COMMUNITY newsletter A CONNECTED, ACTIVE & STRONG COMMUNITY

Issue 3 - 2015 20th July 2015 - 11th October 2015

In this issue... • Benambra Intentional Community Seeks Members The Art of p7 Mindfulness

• Bit Bent Retreat p17

• Anxious Architecture – Artist Janet Angus p16 Message from the CEO 3 The Art of Mindfulness – an overnight retreat for seniors 4 English Conversations at the National Portrait Gallery 5 Rolling with the National Disability Insurance Scheme 6 Benambra Intentional Community Seeks Members 7 Too Old for This, too Young for That 7 Get Involved in Belconnen 8 News from our neighbourhood 10 Go Social, All Around 11 social@bcs 12 gallery@bcs 14 Anxious Architecture 16 Bit Bent Retreat 17 10/10 Project - many hands make light work 18 Get on Board - Community Bus Excursions and Lunch Tours 19 Tracks to Reconciliation 20 National Youth Week 21 Spring School Holiday Programs @BCS 22 Community Calendar 23 A Conversation with Tim Bourke 27

CONTACTS Belconnen Community Service Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, Belconnen. PO Box 679, Belconnen, ACT 2616. Tel: 6264 0200 Fax: 6253 2901 Email: [email protected] Web: www.bcsact.com.au www.facebook.com/BCSACT FOLLOW@BCSACT Newsletter Editor [email protected] 6264 0205 BELCONNEN 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 Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education as I head home on a Monday night but I’d never met the whole group before. On Friday May 29, I attended a morning tea to farewell the members of Bit Bent Message from as they headed off to their retreat. It was a great opportunity to realise the impact that Bit Bent has, not just on the young people who attend, but on their the CEO families as well. There were quite a number of parents at the morning tea. A mother of one participant told me that she saw an article about Bit Bent in a previous edition of this newsletter. Her teenager had recently come out to the family and she suggested that they might want to look into Bit Bent. After attending the group for the first time, her child came home and said, “I’ve found my people.” Like other parents I spoke to, this mother was very happy that her child had somewhere to go for support and a strong sense of belonging. Attending the Bit Bent morning tea with me was one of our board members, Riki Sutherland. The value of an engaged and active board in a not-for-profit organisation can’t be overestimated. BCS’s current Over the past few months, three of our social support board is one of the most committed and effective groups have taken trips away from Canberra. On our groups I have ever had the pleasure of working front cover is Rena McCawley, who is 99 years old with. They’re all volunteers and our treasurer, Ann and recently attended two trips away with the Silver Thorpe, does extra volunteer work with BCS’s English Threads and Golden Needles program of creative arts Conversation Group. This long-established group for seniors. You can read Caroline White’s account recently went on an excursion to the National Portrait of their overnight retreat to Murrumbateman on page Gallery. You can read Simone Penkethman’s story four. On page 13, in our Social pages, you’ll see about the day on page five. pictures from a trip to Eden attended by staff and Bit Bent and the English Conversation Group are just participants in our mental health programs. And on two of the long running social support groups that page 17, you can read about the Bit Bent Retreat to BCS provides. This year we celebrate 40 years of Camp Wombaroo, near Mittagong, NSW. community leadership in Belconnen. Our next issue Bit Bent is a social support group for same sex of this newsletter will have details of our combined attracted and sex and gender diverse young people Annual General Meeting and 40th birthday party on that meets at the corner@bcs on Monday nights. It’s Tuesday November 10. I hope that many of you will an award-winning group that’s been running for over come along and help us celebrate. a decade. I’ve often seen the light on at the corner Dira Horne

Stretching the boundaries at the Bit Bent retreat

BELCONNEN COMMUNITY 3 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 that was one of the highlights of the day. He honestly altered my state of consciousness and that is a HUGE thing to do. I nearly dozed off! That evening we got into our glad-rags and were taken to Flint in the Vines. We spent a wonderful evening at the The Art restaurant, which is set on the grounds of the Shaw Estate Wineries. We also sampled some very, very good red and of Mindfulness – white wines. What a treat! The next morning – after a short lesson on Post- an Overnight Retreat for Impressionist painters – we tried our hands and talent at landscape painting. Some of us felt more confident than Seniors others but we all became absorbed in the work. At times Caroline White shares some highlights from the Silver you could have heard a pin drop, which is a fabulous Threads and Golden Needles group overnight mindfulness feeling; the absolute concentration. retreat. After lunch we had a Singing and Voice Workshop, learning to project our voices and harmonise. Most enjoyable, and we actually were all rather proud of our singing! After afternoon tea we loaded our suitcases on the bus, and said a very fond farewell to Redbrow – we shall be back! Before we headed home, we stopped at the Chocolate Factory right next door. All had complimentary chocolates and some of us bought extras. We were home around five-ish, after a truly fabulous and highly interesting one nighter.

Silver Threads and Golden Needles soaking up the sun at Redbrow Gardens and Guesthouse.

We left Belconnen Community Centre on an autumnal Wednesday morning in April, and made our way north. There were 12 participants, as well as myself and our lovely Team Leader, Katie Anderson-Kelly. We headed to Redbrow Garden and Guest House, a little oasis just between Hall and Murrumbateman. We missed it the first time around but with a little help from the people at the Murrumbateman garage, we found it. Oh my word… I thought we had all just been wafted heavenwards! It was ever so pretty, with the autumn-coloured trees around the still waters of the dam making for a picture-perfect setting. Our hosts at Redbrow welcomed us with a delicious morning tea on the patio over-looking the beautiful dam. Then we were straight into our first craft task; decorating Making candle lanterns and talking ten to the dozen. glasses to make candle lanterns. We got to know each other over this small task and talked ten to the dozen! After a tasty lunch and a short break for a rest or walk, we met up for a story-reading with our poetry and literature aficionado, Colin. At 4.00pm a rather good-looking and reserved young man found his way into a darkened room where we were all lying or seated on our yoga mats. Using mindfulness exercises, he proceeded to calm us down to a complete state of tranquility. I can only speak for myself in saying Finished candle lanterns. English Conversations at the National Portrait Gallery By Simone Penkethman On a rainy Thursday in June, I accompanied the BCS English Conversation Group on an excursion to the National Portrait Gallery. The English Conversation Group is run by dedicated volunteers. Members of the group come from all over the world and they meet weekly in Belconnen. The BCS Community Bus brought the group to the gallery where we were greeted by three guides and educators. Predrag with Rod McNicol’s portrait: Tariro I joined a group of eight advanced English speakers. showed people from many cultures. Our conversation We followed our guide, Katrina, to John Webber’s was lively and vocabularies were stretched. The ideas 1782 portrait of Captain Cook. Katrina directed our behind the art traversed the boundaries of language, attention to various aspects of the painting including showing that the power of art is universal. Captain Cook’s hand which is beautifully painted and We were all very grateful to the National Portrait points, almost boastfully, to the artist’s signature. One Gallery and our three dedicated guides. I also thank of the group members said that Captain Cook had sexy the members of the English Conversation Group for fingers. Katrina had shown many people that portrait making me feel so welcome among them. Despite the but had never heard anyone point that out before. We grey day, the warmth and generosity of our city and our discussed Cook’s voyage to Australia and the group community made me feel happy and lucky to be there. members shared some of their stories. Their countries of origin included Indonesia, Vietnam, Iran, France and The English Conversation Group meets at the Bosnia Herzegovina. Some are in Australia temporarily Belconnen Library Community Room from 10am- and others have made it their home. 12pm on Thursday during school terms. It’s free and no bookings or registrations are required. Katrina gave us all boards, papers and pencils and took New members are always welcome and the group us to see Potters’ Portrait Pot. This unusual ceramic is currently seeking volunteers to help plan and portrait is by the Hermannsburg Potters, who are facilitate classes. For more information, Aboriginal women living near Alice Springs. It shows phone BCS reception on 62640200. local animals and aspects of their country to which the artists feel a connection. Katrina asked us all to draw an Members of the English conversation group with portraits of animal with which we feel a connection. Our drawings Captain Cook and Joseph Banks included a butterfly, dog, snake, horse and quite a few birds. Our next activity was a real communication challenge. We divided into pairs with one person electing to draw and the other to speak. As the drawer, I sat with my back to a painting. My partner used words and gestures to describe what he saw. It was a portrait of an old man with a moustache, a goatee, a pipe and a smoking jacket. I drew what he described and, while my drawing wasn’t nearly as good as the painting, all the elements were there, right down to a vase of gladioli. In another gallery, Katrina asked us to choose the portrait that we felt showed the most power. People’s choices were quite diverse and it was interesting to talk about all the different ways that power and status are expressed. Our final destination was a new exhibition, Life and time: Portraits by Rod McNicol. These photographic portraits of contemporary Australia BELCONNEN COMMUNITY 5 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 Some of the families that use BCS services

