in belconnen community...a c o n n e c t e d , a c t i v e & s t r o n g c o munity take flight...

BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e r

Take flight with Skywhale in Belconnen

A CONNECTED, ACTIVE & STRONG COMMUNITY

Issue 4 - 2013October 1 – December 20

In this issue...• 10 Gardens, 10

Teams, 10 Hours – BCS 10/10 Project p10

• A Time Capsule Ticking in Margaret Timpson Park p11

• Flying Colours for Evatt Kids’ Club

p21

Photo by Martin Ollman

Contents & Acknowledgements

www.bcsact.com.au

Message from the CEO 3Get Involved in Belconnen 410 Gardens, 10 Teams, 10 Hours – BCS 10/10 Project 5BCS celebrations 6BCS awards 7 Belco goes to Boopa Werem 8Broadway at BCS - Bards of Bridges 9Christmas Lights Tours 10News from BCS services 11social@BCS 12gallery@bcs 14theatre@bcs 16 A Time Capsule Ticking in Margaret Timpson Park 17BCS and DisabilityCare Australia 18Flying Colours for Evatt Kids’ Club 20Employee Profile – Leon Mason 21corner@bcs School Holiday Program 22Community Calendar 23Wow moments 26

CONTACTSBelconnen Community ServiceBelconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, Belconnen.PO Box 679, Belconnen, ACT 2616.Tel: 6264 0200Fax: 6253 2901Email: [email protected]: www.bcsact.com.au www.facebook.com/BCSACT FOLLOW@BCSACTBELCONNEN COMMUNITY SERVICE INC.ACKNOWLEDGES THE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE OF:

The ACT Government • The ACT Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate• The ACT Community Services Directorate• The ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate • The ACT Health Directorate

The Australian Commonwealth Government• The Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing,

Community Services and Indigenous Affairs• The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing

Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research

and Tertiary Education

Australian Government

A connected, active & strong community

Contents & Acknowledgements


Issue 3 - 2013, 29 April - 22 July

3


Message from the CEO

As the days grow longer and the fresh winds of spring blow through blossom-covered branches, I wonder how the year has managed to slip by so fast. Then I reflect on all that has happened since term four last year and I wonder how we managed to fit it all in.Our final newsletter for 2013, is an opportunity for us to reflect with pride and appreciation on all the many ways in which we have come together with our community to celebrate, collaborate, grow new initiatives, and tackle new challenges.A highlight of the year has been our work toward reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. We have enjoyed hosting and attending a variety of celebrations and events. We will launch our second Reconciliation Action Plan which covers

2013-2015 at our Annual General Meeting on November 23. In this issue, you’ll read stories of acclaim, achievement and triumph over adversity. In the back pages, Belconnen Community Service (BCS) employees share “wow moments” from their work that bring them personal joy.You’ll also find out about how to be involved in up-coming projects and events in Belconnen including free holiday activities for young people. There are programs for the community centre, gallery@bcs and theatre@bcs, and information about ways to find help and assistance when you need it most.Would you like to get your hands dirty in a mini backyard blitz? Read about our 10/10 gardening project on page five.Are you an emerging DJ or part of a great new band? Find out how you can play a gig at the corner@bcs. When can you see the monumental Skywhale at Belconnen Arts Centre? Read about these opportunities and more on page four.Many will remember our fantastic Christmas Lights tours from previous years. Find out how to get on board the community bus and join in the fun on page ten.Are you or is someone in your family living with disability? BCS is preparing for the introduction of DisabilityCare Australia and invites you to take part in conversations that matter about innovative support. Find out more on pages eighteen and nineteen.I look forward to seeing many of you around Belconnen in the coming months. And as the winds soften and the sun grows stronger, I wish you a fruitful and fun end to a year of shared activity and great outcomes.

This photo shows the crowd at the Sorry Day walk which I had the pleasure of attending with other BCS employees.


Take Flight with Skywhale at Belconnen Arts Centre For your chance to see or take a ride in the Skywhale, visit Belconnen Arts Centre on Saturday 5 October 8:30-10:30am. Everyone’s invited to get creative and there will be fun activities for kids and families on the day. Enquiries: 6173 3300 or [email protected]

Photo by Martin Ollman

The Corner Calls for Bands The corner@bcs is hosting gigs on the first Friday of every month. They’re calling for young bands and DJs that can play a 30-45 minute set between 6 and 8:45pm. Email: [email protected] or phone the BCS reception 6264 0200. The corner@BCS is on the corner of Swanson Court and Chandler Street Belconnen. It’s a safe space for young people to play pool or Xbox, watch a movie, or just hang out. It’s staffed by experienced youth workers and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-6pm and 4-9pm on Fridays.

Evening Art Classes at Belconnen Community Centre Belconnen Community Centre’s Spring Sessions Art Taster Program had a very successful launch, with the first workshop reaching full capacity! The workshop saw participants creating beautiful slumped glass pieces, using glassworking techniques learned from the fantastic Gordon and Sally of Divine Glass Design. The Slumped Glass workshop was the first in a series of six evening art classes that will give participants the chance to try their hand at something new and experiment with a wide variety of techniques. Other workshops include: textile collage, coloured slip ceramics, traditional German lantern making, painting quirky animal characters, and fimo jewelley making. The Spring Sessions Art Taster Program has generated a very enthusiastic response and is the first stage of an increased focus on evening art programs. Stay tuned for an upcoming pre-Christmas glasswork program: a series of four workshops, perfect for producing handmade Christmas gifts! For more information about evening art classes, please contact Reception on 02 6264 0232 or [email protected]



