Cooinda (happy place)

by Elvie Lee

Click on the image for a larger view

Elvie Lee and Kam at playgroup in the late '70s

It certainly was a "happy place" the day I entered the room at the Springdale Heights Neighbourhood House in 1978. There was a group of mothers and their children - from memory Dawn and Adam, Betty and Andrew, Kathy and Daniel, Melodie and Paul, and Ruth the Leader - sitting singing as I glanced around the circle of disabled little ones. (Kam aged 3 was extremely difficult at the time with hyperactivity, head banging, unable to shut the door of the house so as to avoid him becoming distressed, etc.) I burst into tears at the relief at finding some very caring people to share and understand Kam's very difficult behaviour at that time. Kathy moved to Melbourne. I still see Daniel and his grandmother occasionally. Melodie went interstate, but catches up with us on her return visits to Albury. The friendship and bond formed with Dawn and Doug (Adam deceased) Betty and Dave and Andrew, and Bev and John Hartnett (Brad deceased) remains the same as it was 24 years ago. My last problem regarding Kam was shared with Dawn and Doug only as recent as March this year.

I regularly attended Playgroup Sessions with Kam and during School Holidays our daughter Tamatha along with other members' children participated in the Playgroup activities. Family members and friends were always made very welcome. I joined the Committee and worked for the Playgroup in fundraising activities: Casserole Nights, Wine and Cheese Nights, Lamington Drives, Rolf Harris Painting Raffle, Golf Days, Fashion Parades etc. Committee Meetings were held at our homes following which partners joined us for a cup of tea, where often sharing of ideas to help one another in the caring of our children took place with friends who had formed a very special bond. Hence the slogan "Caring is Sharing" which I suggested to the Committee. From the fundraising efforts we were able to purchase toys (to form our little Toy Library). We also purchased equipment for the children to enjoy at the Playgroup Sessions.

Click on the image for a larger view

Kam Lee in the early '80s

The Playgroup was invaluable to Kam, assisting in his development and understanding. Friendship from the other parents and siblings remains with me to this day. The Community was very helpful and generous to this Playgroup with donations etc. One example was that of Smart Cakes who provided, free of charge, morning tea for the group every session.

Gary, my husband, was one of the Committee who interviewed Sue Pringle, the present Co-ordinator.

Kam remained with us in the family home until the age of 25 when his health deteriorated. It was at this time that the most difficult decision of our lives was made for Kam to be placed in a Group Home. We were led to believe he would reside in Wodonga close to family and friends which ultimately proved to be incorrect. He is presently living in Melbourne (a 12 month placement).

Click on the image for a larger view

Elvie, Kam and Gary Lee, 2003

For the Complete Story...
Contact: Cooinda Family Support Group