in everyday activities. BCS has more than 300 clients Rolling with the currently accessing services who may be eligible for an NDIS package. National Disability “We are finding that people’s understanding of NDIS processes vary considerably,” says BCS Program Insurance Scheme Manager, Margy Wylde-Browne. “ Some participants The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is who have been receiving support for many years are being progressively rolled out across the ACT. This not concerned about the new way of receiving services Australian Government initiative provides individually- while others are highly anxious and confused about the tailored support plans for people with a permanent and new processes.” significant disability that affects their ability to take part To help people navigate the transition to the new arrangements, BCS staff are undertaking pre-planning conversations that help people prepare for their NDIS planning meetings and clarify the services that BCS can provide. “If requested we sometimes accompany people when they attend meetings with their NDIS planner,” Margy says. “This has been particularly useful with some of our mental health participants” When people receive their approved NDIS plan and wish to purchase service from BCS, staff discuss the practicalities of how this can be provided, and these ideas inform the service agreement that formalises the support BCS provides. “People appreciate these opportunities to clarify the steps involved.” says Margy. “We regularly advocate with people’s NDIS planner to get support items changed or negotiate with other service providers about support.” If you would like more information on how BCS can work with you, please call us on 6264 0200 or email [email protected]. Benambra community members on a weekend away at the beach

Some of the families that use BCS services

members together to clean up around the outskirts of Benambra Intentional Benambra • Everyone enjoyed a community dinner at a local club Community Seeks • Some members assisted a family clean up their back garden By Sally Richards Members • Music events are regular highlights Benambra Intentional Community is a Housing ACT • Everyone attended a barbeque to welcome our new development that comprises 25 dwellings, including community builder the homes of three young men living with disability. Of • Birthdays and significant events are celebrated with the remaining 22 dwellings, seven form an Intentional community parties Community. These tenants, along with the three young men, create a connected and supportive environment by • Herbs, eggs and vegetables are often shared actively engaging with others living at Benambra. • There is a community vegetable garden The intentional community has a mix of families and • There was recently a whole-of-community week-end individuals. Some of the families in the Benambra at the beach development who are not a formal part of the intentional Benambra Intentional Community is actively seeking community also contribute to and participate in people who are eligible for public housing through community events and activities. Benambra is a Housing ACT to be prospective members as vacancies residential development like no other. It’s a vital, positive arise. The houses are two-bedroom and two storey. community of involvement, contribution, friendship, social events, music, support and fun. Benambra’s second If you are a person or family who would like to live in a anniversary was on June 14, 2015. Community members vibrant community where you can be a good neighbour celebrated together with music, food and good company. who likes to contribute, then please contact us. To register your interest or for further information, please Some examples of how the community works and plays email: [email protected] or visit the website www. together are: gettingalife.com.au • Clean up Australia Day brought many community Too Old for This, Too Young for That Talented youngsters from the Bungee drama class ended term three with an engaging production based on a series of monologues at the theatre@bcs. Titled “Too Old for This, Too Young for That” the show was also a farewell to drama tutor Liliana Bogato, who is travelling to Poland to visit family this term. Props were made by young artists in the Bungee arts program.

BELCONNEN COMMUNITY 7 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 Scribblers Writing Group Every Tuesday, 12:45pm – 2:45pm Room 1, Belconnen Community Centre Swanson Ct, Belconnen Get Involved in Explore your passion for writing with a group of like- minded people. This weekly creative writing group Belconnen encourages members to improve their writing skills in prose and poetry through practice, discussion and Join a Ukulele Empire critique. The group also produces an annual themed Term 3 at Belconnen Community Centre anthology. Attendance costs $5 per session. To find out more email [email protected] Coming soon to theatre@bcs Under a Ghawazee Moon Student Showcase 2015 Saturday 25 July, 6:30-8:30pm theatre@bcs, Swanson Ct, Belconnen

Photo by IntimateImagery | Stephen Kaak

Belconnen Community Service’s popular ukulele program has expanded with the Ukulele Empire; a new weekly social ukulele session on Tuesdays at 5:30pm. Perfect for those with some existing proficiency in ukulele, the Ukulele Empire is a facilitated group with an experienced teacher and costs $100 for a 10 class pass or casual visit for $12 (pre-payment essential). Songs and charts are provided but participants are encouraged to bring songs to share.

