BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e rA CONNECTED, ACTIVE & STRONG COMMUNITY

Issue 4 - 2015/16October 12 2015 - January 15 2016

Happy 40th Birthday BCS

Message from the CEO 340 Years of Leadership in Belconnen 4Knit Nibbles and Natter 7Make Friends with Your Computer 7Get Involved in Belconnen 8News from our Neighbourhood 10social@bcs 12gallery@bcs 14Transition to the NDIS – Barbara’s Story 16BEST Day of the Week 17Get on Board the Community Bus 18Belconnen Early childhood Centre – 20 focus on sustainabilityEarly Education and School Aged care 21Drop In and Holiday Activities for Young People 22Community Calendar 23A Conversation with Gabriela Castillo 27

CONTACTSBelconnen Community ServiceBelconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, Belconnen.PO Box 679, Belconnen, ACT 2616.Tel: 6264 0200Fax: 6253 2901Email: bcs@bcsact.com.auWeb: www.bcsact.com.au www.facebook.com/BCSACT FOLLOW@BCSACTNewsletter Editor simone.penkethman@bcsact.com.au 6264 0205BELCONNEN COMMUNITY SERVICE INC.ACKNOWLEDGES THE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE OF:The ACT Government

• The ACT Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate• The ACT Community Services Directorate• The ACT Environment and Sustainable Development

Directorate • The ACT Health Directorate

The Australian Commonwealth Government• The Department of Social Services• The Department of Health

Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary EducationAustralian Government

BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e rIssue 4 - 12th October 2015 - 15th January 2016

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Message from the CEO

Happy birthday BCS! This year we celebrate 40 years of service in Belconnen. We invite you to party with us on Tuesday November 10 in Belconnen Community Centre. We’ll look back on our history and forward to the future, in a fun, light-hearted “This is Your Life” show in theatre@bcs, followed by a party with live music, food and drink.

As we prepare for this event, delving into old photos, documents and stories, I notice that themes and values that drove BCS in its early years are deeply embedded in our culture and our practice today.

BCS values the work of women and our life story reflects a global narrative around the professionalisation of women’s work. Incorporated on October 3 1975, during International Women’s Year, BCS began as a group of volunteers, predominantly women, who thought there was a need to welcome and assist the many families moving to the new community of Belconnen. Soon, the need for women and their families to have childcare facilities emerged and, in 1976 BCS began its first Family Day Care program.

At that time, the view that a woman’s place was at home with her children was widely held. It was felt by some in the community that BCS’s provision of childcare posed a threat to family values. In 2015, when access to quality Early Childhood Education and Care is widely recognised as being essential to women’s social and economic participation, it’s hard to imagine that the setting up of a Family Day Care service could be regarded as controversial.

In Barbara Old’s 25 Year History of BCS, published in 2000, she quotes BCS’s first director, Lynne Grayson:

“As an employer, BCS was much more likely to take on someone who’d been out of the workforce for a while, women with kids who were older and ready to go back to work…They were able to build careers out of the chance they’d been given by BCS.”

BCS is still an employer of choice for women. Currently, 212 of our 250 employees are women and over 90% of BCS management positions are occupied by women.

Another of our ongoing strengths is support for and inclusion of children with disabilities and children from diverse backgrounds. As early as 1982, a BCS staff member’s previous experience of working with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, led to the Department of Immigration using the Bruce Children’s Centre to provide care for the children of refugee families attending Migrant English Classes. From 1986, BCS employed Supplementary Workers (SUPS) who developed programs, playgroups and other supports for children with disabilities, behavioural and hyperactivity problems.

BCS still demonstrates these values of diversity and inclusion. Children and Educators in our Early Childhood Centres speak over 37 languages and people of all abilities are active and valued participants in our programs. As a gift to people who join us in celebrating our birthday, we have prepared a beautiful 2016 calendar that includes images of art created in our programs by skilled, generous and dedicated artists of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

In the following pages, we share some highlights from the past four decades. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into our shared past and that many of you will attend our birthday celebration.

Dira Horne

BCS in the Naughties – a

decade of celebration and innovation In the year 2000, BCS celebrated its 25th birthday. Gallery@bcs had opened in 1999 and an exhibition of BCS’s history was displayed in the gallery from October 6, 2000. This exhibition formed the centrepiece of a month long celebration where the Belconnen community joined with former and current BCS staff and volunteers to celebrate and commemorate.

That same year, BCS launched its first web-site

and entered the digital age. The decade that followed was one of innovation in the arts and

community cultural development. In the late nineties BCS had begun to grow its suite of arts and recreation focused mental health programs. These ground-breaking programs bloomed in the naughties, helping to raise awareness of mental illness in the community; helping people with long term mental illness to stay well and live a meaningful life; and producing many beautiful works of art. At the same time, BCS received funding from artsACT for the Belconnen Arts and Cultural Development program that ran from 1999 until the end of 2009.

Perhaps the most visible artistic community arts event during this time was the Belconnen Community Festival which BCS coordinated in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010. Another arts highlight was the 2009 in2CHANGE project that celebrated the life of Belconnen Bus Interchage (1977-2009) on site, in gallery@bcs and online. We hope you enjoy these images from the naughties.

Her Royal Highness QEII with the lady of the handbag and Santa leading the crowd.

2008 festival coordinator Phil Nizette in with Woody the Weed at festival

launch.

Roving Gypsies Chrissie Shaw and Stephen Barker outside Belconnen Community Centre at the media launch of the 2008

Belconnen Festival.2008 Festival mascot,

the Pink Llama with friends.

The Trade Union Choir performing at the finale of in2CHANGE

Adam Hadley MCs the World History of Razzle

Dazzle, 2010 festival

Graffiti artists Dan Byrd and Luke Cornish AKA

E.L.K. in Belconnen Bus Interchange as part of

in2CHANGE 2009

2010 Belconnen Festival: Circo Belco. Strongman wrestles boy, with thanks to Insane Champion Wrestling for our

festival mascot.

Theatre on a Bus by Boho Interactive

in2CHANGE

Jim Sharrock and community members with drums made from recycled materials doing the Belco

Shuffle, 2010 Festival

2008 Festival mascot, the Pink Llama with friends.

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BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e r

Growing up with our Community

40 years and going strongBelconnen Town Centre

in July 1976

Belconnen Community Centre foundations 1986

Belconnen Town Centre, September 2015

Belconnen Community Cenre under construction 1986

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BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e r

Friendly Yarning at Belconnen Community Centre The Silver Threads and Golden Needles program of creative arts for seniors has drawn to a close, but the Knit, Nibbles, and Natter social group continues into the future. As the warmer weather well and truly arrives, the group has begun to leave beanies behind, with many members involving themselves in a new project to knit blankets that will be sent to refugees overseas. Other past projects include knitting socks, scarves, cardigans, children’s clothing, rugs, and cushion covers. Members bring their own projects each week or try something new, swapping patterns and ideas.

