December 2020 - January 2021
LINKING OUR COMMUNITY TO SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
The Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre will be closed for the Christmas holidays from 12nn on Friday, 18 December 2020. The centre will re-open to the public on Monday, 11 January 2021 @ 9am. On behalf of staff, volunteers and Management Committee of the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre, we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Happy New Year!!
Emergency / Crisis Information 1.
FOR LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES CALL 000
2.
DV Connect Women’s Line Men’s Line Sexual Assault Line 1800RESPECT
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1800 811 811 1800 600 636 1800 010 120 1800 737 732
3.
Yoorana Domestic Violence Service 07 4122 2218
4.
Homeless Hotline 1800 474 753
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Lifeline Crisis Support Service 13 11 14
6.
National Alcohol & Other Drugs Hotline 1800 250 015
7.
The Salvation Army - Maryborough Community Meal is Take Away only - last community meal is on Wednesday, 23 December 2020 @ 4.30pm. Last day will be on the 23rd of December 2020 and will re-open early January 2021. Emergency services (welfare) will commence on the 27th of January 2021.
8.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church Last Soup Kitchen for the year is Monday, 21 December 2020 from 5pm to 5:30pm. Close on the 25th of December 2020 and re-open on 12 January 2021.
9.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
10.
Headspace National Office 1800 650 890
11.
Beyond Blue Support Service (24/7) 1300 224 636
Funded by:
the
Centre Manager A few more weeks and we are all off for a well deserved Holiday break for both staff and volunteers. The centre will close its doors for the next three weeks starting noon of Friday 18 December 2020 and we will be back, all refreshed and energised in the New Year, opening our doors on Monday, 11 January 2021. As much as I would be delighted to announce some big community events that normally kicks off our start to the New Year, as an organisation we have decided to tread a bit carefully and plan really well on how we can safely implement community events. This year we had an opportunity to start with some services and programs face to face and managed to gather a maximum of 25 participants all at once compared to over a hundred pre-COVID. The eagerness to go back to social activities, engagement and community involvement is not as easy at it may seems, when at the same time trying to implement some very important COVID restrictions. This means that next year the centre will not have the same Pre-Australia Day Celebration that we have organised for the last so many years as well as I am not about to announce other events that we normally hold early in the year. Being COVID safe is a priority for all our events, therefore we are being creative and will connect with our community in an alternative manner that will hopefully provide the same result. So watch this space for further announcements! Thank you one and all, it has been a pleasure serving our Maryborough community and we all look forward to being of service again to you all in the New Year! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Until next time…
Gay
The Maryborough Interagency Network Meeting is a bi-monthly meeting attended by community service workers in Maryborough and surrounds to discuss current activities and programs and potential ways of working together as a community. Meetings are informal but with structure and long enough for attendees to learn and develop opportunities to meet our specific program goals and objectives. Meeting dates for 2021: 9 February 13 April 8 June 10 August 12 October 14 December At this stage, meetings for 2021 will be held at the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre, 25 Ellena Street. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, booking is essential when attending our interagency meetings in 2021. If you like to be part of the network or would like to be included in our mailing list, please contact centre reception on 4121 2141 or email us at admin@maryboroughnc.org.
The Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre proudly supports the not for profit organisation Share the Dignity in ensuring that women and girls have access to sanitary items. THIS CHRISTMAS the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre is distributing Share the Dignity’s “It’s in the Bag” Drive hygiene bags. There are bags for teenage girls, adult women and mums & bubs. If you or someone you know might benefit or is in need of these hygiene bags, please come to the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre, 25 Ellena Street and take a bag that you need. YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO TELL US, JUST GRAB ONE!!! Limited stocks available. ONE BAG PER PERSON PLEASE so we can share around the Christmas cheer to as many as we can. Available until 12nn on Friday, 18 December 2020.
