Spring 2021

Spring 2021banyule.vic.gov.au

Getting back out there

Now that restrictions have lifted, reconnecting with others is more important than ever.

Some of you may feel happy about getting back to your day to day life, and understandably others may feel a sense of anxiety. It is natural to feel these emotions. Just remember to be kind to yourself and go at your own pace.

In this edition, we have brought together activities from services across the community to help you enhance your wellbeing and maintain social connections.

Explore the many ways you can get involved and connect in Banyule.

Spring 2021

Older Adults Community Connections Program 2

Tips for older adults 3

Clubs in focus 4

What’s on 6

Banyule Age In Focus

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Community connection

Banyule City Council is now providing a wider range of social support activities for older adults, under a new program called the Banyule Older Adults Community Connection Program.

The Program supports eligible older adults to access their local community, build and strengthen connections and participate in community life.

This program offers:

• one on one support

• support with shopping, errands and social outings e.g. visiting a café, park, library, nursery, event or exhibition.

• home-based support - for activities such as doing a puzzle/crossword, preparing a light meal, a short walk, listening to music, art/craft or just having a chat over a cuppa.

• support to safely access medical and allied health appointments (this is restricted to those who cannot independently catch a taxi or public transport, need escorting into the premises and have no-one else who can provide this support (some exceptions apply).

• support is offered within 5km of your home and within Banyule (some exceptions apply).

The program is available for people assessed as eligible for ‘social support-individual’ under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. To arrange an assessment, phone My Aged Care 1800 200 422.

For further enquiries, phone us on 9457 9868.

Older Adults Community Connection Program

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Spring 2021

Don’t forget to ask for a discount

Many of us forget to use our Seniors Card. A Seniors Card offers a range of discounts and benefits from over 4,000 participating businesses in Victoria.

Every time you shop, ask if a Seniors Card discount is available on your purchase. You will be surprised how often you will be offered a discount.

You should also take your Seniors Card when travelling. All states and territories in Australia accept interstate Seniors Cards for concession travel. Most interstate businesses and participating businesses in New Zealand also accept the Victorian Seniors Card. Contact the Seniors Card program in the state or territory you intend to visit for benefits details.

Information can be found on seniorsonline.vic.gov.au or call 1300 797 210.

Shop online or get home delivery

Coles and Woolworths have online shopping for those who find it difficult to visit their local

supermarket. They will deliver at a time convenient to you and will carry the groceries into your home.

Home delivery grocery services are available from many other local supermarkets - it pays to ask when you’re in store.

Shopping tips for older adults

Tips for older adults

Existing Seniors Card Holders

Victorian Seniors Card holders need to opt-in to receive free travel vouchers by registering at the PTV website. Card holders only need to register once.

New Seniors Card holders

If you are a new seniors card holder, to receive your free off-peak travel vouchers you now need to opt in by registering at ptv.vic.gov.au/vouchers and you’ll receive vouchers in the mail each year.

You can redeem your free travel vouchers for :

• a day’s unlimited travel in zones 1 and 2, this is a 1 Day Travel Pass, just go to a metropolitan premium station or PTV Hub

• two off-peak V/Line singles or day return, just go to a staffed V/Line station or ticket agent.

For more information please visit the Public Transport Victoria website ptv.vic.gov.au/vouchers or contact Public Transport Victoria or call 1800 800 007.

Victorian Seniors Card off peak travel vouchers

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Clubs in focus

Greensborough Social and Activities ClubWar Memorial Park Community Hall 203 Henry Street, Greensborough

You are invited to join the Greensborough Social and Activities Club, a friendly organisation open to all community members and Banyule residents and come along to their weekly Thursday “Games for Everyone” day.

We have activities to suit all interests: Quoits Darts Yahtzee Card (100) Chess Draughts Carpet bowls Table tennis Scrabble Uno Jigsaw Puzzles Billards

Membership is $10 per year plus $1each time you join us for an activity. (this covers insurance and hall usage). Phone: 0435 175 214 or drop in for a chat anytime.

Watsonia Community Hall 37 Lambourn Road, Watsonia

9016 8238

Watsonia Scrabble Group

We are a learning group and teach members how to expand their word knowledge and enhance their scrabble skills. We run online tournaments through Scrabble Victoria scrabble.org.au/victoria/ and enjoy face to face scrabble tournaments at the Balwyn Community Centre each month.