There are also new weekly classes for ukulele Established in 2007, Ghawazee Moon Bellydance learners every Thursday. Beginner Classes are encourages a healthy, natural body-image and brings held from 1pm – 2:15pm, Continuing Classes a joyful acceptance of our bodies. The Student from 2:30pm – 3:45pm. Class costs are $100 for 8 Showcase 2015 features pieces performed, and lessons. choreographed by students from Ghawazee Moon Ukulele classes are fun, the teachers are helpful Bellydance in bellydance styles from Folkloric and friendly, and learning to play is easier than you through to Fusion, with special guest stars Gypsy think. As one new ukulele player found, taking up the Dreaming. Experience joy in movement. ukulele is “really great. Didn’t think I could learn” Tickets from $7 - $20, group discounts are available To book or find out more, please call 6264 0200 or and kids under 5 free, see www.ghawazeemoon. email [email protected] com.au for more details. Tempo Theatre presents: Arsenic and Old Lace Friday 4 to Saturday 12 September theatre@bcs, Swanson Ct, Belconnen Tempo Theatre presents a classic comical farce by Joseph Kesselring, best known from the film of the same name that starred Cary Grant. Insanity runs in Mortimer’s upper-crust family. In fact, it practically gallops. His Aunts, the sweet old Brewster sisters, have a dastardly hobby concerning the lonely bachelors who would like to rent a room. His brothers are an escaped convict and a schizophrenic who thinks he’s Theodore Roosevelt. Mortimer needs to whisk his lovely new bride away on their Honeymoon before she BCC Movie Club Launch finds out…but what if he’s mad, too? Wednesday 6 August, 6pm Tickets $30/$35 on sale in July call 6275 2700 or got to theatre@bcs, Swanson Ct, Belconnen www.canberraticketing.com.au. For more information see www.tempotheatre.org.au. The BCC Movie Club launches with a screening of Les Misérables. The movie will be preceded by a short Ickle Pickle Productions presents: slideshow of highlights from BCC group adventures, including the recent Silver Threads and Golden Needles Goldilocks trip to the Vivid Sydney festival. 10 shows in the October school holidays – BCC Movie Club tickets are just $8 or $6 theatre@bcs, Swanson Ct, Belconnen concession. It’s Ickle Pickle Productions 10th birthday, and to All members of the public are welcome. celebrate they are re-staging their very first show: Goldilocks The Pantomime, a tale of love, hope, Insane Championship Wrestling struggle against overwhelming odds - and porridge. Saturday 15 August, Doors open at 5:45pm The classic children’s story is brought to life in a theatre@bcs, Swanson Ct, Belconnen fun musical written by Canberra playwright Peter McDonald. The evil Sheriff of Gunningham is trying to steal the Three Bears’ recipe for porridge so that he can start a chain of porridge outlets. He and his assistant Frogmore kidnap Goldilocks and hold her ransom for the porridge recipe. Can Dave the Woodcutter save the day? Don’t miss this tenth anniversary edition, ten shows only, all tickets just $10. For more information please visit www.icklepickle.com.au.

Round up the family and come cheer and boo your favourite heroes and villains at the Insane Championship Wrestling August show. Tonight’s title match features Chris Shadows and Captain Ultimate. Tag Team Match with I.O.D. and Dead Wrestler Society, and Women’s Tag Match with Asha, Sofia, Flame & Kandi. Adults $10, Students $8, Kids $5, (under 5 years free). BELCONNEN COMMUNITY 9 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 News from our Neighbourhood Hidden Treasures of Our Place

Carers ACT chef, Michelle Buckley

The enterprise adds an important new business line for Carers ACT, allowing them to continue their work supporting around 8000 carers within the Canberra and South East NSW community. “The enterprise also hopes to establish a community garden that provides valuable skills to those that tend Image by Fiona Edge of Edge Design to it and produces ‘patch to plate’ fresh fruit and The Belconnen Arts Centre (BAC) annual Community vegetables” says Carers ACT CEO, Dee McGrath. Exhibition is now open for submissions. This year’s Experience the Branch Out café in Stirling from theme is Hidden Treasures, and entries close on 3 8am-4pm weekdays, or try the catering service for August. Artists of all ages and abilities are invited to your next function. Bookings, menus and pricing reveal the treasures of their own lives, the west and can be found at www.branchout.org.au north-west neighbourhoods of the ACT, or beyond. BAC encourages artists to engage with the ‘hidden Keep Canberra’s Gardens Open treasures’ theme playfully, thoughtfully, radically, or somewhere in between; exploring the people, Open Gardens Canberra was established by founding relationships, places, adventures and environments President, Shirley Pipitone, following the closure of the they cherish. The Hidden Treasures exhibition opening national scheme, Open Gardens, Australia. coincides with Our Place – an afternoon event to Shirley aims to create a community of garden lovers in launch BAC’s celebrations of Belconnen’s 50th birthday the Canberra and the surrounding region, and will open on Saturday 19 September. at least nine gardens in 2015, with more planned for 2016. For a small annual fee, members have free entry For more details and to enter the Community to all gardens opened by, Open Gardens Canberra. Exhibition, visit www.belconnenartscentre.com.au or find BAC on Facebook and Twitter. For more information email opengardenscanberra@ gmail.com and look out for the forthcoming website Carers ACT serves up www.opengardenscanberra.org.au. compassionate catering Early this year, Carers ACT opened the doors to its social enterprise, Branch Out Café and Catering Services at the ACT Education and Training Directorate, Hedley Beare Centre in Stirling. The enterprise includes café services, in-house catering, and training opportunities. Participants engage in customer service, food preparation, financial and cash management and other activities associated with running a small business. Japanese-influenced cottage garden by Helen Cohen Elaine’s ongoing rehabilitation schedule means she Go Social, All Around doesn’t have much time for social activities during the week, so the Go Social program on Saturdays works well Canberra By Chanel Cole for her. “I thoroughly enjoy the Saturday trips. I’ve put my name down for every one,” she says. “They’re lovely. Elaine has been a BCS Community Transport regular I particularly enjoyed the Handmade markets; there’s since she moved to Belconnen from Lismore five years another one just before Christmas which I hope we can ago. She’s made quite a few friends through the transport go to.” service, including the drivers. “The drivers are excellent and they really look after us all,” she tells me. “Make sure I discover that Elaine has a 101 year-old Dad, that she you put that in.” contracted polio at age 11 and recovered fully with exercise, and that she’s an accomplished crafter who sews, crochets, does silk ribbon work and knits. The covetable cardigan Elaine wears is her own work.

Elaine shows how to use the wheel-chair access Elaine bids driver Paul a fond farewell until next time

Elaine lost mobility after four successive hip operations BCS transport driver, Paul – who is at the wheel when I and a long recovery from a fall that left her with a broken meet Elaine – has a wide knowledge of Canberra history pelvis. “When I first got up, I couldn’t walk, stand or and loves giving his clients mini-guided tours, when time anything. I had to start from scratch,” she says. Elaine permits. Paul says clients like Elaine make his job “the appreciates the wheel-chair accessible lift in the new best in the world. You can’t beat this job,” he declares. commuter and says she doesn’t miss driving around in “There’s not a day when you don’t look forward to going her car at all “Let the drivers have the hassle” she grins. to work. I’m very lucky”.

Go Social, All Around Canberra Go Social activities run every Saturday. The new wheel-chair accessible commuter comes right to your door and pick up generally begins from 10am. Seats are limited to 10 passengers, so advance bookings are essential. August 1 Parliament Houses September 5 Gundaroo August 8 Craft and Quilt Fair at EPIC September 12 MV Southern Cross Lake Cruise ($9 fare) August 15 Lunch in Gold Creek September 19 Lunch at Poachers Pantry/Settlers Inn, August 22 Canberra Mountains Tour Murrumbateman August 29 Royal Australian Mint September 26 Floriade

Go Social also runs a Shopper Shuttle service every Monday from around 10am, visiting a variety of shopping destinations around Canberra. During August and September, the Shopper Shuttle will visit centres and outlet stores in Weston, , Woden, Majura, and Fyshwick. To find out more about transport@bcs, or to book with Go Social, contact the team on 6278 8124, email [email protected], or visit www.bcsact.com.au. You can also talk to the team to find out more about week day Go Social activities including the new Home Visiting Service.

BELCONNEN COMMUNITY 11 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 English Conversation Group excursion to the National Portrait Gallery, July 18

social@bcs Bridges and Community Access and Skill Development Programs for adults living with disability.

Bungee Team Curry Night, June 15

Evan Roupas working on a plaster hand print (My Art Class).