The Sewing Circle is gearing up for the Christmas Season! Under the supervision of Volunteer Coordinator Jenni, the ladies are hard at work creating items to sell to raise funds for the centre and in doing so, learning a lot of techniques and honing their skills in the process.
Our English Mentoring Class is the longest running class being offered by the centre. English mentoring offers two tiers of For the last few months, the Sewing Circle ladies teaching: Basic English and have been creating environmentally friendly Advanced Grammar and Writing practice. items for the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre. In 2021 we are The program is currently accepting expressions of interest for 2021 from Migrants who would like to take advantage of this FREE mentoring sessions. Students are being mentored by a qualified English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher who is now retired and providing this vital community service free of charge to those who need it. There is no visa requirements for this program and you can register your interest at any time.
hoping to launch our handmade products on our website for the community to purchase. Many thanks to our Sewing Circle ladies: Julie, Andrea and Christine and of course to our Volunteer Coordinator extraordinaire Jenni for the hard yards that you put in and for all the beautiful items that you make.
To make sure that this program is the right one for you, a preassessment is required. English exercises are also available at our website www.maryboroughneighbourhoodcentre.org. For more information or to book a pre-assessment appointment, give us a call on 4121 2141 or email us at admin@maryboroughnc.org.
Our Adult Community Education Program also offers Basic Computer Mentoring to anyone who is wanting to learn a little bit more about computers. Basic computer mentoring teaches you the basics of operating a computer and learning about it’s programs and simple functions. Advanced Excel classes are for those excel legends who just want to learn a little bit more about Microsoft Excel. Expressions of interest are currently being taken for the Please contact centre reception on 4121 2141 or email Basic Computer Mentoring and Advanced Excel for 2021. admin@maryboroughnc.org ATTN: Jenni for details on A minimum of 5 participants are required to commence our 2021 Sewing Program. classes. Cost is $20.00 per person for 4 sessions and is payable prior to the commencement of the class. Be advised that this fee is non-refundable should you suddenly change your mind. For more information, contact Mark on 4121 2141 or email admin@maryboroughnc.org.
Meeting dates for 2021: every 2nd Monday of the month 8 February 8 March 12 April 10 May 14 June 12 July 9 August
13 September
11 October 8 November 13 December WHERE TO FIND LOCAL SUPPORT??? CANCER CARE SUPPORT TEAM Cancer Care Centre Level 1,2-4 Medical Place, Urraween , QLD, 4655 Phone: 1300 090760 Email: neil.brebner@health.qld.gov.au www.health.qld.gov.au
Our support group is a welcoming environment for peo- Guidance for the completion of Advance care planning, provision of community based support and guidance regarding equipment requirements. ple who have survived or are going through any form of Maryborough hospital offers inpatient palliative care beds. cancer and their families. Our Volunteer Coordinator also conducts fortnightly social phone calls to all regis- Allied Health Services Available: tered members of the Cancer Support Program. Social Worker— The Social worker can offer support , counselling and We are hoping we can provide friendship, support and some information through invited guest speakers and health professionals. We are volunteers who understand and have been through a similar experience. We care and we want to help and will be happy to just have a chat over a cup of coffee. We meet once a month for approximately two hours, and there will always be morning tea! We are an open group so you can come and go at anytime if you wish. Our group is run under the guidance of the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre and we are supported by the Cancer Council QLD. If you would like to find out more about the Cancer Support Program or if you would like to be included in our fortnightly social phone call initiative, please contact centre reception on 4121 2141 or email us at admin@maryboroughnc.org.
practical assistance to people with cancer, their families and carers. Physiotherapist— The Physiotherapist aims to enable each patient to reach their optimal function during all stages of their cancer treatment. Occupational Therapist— The occupational therapist aims to maintain a person’s independence in their daily activities. Dietitian— The Dietitian is able to asses a person’s diet to ensure that they are meeting all of their nutritional needs during cancer treatment. Speech Pathologist— The Speech therapist is involved in providing care to patients with head and neck cancer or other cancers when patients are experiencing difficulty with speech, voice or swallowing. Psychologist— The Psychologist provides assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological, emotional and behavioural disorders which may be associated with having cancer.