We play every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm. The group has a friendly atmosphere, and everyone is welcome.

We also have a group for more experienced players, the Greensborough Group. This group is held every Wednesday from 1pm to 4 pm and is more competitive with players encouraged to play in tournaments.

New players are welcome at both groups. For more information, contact our great team at the Watsonia 50s Plus Club on 9016 8238.

Cards 500, Canesta (beginners - advanced)

Cards are played three afternoons each week, Monday and Thursday 12 noon to 3.30pm and Saturday afternoon 1pm to 4pm. Our group

continues to grow with members coming to cards from the scrabble and exercise groups.

Carpet Bowls

Carpet bowls are played every Monday and Thursday afternoons from 12noon to 3.30pm and Saturday afternoons 1pm to 4pm. We cater for all abilities with three mats available.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is available on Mondays at 9am and Tai Chi Qigong at 10am with Sharon. Tai Chi helps improve your health, strength, balance, concentration, and mental wellbeing and is fun. A class is also held on Thursday at 9am, this class caters from beginner to advanced levels.

Aerobics for older adults

A class is held every Thursday at 10am. A more gentle aerobics designed for those less active is held at 10.45am. It is important as we age to keep a reasonable level of fitness. Come along and try Deb’s fun filled classes.

Craft activities

Craft activities are held every Thursday 12noon to 3.30pm. Learn something new. Share your Knowledge, enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

Watsonia 50s Plus Club

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Spring 2021

Banyule Social Support GroupEarlier this year Banyule’s Social Support Group, moved to our Bond Street site in Ivanhoe, enabling us to operate both groups out of one centre.

As we prepare to move the service to the new Bellfield Community Hub, currently under construction and due to open in early 2022, this move is proving to be a good trial run for the new site.

The Community Hub, located near the corner of Banksia Street and Oriel Road, Bellfield, will house a number of our community services including our Social Support Group, Maternal & Child Health services, and Early Childhood Services. There will also be community meeting rooms, a community garden and an on-site café.

The new facility will be of enormous benefit to the Banyule Community and we can’t wait to move into our new, purpose-built centre.

If you would like more information on Banyule’s Social Support Program phone 9499 4795.

Banyule Men’s Shed

Banyule Men’s Shed is located on the corner of St Hellier & Edwin Streets, Heidelberg Heights. Membership is FREE and the Shed is open to participants 11am - 3pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The Men’s Shed is a great place to meet new friends. This is particularly important for those who are otherwise isolated through unemployment or loss of a partner or friends.

A booking system is now in place to ensure we are complying with safe numbers – Bookings are essential on 0429 551 536.

Masks to be worn at all times and members must follow COVID-19 operational guidelines.

New members welcome. Phone Jack (Banyule Men’s Shed Volunteer Coordinator) to discuss joining on 0429 551 536.

If you need items repaired, polished, painted or created, pop down to the shed or phone Jack on 0429 551 536 to see if the men can assist with your project. Note: All projects must be completed onsite at the Shed and will incurr a cash donation.

All donations received will cover running cost of the Shed. Banyule Men’s Shed is a self-funded shed. It’s a win-win for the men and our local community!

To find out more call 0429 551 536 or visit bchs.org.au/groups-activities/banyule-mens-shed/

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What’s on

A range of activities and events will be held at the Watsonia Library over the coming months. Bookings are required, please note that events may be cancelled in the event of COVID-19 restrictions.

Bookings can be made at yprl.vic.gov.au

Watsonia Discussion Group

Tuesday 14 September, 10.30am - 12noon

Come along to the Watsonia Library monthly Discussion Group! Join this friendly group for a cuppa and discussion of current topics, lifestyle issues, and reminiscences

Community Garden

Every Tuesday, 10am - 12noon

Join our Watsonia Garden Group!

Come and meet our volunteer gardeners, and share tips and ideas, make friends, and contribute to to the maintenance of our sustainable community garden.

Odyssey Writers Memoir Group

Monday 27 September, 10am - 12noon

Calling all writers! Come and join our memoir writing group and build a network of friends that can offer support, advice, and a fresh approach to writing and publishing.

Libraries After Dark: Open Mic Night with Busybird Publishing

Thursday 23 September, 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Are you a writer, poet, comic or performance artist or musician?

