i am issue 12.1 xmas edition 2013

i-am Magazine Pty Ltd is an independent magazine published quarterly by Samantha Edwards & i-am Maga-

zine Pty Ltd. Available for reading at www.iammagazine.com.au Mail to: PO Box 1145 Cronulla NSW 2230 AUSTRALIA

ABN: 82 146 481 781 All content is subject to copyright, and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Opinions represented in i-am Magazine Pty Ltd are not necessarily those of the

publishers. This magazine is intended as a reference only, NOT as medical advice. Some course language and/or sexual references may be contained herein. Please browse/read of

your own choosing. Articles labelled ‘LE’ are written from ‘life experience’ only, therefore the advice provided is not

suitable for everyone. I AM recommends anyone experiencing difficulties in life seek advice from a professional.

02 / iammagazine.com.au

I AM MAGAZINE SPECIAL XMAS EDITION 2013

I AM MAGAZINE IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

Dutchee Dutchee - Cronulla

In Motion Lifestyle .com.au

The Barefaced Bride .com.au

Sophie B .com.au

South of the Border - Cronulla

Urban Chic - Mortdale

Vital FX Health .com.au

Nutrition iLove .com

Would your business or organisation like to be a part of a pro-community project???

email [email protected]

www.iammagazine.com.au

I AM MAGAZINE ISSUE TWELVE OUT NOW! @ www.iammagazine.com.au

elcome to the special I AM Xmas

Edition.

Yes, that word has come round again,

and even faster than last time. On the

release of this issue, Christmas will be a

measly 19 sleeps away, and the year of 2013 will

come to an official close.

I find the end of the year an interesting season, in

that, it is almost a bitter sweet event. In adulthood we

are excited to know that we will be receiving a little

leave from work, which means extra time with family, rest and relaxation, or party central.

It is also a time of the year where we may be met with the realisation that we did not

achieve everything we’d hoped we would, in 2013. I think, as we get older, we set the

stakes higher, providing somewhat impossible ‘to do’ lists. The feeling of not accomplishing

everything you set out to do can leave you deflated, desperate and disappointed.

This is the moment when the question must be asked; “What did you do?”

We are so quick to identify our failures, the things not achieved, our unsuccessful

moments. Can 2013 be the year that you start to identify the things you did achieve?

This philosophy has been a strong factor in the development of the Xmas issue you are

about to read. We are bombarded daily with news of what is wrong with the world. As a

Xmas gift to you, and ourselves, we have dedicated this issue to what is right. And, it’s all

happening under our noses, in the Sutherland Shire community.

So, in reflection when the clock chimes midnight NYE, remind yourself of all the wonderful

experiences you were given in 2013.

My message for 2014: Be kind when writing your ‘to do’ lists, you are a beautiful

human ‘being’, not a human ‘doing’. Stay Present, People. Sam xo

EDITOR & PUBLISHER: SamanthaEdwards

I-AM Magazine Pty Ltd

www.iammagazine.com.au

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ED’S NOTE

SNAPSHOT of the issue...

05 SUUBI ‘HOPE’ FOR 2014

06 PEOPLE - A JOURNEY TO INDIA

07 DIY LIFE - GET UP!

09 PETS GETTING A SECOND CHANCE

10 EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS @ THE HUB

11 HAVING A MONOCHROME MOMENT

15 LOCAL—PEACEBOMB

16 GOD HELP! THE COMMUNITY

18 WE’RE DEFENDING HUMAN RIGHTS...AGAIN!

19 A MESSAGE FROM MADIBA

MERRY XMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR I AMers!!!X

aWORTHYgift!

Yes, folks it’s that time of year again. The tree goes up, the Christmas

lights get untangled and wrapping paper flows in abundance. Your

Christmas list is written, crumpled and written again. Where will you

find a gift that is beautiful, functional and gives twice?...

The SUUBI calendar - Hope for 2014- will tick all 3 boxes.