Look Good Feel Better Look Good Feel Better is dedicated to teaching cancer patients how to manage the appearance-related side-effects caused by cancer treatment. Women, men and teens participate in a practical workshop which covers skincare, make-up and headwear demonstrations, leaving them empowered and ready to face their cancer with diagnosis with confidence. Website: www.lgfb.org.au
Cancer Council Qld Queensland’s leading cancer charity working across every aspect of every cancer. We support families affected by cancer when they need it most, speak out on behalf of the community on cancer issues, empower people to reduce their cancer risk, and find new ways to better detect and treat cancer. Phone: 13 11 20 Email: info@cancerqld.org.au Website: www.cancerqld.org.au
Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets at 6pm on the first Monday of the month at St Stephens Church Auditorium, Sussex Street, Maryborough. Nalda Brett - 0407 628 072 Email: nalda.brett@bigpond.com
Breast Cancer Support Group Meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the Bauer-Wiles Community Health Centre, Neptune Street, Maryborough. Megan Lynch - 4325 6420 Email: megan.lynch@health.qld.gov.au Seated from left: Claire Morgan (Volunteer Support), Joan Boge (Volunteer Coordinator) Standing: Denise McCarthy (Volunteer Support) Not in photo: Elwyn Garvey (Volunteer Support)
The Dance to Fitness program of the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre is one of the most successful social group for women. On the 9th of October, Dance to Fitness participants celebrated the birthday of volunteer dance instructor Pilar. Her special day was celebrated with lots of dancing and singing karaoke. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PILAR!!!
Memorial Fountain—The memorial fountain in the middle of the garden at the back courtyard stands tall in its place and it has been for the last 15 years. The idea for the fountain was to serve as a monument to remember those who have come before us and generously dedicated their time and has worked tirelessly to provide significant service to the community through this organisation. Sometime in 2006, there was a special event that took place to launch the memorial fountain where special guests, members of families being honored, staff and volunteers where in attendance for a simple service. The fountain was at first an actual fountain (with flowing water), but a defect in its structure has made it difficult for the water to flow evenly and therefore has to be turned off, its original colour was green, it was said to be a replica of the one at Queen’s Park. It was painted black by a volunteer in 2016 and plants where placed around it. Just recently, our volunteer gave it some tender loving care, and on cue for spring, it has now given us a colourful display of flowers!
DANCE TO FITNESS 2021 The Dance to Fitness program will commence in 2021 on Friday,
5 February 2021 @ 4pm. As COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, the same booking guidelines will apply in 2021. For those who are unfamiliar with the DTF Booking Guidelines, if you wanted to join any Friday dance to fitness sessions, you will need to ring the centre and book your place on a THURSDAY, a day before the scheduled dance to fitness session. Be aware that the centre adheres to strict COVID-19 guidelines. Limited numbers of participants are allowed in our venue. Once we reached our numbers, bookings will close. Call 4121 2141 or email admin@maryboroughnc.org on a Thursday to book your place.
Assistance in Completing & Understanding Forms - Support Service
Migration Advice Program Making a valid application. It is important to be truthful and honest when answering questions, omitting important details and not answering all questions truthfully may have an impact on the decision to grant a visa. If a visa has been granted based on an incorrect answer, this may result in the cancellation of that visa. To make a valid application, an applicant is usually required to do the following: lodge a completed application form using the correct form, or lodge an application online (where applicable) See: Form 1025i - Making and processing visa applications pay the required visa application charge at the time of application (if required) satisfy any other application requirements.
The centre is offering assistance in completing and understanding forms on a Friday BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!!! We have a volunteer who is willing to have a look and help you complete and understand your forms.
