Published by Woden Community Service Inc. & Woden Valley Community Council Inc.

Issue #15. Autumn

Woden Voice

Woden Community Service Inc. PO Box 35 Woden ACT 2606 Ph: 6282 2644 E: wodenvoice@wcs.org.au W: www.wcs.org.au

Community notices, diary dates and community articles welcome by 3 June.

Easter Fun and FrolickingYes it’s Easter again and you and the kids can enjoy an easter egg hunt and family lunch in a great community atmosphere.

For those who can’t wait until Easter Sunday and want to join with other members of the Woden Valley community, there is a Rotary sponsored egg hunt at Lyons Early Childhood School, Tarraleah Cres (off Launceston St) Lyons on Sunday 17 April from 9.30am – 12pm.

Rotary Club of Woden Daybreak in partnership with Woden Community Service will be holding the fifth annual Easter Egg Hunt to

bring members of the community together in an enjoyable childrens and family activity.

The idea is to have a children friendly community activity in the Woden area, to bring people together and have some fun.

The event starts from 9:30am with children activities including face painting, with the Easter Egg Hunt starting at 10.30am. A sausage sizzle will kick off once all the hidden eggs have been found. The cost is a gold coin donation.

2 3

Embrace Our Community - 2011

“Living a Healthy Life with Long -Term Conditions” 2011 COURSE SCHEDULE

Do you have diabetes, asthma, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, back pain, obesity or any condition lasting longer than 6 months?

Does it prevent you from living life as you would like? Cause you stress? Impact on your relationships?

To register for Health Centre courses, or discuss course details please phone :Community Health Intake

Phone 6207 9977 between 8am-5pm Monday- Friday

Belconnen Health Centre

May /June

Mondays 2.00- 4.30pm

May 9, 16, 23,30,June 6 &20

July/August

Thursdays 2pm-4.30pm

July28, August 4,11,18,25 &

September 1

Phillip Health Centre

May/June

Thursdays 10am-12.30pm

May 12, 19, 26, June 2, 9 &16

Phillip Health Centre

July/August

Mondays 10am-12.30pm

July25,August 1,8,15,22 & 29

Tuggeranong Health Centre

May/June

Thursdays 2.00pm- 4.30pm

May 12,19,26 June 2,9 & 16

October/November

Tuesdays 2pm-4.30pm

October 25, November 1,8,15 ,22 & 29

The residential also supports the residents in their gradual integration into the wider community.

Residents need to have a certain level of independence and self reliance eg. are able to participate in cooking, shopping and house duties, and are able to be self motivated and be involved with others.

The general period of residency is 3-12 months but can be longer depending on individual needs.

For enquiries about the GROW House please call 02 6295 7791.

Information about GROW groups can be found by calling 1800 558268 or by visiting the website at www.grow.net.au.

Help to GROW! Expo-Chronic Conditions There will be a Living a Healthy Life - See, Feel, Touch, Do - Chronic Conditions Self-Management Awareness EXPO on Wednesday 18 May. The expo will promote organisations that support the self management of chronic conditions of community members in the ACT and surrounding region.

The expo will be from 10am until 3pm at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden.

For information contact Deanne or Amanda SHOUT on 6290 1984 or admin@shout.org.au.

GROW - Understanding, friendship and practical help in a Peer Support small group setting.

GROW is a community mental health movement organised and led by people recovering and recovered from mental illness, or from various other personal inadequacies or problems of life.

It is a mutual support, self-help organisation which works on a tried and proven program of personal growth and rebuilding people’s lives.

It began in Hurstville, Sydney in 1957 and has now spread across Australia and internationally. Its success has been validated by independent research and it receives funding from all State and Territory Governments.

GROW works in the context of a 12-Step Recovery-based Program within a two hour structured weekly meeting.

The meetings provide mutual help in solving personal problems. They are run by the members themselves and are supportive, non-threatening, positive and constructive.

GROW’s Program of personal growth is based on changing negative thinking and behaviour.

Developing understanding, acceptance, confidence, control and love is at the heart of the GROW Program. Many people have been able to rebuild their lives with the help of GROW.