The group members confess that there is often “more nattering than knitting” during their afternoon meetings, with this friendly social group providing a chance to get out of the house and make new friends. One member says “I come for the company. It helps me to keep up with my English… it’s good to communicate, because I’m alone at home”, and others enjoy discussing new patterns and ideas with other knitters.

If you would like to pick up a pair of needles or a hook, the group is always open to new members and is very welcoming to people of all levels of knitting or crocheting experience. The Knit, Nibbles, and Natter group meets on Monday afternoons from 1:00 – 3:00pm at Belconnen Community Centre. There is a cost of $5 per week, and afternoon tea is provided. Please contact 6264 0200 for more information.

Would you like to improve your relationship with your computer? Belconnen Community Service is seeking expressions of interest from community members who are interested in improving their computing skills. Do you feel like

your computer, tablet, iPad, or smartphone has a mind of its own? Would you like to master the mysteries of click, double click, left click, and right click? Do you want to know how to stay connected to friends and family through email, Facebook, and Skype? Would you like to learn how to search the web, or do basic word processing? If you would be interested in attending short computing courses covering these topics, please contact Belconnen Community Centre Reception on 6264 0200 to register your interest.

Get Involved in Belconnen2015 National Children’s Week Children’s Rights are Human RightsBelconnen Community Centre will be a site of celebration during National Children’s Week which runs from October 22-30.

On Thursday October 29, from 10am – 12pm there will be a BIG playgroup presented by BCS Family Support Programs in partnership with West Belconnen Child and Family Centre and UnitingCare Kippax. It will be held in the Community Centre Sports Hall. All children five years and under and their families and carers are welcome to attend this free event. There will be face-painting, a jumping castle, tumbling equipment, music and dance, art and craft, morning tea and much more!

From October 19-30 gallery@bcs will show an exhibition of artworks from Belconnen Community Service Children’s programs. Displays will include mixed art from the three Early Childhood Centres and the five after school care programs. The official opening is at 5:30pm Tuesday October 20. Everyone’s welcome to enjoy light refreshments and a stimulating array of art from the youngest members of our community.

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary since Australia signed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The theme of National Children’s Week this year is “children’s rights are human rights” and this is the core principle behind the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Convention ensures the important rights that children have to be safe, to be heard, to be healthy, to be protected, to play, to learn, to express themselves, to their privacy, identity and to fully enjoy their life and development.

Workin’Out!During winter months, the Bridges disability program trialed a new gym class for its Be Active group. They have a fabulous gym teacher called Diana and she makes each class a lot of fun.

It has been fantastic to see the progress of this group as their skill and ability levels increase weekly. Diana takes the participants through warm up exercises, followed by exercising on the balls, weights and then onto the exercise machines. Everyone really enjoys this class.

If you live with disability and want to be active, Bridges also has a Hip Hop dance club and a Martial Arts class as well as other activities during the week. Please call Kate Wells for further info on 62640200.

‘Cooking and Moving’ – New ways to Health and HappinessBeginning Term 4 2015, BCS is offering a new program for people with a disability or mental illness: Cooking and Moving – New ways to Health and Happiness.

Earlier this year, BCS staff received crucial feedback from participants and carers involving the lack of exercise and nutrition programs available to people living with disability or mental illness. Feedback also indicated that people in this group were at higher risk of suffering from obesity, or may currently have inadequate knowledge to improve their own health outcomes.

BCS has received funding from the ACT Health Promotion Innovation Fund to develop and deliver a program to address these issues. The program will include practical cooking sessions and weekly exercise components. It will also educate participants around the Australian Dietary guidelines. Cooking and Moving aims to explore the strong links between exercise and nutrition, and the role that both these factors play in weight management.

At the opening of gallery@bcs’s 2014 Children’s Week exhibition Nick, Toby and Mackenzie pump some iron

The eight week program will give participants practical experience in creating menus, budgeting, shopping and cooking nutritious meals according to the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Each week will include a physical exercise component such as swimming, Heart Foundation walking groups, light aerobics circuit sessions, and Yoga. The program is set to take-off in Term 4 2015 at Belconnen, and Term 1 2016 in Tuggeranong. If you are interested in attending the program or would like further information, please contact Kate Wells on 6264 0232.

BCS Christmas Giving TreeChristmas is a time for family, friends and giving. But for many, the Christmas season can be a difficult time. Some families, individuals and young people struggle to make ends meet. You can make Christmas a little brighter for someone by giving generously to the BCS Christmas Giving Tree.

Each year, with generous donations from our community, we prepare and distribute up to 200 hampers to households in Belconnen.

Christmas Giving Tree Suggestion List: • Store and movie vouchers for adults and young

people• Children’s toys and clothing • Delicious, quality Christmas treats • Sports equipment: footballs, soccer balls, cricket set,

tennis racquet• Home wares: beach towels, salad bowls, photo

frames, candles• Books • CDs, DVDs, USBs, headphones • Stationery gift packs • Board games

To help us provide a dignified and respectful service during the Christmas period, we kindly ask you to adhere to the following:

All goods must not be wrapped.

All goods must be new.

Second-hand items cannot be accepted.

We cannot accept items that do not meet current safety standards or have been recalled or banned.

Gifts, cash, and cheque donations can be dropped off at Belconnen Community Centre Reception on or before Wednesday December 9. Credit card donations can be made by calling BCS reception on 62640200. For further information and corporate donations contact: Allison Sullings: 62640200 allison.sullings@bcsact.com.au

Bus Trips for Seniors

BCS invites seniors to get out of town and enjoy its program of bus trips during the coming months. Day trips are planned for the following destinations:

November 2015: Take a day trip to the NSW Riverina town of Junee including the famous Liquorish factory and Monte Cristo Homestead.

February 2016: Take a day trip to Sydney to see the musical, Matilda at the Lyric Theatre.

April 2016: Take a day trip to Batemans Bay with a sight-seeing stop at Braidwood followed by a cruise up the Clyde River.

June 2016: Take a two night adventure to Dubbo, visiting the Dubbo Western Plain Zoo and other attractions in the region.

For more information and details please contact BCS reception on 62640200 or email BCC@bcsact.com.au

Issue 4 - 12th October 2015 - 15th January 2016

BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e r9

News from our NeighbourhoodParty at Kaleen ShopsParties at the Shops began in 2013 as part of the Centenary of Canberra celebrations. Centenary Artistic Director, Robyn Archer noted that Canberra must be the only city in the world where you have to have road signs that point to the SHOPS, because otherwise you’d never find them, secluded as they are in our leafy avenues.

Canberra’s suburban shops are a unique part of the city’s landscape. Each has its own personality, local characters and resident community groups and artists. Parties at the Shops has now become a Canberra tradition extending beyond the Centenary and into the future.

The 2015 Party at Kaleen Shops will be on Saturday October 17 from 10:00am till 3:00pm.

