Madeline Stewart with Flexicare worker Jacinta Potts. Madeline is a Flexicare regular and benefits greatly from the work they do.
As we step into the second half of 2025, Flexi Care CEO Maryanne Fitzgerald has praised her team and community for their resilience, generosity, and spirit during a challenging but productive year.
“February brought unexpected hardship with the severe hailstorm that hit Harden hard,” Ms Fitzgerald said. “Our staff continued to put clients first, even as many faced damage at home. We checked in with aged care clients right away, ensuring their safety and well-being that’s what Flexi Care is all about.”
Four months on, the organisation continues to deliver its core services while undergoing some exciting changes. Due to growing demand for social support services, Flexi Care has reshuffled its layout. The main office will soon be located near East Street, while the former office space is being transformed into a larger activity room for group programs.
“We’ve been grateful to use the old tennis court building for our hub activities,” Ms Fitzgerald noted. “But clients are eager to return to a more permanent, welcoming home base.”
Flexi Care recently farewelled long-time team members Wendy Chesworth and Debbie Leabeater. Wendy dedicated 15 years to the service. “Her contribution to the wellbeing of community clients has been remarkable,” Ms Fitzgerald said. “We wish both ladies the very best.” Joining the team are Amanda Shea and Trish Shea. “They’ve hit the ground running and are already building great relationships with clients,” said Ms Fitzgerald. “It’s lovely to have Trish back in familiar surroundings.”
Community support continues to be vital. Volunteers remain at the heart of Flexi Care’s operations. “We celebrated them at our annual Volunteers Dinner last month a fantastic evening of food, fun, and even a bit of hula hooping,” Ms Fitzgerald shared. “We simply couldn’t do what we do without them.”
Social events continue to thrive. A recent soup day at the hub was a hit, with chicken & vegetable and minestrone warming clients on a cold winter’s day not a single bowl came back full.
The social support group has enjoyed a variety of activities, including hydrotherapy sessions at Harden Physio, bingo and lunch in Cootamundra, and local ‘paint and sip’ classes with Jaime. Monthly outings to the Harden Country Club for meals and dancing are always well-attended.
Themed events have also brought colour and creativity, including celebrations for World Bee Day, Easter hat-making with Trinity School, International Dance Day, and Footy Colours Day complete with a Hawks/Hawkettes jersey design competition that showcased amazing local talent.
Flexi Care’s community transport service continues to be a lifeline, offering safe and reliable rides to medical and personal appointments across the region, thanks to its dedicated volunteer drivers.
A recent highlight was a ladies’ outing to Binalong and Boorowa. Participants started with coffee at the “Two Little Pigs” café, followed by a visit to the Peter Minson Glass Blowing Gallery, where they learned about the fascinating craft from a third-generation artist. The day ended with a hearty meal at Boorowa’s Courthouse Hotel. “Everyone came back saying it was a fantastic day,” said Ms Fitzgerald.
March saw the welcome addition of a new Nissan X-Trail to the vehicle fleet. “Our volunteers love driving it,” she said. “It’s freed up our older car for domestic use by staff a great step forward.”
More social trips and activities are planned for the coming months, and the team remains committed to improving services and strengthening connections in the community.
“I’m so proud of our team and our clients,” Ms Fitzgerald said.“Flexi Care continues to be an essential asset in Harden made stronger every day by the people who believe in it.”
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