11 minute read
Helping people – changing lives
Volunteering Central Coast’s motto is ‘Helping People, changing lives’ and that is as much about the lives of people who volunteer as the lives of the people they assist by volunteering. Everybody has a unique skill that can make a big difference to a community organisation’s activities and services they deliver locally.
At Volunteering Central Coast (VCC) we believe that there is a volunteering role for everyone, and we do our best to link people who want to volunteer with a role that suits them at any of our 100+ member organisations. VCC staff are always looking for new and different ways for people to volunteer to respond to the needs of community organisations looking for volunteers and for the general public wanting to volunteer.
The benefits of volunteering to the individual volunteer are endless, from the chance to get to know new people in your community, to learning new skills, or keeping existing skills up to date.
Dennis Smith has been a volunteer with VCC for nearly 15 years and is one of the best advertisements for the benefits of volunteering. He excels in his role of introducing people to the joys of volunteering presenting our Volunteering information sessions at least once a week at 6 locations across the Central Coast Region and whilst with VCC has inspired over 15,000 people to pursue volunteering.
In recognition of this achievement, Dennis was invited by the Mayor of the Central Coast to be the 2019 National Volunteer Week Celebrations guest speaker.
If you’re thinking of volunteering, you can book into one of our ‘Bridge to Volunteering ‘ information sessions which are held at 6 locations across the Central Coast region, (www. volunteeringcentralcoast.org.au/ volunteer-referral). You can then book into a one-to-one meeting with our
volunteer recruitment staff or just go online and have a look at the variety of roles that are available right now: www.volunteeringcentralcoast.org.au/ volunteering-roles
Things to keep in mind when looking for the best volunteering role for you:
How much time do you have to give? Some volunteering roles are flexible, others require you to be able to volunteer on a regular day and time every week. Remember you can volunteer for as little as 10 minutes a day, an hour a week, or for several days a week, with one organisation or several. Some roles are regular and others such as event volunteering can be a one-off activity.
How far are you prepared to travel? – Do you have your own transport or are you relying on public transport. Most organisations don’t reimburse travel to and from the volunteering location, although if you need to travel as a part of your volunteering e.g. delivering food, this may be reimbursed if you are using your own vehicle.
What sort of organisation do you want to volunteer for? There are services for different clients e.g. children, the elderly, people with disabilities, animals or services that focus on a specific activity e.g. Bushcare. It’s worthwhile choosing an organisation that has similar values as you. It’s also ok to specify that you aren’t comfortable working in certain settings or activities.
What activities do you enjoy? Do you enjoy repetitive tasks or do you like variety? Are you happier being inside or do you like to get outside? Do you enjoy meeting lots of new people or would you rather get to know a few people?
What skills or experience can you bring to a volunteering role? Some people have specific skills or expertise developed either through work or as a hobby. It’s worth mentioning any skills you have when applying for a role, as organisations may be able to incorporate these into the role.
Do you have anything you aren’t able to do? Some people can’t stand for long periods, others aren’t able to sit for long periods, everyone is different and often organisations can accommodate different abilities, so be upfront about any assistance you may need to complete tasks.
Our motto is ‘Helping People, changing lives’ so call us on 02 4329 7122 to book in for our information session, or a one-to-one consultation to discuss your options for the ideal volunteering role for you.
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The Adina Apartment Hotel
All of our delicious soudoughs are made using pure, natural ingredients from certified organic farms. Our flour is milled using a slower, traditional stoneground method to avoid overheating and dehydration. This retains nutrients and wheat germ, giving that nutty flavour. Our natural starter slowly ferments over 18 hours which allows the dough to rise and the beneficial lactobacilli (which promotes gut health and helps digestion) to fully develop. This long fermentation produces that unique soudough flavour that can be obtained no other way. The Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane is heritage-listed and artfully restored with a classic yet contemporary design. Located on George Street, the ground floor lobby space celebrates the building’s Art Deco origins. A senior friendly walk from Queen Street Mall and Queen’s Wharf or a brief stroll or ferry ride will find you in among buzzing Southbank’s cool bars, restaurants and parklands. The free City Hopper Ferry to Southbank’s museums, galleries and Maritime Museum, is right on the doorstep at North Quay
Interestingly, the site itself is a museum. The heritage listed South Brisbane Dry Dock is one of the last remaining vestiges of the colony of Queensland. For the first 70 years of settlement (1820’s to 1890’s) Queenslanders were almost entirely dependent on maritime transport for freight and passengers. Psst, for less mobile seniors the majority of the museum has disabled access. Ramp or lift access is available to all exhibition spaces within
All of our delicious soudoughs are made using pure, natural ingredients from certified organic farms. Our flour is milled using a slower, traditional stoneground method to avoid overheating and dehydration. This retains nutrients and wheat germ, giving that nutty flavour. Our natural starter slowly ferments over 18 hours which allows the dough to rise and the beneficial lactobacilli (which promotes gut health and helps digestion) to fully develop. This long fermentation produces that unique soudough flavour that can be obtained no other way.
All of our delicious soudoughs are made using pure, natural ingredients from certified organic farms. Our flour is milled using a slower, traditional stoneground method to avoid overheating and dehydration. This retains nutrients and wheat germ, giving that nutty flavour. Our natural starter slowly ferments over 18 hours which allows the dough to rise and the beneficial lactobacilli (which promotes gut health and helps digestion) to fully develop. This long fermentation produces that unique soudough flavour that can be obtained no other way. the main museum building and to the grounds (although rough ground in places). There is no disabled access to HMAS Diamantina.
