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

Issue 1 - 2016January 15 2016 - April 26 2016

Growing up in BelconnenIn this issue: Recognition – Promoting Cultural Awareness, Christmas Kindness at St Matthews, BCS Gym – meet the people

Message from the CEO 3Belco’s Birthday Season 4Back to the Future – Unearthing the Time Capsule 5Recognition – Promoting Cultural Awareness 6Christmas Kindness at St Matthews 7Children’s Week at BCS 8Belco Backyard Blitz 9Get Involved in Belconnen 10News from our neighbourhood 12gallery@bcs 14social@bcs 16Story of a Strong manNDIS Information Sharing 18Community Bus and Go Social 19Early Education and Care 20School Aged Children and Young People 21Community Calendar 22BCS Gym – meet the people 26

CONTACTSBelconnen Community ServiceBelconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, Belconnen.PO Box 679, Belconnen, ACT 2616.Tel: 6264 0200Fax: 6253 2901Email: [email protected]: www.bcsact.com.au www.facebook.com/BCSACT FOLLOW@BCSACTNewsletter Editor [email protected] 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

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.bcsact.com.au/

http://www.facebook.com/BCSACT


BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e r

Issue 1 - 15th January 2016 - 25th April 2016

3

Message from the CEO

Happy New Year and welcome to issue one of our Community Newsletter for 2016. The theme for the issue is “Growing up in Belconnen” which refers to both experience of childhood in Belconnen and the fact that Belconnen itself is maturing. Last year BCS celebrated the 40th anniversary of its incorporation. Our front cover shows children from St Matthew’s After School Care performing in our birthday show: BCS - This is Your Life. You can see pictures from the show and our party on pages four and sixteen.

This year, Belconnen celebrates its own big birthday. Our community will turn 50 in June and a range of celebrations will take place in the latter half of the year to celebrate this significant occasion. Find out how you can become involved on page four.

On page five you can read about the Time Capsule in Margaret Timpson Park which was unearthed with help from Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) and Belconnen Community Council in October 2015.

The capsule contained artwork, photos and videos made by young people from Belconnen in 2001. A few days after the capsule was unearthed, we met two of the creators of its contents. We enjoyed seeing the memories come flooding back to them when they saw their work again after 14 years underground.

Throughout this issue, there are stories from our award-winning children’s programs. These stories tell of children volunteering and fundraising for charities, being actively involved in environmental initiatives, and increasing their knowledge of other cultures. BCS has been providing care and education for children in our community for 40 years. We’re proud of the thoughtful and kind engagement that the children in our care have with our broader community.

BCS has also had a long and strong engagement with people of all ages who live with disability. For the past two years, we’ve been taking a learning journey to ensure that we, and the people we work with, have the smoothest possible transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We’ve employed specialist staff to assist people to prepare for their planning meetings with the NDIS, and to liaise with the National Disability Insurance Agency. Last year, many of our participants transitioned to the scheme and they are now able to access a range of supports to suit their individual needs. This year, the remaining people who live with disability in our community will also transition and we look forward to providing more individualised support as well as growing our important range of social and skills development group activities.

On February 18, we will hold a day of information sharing in Belconnen Community Centre for people who are transitioning to the NDIS this year. Find out more about this on page eighteen.

I hope you enjoy the rest of this beautiful summer and the early autumn months which are surely Canberra’s most spectacular time.

Dira Horne

Belco’s Birthday Season

On November 10, 2015, BCS celebrated 40 years of community leadership in Belconnen. There was music, cake, balloons and a happy atmosphere of reunion and Belco pride. The highlight of the celebration was a live show in theatre@bcs: Belconnen Community Service - This is Your Life. We’d like to thank everyone who volunteered their time and memories to be part of this show. See social pictures on Page 17.

Guests on stage for This is Your Life were:

• Children from St Matthews After School Care

• Rauny Worm, This is Your Life presenter and former BCS Manager of Community Cultural and Strategic Development

• Barbara Podger, former BCS president and volunteer from the early days

• Lynn Grayson (via video), first CEO of BCS

• OlaTaungakava, original and current staff member at Ginninderra Early Childhood Centre

• Chrissie Shaw, mysterious accordion player who’s appeared throughout BCS history

• Margo Mitchell, CEO of BCS till 2008

• Phil Nizette, Belconnen Community Festival coordinator and community artist

• Rob Mezzenger, 2010 Belconnen Festival mascot

• Simone Penkethman, BCS Community Engagement and Public Relations Manager

• Benny Hodges (Wis Wei Consulting), BCS’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness Trainer

• Santa Claus

• Alicia Payne, current BCS President

• Dira Horne, current CEO of BCS

• Yvette Berry MLA, local member and supporter of BCS

2016 marks the 50th birthday of Belconnen (Belco50). The district of Belconnen was defined in the Australian Capital Territory “Districts Ordinance 1966”. The name was taken from a land grant made in 1837 to the explorer Captain Charles Sturt. In June 1966, the district was inaugurated by the Minister for the Interior, John Douglas (Doug) Anthony MP and a commemoration stone was laid in the Aranda playing fields. In 1967, The first residential leases in Aranda were offered at auction.

The intervening years have seen plenty of growth, change, and the making of a history that’s within living

memory. BCS, Belconnen Arts Centre and Belconnen Community Council invite our community to celebrate and innovate. Belco50 will be an umbrella under which groups in our community can create a range of projects and events, rather like C100 branched across Canberra during our centenary year in 2013.

To share your memories, events and ideas for celebration and to stay informed about up-coming

celebrations, join Facebook.com/

belco50.

An inclusive connected community

BCS birthday cake by Debbie Moger and Nicole Warren

from the early days

• Lynn Grayson (via video), first CEO of BCS

• OlaTaungakava, original and current staff member at Ginninderra Early Childhood Centre

• Chrissie Shaw, mysterious accordion player who’s appeared throughout BCS history

made in 1837 to the explorer Captain Charles Sturt. In June 1966, the district was inaugurated by the Minister for the Interior, John Douglas (Doug) Anthony MP and a commemoration stone was laid in the Aranda playing fields. In 1967, The first residential leases in Aranda were offered at auction.

