Cultural Diversity at Elizabeth Jenkins Place Aged Care Plus Centre

Across Australia, our Aged Care Plus Centres, Retirement Villages and Community Care services are beautifully diverse. A huge aspect of our diversity is the array of different cultures that exist among staff, officers, volunteers and residents. Care Manager, Jyotsna Shrestha, shares an insight into the vibrant cultural diversity at Elizabeth Jenkins Place Aged Care Plus Centre.

What cultural backgrounds do you have among staff, Officers, volunteers and residents at Elizabeth Jenkins Place Aged Care Plus Centre?

The majority of our residents are born in Australia, however a few are from British and German backgrounds. We also have one Italian, one Scottish, one Dutch and one resident from the Czech Republic.

In terms of staff, the majority of our staff are of Nepalese and Tibetan cultural backgrounds. We also have significant number of staff who are Filipino. Of course, we also have staff who were born here in Australia. Other than that, some have migrated from Tonga, China, Vietnam, India, Czech Republic and Sri Lanka.

How do you celebrate cultural diversity at Elizabeth Jenkins Place Aged Care Plus Centre?

We'd like to organise an event for all, where staff, officers, volunteers and residents can celebrate their cultural backgrounds through food, dance, storytelling and traditional attire.

Is there an opportunity for staff or residents to share their cultural food?

Yes, definitely. A very simple and popular recipe would be a masala tea. To make a delicious

masala tea, follow this recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 whole cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons black tea (decaf is best)
• large pinch of fresh ground
• black pepper

METHOD:

• In a mortar, crush the cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon, or use a coffee grinder.
• Transfer the crushed spices to a small saucepan, add the water, ginger and pepper and bring to a boil.
• Remove the pan from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
• Add the milk and sugar to the pan and bring to a boil.
• Remove from the heat and add the tea.
• Cover and let steep for 3 minutes.
• Stir the chai, then strain it into a warmed teapot or directly into teacups.
• ENJOY!