The ESG Foundation, in association with Kurnell-based company ESG

Asia Pacific, has recently released the 2014 SUUBI Calendar in an

effort to raise much needed funds for developing projects in Uganda.

In May, John Beach, CEO of the ESG Foundation, travelled to Uganda

and South Africa on a distribution trip with the Global Volunteer Net-

work. While there, he visited a number of various projects which

completely changed his outlook on life and the purpose of the ESG

Foundation. On his return, he felt compelled to do something even

more, and after browsing through the numerous photographs he had

taken, he conjured up the concept for the 2014 SUUBI Calendar.

The SUUBI calendar has been created to raise $25,000 for projects in

Uganda, with the intent of donating all money raised directly to pro-

grams like; The Great Big Project. The money will assist the building of

schools, health centres, homes for orphans and other much needed

facilities.

Lack of education is one of the major factors maintaining the cycle of

poverty in Uganda. Facilities like stationary and classrooms are scarce,

along with money to pay school fees. Overcrowded schools, holding an

average of 85 students per room, also adds to the problem.

It has been reported that only 12% of primary school students in

Uganda reach secondary education due to tuition fees, in the reputable

institutions, being too high. To achieve a decent education in Uganda,

one must have the ability to pay for it. Paying school fees is beyond

many families, especially when they have a lot of children.

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas


aWORTHYgift!


Without an education in Uganda, one is considered to be of no status.

Community projects are very effective in planning and supporting a

future, even without education.

“In 1997 the Ugandan government introduced universal primary edu-

cation (the idea that all children should be able to attend primary

school for free) and in 2007 universal secondary education. Unfortu-

nately the demand for free education outstrips the availability of places

at the free government schools. It is not uncommon for classes to

have well over one hundred students, with very little in the way of fa-

cilities, and demotivated, over-worked teachers heading them. This

means that for most of the population, especially those who want a

higher quality education, the only other option is private school. In

Uganda, private schools vary enormously in fees and quality.” [salve

international]

The SUUBI calendar holds images personally captured by John, depict-

ing a community radiating with a sense of joy, a sense of hope. It

breathes inspiration and beauty, found in a tumultuous place.

SUUBI is the word of hope in Luganda, language in Uganda, and for

the ESG Foundation members, raising funds for Ugandan communities

just seemed like another chance to help make the world a better

place.

The 2014 SUUBI Calendar can be purchased for $10 from various

businesses around the Sutherland Shire or by contacting

[email protected].

www.facebook.com/SuubiCalendar

Local Sutherland Shire businesses have, of course, jumped on board

to help.

“We have been fortunate enough to receive

support from various businesses in both the

production and sale of the calendars”,

the ESG Foundation stated.

These businesses include local sponsors

Tribe Social Fitness (Taren Point)

and True Blue Chemicals (Caringbah),

and a bevy of local businesses who have

offered to sell the Calendar;

The Hospitality Establishment (Caringbah)

Putt Planet (Miranda)

Asisa Hair (Burraneer)

The Greedy Cat Café (Caringbah)

Glo Spa (Burraneer Bay)

The Vintage Vault (Miranda)

Essenze Chocolate (Caringbah)

Endeavour Café (Kurnell)

Bambinos Kindergarten (Caringbah)

Mad Mex (Cronulla)

A Touch of Eden (Cronulla)

Percy’s Café (Taren Point)

Begin Bright (Gymea)

Café Twelve (Gymea)

Oh La La (Gymea)

Bella Bakery (Sutherland)

Post Box Café (Yowie Bay)

Studio 11 Hair Design (Gymea)

Little Kickers Sutherland Shire, 5sports (Caringbah)

Mark Gardner (Caringbah)

Café Di Casa (Gymea)

Facebook supporters:

Cronulla Beach and CBD Events,

Gymea Village,

Shire Women,

Shire Mums and Shire Kids.

aWORTHYgift!



