Welcoming the Joy and Renewal of Spring Together
Spring in Adelaide brings a burst of life, with blooming flowers, longer days, and a renewed sense of energy. It’s a time to enjoy the outdoors, reconnect with nature, and feel the warmth of the sun.
In this e-Newsletter we’re covering:
- So much to love about Spring!
- Staying Safe Online
- New Single-Use Plastic Legislation 1/9/24
- Your Voice Counts
- Arthur’s Recipe of the Month!!
- Help to raise vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease
- Seeking great support? VIVA’s current capacities.
So Much to Love About a New Spring Season!
We asked our VIVA community to share what they love about Spring and here’s what they said:
“I can’t wait to get out in the garden again without freezing! Spring means I can plant my veggies. It’s something I love doing, and it lifts my spirits.”
“I really look forward to the days getting longer. The extra daylight helps me stick to my routine, and I can take evening walks without needing a jacket.”
“Spring means more time at the park. I love feeling the sun on my face and hearing the birds”
“I look forward to the warm weather, so I can swim at the beach again. The cold makes my muscles stiff, so the warmer days make me feel more comfortable”
“Spring is when I can get out and enjoy the scents of flowers. The jasmine is my favourite”
“In spring, I can sit outside and eat lunch with my friends.”
“Spring is a great time to plan outdoor activities with everyone. We can be more active, which is so important for physical and mental health. Plus, everyone seems happier when the sun is out.”
“The change in weather makes me feel better”
“Seeing the people I support enjoy the outdoors again is the best part of spring. It’s like everyone comes to life after winter hibernation. We get to explore new places and enjoy nature together.”
However, Spring also brings challenges like hay fever, unpredictable weather including unexpected sunshine and cold snaps, and an increase in insects, bugs and crawlies! While there’s much to love about this vibrant season, it’s wise to be prepared for all that our Adelaide Spring brings:
- Keep hydrated: bring water when you’re out and about
- Keep shaded: Bring a hat and cover up during daylight
- Watch out for bees and bugs: Stay away from our busy bees and other insects, and let them do their important springtime jobs! Check with your GP or Pharmacists if you get stung so you can get the fastest and best treatment.
- Prepare for Spring allergies: nearly 1 in 5 Australians experience spring allergies, commonly hay fever, due to increased pollen levels. If you’re one of these folks, talk to your GP or Pharmacist and stock up on preventative and relieving solutions.
- Take an extra layer: Spring weather is unpredictable and a day that starts out lovely and sunny can turn cold mid-afternoon, so bring another layer and be prepared for all weather!
Staying Safe Online: Simple Steps for Small Businesses and our VIVA Community
In today’s digital world, staying safe online is more important than ever. Whether you’re a Support Coordinator running an NDIS business or simply using the internet for yourself, there are some easy steps you can take to protect yourself.
First, always use strong, unique passwords for your accounts. A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols can make it harder for others to guess.
Next, keep your software and devices up to date—those updates often include security fixes that keep you safe. There are many free-versions of antivirus software available for your device.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files, especially from unknown sources. If something looks suspicious, trust your instincts and avoid it.
Lastly, consider using two-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection. It’s like a double-check to make sure it’s really you logging in.
By taking these simple steps, individuals can enjoy the benefits of being online while keeping your information secure, and you can gain more information about online safety from the SA Government by following this link. If you are a small business member of our VIVA community, check out these free resources from the Federal Government and protect yourself and your data in the best ways possible.
New Single-Use Plastic Legislation Comes Into Effect in SA from 1 September 2024
Plastics play an important role in our economy and daily lives. When used in packaging, plastic helps ensure food safety and reduce food waste, but too often the way it is produced, used and discarded results in a wasted resource, and causes pollution, litter and harm to marine life.
From 1 September 2024 in South Australia, the following items are being banned or phased out, requiring us all to change the way we use plastics.
- Plastic barrier bags will be phased out, enabling the market to switch to compostable alternatives.
- Thick supermarket or boutique-style plastic bags will be phased out.
- Single-use plastic beverage containers (including coffee cups) and their attachments (such as lids and beverage plugs) so try to bring your own re-usable mugs and cups for takeaway drinks.
- Single-use plastic food containers and these may be replaced by compostable or reusable options.
- Some expanded polystyrene (EPS) consumer food and beverage containers (e.g. gelato tubs) and EPS trays used for meat, fruit, and other food items for retail sale will be phased out.
- Plastic confetti will be phased out in South Australia.
- Plastic balloon sticks/ties will be phased out.
- Food bag tags can/will be replaced with non-plastic alternatives.
Some of us may need to plan differently if we’re eating away from home or shopping, and VIVA suggests you visit the State Government’s “Replace the Waste” website for more information or to ask your questions.
Your Voice Counts!
It’s good that those of us living with disability are being asked, more frequently than ever before, for our opinions on matters that affect us. At VIVA Mutual, we know it seems like an obvious way to develop inclusive and welcoming communities, but it’s taken a long time for many others to realise this!
Whenever we see an invitation to have the voices of our lived experiences count, we’ll share it in our newsletter so you may choose to participate in the consultation, or not.
Today, we’re letting you know that the Federal Department of Health is seeking feedback on their Draft National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People. The roadmap aims to address the serious health inequities affecting autistic Australians. You can download it here.
The consultation is open until September 27th. Find out how you can get involvedat the link below.
The spirit of Spring continues with VIVA Mutual’s Co-Founder Arthur Mitsioulis sharing his vegetarian Pasta Primavera recipe with us all.
Pasta Primavera is an Italian-American dish that became popular in the 1970s. The name “Primavera” means “spring” in Italian, highlighting the fresh, seasonal vegetables used in the dish. It’s a simple, healthy and delicious way to celebrate the vibrant produce of spring.
Ingredients:
- 250g penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow capsicum, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Grated parmesan
- Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini, capsicum, and broccoli. Sauté (meaning, quickly fry) for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using.
- Serve with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan or a dairy-free alternative.
Substitutes: If don’t have the exact veggies (listed above) to hand, do not worry! Simply substitute what you’ve got and more importantly, what you like, and enjoy!
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. For a dairy-free version, skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy this fresh and easy springtime meal!
Part of VIVA’s Mutual’s valued social mission is to support people to live the lives of their choosing and this year we’re supporting MNDSA by aiming to raise $10,000 to fund vital research and provision of support to South Australians living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
“Being told you have MND is a devastating blow. Shock, sadness, depression and disbelief are the initial emotions, and many ask, “Why Me?” It is important to find some way of accepting and adjusting to what is happening, if you possibly can, for your own peace of mind and for the sake of your family and friends.
Although there is currently no cure, a great deal can be done to maintain quality of life and address many of the effects of MND” Source: MNDSA
The VIVA Mutual team supports people living with MND and their stories have driven our passion to raise these much-needed funds. VIVA is donating time, funds and event proceeds and you, and other members of our wonderful community is invited to support this worthy cause in any way, including:
- Sponsoring VIVA Co-Founder Guy as he embarks on a gruelling 4-day trek in Tassie’s Bay of Fires. Watch the video below and follow Guy’s training and preparation on VIVA’s social media.
Seeking great support from a friendly team of trained professionals?
VIVA’s service and support Capacity Chart is updated and circulated weekly and this week’s support opportunities are below:
For a confidential chat with one of VIVA Mutual’s understanding and supportive folks, please call 08 8877 8000 or send us an email via admin@vivamutual.org