Issue 3 - 2013, 22 July - 27 September

5

10 Gardens, 10 Teams, 10 Hours – BCS 10/10 Project By Graham McKerchar

As the weather warms, we come out of the hibernation of our heated houses and out into the garden. Many of us love spending time outside, weeding, watering mowing and whipper-snippering our own little piece of paradise. But for some, the quick-growing season of spring is a time of stress, worry and safety hazard. For those of us who are unable to maintain our gardens, help can be hard to find and professional gardening services can be prohibitively expensive. The 10/10 Project is an opportunity for Belconnen Community Service (BCS) employees and their families to give something back to our community and experience the wonderful world of volunteering. On Saturday October 26, ten teams of volunteers will put on their boots and pick up their tools to provide a one off, free garden clean-up for 10 households in Belconnen. The 10/10 Project began last year and everyone involved had a great day. We met inspiring people, heard their stories, saw some fabulous gardens and really enjoyed getting our hands dirty. We finished the day with an incredible sense of achievement and we can’t wait to get out there and do it all again. The 10/10 Project is available to participants of BCS programs living in the Belconnen area. If you would like to nominate your yard for this year’s 10/10 Project, simply visit www.bcsact.com.au to download a registration form or request a form from your BCS worker. Registration forms can be found on the “Latest News and Events” section under the heading “BCS Gears up for 2013 10/10 Project”. Registrations opened on August 1st and close on September 30th 2013.

Tasks include lawn mowing, whipper-snippering, light pruning, green waste and light rubbish removal. This year’s project will also incorporate an energy efficiency element with the BCS Energy Efficiency Outreach Team on hand to provide energy and water saving tips.The 10/10 Project prioritises the need for assistance around four key areas. If we receive more than 10 nominations, assistance will be allocated on the basis of need, with priority given to families or individuals impacted by the circumstances below in the order they are listed.

• Risk of eviction or homelessness due to the current condition of gardens

• Current condition of the garden presents a high fire risk as we move in to bush fire season

• Physical limitations prevent the occupant from maintaining their gardens

• The current condition of the gardens poses a risk to children that live there or visit regularly

If you are impacted by any of the circumstances listed above, why not think about getting involved in the 10/10 Project? We have the date set, we have the teams of people, we have the equipment, and all we need now is you and your yard.To increase the potential reach of this year’s 10/10 Project, BCS has undertaken some fundraising activities, including a Friday the 13th themed Trivia Night in September. Funds generated will be used to purchase equipment and materials for this year’s 10/10 Project so we can do that little bit extra at some of the nominated properties. For any volunteering project to work, we need volunteers. This year, we invite volunteers from outside BCS to join in. If you would like to be involved, simply download a volunteer registration form from www.bcsact.com.au or contact our Project Manager, Graham McKerchar on 6278 8126 or email [email protected] BCS thanks the following companies for their invaluable support of our trivia night and the BCS 10/10 Project for 2013: ACT Skip Hire, National Capital Motors, RSM Bird Cameron, BWS, Westpac, SG Fleet, IGA Yarralumla, Yarralumla Flowers, Happy Faces Face Painting, Kennards Hire Belconnen, Hoyts Belconnen.


BCS Celebrations In our final newsletter for 2013, we look back over the past year and remember the best times with a smile. There have been so many great outreach activities, exhibition openings, and exciting developments. Here are just a few:

Individual and Family Support Christmas Extravaganza took place by Lake Gininderra on Saturday 15 December 2012 and everyone who came along had a ball! The Lions Club supported the BBQ, St Johns supplied First Aid, and Copeland College provided two great DJs. The children (and adults) enjoyed a jumping castle, sumo suits and workshops with Warehouse Circus. The Youth Engagement caravan made its first appearance and a visit from Santa, performances by Mothers Voice and The Infinite Dance Crew where absolute high lights! Keep your eye out for details for the 2013 extravaganza.

Youth Week (April 2013) was launched at Garema Place in the city. BCS’s youth focused programs banded together to create fun, energetic activities for young

people. During the

week, members of the BCS team were invited to schools in

our area for lunchtime activities. While visiting, they promoted the BCS Youth Week Extravaganza for young people to come together and celebrate.

Odgers Lane Art was launched by Minister for the arts, Joy Burch on Tuesday 27 August 2013. Odgers Lane Art is a community engagement project by BCS supported by ACT Health with murals designed and painted by Susanne Ilschner based on community consultation. It’s in the middle of the Melbourne Building in the city,

Belconnen Community Service – the Movie is a fun, eight minute video about the places, people and programs at BCS. See it on youtube, by searching for “Belconnen Community Service the Movie”.

At NAIDOC on the Peninsular our stall attracted lots of interest and we enjoyed the glorious, winter sun.




7

Great Acclaim Throughout the year, BCS programs, services and employees have been recognised for their dedication, skill and innovation. Congratulations to all on these well-deserved awards.

The Annual YOGIE Awards recognise, celebrate, promote and reward outstanding practice in working with young people. They highlight the exceptional commitment, talent and innovation that exist in the youth sector here in the ACT and surrounding area. BCS employees and received three awards they were:

• Matt and Eric – Bit Bent - Outstanding Contribution to Young People Award – Winners

• Emily Ballard – Outstanding Youth Worker Award - Commendation

• Ciara Duggan – Outstanding New Talent Award – Commendation

The Community Services Directorate Reconciliation Champions Award This award is for a person, team or community partner of the Community Services Directorate that has demonstrated their commitment to building and fostering respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their clients and each other. Emily won this award for her work with the Koori Kids program which is run as a partnership between BCS and West Belconnen Child and Family Centre.

ACT Health Promotion Awards 2013The Leisure Program received an award for “Outstanding Achievement to Promote Health and Wellbeing in the Community”. The Leisure Program has facilitated workshops in smoking cessation, FoodCents (nutrition), and introduced a range of health focused excursions. In October 2012 a health screening project was undertaken with support from Mental Health Week.

