m so happy not be stuck at home. Joining the group was the best thing that I did.
“Sometimes the group goes somewhere for lunch like the Renmark Club. I also get help with shopping.”
Klementina has worked for UnitingSA for over a decade and has supported Anna for 8 years. She helps facilitate the groups as well as providing one-on-one support to individuals.
“That might mean taking them to the bank or an appointment,” she explains. “Or we might stay at home and play a game or look at photos.”
Like her namesakes, Anna is keen to “tell you what you want, what you really, really want” – and that, evidently, is morning tea.
“You don’t come to my house without eating something,” she says proudly. And with that, out come the plates of food – sandwiches, walnut croissants and apricot cake.
While her generosity is welcomed, it also illustrates why community and connection are so important.
As the chatter continues over a cuppa, it is clear that Anna and Klementina have formed a special bond.
For Klementina, the best thing about her role is perhaps the simplest.
“You can put a smile on someone’s face just by doing something small,” says Klementina.
And for Anna, that smile – and that sense of belonging – is everything.
Find out more about the support services we offer by visiting our Home Care page.