PEOPLE

A Journey to India…

Lauren has found a spiritual home in

India. On one of her first travels to

India, a local man told Lauren some-

thing that has stayed with her and ulti-

mately inspired her to bring yoga stu-

dents to the country that is now her

second home.

He said, “Everybody comes to India to find themselves.”

This can imply many things, however

one thing seems obvious - many peo-

ple living in the first world are soulfully

lost. Our bodies and minds are unbal-

anced by society and lifestyle and this

is creating havoc on the overall health

and wellbeing of western civilisation.

‘Yoga Journey’ departs several times a

year and heads directly to one of the

most beautiful parts of India, the

peaceful beaches of South Goa. On the

journey with Lauren, you will experi-

ence natural authentic Indian commu-

nity living. You will eat home cooked

food and live amongst the locals at a

home stay. You will be given the tools

to facilitate ‘real’ personal change, you

will be inspired to create and evolve

into the person you desire to be.

The Yoga journey to India is an oppor-

tunity to reconnect and recharge. Us-

ing yoga, massage, meditation and

spiritual connection, journey goers will

be given the opportunity to finally dis-

cover themselves.

For more information on Lauren’s

services, including workshops and

retreats, head over to:

www.vitalfxhealth.com.au

Another local Sutherland Shire business.

oga teacher, holistic health

practitioner & world change

advocate, Lauren Deacon is a local

girl helping seekers across the

Sutherland Shire find fulfilment.

Known for her devotion to cleaning up

Cronulla Beaches with her group Shaucha

-which means cleanliness in Sanskrit- and

providing support to Homeless people in

Central Sydney, Lauren is a holistic edu-

cator with a strong insight into what can

bring ultimate health, through under-

standing the connection between mind

and body.

Lauren believes the key is getting back to

the true essence of yoga and educating

her students on the importance of daily

‘breathwork’ practise, along with integrat-

ing and connecting everything that’s

natural to the human soul.

Lauren believes yoga has become some-

what commercialised and, in a way,

‘trendy’.

“I educate my students on the true

meaning of yoga and bring all aspects of

it to the awareness of the client in order

to best treat underlying issues that may

be affecting them physiologically”, she

said.


GET UP!DRESS UP!SHOW UP!

So, how do we come back from a time in our life considered, one of the low-

est?

First of all we Get Up, we make an effort to Dress Up, and we always Show

Up!!!

Some mornings it’s beyond hard to get out of bed. You lie there knowing the

day has started for most, but your body, thick with emotion, is like a lead

weight falling into the mattress. How do you get out of bed when you know

you have nothing to go to?

Now that you have days and hours at your disposal, the first thing you need

to do is identify what you are going to do with your time?

The average human being requires purpose. It keeps us going through suf-

fering and turbulent times. Viktor E. Frankl wrote a whole book on ‘purpose’,

describing his time in a Nazi concentration camp and identifying it as the key

tool for survival – if you were spared the gas chamber. The key was having a

reason to live, a knowing that there was something for you once you were

released. It was about having faith in your life.

Did you lose your job? Look at further education! Maybe it’s time for a career

change. Increase your skills by learning something new. Find a local network-

ing group and connect with others who have also lost their jobs or are en-

deavouring to return to the workforce.

To cushion the money worries contact your local Centrelink office. Those un-

employed are entitled to Government assistance, not only for day to day fi-

nances, but for further education. Ask questions. Ask for help.

Get Up! Set your alarm EARLY!

Do not fall into the trap of the Monday to Friday

sleep-in. Too much sleep equals motivation

crasher. Late nights equals not enough sleep,

which, yes you guessed it, equals motivation

crasher! Several glasses of wine before bed to

numb your sense of hopelessness or dull down the

stress vibration -no, you don’t need to be Einstein,

it’s common sense- equals MOTIVATION

CRASHER!!!

Go to bed at a reasonable hour and get your ass

out of bed EARLY!