In the ACT, GROW runs a Residential Rehabilitation Program for people who are experiencing mental health problems.

The GROW House provides an intensive structured program for the residents and is staffed 30 hours per week.

Residents participate in a regular GROW group as well as activities that promote self confidence and practical living skills.

2 3

Embrace Our Community - 2011Woden Valley Festival - Get involved!We are excited to announce that planning for the 2011 Woden Valley Festival is already underway.

The festival theme of ‘Health, Sustainability, and Lifestyle’ is aligned with the ongoing wellbeing of our community.

It is a great chance to celebrate life in the Woden Valley as well as showcasing the depth of resources and talent we have in the district.

In 2011 we plan to build on the outstanding success of past festivals by involving larger sections of our community while increasing the festival’s profile both inside and outside of the Woden Valley.

We are currently seeking community involvement from individuals and groups in a wide range of areas.

These include performance, sustainability and health, creative arts, science and innovation, community support, business, and those who would like to be involved as festival volunteers.

We are also looking for people to join our growing festival management team.

If you are interested in being a part of our vibrant festival in 2011, please contact festival coordinator Ben Trudinger on ben.trudinger@wcs.org.au or call 62346843.

Tricia Eldridge, a Community Development worker at Woden Community Service, who is helping to organise the event said it was a great way for the community, especially children, to get together with friends, neighbours and other community members to enjoy life.

“There will be three Easter Egg Hunts on the day for children of different ages to make sure that everyone has a great time.”

“The Rotary Club of Woden Daybreak has been a great support to the Woden

Community - they are always enthusiastic to get involved in community events,” she said.

For more information contact Tricia at Woden Community Service on 62346860.

Easter Fun and Frolicking cont...

The significant revamp to the Lyons shops featuring new lighting, footpaths, landscaping and improved access has been officially opened by the Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Jon Stanhope.

“The $1.1 million upgrade of the Lyons shops has revitalised the area, providing locals and traders with a safer, more accessible and more attractive centre,” Mr Stanhope said.

“The ACT Government developed this project in close consultation with the community and businesses and many of their suggestions were included in the final design, such as improvements to safety, access, parking arrangements and public seating.”

Upgrades to the centre include:

• new street furniture including seats;

• a drinking fountain, picnic settings and shade structures, bike racks, bins and a community noticeboard;

• significant improvements to pedestrian access in and around the shops;

• improvements to car park safety and an extra car space for people with disabilities;

• new lighting to enhance security;

• landscaping works;

• a new footpath connecting the shops to the bus stop, new kerb ramps and wider paving adjacent to shop fronts;

• seating wall and community gathering space; and

• improved recognition and visibility to the shop fronts from Davenport Street.

A further $120,000 piece of artwork depicting a figurative sculpture that has been designed for the shops is now being fabricated and is expected to be installed in November 2011.

Mr Stanhope said the work was part of the Government’s ongoing investment in improving the amenity of shopping centres across the ACT.

“In the last two years, the Government has completed upgrades to shopping centres at Garran, Deakin and Ainslie,” Mr Stanhope said.

“The Government will continue to deliver improvements to our public amenities and community places to ensure Canberrans continue to enjoy the best lifestyle in the country.”

$1.1 Million Upgrade to Lyons Shops Completed

4 5

Woden Valley Community CouncilCommunity FacilitiesIt is scandalous that there is no community centre for Woden Valley residents. WVCC is pushing hard for community facilities to be included (somewhere!) in the major developments around the Town Centre. But we need your help to tell us what kind of facilities are needed. Please email us if you are a member of a community group that would make use of meeting rooms, if they were provided as part of a community centre. Our email address is wvcc@bigpond.net.au.

Have your say on Towers in Woden Green Part of WVCC function is to provide information to Woden residents on initiatives in Woden which will impact on them and to act as a conduit in providing the views of residents to the ACT Government. WVCC, therefore, needs to know your views on the proposed tower developments in Woden Green (Woden Green is the joint venture involving Hindmarsh and the Land Development Authority, to the east of Callam Street, near the Town Centre). It is proposed that one part of the development will contain a tower of up to 35 storeys.