There will be a program of musicians, artists and performers from Kaleen, Giralang and the wider Belconnen area, giving the local community an opportunity to experience and enjoy the local talent from their neighbourhood.

Several community groups and churches located close to the shopping centre will have stalls and the local Kaleen and Giralang schools will also contribute to the colourful, lively and fun event.

Belconnen: 50 years old in 2016Belconnen is coming of age with BCS’s 40th birthday in 2015 closely followed by Belconnen’s 50th in 2016. Since it was first gazetted in 1966, Belconnen has come a long way. As one of the original eighteen districts of the ACT,

Belconnen is now one of the fastest growing. Celebrations for its 50th birthday have already begun with Our Place, a picnic full of performances and activities at Belconnen Arts Centre on Saturday September 19 providing the community with a glimpse of party times ahead.

Belco50 has its own Facebook page where, as a community we can share the journey over the past 50 years, celebrate our anniversary and contemplate the future.

Facebook.com/belco50

What’s on at Belconnen Arts Centre

This spring and summer Belconnen Arts Centre offers a full program of exhibitions, performances, classes and activities. Catch The Griffyn Solo Series – The String Contingent, on Saturday October 31. This renowned acoustic chamber-folk trio are Chris Stone (Violin), Holly Downes (Double Bass) and Graham McLeod (Guitar). The music continues into the warm summer months with The Resonants Choir on Saturday November 14 and Rhythm Syndicate Choir on Saturday November 28.

Young artists in Year 11 and 12 from nine colleges in North Canberra will exhibit works in College Express 7. Their work explores the world around them through photography, painting, drawing, ceramics, textiles and design technology. College Express 7 is on show from December 18, 2015 till January 31, 2016, throughout all gallery spaces.

For more info or bookings see: www.belconnenartscentre.com.au or find Belconnen Arts Centre on Facebook and Twitter.

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BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e r

Affordable Health Care – West Belconnen Health Coop

The National Health Coop (trading as West Belconnen Health Cooperative Ltd) is a member-owned, not for profit organisation with five medical and health centres at Charnwood, Belconnen, Kippax (Holt), Evatt and Chisholm. Members enjoy many benefits such as access to bulk-billing General Practitioner (GP) services and a growing range of other services such as psychology; asthma and diabetes education; physiotherapy; child, teen and aged health; dietetics (healthy eating); counsellors and social workers. There is a $30 joining fee and a small annual membership fee which is charged monthly. Children under 18 receive free cover under their parent or guardian’s membership. Languages other than English that are spoken by doctors include Spanish, Igbo, Sinhala, Urdu, Hindi, Estonian, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Russian, Punjabi, Hungarian and some Gujarati. For more information, call 6178 0400 or visit www.nhc.coop.

Canberra City Care Canberra City Care (CCC) is a Ministry of the Life Unlimited Church which offers four great services: the HandUp Food Care food bank, ReRuns Op Shop, the Tech Shed, and the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt management service. The services provided by CCC are open to anyone who is experiencing financial hardship; you don’t need to be on a benefit. The CCC shop front is at 20 Cartwright Street in Charnwood, and is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am - 12 noon and 1pm - 4:30pm. You can also call 6178 1050 to find out more.

HandUp Food Care is a non-profit service, supported by volunteers and the kind donations of various companies and individuals. Because of this, they can offer bread, fruit and vegetables (depending on availability) at no cost, as well as a range of other groceries and toiletries at substantially reduced prices. You may come in and shop as often as necessary.

The Tech Shed offers refurbished computer packages starting from as low as $100, as not everyone needs (or can afford) the latest computer on the market. The Tech Shed also accepts donations of computers and other hardware. Volunteers from the local community learn valuable and employable skills as they are trained and overseen in the repair and refurbishment of these machines. Their range of products and services include refurbished computers, displays and accessories; computer repair and maintenance; and E-waste recycling (large and small).

The ReRuns Op Shop provides affordable clothing and shoes for men, women and children; books and magazines; and other goods including toys, linen, kitchenware and crockery.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) helps people manage debt. When debt starts to become unmanageable, things can quickly spiral out of control. The stress of feeling like you’re on your own doesn’t make it any easier. CAP’s hands-on approach empowers people to get out of poverty. Their free services include providing home visits and personalised support to help people to create a realistic budget; negotiating with creditors on their behalf to try to stop interest and charges; help with insolvency; and improved money management skills through the CAP Money course. CAP supports its clients until they are debt free, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, nationality, religion, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. CAP operates in various locations around the world, and is the only charitable provider of free debt management in Australia. To access the CAP service please call 1300 227 000 to make an appointment.

social@bcs

Members of the BCS Ukulele Empire: Katie, Simon, Fran, Christine, Quyen

Steve Armstrong and Nick White at the Belconnen Youth Employment Pathways Forum, at Kaleen High School on

September 10.

The Amazing Belco RaceOn Saturday September 12, BCS put the FUN in fundraiser with the Amazing Belco Race. Competing teams raced around Belconnen performing crazy feats and finding mystery destinations to raise funds for the up-coming 10/10 garden makeover project in October.

Social Bean Café pops up at the Mental Health conference at the Royal Theatre: Tycho and Samantha Rebels on the Bus: Dira, Marcia, Yvette, Les, Paul, Rachel,

Mandy, Helen, John

Lauren Kapper (Belconnen Early Childhood Centre) Krystal O’Callaghan and Carly Scott (ACTSmart Business) Merin

O’Gorman (BCS Youth and Family support) Jen Lewis (BCS Youth Engagement) at Flynn Community Hub helping us to become

more environmentally aware at the BCS Leadership Development Forum in September.

The Road Runners, Sianne, Carleigh, Lincoln and Sarah at Shepherd’s lookout with Little Bo Peep

BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e r13Issue 4 - 12th October 2015 - 15th January 2016

social@bcs Bygone times…Who are these people?Over the coming weeks, we will post these pictures on Facebook.com/bcsact If you can identify them, please do so in the comments.

The first meeting of Positive Strokes, 1989. This group still meets under the name Positive Links

Members of the retired Transport Workers Club at the opening of the in2CHANGE exhibition in 2009

The BCS Community Works team 1989

Children enjoy facepainting and craft activities on the interchange platform during in2CHANGE 2009

Community luncheon at West Belconnen Leagues Club 1990

Crowd at the 2010 Belconnen Community Festival

What’s on in gallery@bcsBelconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, Belconnen

Open 9am-4:30pm Monday-Friday

Children’s Rights are Human Rights An exhibition of artworks from Belconnen Community Service Children’s Programs in celebration of Children’s Week October 19-30Official opening 5:30pm Tuesday October 20 Celebrating the 25 years since Australia signed the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child, the theme of National Children’s Week 2015 is “children’s rights are human rights” which is the core principle behind the Convention. The Convention enshrines children’s rights to be safe, to be heard, to be healthy, to be protected, to play, to learn, to express themselves, to have privacy, identity and to fully enjoy their life and development. Displays will include mixed media artworks from BCS’s three Early Childhood Centres and five School Aged Care programs.