Scientific evidence has found that on average hu-

mans require 7-8 Hours sleep to maintain health

and wellbeing. >>>

2013, for some, was a year of uncertainty. Jobs dissolved and regular

income became a game of hide and seek. The life comfortably lived

managing mortgage and debt became unstable and stressful.

LE



DRESS UP!

Feeling good about how you look holds great im-

portance, and not just for women. Confidence and

self esteem link in with many things, but one of

the key components is with what we wear. What

we wear affects how we feel.

Do I hear a scoff?

Think about it. Take the times you have made the

effort to look good, compared to the times you’ve

stumbled out of the house in something you should

have thrown out years ago; felt different

didn’t it?

Map out a weekly wardrobe. Identify the clothes

that make you feel great and designate a VIP sec-

tion in your wardrobe for quick, easy access. Dis-

card or hide every single item that makes you feel

less than wonderful and uncomfortable.

Know what you are going to wear pre-tomorrow

and get it ready to go.

You must treat yourself good, to feel good. It

doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. It simply takes

preparation and care in how you look. Not for oth-

ers…for yourself!

If spending hours on your locks doesn’t fill you

with joy, get a haircut. Find a style that is easy to

manage and perfect in a minimal amount of time.

Women love having long hair, however, if you can’t

afford the constant maintenance to keep your >>>

LE

Know what you are doing!

One of the most effective motivators for getting you out of bed is knowing

you have to be somewhere by a certain time. Make a plan. Find something

to do first thing in the morning. Embrace exercise. Put the runners on and

get moving. Suck in the fresh morning air and surround yourself with other

go-getters. Early morning walkers are motivated folk, get amongst their en-

ergy and inhale. Let them inspire you to start your day with purpose.

Join a Community Group that offers Community Support Services. The Hub,

located in Caringbah [page 10], is a Community Support Centre offering

services and activities for people in need of social interaction or life and gen-

eral assistance. Like the name suggests, it is a Hub of information for ser-

vices to assist community members at any stage of their life.

The focus is to leave the house and make a bee line towards purpose. Talk

about what’s happening in your life with people in similar circumstances. The

more you talk about what you need, the closer you will get to finding the

support and assistance to get you back on track.

If you are experiencing extended periods of feeling sad, hopeless, low, overwhelmed or

stressed, seek advice from a doctor or medical practitioner. There are services available to

you to help you feel more balanced during this period.

If you are on a low income, local community services like the Sutherland Community Sup-

port Centre, on Stapleton Street Sutherland, have a registered Psychologist available free of

charge to those holding a mental health plan from their GP. Talk to your doctor about this

and how you can access free mental health support. These types of services are available to

all. Remember, ask the questions. Ask your Doctor to assist you in heading in the right di-

rection. Mental health plans are provided to low income earners by most doctors under the

Medicare bulk billing service.



LE

SHOW UP!

The key to moving on with life and getting what

you want is, SHOWING UP for it! Show up for

life, Show up for the day. Wake up, get up,

dress up and SHOW UP!

Commit to showing up. Your life was provided to

you as an opportunity to grow, experience, ex-

plore & discover. Hiding away at home in a lull,

attempting to ride out a storm, is acceptable for

a short period of time, but you may find the

storm won’t ease until you make the choice to

move on.

A period of suffering is an experience to learn

more about yourself, to become aware of the

life you have created and to decide if it is every-

thing you believed it would be. It is an opportu-

nity to change direction and make a new path to

get you where you truly want to be.

>>> tresses looking pristine, op for a shorter do. Alternatively, invest in a

box of bun pins and pop those untamed locks in a neat sleek bun for the days

you don’t have an hour to straighten your mane. Dress to impress every day.

The universe is beautiful and unpredictable, it may just have you colliding

with opportunity when you least expect it.

If symptoms persist see your doctor!!!

LE - THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN WRITTEN FROM LIFE EXPERIENCE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS PROFESSIONAL CARE.


EDUCATE

Welcome to the Pound! You have 7

days to live. Pets placed on death row

at the pound have 7 days to be adopted

or rescued, otherwise they are put to

sleep.