You must also: complete the application in English answer all questions truthfully – if you provide incorrect information or documents, your visa may not be granted provide originals or certified copies of any required documents unless the department advises otherwise.
PLEASE be aware that some forms and documents might be too difficult for our volunteer and therefore cannot assist you, but every attempt will be made by our volunteer to refer you on to another organisation or individual who might be able to assist further.
An application is not valid, and cannot be considered, until all the above requirements have been met. The application form used must be the correct form for the class of visa sought, and must be completed in accordance with the form instructions.
To make an appointment with our volunteer, contact centre reception on 4121 2141 or email admin@maryboroughnc.org. NOTE: Please be advised that if your need for support in completing forms is urgent, the centre WILL NOT be able to assist you as this FREE service is being provided to you by our kind volunteers at a time that they are available. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING.
Note: Some visa applications do not have an application form and/or no visa application charge is payable. Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/ help-with-forms CHILD VISA: Application for this visa currently will take two years to process by the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit https:// immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/child-101
Keep Well, Queensland Almost everyone has been affected by the pandemic. You might be working from home, searching for a new job, or juggling family and life in new ways. While it’s important to do things such as wash your hands regularly and maintain social distancing, it’s also important to look after your physical and mental health during this time. Building a healthy routine, reducing your alcohol consumption and knowing when and how to seek support for your mental health (if you need it) can help your mind and body feel better, and can make the pandemic period easier to navigate. For tips on keeping well, visit https://www.healthier.qld.gov.au/healthy-at-home/ and https:// www.qld.gov.au/health/mental-health.
National suicide monitoring system launches The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the National Mental Health Commission have launched a website as part of Australia’s first suicide and self-harm monitoring system. The National Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring System is a comprehensive collation of data for suicide deaths and self-harm across Australian states and territories. A key aim is to establish suicide registers in all jurisdictions. The monitoring system aims to support governments, services and communities to respond to suicide and self-harm. From April this year, the AIHW has collated weekly data on the use of mental health services and data on suspected suicides from existing suicide registers to inform governments. Data shows there has been a significant increase in the use of mental health services and an increase in psychological distress, particularly among young people, but there is no evidence to date that the pandemic has been led to increased rates of suspected deaths by suicide. The Queensland Suicide Register has operated since the late 1980s, and AISRAP released the 2020 Suicide in Queensland report in September.
Black Dog white paper The Black Dog Institute this month released its What can be done to decrease suicidal behaviour in Australia? A call to action white paper that considers emerging research and experiential evidence and its potential to drive system reform and reduce suicide. The research looked at four key areas:
meeting the needs of people in suicidal crisis with new models and integrated care
the impact of social determinants on suicide and how policy settings can help
suicide awareness campaigns: are they a valid prevention strategy?
views of new directions in suicide prevention innovation. The paper’s recommendations include building an integrated systems approach that meets the needs of those experiencing suicidal distress, and developing and embedding a lived experience workforce. Read the white paper What can be done to decrease suicidal behaviour in Australia?