The gallery@bcs Piece of Mind Series presents: Pieces from the Heart An exhibition of paintings by mother and daughter Anne Maree and Saskia Vogt Nov 3-13Official opening 5:30pm Wednesday November 4 Anne Maree is a full-time mother and carer. Her daughter, Saskia, 19, is moderately to severely intellectually disabled and suffers from epilepsy. This exhibition tells their story. Anne Maree has been painting for almost 20 years and attending the Open Art program at the Canberra School of Art almost continuously since 1988. She paints for the love of it, to express herself and for the friendships made in painting class. Her work is very personal: portraits of Saskia and, less often, other family members, home interiors and the odd exterior scene from home or travel. Saskia loves to draw and paint, too. Her works are simple, colourful and repetitive representations of the people she loves - Mummy and Daddy, her big brother, other family members and friends. This exhibition, which includes some of Saskia’s paintings, documents the artists’ lives together and how they both communicate through their painting.

BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e rIssue 4 - 12th October 2015 - 15th January 2016

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Barriers: break or breakthrough Nov 18-27Official Opening 5:30pm Wednesday November 18Change is a fundamental part of the human experience. Often our difficulty in accepting change can stem from our inability to understand it. Barriers explores the transitional processes involved in interpreting change. The exhibition revolves around the centrepiece of a glass-encased clay sculpture of a human skull, which acts as both metaphor and motif of change. Meditations upon the centrepiece take the form of photographs, sculptures, and poetry. As part of the exhibition, attendees are encouraged to reflect upon their past experiences of change, and interact with some of the works in the gallery. Barriers is the latest collaboration between Geoffrey Dunn and Marina Talevski (2 Tens & a Tomato 2014; This Too Shall Pass – Lights Canberra Action 2015).

Fowl Play A mixed media group exhibition around the theme of animal welfare Dec 14-Jan 8Official Opening 5:30pm Tuesday Dec 15 Chickens live in a world that is far from ideal. We see them as beautiful in all their variety. Throughout history, artists have painted, sculpted, photographed and portrayed them as such. Meanwhile the modern reality is far from this, with the small cages of the battery hens and the crowded sheds full of birds raised for meat. Anyone who has raised chickens in their backyard knows it takes around five months for them to reach maturity. In the commercial industry it takes seven weeks. Their explosive weight gain causes many birds to have deformities but this is considered okay because they will be sold as pieces and used in take away outlets.

The gallery@bcs Piece of Mind Series presents: Face to Face A showcase of recent work from Canberra artists in celebration of International Day for People living with a Disability Nov 30 – Dec 11Official Opening 12:30pm Tuesday December 1To celebrate I Day 2015 gallery@bcs is having an exhibition of works by artists with diverse abilities.With a focus on portraiture, Face to Face also features a myriad of other mediums that these talented artists have explored.

Transition to the NDIS Barbara’s Story I’ve been participating in Belconnen Community Service (BCS) programs for about ten years, and for most of that time I’ve been a member of Positive Links, which is a group for people who have had a stroke or life-changing illness. I transitioned onto the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in early December 2014. The BCS team came to see me in November, to help me prepare for my first meeting with my NDIS planner.

I was already very prepared as I had done my own research, asking for advice from my medical professionals and going through all the paperwork. I was lucky enough to get a pre-transition grant to purchase the Allora 2 [a device that speaks aloud what the user types] that I use to talk to people, so I sort of knew what to expect. Although I had a clear idea of what I wanted, BCS was able to help me identify supports I didn’t realise I could apply for, such as a text-enabled phone and car hoist – both of which have been very helpful.

I used some of my funding to purchase a motorised wheelchair. There’s no way I could have afforded that without the NDIS. And this week I received approval for home modifications that will make it much easier for me to get around and access the bathroom facilities.

I was very surprised at the range of supports available under the NDIS and couldn’t speak more highly of the NDIS staff – they have been amazing. My husband, Brian, and I had struggled along on our own for years, just making do as there wasn’t really any funding available to help us – at least, not that we knew of. Brian did most of the housework and I would help on the odd time, when I could, and he helped me shower. Now I can access in home support. At first I was hesitant about asking for that, because I’ve had some bad experiences in the past and felt perhaps we could manage like we always had. But I discussed it with the team at BCS and they encouraged me to apply. Now things are so much better for both of us.

BCS are amazing with all they do. Brian is a member of the Silver Threads and Golden Needles social group for seniors, and in June I was able to accompany him on their trip to the Sydney Vivid festival. I wouldn’t have gone but the BCS team encouraged me to come along. Also I have been able to take a paid support worker from BCS with me when on BCS day trips, like the trip to Thredbo earlier this year. Without a support worker it wouldn’t be possible for me to attend at all. I was also encouraged to join a knitting group a couple of months ago, which I’m enjoying. I am so grateful for all the support that BCS staff suggested I apply for and continue to give me.

To others who are transitioning onto the NDIS, I would say: You have months to prepare, use them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when gathering information together and listen to advice. Get referrals from your medical people and talk to BCS, even if you’ve already transitioned or are in the middle of it. The NDIS staff are very supportive but there’s a lot of work involved and the program is still quite new, so if there’s anything you’re unsure of, BCS are there to help you.

Photo: Barbara Rees (front) with her husband Brian and BCS volunteer, Caroline White on the Silver Threads and Golden Needles three day Sydney cultural extravaganza in May 2015.

If you would like BCS to assist with developing your NDIS plan please call Melinda Gowty on 62640200 or email: NDIS@bcsact.com.au

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BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e r

BEST Day of the Week By Chanel ColeI head to BEST Club with no knowledge of what to expect. With the words “Energetic Seniors” in the name, I imagine I’ll find the club members in their track pants doing aerobics and lifting weights. Instead I find a large group of seniors preparing to enjoy lunch after a presentation on money-saving tips from the BCS Energy Efficiency team. I feel a little silly, but one of the friendly facilitators introduces me to everyone and ushers me over to John, telling me I’ll be in good hands. I confide my error to him as he introduces me to his lunch companions Joan and Nancy. He laughs heartily, and we get stuck into a lively conversation.

John: No, no. It used to be about exercise but it changed a long time ago. I think it was something to do with risk and insurance. I know they don’t like it when I jump up on the tables and start dancing! We just talk, stir, and have a bit of lunch. We have speakers come in and do presentations. We go on outings; all sorts of things. I’ve got all the old programs saved if you want to see what we’ve done this year. I’ll drop them in to you.

Joan: We have performers sometimes, too. There’s a singer called Brian Butler, he performs here regularly and puts on a great show with different themes. My favourite show? Oh, I don’t know…probably Elvis.