The intervening years have seen plenty of growth, change, and the making of a history that’s within living

memory. BCS, Belconnen Arts Centre and Belconnen Community Council invite our community to celebrate and innovate. Belco50 will be an umbrella under which groups in our community can create a range of projects and events, rather like C100 branched across Canberra during our centenary year in 2013.

To share your memories, events and ideas for celebration and to stay informed about up-coming

celebrations, join Facebook.com/

belco50.

BCS birthday cake by Debbie Moger and Nicole Warren

http://facebook.com/

Back to the Future – Unearthing the Time Capsule

One of Belconnen’s most intriguing mysteries was solved on Back to the Future Day*, October 21, 2015. A Time Capsule commemorating the Centenary of Federation in 2001 that was buried beneath a plaque in Margaret Timpson Park was unearthed. A team from Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) in partnership with BCS and Belconnen Community Council (BCC) uncovered a concrete manhole that contained two PVC pipe cylinders.

The capsule had attracted the interest of many Belconnen locals. In 2014, a team from BCS attempted the dig but were thwarted by heavy concrete blocks buried beneath the plaque. Things really moved forward when BCS made contact with Brian Bathgate, a TAMS Operations Manager. Mr Bathgate said that he enjoys doing collaborative projects with the community and, within weeks, he’d scheduled a team to tackle the heavy task.

When the first of the two cylinders was opened, it was water damaged and the soggy remnants of disintegrating photos, papers and video tapes were all that remained. Luckily, the second cylinder was intact. It contained T-shirts, photos, video material and a large colourful banner.

BCS and BCC posted photos of the excavation and Time Capsule contents on social media and within two days, Nikki Bann contacted BCS to say that she was one of the young artists involved in the project in 2001. A few days later, she and her friend Amy who was also involved in the project visited BCS to see their work unearthed. Nikki says that she had been waiting for the capsule to come up and that,

“everyone in Belco kinda knew it was there.” At first, Nikki and Amy’s recollections were vague. They’d attended school holiday art workshops at Belconnen Youth Centre to create the work and said, “We kept coming back so it must’ve been fun.” As the young women looked through the photos and the work, the memories came flooding back. They remembered being given cameras, being encouraged to photograph whatever was important to them, and then turning the photos into the screen prints that appear on the banner and the T-shirts.

Share your Time Capsule memories at facebook.com/BCSACT

5BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e r



Now in their 20s, Amy Hancock and Nikki Bann were 13 and 14 when they made some of the artwork in the Time Capsule.

The Plaque in Margaret Timpson Park marking the burial site of the Time Capsule

Photo from the capsule: Nicole, Amy, Jess and Nikki wearing T-shirts they designed and printed.

* Back to the Future Day, October 21, 2015, is the day that Marty McFly travelled to in the 1989 sequel film.

Disappointment as the waterlogged contents of the first cylinder were revealed

A colourful banner from the second cylinder

http://facebook.com/BCSACT

Recognition: Promoting Cultural Awareness Recognition is an ongoing project at BCS’s School Aged Care (SAC) program at St Matthews Primary School in Page. The project started during Reconciliation Week at the end of May 2015. The educators at St Matthews SAC were looking for meaningful ways to change the way that they and the children think about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community. They were looking for ways to build positive, respectful relationships and recognise and acknowledge the ongoing contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Australia.

St Matthews SAC Director, Verna Galvin, says that they did this by using: Our Heads – this is what we know or think. Our Hearts – this is what we and others feelOur Hands – this is what we do and how we act towards

others.

Verna says, “The first thing we did was ask the children to do a mini project to find a picture of a famous Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and tell us what their contribution to Australian life was. We were recognising movie and pop stars, sports heroes, artists, poets and other political and cultural icons, many of whom were named Australian of the Year. We displayed this on a wall. The project grew and we added more people and businesses. Then we added books, games, cultural items, natural items and activities.”

The St Matthew’s Recognition project has also been guided by visits from Duncan Smith, a local Wiradjuri man who helps the children tell stories with aboriginal symbols.

He helps them paint and together they made a painting that symbolises the centre at St Matthews where SAC activities take place. Duncan brings his son, Bevan, and they play digeridoo and sticks and perform Aboriginal dances.

Verna says, “Each time we add a new item or activity, our knowledge and awareness grows and the children showed this growth by choosing to talk about this project with pride during their recent assembly for their parents.”

The Recognition wall at St Matthews SAC

Duncan Smith and children painting their story

Recognition artwork displayed in gallery@bcs during Children’s Week 2015.

7Issue 1 - 15th January 2016 - 25th April 2016


Christmas Kindness at Saint Matthews School Aged Care By Simone PenkethmanVerna, the director of Saint Matthews School Aged Care (SAC) invited me to her program for a special presentation. The children had made Christmas craft items which they sold to parents and friends at their Christmas party on Friday December 9. They raised $50 which they decided to donate to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance because one of their friends, Chaise, who attends the program, lives with Cerebral Palsy. They invited Kellie and Chris from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance to accept their donation. Chaise attends Cranleigh School and travels to Saint Matthews SAC two afternoons a week. Verna told Kellie, Chris and I about Chaise’s best friend who spends a lot of time telling Chaise stories to make him smile.

I spoke to Charlie, one of the children present. She told me that her sister Haley came up with the idea to make the craft and sell it, and that it was Haley who also thought of donating the money to charity. Charlie said that they made tree ornaments; wooden signs with Christmas messages and pictures; bags of hot chocolate with marshmallows, and also found other ways to raise money.

The children soon assembled into an audience. Kelly, Chris, and Chaise’s mum, Louise spoke about the work that the Cerebral Palsy Alliance does to help people affected by the condition. Then two of the children presented the $50 they’d raised, by selling their craft, to Kelly and Chris.