BCS AwardsAt the end of the year, BCS recognises employees through their “All Star Awards”. 2012 winners were:

• Inspirational Volunteer – Best Club• Leadership – Graham McKercher• Curiosity – Helen Pettett• Courage – Julie Gorell• Integrity – Yolanda Ayala-Rivas• Individuality – Simone Penkethman

Emily Ballard (right) won in the category of Relationships – let’s talk recognition

John and Serena received the award for the Leisure Program

Belco goes to Boopa Werem By Therese Knox

The staff at Belconnen Early Childhood Centre (BECC) have been travelling on a wonderful and exciting quest to find and form a relationship with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Pre-school or Kindergarten. We’ve searched and searched and finally found one. Boopa Werem popped up onto our Carol’s Computer Screen. She immediately became excited and brought the contacts to work at BECC to show us. The excitement overcame us and I got onto contacting them. Boopa Werem is a Pre-school that aims their curriculum and delivery around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture.Carol danced around the centre one Friday morning after speaking to the Director at Boopa Werem. The Director was more than happy to take on this partnership as they too have been searching for a service to form a relationship with. It was like all our dreams come true. Finally we could converse with another centre outside of Canberra and exchange ideas, photos, art work and programming styles.

Quality Area 6 of the National Quality Framework focuses on collaborative relationships and partnerships with families and communities that incorporate active communication, consultation and collaboration. We’re building a respectful and meaningful relationship with Boopa Werem and believe it will strengthen our ties with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. It will give us a great understanding of cultural views and allow us to work together with our friends at Boopa Werem to grow with and support each other.Carol and Vicki, the Pre-school Room Educators, sat the children down and asked them what they thought would be a great mascot to represent us to the children at Boopa Werem. The discussion went for a few days through various group time chats, and finally, they decided on a plush dog toy and named it Belco.The children and staff took photos of Belco in various places throughout our centre; they brought in photos from home, selected pieces of artwork and put them all in a folder to send with Belco as an insight into our centre for our new friends at Boopa Werem.The Pre-schoolers, Vicki, Carol and I went for an excursion to the Post Office and personally posted the parcel off to our new friends. Were excited to hear what our friends have to say about our parcel and can’t wait to receive something back from them!


Broadway@BCS - The Bards of Bridges By Ben Drysdale For the last two terms I have been working with the Bridges program facilitating Drama classes for the Castaways and Be Active groups. The first term we had a ball playing games and doing drama exercises, but as the classes went on I found it hard to keep everyone engaged in any one activity for very long. This meant planning lots of exercises, which led to lots of exercise, and it was becoming rather exhausting for all involved. This continued until one day I forgot to bring my lesson plan. What was at first a fit of panic soon became a revelation when I decided we were going to write a story together. The group exhibited extreme excitement as they added to the storyline one by one until a tale of triumph and terror had been woven. It featured cheeky mice, vampires, kittens, a policeman, and Sadie the cleaning lady. The class was over before any of us realised… how time flies. My mind was blown.So the next term we ran with it, exploring elements of character, story, and costume with each group working towards a performance. With Castaways, we applied these elements to a song they had learned during their collaboration with the ANU School of Music’s schools outreach program. We developed the characters in the story, created costumes, and delivered a smashing dramatisation of “She’ll be comin’ round the mountain”, to a crowd of beaming and bright eyed pre-schoolers from Ginninderra Early Childhood Centre.

When Cal Jones, who played the “Masterchef” who had to “kill the old red rooster when she comes” was asked how he found the experience of performing this musical masterpiece, he said he “loved it, had lots of fun and would love to do it again.” Having a bit more time to work with, the Be Active group actually wrote their own play entitled “Martin the Magnificent and the Dragon’s Dungeon”, which features good witches with magic dust, evil monkeys who eat chocolate banana cake that a heroic knight has laced with sleeping potion so he can save his princesses, and (obviously) an Evil Dragon. The Be Active show will be performed in theatre@bcs on Wednesday September 18th and if today’s rehearsal is anything to go by, those pre-schoolers will leave beaming with equal brightness.

The Evil Dragon

Martin the Magnificent and his trusty steed Denise the Donkey pour sleeping potion into the cake mix

The evil army of monkeys drift off to sleep after eating their bedtime banana cake




9

Christmas Lights Tours 2013

Christmas Lights Tours 2013 promise to provide more fun filled evenings, as we enjoy the sights of the Christmas lights of Canberra’s northern suburbs. With transport provided by the Belconnen Community Bus Service, we can collect you from home or you can arrange to meet the bus at the Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson

Court Belconnen.

Please contact the Belconnen Community Bus Service on 6251 2100 to register with the service, to place a booking or for more information about the tours.

WHEN: Tuesday December 17th, Wednesday December 18th & Thursday December 19th at 7:30pm.

COST: $5.00 per person

Christmas Lights 2013

Transport @ BCS “Committed to a connected, active and strong community”

The Community Bus Service is an ACT Government funded initiative

The Community Bus Service is an ACT Government funded initiative



11

Bridges and Castaways

Bridges is a community access program which provides support for people with disabilities, enabling them to gain skills and participate in community activities.Castaways (Community Access and Skills Development Program) provides skills and recreational opportunities for people with a disability.This semester, our budding chefs in the Bridges program have hosted the wonderful volunteer tutors with Red Cross’ Healthy Food Healthy You course. As a flow on, we’ve had a series of cooking classes which introduced never-tried-before foods for some of our cooks. Cal now eats rice, Michael and Leanne have been cooking at home and Malcolm has given up sugar. They all ate kangaroo meat and tried new vegies.Our Be Active and Castaways groups have had a colourful, creative, challenging and colossal emergence into the world of performance arts. Yoga has given us new flexibility, and we’re enjoying working with Tim Burke for the art class which is preparing for the I-day Exhibition in December.