Back row: Tutors Tim Burke, Jim Sharrock, Emma McCann, Stewart McDonald, and Liliana Bogato Front: Administrator and Assistant Tutor, Felicity Spellman and Program Coordinator Susan Pfanner

Baby Shower for BCS Facilities and Assets coordinator, Melinda Smith, May 13

Marjorie Ogilvie, working on Aboriginal inspired dot painting (Craft Club).

Toby Clarke at Sky Zone (Be Active Group). Melinda Smith and Sarah Helmers Community Services Directorate Reconciliation Week To Eden for Mental Health awards, May 29 In early June, as winter descended, 24 intrepid travellers from the Open Art and Leisure programs for adults living with mental illness headed to Twofold Bay, Eden. At the historic Edrom Lodge they enjoyed three days of art activities, walks along the beach and through the bush, parachute games, scrabble tournaments and driftwood collecting. At night they gathered together for sumptuous feasts, bonfires on the beach, and long chats.

Tammi O’Callaghan, Merin Ahern and Sue Gore-Phillips with their award for the annual Tracks to Reconciliation event.

Silver Threads and Golden Needles Sydney trip Bonfire singalong

Katie Anderson-Kelly, Caroline White, Adam McEvoy, Masia Ermacora John Vance, the kitchen philosopher

Naidoc Week Exhibition Opening in gallery@bcs, July 8

The end of a wonderful retreat

Artists exhibiting in the “Empowering Sacred Knowledge” exhibition: Minyaada Swan, Lyn Talbot and Noelene Morrison

BELCONNEN COMMUNITY 13 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 What’s on in gallery@bcs Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, Belconnen Open 9:00am – 4:30pm Monday-Friday

Mixed Earth Part 1 A Ceramic Installation by Stephanie Hunt July 28-August 7 Official opening 5:30pm, Wednesday July 29 The exhibition is in two sections; the first is a mixed installation combining fired ceramic and unfired sealed clay that is displayed in the gallery, the second is a collection of ceramic artworks displayed outside the gallery in the showcase. The mixed installation is about the connection between ceramics and nature; about how ceramics relate to the earth by originating from clay which is naturally occurring. It will also relate to the many changes that the earth goes through to create clay, how clay changes to ceramic through the firing processes, the chemistry that occurs, and what happens to ceramic as it ages. The showcase works explore connections between ceramics and civilization, contrasting traditional uses of ceramic artworks with modern ideas of installation. These works range from of practical pieces to ornamental objects, exploring the idea of a slow loss of function. The artist’s intention is to show both clay itself - and the idea of what it means to be a ceramic artist - to the viewer in an unusual way.

The gallery@bcs Springboard Series presents: Mental Case An exhibition of paintings by our Emerging Artists Support Scheme prize winner Janet Angus August 11 – 28 Official opening 5:30pm, Wednesday August 12 Every year gallery@bcs awards one graduate from the ANU School of Art three weeks free gallery hire, printing of flyers, and catering for an exhibition as part of our contribution to the school’s Emerging Artist Support Scheme. Janet Angus’ work represents psychological space, through constructed worlds that are symbolic of internal emotion. She is interested in exploring the narratives of dreams as driven by the unconscious, and how this association can be used to give visual form to an internal experience. The works incorporate methods of engaging a sense of vast space, embodying the viewer within the work. Janet’s works take the form of three-dimensional constructions as a means of reflecting the structure of the human mind. They acknowledge architecture as a method for constructing composition and establishing the psychological foundations of the work. Their aim is to generate an experience of the paintings, which is understood both visually and emotionally. The gallery@bcs Piece of Mind Series presents: Brian Hennesy House A mixed media exhibition by participants of Brian Hennessy Rehabilitation Centre September 1 –11 Official Opening 2:00pm, Wednesday September 2 The exhibition will show a collection of artworks by consumers at Brian Hennessey Rehabilitation Centre (BHRC). The consumers use art as a form of relaxation and entertainment and they have shown great skill and talent when creating artworks. Consumers have created artworks at BHRC and with outside groups such as the Pottery Group at Watson. Works are both two-dimensional and three dimensional and display wonderful originality and creativity.

Ickle Pickle An exhibition of memorabilia by the BCS homegrown theatre company, Ickle Pickle Productions September 14 - 25 Official Opening 5:30pm, Wednesday September 16 This year, Ickle Pickle Productions celebrates 10 years of producing theatre in Canberra. Part of the celebrations will see an exhibition at gallery@bcs from September 16 to 25. The exhibition will feature memorabilia, photos, multimedia, costumes and other materials associated with the 40 + productions that Ickle Pickle has produced since 2005. Given that Ickle Pickle’s first ever show was at theatre@bcs (then known as Belconnen CommunityTheatre), gallery@bcs is the perfect venue for this exhibition. There will even be the last remaining piece of set and some costumes from the original production. Ickle Pickle is producing an updated, 10th anniversary edition of that first production, Goldilocks by Canberra playwright Peter McDonald, the week after the exhibition in theatre@bcs, and visitors to the exhibition will have a chance to win tickets to the show.

The gallery@bcs Piece of Mind Series presents: Act Belong Commit A showcase of recent work from Canberra artists in celebration of Mental Health Week Sep 29 – Oct 16 Official Opening 12:30pm, Thursday October 8 As a part of Mental Health Week, artists with diverse abilities share visions, experiences and images of significance using painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, sculpture and photography. Act – keep mentally, physically, socially and spiritually active, take a walk, read a book, meet with friends. Belong - Join a club, take a class, volunteer, stay connected, get involved in your community, make new friends. Commit - take up a cause, help a neighbour, learn something new, and take on a challenge.