A weed by any other name December 3, 2020 by Lisa Bywaters Medicinal cannabis and you (THIS IS AN EXCERPT: see below to access the full article )
Marijuana, dope, pot, grass, weed, Mary Jane, doobie, bud, ganja, hashish, hash, wacky tobaccy…they’re just some of the common names for cannabis. Whatever you call it, it’s been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, until it became a banned or controlled substance in most parts of the world. But for decades there’s been renewed interest in its use in healthcare, with many countries – including Australia in 2016 – decriminalising it for medicinal use. Last year alone the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) granted over 25,000 applications from doctors to prescribe cannabis, mostly in the form of an oil. So let’s weed out some of the facts and explore the use of medicinal cannabis for pain and musculoskeletal conditions. Is it marijuana or cannabis? It’s both. They’re just different names for the same plant – marijuana is the commonly used name, cannabis is the scientific name. The preferred name for its use in healthcare is medicinal cannabis, to draw the distinction between medicinal use of cannabis and the illegal, recreational use of marijuana. How’s it taken? Medicinal cannabis, both plant-based and synthetic, comes in many forms including oils, capsules, oral sprays and vapours. Smoking isn’t an approved preparation as it can cause damage to the lungs and airways. At the moment, evidence for its use to treat pain associated with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions is lacking. Cannabis has been illegal for so long that we don’t have the thorough, scientific evidence we need about: side effects, which cannabinoids (e.g. THC, CBD or a combination) may be effective, dosages, the best form to use (e.g. oil, capsules etc), the long-term effects, or the health conditions or symptoms it may be beneficial for. Research is emerging, but we need a lot more. For more detailed information about medical cannabis in Australia watch the webinar: Medicinal cannabis in Australia: Weeding out the facts . Call our Help Line. If you have questions about things like managing your pain, your musculoskeletal condition, treatment options, COVID19, telehealth, or accessing services be sure to call our nurses. They’re available weekdays between 9am-5pm on 1800 263 265; email (helpline@msk.org.au) or via Messenger. Source: Muskoskeletal Australia: https://www.msk.org.au/a-weed-by-any-other-name/? tm_source=Musculoskeletal+Australia&utm_campaign=5a526d34a9MSK_NEWS_EMAIL_2020_12_02_11_56&utm_medium=email&utm_term
Blog: Check and compare unit prices to save money With so many consumers feeling the financial pinch due to the COVID-19 economic crisis, the need to get the best value when buying groceries has never been so great. One way to help you budget and save while grocery shopping, is by using unit pricing. A national consumer education campaign has been launched by the national and state/territory consumer protection regulators to increase grocery shopper awareness and use of unit pricing. The campaign includes information in several languages, and promotes the use of unit prices to make many different types of value comparison.
MEETING ROOM HIRE CHARGES (Rates are for room use only and subject to an annual review)
NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS $20.00 per room (1 hr room hire or less) $15.00 per room per hour (more than 1 hour hire)
BUSINESS/CORPORATE $30.00 per room (1 hour hire or less) $25.00 per room per hour (more than 1 hr hire)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED (Receptionist, Kitchen hand, gardener, maintenance, etc.) If you have skills and would like to share them with your community, come in and see us at the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre, 25 Ellena Street or phone us on 4121 2141 or send us an email admin@maryboroughnc.org.
In house catering is available during business hours only. Please contact us to obtain our catering options and prices. Catering and use of office equipments & kitchen utensils will incur additional charges. Call 4121 2141 or email bookings@maryboroughnc.org for more info or you can also visit our website www.maryboroughneighbourhoodcentre.org.
The Neighbourhood Café is one of the fundraising arm of the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre. So if you want a relaxing atmosphere, why not come and support your local community centre. Café will re-open on Wednesday, 27 January 2021 @ 10am (depending on volunteers)
The Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre proudly supports the not for profit organisation Share the Dignity in providing disadvantaged women and girls in our community access to FREE sanitary items. So next time you need or someone you know needs sanitary items, just before you get to the ladies lavatory, there is a small green box where you can help yourself with items that you need. You don’t even have to let us know. We also have hygiene bags available for women and teens. Just come see us at reception and let us know what you need and we are more that happy to provide this for you. So if you know anyone who might benefit from these free hygiene bags, please send them over at the centre, 25 Ellena Street, Maryborough. ACCESS TO SANITARY ITEMS IS A WOMAN’S RIGHT!!!
Is the cost of legal advice stopping you from seeking help? Free, confidential , 15 minutes legal advice sessions are available to residents of Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Tiaro, Burrum Heads and Childers through the Taylor Street Community Legal Service. To make an appointment, call 4194 2663.
Centacare - Counselling and Family Relationship Service Fraser Coast is housed within the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre. They offer Family and Mental Health Support, Counselling Intervention Service, Family Support Program and Domestic and Family Violence Service. For more information, please contact 1300236 822.