I’d met some of these extraordinary children recently at BCS’s 40th birthday party. They came dressed in

colourful costumes to perform an Acknowledgement of Country and sing Happy Birthday. We made friends and I accompanied them on ukulele. Knowing that they liked to sing, I brought my ukulele and a few Christmas songs along with me when I visited their program.

We sang Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and The Little Drummer Boy. Three girls asked whether I could play with them in their talent quest. I said, “When is it?” When they replied, “In about 20 minutes”, I said, “Sure”.

The level of focus, organisation and social and emotional intelligence shown by the children in the execution of their talent quest was stunning. They were entirely self-directed, with multiple acts, judges, prizes and some impressive stage management. The rules were clearly announced at the start of the show. They included a three minute time limit for acts and also the rule that if you win a prize you’re not allowed to boast and act like you’re the best.

The opening act, the Year Four Boys, showed a sound grasp of physical and scripted comedy and was very well rehearsed. My team: Ukulele Christmas Songs was up next. I certainly wasn’t lying when I said to the girls that it was the most fun I’d had all day.

What really struck me about Saint Matthews SAC was that the children drive the agenda. They’re not being taught or having their time structured. They do their own learning and make their own, highly functional, kind and inclusive structure.

Children’s Week at BCSChildren’s Week at BCS was a time of celebration and recognition, with an art exhibition, an award, and a huge party in the Belconnen Community Centre. National Children’s Week ran from October 22-30, 2015.

Exhibition in gallery@bcsFrom October 19-30 gallery@bcs showed an exhibition of artworks from BCS Children’s Programs. Displays included mixed art and installations from three Early Childhood Centres and five School Aged Care (SAC) programs. The official opening was held on Tuesday October 20. 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.

St Johns SAC – Community for Children AwardThe St Johns SAC educator team attended the ACT Children’s Week Launch Ceremony at the National Museum of Australia on Wednesday October 28 – Universal Children’s Day in Australia. The honourable Margaret Reid AO presented the team with a

Community for Children award for their outstanding contribution to children and young people within the community.

The St Johns Team would like to thank all the children who attend their before and after school care program for their continuous work that makes a huge difference in our local community. On a weekly basis, the children volunteer their time and donate much needed goods to local charities.

For enquires and bookings for BCS School Aged Care please call 62640200 or email [email protected]

Celebrating ChildrenThe Children’s Week Celebration in Belconnen Community Centre Sports Hall on October 29 saw 210 children and adults attending. BCS teamed up with West Belconnen Child and Family Centre, UnitingCare Kippax, Therapy ACT, St Thomas Aquinas School, Southern Cross Early Childhood School and Capital Health Network to present this fabulous event. Attractions included: a jumping castle, mini dance class, face painting, and soft gym equipment.

BCS thanks staff and volunteers from all participating organisations for making it such a great day.

Artwork from St Matthews SAC recognising inpirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in gallery@bcs




BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e r9


Bruce’s Backyard BlitzAlso on October 10th 2015, educators and families came together on a beautiful spring morning, volunteering their time to give the Bruce Early Childhood Centre’s outside environment a makeover. They started the day with the 10/10 teams, enjoying a fortifying breakfast of bacon and egg rolls at the Community Centre. Then armed with shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, a chainsaw, a lawnmower and a dingo everyone put in a massive effort to clear the overgrown bushland surrounding the Centre.

Under the guidance of BCS’ resident garden Guru, Fiona McGregor, they cleaned up the outside of the building before planting the new bushes and shrubs. Dale the dingo driver moved lots of rocks that formed part of the front garden. Large rocks were also placed strategically throughout the playgrounds for the children to enjoy, providing them with an environment that provides a variety of natural materials.

Bruce early Childhood Centre Director, Michelle Smith, says, “I’d like to send a big thank you to all the people that came and helped on the day, it was great to come together as a community. The environment looks amazing and the children have put the rocks in the playgrounds to good use.”

On the 10th day of the 10th month, 10 teams tackle 10 gardens For the fourth consecutive year, the BCS 10/10 project provided a one off garden clean-up and makeover for 10 households in Belconnen. The 10/10 project started as a way for BCS employees to volunteer their time to give back to the community. Over its four year existence, 10/10 has grown into a collaborative project. This year, volunteers from Housing ACT, Spotless and Uniting Care Kippax all joined the ranks.

While some gardens just required a simple mow, others underwent more major landscaping. 10/10 Project Coordinator, Graham McKerchar said: “One of the properties has been changed from a bit of a dustbowl with no gardens to a beautiful oasis for a family including a beautiful apple tree which the five year old absolutely loves.”

BCS thanks the following 10/10 sponsors for their assistance with fundraising: Blueblood Solutions, RSM Bird Cameron, BWS, Brindabella Insurance Services and Edwards Spray North.

We also acknowledge the following suppliers for their generous donations and discounts: Canberra Sand and Gravel, Kennards Hire and ACT Skip Hire.

Get Involved in BelconnenComputing Skills for SeniorsThis summer and autumn, BCS is offering two great courses to help older people improve their computing skills. Get Connected is tailored to seniors who’d like to use technology to stay in touch with friends and family. The four week program will cover how to: create and use an email account; use social media and upload photographs; and make video phone calls using Skype.

Digital Photobooks is a more advanced six week program, for people who are interested in learning how to design personalised photobooks and having them professionally printed.

Mondays 10:00am – 12:00pm

Get Connected: February 1st – 22nd 2016 – Cost: $60

Digital Photobooks: February 29th – April 11th – Cost: $80

Calling for Artists to Pay Homage for Seniors Week

Gallery@bcs’s Homage exhibition, held during Seniors Week 2016, aims to illustrate and celebrate the important role that Seniors play in our lives and communities. Artists

are invited to reflect on their relationship with a person who has been a “significant senior” in their life. Artworks may explore this relationship, the role of older people within our community, or the importance of intergenerational connection.