Come along to our Open Mic Night and try your material on a real audience!

You will be among like-minded people while honing your writing and performance skills. Your MC will be writer/publisher Blaise van Hecke from Busybird Publishing.

This evening is a fantastic way to see live performance in our area.

LLLS is personalised strength and balance program for the over 50’s that will help you stay strong, get fitter and improve your general health and wellbeing. It is endorsed by COTA (Council of the Ageing) and is delivered by COTA accredited instructors providing a fun, friendly and safe environment at Banyule Leisure facilities.

LLLS is progressive resistance-based training which can help balance, strength and fitness as well as maintain muscle mass and bone density levels. Tailored exercise plans can also help to manage chronic conditions.

Ivanhoe Aquatic 170 Waterdale Road Ivanhoe 9490 7111 Monday/Wednesday and Friday at 11am

Olympic Leisure 15 Alamein Road, Heidelberg West 9459 1193 Tuesday and Thursday at 10am

LLLS sessions run for 60 minutes followed by a FREE cup of tea or coffee afterwards.

For more information phone one of our centres.

What’s on at Watsonia Library

Living Longer, Living Stronger (LLL)

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Spring 2021

Winter Bill Review Did you get bill shock this winter?

Book a one on one community energy consultation with our Community Energy Officer to discuss ways to reduce your household energy bills and stay up to date with affordable energy offers and government concessions.

Session covers:

• Better understand your current household energy consumptions

• Discuss ways to reduce your household energy bills

• Energy upgrade advice including solar

• Compare offers available in your local area; and

• Explore government energy concessions you might be eligible for.

Book now at energy.info@banyule.vic.gov.au or phone 9455 8813.

Malahang Wellbeing FestivalSunday 24 October, 11am - 4pm

Malahang Reserve, Southern Road, Heidelberg West

Join a celebration of wellbeing with the local community. This year’s festival will focus on health and wellbeing for all ages and abilities. The event will feature heaps of come and try workshops and interactive activities to get you healthy and moving!

• Makers Market

• Succulent planting

• Sensory activities including a live petting zoo

• Yoga and tai chi

• Boomerang decorating and dreamcatcher workshop

Cost: Free

Bookings essential at banyule.vic.gov.au

Enquiries at arts@banyule.vic.gov.au

Rosanna Fire Station Community House - No Interest Loan SchemeRFSCH are accredited with the Good Shepherd Microfinance to assist with loan applications for the No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) which is an interest free loan for individuals and families on a low income. To be eligible for NILS applicants must have a Health Care or Pension card or earn less than $45,000 a year after tax ($60,000 for joint applicants or people with children). Loans cannot be used for cash, rent arrears, debt consolidation or bills. Loans are available for up to $1,500 for essential goods and services. NILS is a community based program that enables people to access fair, safe and equitable credit for the purchase of goods and services. There are no fees or charges and loan repayments are worked out to meet individual needs over 12 to 18 months.

Loans are available for the purchase of essential goods and services which include:

• Household items i.e. fridges, washing machines• Medical procedures and dental services• Education essentials such as computers and text

books• Car repairs or registration• Some other items as requested

To make an appointment, call 9458 1935 or fill out the contact form at rfsch.org.au

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How to contact your councilFor all enquiries or information about any Council service:

Telephone: 9490 4222 Email: enquiries@banyule.vic.gov.au Website: banyule.vic.gov.au

If your hearing or speech is impaired, you can call us through the National Relay Service on 133 677 (TTY) or 1300 555 727(ordinary handset) and ask for 9490 4222.

Postal Address: PO Box 94, Greensborough 3088 Council Service Centres: Greensborough: Level 3, 1 Flintoff Street (inside WaterMarc)

Visit Council’s website for other centre locations.

Office Hours of Opening: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm

Interpreter service: If you need an interpreter, please contact TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be connected to Banyule Council on 9490 4222.

Join the mailing list or provide feedbackEvery suggestion is an opportunity for improvement which will help us enrich our newsletter.

Contact Banyule City Council - Aged Services PO Box 94 Greensborough Vic 3088

phone: 9490 4222 email: agefriendly@banyule.vic.gov.au

Please complete the following form and return it to Aged Services. Alternatively you can call on 9490 4222.

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