November Newsletter

Special points of interest:  Lots of suggestions for Dear Friends... fun things to do all over We hope you enjoy reading this month’s newsletter - it’s got lots  Coffee Catchups in each of info about the Compeer Program and upcoming events this area, a great way to meet more members of month. the Compeer family Summer is coming up soon, so there’s plenty of opportunities to  Save the date for our end get active and enjoy the outdoors with your friend! -of-year lunch Have you had a chance to get to know our new staff members? They are always ready to answer your questions or give you some extra support if you need it.

Inside this issue: If you have any suggestions about what to include in the news- letter, please do get in touch, your input is welcome.

Compeer Events 2 All the best,

Compeer Events and 3-4 Your Sydney Compeer team. Update

What’s On in Sydney 5-7

Inspiration 8

Celebrations 9

Page 2 November Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE:

Friday 2nd December, 11:30am to 3:30pm. The end-of-year lunch is coming up this year in December. The venue will be Dooleys Lidcombe Catholic Club; 24 John Street, Lidcombe 2141. More info will be available soon. It will be a fun event, we hope to see you there! It will be necessary to RSVP before the day.

Mental Health Month

Promoting the Compeer Program at the Parliament House of NSW, as

part of Mental Health Month. A great opportunity to talk with MPs and their staff about mental health. November Newsletter Page 3

Launch of the new Compeer Program

On Friday 14th October, we celebrated the launch of the new Compeer Program in Sydney. It was a fun, inspiring event which included a presentation from Chris, our Coordinator. We also heard from Robert, who spoke about his jour- ney of recovery and read out a moving letter of hope. We were lucky enough to see the newly created Compeer Program promotional video. It was a great afternoon and a fantastic way to introduce the new team to other Vinnies staff members and workers in the community sector. Our newly formed Compeer team

Robert speaking at the Launch

November Newsletter Page 4

Coffee Catchups in November

Western Sydney: Starbucks Coffee, 159 Church Street Parramatta

Thursday 24th November, 4pm to 6pm — 0448 247 577 (Stephanie)

Northern Sydney: Café Florence,

Friday 25th November, 2pm to 4pm — 0402 834 567 (Chris)

Sydney City South East: Max Brenner, Friday 18th November, 2pm to 4pm

Introducing our new staff member...

Melissa (Program Coordinator): “I am excited to “I have been in the community sector for over eight years, have joined Compeer and and have worked within the migrant, refugee and asylum am enthusiastic seeker sector; homelessness sector, disability sector and about our future mental illness/health sector. I am passionate about creating as a program.” and providing opportunities for those living with a mental ill- ness, and wholly believe in the organic power and positive influence of friendship.”

November Newsletter Page 5

What to do in Sydney this month...

Wartime Stories 2 September 2016 to 5 The Rocks Discovery Museum Free February 2017 Learn about local men, women and Kendall Lane The Rocks (enter 10am - 5pm even children whose lives were affected via Argyle Street) 2000 by World War I. (02) 9240 8680 (free)

Men’s Book Club Wednesday 9 November Caringbah Library Free 2016 Are you a guy who likes to read? Come 376-378 Port Hacking Road along to the Men's Book Group at 10am—11:30am Caringbah 2229 Caringbah Library on the second Wednesday of each month to enjoy a 9524 3803 chat about books.

(free)

Community Fishing Tuesday 27 September Sydney International Regatta Free

Catch and release fishing program. Su- Every week on Tuesday Centre pervised by NSW Department of Prima- until Tuesday 27 Decem-

ry Industries Fish Care volunteers. ber Gate A, Old Castlereagh Rd Shore-based fishing, BYO equipment, Penrith 2749 including barbless hooks, BYO bait such as corn, bread or worms. 9am - 5pm 4730 0000 (free)

Sewing Club Wednesday 11 May to 17 Argyle Street Millers Point Free Wednesday 14 December 2000 The Harry Jensen sewing club is run by Wendy, a local Millers Point resident. She has a lot of experience sewing and teaching others.

(free)

November Newsletter Page 6

What to do in Sydney this month...

