OCTOBER 2020 What’s On This Month A Message from the Manager HARMONY CLUB It has certainly not taken long to warm up and for the feeling of Spring to be here. Centre based respite It feels surreal to be planning for the end of year and our Christmas celebrations. Monday to Thursday We will not be able to hold our usual Christmas party with everyone invited, THRIFT SHOP instead we are splitting our celebrations into three. Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th December will be for Harmony Club to recognise • Monday to Friday - Christmas with a special lunch and singing in the church, while on Friday 18th 9:30 to 12:30 December we would like to invite our volunteers, social group participants and SOCIAL GROUPS board members to a BBQ lunch in the garden. Planning has commenced to ensure they are COVIDSafe events and are still special. Knitting October is a busy month with many causes allocating a week to raise awareness. 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Some of these are included in this month’s newsletter and we hope you find the 9:30 to 11:30 information provided useful. As always do not hesitate to contact the centre and Mahjong speak to one of our friendly and helpful staff if you find yourself in need of assistance. A problem shared is a problem halved. 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday. We also have taken some time to acknowledge Carers Week and the wonderful 9:30 to 11:30 work those that care for others do in our community. Many do not recognise or Orange Grove Writers Group consider themselves a carer, they just do what they do because they love, care and want the best for the people they look after. Every Tuesday—1 to 2:30 pm Regards Kellie Painting for Pleasure Every Wednesday Acknowledgment of Community Bank, Acacia Ridge 9:15 to 12:15 Over the last 12 months Bendigo Community Bank, Acacia Ridge has provided Creative Connections Craft sponsorship for our monthly newsletter which has assisted with covering the cost of Group printing each month. On behalf of all at St David’s Neighbourhood Centre I would like to express our deep appreciation of Bendigo Community Bank, Acacia Ridge for 2nd Wednesday monthly their support and commitment to sponsoring the work of groups in the local 7pm to 9pm community. Busy Hands Craft Group Every Thursday 9:00 to 11:00 To contact Lifeline: English Conversation Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days) Mondays 10am to 12 (except school holidays) Text: 0477 13 11 14 (6pm – midnight AEDT, 7 nights) Yoga Monday evening 6pm Chat online: https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat (7pm - midnight, 7 nights) FREE BCC GOLD PROGRAM ACTIVITIES TAI CHI Fridays. 10 to 11 am in the Garden Room (except school This issue of the Newsletter holidays) was kindly sponsored by YOGA CLASS Monday’s . 2 –3pm In the Garden Room (except school holidays) Welcome one and all to October and hopefully some well needed rain will be heading our way leading into summer as it is still so very dry. Harmony Club We continue with covid-19 restrictions and especially around physical distancing and allowable numbers of clients attending each day and during transport. However there may News be some changes ahead as state restrictions are slowly modified and it has been wonder- ful to see the infection numbers in Victoria finally start to come down as it has been truly horrible for our friends down south. While we have not put anything specific in the calendar, if client numbers allow on any particular day, we will look to some very small group outings even if it is just a drive somewhere to get out of the centre for a little while. These events will be assessed and decided on the day so I think we will call them surprise activities. Please be assured that all current restrictions are for your safety and considered best practice for the community care sector. We thank you all for continuing to follow the standard conditions below: • If you feel unwell at all, even with the slightest of symptoms, then you must stay at home and contact your doctor to be tested. • Always maintain physical distancing of 1.5 metres and good hand hygiene. • One person per 4 square metres in activity rooms. (this equates to a maximum of 16 in the Harmony room) • There will always be a vacant seat between clients during transport and if you would like to use a single use face mask during transport, we have those available for you. On Monday 12th we will have a movie day and will be showing the 1995 movie “Babe” about a little pig who apparently since his worldwide movie fame now actually lives a life of pig luxury on his own private island in the Bahamas. On Monday 26th we will have a BBQ lunch. On Saturday 31st it is time for all eligible voters to get out and vote in the State election. You can also apply for a postal vote now. This can be simply done on-line at ecq.qld.gov.au or by phoning 1300 881 665. Below are a few interesting October events in history: 1925 – Greater was inaugurated as a single municipal authority under Brisbane City Council. 1892 – The Australian Cricket Council announces an intercolonial cricket competition to be known as the Sheffield Shield. 1862 – The Melbourne Zoo is opened. 1888 – Launceston, Tasmania is proclaimed a city. 1892 – Jackie Howe shears a total of 321 sheep in 7 hours and 40 minutes at Blackall, Queensland, a record for hand shears that still stands. 1933 – Australia's first traffic lights are installed in Sydney. 1935 – The Hornibrook opens, connecting Brisbane and Redcliffe, the 2.8 km bridge is one of the longest timber and girder in Australia As always if you have any ideas for different activities, or any suggestions of how we can improve our services to you then we are always happy to receive your feedback.

