Community Notes

Since this is our last publication, I would like to thank everyone for sending in your community notes and pictures. It’s this collective contribution that has made Seniors News a true community publication and it is now, as always, much appreciated, Gail, Editor.

VINNIES SHOPS TO REOPEN VINNIES shops are a vital community service.

We are reopening our 53 shops across Queensland in a staggered approach.

Drop back in to your local shop now. TYPE 2 DIABETES WORKSHOPS OUR free Type 2 Diabetes and Me workshops are returning to the community. If you are diagnosed with T2D, newly diagnosed or looking for a refresher, then join us on either Thursday, June 18, in Caloundra or Thursday, July 2, in Maroochydore.

Workshops cover selfmanagement, annual cycle of care, healthy lifestyle behaviours and support.

To accommodate social distancing, group sizes will be limited. Bookings are essential.

Phone 07 5479 9670 or email SC-T2D-Education @health.qld.gov.au. SUNSHINE COAST COMPUTER CLUB INC OUR club was formed in 1988 with Caloundra

STAYING CONNECTED: Tourism Noosa volunteer coordinator Wendy Cutting and volunteer Bernadine Devereux, with 100-plus other volunteers, have been self-isolating but still keep in touch thanks to strong connections made through the Noosa Inspiration Centre.

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identity the late Ernie Camilleri as one of the founding members.

The club had a few name changes during the years, with the present name being adopted in mid-1997.

When the club was formed, the only “technology’’ item that widely concerned people was the computer.

As there was the need from early days of the club, hands-on computer lessons for the public and members, in subjects from beginners to advanced and special interests such as word processing and digital photography etc, were held. To meet the need, club meetings were held at venues over the Coast from Caloundra to the North Coast, including Noosa and Yandina.

Currently the club has meeting venues at Caloundra and Buderim, where weekly meetings are held (pre-coronavirus.)

Over the years, technology items such as computers, smartphones, tablets and household devices are being used for so much more, both in business and for personal use. Technology, particularly in the past few months, has kept people in touch with each other and been used for online shopping and even for medical care by video links. The club has advanced by keeping up with the latest in technology to pass on to members.

For further information, phone 07 5492 1005, go to sccc.org.au or email the club at sccc@internode.on.net. ST PETER’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, MAROOCHYDORE IF YOU miss attending church and would like to become part of an Online Church community, Reverend Tania Eichler at St Peter’s Anglican Church has five services a week and they can be accessed via Facebook.

The Sunday service starts at 9am and weekday services are at 9.30am.

The Facebook address is facebook.comstpeters anglicanchurchmaroochy dore/live/. For more information, phone St Peter’s on 07 5443 2133. MELANOMA PATIENTS AUSTRALIA

BECAUSE of government restrictions, the Sunshine Coast Branch of Melanoma Patients Australia is unable to hold its usual monthly meetings; however, we are still active and meeting online via Zoom.

If you have melanoma, or a friend does, and you would like to talk to some of our friendly, caring group members, please phone Christine on 0412 689 546 and she will arrange for you to be included in our next online chat. TOURISM NOOSA’S VOLUNTEER ARMY STAYING CONNECTED OVER the past seven weeks, Tourism Noosa’s 100-plus volunteers have been selfisolating but staying in touch thanks to strong connections made through the Noosa Inspiration Centre.

Tourism Noosa head of visitor experience Jasmin Boyd said while the incredible team of volunteers were taking a well-earned break from their ambassador duties, they were also staying connected with their “Tourism Noosa family’’.

“Mental health and

SAVVY SENIORS: Technology, particularly in the past few months, has kept people in touch with each other, and facilitated online shopping and access to medical care by video. Groups like the Sunshine Coast Computer Club can help those keen to learn more.

wellbeing is very important, particularly in these selfisolating times, and we know that many of our volunteers would miss their weekly shifts as ambassadors in our centres,’’ Ms Boyd said.

“Through a weekly informal update via email, regular telephone calls and our closed-group Facebook page, we are uniting our vollies and chatting with them regularly. Many are also talking to each other during their usual shift time and they are appreciative of the contact.”

Volunteer Sue Havilah said she was missing her Tuesday mornings at the centre, while Carol Blake commented: “Your continued contact is appreciated. It’s good that we vollies have made a lot of good friends through volunteering over the years.’’

Heidi Schum said: “Thank you for the updates, it is very much appreciated keeping us connected. After all, we are a huge family and some of us have been working together for many, many years as you know.