You can find a copy of the questionnaire on our website (www.wvcc@org.au). Hard copies are also available at the Town Centre Library and Woden Community Service. The survey closes at 25 March 2011, so please let us know your views!

Combined Community Councils MeetingOn 19 March WVCC hosted the third meeting of the combined Community Councils. With our city changing so rapidly, it is clearly important that the Community Councils collaborate on issues that concern all Canberrans. Among the issues discussed was the need for combined responses to major consultative exercises, such as draft variations to the Territory Plan (this is the process for significant changes to zoning and land-use rules).

Vision for CanberraThe Leader of the Opposition in the ACT, Mr Zed Seselja, in his Vision for Canberra address to the WVCC meeting on 2 March, spoke about the challenges of population growth due to births and migration from outside the ACT. He believed in ‘development in the right places’ and said increased housing density in the town centres and along Northbourne Avenue was a way of avoiding overdevelopment in our suburbs. However, he stressed the key to growth and maintaining living standards was investment in infrastructure.

The Leader of the Opposition in the ACT, Mr Zed Seselja

Barnardos: kids in focusBarnardos, Canberra is delighted to announce a new and unique program which targets parents/carers who are misusing Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD). It is called Kids In Focus (KiF).

Meg Fitzgerald heads up the KiF program. She is highly trained and experienced in working with individuals and families with alcohol and drug issues.

Meg will work intensively with the families in the early stages and then reduce support as the parents develop and sustain their ability to parent effectively.

Collaboration with other services, in particular those who provide specialist AOD services is crucial, therefore the KiF team can provide a wrap-around case management system if this is a necessity for the families.

For information and referral contact Meg Fitzgerald at Barnardos 62289500. M 0447286236 E mfitzgerald@barnardos.org.au

Barnardos KiF and Family Drug Support(FDS) are offering training days for workers who are dealing with clients who have alcohol or substance misuse issues.

As the first training day has already taken place, there will be more Training Days in 2011. Please verify your interest and contact details to mfitzgerald@barnardos.org.au.

For more information on WVCC please contact: www.wvcc.org.au or wvcc@bigpond.net.au, PO Box 280 Woden 2606 or 0420529747.

4 5

For more information on WVCC please contact: www.wvcc.org.au or wvcc@bigpond.net.au, PO Box 280 Woden 2606 or 0420529747.

Learn EnglishEnglish Conversation Classses … For people with english as a second language

Do you know people who do not have English as their first language and who would like some help improving their English language skills? If so, then these classes are for them!

Volunteers working with Woden Community Service run English conversation classes at St.Albans which is off Melrose Drive in central Woden every Monday during school terms 9.30 – 11.30am. Classes are conducted in small, informal and friendly groups and are run for a range of levels of ability.This is a very welcoming, non-religious group. The volunteers only want to help people with their English language skills.

For more information please contact Geoff Hayes at Woden Community Service (Ph: 6234 6862, Mob: 0409 854 994, Email: geoff.hayes@wcs.org.au)

Woden Library Community Bus Timetable Woden Community Service in partnership with the ACT Public Library will be running a community bus route on Mondays (except public holidays) starting from 7 March 2011.

The bus is wheelchair accessible. A gold coin donation is requested (proceeds are contributed toward the community bus service).

The bus will endeavour to stay on schedule and commits to picking people up within ten minutes of its scheduled time.

If you have mobility issues and require a door-to-door service please contact WCS on 6282 2644 to make an appointment.