Entry is open to artists of all ages. Works must be suitable for display within a public community venue. Submitted works must be exhibition ready. Works may be of any medium. Please contact us prior to submitting your application in regards to large or fragile sculptural works, or to discuss any audio-visual or power requirements.

Expressions of Interest are due by February 19, 2016 and works must be delivered to Belconnen Community Centre, Canberra, between February 29th and March 4th 2016.

The exhibition will be on display between March 8 – 18, 2016. The official opening will be on 6pm, Wednesday March 16, 2016.

Please contact Katie Anderson-Kelly on 02 6264 0200 or email [email protected] for more information or to discuss your proposal.

Evening Outings for Adults Living with Disability

BCS’s popular summer and autumn evening outings for adults living with disability are back. They’re a great way enjoy some fun events and attractions. Destinations include the Multicultural Festival, Canberra Show and Enlighten Festival.

These weekly outings take place on Thursday or Friday nights from 5:00pm till 8:00pm. Transport is provided to and from Belconnen Community Centre.

Call BCS reception on 62640200 or email [email protected] for prices, bookings and further information.



http://com.au/



Ukulele in the Evening

The BCS Ukulele Empire has been growing since term four, 2014. Small, friendly groups with experienced teachers make learning and playing ukulele at Belconnen Community Centre a fun, rewarding and social experience. In early 2016, we’re offering an eight week, evening, beginner class that is suitable for anyone over the age of ten years. Beginner ukulele is a perfect parent and child activity. Children between the ages of eight and ten years may be able to participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

BCS Ukulele Empire sessions are suitable for people who have some previous experience in ukulele or who have completed a BCS beginner course.

Beginner Ukulele: Thursdays 5:30 – 6:45pm February 11 – March 31 - Cost: $100

Ukulele Empire: Tuesdays 5:30pm – 6:45pm and Thursdays 2:30pm – 3:30pm

Cost: Casual Visit: $12 10 class pass: $100

For more information, please contact Simone on 62640200

Superheroes: Return of the Dance Class After a successful pilot term in 2015, the popular Superhero Dance Class returns to Belconnen Community Centre for 2016. This class is a fun way for children aged 3-4 years to enjoy the benefits of dance. Favourite superheros and characters will be incorporated into dance movements and games, providing a playful way for children to experience imaginative dance. Superhero and character costumes are optional, but very welcome. The Superhero Dance Class will run from January 12 to December 22, and you’re welcome to enrol your child at any time. The class costs $12 for a casual visit, or you can purchase a 10 Class Pass for $100.

Tiny Tumblers 10 Class Passes may be used to attend Superhero Dance. For more information, please contact Katie on 6264 0200.

Tiny Tumblers – the times, they are a changin’ Session times for the Tiny Tumblers program are changing in 2016. The new session times, listed below, will allow for more flexibility around nap and feeding times. Tiny Tumblers is an educational gym play program for children aged 2-4 years of age, which allows children to develop their abilities and confidence in a safe and fun environment. Tiny Tumblers will run weekly from January 12 – December 22 2016. Places are available in all sessions. For enrolments, please contact BCS reception on 6264 0200 Tuesday 9.30am - 10.15amTuesday 10.30am - 11.15amWednesday 9:30am - 10.15amThursday 9:30am - 10.15amCost: Casual Visit: $12 10 Class Pass: $100


Thursday ukulele beginner class’s end of year concert, December 10 2015

News from our Neighbourhood Can Saver Plus assist you with School Costs? Saver Plus is a 10 month financial education and matched savings program that assists families to gain financial skills, establish a savings goal and develop long term savings habbits. Saver Plus is run by the Smith Family in partnership with the ANZ Bank. When they complete the program, participants receive up to $500 in matched savings which can be used for educational costs such as iPads, school books and uniforms.

The program includes free financial workshops which have helped more than 298,000 people manage their money better. Kornelia, a Canberra participant of Saver Plus says:

“This was such a beneficial program. It took financial pressure from my family and I was able to continue to study. I was surprised at how little I had to save weekly to achieve the $500 savings in 10 months. I am continuing to save a small amount weekly to the ANZ account. I recommended the program to a friend who is also studying and she has taken it up. Thank you to The Smith Family and ANZ.”

Participants may be eligible to join Saver Plus if they:

• have a Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card

• are at least 18 years old

• have regular income from work (self or partner) including casual, part-time, full-time or seasonal work,

• have a child at school or attend vocational education themselves.

Over the next five years, the Saver Plus team expects to help a further 16,000 Australian families, individuals and students. To be one of them, contact Aoife Berenger, Saver Plus Coordinator for The Smith Family: [email protected] or 0448 730 305

February Exhibitions at Belconnen Arts Centre 5 – 28 February 2016

Exhibition opening: Friday 5 February at 5.30pm

In the gallery: Dream Machine

A mixed media installation that is the end result of collaboration between acclaimed, Canberra based street artist, byrd, and young people from diverse backgrounds. Take a ride through the Dream Machine; the culmination of many hands, imaginings, stories from the past, tales from now, and future thinking. The bus is a monument to people’s journey through colonization, globalization, new migration and renewal; woven, pasted and generated from historical knowledge and shared experiences.

In the foyer: Messages from Canberra: screen printed posters from Megalo

The Megalo Archive of posters is a vibrant and powerful cross section of events, places and community.

Sometimes quirky and humorous, at times shocking and powerful, these posters have utilitarian value which is shown through the democratic medium of print.

At the opening of Megalomania: 33 Years of Posters Made at Megalo Print Studio in 2013,





Robyn Archer AO, Creative Director of the Centenary of Canberra said:

We celebrate the symbolic role of the national capital, but we also raise the profile of Canberra as a human city, where passion, humour, protest, music and art have always been, and continue to be, alive and well.

Carers: A $60.3 billion a year labour of love A recently launched report found that Australians provided $60.3 billion in unpaid care in 2015. Care provided includes looking after family members and friends who are aged, chronically ill or have a disability.

According to the Deloitte Access Economics Report, The Economic Value of Informal Care in Australia in 2015, the need for carers is at an all-time high. One in eight Australians provide informal care, and demand for carers is double supply in some areas.