Take care and we look forward to seeing you all again soon. Max

I’m 98—Have to Isolate Oh what to do, maybe something new? Or just stay sitting with my knitting. I could do the washing, or clean the floors, but just don’t feel like doing chores! Maybe a wine will be Okay, Just to get me through to Day. Picked up the remote, turned on the TV Nothing there I wanted to see. Time for a break, coffee and cake, Calories Mounting, I’m not counting. Wash my hands Disinfect, do it again to get the effect. No make-up needed or do my hair, Because I’m not going anywhere. Drat the Virus, I’ll be glad when it ends, Then I can see my family and friends. Can’t complain I’m feeling fine, when it’s all over I’ll be 99. Until that date I’ll isolate and keep on sitting with my knitting. Lily Hall 2020

In Australia, there are more than 3 million people or 13.2% of the population living below the poverty line. That includes 739,000 children or more than 1 in 6. Many of those affected are living in deep poverty – on average $135 a week below the poverty line. Economic relief packages during the Covid-19 pandemic have helped to alleviate some of this financial stress, however once these payments are returned to the pre-Covid rates then many families will find themselves struggling. St David’s Neighbourhood Centre and St David’s Uniting Church are dedicated to assisting those in need by providing emergency relief referral to appropriate support services, partnering with other local organisations to meet unmet needs such as food parcels, providing vouchers for our Thrift Shop, fundraising, providing parcels to those in need overseas through the Samaritans Purse program, and assisting women experiencing hardship by donating toiletries via Share the Dignity.

Help St David’s Neighbourhood Centre to help others by: Go Card Donation— We have a collection Jar at Reception for any spare change you would like to donate. This is used to purchase Go Cards for members of the community in need, to attend Centre link, job interviews or important appointments.

Harmony Eats— Our Harmony Eats program provides low cost nutritious meals for $5 to clients of the centre, or anyone from the community though supplies are limited. We accept donations of money to fund “Free Food Friday” where community members in need can access one of these meals for free. Since we started this program in the end of May we have given away over $1000 worth of meals to those in need.

Your 10c recyclables can make a difference! The Neighbourhood centre is now registered with Containers for Change. You can drop your eligible containers into the Neighbourhood Centre, or take them to TOMRA Recycling Centre at 655 Toohey Road Salisbury. Please quote our No.C10125238. All funds raised will go towards our community outreach including our Monthly Community BBQ Breakfast.

Did you know that Foot Health Week is October 12th – 18th? Podiatrists don’t only trim toenails, we specialize in the overall health of your feet and lower limbs. Here are just a few examples of what your podiatrist can help with. Diabetes-related foot concerns. By seeing a podiatrist at least annually, most people with diabetes can avoid associated complications such as foot ulcers, infections and amputations. Mobility. Mobility is the key to your independence. Avoiding foot complications can help you achieve the life you want to lead. Pain management. Ailments such as painful heels, ingrowing toenails, corns and cramps can impact your day to day activities. Your podiatrist can help get you back on your feet and get through the day pain free. Health related foot-complications. Did you know that conditions such as poor circulation, high blood pressure, arthritis and fungal or bacterial infections can impact your foot health? Podiatrists specialize in helping to manage the effects of these complications to keep your feet in tip top shape. By seeing a podiatrist regularly, you can prevent many foot complications, thereby maintaining your activity levels and independence long into your retirement. Call us on 3422 8419 to see how one of our friendly Flexi Care Podiatrists can help you today. This year has been a tough one for many unpaid carers. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that carers are under intense pressure as they continue to care for their loved ones when many services have been affected. Did you know that 1 in 11 of us will become a carer at some point in our life, and many of us will need care and support in our lifetime. We have many wonderful carers in our community that provide support to a family member or friend with disability, mental health problem, terminal illness, chronic medical condition or frailty related to age. To these carers we say abig thank you for all that you do, you are so appreciated.