Help when you need it most One of the many programs offered through Belconnen Community Centre is the Emergency Relief & Assistance Program (ER). This is a walk-in service offered each afternoon from Monday to Friday between 2pm and 4:30pm.

ER is a federally funded program that assists people in urgent need to access food vouchers and food items; emergency clothing and seasonal goods, such as blankets in winter. ER can also help with the cost of prescriptions, medical services including specialist appointments, funeral travel, and expenses relating to other exceptional circumstances. Some requirements and exclusions apply but we do our best to help in any way we can. We also provide referrals to appropriate programs including free financial counselling and budgeting assistance.To access ER or to find out more information please drop into the Community Centre between 2-4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Our ER Coordinator will be happy to discuss your particular circumstances and requirements. If you’re a participant in a BCS Program please speak to your case manager who can liaise with the ER Coordinator on your behalf.

The Child, Youth & Family Gateway is a service for children; young people and families who are looking for help with the tough stuff, but are not sure where to go. We have links to all kinds of programs & services that can help people to have the best chance to stay on track in their lives.In December 2012 the Community Services Directorate in partnership with Barnardo’s, Belconnen Community Service, Woden Community Service and YWCA established the Child, Youth and Family Gateway. It’s an ACT wide centralised information and referral service that provides the linkage between community members and support services. You can contact The Gateway by phone, email, and via our website, and don’t forget to follow us on twitter, @TheGatewayACT 1800 647 831, [email protected] www.thegateway.org.au

social@bcs Mary Porter MLA with Duncan Smith and young artists, Kaihdyn and Kahira Andrae at the opening of Ginar Maliyan exhibition in gallery@bcs for NAIDOC Week.

Mick Gentleman MLA, Simone Penkethman and Suzanne Ilschner at the launch of Odgers Lane Art.

Carrie De Block and Felicity Spellman with nappy-cake and sock bouquet at Carrie’s baby shower, corner@bcs.

Brad Munro - JohnstonAllison Sullings

Caitlin Crispin

Leon Mason and friend

Kylie Moore and Karyn FerrarisGabriela Castillo



13

Friday the 13th Trivia Night – 10/10 Fundraiser

Connectivity A selection of Multimedia works submitted in the Mindscapes Festival Art and Photography Competition.September 30th-October 18th Official opening Thursday October 3rd 6pm

Growing Strong Children within our Community An artwork exhibition from children attending the Playgroup in the Park at DunlopOctober 21st - November 1st Official opening Thursday 24th October 2013 10am morning tea provided

The Mindscapes Art & Photography Competition is on again this year to celebrate Mental Health Week. The theme this year is “Connectivity “and the exhibition is open to anyone to enter in any medium. Winners in the competition will be selected from 3 categories: Open, Carer/Consumer and Student.

For more details please contact Kate on 62640200. [email protected]

This exhibition was created by children attending Playgroup in the Park at Dunlop on Thursday mornings. Parents, carers and children come from all over the Belconnen region to attend this program which includes activities such as painting, craft, stories and singing. The playgroup participates in events that include: Reconciliation Day, Multicultural Day, Harmony Day, Children’s Week, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Guest speakers attend regularly to provide information to parents and carers on local services.

This exhibition celebrates children in our community. The tree represents the community which provides deep roots for strength and stability, a place to call home. with messages of reconciliation from the West Belconnen community.

What’s on in gallery @bcsBelconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, Belconnen

Open 9:00am – 4 :30pm Monday-Friday

Colours of Our Country An exhibition of paintings by Keith CarfraeNovember 4th - 15th Official opening Thursday November 6th 6pm

Mysteries Within An exhibition of drawings by Aboriginal Artist Rhonda KennedyNovember 18th -29th Official Opening November 20th 6pm

21 Reasons A multimedia exhibition in celebration of I-Day by Belconnen and Woden Community ServicesDecember 3rd – 13th Official Opening Wednesday December 4th 3pm

My name is Keith Carfrae and I have lived in Canberra for around 12 years. Painting and the arts are very important to me as they create a feeling of wellbeing, happiness, and achievement within me. The Belconnen Community Centre is a special place for artists, providing the environment, and great staff to assist and encourage any person. I like to paint Australian landscapes in any medium, with special colours of our country. Such colours and shapes are my real interests and I endeavour to paint to make others happy as well as myself. To all, I wish you good viewing and hope this exhibition makes you happy.

I draw mostly when suffering from episodes of severe depression. I don’t set out to create artwork and never think of a finished product. I just put pen to paper and draw. I use drawing as a way to express my internal thoughts and feelings.There are dark, secretive, stories of twisted pain captured in these lines. There are mysterious hidden thoughts within. They are expressions of psycho human nature. I have never felt that I have had to explain any certain piece of work. A picture is a picture and that is what it is. Hopefully, it can speak for itself or whatever the viewer wants it to say.

Join local artists and play-makers to celebrate the 21st anniversary of International Day of People with Disability. Throughout the year they have been busy making perfect paintings, marvellous masks, colourful costumes and berserk ball drawings. And now YOU can see them! Don’t miss it! This show proudly comes to you from Belconnen and Woden Community Services.



