IN THE COMMUNITY
WOODIES WELCOME WEEKEND WINNER
From left, Lesley, Tenzin from Tibet, home host Robin, George from Syria, Kamero from Burundi and home host Kristi and daughter Amelia
BUDDIES CHANGE LIVES SUNSHINE Coast Buddies Refugee Support Group members were privileged to hear the stories of three refugees who had previously taken part in the Buddies Learn English Holiday Program on the Sunshine Coast. It was started in 2012 by long-standing member Kayla Szumer. For George, Tenzin and Kamero, the imperative to leave their homeland was the same, “go or you are likely to be killed.” For George the time came when, in Syria, he witnessed the shooting of three civilians and was held for hours at gunpoint by their ISIS killers. For seven-year old-Tenzin, who’d experienced relatives being killed by Chinese police, it was at her activist father’s instigation that she and two younger siblings, joined a group of children and two Nepalese guides who walked for 28 days across the Himalayas from Tibet to Nepal. For Kamero, a politicallyactive youth leader in Burundi, it was being fired on as a protestor
at a political rally and then receiving a warning from an “insider” friend: “Leave tonight. They are coming for you”. After espending between four and 10 years in neighbouring countries – in Kamero’s case a refugee camp – each eventually was granted a humanitarian visa for Australia. All have studied in Brisbane and gained qualifications. George, starting with no English, now has a Diploma of Community Services; Tenzin has become a qualified nurse and Kamero has a Certificate 3 in Community Services and in Business Administration. All three agreed that their experiences during the Learn English Holiday week were positive and contributed to their feeling more secure and confident in Australia. “This program is the most important thing I’ve done in my life,” Kayla said. If you would like to be a host and make a difference in a refugee’s life, email Kayla at buddiesleh@gmail.com
FRIENDSHIP FORCE BACK IN BUSINESS
THE Woodies Wonderful Weekend of Wood was a huge success, according to event co-ordinator and vice-president Julie Breen. Huge crowds turned up at the Blackall Range Woodworkers Guild (also known as the Montville Woodies) headquarters at 230 -238 Balmoral Rd Montville. “People came from all over southeast Queensland to enjoy the varied activities on display, and no-one was disappointed,” Woodies president Max Barrenger said. One of the popular attractions was the Miller’s Shed where the club’s millers showed how they handle the logs which are cut into slabs and then dried in a specific procedure that reduces the moisture content to the right level before being used for wood making. “All logs are donated to the club by members of the public who want to remove a tree from their properties for various reasons, so we are able to recycle the logs and also help the environment,” Max said. The mill was designed and constructed by Woodies member John Holland. Box making, scroll-sawing, pyrography and other skills were on display as well as timber items made by members. The Woodies plan to hold their annual Santa’s workshop before Christmas where everyone is welcome to buy handcrafted wooden items which make excellent presents. A long-established tradition by Guild members is to make a range of children’s toys which are donated to the Salvation Army for distribution in their Christmas appeal.
SENIORS KEEP BUSY
FRIENDSHIP Force Sunshine Coast has hosted its first inbound exchange journey since farewelling US visitors in March 2020. Members of South Sydney and Tamworth clubs arrived on the Sunshine Coast to be home hosted during a week of exploration, cultural exchange and associated activities. Jeff Gunns and his team designed an itinerary for them 22 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / August 2022
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to explore the region. Many new friendships were forged and FFSC members were happy to be back furthering their mission. Later this year members will stay with clubs in Perth and Mount Gambier, and next year visit Noumea and New Zealand. New members welcome. Visit friendshipforrcesun shinecoast.org.au or follow on Facebook.
GLASSHOUSE Country Senior Citizens Club members had a busy July, starting with their meeting at the Beerwah Community Hall. They then attended the Maleny Citizens’ luncheon at the Maleny Community Centre and took a trip to the HQ Wildlife Zoo at Woombye, before lunch at Nambour and a visit to the Nambour Museum. Seniors 50+ are welcome to join for friendship, fun and outings. Call 0488 762 637
PROBUS MEMBERS TOUR APPLE ISLE WITH Tasmania dressed in autumn colours, 26 members from 12 Queensland Probus clubs were able to enjoy every aspect of their 14 days touring the island’s highlights. Organised by Probus Association of Queensland president Rob Neary, the tour included social meetings with Probus Club members from Hobart and Launceston along the way. “It was interesting for tour group members to hear how Probus clubs are run in Tasmania,” he said. Highlights of the Tassie Tour included Bruny Island, rugged Cradle Mountain where snow
Walkers Ann Thorne, Jocelyn Mackay and Margaret Johnson.
WALK WITH A VIEW MAROOCHYDORE View Club members took their annual Walk with a View in warm winter sunshine from Alex Surf Club to Mooloolaba Surf Club and back, finishing with scones thanks to the Alex Surf Club. They were joined by members from the Buderim, Twin Waters and Kawana Waters clubs.
had fallen, and the West Coast Wilderness Railway from Queenstown to Strahan. Probus is a world-wide organisation concerned with helping seniors enjoy their retirement. The not-for-profit does not involve fundraising but provides opportunities for members to overcome isolation and loneliness in the community by participating in meetings and activities. Clubs meet monthly and also have other activities and outings throughout the month. Call 0477 000 645 or visit paqnetwork.com.au to find your nearest club.
Sunshine Coast zone councillor Vonda Cannock and past president Anne Thorne, who was part of the first Walk with a View, also attended. Started by Maroochydore View Club in 2005, Walk With A View has been held by clubs around Australia since 2010. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. Maroochydore club supports 10 children. The club has a monthly lunch on the fourth Friday each month, with a guest speaker. Anyone who would like to meet for friendship, coffee mornings, and monthly social activities is welcome to join. Phone Di 0417 633 211 or Rae 0416 036 979.
OLDER WOMEN ESTABLISH NETWORKS WOMEN over 50 are invited to join the friendly branch meetings of the Older Women’s Network Maroochydore for social activities and making new friends. Meetings are on the third Monday of the month 1pm-3pm, at The Avenue Retirement Community, 32 Baden Powell St. New members welcome to come and enjoy a chat, discuss a range of topics, try a range of activities. Call Lee 0429 831 414 Sunshine Coast
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