Welcoming the Festive Season and the Warm Days of Summer Together
Summer in Adelaide brings long, bright days, warm evenings, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy time outdoors with friends, family, and community. As we approach the end of another big year at VIVA Mutual, we want to take a moment to celebrate our achievements, share helpful tips for a safe and enjoyable summer, and look ahead with optimism for 2026.
In this e-Newsletter we're covering:
Summer Heat Safety Tips: Keeping Cool and Comfortable
Summer in Adelaide can be beautiful – but it can also be extremely hot. High temperatures can make daily activities more challenging, especially for older adults, people with disability, and anyone at risk of heat-related stress. Here are some simple ways to stay safe and comfortable during the warmer months:
Stay Hydrated
Keep Your Space Cool
Avoid the Midday Heat
Wear Light Clothing
Check-In On Others
Know The Signs of Heat Stress
Summer is meant to be enjoyed – just be sure to look after yourself and each other.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the VIVA Team
As we wrap up 2025, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our VIVA community – participants, families, support coordinators, staff, and partners – for your ongoing trust, warmth and contribution to what makes VIVA Mutual so special.
We’ve shared moments of laughter, stories of resilience, and many achievements throughout the year. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, enjoying the holiday season in your own way, or simply taking a well-deserved break, we hope this time brings joy, rest, and connection.
On behalf of all of us at VIVA Mutual – Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
We look forward to supporting you and growing together throughout 2026.
Celebrating 5 Years of VIVA Mutual - Our Vibrant Latino Night
This year marked a truly incredible milestone: five years of VIVA Mutual!
To celebrate, our community came together for a colourful, energetic Latino Night, filled with music, dancing, delicious food, and the joyful, inclusive spirit that defines VIVA.
Highlights of the night included:
- live Latin rhythms and dance instructors that had everyone up and moving
- vibrant decorations and outfits that lit up the room
- delicious cultural dishes shared amongst friends
- heartfelt speeches honouring the past five years of growth and mutual support
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create a celebration full of warmth, connection, and fun. We are so proud of what we’ve achieved together – and excited for the next chapter!
Aged Care Transitioning to Support at Home - We’re Here to Help
As many of you will know, The Support at Home program was introduced in November 2025, replacing the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-term Restorative Care Programme. It improves access to services, products, equipment, and home modifications to help you remain living independently at home for longer.
Transitions like this can feel uncertain, especially when they affect your supports, funding or planning. At VIVA Mutual, we want you to know:
You are not alone. We are here to help every step of the way.
Our team is staying up-to-date with the latest information and will:
- help you understand what the new system means
- support you to navigate any changes
- advocate alongside you to ensure your needs and preferences remain at the centre
As further details are released, we will continue sharing updates to keep our community informed, confident, and empowered.
You can also read our recent help guide for the changes here.
If you have questions, please reach out at any time – we’re always happy to talk.
Seeking Great Support This Summer?
VIVA’s service and support Capacity Chart is updated and circulated weekly and this week’s support opportunities are below:
If you or someone you know is seeking friendly, experienced, and reliable support from trained professionals, we’re here to help.
For a confidential chat with one of VIVA Mutual’s supportive team members, please call 08 8877 8000 or email admin@vivamutual.org
VIVA Mutual staff – End of year party
We had a wonderful end of season party on Friday 5th December at the Mad Monkey Distillery. It was great to see a good attendance of staff come together, socialise and share stories. We’ve had back-to-back events late in the year following on from the Latino night in late October.
We have taken on the feedback from those that attended, and with future events we plan to promote more frequently to ensure everyone gets the invitation.