Nancy: It’s just a happy day. It certainly beats sitting at home, especially if you live on your own. It’s better

than staring at your four walls! There’s always a laugh, especially if John is around. He doesn’t miss a trick.

A delicious hot lunch – catered this week by the Social Bean café – is being served. There’s plenty to go around and everyone urges me to eat. I’m happy to oblige and tuck into a tasty pasta bake with salad. It’s hard to focus on the food though, as I’m so interested in finding out about all the people around me. More than once I get a gentle scolding for neglecting my meal, which gives me a nice, cosy feeling. I meet Zachariah from South Africa; veteran members Betty (who has been coming along to the club since it started 32 years ago) and Magdalena (a member of 19 years and enthusiastic cook and recipe sharer); and good friends Margaret and Christina.

Everyone’s stories and reasons for coming are vastly different, but everyone stays for the camaraderie. It’s easy to see why. My time at BEST Club flies and I find myself wishing I was a senior so I could come every week. Just before I leave to go, Nancy comes up and tells me that one of the best parts of BEST Club is the member “spotlight” where someone will tell the group a bit about themselves. It turns out that the irrepressible John joined the group not long after a serious illness that left him with mobility issues, and is quite the group handyman and always helping others. We look over towards John, who is cheerfully talking to another group member and I tell her she’s right: I never would have guessed. And of course, as a man of his word, John did drop off copies of his programs for me. Thanks, John! And thanks BEST Club! Your name is exactly right.

Get on Board and Go Social Before Christmas! Bus Excursions, Lunch Tours and Social ActivitiesThe week-day Bus Excursion Tours and Bus Lunch Tours (BETs and BLTs) are a regular opportunity for Belconnen residents to get out and about, meet new people, and share a lunch and conversation in the surrounds of some of Canberra’s places of interest. BET and BLT Transport generally begins at 11am and returns around 2:30pm, depending on the activity. Pick up can be arranged from your door or a convenient meeting point, such as the Belconnen Community Centre in Swanson Court, Belconnen, or the Kippax Health Centre in Kippax place.

In February, BCS also introduced the Go Social service which offers weekly excursions on a Saturday, and a Monday Shopper Shuttle in our new wheel-chair accessible commuter. The Go Social service works well for people who are unable to take part in weekday excursions, or would like a fun group shopping day with support for mobility issues. Go Social activities are a door-to-door service, with pick-up generally starting from 10am.

Bus Excursions and ToursFriday October 9th Tulip Top Gardens, Bywong, NSW Delight in a spectacular ten acre garden of magnificent tulips and other spring flowers near the Yass River. There is a senior’s admission fee of $15. See www.tuliptopgardens.com.au for pictures and more information.

Friday November 27 Piallago Nurseries Tour Plant and garden lovers, take a jaunt around the beautiful nurseries in Piallago. Grab those finishing touches for your own garden, or just enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by spring blooms.

Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16 & Thursday 17 December – Christmas Lights Tours Jump on board the Belconnen Community Bus and enjoy the sights of the fantastic Christmas light displays on homes in Canberra’s northern suburbs, while enjoying good company, carols and Christmas cheer.

The Belconnen Community Bus Service annual Christmas Lights Tours start at 7:30pm and cost $5 per person. The bus will come straight to your door and drop you home safely afterwards.

It’s a popular evening out for the festive season, so be sure to book early!

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19BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e r

Bus Lunch ToursMonday October 19th Gold Creek Village Enjoy something from the variety of eateries in the village or simply wander through the various shopping outlets.

Monday November 16th Floresco in the Gardens Set in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Floresco offers meals using fresh produce and Australian bush foods.

Monday December 21st A Cotter Christmas Join us for a Christmas BBQ and relaxing afternoon in the gorgeous Cotter reserve. Bring a hat and some sunscreen (a small fee for lunch applies).

Go Social SaturdaysThe wheel-chair accessible commuter can seat up to ten passengers. Advance bookings are essential.October 3rd Tulip Top Gardens, Bywong NSWOctober 10th Canberra Highland Gathering and Scottish FairOctober 17th Murrumbateman Field Days October 24th Spring Mt. Stromlo Observatory Site TourOctober 31st Lunch at Floreso in the Botanic GardensNovember 7th Pialligo Nurseries TourNovember 14th National Arboretum CanberraNovember 21st Lunch: Kingston Foreshore

November 28 Capital Region Farmers Markets Go Social Shopper Shuttles on a MondayThe wheel-chair accessible commuter can seat up to ten passengers. Advance bookings are essential.October 12th Gungahlin Shopping Centre October 19th Woden Plaza October 26th Majura ParkNovember 2nd Gungahlin Shopping CentreNovember 9th Canberra Outlet CentreNovember 16th The Hyperdome, TuggeranongNovember 23rd Cooleman Court, Weston

To book or find out more about Bus Excursions, Lunch Tours, Go Social Saturdays or the Shopper Shuttle call the friendly team on 6278 8124, or visit www.bcsact.com.au. Eligibility criteria apply and a gold coin donation for transport is appreciated. Email bookings for Bus Excursions and Lunch Tours can be sent to bus@bcsact.com.au, email bookings for Go Social activities can be sent to transport@bcsact.com.au

We would love to hear your ideas on destinations for future excursions in the Canberra region, so please get in touch. You can also talk to the team to find out more about week day Go Social activities including our new Home Visiting Service.

Belconnen Early Childhood Centre –

Smart and SustainableBelconnen Mall, a place of conspicuous consumption, is the last place one would expect to find an oasis of sustainability. Belconnen

Early Childhood Centre (BECC), located on the top floor of the Mall, has a practical and holistic approach to environmental awareness that defies expectations. For the children who attend the centre, being wise custodians of the earth’s resources is a way of life.

In February 2015 the Centre participated in the Assessment and Rating process by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority. The rating given was ‘Exceeding National Quality Standard’. Contributing factors to this outstanding result were the centre’s deeply embedded approaches to sustainability and appreciation of other cultures, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

In June, BECC won an Actsmart Business Sustainability Award for Excellence in Motivation. This award goes to an organisation that has an effective staff motivation system to support energy and water efficiencies, or to improve waste management. BECC Director, Lauren Kapper said, “We’re now recognised as a business that’s actively recycling and being environmentally responsible. Throughout the accreditation process we have decreased BECC’s amount of waste to landfill by 31 tonnes a year!”

For the children and

educators at BECC the concepts of Aboriginal custodianship

of the land and of sustainable living go hand in hand. In celebration of National Tree Day in July, the children at BECC were visited by Adam Shipp, an Indigenous Restoration Officer at Greening Australia. They all enjoyed getting their hands dirty in the balcony garden. Thanks Adam!

