Warrina Village Hostel, NSW

Warrina Village, an Anglican Retirement Village in Castle Hill NSW, has recieved a Better Practice in Aged Care Award for The Mixed Nuts, a mens only singing group.

The program, designed to reduce social isolation for male residents and provide increased choice and emotional support, was instigated by Village Recreational Activities Officer Raelene Blackledge three years ago and has been overwhelmingly successful.

The group has released two CDs, made several television appearances, performed throughout Sydney at various nursing homes, hostels and day centres, as well as for conferences and at the Better Practice event in Sydney in August 2006.

The money raised from CD sales funds the group's travel to their appearances and has also led to The Mixed Nuts setting up an outreach program where they also donate to various charities.

Better outcomes achieved for the residents have been physical and cognitive improvements, increased levels of spiritual and emotional connections with each other, greater civic engagement with the outside community and significantly higher levels of  happiness and satisfaction with where they are now in their lives. New men continue to join the group as evidence of the welcoming nature of the group.

There have also been benefits for Warrina as a greater community with the Village taking real ownership of the group and the ladies taking on any roles to tend to and support the men of the group.

The motto of the men is 'never too old', and as a program has proved innovative as it defies traditional stereotypes of residents in hostel living. These men actively engage with those around them, work as volunteers, earn an income and contribute back financially to the community around them.

The program developed as part of the Warrina Diversional Therapy Program, and evaluative results have been gained through surveys, assessments, broader interest from the outside community and media and the sale of CDs.