These are the types of animals the Syd-

ney Pet Rescue & Adoption Centre, lo-

cated in Jannali, remove from the

pound. There are currently about 60

animals in temporary foster care that

have been rescued by the local centre

and the search for a new home is some-

thing they take very seriously. Although

the centre generally re-homes cats and

dogs, rabbits have also found their pas-

sage to a new home through the centre.

As you can imagine, 60 animals would

occupy quite a great deal of space.

Would that type of shelter experience be

comfortable for the rescued? Well, the

Sydney Pet Rescue & Adoption Centre

do not have a shelter. Instead, all ani-

mals are placed in loving temporary

foster homes until a new family can be

found.

*Surrendered Microchipped pets have 14 days to live from arrival at the pound.

Giving lost & abandoned pets a second chance.

Pictured here is Bonnie & Maddie with two Sydney Pet

Rescue volunteers. Their story; They were res-

cued as kittens from death row at Ranbury Farm Pound

and have been in foster care since.

What’s involved in the adoption process?

There are stories and photographs of all

the animals on the website.

www.sydneypetrescue.com.au

If you are interested in a particular pet

you will then fill out a cat match or a dog

match form—you didn’t think the centre

would hand their little ones over to any-

body, did you? If you are considered a

good match you will then meet the foster

carer and your new best friend. If all par-

ties agree, a small fee is paid to cover

vet fees etc., and your life is complete,

with a sweet addition to your family. To

accommodate any possible teething

problems, all adopters are given a 4

week trial period. Post-adoption support

is also on hand, should you need it.

It’s Xmas time! DO NOT buy a pet as a gift!

The centre receives a number of phone

calls from people who have been gifted,

with good intentions, with a pet. Sadly

these gifts can become quickly un-

wanted. This is part of the reason why

pounds are full of animals. The process is

indiscriminate, there is no pet matching

and no consideration to accommodating

the needs of the animal, or the owner.

Part of the excitement of getting a pet is

the planning. Buying a pet must be

planned and the new owners must be

prepared.

Do NOT buy a pet from a pet store. This

is just re-enforcing backyard breeding.

There are too many pets currently with-

out homes. Adopt a pet and give him/her

a second chance at living a life, loved.

“We don’t believe that animals should be put to sleep

for convenience.” [SPR&A volunteer.]

helpingHAND

Located on busy President Ave-

nue in Caringbah, The Hub is the

local neighbourhood ‘do drop in’

centre. Didn’t know it was

there? Perhaps you are wonder-

ing whether the demand is high

for a Sutherland Shire centre

providing support to people ex-

periencing hardship?

The 2011 census may have re-

vealed that the average Suther-

land Shire income is, well, not

by any means lacking. In fact, it

revealed that more than 61% of

Shire households received an

income greater than $1000 per

week. With the median Austra-

lian income sitting at around

$46,000 per year, this would

indicate we are in fairly good

shape.

The thing with these types of

statistics ,and how they are cal-

culated, is that they do not take

into account the average price of

living per area. What might ap-

pear as a substantial income

may be compromised by exces-

sive rental fees or an over-

whelming mortgage.

With the average rental price

now exceeding $410.00 per

week [unit price] and about

20+% of us needing to rent,

hardship is running somewhat

rife in our little seaside paradise.

The interesting thing about the

Sutherland Shire is that you can

sit in any one of the local cafes

or wine bars and conveniently

become oblivious to the fact that

many residents are doing it

tough.

Thankfully, there are places like

the Hub, located mainstream

Caringbah, that have all doors

open, ready to help.

The Hub is a not-for-profit organisation

providing assistance to the local commu-

nity in various ways.

Whether you simply need someone to talk to

over a cup of coffee, or would like to join a so-

cial group for interaction with others, the Hub

can assist you in finding the right information

and local community service to provide you with

support.

On site, they also offer activities like Zumba, Tai

Chi, Art Therapy, Games & Knitting. And to keep

it exciting, community programs are updated

regularly.