BECC staff and children are well versed in the 3 Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. To these three they have added a few Rs of their own: Refuse - refusing items that we don’t need, reduces our consumption. When we buy fewer items we impact on the energy and fossil fuels used in manufacturing and transport. Return - borrowing or swapping items from others rather than buying them reduces unnecessary duplication of resources. Repair/Renew – fixing old or broken items makes them usable again. Rot - composting reduces landfill and feeds the soil. Respect – learning about and understanding our environment helps us to be better custodians. Reflect - reflecting on the ways we do things helps us to know whether we need to change or modify our practices. Responsibility – we take care of things so that they are not broken beyond repair and thrown into landfill. Remediation, Replant, Replenish, Restore, Recover – these words describe the act of reversing or stopping environmental damage so we can leave the world as we found it for those who come after us.

For enquiries about Belconnen Early Childhood Centre call 62640200 or email 62640200.

Superhero Dance Class Swishing capes, stomping feet, and swirling hands – it must be the new Belconnen Community Centre Superhero Dance Class! This movement class for children aged 3-5 is suitable for all experience levels, and is a fun way for young children to enjoy the benefits of dance. Superhero and Character costumes are optional, but very welcome. The Superhero Dance Class takes place on Thursdays 11am – 11:40am from November 5 – December 10 (six weeks). This class is suitable for ages 3-5 years and costs $80. Call BCS reception on 62640200 or email bcc@bcsact.com.au

BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e rIssue 4 - 12th October 2015 - 15th January 2016

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BCS Children’s Programs Early Education and CareBCS Early Education and Care Programs cater for children from birth to school age. Educators recognise the importance of establishing a solid learning foundation through communication, language, and fostering the social and emotional wellbeing of each child. Early education and care programs provide environments that are stimulating and extend children’s interests and knowledge through play based learning.

Belconnen Early Childhood CentreWestfield Belconnen8am-6pm

Bruce Early Childhood CentreBassett St, Bruce8am-6pm

Ginninderra Early Childhood CentreBelconnen Community Centre7:45am-6pm

School Aged CareBCS School Aged Care programs cater for children from kindergarten to year 6 and run from various schools in Belconnen. Educators provide children with opportunities to maximise their potential, develop life skills and experience a sense of enjoyment through play and leisure. Before School Care operates from 7.30am until 9.00am and After School Care (afters) operates from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Programs are offered at:

Charnwood Primary School, Bettington Circuit, Charnwood (afters only)

Florey Primary School, Ratcliff Crescent, Florey (before and afters)

St Johns Primary School, Pawsey Circuit, Florey (before and afters)

St Matthews Primary School, Stutchbury Street, Page (before and afters)

West Belconnen Summer Holiday Program at Cranleigh School in Starke St Holt will operate from 8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, from January 4 – 20, 2016, except public holidays. West Belconnen School Holiday Program caters for children of all abilities from Kindergarten to year 6 and provides a stimulating array of activities including music, sport, craft and excursions.

For more information about BCS Children’s Programs or to make a booking please phone 02 6264 0200, fax 02 6253 2901 or email csat@bcsact.com.au. Our programs are ChildCare Benefit and ChildCare Rebate approved and we are a proud NDIS provider.

Safe Social Connection for Children at St John’s This year, the educators and senior children from St Johns School Aged Care program started making weekly visits to the corner@bcs on Chandler St and Swanson Court, Belconnen. The purpose of the visits is to let the senior children know that there is a safe and fun environment that they can drop into after school and during school holidays for free activities. The youth workers at the corner where are helpful, accommodating and fun and the children from St Johns enjoyed their time at the corner so much that they ask to go to there every day. While enjoying the activities, games and facilities on offer, they also make new friends from other schools and enhance their social skills.

A connected, active & strong community

The corner@bcs The corner@bcs is located on the corner of Swanson Court and Chandler Street Belconnen. The corner@bcs is staffed by experienced youth workers and provides a safe space for young people aged 12 to 25 years to hang out. A range of activities is offered every day including: pool table, table tennis, board games, books, X-Box, Wii, and craft. The Youth School Holiday Program is offered in addition to these daily activities.

All excursions, activities and workshops are offered FREE of charge! Bookings and permission notes are essential for all excursions and places are limited. In some instances activities and excursions may change at short notice due to matters beyond our control. Please contact us to obtain the most recent version of our Program if you are interested

in attending any of our activities. For further information, enrolment and permission forms please contact Jennifer Lewis: Jennifer.lewis@bcsact.com.au, 6264 0204.

A Nutritious Delicious New Year Nutritious Delicious is a new, five day holiday program designed for young people aged 11 to 14 who would like to learn some basic cooking skills and meet new people. The

program is staffed by 2 youth workers. All meal and snack recipes come from the Nutrition Australia website. Meals include shepard’s pie, mushroom, pumpkin and tofu curry, pikelets and much more!

Nutritious Delicious runs from Monday January 11 to Friday January 15 from 10.30am—2.30pm at the corner@bcs To register or for more information, please contact Jen on 6264 0204 or Jennifer.lewis@bcsact.com.au.

Youth School Holiday Program Summer 2016Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 12pm to 5pm (excl. public holidays)

Centre Week

Monday 18th Tuesday 19th Wednesday 20th Thursday 21st Friday 22ndCrafty Creations Wacky Science

ExperimentsCos Play

Costume MakingScavenger Hunt Sun Hat Tie

Dying

Excursion Week (centre

not open)

Monday 25th Tuesday 26th Wednesday 27th Thursday 28th Friday 29thTen Pin Australia Day

Public HolidayIce Skating Fishing Day Trip Skyzone

BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e rIssue 4 - 12th October 2015 - 15th January 2016

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A connected, active & strong community

Monday

Art Therapy9.30am - 12.00pm, CivicSmall group mental health program. Individual Art Therapy available by appointmentCall Kate on 6264 0200Mothers’ Voice10.00am - 12.00pm, Belconnen Library Community RoomSinging group for mothers with babies and pre school aged childrenCost: FreeCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Digital Photobooks10.00am - 12.00pm, Art Room 1Learn to use iPads to make beautiful photobooks. For people aged 65+Cost: $60 per term, October-November.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Aerobics - Low Impact10.15am - 11.15pm, GymLow impact class suitable for all fitness levelsCost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Social Badminton10.30am - 12.15pm, Sports HallA social game for all levels of playersCost: $6 per session / $4 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Mature Fitness11.30am - 12.30pm, GymImprove your fitness using fit bands, Swiss balls and light hand weightsCost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200

Women’s Group12.00pm - 1.30pm, Meeting Room 2LPACT Mental Health Support and light lunchCost: $5 for lunchCall John on 6264 0200Aerobics/Circuit Class12.30pm - 1.30pm, GymImprove your strength and cardiovascular fitnessCost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Knit, Nibbles, & Natter1.00pm - 3.00pm, Tea RoomSocial group for knitting and yarnsCost: $5 per sessionCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200GROW Meeting1.30pm - 3.30pm, Meeting Room 1Mutual support and self-help for people with anxiety or other mental health difficultiesCost: FreeCall Kristin on 6295 7791Healthy Body, Healthy Mind1.45pm - 2.45pm, GymLPACT: a women-only fitness class for mental health supportCost: FreeCall John on 6264 0200Martial Arts - Bridges Program2.00pm - 3.30pm, Sports HallA Martial Arts class for people living with disability, taught by James from the Korean Martial Arts Academy CanberraCost: $150 per 10 week termCall Kelly on 6264 0200Koori Kids3.30pm - 4.30pm, West Belconnen Child and Family CentreGroup for 8-16 year old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Creative arts, music, physical education and cultural prideCost: FreeCall Nick White on 6278 8108

