MARCH - APRIL 2022 LINKING OUR COMMUNITY TO SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
In 2005, 17 years ago, the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre moved to it’s new home at 25 Ellena Street. Joined by members of the community and other dignitaries, on the 20th of February 2006, the centre was officially opened by the Honourable Warren Pitt, Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors.
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Centre Manager It feels like we are just starting 2022, with most of our programs pushed back to make way for community recovery, and yet again another flooding event in February! We are so proud of this community helping one another and organisations doing their bit to assist with putting things back to normal as soon as possible! The good news is, we are back on track, and managed to implement several programs in between the two flooding events, we are commencing more programs in the coming days. Tuesday Dance is back, so for those of you eager to get back to line dancing and learning the right moves, register now to secure your spot. There has not been many community events that we were able to implement due to restrictions on community gatherings, in fact were unable to finalise our International Women’s Day Event which we have continuously celebrated for many years due to so many factors that we have to consider to ensure everyone’s safety, but we are keen to celebrate Taste of Harmony towards the end of this month, details will be shared with you soon and we are also now accepting registration for our first Sewing Class in 2022! Our front page is a ’throw back’ , 17 years ago when we first moved to this multi-purpose built centre. Some of the ladies in the photos are still very much part of the centre until now and some has moved on but it is always good to remember and look back to those earlier, happy times! Enjoy the rest of this newsletter and 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 develop opportunities to meet our specific program goals. Meeting dates for 2022 * 8 February * 14 June
* 12 April * 9 August
* 11 October
Meetings are held at the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre from 9.15am - 11am and booking is essential if you wish to attend. To book your attendance please call 4121 2141 or email admin@maryboroughnc.org.
MNC Newsletter The Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre publishes our newsletter bi-monthly. A hard copy is available at the centre and a digital copy is emailed to our members and networks. If you would like to have our program/service published at our May/June 2022 edition of the newsletter, please email admin@maryboroughnc.org. Deadline to receive articles is Thursday, 31 March 2022. *Please be aware that this is on a “first come first serve basis” and is dependent on the availability of article space.*
We are your Local Drug Action Team (LDAT)! LDAT is one of the core programs of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation that supports community organisations to form partnerships within the community to deliver prevention based activities in order to reduce alcohol and other drug related issues occurring in the region. The Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre supports any form of initiatives to prevent and minimize alcohol and other drug related issues in the community and has therefore officially accepted to be the designated LDAT for Maryborough. Permitted ADF community activities will be implemented by the centre to support the objectives of LDAT. The first community activity is to target young people between the ages 12 to 17 years to be part of the Maryborough Youth Community Association (MYCA), a long running program of the centre that has been inactive for a while and is now being revitalized under the LDAT program. For more information about LDATMaryborough please email programs@maryboroughnc.org.
Maryborough Neighbourhood
Centre Sewing Products for Sale! English Mentoring - provides the opportunity to newly arrived and settled migrants to learn basic conversational English from a volunteer tutor. The program also offers mentoring for advanced grammar and writing practice. Pre-assessment is conducted to assess the appropriateness of the program to the need of the participant. The delivery of this community program depends highly on the availability of a volunteer tutor. BASIC Computer mentoring - is offered to members of the community who are absolute beginners, for a minimal fee to cover some administrative cost. The mentoring will provide participants with the necessary knowledge to start learning and be confident with the use of simple technology for everyday use. Schedule of classes are decided when number of participants for a class is reached. The delivery of this community programs depends highly on the availability of volunteers. Literacy mentoring - is provided on a case to case basis. Flexible entry and exit and depends largely on the availability of volunteers. The centre will make the effort to match a client with a volunteer tutor to provide one on one support. Pre-assessment is conducted to assess client need vis-à-vis the resources available and ability of the volunteer tutor to provide the required support.