Services like financial & general counselling,

massage and a low cost food pantry for low in-

come earners, is also available.

A recent community program organised by The

Hub has been developed to help the growing

number of single parents in the area find the

support they need. Women in particular are fi-

nancially disadvantaged in the case of separa-

tion and the need to give up their career to pro-

vide primary care for their children. The rental

market is tough in the Shire with single parents

competing against high income singles for tiny

apartments. Also, returning to work can be met

with a lack of empathy by employers, making

the job search even harder to navigate. Logging

onto the website www.shiresingleparents.org.au

the viewer will find a long list of shire based ser-

vices that can help a sole parent get back on

track.

The Hub is auspiced by Shire Community Service, an

incorporated association with a management committee.

The Hub has a centre co-ordinator and project officer, and the daily running of the centre is assisted by community

volunteers.

www.caringbahhub.org.au


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WWW.HEARTCLICKSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM


Ch-ch-changin…

The Shire’s most beautiful change-maker’s!!!

The I AM magazine team love working with the girls at Dutchee Dutchee, Cronulla, for a number of reasons. The first, we adore fashion, and frankly they know style. The racks of Dutchee Dutchee are always filled with items we suspect reader’s will love. Second, the girls of Dutchee Dutchee are incredibly active in supporting the community. Straight up, they give a sh*t about their community—and we at I AM, totally DIG THAT!

The story of Hannah and her dream to get herself and 19 other mates to the top of Mt Kos-ciusko, blew our minds.

Hannah has Cerebral Palsy, along with others also making the jour-ney. Her dream includes bush trails, wheel chairs and volun-teers, all making their way through the Snowy Mountains and up Australia’s highest moun-tain, Mt Kosciusko.

The girls put an offer out to the local community to assist Han-nah’s dream by buying tickets in the ‘Bikes For Spring Fundraiser Raffle to help Hannah’. $1000 was raised by the store, with every cent going to Hannah.

Hannah will be heading off on her adventure in March 2014. DUTCHEE DUTCHEE SURF ROAD CRONULLA 2230

Amazing people live in the Sutherland Shire.

So, that’s not the end of the story...

The first prize winner, of the Cruiser bike, was able to add icing to this already perfect cake.

1st prize winner, Erica Adams, do-nated her prize back to Dutchee Dutchee for sale in store, with all money being added to Hannah’s cause.

PeaceBOMB!


They make jewellery, of course.

‘Peacebomb’ is a story about war and peace, destruction and reconstruction.

During 1964-1973, Laos was victim to a ‘secret’ war. It was an aerial bombard-ment across Indochina to halt the spread of communism and ‘fool’ the people. Dur-ing this period, approximately one B-52 plane load of bombs was dropped every 8 minutes, 24 hours a day for 9 years.

To this day, war debris can be found in abundance throughout the Laos country-side.

Project Peacebomb, founded by Elizabeth Suda’s company, Article 22 (named ap-propriately after Article 22 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights), is a collaboration with Laos arti-sans to create a collection of jewellery and homewares from the destruction a war left behind.

The goal for Article 22 was to assist the safe local crafting of war debris into mod-ern artefacts, for sale in the Western World, in order to generate opportunities for farmer-artisans and support the local Village Development Fund.(a) It was also an opportunity, if only symbolic, to have Americans ‘buy back the bombs’.

The collection has a modern edge with an almost bohemian feel reminiscent of the 70s era. From bangles emblazoned with “I love Peace” quotes, to “Love is the Bomb” pendants, the col-lection stands out due to it’s uniqueness, not only in style, but in ethical substance.

Each piece holds a story of a time some want to forget, a time some will never acknowl-edge happened, and the legacy of a shared past. The collection is a reminder of what we must work towards, never happening again. It is a reminder to keep peace within all of us.

(a) [Village Development Fund— provides micro-loans to poor local families and supports small infrastructure projects, like

electricity to Schools.]

