The Joy of the Ekka reaches RSL Care

For Brisbane residents, the Ekka has traditionally been one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year. Many RSL Care residents can no longer make the journey into the city for the Royal Brisbane Show but still hold fond memories of farm animals, strawberry ice-creams, cakes, music, sideshow alley and show bags. 

To celebrate the arrival of the Ekka staff at a number of RSL Care sites brought the joy of the show to residents with petting zoos, stalls, food and fun.

Residents at RSL Care Fairview in Pinjarra Hills were treated to a week of celebrations with visits from farm animals including horses, Shetland ponies, piglets and dogs, and were able to watch the hatching of baby chickens.

“The residents around here particularly love the horses - many of them have grown up on properties around horses, so it’s really something special,” said Residential Manager Pam Scherman Carr.

They were also treated to delicious strawberry ice-creams delivered in an ice cream cart, fairy floss and popcorn.

Staff got on board with the celebrations by dressing up in colourful costumes – including manager Pam as a Dalmatian dog.

RSL Care Fernhill celebrated Ekka Wednesday with a day of fun and farm animals. A petting zoo was set up for residents to come and cuddle chickens and a friendly llama named Larry was the star of the show.

Residents played with Larry for hours until he was walked around the residential aged care site to pay some special attention to those who were unable to attend the celebrations.

“It’s so wonderful to see their faces light up when they see Larry,” said diversional therapist Kris Gunn.

“You would think a big animal would be scary but it is the exact opposite  - they love him.”

Each of the cottages at Fernhill also took part in an Ekka-themed decorating competition with themes of crafts, flower gardens and side show alley. The walls of all the rooms were beautifully decorated for the enjoyment  of the residents.

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