Woden Community Bus TimetableMonday AM9.15am - Canberra Hospital, outside main entrance, Hospital Road 9.30am - Garran Shops, outside bakery 9.40am - Hughes Shops (outside Hughes Community Centre) 9.50am - Southern Cross Retirement Village (Boake Pl Garran outside main office) 10.10am - Curtin Shops, Curtin Pl outside Coles 10.20am - Lyons Shops, outside supermarke 10.30am - Arrives at Woden Library11.00am - Chifley Community Hub (Cnr of Eggleston and Maclaurin Cres outside entrance) 11.10am - Farrar Shops 11.15am - Goodwin Village, Farrar (at reception point) 11.25am - Dyraabra Court (191 Beasley St Mawson) 11.35am - Mawson Shops (Heard St, outside Bluebell Pharmacy) 11.45am - Arrives at Woden Library Monday PM12.45pm - Departs Woden Library12.55pm - Lyons Shops (outside supermarket) 1.05pm - Curtin Shops (Curtin Pl, outside Coles) 1.10pm - Southern Cross Retirement Village (Boake Pl Garran outside main office) 1.25pm - Hughes Shops (outside Hughes Community Centre) 1.35pm - Garran Shops (outside bakery) 1.45pm - Canberra Hospital (outside main entrance, Hospital Road) 2.00pm - Departs Woden Library2.10pm - Mawson Shops (Heard St, outside Bluebell Pharmacy) 2.20pm - Dyraabra Court (191 Beasley St Mawson) 2.30 pm - Goodwin Village, Farrar 2.35pm - Farrer Shops 2.45pm - Chifley Community Hub The Community Bus Service is proudly funded by the ACT Government.

WODEN COMMUNITY SERVICE (WCS)

For more information on WCS please contact: www.wcs.org.au wcsadmin@wcs.org.au PO Box 35 Woden 2606 PH 02 6282 2644.

6 7

Place your community event in the Woden Voice. Reach over 19,000 Woden businesses & households by phoning 6282 2644 or email wodenvoice@wcs.org.au. Notices due by June 3.

Street Soccer

Community Street Soccer provides an opportunity for males and females to get together for some fun exercise. Sessions are free and everyone is welcome, whether they are raw beginners or people who have played soccer before.

Who plays Street Soccer?

Players come from many walks of life, including people who have experienced homelessness, mental illness, refugee status, drug and alcohol dependency, physical disability, long-term unemployment or family breakdown. It is definitely for all levels of ability as well as all shapes, sizes and ages (over 16 years).

What happens at training?

Activities vary from week to week, but generally include some warm-up activities, some simple ball skills practice and a street soccer game, with rules and team size adapted to meet the number of people attending. Players don’t need fancy boots or shin pads – just comfortable clothing and shoes to run around in.

Food and Prizes

After each training session, the coach often has prizes like t-shirts, caps and sometimes even tickets to NRL games at Canberra Stadium. Food – such as muffins, fruit, bread/sandwiches - is provided by Oz Harvest for players each after training.

Where is it?

Training is held every Wednesday, 2-4pm at Reid Oval (opposite the War Memorial). If you would like to give it a try but have problems with transport please call Julie (see details below)

Remember - it’s FREE!

For more information pls contact: Julie Walding, ACT Coordinator actsoccer@bigissue.org.au OR 0450 206 979.

Working Wonders in CanberraEver wondered what to do with those work clothes in your wardrobe that you never wear but can’t bear to part with? An enterprising group of Canberra women has found a way to reuse them, and provide a much-needed community service at the same time.

“Canberra has many community organisations doing a fantastic job of assisting women in the ACT to find employment, but our research showed there was a gap in the area of providing appropriate interview clothing, shoes and accessories.

Late last year we put the word out to the working women of Canberra requesting clothing, shoes and accessories for the service, and the response has been overwhelming - so much so that we have been able to offer this service to our clients from early this year.” Says Ms Rozanne Frost, President.

“Not only does this service mean that women are appropriately dressed for that important interview, but there is an immediate impact on their confidence as well – they look and feel fantastic!” The clothing, shoes and accessories are provided at no charge to the women.

The service is one of many community organisations to use the old Downer Primary School, now known as Downer Business Park, as a home base. The Working Wonders “boutique” is on the ground floor, and there is parking and public transport close by.

According to Ms Frost donations are still needed, and Working Wonders is looking for volunteers to work in the boutique. Contact details and donation drop-off points are on the web site www.workingwonders.org.au. People can also drop clothing into Woden Community Service, 26 Corinna Street, Phillip.