Article 22 & PeaceBOMB can be found locally at

South of the Border Cronulla Mall

[opposite the train station]

hat does one do with the scrap metal remains of 250-260 million bombs?

LookCLOSER


More than scripture and Sunday school... [Samantha Edwards EDITOR@IAM]

On one of my recent research adventures to find good folk doing great things in

the community, I stumbled upon 3 local churches giving more than just the Sun-

day service.

It was one month ago that I, again, embarked on a mission to find community

support services in the local Sutherland Shire area. Low and behold, the local

church is where I found one of the most active groups. You’d be surprised to

know just how much your local church is pulling it’s weight in the ‘love thy

neighbour’ category. Giving people in need a safe place to turn when life pro-

vides an unexpected b*tch slap.

Gymea Miranda Uniting Church Located on Central Road Miranda.

The Gymea Miranda Uniting Church has all the

things you would expect from a church, scrip-

ture & bible devotion included, but it’s also

bursting with a large group of community folk

happily getting their hands dirty in projects

designed to provide support & encouragement

to people in need. One of those projects is the

Church Community Garden.

The garden was started in 2010 on the block of

land beside the church. The garden was cre-

ated as an avenue to connect with people in

the local community with similar interests and

a zest for gardening. It was also designed to

encourage a more sustainable way of living,

with the addition of fruit and vegetable beds.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to participate

and approximately 30 people are already in-

volved in care of the garden.

With a rainwater tank in place,

the gardener’s have already

harvested a large amount of

produce including beans, spin-

ach, corn and tomatoes.

As housing in the area contin-

ues to expand more towards

the sky, the chance of having a

garden can be an impossibility

for some. The Church Commu-

nity Garden is a great opportu-

nity to whip out your green

thumb, even if you can’t have

that garden of your own.

Gardening takes place every

Wednesday and Saturday

morning from 9 am and all are

welcome.

Community Outreach programs

are also available.


St Andrew’s ‘Toys N Tucker’ Located on the Kingsway Cronulla.

The Christmas spirit is alive and well at

St Andrews Church Cronulla as they rally

again to support the Anglicare Toys N

Tucker appeal, bringing Christmas cheer

to thousands of struggling families.

Toys N Tucker is part of Anglicare’s an-

nual Christmas appeal, where the com-

munity is encouraged to donate items for

distribution to people in need over the

Christmas period.

Christmas, for a lot of families, is a time

of celebration, gift giving and food gorg-

ing but sadly this time of year can bring

financial stress and an overwhelming

feeling of loneliness to others. The Toys

N Tucker appeal aims to share the joy of

Christmas with every one.

Donations for Toys N Tucker can be

handed in at St Andrews Church located

on the Kingsway Cronulla.

Cronulla Uniting Church Located on Gosport Street Cronulla. The Cronulla Community Café was

formed in 2006 to provide a safe place

for those experiencing troubled times.

Manned by a group of Sutherland Shire

residents, the café provides breakfast,

morning tea and lunch every Wednesday

from 8.30—1pm.

The café is run by the Uniting Church

and they describe it is a place where in-

dividuals like single mums, the lonely

and homeless, can enjoy time amongst

friends with a relaxing cuppa. Volunteers

are on hand to spend time with anyone

who needs it, providing information on

other community services available to

assist the disadvantaged.

Supported by a small group of Shire

businesses and organisations, and run by

people from the congregation and volun-

teers from the community, the café is a

beautiful example of a community that

cares.

LookCLOSER

I AMnesty


When: November 23rd 2013

Event: Birthing Kit Packing Day

The Birthing Kit Packing day event was

held this year at the Sutherland Shire

Community Centre, where over 80 peo-

ple gathered to pack the lifesaving

birthing kits that will assist in a safer

birth for mothers in developing coun-

tries.

Fact #1

“Every 90 seconds, a woman dies of

complications related to pregnancy and

childbirth.”