Expressive Art - Bungee Program4.30pm - 5.30pm, Art Room 1Build resilience and self-confidence through expressive art; for children ages 7-11 yearsCost: $30 per term, concession availableCall Susan on 6264 0200Bit Bent Belconnen6.00pm - 8.00pm, the corner@bcsSocial support group for LGBTIQ young people aged 12-25 yearsCost: FreeCall Jen Lewis on 6264 0204ACT Shotokan Karate6.30pm - 8.30pm, Sports HallCost: $10 per class or $40 per monthCall Ryan on 0414 802 429 or Wally on 6254 6593

Tuesday

Tiny Tumblers Session 1: 10.00am - 10.45am, Session 2: 11.00am - 11.45am, Sports HallEducational gym play for under-5sCost: $12 per class / $100 for 10 class passCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200BEST Club11.00am - 11.45am, BCS FlynnBelconnen Energetic Seniors on Tuesday, social club for Over 65sCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Fun Fitness with Judy10.00am - 11.00am, GymCost: $8 per classCall Judy on 6288 0768My Art - Bridges Program10.00am - 12.00am, Art Room 1Inclusive mixed-media art class for people living with disabilityCost: $100 per 10 week termCall Kate on 6264 0200

BCS Community Calendar October - December 2015

Centre Week

Monday 18th Tuesday 19th Wednesday 20th Thursday 21st Friday 22ndCrafty Creations Wacky Science

ExperimentsCos Play

Costume MakingScavenger Hunt Sun Hat Tie

Dying

Excursion Week (centre

not open)

Monday 25th Tuesday 26th Wednesday 27th Thursday 28th Friday 29thTen Pin Australia Day

Public HolidayIce Skating Fishing Day Trip Skyzone

A connected, active & strong community

Power Bar11.20am - 12.30pm, GymPlease arrive 20 minutes earlyCost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Swiss Ball12.30pm - 1.30pm, GymDevelop a strong well balanced body using Swiss ballsCost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Social Chess, Backgammon, Scrabble12.30pm - 2.30pm, Belconnen Library Community RoomLPACT mental health supportCost: FreeCall John on 6264 0200Scribblers Writing Group12.45pm - 2.45pm, Meeting Room 1Creative writing through practice, projects, and critiqueEmail scribblerswritinggroup@gmail.comLet it Be You1.30pm - 3.30pm, Meeting Room 2CASD Social and recreational program for people living with disabilityCost: $100 per 10 week termCall Kelly on 6264 0200Open Art Mental Health Painting, Drawing and Print Making1.00pm - 3.00pm, Art Room 1With TimCost: $100 per 10 week termCall Kate on 6264 0200Get Into Reading1.30pm - 3.30pm, Woden LibraryRead and discuss great stories and poems from the past and contemporary literatureCost: FreeCall John on 6264 0200

Youth Engagement - Open Access3.00pm - 5.30pm, the corner@bcsSafe place for young people aged 12-25 years to drop in and hang out.Cost: FreeCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Yoga and Meditation1.30pm - 2.30pm, Tuggeranong Library Meeting RoomDay to Day Living Mental Health programCost: FreeCall John on 6264 0200Elementz Rhythmic Gymnastics4.00pm - 5.00pm, Sports HallRecreational, school-based or competitive Rhythmic Gymnastics for all ages from 2 years – adult. During school term onlyCall Elementz on 6112 8460Art Ventures - Bungee Program3.30pm - 4.30pm, Art Room 1Building resilience and self-confidence through expressive art; ages 7 – 11 yearsCost: $30 per term, concession availableCall Susan on 6264 0200Acting - Bungee Program4.00pm - 5.30pm, Meeting Room 2Drama group helping to build resilience and self-confidence; for children ages 8 – 13 yearsCost: $30 per term, conc. AvailableCall Susan on 6264 0200Ukulele Empire5.30pm - 6.45pm, Meeting Room 1Suitable for ages 10 years and over with some Ukulele experienceCost: $12 per class / $100 for 10 class passCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200The Birthing Tree - Prenatal Yoga5.30pm - 7.00pm, Meeting Room 2A flowing meditative practice that includes safe, gentle postures, breath work and relaxation

Cost: $18 per class or $180 per termCall Dani on 0447 231 280Sculpture Class6.00pm - 8.00pm, Art Room 1A mixed media sculpture class. No experience necessary, all levels welcomeCost: $15 per class or $130 per 10 week termCall Tony on 0406 151 865

Wednesday

Tiny Tumblers 10.00am - 10.45am, Sports HallEducational gym play for under-5sCost: $12 per class / $100 for 10 class passCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Mature Strength10.00am - 11.00am, GymWeight training for people over 60Cost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Cooking - Mental Health Support10.30am - 12.30pm, Woden Youth CentreCost: $5 per classCall Carmel on 6293 3951Creative Writing10.00am - 12.00pm, Woden LibraryLearn how to write engaging stories and poems with a published authorCost: FreeCall John on 6264 0200Social Club - Bridges Program10.30am - 12.00pm, the corner@bcsSocial and recreational activities for people living with disabilityCost: $100 per 10 week termCall Kelly on 6264 0200Mature Fitness11.30am - 12.30pm, GymIncludes the use of Swiss Ball and hand weights for better strengthCost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Advanced Badminton12.15pm - 1.45pm, Sports HallA social game for advanced playersCall Clive on 0424 659 497

BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e rIssue 4 - 12th October 2015 - 15th January 2016

A connected, active & strong community

25

Power Bar12.30pm - 1.30pm, GymPlease arrive 20 minutes earlyCost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Interchange AA Group12.30pm - 1.30pm, Meeting Room 1Support to stop drinkingCall Judy on 0408 051 203Yoga and Meditation1.30pm - 2.30pm, Meeting Room 2Gentle yoga and meditation classCost: $12 per classCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Mental Health Drop-In1.30pm - 3.30pm, the corner@bcsPool, table tennis, air hockey, X-Box, computer accessCost: FreeCall Kate on 6264 0200Dance Club - Bridges Program2.00pm - 3.30pm, GymHip-Hop dance classes for people living with disabilityCost: $150 per 10 week termCall Kelly on 6264 0200Bruce Toastmasters6.00pm - 7.30pm, Meeting Room 2Meets fortnightlyCall Andrew Wirth on 0408 117 113ACT Shotokan Karate6.30pm - 8.30pm, Sports HallCost: $10 per class or $40 per monthCall Ryan on 0414 802 429 or Wally on 6254 6593Canberra Tamil Badminton8.30pm - 9.30pm, Sports HallAlso play Sundays 9am-10amCall Sri on 6258 0633