15


Sneak Peak into theatre@bcs Warehouse Circus presents: Circus for Life Opening Night

Little Show of Horrors A Halloween Special Event – Audience dress up!Thursday October 31st 7:30pmCost: Adult $15 Concession $10This is no ordinary showcase, as the ghosts and ghouls of the professional world are summoned to perform for you. We can confirm the feature performance will be by Melbourne based Almost Exactly Circus and that they will perform alongside a coven of local professionals for your viewing pleasure!Through the evoking of these kindred spirits of Circus past and present a kind of dark magic will be unleashed which will bubble over without end from this night of nights until the close of the festival on the 16th of November – for in these three weeks CIRCUS will RULE the WORLD!! Tickets: www.circusforlife.org.au

Warehouse Circus presents:Turn the Page Friday November 1st – Sunday November 3rd 7pm each night plus 2pm Matinee Sat and Sun Libraries are boring, predictable places, right? WRONG! Step inside this delightful world of adventure, fantasy and intrigue, where unsuspecting Library patrons experience the true wonder of turning over the page… Sitting down to a nice quiet dose of fiction? Think again! In our library, the characters jump off the page and bring the story to life. Bring the whole family along to this plate-spinning, cartwheeling, trampoline jumping carnival of escapism! Info and tickets www.circusforlife.org.au

Dance Northside presents:

Annual End of Year Showcase Season Tuesday November 26th – Thursday November 28th Kids showcase 6pm , Junior Youth and Adult Showcase from 7:30pm $10 for Kids Showcase, $15 for Showcase or $20 for both performances. Dance Northside (established in 2007) is a community focused, recreational Dance School based in Kaleen ACT. We provide quality, age appropriate, educational, non-competitive and fun dance classes in a safe and nurturing environment. Information and www.dancenorthside.com.au




17

A Time Capsule Ticking in Margaret Timpson Park By Simone Penkethman In 2001, the Centenary of Federation, young people who were participants in Belconnen Community Service (BCS) and Warehouse Circus programs buried a Time Capsule in Margaret Timpson Park.Where are they now? What’s in the capsule? When should we dig it up?The plaque in the park (pictured) says that it’s to be exhumed in 2011, ten years after its burial. We’re now in 2013, the Centenary of Canberra, and the capsule and its contents remain a mystery to most and a hazy memory to a few.Former Belconnen Community Arts Officer, Maryann Mussared says that there was a big event around the internment of the capsule in 2001 with dancing, singing, costumes and a federal politician. Artist, Phil Nizette who made the capsule says that it’s a cylinder about 60cm long. BCS has contacted two young people from Warehouse Circus, who are now not so young any more. Rachel says, “Ah such a long time ago! I remember this vaguely, I think there were just some old photos and things put in it.” Tom says, “Cool. I vaguely remember that...”BCS wants to unearth the capsule before this year’s end. Do you know anything about it or its contents? Do you have a great idea for an unearthing event? If so, we want to hear from you.Contact: [email protected] 62640200

Phil Nizette of Wellspring Environmental Arts and Maryann Mussared, former Belconnen Community Arts Officer were both involved with the time capsule project and are keen to see the capsule unearthed.

Disability Care Australia and Belconnen Belconnen Community Service

VISION, PLANNING

AND COORDINATION Think outside the box Innovative ways to achieve your goals

and aspirations Link people and families together to

benefit from shared experience Find services you need Help make your plans happen Provide information

INCREASING INDEPENDENCE

AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Money management Household management Prepare for leaving home Social and communication skills

development Find and maintain accommodation Assistance to access education or training Transport Find informal supports to help you live

independently

PROVIDE INNOVATIVE SUPPORT WITH:

ARTS, SKILLS AND

ENTERTAINMENT Examples of things you might like to include: Living skills Recreation activities Support to travel and go on trips Art classes Fitness classes Social dances Community events Theatre and concerts Only limited by your imagination


VISION, PLANNING








independently


ARTS, SKILLS AND



VISION, PLANNING








independently


ARTS, SKILLS AND



VISION, PLANNING








independently


ARTS, SKILLS AND



VISION, PLANNING








independently


ARTS, SKILLS AND



VISION, PLANNING








independently


ARTS, SKILLS AND



VISION, PLANNING








independently


ARTS, SKILLS AND


SPENDING PLANS AND MONEY MANAGEMENT

Help you to develop and manage a budget

Pay your bills Help you to negotiate services and costs Prepare and submit financial reports to

the Disability Care Australia

RECRUITING, MANAGING AND

PAYING EMPLOYEES

Identify what you want and need from a paid support worker

Employ or choose people Attract new employees, write job

descriptions, interview and induct your own applicants

Get the best from your employees by exploring attitudes and values

Manage risks, safety insurances, workers compensation, superannuation, PAYG etc.

Provide employees with support, planning and professional development

Focus on performance improvement and address performance issues

For more information:

FOLLOW@BCSACT

www.facebook.com/BCSACT

Belconnen Community Centre

Swanson Court Belconnen ACT 2617

PO Box 679 Belconnen ACT 2616

Phone 02 6264 0200 I Fax 02 6253 2901

Email [email protected]

INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORT Behaviour management plans Early intervention for children with

autism Counselling Group recovery Art therapy Resilience building through creative

projects

PERSONAL CARE Personal support and care Holiday care In home respite care Emergency short term care Assistance to access health services






PAYING EMPLOYEES









FOLLOW@BCSACT





Phone 02 6264 0200 I Fax 02 6253 2901




projects







PAYING EMPLOYEES









FOLLOW@BCSACT





Phone 02 6264 0200 I Fax 02 6253 2901




projects







PAYING EMPLOYEES









FOLLOW@BCSACT





Phone 02 6264 0200 I Fax 02 6253 2901




projects



Flying Colours for Evatt Kids Club “The interactions between the educators and children were of very high quality and there was a strong focus on giving children agency throughout the service program. The service has also established strong links within the local and wider community.” - Children’s Policy and Regulation Unit All early childhood education and care, and outside school hours care services in Australia undergo an assessment and rating process. It covers all aspects of the service, from management through to the planning and implementation of the curriculum. There are five rating levels within the National Quality Rating and Assessment:

• Excellent • Exceeding National Quality Standard• Meeting National Quality Standard• Working Towards National Quality Standard• Significant Improvement Required

BCS congratulates Evatt Kids’Club on its ‘Exceeding National Quality Standard’ rating given by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority. The National Quality Framework ‘My Time, Our Place’ was introduced for school age programs on January 1 2012. It ensures that children in School

Age Care have opportunities to engage in leisure and play-based experiences which are responsive to their needs, interests, and choices and contribute fully to their ongoing development. ‘Exceeding National Quality Standard’ is an outstanding result to achieve so recently after the implementation of the Framework. It shows the great commitment from the educators towards the children, families and community. It’s also a true recognition of the dedication, reflective practice and learning culture of the educators.“We felt validated that the hard work the whole educator team put into to developing our Service Philosophy was evident. We’re excited that it was obvious from the report that our commitment to our ‘Community of Learners’ approach is visible to those that visit the program as well as being just part of what we do every day.” Kylie Moore, Evatt Kids Club Director.