SEWING PROGRAM ‘Learning and Social Enterprise Initiatives’ When the centre started the Sewing Program, its initial objective was just to deliver classes for Beginners at no cost. Since it started more than a year ago, it has evolved to having a more meaningful objective through the creation of The Sewing Circle. Ladies of the sewing circle are participants of the sewing classes who have been recruited to participate in the centre’s social enterprise project. Under the supervision of a very capable volunteer coordinator, the group produce sewing projects that the centre sells to support the sewing program and other community projects of the centre. Throughout the duration of the program, the ladies managed to create a variety of items to support its zero waste and ‘going green’ objectives, including their useful items that are re-usable. Continuity of the project depends largely on recruited volunteers from the sewing class and from more experienced volunteers. All projects created through this program are available to view at the centre’s website www.maryboroughneighbourhoodcentre.org. If interested to purchase or order any of the items please contact centre reception on 4121 2141.
For more information, please contact centre reception on 4121 2141 or email programs@maryboroughnc.org.
A Justice of the Peace (Qual) is available at the Maryborough
Neighbourhood Centre BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!!! To make an appointment, please contact centre reception on 4121 2141 or email admin@maryboroughnc.org. If your need for a JP is urgent, a JP is available at MADCOTA Community Hub, 333 Alice Street every Tuesday & Wednesday from 10am-2pm or the Tinana Post Office, Westside Village Shop 1/201 Gympie Road, Tinana. Phone: 4121 4601
Meeting dates for 2022: every 2nd Monday of the month
* 14 February * 9 May * 8 August * 14 November
* 14 March * 11 April * 13 June * 11 July * 12 September * 10 October * TBA—December
Run by a team of volunteers, the CSP provides a venue for friendship, support, activities and information through guest speakers and health professionals including those from Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer and Palliative care. Meeting on a regular basis and welcomes everyone who has survived or currently going through any form of cancer, their families and carers. In addition to this program there is also the Social Phone Call Initiative where a member of the CSP team calls participants every fortnight for a social chat and to provide updates on centre programs and the next CSP session. This program also services those who are not quite ready to join support groups. To find out more about the Cancer Support Program please call centre reception at 4121 2141.
Meet the Cancer Support Program volunteers: From left: Joan Boge (Volunteer Coordinator), Elwyn Garvey (Volunteer Support), Denise McCarthy (Volunteer Support) and Claire Morgan (Volunteer Support)
The delivery of Multicultural programs is one of the many strengths of the service. Through the years, the centre has achieved significantly in the implementation of programs that benefitted members of the migrant community. Through it’s own initiatives and in partnerships with relevant services and programs that support diversity, awareness and understanding of cultures. Activities in the form of cultural events, multicultural workshops, information sessions and community education were implemented and is continuously being planned and implemented. The Asian Women’s Group formerly known as the Asian Women’s Development Program is now part of MDP as a sub-program. MDP continues to accept membership into the program and encourage all migrants to be a member for an opportunity to be part of future multicultural activities and projects.
Assistance in Completing & Understanding Forms - Support Service 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. 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. 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.
My health for life contracted for another three years This has been a big year. Not only was State Government funding approved to deliver the My health for life program for another three years, but the contract paves the way some exciting changes to make the program even more accessible to those who will benefit most. Working in partnership with the government’s prevention arm, Health and Wellbeing Queensland, we are investigating ways to expand program eligibility, improve delivery and modality, strengthen our program offerings, as well as investigating new and innovative ways to communicate and reach diverse audiences. Helping Queenslanders live full and healthy lives remains at the heart of what we do. My health for life has now reached a level of maturity to have established proven success and evidence of participant outcomes. Over the years we have had to turn away potential participants, whom we believe would have really benefited from a program like ours, because they were just under the “high risk’’ threshold or did not meet program eligibility criteria. While the spotlight shines brightly on the pandemic, we remain committed to keeping those Queenslanders at risk of developing chronic disease well, and lessening their risk of developing other conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to our Program Support Team, at My health for life, on 13 74 75 or email info@myhealthforlife.com.au or visit myhealthforlife.com.au.
Parents encouraged to vaccinate their little superheroes against COVID-19 With schools back in session and kids back in the classroom, it's important to make sure your children are protected as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout Queensland. Examples from around the world have shown children play a significant role in spreading COVID-19 in family environments, with grandparents and other older family members being a significant concern. By getting your child vaccinated you are protecting them from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized and from any long-term complications if they do catch COVID-19. More than 41.5% of Queensland children aged 5-11 have received their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine so far, and there is plenty of supply available. The Moderna vaccine is now also available to children aged 6 and
older after receiving provisional approval from the Theraputic Goods Administration. Parents and carers can walk-in to any Queensland Health vaccination clinic or book an appointment. You can also book through a GP or pharmacy through the Vaccine clinic finder. Read more about getting your children vaccinated. Article source from: Community Door <info@communitydoor.org.au>
BEDWETTING: A few simple strategies...