Chief Executive of Carers ACT Dee McGrath says Australia must come up with innovative ways to meet the demand.

“We have reached that tipping point where more people are requiring care than there are unpaid family and friend carers. We have to find ways to make sure people can combine work and care, can combine study and care and can find emerging technologies that might assist them with their caring role.”

The report warns of an ever-widening carer gap and points to modelling that shows that by 2025, only 42 per cent of people with a severe disability who are aged over 65 years and not living in residential care will have access to an unpaid family and friend carer.

If you are a carer or know of one visit www.carersact.org.au for more information on how Carers ACT can help through services and supports.

Thanks for BCS Giving Tree Support

Each year, through generous donations from our community, BCS prepares and distributes up to 200 hampers of food, treats and gifts to households in Belconnen. For many, the Christmas season can be a difficult time to make ends meet. BCS thanks everyone who donated a gift to our 2015 giving tree. We also recognise and thank the following organisations for their support:• Spotless • Radford College• United Office Choice• Bunnings Belconnen• HESTA


http://org.au/

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

Open 9am-4:30pm Monday-Friday

gallery@bcs ‘Springboard Series’ presents: Plucked Textile works by Francesca Bleeker and Tundi-Rose Hammond, selected from the Australian National University (ANU) School of Art’s 2015 Graduation Exhibition. January 19 - February 5 Official opening 5:30pm Wednesday Jan 20 Each year, as part of gallery@bcs’s contribution to the ANU School of Art’s Emerging Artist Support Scheme, we select graduating artists from one department to put together a group show of works.

My View A mixed media exhibition by artists of the Belconnen Artists Network for the annual BeAN Summer Challenge February 23 - March 4 Official opening 5:30pm Wednesday Feb 24 Practicing art is a great way to express your view on life, no matter which medium you use.It opens your eyes to colourful details and gives you the hunger to express yourself in the way you interpret them. An artist can be intrigued by something that most people take for granted. It can be colours, texture, a whisper, an expressive face within which the artist finds the secret.For the 2016 Belconnen Artists’ Network Summer Challenge, our artists have been asked to use their medium of choice to convey their own point of view of life as they perceive it.

Nitty Gritty – On the Front Line A mixed media exhibition by frontline welfare workers February 9 – 19 Official opening 5:30pm Wednesday Feb 10An insight into the creative expression from some of the front line community workers in Canberra. Supporting people in crisis, where the rubber meets the road, can be an intense and rewarding experience. Creative outlets from these frontline workers at the crucible of community work have birthed the art of this exhibition, a wide range of styles and mediums.

Homage AA mixed media exhibition celebrating Seniors Week 2016March 9 – 18 Official Opening 6pm Wednesday March 16Homage illustrates and celebrates the important role that Seniors play in our lives and communities. Featuring a diverse range of artworks of a variety of mediums, this exhibition invited local artists to reflect on their relationship with a “significant senior”. The artworks creatively express the influence of older people, and highlight the importance of intergenerational connections.



15

Ryan Bevan An exhibition of artworks by Ryan Bevan March 22 – April 1 Official Opening Tuesday March 22Ryan is seven years old and has been drawing and painting since he was four years old. He loves drawing cartoons and painting. He also loves colouring in cartoons of Spiderman and changing them to other cartoon super heroes. He draws on a daily basis. Ryan’s mother has been told by his art teachers that he has a talent for drawing. She says that his Great Grandfather and Great Aunt also had a flare for art. It is her hope for Ryan that he goes far with his art.

BCS Employee Exhibition A mixed media exhibition of artworks by Employees of Belconnen Community Service (BCS) April 19 –29 Official opening 6pm Wednesday April 20 Each year gallery@bcs showcases a wide range of artwork across multiple media by the talented employees of BCS. From painting to pottery, jewellery to quilting, the BCS Employee Exhibition has it all.

The Bungee program @bcs presents: The Youth of Tomorrow A multimedia exhibition by participants of the BCS Bungee Youth Resilience Program April 5 - 15 This exhibition features artworks made by children in Bungee after-school classes at Belconnen Community Centre and Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre. As the youth of tomorrow, the children have thought about and talked about their hopes, dreams and goals for the future. The children have used sustainable and recycled materials to create individual and collaborative multimedia artworks which represent the hopes and dreams of the children and their families and their local and global communities.

social@bcs

Adelle, Myles, Juanita, Allyscha at the opening of Face to Face, an exhibition celebrating International Day of People with Disability in

gallery@bcs on December 1

Dean Hemena, ACT Government; Lynn Rackley BCS; Maree Sullivan, ACT Health; Nina McSweeney, Carers ACT; Anne Ranse, Holy Covenant Hospice; Luke Coniston, COTA; Jen Butler, Carers

ACT; Nicole Warren, BCS

Shane Breynard, Canberra Museum and Gallery, James Cannon, artist, and John Vance, BCS, at the opening of The Secret of

Ourselves exhibition on October 30 at Tuggeranong Arts Centre Shopfront Gallery

Members of the West Belconnen Commitment to Community Group held a pop-up Seniors Expo on November 5 at Kippax Fair Shopping Centre.

Ira Patkar and family at the Children’s Week Celebration in BCC Sports Hall on October 29

Nicole Warren and Melinda Gowty from BCS

Thursday Ukulele Group end of year concert in Belconnen Community Centre, December 10.

Happy 90th Birthday Les Truesdale (far right)

BELCONNEN COMMUNITYn e w s l e t t e r17


On November 10, BCS celebrated it’s 40th birthday with a This is Your Life show in theatre@bcs.