21

Employee Profile

Interview with Leon Mason By Leon Mason

Which program do you work for: I have had the fortunate luck of working across many of our School Aged Care programs, but Evatt Kids Club is where I belong!Describe your role: I assist our director in delivering a brilliant program for the children of Evatt Primary School that we’re fortunate enough to share our afternoons with! We create new and challenging programs that engage our children and share these experiences with them. We spend time getting to know our children; their ideas, goals, lives, hopes and include these into our program, focussing on the growth and development of our children while also sharing Evatt Kids Club with our parents, the Primary School and wider Evatt community.

What is the best thing about your role: The best part of my job is the great people I get to spend my time with. The children that we have at Evatt Kids Club are wonderful, inquisitive, engaging individuals with their own views on life and idiosyncrasies. The staff team that we have at Evatt are also fantastic people to work with. In School Aged Care we tend to have a bit of friendly rivalry about who has the best staff team; but

the dedication and enthusiasm of our team at Evatt is unparalleled (in my humble opinion). They are not only great to work with, but great to spend time with out of work. Great people seem to gravitate towards BCS from what I’ve seen in the few months I’ve been working here, actually…

What has been your greatest achievement working for BCS? The greatest of all the achievements I have reached thus far is being part of a brilliant team of Educators at Evatt Kids Club who achieved a rating of ‘Exceeding the National Quality Standard’ in our Assessment and Rating period – only the ninth overall and second Out of School Hours Care program to achieve this result across the A.C.T.

What are you currently working on that excites you? The fact is every day that I come to work there is a new and refreshing challenge waiting for me. Having the opportunity to go and lead at our other programs beyond Evatt Kids Club, seeing how we are each just a little bit different in process, yet are all striving towards the same goal of achieving high quality outcomes for the children in our care has been a real eye-opener for me. This excites me every week, every shift, every program. You just never know what might be happening on any given day and how your involvement can impact on that.

What do you do in your spare time? Hahahahaha. Spare time? What’s that?? When not at work, I am a member of our Branch Scout Team. I run leadership and training courses for Scouts (aged 10.5 – 15) across Canberra and assist in the delivery of the scouting program. Additionally, I am a member of the Australian Contingent Team to the National Jamboree in New Zealand this coming January and am on the Welfare Team for this years’ Scouts and Guides Gang Show. I enjoy going to the movies, I barrack for the Brumbies and the Melbourne Storm, enjoy a good laugh and play wheelchair basketball.


The corner@bcs is located on the corner of Swanson Court and Chandler St Belconnen. The corner@bcs is staffed by experienced youth workers and provides a safe space for young

people over 12 years old to hang out. A range of activities is offered every day including: pool table, table tennis, board games, books, X-Box, Wii, and craft. The school holiday program is

offered in addition to these daily activities.

This program is an ACT Government funded youth initiative.

• Cost and Bookings: All excursions, activities and workshops are offered FREE of charge! Bookings and permission notes are essential for all off-site excursions. Due to popular demand in recent School Holiday Programs, excursions will now be allocated via a preferential voting system, please see the permission note for more information. • Transport: We arrange transport to all excursions which is either via BCS Buses or if the activity is close by we will walk there as a group. • Departure times: Please arrive at the corner@bcs by 12.30pm for all excursions unless otherwise specified.

For further information, enrolment and permission forms please contact: BCS Reception: 62640200 or Helen Pettett: 6278 8140

School Holiday Program Spring 2013the corner@bcs

Opening Hours:Tuesday – Thursday: 12pm to 5pm Friday: 12pm to 9pm

30th Sept 1st Oct 2nd Oct 3rd Oct 4th Oct

CLOSEDHoliday

7th OctCLOSED

PublicHoliday

Bubble Wrap Onesie Party

Rock Climbing & BBQ Lunch

Zone 3Laser Tag

Pizza and Pool Comp

Live Music6pm - 9pm

8th Oct 9th Oct 10th Oct 11th Oct

Crafternoon

Hoyts

Hatching Chickens

MagicianMadness

Hatching Chickens

Murder Mystery Party

Hatching Chickens



23

Monday

Mother’s Voice10am-12pm, Belconnen Library Community RoomFREEFor mothers with babies and pre school aged childrenCall Reception 62640232

Aerobics – Low Impact10.15am – 11.15am, GymCost $8.50/$6.50conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

Social Badminton10.30am – 12.15pm, Sports HallA social game for all levels of players.Cost $4.00/$3.00conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

Mature Fitness11.30am – 12.30pm, Gym.Cost $8.50/$6.50 conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

LPACT Women’s Group12.00 – 1.30pm; LP Mental Health Program. Light lunch provided; no costCall John on 6264 0202

Aerobics/Circuit Class12.30pm – 1.30pm, Gym.Cost $8.50/$6.50 conc.