Working Wonders was officially launched by the Minister for Women Joy Burch at the Hellenic Club on March 4. For more information call Michelle on 0416 034 192 or visit www.workingwonders.org.au

A Community Project of The Big Issue

6 7

Community Diary Café INK looking for catering for your next meeting or a great cup of coffee, visit Café INK at Woden Library Mon-Fri

Chronic Conditions Seminar Series is held on the 3rd Thurs of the month Building 1, Pearce Community Centre 7.00pm to 8.30pm. Sessions feature guest speakers presenting current information about chronic illnesses. Ph 62901984.

The ACT ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society Support Group meets the 1st Tues of the month at the Pearce Community Centre 12.30 to 2.00pm. Ph 6290 1984.

Arawang Ladies Probus Club: meets every 3rd Tues at 10am Orion Room, Southern Cross Club, Woden. Active retirees enjoying fellowship & fun. Ph Lilian 62959241.

Bosom Buddies group for people who have undergone or undergoing treatment for breast cancer, meet the 2nd Mon of month 9.30am to 10.30am at Chocolate Olive Café, 2/22 Colbee Crt Phillip. Ph 6290 1984

Gospel Folk Community Choir rehearses each Wed from 7.30 pm in the auditorium of St Andrew’s Village, 95 Groom Street, Hughes. New members are very welcome.

Connections @ Cooleman - an activity based program for adults with disabilities in Weston creek & Tuggeranong regions, referrals now open. Ph Communities@Work on 62884744.

Liver Health & Wellbeing Group For people living with hepatitis & other liver conditions. Monthly meetings. For more info contact Susan or Robyn ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre 62822611.

Marist Wellbeing Expo - Friday May 13, looking for food stalls or workshop/session presenters in areas of Exercise, Spirituality and relaxation and Creative social justice, email denisehodge@mcc.act.edu.au for more information.

Phillip Rostrum Club: Tues lunchtimes 12:35 to 1:25 at the Woden Library Balcony Room, Corinna Street Woden. Contact Wagdy Hanna 0411 206 242 act.rostrum.com.au

Pearce Neighbourhood Watch – every 4th Wed, Brian Schiller 62861138 Social Group for Older Persons, Tues mornings 10am – 1.30pm at Lutheran Church Hall corner Burnie St and Melrose Dr Lyons, with guest speakers, morning tea and lunch with transport if required. Cost $6 for lunch and $6 for transport.

Rotary Club of Woden Daybreak meet each Fri morning at 7.15am for a 7.30 start at Babar’s Café & Bar, Bradley Street, Woden Plaza ACT (next to Hoyts entrance & Dick Smith). For info: www.rotaryd9710.org.au/~woden-daybreak/. New members welcome.

TEA (The English in Australia Club) 1st & 3rd Sat of each month 10.30am to 12 Midday - tea/coffee mornings at Southern Cross Club. Every 2nd Wed bbq picnic. Ph Clem 0424400372.

Walking in Woden - Woden Community Service and the Heart Foundation are looking for people to start a walking group in Woden. Call Emma 6234 6820

Woden Lunchtime Toastmasters Club Every Wed lunchtime 12.30 pm until 1.30 pm at the Woden Library Balcony Room, Corinna Street, Woden. Mike Phoenix 6296 6575

Woden SEE Change Social get-togethers, committee meetings, sustainability workshops and tours. Phone Audrey 6287 3000 email: seechange.woden@gmail.com

Woden Valley Community Council meetings 7.30pm 1st Wed of the month at the Hellenic Club 0420 529 747

Youth Centre Drop In Callum St, Woden, 2 - 5.30pm Mon to Wed. 12.00 - 5.30 Thurs 12.00 - 7pm Fri Ph 6282 3037.

COMMUNITY EVENT SUBMISSIONS DUE JUNE 3 Ph 6282 2644. MAX 35 WORDS

Scout Leaders WantedScouts Australia is looking for adult volunteer leaders to join in the activities and mentor young people. You will be able to contribute to your local community, have fun, get active, meet new people and gain qualifications. Call 1800 Scouts now or email us actscouts@act.scouts.asn.au.

8

Having problems with a neighbour?Why not call the Conflict Resolution Service and talk it over? Neighbours get into disputes about trees, fences, water runoff, drainage, parking, noise, dogs, children, parties…the list goes on. There isn’t much we haven’t heard, and you can talk confidentially about your neighbourhood dilemma.