The following day, I visit the Museum of Modern Art and the Queensland Art Gallery. Again, all situated in Southbank and only a short – free – yes free! – Cityhopper ferry stop from the doorstep of the Adina Apartments Brisbane in George St.
All of our delicious soudoughs are made using pure, natural ingredients from certified organic farms. Our flour is milled using a slower, traditional stoneground method to avoid overheating and dehydration. This retains nutrients and wheat germ, giving that nutty flavour. Our natural starter slowly ferments over 18 hours which allows the dough to rise and the beneficial lactobacilli (which promotes gut health and helps digestion) to fully develop.
This long fermentation produces that unique soudough flavour that can be obtained no other way. FREE FROM • artificial preservatives • flavourings and colouring • no added yeast • no added sugar • no animal products • no nuts • no chemical herbicides & pesticides FREE FROM • artificial preservatives • flavourings and colouring • no added yeast • no added sugar • no animal products • no nuts • no chemical herbicides & pesticides
@BILLSORGANICS #BILLSORGANICS
• no animal products • no nuts • no chemical herbicides & pesticides FREE FROMFREE FROM
@BILLSORGANICS #BILLSORGANICS FOLLOW US ON BILLSORGANICS.COM.AU FOLLOW US ON BILLSORGANICS.COM.AU
120 Countdown Program
The 120 Countdown program connects learner drivers with volunteers who mentor and supervise them while they complete the required 120 hours of driving experience they need to be able to take their driving test for the P1 licence. The social and economic benefits of the 120 Countdown program are huge and here on the Central Coast we hope to have many community members gain their provisional licence, achieve independence, gain employment and become a contributing member of our community.
The program is available to members of community, such as young mothers, sole parents, young people, families with young children, unemployed people, low income earners, senior citizens, culturally and linguistically diverse people, Indigenous Australians and people with a disability, that are finding it difficult to get ahead and tend to experience social exclusion because of transport issues.
Here on the Central Coast we know that public transport isn’t always accessible throughout our communities and getting a licence is not always easy. At Uniting, we want to help bridge this gap, by connecting good drivers in our community to those who are working towards a provisional licence. Obtaining a provisional licence is not the only program goal, our volunteer mentors are there to guide our learners along the way, helping them to build confidence and adopt safe driving practices. Our volunteers can benefit from being part of a program that can lead to disadvantaged members of the community obtaining a new freedom to say ‘yes’ to opportunities. The program gives our dedicated mentor volunteers the opportunity to give something back and pass on their wisdom to people in their local community. It’s also rewarding for both parties to make new social connections within their community.
We have created tools to ensure all mentors and learners are as prepared as possible before hitting the road. Uniting provides a fully maintained and insured vehicle and relevant volunteer training and support.
Volunteer mentors and learner drivers can get in touch by contacting our Customer Service team on: 1800 864 846 or email ask@uniting.org https://uniting.org/who-we-help/foradults/120-countdown
What? An afternoon just for the ladies!
Sorry gentlemen, whilst an afternoon nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Tuggerah Lake at one of the Coast’s most prestigious resort indulging in fine food and wine may sound inviting, this one is strictly for the ladies! High Tea On The Green, to be held at Pullman Resort Magenta Shores on May 31, will raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and is one of the Central Coasts most anticipated social events. From 2pm to 4.30pm, the afternoon features an array of delicious sweet and savoury treats, with fine tea and glass of bubbly on arrival which makes for a great excuse to catch up with the women in your life.
As well as the opportunity to socialise, the afternoon will feature fun activities including raffles, silent auctions, lucky door prizes and lucky balloons…and did I mention the sweet and savoury treats?
This is a great opportunity to gather a group of friends together for a fun afternoon, that could drag into the evening and support the community’s own Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Tickets are $55pp and can be purchased via the Westpac Rescue Helicopter website at www.rescuehelicopter.com.au/events
High Tea is a wonderful excuse to catch up with the ladies in your life, be it mums, daughters, sisters, aunties, cousins, nieces, friends
Please join us as this event raises vital funds for our local Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Raffles • Lucky Prize Balloons
CASH U H O Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service
S
I
E
Enjoy CA$H Housie at these supporting venues:
BIG BUCKS Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service O G B I N • The Doylo - Tuesdays 11am* & Thursdays 7pm* • The Halekulani Bowling Club - Tuesdays 11am & Saturdays 1.30pm • Mingara - Wednesdays 11am* • The Entrance Leagues Club - Tuesdays 7.30pm*,
Thursdays 11am* & Fridays 11am* H ali You’ll Love it!
Halekulani Bowling Club
*Electronic devices available.
SUPER CASH E I U H S O Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service All proceeds to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Think about your choices. Gambling more, enjoying it less? For free & confidential information & advice about problem gambling, please contact Gambling Help 1800 858 858
@helicoptercashhousie
HIGH TEA ON THE GREEN
For information please contact Allison Russell on 02 4363 9746 or allison.russell@rescuehelicopter.com.au
thanks to our event partners
SUNDAY 31 MAY 2020 2PM-4:30PM | $55 Per Person Pullman Magenta Shores Resort
BOOK NOW Call on 4363 9746 or visit www.rescuehelicopter. com.au/events
