Blessings to Cooinda

Celebrating the spiritual and physical nourishment true community brings was the key message during the blessing of Cooinda yesterday.

Residents, staff and members of the Lutheran Church gathered together in Gympie to witness the special moment, led by LCA Queensland District bishop Mark Vainikka. Cooinda Aged Care has recently transitioned ownership to Lutheran Services, and it was a joy to see everyone come together and look forward to the future!

Lutheran Services CEO, Nick Ryan said the organisation was humbled to continue the stewardship of Cooinda where people-centric care and service remained a core community value.“Cooinda is an excellent home with wonderful staff, wonderful residents and a legacy of serving the Gympie community for over 55 years,” Mr Ryan said.

As part of the ceremony, Chaplain Berry Doak was installed as the permanent chaplain to provide pastoral and spiritual guidance and to lend a listening ear to Cooinda residents. Lorna Schafferius, a resident at Cooinda Aged Care, has a history with Ms Doak that runs back to the 1960s.

“I used to teach at Gympie Central School with Berry in 1969. We go back a long time,” Ms Schafferius said.

She said it was wonderful to celebrate her appointment and the Cooinda community.

In accepting her new role, Ms Doak said she was excited to be able to help residents pursue a good life at Cooinda Aged Care.

“When I go into a resident’s room and I’m greeted with a big smile, I know I’m making a difference in their life,” she said.

“It can be challenging to settle into a new home and my hope is that a chaplain can help residents in that journey and increase their quality of life.”

Pictured is Rev Russell Briese, LCA Queensland District bishop Mark Vainikka, Lutheran Services CEO Nick Ryan and Cooinda Aged Care chaplain Berry Doak.