CRS can offer you some coaching towards resolving or managing the issue yourself. This includes tips on how to approach your neighbour to talk about the problem. There is no monetary cost, and no obligation on you to act on the coaching. As well, CRS can also offer mediation between neighbours, if you feel this might be useful. Mediators are impartial, and help people to reach agreements which suit them. Call (02) 6162 4050 www.crs.org.au

OzHarvest Canberra turns three

March 2011 sees OzHarvest Canberra Food rescue start its third year of operations in the local area. Three years of hard work and plenty of community support will see the charity deliver its 1,000,000th meal in late 2011. OzHarvest Canberra will move into its very own headquarters in March, leaving the two desks at the Communities@Work Campus in Weston Creek Community Centre and relocating to Lions Youth Haven in Kambah. Finally there’ll be some room for the volunteers to help out in the office! Don’t you love databases!

From one refrigerated van in early 2008, the service has grown to two vans picking up an average of 1000 meals a day. The meals are delivered free of charge to 55 charities in Canberra and Queanbeyan.

Feedback from staff at refuges and charities has been positive, with stories of cost savings and positive health outcomes. Add to this the fact the food which was destined for the bin and subsequently landfill, is now gaining a ‘second value’. Every day is different on the OzHarvest Canberra run. One

day can see 230 dozen eggs donated, another can see 300 kilograms of potatoes picked up. For a service which relies on local business and caterers to source its product, it’s amazing how it just seems to happen!

There’s a little bit of magic about rescuing excess good food and handing it over to people in need, magic the OzHarvest Canberra team witness every day! For more information call 6288 0709.

Reach for your dreams

Need help with planning? Book your PATH now!

PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) is a proven planning tool developed for people of all ages with disabilities to actively plan and achieve their life goals and dreams. We have an experienced team of facilitators and graphers who are available to guide you through the PATH planning process. If you, or someone you know, would like to book a PATH to help you plan and to explore ways to reach your goals and plan for future achievements, please contact the PATH Coordinator, Lou Bannister, at Belconnen Community Service, on 0488 376 467 or email her at bcs_path@yahoo.com.au, to book your PATH and arrange an introductory meeting with our PATH facilitators. The cost of having a PATH completed is $100.

Bimberi Review Team Drop-in Clinics

The Children & Young People Commissioner and the Human Rights & Discrimination Commissioner have commenced a Review of the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre and wider youth justice system. The Commissioners have been asked to present a report to the ACT Legislative Assembly by 30 June 2011. The Review Team will hold Drop-in Clinics around Canberra in the coming weeks for members of the community to drop-in and discuss the Review with the Team:

• Friday 1 April, 1:00pm to 5:00 pm: Griffin Centre, 20 Genge St Civic

• Tuesday 5 April, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm: Tuggeranong Community Centre, 245 Cowlishaw St Greenway

• Saturday 9 April, 10:00am to 12 noon: Belconnen Community Service, 26 Chandler St Belconnen

In addition to these Drop-in Clinics, the Review Team is accessible by phone, email, post, and individual appointments. A more detailed information sheet is also available. To receive a copy, please log on to www.hrc.act.gov.au, or phone 6205 2890, or email bimberi.review@act.gov.au

Challenging Pain Workshop

Arthritis ACT will be conducting a Challenging Pain Workshop on Thursday, 19th & 26th May 2011 for people suffering from chronic pain.

The workshop is lead by trained and skilled volunteers at our premises at 27 Mulley Street, Holder from 1.30pm to 4.00pm on both days.

The workshop aims to provide people with easy to learn skills and techniques to manage pain effectively and provides information about breathing techniques, stress management, relaxation exercises, alternatives therapies, medication and much more.

Cost to attend the two 2-day course is $15.00 for Arthritis ACT members and $25.00 for non-members.

Bookings are essential and can be made on 1800 011 041 or visit our website at www.arthritisact.org.au/events for details.

Community Notices

Send community notices by Jun 3 to wodenvoice@wcs.org.au