THE Anglican Care Auxiliary, Manning, has been launched by president George Hoad OAM at Storm Village. In the Manning area, Anglican Care operates Storm Village in Taree, Bishop Tyrell Place in Cundletown and provides care and service to 40 home care clients. As George explains the Anglican Care Auxiliary is a new and exciting addition to the provision of services for aged care in the Manning Valley. The Manning auxiliary will have three main objectives, to raise awareness of the local Anglican Care facilities, raise funds to contribute to the quality of lives of the residents, but most important to George, the auxiliary will assist with the hosting of social events for residents and the community. George Hoad has been associated with Storm Village for many years, performing Christmas concerts, organising photo presentations and visiting residents. He understands the way these events enhance the lives of residents and is looking forward to bringing the community and the residents closer in events like fetes, movie nights, a bridal fashion show through the ages and bingo. Chief executive officer of Anglican Care Colin Osborne attended the launch of the Manning auxiliary this week. Colin explained that moving into aged care can bring an enormous sense of loss and grief for a person, but auxiliaries like these maintain a person's connectedness to the community, allowing them "to add to the broader social fabric". "We have a number of regionally based auxiliaries that contribute a lot to the life and culture of our organisation," Colin said. He expressed his good wishes to the auxiliary which he expects to be a very successful group. These good wishes were supported by the manager of Storm Village, Karen Freeman. Other guests included chairman of Anglican Care John Kilpatrick OAM, Greater Taree City Council (GTCC) mayor Paul Hogan, GTCC deputy mayor David West, federal member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie and member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead. Mr Bromhead commented on George's election as president, saying he couldn't think of a better person for the job, with George having a great ideal of energy and enthusiasm for his community. George said he is excited to be working with such a dedicated team of enthusiastic people, who all share the same goal of assisting and nurturing support for the care of the aged across the Manning. The newly formed auxiliary has a core group of dedicated members drawn from the local area, but they would still like to hear from anyone who would be interested in joining the auxiliary. A program of activities and events is being compiled and any input and assistance would be greatly appreciated. For further information on joining the auxiliary, contact George Hoad on 6550 5890 or email ghoad@internode.on.net.