Alkira recognised for eco initiatives

The Gunnedah shire 2025 Environmental Citizen of the Year Award was not announced as an individual, but rather a community.

The residents at McLean Care Alkira were over the moon when word got back to them about winning the award.

The evidence was in the excitement and smiles of the residents when the award came back to the aged care facility.

The award was given because of the small but mighty habits that McLean Care’s director residential services Melissa Read said came from brainstorming at Alkira.

“The team on the ground was looking at ways to be environmentally friendly when the residents came up with the idea of recycling bits and pieces,” she said.

Another practice came into place with the introduction of their garden.

The residents crafted a garden from items such as old tyres and wood spruced up with a coat of paint along with other bits and pieces. Soon they had created something from what was once rubbish.

The garden is now a thriving area with a mix of vegetables and flowers that are maintained by the residents.

From planting and weeding to the daily maintenance, it is taken care of by those living there.

Another habit exercised by Alkira is good old fashion recycling.

Staff and residents have been making the conscious decision to recycle whenever possible.

It was facility manager Katrina Doyle who nominated Alkira for the award.

“It is definitely a labour of love,” Melissa said.

At the moment they are sticking with gardening and recycling with no plans yet for further environmental practices, but Melissa is certain ideas will continue to grow.

For now, they are taking the moment to acknowledge their achievements.

“And relishing in the fact that they won an award and more ideas will come from this,” Melissa said.

“McLean Care is very proud [of Alkira staff and residents]. We are a very proud community.”

Melissa congratulated the residents along with staff on the achievement.