BELCONNEN COMMUNITY 15 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 Anxious Architecture By Ben Drysdale Janet Angus is a 2014 honours graduate from the ANU School of Art, who is exhibiting a showcase of new works this August as part of the gallery@bcs Springboard series. Janet was awarded free exhibition space, launch catering, and design and printing of flyers, as part of the annual gallery@bcs contribution to the ANU Emerging Artists Support Scheme. After ten years in corporate graphic design, Janet tried her hand at some life drawing classes. She began working with oil paints, and was encouraged by her tutor to do a portfolio preparation course and apply for art school. Her application was accepted and she began study in the BCS is exhibiting Janet Angus’s work as part of the ANU Emerging Artists Support Scheme (EASS). ANU School of Art painting department in 2011. Throughout her degree she worked and Janet is interested in exploring the narratives of volunteered part time in local art institutions such as dreams as driven by the unconscious, and how this the Drill Hall gallery, and Belconnen Arts Centre, where association can be used to give visual form to an she interned under the then Creative Program Manager internal experience. Her works take the form of three- Jacquie Shultz, working on the community-driven dimensional constructions as a means of reflecting the Intersections exhibition. structure of the human mind. Though she always knew she wanted to do honours, The pieces acknowledge architecture as a method Janet nearly switched departments at the culmination for constructing composition and establishing the of her Bachelor’s degree. Dissatisfied with her work psychological foundations of the work. Their aim is in panting she considered transferring to the Print to generate an experience of the paintings, which is Media department. After meeting with her supervisor understood both visually and emotionally. - who stopped short of discouraging the transfer but When asked about the theme of anxiety in her work suggested that she was being a bit hard on herself and Janet notes that though she has never been diagnosed, was doing better than she may have thought – Janet she knows many people who have been, and definitely decided to pursue painting in her honours year. It is she experiences it in her life. perhaps this anxiety surrounding her art that informed “It’s something that comes out of my work even if I try to the subject matter that her honours work would focus avoid it,” she says. “There’s a certain darkness that I felt on, winning her two Emerging Artist Support Scheme I needed to explore further.” prizes in her honours graduation show. Janet’s exhibition “Mental Case” will be held in “My recent body of work is an investigation of the gallery@bcs from August 10 – 28 with an official representation of psychological space, through opening on Wednesday August 12 at 5:30pm. constructed worlds symbolic of emotional anxiety,” she says. Bit Bent Retreat By Jen Lewis Bit Bent is a social support group for same-sex attracted and sex and gender diverse young people. It meets at corner@bcs every Monday evening. On the morning of Friday 29 May, 17 Bit Bent members and five Belconnen Community Service (BCS) employees, embarked on the first ever Bit Bent Retreat. They travelled by coach to Camp Wombaroo, a fantastic facility on the outskirts of Mittagong NSW, run by The Outdoor Education Group. On the first evening BCS employees, Nick and Tasi, built a camp fire that was perfect for toasting marshmallows. The young people participated in a candle making activity and a workshop around body image presented by Youth and Family Support Worker, Helen. With excited chatter and plenty of giggling, the Bit Benters fell fast asleep, The outdoors provides me with a sense of comfort that I ensuring they were well rested for the excitement to follow don’t regularly get in Canberra. Camp Wombaroo, where the next day. the Bit Bent retreat was held, had vast spaces to explore. On Saturday the group participated in archery and a high The space of the camp brought me a sense of calm: as ropes course. In the afternoon, they were joined by Tom though I was not confined but had the space to wander. Ballard, a well-known Australian comedian who presented This space was not just physical but also made me feel a workshop on the importance of our personal stories. more comfortable stretching my boundaries, both in terms The Bit Benters were encouraged to craft their own of fears (such as heights) and the extent to which I was stories and share them with the group. honest with others about who I am. On day three they explored the camp surrounds through Comedian Tom Ballard visited retreat: talking about his orienteering before tackling the giant swing. Perhaps experiences of coming out in a small town. During his the most fun for the young people was watching the workshop, I was able to tell more of my coming out story frightened staff take their turn. After such a huge and than I had ever previously felt comfortable telling. This exhausting weekend, they all piled on to the bus to return was both a scary and enlightening experience. I am not home. Below is one group member’s recollection of the often one for telling people about the harder times I’ve retreat experience. experienced, but I felt comfortable to do so at Bit Bent retreat; I think because of the positive and supportive Identifying as queer (that’s the word I use to identify atmosphere. myself, other people use lots of other words) can be hard sometimes. My identity, both related to my sexuality and Since returning home from retreat, I’ve been able to my gender, has effects on the way I interact with the world reflect on how much of an impact being outside and with around me, from work to hanging out with my friends. Bit groups of people who I trust has on my mental health. Bent retreat provided me with a much-needed break from I’ve gone out of my way to take time outside, exploring worrying about the way that others perceive me because nature reserves around my house, and spending time with of my identity; it was a weekend away from the concerns positive people. The retreat acted as a reset button for my of everyday life. mental health and is an experience I can now draw upon in testing times.

Pictures: Activities at the BELCONNEN COMMUNITY Bit Bent Retreat 17 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 10/10 Project – Many hands make light work

10/10 Project volunteers not afraid of yard work

• The current condition of the yard/gardens prevents the family from using the outside areas. To ensure the 10/10 Project continues to grow, we are launching a new fundraising event: The Amazing Belco Race. A cross between a scavenger hunt and Last year, volunteers completed all 10 yards in one day a popular television contest, The Amazing Belco Race will see teams of up to five people scrambling to all On Saturday 10 October 2015, our 10 teams of corners of Belconnen. volunteers will be beautifying up to 10 yards in the The Amazing Belco Race on Saturday September 12 is Belconnen area, and nominations are now open. open to all members of the public; all you need to be Started four years ago, the 10/10 Project is an involved is a team, sponsors, a sense of adventure, and opportunity for staff at Belconnen Community Service some transport. Entry costs $50 per car and there will (BCS), Housing ACT, and Uniting Care Kippax to show be prizes on the day. Those without access to cars can appreciation for the people who access their services consider purchasing a seat on the BCS community bus. by undertaking tasks such as lawn mowing, basic More information and registration forms for the pruning, gardening and mulching, as well as green 10/10 Project and The Amazing Belco Race are waste and light rubbish removal. This year the BCS available online at www.bcsact.com.au. Or you can Energy Efficiency Team will be on hand to provide contact our Project Manager Graham McKerchar on energy efficiency tips for anyone registering for this 6278 8126 or [email protected] year’s 10/10 Project. Anyone living in the Belconnen area that accesses services provided by BCS, Housing ACT, or Uniting Care Kippax can apply. Members of the public interested in volunteering for the 10/10 Project are also encouraged to get in touch. Registrations close on Friday September 11 2015, and nominations are prioritised using the following key criteria: • Risk of eviction or homelessness due to the current condition of the yard/gardens. • Current condition of the yard or garden presenting a high fire risk as we move in to bush fire season. • Physical limitations that prevent the occupants

from maintaining the yard/gardens. You don’t have to be a green-thumb to volunteer Bus Lunch Tours Get on Board - Monday July 20th The Pancake Parlour Community Bus Excursions Enjoy a variety of lunch options ranging from slow cooked lamb crepes, warm spinach salad, dessert and Lunch Tours pancakes and crepes or delicious savoury pancakes These outings are an opportunity for Belconnen and crepes. There’s something for everyone with residents to get out and about, meet new people, prices ranging from $12.00 - $30.00. and share a lunch and conversation in the surrounds of some of Canberra’s places of interest. Transport Monday August 17th Wilbur’s Café Bar generally begins at 11:00am and we return around Take a journey to a world of relaxed and warm calm 2:30pm, depending on the activity. Pick up can be at Wilbur’s Café Bar in Hackett. For lunch the options arranged from your door or a convenient meeting range from the familiar to the creative and include point, such as the Belconnen Community Centre in all day breakfasts through to pizza and braised beef Swanson Court, Belconnen, or the Kippax Health risotto. Centre in Kippax place. Bus Excursions and Tours and Monday September 21st Belluci’s Bus Lunch Tours are coordinated by BCS Community Our “Foods of the World” BLT’s return with lunch at Transport Service. Belluci’s. Featuring all the most popular Italian dishes Bus Excursions and Tours with an Australian twist including Penne Belluci’s and Risotto Pescatore. Meal prices range from $13.00 - Friday July 24th Canberra Galleries Tour $30.00. Canberra has a wide array of galleries including the National Portrait Gallery, Drill Hall Gallery, Beaver Bookings are essential and can only be taken Gallery and more. Join us for a tour of these highly in the month that the excursion is happening. regarded galleries and see some beautiful works of Eligibility criteria apply and a gold coin donation art including painting, sculpture, ceramics and glass. for transport is appreciated. To make a booking or find out more about the Bus Excursion and Friday August 28th Canberra Glassworks Lunch Tours, please contact the Community Bus Take a walk through the exhibitions, visit the shop Service on 6251 2100 or and the café, and take an unguided tour of the public email [email protected] areas and talk to Glassworks staff. Then it’s off to the Kingston shops for a wander, some shopping and a We would also love to hear your ideas on bite to eat before heading back home. destinations for future excursions in the Canberra region, so please get in touch. Friday September 25th Floriade Running from Saturday September 12th – Sunday October 11th, Floriade is Australia’s biggest celebration of spring. Be part of this annual festival filled with music and cultural celebrations with the stunning backdrop of over 1 million blooms. BELCONNEN COMMUNITY 19 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 Tracks to Reconciliation By Merin Ahern Tracks to Reconciliation is an annual event in West Belconnen that celebrates Reconciliation Week. It’s presented in partnership by community service organisations and it involves ‘tracking’ from one service to the next to participate in a range of fun activities. Now in its third year, Tracks to Reconciliation was held on June 2, 2015. Belconnen Community Serivce, UnitingCare Kippax, West Belconnen Child and Family Centre, Libraries ACT and Strathnairn Arts all joined together to contribute to this event to highlight the significance of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. Tracks to Reconciliation is for children from all backgrounds and their families. A group of over 60 Morning activities at UnitingCare Kippax children and their teachers, parents and carers started the day at UnitingCare Kippax with a series of playgroup activities that had an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander focus. The next venue was West Belconnen Child and Family Centre where they enjoyed morning tea, story time read by workers from the Kippax Library, and a circus workshop facilitated by BCS. In cars, they then tracked out to Strathnairn Arts to wind up the day with a BBQ lunch and several group art projects. On May 29, 2015 the Tracks to Reconciliation partners were awarded a Community Services Directorate Reconciliation Award for efforts in building relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples as well as between agencies that work in the Kippax region. Ngunnawal Elder Warren Daley giving a heart-warming Welcome to Country before the day’s proceedings