Call Reception on 6264 0232

GROW Meeting1.30pm – 3.30pm, Room 1Mutual support and self-help groupCall Kristin on 6295 7791

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind1.45pm – 2.45pm, GymA women-only fitness class for Mental Health consumers Call John on 6264 0202

Expressive Art4.30pm – 5.30pm, Art RoomFor children’s mental health; ages 6-10 Cost: $30 per term, concession availableCall Susan on 6264 0242

Yoga with Chandrabindhu 5.45pm – 7.15pm, Room 2Graduated exercises are achievable and challenging for allCost $16.00/$12.00 conc.Call Chandrabindhu 0432208763

ACT Shotokan Karate6.30pm – 8.30pm, Sports HallImprove your fitness, strength, flexibility and coordinationCost $40.00 per monthCall Ryan on 0414 802 429 or Wally on 6254 6593

Tuesday

Get Into Reading – D2DL1.30pm-3.30pm, Woden Library Great fun, beginners welcome; D2DL Mental Health Program.Call John on 6264 0202

Tiny Tumblers 10am – 10.45am, Sports Hall11am – 11.45am, Sports HallEducational Gym Play for under-fives.Cost: $80 per 9 week termCall reception on 6264 0232

My Art – Open Art Mental Health/Bridges CASD10am-12pm, Art RoomIntegrated mixed-media art class Contact Kate on 6264 0232 Women’s Swimming Group11am-12pm, CISAC.Contact Janine on 6264 0232

Mature Weights11.30am – 12.30pm, GymPlease arrive 15 minutes earlyCost $8.50/$6.50 conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

Swiss Ball Class12.30pm – 1.30pm, GymCost $8.50/$6.50 conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

Social Chess, Backgammon, Scrabble12.30pm – 2.30pm, Community Room @ Belconnen LibraryLP Mental Health ProgramCall John on 6264 0202

Scribblers Writing Group12.45pm – 2.45pm, Room 1Creative writing to form friendships and produce anthologiesCall Steve on 6251 4996


BSC Community Calender Term 4 2013

Open Art Mental Health Painting, Drawing and Print Making1.00pm-3.30pmWith TimCost $50 per termCall Kate on 6254 0232

Stay on Your Feet2:00pm – 3:00pm, GymStrength and exercise for falls preventionCall Reception on 6264 0232

Taoist Tai Chi – Beginners 2.30pm – 4.00pm, Sports HallA series of slow, graceful movements designed to relax the body and mind, improve concentration and to develop flexibility and strengthCall the ACT branch on 6249 6117

Wednesday

Mature Strength10.00am – 11.00am, GymCost $6.50 conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

Little Hands Artventures10.00am – 10.45am, Art Room Fun and creative Art Play group for 2-4 year olds.Cost: $80 per 9 week termContact reception on 6264 0232

Mature Fitness11.30am – 12.30pm, GymIncludes the use of Swiss Ball and

hand weights for better strengthCost $8.50/$6.50 conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

Advanced Badminton12.15pm – 1.45pm, Sports HallCall Clive on 0424 659 497

Weights Plus12.30pm – 1.30pm, GymCost $8.50/$6.50 conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

Swimming@CISACBuy a voucher at the Belconnen Community Centre with your LP Mental Health Program membership $2 per swim; no class

Interchange AA Group12.30pm – 1.30pm, Room 1The only requirement is a desire to stop drinking Call Judy on 0408 051 203

Yoga1.30pm – 2.30pm, Room TwoIntegrated for Special ConditionsContact Janine on 6264 0232

Social Badminton2pm –3.30pm, Sports HallA social game for any level of playerCost $4.00/$3.00 conc.Call Reception on 6264 0232

Acting4.00pm – 5.30pm, Art RoomDrama group for self-designated performers. For children’s mental health; ages 6-10

Cost: $30 per term, concession availableCall Susan on 6264 0242

Youth Art Class4.00pm – 5.30pm, Art RoomClaymation project; ages 12-16 Cost: $30/term, conc. availableCall Susan on 6264 0242

Bruce Toastmasters (fortnightly)6.00pm – 7.30pm, Room 2Call Andrew Wirth: 0408 117 113

ACT Shotokan Karate6.30pm – 8.30pm, Sports HallCost $10 /each or $40 monthCall Ryan on 0414 802 429 orWally on 6254 6593

Canberra Tamil Badminton8.30pm – 9.30pm, Sports HallAlso play Sundays 9am – 10amCall Sri 6258 0633

Thursday

Fun Fitness with Judy10.00am – 11.00am, GymCost $8.00 per classCall Judy on 6288 0768

Belconnen Women’s Group10.00am – 12.00pm, Room 1Outings, guest speakers and fun for women aged 50+Call Ian on 6259 8068 or Barbara on 6258 7263

Meditation 11.15am – 12.15pm, room 2Calming mediation with Serena; LP Mental Health Program.



25

Call Serena on 6264 0232 or 6293 3951 Mature Weights11.30am – 12.30pm, GymPlease arrive 15 minutes earlyCost $8.50/$6.50 conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

Lunchtime Volleyball12.30pm – 1.30pm, Sports HallCall Michael on 6252 5955

Stretch & Flex12.30pm – 1.30pm, GymGentle stretch and flex exercisesCost $8.50/$6.50 conc.Call Reception on 6264 0232

Stay on Your Feet2:30pm – 3:30pm, GymStrength and balance for falls preventionCall Reception on 6264 0232

Walking Group1:30pmWith Margaret and ScottCall John on 6264 0232

Beginning Badminton2.00pm – 3.30pm, Sports HallCome join in the fun Cost $2.50 per sessionCall John on 6264 0232

Warm Hearts Social GroupCommunity Room @ Belconnen Library 3.30pm – 5.00pmLP Mental Health Program. Call John on 6264 0232

Friday

Mature Strength10.00am – 11.00am, GymPersonalised weight training and exercise for people over 60Cost $6.50 conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

Philosophy@WodenEvery second Friday at 10.00am;Woden Library community room; no cost. Call John on 6264 0202