Children from St Matthews School Aged Care

Cameron Smith, Josh Buckler and Ben Drysdale setting the party vibe

Lucy Mitchell, Barbara Podger, former BCS President, and Margo Mitchell, former BCS CEO

Chamali Ambepitiya, Parven Haque, Allison Sullings and Chamari Hettiaraclichi

Tara Cheyne, Monika McInerney and Ann McMahon of Belconnen Arts Centre

Chrissie Shaw as the Gypsy with host, Rauny Worm

Benny Hodges of Wis Wei consulting with Rauny Worm, Strong Man Rob Mezzenger and Phil Nizette

BCS President Alicia Payne, Yvette Berry MLA, and BCS CEO Dira Horne cutting the birthday cake


Insane Champion Wrestling – Story of a Strong ManBy Simone PenkethmanBack in early 2010, when the BCS team was putting together its marketing concept for the Belconnen Community Festival, we found an image that seemed to encapsulate our theme Circo Belco. The image was of a traditional, circus strong man with a barbell in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. He was both strong and sweet. He was how we saw Belconnen and how we wanted our festival to be.

The previous year a new group had begun to hire our theatre: Insane Champion Wrestling (ICW). We thought it would be great if someone could play the part of the strong man at the festival so I got in touch with Nick, the organiser of ICW. Not only did he find someone who looked the part and was willing to be our mascot, he also brought the ICW wrestling ring to the festival, staged demonstrations throughout the day, and let other martial arts groups use the ring for their own demonstrations – all free of charge!

In 2015, when we were organising our birthday show: Belconnen Community Service – This is Your Life, I wanted to find our festival mascot and invite him to be a guest on the show. One Saturday I found the ICW crew busily setting up for one of their performances in our theatre. I asked about our festival mascot and was soon face-to-face with Rob Gammager (AKA: Rob Mezzenger – his stage wrestling name). He gladly agreed to be part of our show.

Later I caught up with Rob to learn more about ICW. He describes their shows as being family friendly, welcoming of all ages and as having a strong sense of comedy.

“It’s physical theatre. There’re two wrestlers in a ring, performing a story of good versus evil. We’re working together, trying to keep each other safe while staging a gladiator style battle. There’s very minimal coarse language and no intentional bleeding (although occasionally and accidentally some blood is spilled).”

Rob says that most of the wrestlers are male but they do have some women and would welcome more. ICW have weekly training sessions at Erindale PCYC. If you’d like to get involved you can contact them through facebook.com/ICWinsaneasylum

ICW’s upcoming shows in theatre@bcs are: ICW All Fired Up at 5:30pm on Saturday January 30; ICW Insanity at 5:30pm on Saturday March 5; ICW Capital Carnage at 5:30pm on Saturday May 7. Adults: $10 / Students: $8 / Children: $5

NDIS Information Sharing at Belconnen Community CentreOn Thursday February 18 BCS invites people living with disability and their families and carers to attend information sharing sessions around transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). For the past two years, BCS has been on a learning journey to ensure that we, and the people we work with, have the smoothest possible transition to the NDIS. Many of our participants have already transitioned to the scheme and are accessing a range of supports to suit their own individual needs. Some of them will share their stories. Members of the NDIS community team and BCS’s NDIS liaison officer will also be on hand to answer questions and offer advice. The sessions will be at 10:30am and 6pm. To register interest in attending, please contact BCS reception on 62640200 or [email protected].

Rob Mezzenger as the BCS Festival Mascot at BCS Birthday celebration

Nick concedes defeat to Rob at the 2010 festival, Circo Belco



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


Bus Excursions and Tours

Friday February 26, Royal Canberra Show

It’s that time of year again! Enjoy the thrills and excitement of the ACTEWAGL Royal Canberra Show on Seniors Day where all Seniors’ Card holders enjoy an $18 entry fee.

Friday March 18, Celestial Empire Exhibition

The National Library of Australia presents precious and exquisite objects from China’s last imperial dynasty including objects never seen before in Australia. There is no cost for entry but to control numbers this is a limited ticket event, so be sure to book your seat on the bus early!

Bus Lunch Tours

Monday February 15, Eastern Tiger All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

Eastern Tiger all you can eat buffet features a range of hot dishes, salads, BBQ, soups and desserts, all for the low price of $16.50 per person. Loosen your belt and try a bit of everything!

Monday March 21, Snapper on the Lake

Enjoy fish and chips at a lovely outdoor venue by the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. Meals start from a reasonable $12.50 for a proper fish and chips lunch with a variety of extras available.

To book or find out more about BETs, BLTs, Go Social Saturdays or the Shopper Shuttle, call the friendly transport@bcs 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 BLTs and BETs can be sent to [email protected], email bookings for Go Social activities can be sent to [email protected]

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.

Transport@bcs: Bus Excursions, Lunch Tours and Social ActivitiesWeek-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. 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.

The Go Social service, in BCS’s wheel-chair accessible commuter, offers weekly excursions on a Saturday, and a Monday Shopper Shuttle. 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.

http://www.bcsact.com.au/




Planting totem poles in the entrance to Ginninderra Early Childhood Centre (GECC) in December 1991

Wise management of resources at BECC

When children from BECC rinse their drink bottles, they water the balcony plants with the water they use.

Children from GECC performing a spontaneous Rainbow Serpent dance in gallery@bcs during

Early Education and Care at BCSIn 2015, BCS celebrated 40 years of providing quality early education and care in Belconnen. Children in BCS’s care have always been part of a rich and diverse, community where children from all backgrounds and of all abilities feel at home.

Carers and educators take full advantage of opportunities to take children out into the community to play, learn and meet new people. Children at GECC, located in Belconnen Community Centre, enjoy attending Tiny Tumblers educational gym play in the sports hall and also make regular visits to the centre’s art gallery.

Belconnen 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 June 2015, BECC won an Actsmart Business Sustainability Award for Excellence in Motivation. BECC Director, Lauren Kapper said “We’ve decreased BECC’s amount of waste to landfill by 31 tonnes a year!”

The children also take the sustainability message home. Their parents now bring their used soft plastic bags to the centre where children routinely take them to Coles for recycling.