Artwork at UnitingCare Kippax Artwork at Strathnairn Arts Photos. Top: BCS and Wirrpanda Foundation stall at the National Youth Week Expo. Below: Henna tattoos at the National Youth Week Expo. Bottom: The three ringed circus themed cake.

The Three Ring National Youth Week Circus Extravaganza started off with a By Merin Ahern performance from From April 10-19, staff and participants at BCS celebrated Questacon’s Excited National Youth Week. Throughout the week they hosted Particles and the and attended many events including the annual National Dr Scar travelling Youth Week Expo held in Garema Place that is hosted exhibitions. The by the Youth Coalition ACT. BCS shared a stall with the performances Wirrpanda Foundation, an organisation that is committed were followed to leading a social service paradigm shift for Aboriginal by a circus skills people by engaging and empowering Aboriginal and workshop facilitated Torres Strait Islander Australians to make well-informed by Warehouse life choices. A mentor from Wirrpanda came and played Circus. Local band the didgeridoo. BCS staff gave out free popcorn, henna Triumvirate played tattooing, promotional pens, and stress balls to the many into the evening and people that passed by. everyone enjoyed a delicious cake The corner@bcs hosted two main events: an Authors’ that had been Evening, and A Three Ring Circus Extravaganza. The made in theme Authors’ Evening was the brain child of a participant of to the ‘3-tiered’ the Youth Engagement program, Kim Morton, who used event. Thank you to his initiative to apply for and was successful in receiving everyone who came a Youth InterACT Grant. Local authors Daniel O’Malley, along and celebrated Tracey Hawkins and Jennifer Bradley all came along and National Youth Week shared stories about writing and publishing. They also 2015. gave advice for budding young authors. Happy Mothers’ Day By Yolanda Ayala Rivas Staff from BCS’s Kippax office celebrated Mother’s Day on May 8 2015. Employees were treated to home-made delights cooked by the Family Support team. The team were encouraged to bring a plate of food that reminded them of their mother or grandmothers. This topic stirred emotions and employees were able to reflect on the wonderful smells of their childhood. A wonder word search kept people busy as they munched on gingerbread, nachos and a Swiss roll. A wall hanging was decorated with the names of employees who are mothers along with the names of their mothers as a form of remembrance and appreciation.

BELCONNEN COMMUNITY 21 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 experience a sense of enjoyment through play and leisure. The program provides a stimulating array of Spring School Holiday activities including music, sport, craft and excursions to name a few.

Programs @BCS Spring School Holiday Program runs from Tuesday For school aged children September 29 to Friday October 9, 2015. The Program is not open on Monday 28 September and Monday BCS School Aged Programs operate the West Belconnen October 5 due to Public Holidays. School Holiday Program that is located at Cranleigh School situated in Holt. The Program is ChildCare Benefit and ChildCare Rebate approved and we are a proud NDIS provider. West Belconnen School Holiday Program caters for children of all abilities from Kindergarten to year For enrolments or queries please call Children’s 6. Educators provide the children with opportunities Services administration team on (02) 6264 0200 or to maximise their potential, develop life skills and email [email protected] For people aged 12 -25 years Staffed by experienced youth workers, the corner@bcs, on the corner of Swanson Court and Chandler Street Belconnen, provides a safe space for young people to hang out. A range of activities are offered every week-day, including craft, internet access, pool table, table tennis, board games, books, X-Box and Wii. Holiday opening hours are 12-5pm, Tuesday to Friday (closed Mondays due to public holidays). The Youth School Holiday Program is offered in addition to these daily activities. All the corner@BCS activities are offered FREE of charge. Bookings and permission notes are essential for all excursions and places are limited. For more information, enrolment and permission forms please contact Jen Lewis on 6264 0204 / [email protected], or Merin Ahern on 6278 8109 / [email protected]

Spring 2015 28th September 29th September 30th September 1st October 2nd October Closed – Public Screen Printing Mini golf excursion Tidbinbilla day trip Dragon art & craft Holiday T-Shirts & “Happy Gilmore” Table tennis comp workshop with ommunity Screening Miehalia e & strong c ted, activ connec A 5th October 6th October 7th October 8th October 9th October

Closed – Public National Gallery Archery excursion Geo-caching at Skyzone excursion