Conversation Group10:30am-11:30am, One Moore Café CivicLP Mental Health ProgramContact Serena on 6264 0232 or 6293 3951

Open Art Mental Heath Mosaics10.00am – 12.00pm, Art Room Join artist Tony in creating mosaicsCost $50.00 per term; Call Kate on 6264 0232

Positive Links10.00am – 1.00pm, Room 2A friendly social group for people who have experienced a stroke or other life-changing experienceCall Intake on 6264 0200

Mum’s n Bubs Art Class10.00am – 12.00pm, Art Room 2A variety of Art activities for Mums (and Dads), bubs welcomeCost $6 per class/$50 10 weeksCall Reception on 6264 0232

Social Badminton10.30am – 12.15pm, Sports HallAll levels of players are welcomeCost $4.00/$3.00 conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

Mature Fitness11.30am – 12.30pm, GymCost $8.50/$6.50 conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

Weights Plus12.30pm-1.30pm, GymStrengthen your core muscles and experience an overall workout Costs $8.50/$6.50 conc. Call Reception on 6264 0232

Advanced Badminton12.15pm – 1.45pm, Sports HallA social game of badminton for advanced playersCall Clive on 0424 659 497

Open Art Mental Health Sculpture & Ceramics1.00pm – 3.30pm, Art RoomCreate sculptures with artist Tony.Cost $50 per termCall Kate on 6264 0223

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind1.30pm – 2.30pm, GymFitness class. LP Mental Health Program.Call John on 6264 0232

Happy Fridays3:00pm to 4:00pm, Room 1Fun group activities to finish your week off with a grin. LP Mental Health ProgramCall Serena on 6264 0232 or 6293 3951

WOW Moments

Local Area CoordinationRecently, I attended the Hearing Expo, held at the Hellenic Club. It was a very interesting experience in that I was plunged into the world of Hearing Impairment. I realised that it was I who had the greatest disadvantage as I could not understand majority of the people there. Although I’ve worked in the disability field for approximately 8 years, I’ve had very little exposure to hearing impairment and how it affects people.I watched the conversations that were going on in the room in awe. I didn’t understand any of them. I now know that this is how some hearing impaired people feel when they are in the community. I was fascinated with watching people talk with their hands. I now know what I would like to do when the opportunity arises, [learn to sign] so the next time I attend a Hearing Expo or meet someone with a hearing impairment I am able to have a conversation with them. Debb Moger

Social Support M is a 57 year old lady who has recently had major surgery for cancer and is on very strong medications which affect her short term memory. She suffers from depression brought about by the short term memory issues, social isolation and the dramatic changes in her life.M called our transport program requesting assistance to go to the chemist six days a week to collect medication. On hearing her story, I wanted to provide additional support such as friendly visiting and escorted outings.

So I flicked out an email to our

transport volunteers to see if anyone would be prepared to assist us with

this support on a regular basis. And here is the first amazing thing to occur in this story; I had a volunteer come back to me who is happy to help five days a week. Unbelievable!I tried to contact M and kept getting an answering machine. As I was packing up at the end of a long and busy day, my phone rang, and you go through the, “will I answer it, won’t I answer it?”I decided to answer it and I am so glad I did because it ended my night on an absolute high! I was able to talk to M about the possibility of going shopping or to the lake to feed the ducks, or to the museum, or pretty much anything she wanted to do so that she could reconnect with her community. She got really emotional because she will now have the opportunity to do things she’s only dreamt about. I have to admit, her response even brought a tear to my eye. Graham McKerchar

Child Youth and Family GatewayA referral came to the Gateway from the police that seemed like a straightforward assessment and referral. A grandmother who was singlehandedly caring for her three teenage grandchildren had concerns for her grandson who was getting angry and isolating himself. She didn’t know what to do anymore. It only took 15 minutes out of my day to listen to this lady and another 15 minutes to link the young person and his grandmother into supports but in return I received an unexpected shower of gratitude and thanks for what I’d done. What took half an hour of my time, it seems lifted this grandmother out of isolation and gave her hope to continue caring for her grandchildren. It’s experiences like this that remind me that I’m dealing with the lives of human

“How cool would it be if we all shared our “Wow” moments?” Graham McKerchar - Community Transport

“I’m always excited to hear WOW mo-ments and they do add a smile to my day.” Sally Paterson - Bridges and CASD

beings. What only takes a small part out of my day makes a big difference and renews hope to the lives I am honoured to briefly be a part of. It makes coming to work a pleasure. Linda Norris

Community Care We are very fortunate to have Desi, a student from Monash University, on placement in our unit. Our Program Officer, Nicole has been working with Desi and taking her on home visits to see Nicole’s unique style of Case Management – believe me Nicole really gets things done! They’ve been working with a Case Manager at Red Cross to assist three gentlemen from war-torn Sri Lanka who are living in community detention. All three men have lost legs as a result of bomb injuries. They all speak little English and are extremely socially isolated. They all have prosthesis which are ill-fitting – to the extent where the femur of one man’s leg is growing

through the stump and causing extreme pain. The men are dealing with trauma and suffer from PTSD as a result of their experiences including the loss of family members in Sri Lanka. Nicole and Desi have been trying to obtain funding to enable the purchase of suitable mobility scooters. As the men are asylum seekers and not residents of Australia, it has been a difficult task. There are no funds to assist asylum seekers for these aids.Through dogged determination, Desi has been able to procure funding through Salvation Army to purchase three scooters from Technical Aid for the Disabled ACT. Each scooter costs between $500-700 so it is a very generous donation. As a result of this fabulous donation and the persistence of Nicole and Desi these men will soon be able to access the community, do their own shopping and improve their confidence and independence. Sue Aylen

27

in belconnen community...a c o n n e c t e d , a c t i v e & s t r o n g c o munity take flight...

Documents