Experience Croydon Park! Festival Saturday 12th No- Seymour Street Free vember 10am - A line-up of delicious food, great live music, Croydon Park NSW 2133 4pm fun workshops and interactive activities for 0425 379 183 the whole family to enjoy!

(free entry)

Maritime Museum Everyday 9:30am Maritime Museum Free - 5pm Australian National Maritime Museum is of- 2 Murray Street fering you and your friends FREE Galleries Sydney NSW 2000 Tickets. Located in Darling Harbour, the 9298 3777 Museum is the country's national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology. Only includes permanent exhibitions.

(free entry)

Ballroom Dance Classes Mondays 9:30am 29–53 Hugo Street Free

(beginner) and Redfern NSW 2016 Redfern Community Centre hold weekly 12:30pm FREE Ballroom Dance Classes. 9288 5713 (advanced) (free) [email protected] November Newsletter Page 7

What to do in Sydney this month...

Bondi Beach Laughter Club Every Saturday Queen Elizabeth Drive Ocean Room $5 Do- 10 am nation Experience the benefits of laughter for Bondi Beach NSW 2026 health and happiness, through laugh- 0466 474 080 ter yoga. The laughter yoga session involves laughter exercises, rhythmic [email protected] clapping, deep breathing techniques.

($5 donation)

Hornsby Organic Markets Every Thursday Florence Street (Corner of Hunter Street) Free (Hawkesbury) 7:30am to Hornsby NSW 2077 4:00pm Situated in Hornsby Mall, this market 9999 2226 is on every Thursday. A firm favourite [email protected] amongst locals it utilises the magnifi- cent fountain as a backdrop.

(free entry)

City Cycle Confidence Course Sunday Whites Creek Valley Park 26 Piper Street Free ( Council) Annandale NSW 2040 6 November You will learn how to develop your rid- Register via Eventbrite.com.au 9am - 1.30pm ing skills and bolster your confidence

in a quiet off-road location before pro- ceeding out on-road as a group. Sunday

20 November (free) 9am - 1.30pm

Christmas in Parramatta Thursday 24 No- Church Street Centenary Square Free vember Highlights include special guests and Parramatta East NSW 2150 performances, cooking demonstra-

tions with a special guest chef, deli- cious food stalls with Christmas treats, 9806 5050 dedicated kids area with free activities and workshops! http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au

(free entry) November Newsletter Page 8

Inspiration...

"A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow." - William Shakespeare

Source: The Sad Ghost Club

http://thesadghostclub.com/

“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.”– Muhammad Ali Page 9 Friendship Anniversaries in

November: Marie G. and Lucinda B. Bi Yun W. and Heather W. Craig M. and Peter S. German R. and Scott P. Stephen C. and Fares K. Jeong C. and Marissa M.

If we missed you please let us know so we can recognise you next time.

Happy Birthday! Best wishes for the day, the Compeer team.

Famiza H. Craig G. Philip C. Jenny H.

Chris B. Xia L. Anne H. Peter D. Alicia B.

Diane K. Christine M. Michael O.

Frances S. Saurabh G. Lia M. Monica M.

Ian M. Kevin C. Rod E. Ranmalee D. Claude Joseph R.

Althea R. Rose M. Husain R. Gerry B. Mary W. Sue P.

Janet A. Fatema J. Sudha M. Caroline T. Irene D.

Kathleen M. Adrian S. Fares K. Elizabeth H. Judith E.

Maureen G. Lesbia V. Tian T. Amy M. John W. Peter S.

Pia B. Diana C. David H. Muriel S.

COMPEER SYDNEY CITY/SOUTH EAST COMPEER WESTERN SYDNEY COMPEER NORTHERN SYDNEY St Vincent de Paul Society State Office Charles O’Neill House, 2c West St LEWISHAM NSW 2049

PO Box 5, PETERSHAM NSW 2049 Phone: 9568 0237 Phone: 9622 2411 Phone: 8622 0334 Fax: 9564 2097 Fax: 9564 2097 Fax: 9564 2097 Mobile: 0435 656 160 Mobile: 0448 247 577 (Stephanie) Mobile: 0402 834 567 (Chris) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]