Holiday excursion Cake decorating Floriade Still Life Painting

Women’s Group Expressive Art – Bungee 12.00pm - 1.30pm, Room 2 Program BCS LPACT Mental Health Support and 4.30pm - 5.30pm, Art Room light lunch Build resilience and self-confidence Cost $5 for lunch through expressive art; for children Community Call John on 6264 0202 ages 7-11 years Cost $30 per term, conc. available Aerobics/Circuit Class Call Susan on 6264 0242 Calendar 12.30pm - 1.30pm, Gym Cost $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc. Bit Bent Belconnen Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 6.00pm - 8.00pm, corner@bcs July-October Social support group for LGBTIQ Martial Arts – Bridges Program young people aged 12-25 years 2015 2.00pm - 3.30pm, Sports Hall Cost FREE A Martial Arts class for people Call Jen Lewis on 6264 0204 living with disability, taught by Monday James from the Korean Martial Arts ACT Shotokan Karate Academy Canberra 6.30pm - 8.30pm, Sports Hall Art Therapy Cost $150 per 10 week term Cost $40 per month 9.30am - 12.00pm, Civic Call Kelly on 6264 0200 Call Ryan on 0414 802 429 or Small group mental health program. Wally on 6254 6593 Individual Art Therapy avaliable by GROW Meeting appointment 1.30pm - 3.30pm, Room 1 Call Kate on 6264 0200 Mutual support and self-help for Tuesday people with anxiety or other mental Mothers’ Voice health difficulties Tiny Tumblers 10.00am - 12.00pm, Belconnen Cost FREE Session 1: 10.00 - 10.45am Library Community Room Call Kristin on 6295 7791 Session 2: 11.00 - 11.45am Singing group for mothers with Sports Hall babies and pre school aged Knit, Nibbles & Natter Educational gym play for under-5s children 1.00pm - 3.00pm, Art Room 1 Cost $12 per class / $100 for 10 Cost FREE Social knitting and yarn group classes Call BCS Reception 6264 0200 Cost $5 per session Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Call BCS Reception 6264 0200 Silver Threads Digital BEST Club Photobooks Healthy Body, Healthy Mind 11.00am - 1.30pm, BCS Flynn 10.00am - 12.00pm, Art Room 1 1.45pm - 2.45pm, Gym Belconnen Energetic Seniors on Learn to use iPads to make LPACT, a women-only fitness class Tuesday, social club for Over 65s beautiful photobooks. For people for mental health support Call BCS Reception 6264 0200 aged 65+ Cost FREE Cost $50 per term, Aug-Sept Call John on 6264 0202 Fun Fitness with Judy Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 10.00am - 11.00am, Gym Koori Kids Cost $8 per class Aerobics – Low Impact 3.30 - 4.30pm, West Belconnen Call Judy on 6288 0768 10.15am - 11.15am, Gym Child and Family Centre Cost $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc. Group for 8-16 years old Aboriginal My Art – Bridges Program Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 and Torres Strait Islander children. 10.00am - 12.00pm, Art Room creative arts, music, physical Inclusive mixed-media art class for Social Badminton education and cultural pride people living with disability 10.30am - 12.15pm, Sports Hall Cost FREE Cost $100 per 10 week term A social game for all levels of Call Nick White 6278 8108 Call Kate on 6264 0200 players Cost $6 per session / $4 conc. Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 ommunity Mature Fitness e & strong c ted, activ 11.30am - 12.30pm, Gym connec Cost $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc. A

Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200

BELCONNEN COMMUNITY 23 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 The Birthing Tree – Prenatal Yoga 5.30pm - 7.00pm, Meeting Room 2 A flowing meditative practice that includes safe, gentle postures, breath work and relaxation Cost $18 per class or $180 per D2DL mental health support term Cost FREE Call Dani on 0447 231 280 Call John on 6264 0202 Women’s Swimming Group Sculpture Class 11am - 12pm, CISAC. Youth Engagement – Open 6.00 - 8.00pm, Art Room 1 LPACT mental health support Access A mixed media sculpture class. Cost $2 per session via BCS 2.00pm - 6.00pm, the corner@bcs No experience necessary, all levels Reception Safe place for young people aged welcome Call John on 6264 0200 12-25 years to drop in and hang Cost $15 per class or $130 per out. term Power Bar Cost FREE Call Tony on 0406 151 865 11.20am - 12.30pm, Gym Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Please arrive 20 minutes early Cost $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc. Yoga and Meditation Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 2.30pm - 3.30pm Tuggeranong Wednesday Library Meeting Room Swiss Ball Class LPACT Mental health support Tiny Tumblers 12.30pm - 1.30pm, Gym Cost $7 10.00am - 10.45am, Sports Hall Cost $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc. Call John on 6264 0200 Educational gym play for under-5s Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Cost $12 per class / $100 for 10 Elementz Rhythmic Gymnastics classes Social Chess, Backgammon, 3.45pm - 5.45pm, Sports Hall Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Scrabble Recreational, school-based or 12.30pm - 2.30pm, Belconnen competitive Rhythmic Gymnastics Mature Strength Library Community Room for all ages from 2 years – adult. 10.00am - 11.00am, Gym LPACT mental health support During school term only Cost $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc. Cost FREE Call Elementz on 6112 8460 Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Call John on 6264 0202 Art Ventures - Bungee Program Cooking – Mental Health Support Scribblers Writing Group 3.30pm - 5.00pm, Art Room 1 10.00am - 12.00pm, Woden Youth 12.45pm - 2.45pm, Room 1 Building resilience and self- Centre Creative writing to form friendships confidence through expressive art; Cost $5.00 per class and produce anthologies ages 7 – 11 years Call Carmel on 6293 3951 Email scribblerswritinggroup@ Cost $30.00 per term, conc. gmail.com available Creative Writing – Mental Health Call Susan on 6264 0242 Support Let It Be You 10.00am - 12.00pm, Woden Library 1.30pm - 3.30pm, Meeting Room 2 Acting – Bungee Program Learn how to write engaging stories CASD Program Social and 4.00pm - 5.30pm, Meeting Room 2 and poems with a published author recreational program for people Drama group helping to build Call John on 6264 0202 living with disability resilience and self-confidence; for Cost $100 per 10 week term children ages 8 – 13 years Social Club – Bridges Program Call Kelly on 6264 0200 Cost $30 per term, conc. available 10.30am - 12.30pm, corner@bcs Call Susan on 6264 0242 Social and recreational activities for Open Art Mental Health Painting, people living with disability rong community Drawing and Print Making Ukulele Empire Cost $100 per 10 week term active & st 1.00pm - 3.00pm, Art Room 1 5.30pm - 6.45pm, Room 1 Call Kelly on 6264 0200 ected, A conn With Tim Suitable for ages 8 years and over Cost $100 per 10 week term with some Ukulele experience Mature Fitness

Call Kate on 6254 0200 Cost $12 per class / $100 for 10 11.30am - 12.30pm, Gym class pass Includes the use of Swiss Ball and

