There were fashions on the field and the tips were hot as the race that stops a nation rolled around for 2022. Our residents were the clear winners on the first Tuesday of November as, from Melbourne to Brisbane, TriCare Aged Care residences got into the spirit of the Melbourne Cup. Fun was the order of the day as residents participated in games, enjoyed delectable nibbles, got their glad rags on, and had a flutter on the community sweeps.
Fashions on the field
At Upper Mt Gravatt, Annerley, and Mt Gravatt, crafty residents made their own race-day fascinators and bow ties, while at Kawana Waters the stakes were high as residents participated in a fashion parade! The panel of judges took the role very seriously, and there was tension in the air while everyone awaited the results. The ladies wore some amazing dresses, and one was even dressed as a bookie! However, the winner was a jockey outfit which was borrowed by one of our lovely residents who has spent many years in the racing industry.Â
Popping the corks
No Melbourne Cup Day gathering would be complete without some fancy nibbles and drinks. At our Gold Coast and Brisbane Aged Care locations, residents enjoyed morning teas with champagne, orange juice, wine and cheese, strawberries, and all sorts of special gourmet treats. At Mt Gravatt, a delicious barbeque lunch preceded the action of the big race.
Time for some serious play
With time to fill before the starting gates opened for the Cup, our residents joined in the fun with a range of social activities. At Cypress Gardens, the residence was decorated with various horse racing gear brought in by Lifestyle Coordinator Gina Mitchell to add to the atmosphere. Gina used to be a jockey based on the Gold Coast before joining TriCare – what a wonderful experience for our residents to share!
At Annerley, residents battled it out in a Melbourne Cup themed quiz, followed by a lively sing-along concert. One Brisbane Aged Care location brought the Cup experience right up close – Upper Mt Gravatt residents were lucky enough to enjoy a visit from a stunning and charming horse adorned with a garland. Needless to say, horsing around with their visitor was a resounding hit with residents and staff!
Of course, it’s traditional to have a flutter on the races on Cup day and our residents enjoyed participating in sweeps. Winners were grinners at Annerley, Labrador, and Upper Mt Gravatt, while at Kawana Waters, over 140 bets were placed in the sweeps and when the winning money was handed out to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, there were many happy people.
At Sunnybank Hills, an annual Melbourne Cup auction is the much-anticipated main event. Residents collect ‘funny money’ all year by winning games and quizzes, and throughout the year, the Lifestyle Team buys items to auction. The competition to bag an item is fierce as residents bid against each other to win their chosen prize! This year, the polo shirts were a big hit for the men, and the lipsticks and toiletries were popular with the ladies.
For our TriCare Aged Care family, Melbourne Cup Day 2022 was a colourful, lively experience with plenty of opportunity for staff and residents to get all dressed up and enter into the spirit of the event. Chats, laughs, fine food, and decorations made the day special, and thanks must go to our wonderful staff and residents for working together to create a memorable day.