Belconnen Early Childhood CentreWestfield Belconnen 8am-6pm

Bruce Early Childhood CentreBassett St, Bruce 8am-6pm

Ginninderra Early Childhood CentreBelconnen Community Centre 7:45am-6pm

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




21


The corner@bcs The corner@bcs, on the corner of Swanson Court and Chandler Street Belconnen, is a safe space for young people aged 12 to 25 years to hang out. A range of free activities is offered during term time including: pool table, table tennis, board games, books, X-Box, Wii, and craft. The Youth School Holiday Program is also free of charge and is offered in addition to these daily activities.

Term time drop-in hours: Tuesday and Thursday 3pm – 5.30pm; Friday 3pm – 7pm.

Youth School Holiday Program Autumn 2016The centre is open from 12:00pm till 5pm, Monday to Friday from April 11 – 22. Activities include screen printing, remote control car racing, fencing, horse whispering, movies, and a kite flying picnic at the National Aboretum. For further information, enrolment and permission forms please contact Jennifer Lewis: [email protected], 6264 0204.

School Aged Children and Young People at BCS

BCS School Aged Care (SAC) programs enable children to drive their own agenda, plan their own projects, and grow their connection to each other and our community. The children volunteer at a local op shop, bake cakes for the fire brigade, organise their own talent quests and assemblies, and visit the corner@bcs. They don’t passively wait for fun to be delivered to them because they know they can make the best fun themselves. 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)

Autumn 2016 Holiday Programs West Belconnen School Holiday Program is run from Cranleigh School, Holt. St Johns School Holiday Program operates from the school in Florey. Programs will run from April 11 – 22, Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm. Both School Holiday Programs are inclusive of children of all abilities from kindergarten to year 6. Activities include music, sport, craft, excursions and more. BCS School Holiday Programs are ChildCare Benefit and ChildCare Rebate approved and we are a proud NDIS provider.

For more information about School Aged Care or to make a booking please phone 02 6264 0200 or email [email protected]. BCS programs are ChildCare Benefit and ChildCare Rebate approved and we are a proud NDIS provider.

A BCS Youth Engagement

Coordinator, Jen Lewis, playing pool at the Corner

St Johns After School Care Program dressed for Book Week



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 0200Get Connected10.00am - 12.00pm, Art Room 1Learn how to use your computer or tablet for email, social media, and skypeCost: $60 per 4 week termCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Digital Photobooks10.00am - 12.00pm, Art Room 1Learn to make beautiful photobooks using your computerCost: $80 per 6 week termCall 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: $10.50 per class / $8.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Women’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: $10.50 per class / $8.50 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: $180 per 12 week termCall Kate on 6264 0200

Koori 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 8108Expressive 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

TuesdayTiny Tumblers 9.30am - 10.15am, Sports Hall10.30am - 11.15am, Sports HallEducational gym play for under-5sCost: $12 per class / $100 for 10 classesCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200BEST Club10.30am - 13.30am, 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: $120 per 12 week termCall Kate on 6264 0200

BCS Community Calendar January - April 2016




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Fit Ball Class12.30pm - 1.30pm, GymDevelop a strong well balanced body using Swiss ballsCost: $10.50 per class / $8.50 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 critiqueContact: [email protected] in Balance12.45pm - 1.45pm, GymStrength and balance for falls prevention and healthCost: $10.50 per class / $8.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Let it Be You1.30pm - 3.30pm, Meeting Room 2CASD Social and recreational program for people living with disabilityCost: $120 per 12 week termCall Kate 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 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

Yoga 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 8460Acting - 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 relaxationCost: $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 Tumblers9.30am - 10.15am, Sports HallEducational gym play for under-5sCost: $12 per class / $100 for 10 classesCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Mature Strength10.00am - 11.00am, GymBuild strength through machine based exercisesCost: $10.50 per class / $8.50 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: $120 per 12 week termCall Kate on 6264 0200Mature Fitness11.30am - 12.30pm, GymIncludes the use of Swiss Ball and hand weights for better strengthCost: $10.50 per class / $8.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Advanced Badminton12.15pm - 1.45pm, Sports HallA social game for advanced playersCall Clive on 0424 659 497


http://gmail.com/

Power Bar12.30pm - 1.30pm, GymBuild strength with free weight exercise routinesCost: $10.50 per class / $8.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Interchange AA Group12.30pm - 1.30pm, Meeting Room 1Support to stop drinkingCall Judy on 0408 051 203Mental Health Drop-In1.30pm - 3.30pm, the corner@bcsPool, table tennis, air hockey, X-Box, computer accessCost: FreeCall Kate on 6264 0200Dance Club - Bridges Program1.30pm - 3.00pm, GymHip-Hop dance classes for people living with a disabilityCost: $180 per 12 week termCall Kate 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 8115Tiny Tumblers9.30am - 10.15am, 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, 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 providedCost: FreeCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Be Active Gym - Bridges Program10.00am - 11.30am, GymGentle exercise gym class for people living with disabilityCost: $180 per 12 week termCall Kate on 6264 0200Superhero Dance10.45am - 11.30am, Sports HallDance and movement class for children aged 3-4Cost: $12 per class / $100 for 10 classesCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200Power Bar12.30pm - 1.30pm, GymBuild strength with free weight exercise routinesCost: $10.50 per class / $8.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Lunchtime Volleyball12.30pm - 1.30pm, Sports HallCall Michael on 6252 5955

Messengers 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 2212Craft Club - Bridges Program1.30pm - 3.00pm, Art Room 2Creative crafts group for people living with a disabilityCost: $120 per 12 week termCall Kate on 6264 0200Yoga and Meditation1.30pm - 2.30pm, Meeting Room 2Gentle yoga and meditation classCost: $15 per class/ $14 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Backs in Balance1.30pm - 2.30pm, GymStrength and balance for falls prevention and healthCost: $10.50 per class / $8.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200Beginning Badminton2.00pm - 3.30pm, Sports HallLPACT mental health supportCost: $5.00 per sessionCall John on 6264 0200Ukulele Empire2.30pm - 3.30pm, Meeting Room 2Suitable for ages 10 years and over with some ukulele experienceCost: $100 per 8 week termCall BCS Reception 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 0200Youth Art - Printmaking4.00pm - 5.30pm, the corner@bcsExplore your hopes and dreams through print making; for young people ages 12 - 18 yearsCost: FreeCall Susan on 6264 0200Ukulele for Beginners5.30pm - 6.45pm, Meeting Room 2Suitable for ages 10 years and overCost: $100 per 8 week termCall BCS Reception on 6264 0200



