Sada-e-Watan Sydney
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Mr. Zahid Jamil and Hon. Lynda Voltz MP

SAMAA’s Annual Picnic for South Asian Muslim Seniors held at Parramatta Park Sydney

  

A large number of seniors filled the Gawi Shelter of Parramatta Park on Sunday 13th Oct 2024 to enjoy the annual SAMAA picnic assisted by SAMAA members and volunteers.

 

The seniors enjoyed a day out with their contemporaries, were entertained by local artists, received useful information, and were treated to delicious South Asian cuisine catered by Sydney’s emerging expert chef Sadia Niazi.

Dr Farah Khan, a clinical psychologist, delivered an inspiring talk. Farah Khan has done valuable work as a researcher and her articles are published in the recognized psychology and psychiatry journals with more than 10 successful publications internationally.

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Dr Farah Khan

Dr Farah spoke on mental health, especially for our elderly community. She talked about how to cope with anxious and depressive thoughts and what would be the ways to feel more fulfilled and productive. These may include

1.            Bedtime rituals, not checking mobile phones
2.         Morning affirmation should include gratitude and visualisation
3.         During the day, connecting with 2 people and asking HOW THEY ARE DOING
4.         Finding some time off in nature every week like visiting a park

Hon. Lynda Voltz MP, State Member for Auburn, applauded SAMAA’s efforts in caring for the community’s seniors. She advised seniors to plan for their aged care needs well in advance as there are waiting times to access many services. Ms Voltz stressed the need for having a Will, a Power of Attorney, and an Enduring Power of Attorney.

Mr Zahid Jamil of SAMAA stressed the need for the community elders to tell their difficulties and old age issues. He said that there is a huge reluctance among community seniors due to cultural traditions which may at times result in a loss of entitlement to the services that they deserve.

Mr Zahid Jamil introduced to the audience the two representatives.

Mr Tariq Hassan runs a care and community service Help & Care. Help and Care contracts with a couple of major Aged care providers and engage in Aged Home Care services. These include Bliss Aged Care who offer domestic assistance, personal care, complex nursing, and even transport for elderly people. Help & Care also subcontracts with IWAA, the Home Care provider who have a MoU in place with SAMAA for past few years.

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Mr Jamil also introduced Mr Sharif Anjum of AMA Housing who has built a facility, ideal for retirement living.  This facility is suitable for retirees who value independence but need a little help with everyday tasks such as meal preparation and housekeeping.  Located in the serene surroundings of Mount Druitt, the facility offers 11 self-contained units with spacious bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, common seating areas for socializing and relaxation, and a shared kitchen for community dining. For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact (02) 9675 6138 /0412 228 545 or via email:amahousingnsw@gmail.com

Mr Zahid Jamil appealed to young people to join SAMAA as a volunteer. Volunteers are the community’s most valuable hidden asset. SAMAA’s volunteers extend a helping hand to the elderly through services such as paying home visits and spending time with them, helping in general day-to-day shopping, providing transport to medical appointments, mosques, libraries, and social events, and assisting in basic home chores and personal care. Serving the Elderly is an act of Haqooq ul Ibad, a noble deed as a Muslim, Mr Jamil said. You can contact SAMAA services coordinator Mrs Kaukab Nagi on 0468 725 314 to register as a volunteer or fill out the volunteering form at the SAMAA website.

The MCs Dr Fasihuddin Khan and Ms Mecki Ansari urged the community elders and their families to come forward and avail the services that the seniors deserve after lifelong services to their families and the nation.

Sydney Singers Mr Adil Siddiqui and Mr Shahid Malik entertained the audience with thrilling performances, singing popular numbers of the 70s and 80s. This took seniors to their younger years evoking nostalgia and pleasure.

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The seniors enjoyed a day out with their contemporaries, were entertained by local artists, received useful information, and were treated to delicious South Asian cuisine catered by Sydney’s emerging expert chef Sadia Niazi.

For more details, please visit SAMAA website http://samaa.org.au/ or contact services coordinator Sr Kaukab Nagi on 0468 725 415.

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