Remembrance Day Trip to Hattah National Park
Story by Kaye Matthews, Respite Care Coordinator Mildura
On the 11th day of the 11th month, GreenConnect Mildura participants enjoyed a memorable guided bus trip to Hattah National Park for one of our outdoor activities for people with dementia in Mildura. Supported by Care Friend Trish, new staff member Julie, and tour operators Peter and Jeanie, the group set off from the Mildura Wharf under cool but gloriously sunny skies, ready to immerse themselves in nature.
Travelling south along the Calder Highway, the group detoured onto a bush track to view an active Mallee Fowl nest. After light overnight rain, signs of the bird’s clever temperature control were visible: fresh leaf litter had been scratched up onto the mound.
At 11:00 a.m., participants observed one minute’s silence in the peaceful bush surroundings. The Last Post, played live via ABC iView, echoed through the trees. The stillness was profound: so quiet, as one person remarked, “you could have heard a gum leaf drop.” It was a deeply moving and respectful moment that all agreed felt unique and powerful.
A short drive later, the group encountered dozens of red, grey, and blue kangaroos grazing, along with the pink shimmer of the Little Spectacle Pink Lake. With a chilly wind off the water, plans for a lakeside picnic were replaced by a cosy lunch inside the Parks Victoria Mud Brick Information Centre.
The group enjoyed a selection of meats and salad, home-baked Anzac biscuits, treacle cake, and blueberry muffins, complemented by plenty of hot coffee and tea - earning many compliments for the delicious food and warm hospitality.
The return trip wound through scenic bush tracks, past Murray Pines, hop bush, native olives, emus and shinglebacks, before reaching the perimeter gate and following the Murray River drive back to Mildura Wharf.
It was a day of reflection, nature, and shared connection - one that perfectly captured the spirit of both.
Feedback from participants included:
“Good morning, Kaye. Thank you for a lovely day yesterday. It’s the highlight of my year. I’ve lived in Mildura for a long time and have never seen the little pink lake. It really took my breath away. And the kangaroos loved seeing so many. Lunch was exceptional. Highlight was 11am in the mallee bush around the mallee bird nest. Couldn’t get better than that. You are so thoughtful.”
“Many thanks Kaye. Lovely to have memories to look back on. Thank you and all your helpers for another truly wonderful day.”
“I really, really loved the cake at lunch. I loved the laughter and the friendship. It is my happy place. I grew up in this area and it brings back good memories.”
“A real highlight was the one minutes’ silence in the middle of the bush, without another sound to be heard. How special was that? Gave me goosebumps. As soon as the last post was playing, everyone stopped talking and bowed their heads. So so special.”
“I can see this is a well-oiled machine and I really cannot think of anything that would have improved our day and Pete’s knowledge is incredible!”
GreenConnect: Building Community and Connection
GreenConnect is dedicated to providing meaningful, enjoyable experiences for individuals living with early to mid-stage dementia. Our nature-based dementia activities in Mildura and Bendigo offer participants a chance to relax, foster friendships, and enjoy a sense of belonging in a safe and supportive environment.
Get Involved with GreenConnect
GreenConnect is always looking for new business partners, accommodation providers, and care organisations to join the network. If you’re interested in supporting our dementia respite project and helping provide vital services to individuals living with dementia, reach out today to learn more about how you can contribute.