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Friday

Florey Paint and Play9.30am - 10.45am, Florey PrimaryA playgroup for parents and their children, held during school termsCall Reception 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, GymBuild strength through machine based exercisesCost: $10.50 per class / $8.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 [email protected] - 11.30am, Smith Family BuildingLPACT Mental health support. Every second Friday from October 17Cost: FreeCall John on 6264 0200Positive Links10.30am - 13.30pm, 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 0200Mature Fitness11.30am - 12.30pm, GymImprove your fitness using fit bands, swiss balls and light hand weightsCost: $10.50 per class / $8.50 conc.Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200

Advanced Badminton12.15pm - 1.45pm, Sports HallA social game for advanced playersCall Clive on 0424 659 497Power Bar12.30pm - 1.30pm, GymBuild strength with free weight exercise routinesCost: $10.50 per class / $8.50 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 0200Get Into Reading1.30pm - 3.00pm, Woden LibraryRead and discuss great stories and poems from the past and contemporary literatureCost: FreeCall John on 6264 0200Craft Club - Bridges Program1.30pm - 3.00pm, Art Room 2Creative crafts group for people living with a disabilityCost: $120 per 12 week termCall Kate on 6264 0200

LPACT - Healthy Body, Healthy Mind1.45pm - 2.45pm, GymFitness class, mental health supportCost: FreeCall John on 6264 0200Be Active Gym - Bridges Program3.30pm - 4.30pm, GymGentle exercise gym class for people living with disability.Cost: $180 per 12 week termCall Kate 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


Belconnen Community Centre Fitness Program Fitness has been at the heart of the Belconnen Community Centre since it was first built in 1986. While the Centre has seen changes over the years, with the squash court replaced by a 144 seat theatre and the weights room developed into an art workshop, the importance of the BCS fitness program has never diminished. The current gym has been a cornerstone of the facility for over twenty years, providing a range of group exercise classes for the community. The classes are suitable for people of all fitness levels and abilities, with many classes specifically tailored to suit mature participants hoping to maintain and improve their fitness in later life.

What BCC Fitness Program Participants Say:Marisa

When I stopped working, I decided I should find a gym – it’s so important to keep fit, and it’s difficult to feel motivated when you’re exercising alone at home. This is the first gym I tried and I like it so much I didn’t look anywhere else! The gym doesn’t have memberships or upfront fees, so it’s flexible and affordable.I’m able to move at a pace that suits me, and I really like the instructors. It’s so important to have an instructor there to make sure you’re doing exercises correctly – Michelle Bridges can’t see you through the TV. The instructors and the group keep me motivated and I look forward to coming every week.

Brian

I’ve always been active, and when I retired from the Police Force I was determined to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet because I wanted to enjoy the rest of my life. Being fit makes me feel twenty years younger.The instructors are brilliant and always professional, and they’re able to work with you around injuries to make sure you’re doing suitable exercises. I’m able to move at a pace that suits me, and I like not feeling rushed when I’m doing the circuit.I really like the group, we have a joke, we have a laugh, we go for coffee afterwards, and the friendly atmosphere really motivates me to keep coming to class.

Francia

I started coming to the BCS Gym in 2005. I was meeting a friend for coffee one day and when we walked past the door was open and I looked in and saw all these women lifting weights. I’ve been coming to Power Bar ever since. I used to hate being sweaty, but I like it now. Our instructor, Di, is great fun. I think exercise is very important mentally, and when I come to class I feel like I’m doing something just for me. I like seeing familiar faces when I come to class - some of the people I met in my first class are still coming! My partner and I come every week, and I hope the BCS Gym never goes away.




27

Cost for a casual visit: $10.50/$8.50 concession. Discounts apply when purchasing 10, 20, and 30 class passes.

Meet our instructors:

Carol has been a fitness instructor for twenty years, and has been part of the BCC Fitness Program since 2013. Carol teaches a wide variety of fitness activities, and her classes in the BCS Gym involve both free and machine weights, alongside cardio exercise. Fitness Tip: Work at your own pace, at your own level, and enjoy. Everybody is different, and it’s important to be having fun.

Di has been in the fitness industry for over thirty years, and has been teaching at BCS since 2015. Di teaches both strength and cardio focused classes, which incorporate weighted exercises and movement. Di’s classes are always an energetic and fun whole body workout. Fitness Tip: You’re never too old to have fun and exercise

Judy has been teaching fitness at BCS since 2005, and has been a fitness instructor for over twenty-five years. Judy’s classes are focused on holistic wellbeing, and go back to basics to help the body develop new habits and movement patterns. Classes are aimed at supporting the functional fitness required to do daily activities freely Fitness Tip: Just keep moving!

Ryan is the BCS’ newest fitness instructor, joining the team in September 2015. Ryan has been teaching fitness for over seven years, and specialises in mixing things up. His classes are a mixture of strength, core, free-weight and bootcamp style circuit activities.Fitness Tip: Include something different every time you exercise, to keep challenging yourself and stop your fitness from plateauing.

Class Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridayMature

Strength10.00 – 11.00

with Carol10.00 – 11.00

with Ryan

Mature Fitness

11.30 – 12.30with Di

11.30 – 12.30with Di

11.30 – 12.30with Di

Fit Ball Classes

11.30 – 12.30with Judy

Power Bar 12.30 – 1.30 with Ryan

11.30 – 12.30with Di

12.30 – 1.30 with Ryan

Aerobics / Circuit

12.30 – 1.30with Ryan

Backs in Balance

12:45 – 1:45with Judy

1:30 – 2:30with Judy


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