Get Into Reading Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 hand weights for better strength 1.30pm - 3.30pm, Woden Library Cost $9.50 per class /$7.50 conc. Great fun, beginners welcome; Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Advanced Badminton Canberra Tamil Badminton Lunchtime Volleyball 12.15pm - 1.45pm, Sports Hall 8.30pm - 9.30pm, Sports Hall 12.30pm - 1.30pm, Sports Hall Call Clive on 0424 659 497 Also play Sundays 9am – 10am Call Michael on 6252 5955 Call Sri 6258 0633 Power Bar Stretch & Flex 12.30pm - 1.30pm, Gym 12.30pm - 1.30pm, Gym Please arrive 20 minutes early Thursday Gentle stretch and flex exercises Cost $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc. Cost $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc. Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Playgroup in the Park Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 9.45am – 11:00am, corner Lance Interchange AA Group Hill ave and Evelyn Owen cres, Messengers Program 12.30pm - 1.30pm, Room 1 Dunlop 12.45pm – 3.00pm, Art Room 1 Support to stop drinking School terms only; bring a hat, Arts-based early intervention Call Judy on 0408 051 203 snack and water and resilience program for young Cost FREE people aged 13-18 years. During Yoga and Meditation Call Yolanda on 6278 8115 school terms 1.30pm - 2.30pm, Meeting Room 2 Cost FREE Gentle yoga and meditation class Tiny Tumblers Call Messengers on 6293 2212 Cost $7.50 10am - 10.45am, Sports Hall Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Educational gym play for under-5s Craft Club – Bridges Program Cost $12 per class / $100 for 10 1.30pm - 3.00pm, Art Room 1 Mental Health Drop-In classes Creative crafts group for people 1.30pm - 3.30pm, the corner@bcs Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 living with a disability Pool, table tennis, air hockey, Cost $100 per 10 week term X-Box, computer access Belconnen Women’s Group Call Kelly on 6264 0200 Cost FREE 10.00am - 12.00pm, Room 1 Call Kate on 6264 0200 Outings, guest speakers and fun for Ukulele for Beginners women aged 50+ 1.00pm - 2.15pm, Room 2 Social Badminton Call Ianon on 6259 8068 or Barbara Suitable for ages 8 years and over 1.45pm - 3.30pm, Sports Hall on 6258 7263 Cost $100 for 8 weeks A social game for any level of player Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Cost $4 per session / $3 conc. English Conversation Group Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 10.00am - 12.00pm, Belconnen Continuing Ukulele Library Community Room 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Room 2 Silver Threads Spoken Stories Supported by BCS volunteers, Suitable for ages 8 years and over 2:00-3.30pm, Meeting Room 1 morning tea provided. with some Ukulele experience Read aloud literature and poetry Cost FREE Cost $100 for 8 weeks social group for seniors Call Kate on 6264 0200 Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Cost $5 per session Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Be Active Gym – Bridges Backs in Balance Program 2.00pm - 3.00pm, Gym Dance Club – Bridges Program 10.00am - 12.00pm, Gym Strength and balance for falls 2.00pm - 3.30pm, Gym Gentle exercise gym class for prevention and health Hip-Hop dance classes for people people living with disability. Cost $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc. living with a disability Cost $150 per 10 week term Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Cost $150 per 10 week term Call Kelly on 6264 0200 Call Sally or Kelly on 6264 0200 Beginning Badminton Power Bar 2.00pm - 3.30pm, Sports Hall Bruce Toastmasters (fortnightly) 11.20am - 12.30pm, Gym LPACT mental health support 6.00pm - 7.30pm, Room 2 Please arrive 20 minutes early Cost $2.50 per session Call Andrew Wirth on 0408 117 113 Cost $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc. Call John on 6264 0200 Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 ACT Shotokan Karate 6.30pm - 8.30pm, Sports Hall Cost $10 per class or $40 per community month ive & strong cted, act Call Ryan on 0414 802 429 or conne Wally on 6254 6593 A

BELCONNEN COMMUNITY 25 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 Youth Engagement – Open Social Badminton LPACT Healthy Body, Healthy Access 10.30am - 12.15pm, Sports Hall Mind 2.00pm – 6.00pm, the corner@bcs All levels of players welcome 1.45pm - 2.45pm, Gym Safe place for young people aged Cost $6 per session / $4 conc. Fitness class, mental health 12-25 years to drop in and hang Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 support out Cost FREE Cost FREE Mature Fitness Call John on 6264 0200 Call BCS reception on 6264 0200 11.30am - 12.30pm, Gym Cost $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc. Youth Engagement – Cheap Eats Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 3.00pm - 8.00pm, the corner@bcs Friday Safe place for young people aged Power Bar 12-25 years. Learning to cook on Florey Paint and Play 12.30pm - 1.30pm, Gym a budget 9.30 - 10.45am, Florey Primary Please arrive 20 minutes early Cost FREE A playgroup for parents and their Costs $9.50 per class / $7.50 Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 children, held during school terms conc. Call Denae on 6278 8131 Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Kathak Dance School 6pm - 7pm, Sports Hall Get Up – Young Parents Group Advanced Badminton Indian classical dance form that 10.00am - 11.30am, West 12.15pm - 1.45pm, Sports Hall exercises the body and mind Belconnen Child and Family A social game for advanced Cost $17 per class Centre players Contact Ira Patkar on A playgroup for parents aged 25 Call Clive on 0424 659 497 0430 942 375 and under and their children, runs during school terms only Open Art Pottery Call Emma on 6278 8110 9.30pm - 12.00pm, Watson Join artist Tony in creating pottery Mature Strength pieces and ceramic artworks 10.00am - 11.00am, Gym Cost $100 per 10 week term Weight training for people over 60 Call Kate on 6264 0200 Cost $9.50 per class / $7.50 conc. Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 Open Art Mental Health Mosaics 1.00pm - 3.00pm, Art Room Philosophy@Woden Join artist Tony in creating mosaics 10.00 – 11.30am, every second Cost $100 per term Friday from October 17 Call Kate on 6264 0200 Smith Family Building, Woden LPACT Mental health support Get Into Reading – Mental Cost FREE Health Support Call John on 6264 0202 1.30pm - 3.00pm, Woden Library trong community Read and discuss great stories active & s Positive Links ected, and poems from the past and A conn 10.00am - 1.00pm, BCS Flynn contemporary literature Friendly social group for people Cost FREE who’ve experienced a stroke or Call John on 6264 0200 other life-changing experience

Cost FREE Call BCS Reception on 6264 0200 What do you do in your Bungee classes? A conversation with At the moment we’re screen printing t-shirts with words or some kind of funky image or artwork. It’s a Tim Burke fun medium because almost everything looks great Bungee Tutor and Community Art on a t-shirt. I use a multi-modality approach – that’s Therapist using lots of different art forms. So we might start the class with some simple theatre games, and over a term we might do a bit of sculpture, painting, printing or collage. I like to find out what’s important to each person and help them find ways to express that creatively. What other arts therapy do you do? As an arts therapist I’ve worked with everyone from elderly people, to people with disabilities, children and young people, and people with mental health issues. I find that very satisfying; I like working with an array of people. So in addition to Bungee, I run a creative group therapy classes on the ANU campus for the Open Art program and a class for patients at the Calvary Hospital 2N ward. And I run a class for the Step Up Step Down program in the inner north of Canberra, which is for people transitioning from institutional care to independent living. That’s also good service for people who might feel like they’re nearing an episode and want to check in for some respite. People I meet at 2N and Step Up Step Down often end up coming along to the Open Art classes at BCS. I find my classes act as a good gateway into other community centre activities and build resilience for people wanting to move into a more traditional art class, as opposed to art therapy. Describe one of your most rewarding moments One year, in Bungee, I was working with 8 year olds on a group project based on the game Snakes and Ladders. We talked about good and bad experiences. Belconnen Newsletter caught up with Tim Burke to One little boy spoke up and said “A snake was talk about his role as a Bungee Tutor, and the joys and when my Father left and moved interstate. A ladder benefits of art therapy. is when he rings me up”. Because we were talking What is the Bungee program about? in that context he was able to share and we got a discussion going about how things feel – like the Bungee is an arts-based resilience building program. joy when his father phones up – and other ways he We work with kids aged from 5 – 18 years who could communicate with his father, like letters or maybe have had some difficulties in their lives or postcards. It was very poignant, and the whole group trouble fitting in with others. We create a safe and acknowledged it. It was just something he wanted to non-judgemental space where young people can be say and I thought “what a wonderful deep thinker.” creative, socialise, develop some confidence, and learn to work cooperatively in a group. We have lots of discussions about our lives and what’s important to us, like the environment or hope. There’s lots of cross g community over and they find things in common and they make ctive & stron friends. It’s easier to talk about difficult things when cted, a conne you have something in front of you. By making, you A can concretise your thoughts.

BELCONNEN COMMUNITY 27 newsletter Issue 3 - July 20th - October 11th 2015 commmmuunniittyy tiivvee && ssttrroonngg co cctteedd,, aacct ccoonnnnee AA