Fact #2

Many mothers and babies die from pre-

ventable infections.

6 basic items were packed.

A plastic sheet.

Gloves.

Soap.

Sterile scalpel blade.

3 pieces of string.

5 gauze squares.

Simple, but incredibly effective in as-

sisting the birth of a child in an isolated

area and reducing the chance of infec-

tion.

This year the group raised $6000 and

packed 2000 kits with the assistance of

80+ volunteers. Success.

When: December 1st 2013

Event: Write For Rights

Held at La Cucina Gymea, pen was put to

paper in support for those being denied

justice and freedom.

Writing to the peeps in power, the gath-

ered joined Amnesty supporters world-

wide, to call for equality, better treatment

and the unconditional release of those

held without just reason.

This year they worked together to:

> Release Cambodian housing activist,

Yorm Bopha, imprisoned on fabricated

charges for peacefully protesting against

forced evictions.

> Stop the violent repression of a Pales-

tinian community, which holds peaceful

protests against Israeli occupation of their

land.

> Free Dr Tun Aung, a Burmese commu-

nity leader sentenced to 17 years in

prison.

> Call on police to investigate the ill-

treatment and threats against Ihar Tsik-

hanyuk, an openly gay LGBT activist in

Belarus.

> Demand a full investigation for Miriam

López, who was tortured, raped and

falsely imprisoned for seven months.

> Release Ethiopian journalist, Eskinder

Nega, serving an 18 year prison sentence

for ‘terrorism’ after criticising the govern-

ment and supporting free speech.

The event was organised by the local

Amnesty group St George & Suther-

land Shire Amnesty, and over 220

letters were written on the day.

www.facebook.com/ sutherland.shire.amnesty

Merry Christmas


On the 5th of December 2013, the world lost Nelson Mandela.

He united a nation, even in death, and spent his life working towards a better future for all. He was a Leader who listened and was not afraid to reconsider old beliefs, even if they were his own, and make the changes to amend them.

May he be an example for future Leaders to follow, in the hope that some day equality will be genuinely embraced and peace will be felt by all.

Christmas message of the deputy President of the ANC, Nelson Mandela, December 1990. [excerpt]

***

It is my privilege to speak to you today, on Christmas Eve, the first

Christmas in almost 30 years that I have been able to spend with my beloved

family, my closest colleagues, including our President, Oliver Tambo, and you,

our people. I will spend Christmas without being a fugitive or a prisoner.

Wherever you are, I trust that you will join me in a prayer for peace to

prevail throughout our common motherland, for justice to reign supreme and for

all of us to be driven by the spirit of goodwill towards one another as we work

together for the rebirth of South Africa as a non-racial democracy.

Our thoughts turn to all those others in our country who will not be able to

be with their families; those who are still held as political detainees and

prisoners, including those on death row.

I refer also to the thousands of our people who are still in exile who, like

the prisoners, had hoped that in the light of the changes taking place in our

country. They too would be spending Christmas with their relatives whom they

have not seen for many years.

***

This is a year that has been marked by moments both of hope and despair. As

it comes to its close, the message we wish to convey to you all is one of hope.

We have confidence in the wisdom and good sense of the majority to share the

hope with you that the New Year will bring all of us nearer to a situation of

justice and peace for all the people of our country.

***

The South Africa so many have sacrificed so much to achieve is within sight.

Together let us walk this last, long gruelling mile to reach a non-racial,

non-sexist society, where all our people will be equal before the law. Where all

forms of racial discrimination are abolished. Where a bill of rights protects

every individual. Where political tolerance prevails. And the existence of

different political parties is encouraged.

Together we have it in our power to defeat those who continue to kill to

maintain the old order. We have it in our power to transform our country into

the peaceful and prosperous homeland of all our people. Let us work together to

achieve these goals. Let us vow never to celebrate another Christmas in

chains.

We have a right to be free and we shall be free!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Nelson Mandela 1918-2013

i am issue 12.1 xmas edition 2013

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