Email admin@maryboroughnc.org if you have an article you would like us to share.
Using a night light so the child feels safe getting up at night to go to the toilet.
Drinking regularly throughout the day so children are not particularly thirsty after dinner. Many children drink almost nothing till after school and then fluid overload late and close to bedtime. Some fruits have high fluid content (such as watermelon, grapes and oranges) and having these close to bedtime also adds to fluid intake.
Avoiding carbonated sugar and caffeine containing drinks which can affect some sensitive children. Managing constipation effectively and getting help to do so if necessary.
Discussing with the child if they are waking due to their bladder at night and if so, what may be worrying them and preventing them from going to the toilet.
Article source: Bridge Magazine - Continence Foundation of Australia
Daniel Sanderson Division 4 News
Update on the Maryborough Aquatic Centre!
Work is continuing at the Maryborough Aquatic Centre on a range of repairs required after the flood, with the centre expected to The $4.4 million refurbishment of the main hall at the Maryborough reopen by 30 April 2022. Showgrounds and Equestrian Park is underway. The Maryborough Aquatic Centre
Maryborough Showgrounds Main Hall Refurbishment
Council is committed to ensuring the showgrounds and equestrian suffered considerable damage as park continued to be a focal point for large outdoor gatherings and a result of the recent flood with repairs required right throughout events on the Fraser Coast for many years to come. the centre. Of good note, Council has been in discussion with organisers of the 2022 Fraser Coast Agricultural Show and the Fraser Coast Expo to Flood height recorded! ensure these events can still go ahead in conjunction with the Maryborough has experienced many significant floods over the construction works. years, and recently the flood marker on the Bond Store was updated to highlight the level the water rose to just over a month ago. The flood we experienced recently is Maryborough's fifth largest flood in our city's history. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and to keep an eye on flood gauges as above average rainfall is predicted through to April. For the full division 4 news, click on the link below: Division 4 news—Councillor Daniel Sanderson
REDUCING OUR EMISSION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY Embrace Society is a specialist CALD communications agency working with the Department of Industry, Science, Environment and Resources (DISER) on their current Emissions Reduction Communications Campaign (ERCC). The Australian government is working to reduce emissions to create a better future for our children. This campaign aims to help build community awareness and knowledge about emissions reduction and the Australian government’s actions, investment and commitment to reducing emissions. Links to translated materials that include fact sheet and media release information to help raise awareness about the importance of emissions reduction and the role technology plays in this reduction is available here. Click on the links below for Subtitled explainer animation.
Do you feel your rights are being respected?
Are your Family Members supportive, or do they create stress in your life? Are any of the following scenarios happening to you?
Being told that can’t make any decisions for yourself because you have had a diagnosis of dementia.
Being pressured into entering a nursing home when you’re not ready.
Being frightened to voice your needs/concerns.
Carers or family members borrowing money and not paying you back.
Adult children moving in with you and refusing to play rent.
Cantonese (Trad Chinese)
Mandarin (Simp Chinese) Vietnamese Arabic
The seniors Legal and support service offers a FREE service for people over 60 whose rights are being compromised.
Greek Italian Korean For more information, email projects@embracesociety.com.au.
16 Torquay Rd, Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Phone: (07) 4124 6863
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)
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.
$25.00 per room per hour (more than 1 hr hire) 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 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!!! Thank you for your support!
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 hours is 10:30am—1:30pm (depending on volunteers) 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 1300 236 822.
Managed by Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre
We are a generalist community legal service which aims to address disadvantage across the Fraser Coast, Gympie, Bundaberg and North Burnett regions. Although our service is not means tested, out priority is to assist people who are experiencing hardship or are disadvantaged. For more information about us or to make a confidential appointment, please contact 07 4194 2663. or email wbbcls@hbnc.com.au