Her mission is to provide stimulation and entertainment to the residents of the facility on a daily basis, and put simply, she excels at her job.

With activities ranging from shopping trips, scenic drives and “Knit and Natter” through to line dancing, art classes and exercise classes, the residents are never short of something to become involved in.

“On Wednesdays, we are currently having a bowls competition against the Cootamundra Southern Cross Care facility,” Ms Tonkin said.

“The competition is taken very seriously – you can hear a pin drop when the bowlers take their turn.”

“Most of our activities, including our cafe – which is held on the first Wednesday of the month – are assisted by members of the community, who volunteer their time to come in and help out,” she said. “I don’t know what we’d do without them.”

“We have set up our own ‘Men’s Shed’ for the male residents to have some bloke time away from us girls,” Ms Tonkin said, “but we are desperately short of male volunteers to assist at the moment.

“We would love to offer more variety of activities under the umbrella of the ‘Men’s Shed’, we just need the volunteers to help run them.”

Last Wednesday, a traditional Christmas in July feast was held for all residents and volunteers, followed by entertainment provided by Vicki and Alex and a Christmas carol sing-a-long to round up the festivities.

Photographs of Christmas in July can be seen on Page 9.

To volunteer your time to assist with the numerous activities, please call Southern Cross Care St Lawrence on 6386 2200.