Thursday

Playgroup in the Park9.45am - 11.00am, corner Lance Hill Ave. and Evelyn Owen Cres. DunlopSchool terms only; bring a hat, snack and water. Cancelled in the event of rain.Cost: FreeCall Yolanda on 6278 8115

Tiny Tumblers10.00am - 10.45am, Sports HallEducational gym play for under-5sCost: $12 per class / $100 for 10 classesCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Belconnen Women’s Group10.00am-12.00pm, Meeting Room 1Outings, guest speakers and fun for women aged 50+Call Judy on 0417 658 370English Conversation Group10.00am - 12.00pm, Belconnen Library Community RoomSupported by BCS volunteers, morning tea provided.Cost: FreeCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Be Active Gym - Bridges Program10.00am - 12.00pm, GymGentle exercise gym class for people living with disability.Cost: $150 per 10 week termCall Kelly on 6264 0200Power Bar11.20am - 12.30pm, GymPlease arrive 20 minutes earlyCost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Lunchtime Volleyball12.30pm - 1.30pm, Sports HallCall Michael on 6252 5955Stretch & Flex12.30pm - 1.30pm, GymGentle stretch and flex exercisesCost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Messengers Program12.45pm - 3.00pm, Art Room 1Arts-based early intervention and resilience program for young people aged 13-18 years. During school termsCost: FreeCall Messengers on 6293 2212

Craft Club - Bridges Program1.30pm - 3.00pm, Art Room 1Creative crafts group for people living with disabilityCost: $100 per 10 week termCall Kelly on 6264 0200Ukulele for Beginners1.00pm - 2.15pm, Meeting Room 2Cost: $100 per 8 week termCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Ukulele Empire2.30pm - 3.30pm, Meeting Room 2Suitable for people with some ukulele experienceCost: $100 per 8 week termCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Backs in Balance2.00pm - 3.00pm, GymStrength and balance for falls prevention and healthCost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Beginning Badminton2.00pm - 3.30pm, Sports HallLPACT mental health supportCost: $5.00 per sessionCall John on 6264 0200Youth Engagement - Open Access3.00pm - 5.30pm, the corner@bcsSafe place for young people 12-25 years to drop in and hang out.Cost: FreeCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200

A connected, active & strong community

Friday

Florey Paint and Play9.30am - 10.45am, Florey PrimaryA playgroup for parents and their children, held during school termsCall Denae on 6264 0200Open Art Mental Health Pottery9.30am - 12.00pm, WatsonJoin artist Tony in creating pottery pieces and ceramic artworksCost: $100 per 10 week termCall Kate on 6264 0200Get Up - Young Parents Group10.00am - 11.30am, West Belconnen Child and Family CentreA playgroup for parents aged 25 and under and their children, runs during school terms onlyCall Emma on 6278 8110Mature Strength10.00am - 11.00am, GymWeight training for people over 60Cost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Philosophy@Woden10.00am - 11.30am, Smith Family BuildingLPACT Mental health support. Every second Friday from October 16Cost: FreeCall John on 6264 0200Positive Links10.00am - 1.00pm, BCS FlynnFriendly social group for people who’ve experienced a stroke or other life-changing experienceCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Social Badminton10.30am - 12.15pm, Sports HallA social game for all levels of playersCost: $6 per session / $4 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200

Mature Fitness11.30am - 12.30pm, GymImprove your fitness using fit bands, swiss balls and light hand weightsCost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Advanced Badminton12.15pm - 1.45pm, Sports HallA social game for advanced playersCall Clive on 0424 659 497Power Bar12.30pm - 1.30pm, GymPlease arrive 20 minutes earlyCost: $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Open Art Mental Health Mosaics1.00pm - 3.00pm, Art Room 1Join artist Tony in creating mosaicsCost: $100 per 10 week termCall Kate on 6264 0200

Get Into Reading1.30pm - 3.00pm, Woden LibraryRead and discuss great stories and poems from the past and contemporary literatureCost: FreeCall John on 6264 0200LPACT - Healthy Body, Healthy Mind1.45pm - 2.45pm, GymFitness class, mental health supportCost: FreeCall John on 6264 0200Youth Engagement - Cheap Eats3.00pm - 7.00pm, the corner@bcsSafe place for young people aged 12-25 years. Free Feed Fridays - free dinner provided in warm friendly space.Cost: FreeCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Kathak Dance School6.00pm - 7.30pm, Sports HallIndian classical dance form that exercises the body and mindCost: $17 per classCall Ira Patkar on 0430 942 375

A connected, active & strong community

BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e rIssue 4 - 12th October 2015 - 15th January 2016

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A Conversation with Gabriela Castillo Belconnen Community Centre Receptionist

Belconnen Newsletter caught up with Gabriela Castillo to talk about her role.

How long have you worked here?

I’ve been at BCS for about five years now. I was just 19 years old when I started and I’m still here. At first it was just a job but I love it, Belconnen Community Service has become a family to me. I love my regular community centre visitors, love the atmosphere and all the friendly people; I always feel welcomed. There’s something new every day so it keeps me busy and interested, and I love the feeling of being able to help someone.

What does your job involve?

In reception we deal with a lot of enquiries about programs and services, so we need to be across everything that BCS does. We’re often the first point of call for all community services, not just the ones run by BCS. For example, we get a lot of calls for

referrals to emergency relief service. People often mix us up with the local health centre, the arts centre, and even Canberra Connect, so we always keep their numbers to hand. We do all the bookings for the centre facilities and process all the payments for programs and activities BCS runs. Sometimes we end up doing odd building maintenance type jobs, such as checking if a fuse has blown when a light goes out in a meeting room. We take it as it comes.

Describe one of your most rewarding moments

There are so many, it’s hard to remember one! There was the time I had a phone call from a very distressed lady who really didn’t know what service she was looking for; she was contemplating suicide. In the end I think she just needed someone to talk to and I was really happy I was able to help her feel better. Its things like that have really helped me to grow as a person and become a lot more confident. When I think about what I was like when I started – I was really shy and quiet and had a bit of anxiety with those sorts of situations. I don’t think I would have coped back then.

The relationships I have with our participants are really rewarding, too. You get to know about their lives. They share a lot and it’s nice to know they feel comfortable around you. I have quite a few regular favourites who come in all the time for art groups and fitness classes and stop to have a chat.

So, would you recommend working in the community sector?

Yes! Definitely! I would definitely recommend it as a career. It really opens your eyes to a lot of things. I never saw myself as working in the community sector, but it’s something I’ve really enjoyed.

A connected, active & strong community

A connected, active & strong community