We can help you to stay in your own home, connected to your community and in control of your lifestyle. With a Suncare Home Care Package you’re in the driving seat, we’re just here to offer support and a helping hand.

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“Staying together and we will get through this together.’’

Ms Boyd added: “Keeping involved and informed is important and we have set a few challenges over the past few weeks, including this week completing the Free Infection Control COVID Certificate. One of our amazing vollies, Bernadine Devereux, completed it within 90 minutes of the challenge being posted!

“Like our volunteers, we are looking forward to when restrictions are lifted and we can welcome back our knowledgeable volunteers, who are the backbone of our centres.” SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCING AT POMONA EVERY Tuesday evening from 7-9.30, Pat and Norm Young organise a social evening at the Pomona Memorial School of Arts Hall.

Cost is $4, which includes supper. It is a very enjoyable evening as Pat and Norm provide new vogue as well as old-time dancing.

Come and be a spectator and see if you will enjoy it. Everyone is welcome. Phone 0407 456 939 for more info or come and visit. FREE BREAST CANCER SCREENING BREASTSCREEN Queensland Sunshine Coast Service (BSQSC) resumed routine breast screening in May following the temporary suspension of service due to COVID-19. BSQSC clinical director Dr Alison Roper said BreastScreen Queensland was an important early detection service for women, reducing illness and death from breast cancer.

“The wellbeing of women and our staff is always our top priority. BreastScreen Queensland is implementing a range of strategies to minimise and address risk from COVID-19 for women who attend for breast screening and also our staff,’’ she said.

“Following infection control and public health advice, social distancing will be maintained in waiting areas and additional cleaning of facilities and equipment has been implemented.’’

Women who had an appointment cancelled will be contacted to make a new appointment. “We understand that some women may have concerns about attending screening at this time,’’ Dr Roper said.

“If this is you, please talk to your own doctor about whether breast screening at this time is right for you, based on your individual circumstances.”

BreastScreen Queensland has clinics in Gympie, Noosa, Nambour, Maroochydore, Caloundra and Caboolture. The mobile breast screening service returned to Tin Can Bay at the end of May, to be followed by Maleny and Kilcoy in June and Bribie Island in July.

“While our service was suspended, some of our staff were redeployed to other areas of the health service,’’ Dr Roper said.

“They are now keen to get back to providing a worldclass breast cancer screening service for women on the Sunshine Coast.’’

Women aged 50-74 can book a free breast screen. Appointments are available now and no referral is needed.

Phone 13 20 50 for an appointment or more information. Early detection could save your life.

STORY TIME: Sunshine Coast Council libraries will reopen their doors to a limited number of customers at any one time. The library Click & Collect service remains available for Sunshine Coast library card holders.

LIMITED REOPENING FOR LIBRARIES SUNSHINE Coast Council libraries will reopen to a limited number of customers at any one time, following the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chair Mark Jamieson said the safety of the community and staff continued to be at the forefront of decisions made by the council.

The library Click & Collect service remains available for Sunshine Coast library card holders, and the community is reminded to make use of the library’s extensive online programs and eLibrary service. One exception to the reopening will be the Maleny Library, which is undergoing refurbishment and will not reopen until a date in June. A limited Click & Collect service will be available at that location. Returns chutes are available at all libraries and Wi-Fi remains available. Follow Sunshine Coast libraries on social media for updates and exciting content you can enjoy from home.

For the latest information about council facilities and services and business assistance, go to sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ coronavirus. FREE SUICIDE AWARENESS TRAINING USC’s Alliance for Suicide Prevention – Sunshine Coast will offer free online training to help community members stay alert to the signs of known precursors to suicide, as many people struggle with additional life pressures due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The alliance is coordinated by USC’s Sunshine Coast Mind & Neuroscience – Thompson Institute and was formed specifically in response to the Sunshine Coast’s suicide rate.

The free online training takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete and is open to all members of the community. Participants will learn how to recognise the signs that someone might be having thoughts of suicide and become equipped to start a conversation that could save a life. The training incorporates video scenarios and interactive learning based on evidence. Experience in this field of study is not required.

A survey is also incorporated into the training to help USC researchers better understand the long-term effectiveness of the online suicide alertness training. For more or to register for the training, go to thealliance.org.au/training/ start.

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Cnr. Centaur Street & Omrah Ave, Caloundra Qld 4551

(Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws majoring in Wills & Estates) • Wills (simple & complex) • Powers of Attorney • Estate Administration • Claims on Estates • Elder Law issues