Byron Community Centre continuing to run services
Nudgestock
Community transport
These programs include: Homeless Breakfast: 7.30–9am Wednesday and Friday. Local behavioural economist Sonia Friedrich is part of the global online creativity event, Nudgestock.
Homeless Showers: Monday and Wednesday 10–12.30pm (book in at breakfast). Women’s Support Group: Fridays (women only) 1–3pm at Community Cabins. Severe Wet Weather Shelter: signs at Byron Community Centre on days when WWS open, with instructions. Free Phone Counselling for Byron Residents: Call 0414 322 064, 10am–2pm weekdays to make an appointment.
The Tweed Byron and Ballina Community Transport (TBBCT) is still operating through the COVID-19 pandemic. TBBCT clients can still call to book a trip, if their transport needs are essential eg, medical appointments that can’t be undertaken by Telehealth.Trips into Queensland can take place for medical appointments. TBBCT is unable to provide transport for people with flu-like symptoms, or who suspect they may have contracted COVID-19. Call your GP for advice. TBBCT is still taking on new clients and accepting referrals through My Aged Care. They can also assist callers with CHSP and community transport inquiries. TBBCT offices are not accessible to visitors at the moment, but calls are welcome, during office hours 8.30am–4.40pm, Monday to Friday on 1300 875 895.
Emergency Food Delivery: Locals who are physically or financially unable to shop can now phone the Byron Emergency Pantry on 0482 787 552 to request a free food box delivery. In this time of isolation, Liberation Larder is partnering in this venture to help out the community by providing healthy, freshly cooked meals and fresh produce.
Sometimes it is all about the little nudges that take your customer in the direction you want them to go. Local behavioural economist, Sonia Friedrich, is lining up with some of the world’s brightest and boldest thinkers in behavioural science as part of a 12 hour event that looks at why we make the decisions we do.
Women’s Counselling: For women needing extra support, leave a message for community worker on 6685 6807.
‘Behavioural economics is about the psychology of how we make our decisions, and how people decide to spend their money,’ said Sonia.
Men’s Shed
‘It looks at how we make most of our decisions unconsciously and irrationally, and how small nudges can have a ripple effect to change behaviours.’
To combat social isolation during the COVID-19 crisis, The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) has launched online to help Shedders stay connected. ‘Men’s Sheds are an effective initiative because they connect people who would otherwise be socially isolated on a daily basis,’ said AMSA Executive Officer, David Helmers.
MDNC services that are running include:
Originally Nudgestock was scheduled to take place in the UK as a paid event, but following the COVID-19 outbreak organisers have decided to stream it online as a virtual, global, and free event.
Community support/emergency relief: Food parcels, meals, assistance with electricity and Telstra bills.
‘The event will travel the global time zones – starting in Australia, to Asia, Europe and finishing in the USA,’ said Sonia.
Listening Space – free counselling.
If you are interested in getting involved you can register for updates and the full program and schedule at www.nudgestock.co.uk.
Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre services are operational
Staying Home, Leaving Violence program. Integrated Domestic & Family Violence program. Food Recovery. Information, referral and advocacy.
Artist micro-grants
‘We are seeing people who have never had to access a service like ours before. We are doing everything we can to ensure people feel valued and have dignity as they access support. We encourage people to call us on 0491 227 306. We can talk to people about what they need, and any items can be collected. In some cases we can organise delivery’, says the MDNC.
The Good Oil’s hand sanitiser raising funds The Good Oil Company in Byron Bay has been producing a range of organic face, body, and hair care products since 1995. They have always ensured that giving back to the community is part of who they are as a company, reflecting key values of the Northern Rivers region in supporting their local community, and now is no exception. ‘While the current challenging conditions continue to affect each and every member of our community, there are some of us who are at immediate risk on the frontlines. Today, more than ever, we still find ways to help, even though we’re apart, because we’re all in this together,’ said company founder and CEO, Christina French. Christina has pledged that 10 per cent of all proceeds from the sales of their Helping Hands Hemp Hand Sanitiser made via thegoodoil.com will be donated to the Byron Community Centre. www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives
Alcoholics Anonymous All AA meetings are now available online, via a Zoom or Skype platform. For more information call 0401 945 671, 1800 423 431, or 1300 222 222. Find out more from Lonnie at ww.aa.org.au.
The goal of The AMSA Shed Online is to facilitate an online space where people can connect in the same way they do at the shed – over a cuppa and a laugh.
Pottsville Fun Croquet Club COVID-19 may have stopped play for the Pottsville Fun Croquet Club but it has given Tweed Shire Council the opportunity to level and turf one of their courts, as well as put in a sprinkler system, ‘Regarding (re)commencement of play, the Committee is working to have procedures in place to keep our members safe,’ said fun club organiser Patricia Curtis. ‘This will entail social distancing, hand washing, sanitisers, booking a time to play and then only in pairs, and no gathering afterwards. There are many things to think about. If you have any ideas please let us know.’ Contact team captain, Jenny, on 0413 335 941 for more info.
Are you an independent practising artist or organisation in the Northern Rivers? Then you may be able to seek support from the Arts Northern Rivers Quick Response Micro Grants scheme, for grants of up to $1,000. Artists or organisations working across all art forms are eligible to apply for support towards their creative endeavours. The funding aims to be as flexible as possible, and projects do not require a specific outcome but can focus on skills development or capacity building. ‘As the creative sector faces the negative impacts of COVID-19, we are committed to continue supporting the creative growth and sustainability in our region,’ said Arts Northern Rivers’ executive director, Peter Wood. Applications are now open. They close on Wednesday 3 June. For more information and to apply, visit www.artsnorthernrivers.com.au/ quick-response-micro-grants.
Community Visitors Scheme The Community Visitors Scheme is an empowering free service that connects volunteer visitors to senior citizens who are living independently or in residential care. If you are a senior citizen who feels isolated and would like to connect to someone via letter writing, telephone, email or video chat, call Northern Rivers Community Gateway on 6621 7397.
Dino’s IGA offer HTGGǭJQOGǭFGNKXGT[ Dino’s IGA in Mullumbimby has started providing free deliveries – with a focus on the elderly and people isolated in and around Mullumbimby. You can head over to their website at www.dinoshome.com.au where they have made getting the basics home delivered as simple as possible. lëƷ ǩǧǽ ǩǧǩǧ The Byron Shire Echo 17