Tangi and her Deidre

Liz and her Daughter, Robyn

Peter and Irene

There are several services available for Carers that provide support, information, advocacy or simply connection to other carers who understand:

QLD Government has information lots of information about the help that is available to Carers: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/support-for-carers

The Carer Gateway is a one stop shop to access assistance: https://www.carergateway.gov.au/ tel: 1800 422 737

My Aged Care is the online portal for services and support for people over 65 and their carers https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/ tel: 1800 200 422

Carers QLD has lots of resources available: https://carersqld.com.au/support-services/ tel: 07 3900 8100

Anglicare Southern QLD offers respite and carer support: https://anglicaresq.org.au/carer-support/ tel: 1300 610 610.

We were very lucky to have a special little visitor with us for the last 3 weeks of term. My new puppy ‘Special Agent Fox MULDER’ was here to socialise, observe and lap up all the love and attention. And boy did he get attention, not only from the families but also our friends in Harmony, the staff and volunteers too. It was a great lesson for the children in being gentle and kind and also how to quickly remove their fingers so they didn’t end up in his mouth. I know Mulder loved meeting you all and he’ll be back to visit so you can see how much he’s growing. We also celebrated Master C’s 2nd birthday. We always love a birthday party here at Stay n Play! This term we will be planting lots of different herbs and flowers for our garden and with the days warming up we will start our water play soon. Please make sure that you are wearing sunscreen and hats. Bring togs for the children or have a change of clothes and towels to dry off. With COVID we are unable to use ours. Before you know it, we will be working on our Christmas decorations for our Stay n Play Christmas Tree. It’s sure going to be a very busy term here at playgroup. Bookings are still essential in order to answer our health check questions and to stay within our physical distancing limits. Remember to email [email protected] to secure your spot for the term. And please stay home if you or any family member is feeling unwell. Also, to go and get tested if you have any symp- toms. We want to keep our Neighbourhood Centre and community safe! Qld is doing so well with this. Until next month ~ Remember to stay 1.5m away from others, wash your hands & Stay Safe! We’re all in this together.

Miss Melanie

Kiegan is a Disability support worker. In her spare VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH time, she chooses to volunteer here at the centre. Kiegan has been volunteering in the Harmony Club for 2.5 years now. While the centre was closed to the clients due to COVID, she spent time looking after all our gardens. Kiegan has done a phenomenal job at gardening from both seeds and cuttings. She’s created beautiful and colourful sensory gardens in both the Harmony courtyard and Stay n Play yard. These are loved and enjoyed by many. We receive lots of compliments from the clients, families and social groups at how beautiful and healthy all the flowers, herbs and plants are looking. She’s also started growing cuttings to help raise funds for the centre at next year’s Autumn Fest. Kiegan really loves working with the Harmony clients one on one, especially the elderly. She says with a BIG smile on her face “Volunteering here at the centre has taught me to speak English better and while working I’m always learning! I feel good at the end of the day and am the happiest when helping others. Helping and learning is a two-way street.” Kiegan encourages others to volunteer, as she believes you gain experience with what it’s like to live in Australia and gain important skills to go out into the field of paid work. In her spare time, apart from volunteering at the centre she loves to have fun, read the newspaper and tend to the Com- munity garden in Coopers Plains spending 3-5hrs there. She loves collecting seeds and cuttings to plant and grow too. Thank you Kiegan, for the tremendous amount of work you always put in. Not only do you have a heart of gold and a smile that lights up a room, but you have amazing gardening skills too!

Buy Nothing New Month - October Buy Nothing New Month is the global movement for conscientious consumption that started in Melbourne. It's a one-month challenge to buy nothing new (with the exception of essentials like food, hygiene and medicines). Buy Nothing New Month isn't Buy Nothing New Never. Nor is it about going without. It's about taking one month off to really think, "Do I really need it?" If I do, "can I get it second-hand, borrow it or rent it? What are my alternatives? Can I borrow from a friend? Can I swap with my neighbour?" It's about thinking where our stuff comes from (finite resources) and where it goes when we're done (often landfill) and what are the fantas- tic alternatives out there to extend the life of our 'stuff'. It's easy. It's fun. It's moving from consumption-driven to community-driven. It's good for us, our wallets and our planet. Hop on board! For more ideas head to: www.buynothingnew.com.au

National Op Shop Week- Sept 28th to Oct 4th

Every week is Thrift Shop Week for us, but in October there is a special focus on op shops and thrift Shops across Australia and all the great work they do. Op shops are so much more than just a place to find heavily discounted clothing, household goods, toys etc. Importantly they play an essential role in redirecting useful items from landfill, provide affordable essentials for people in need and fundraising for charities. St David’s Neighbourhood Centre Thrift Shop raises money that directly funds community projects and support for people in our local area. Go to http://OpShopWeek.com.au/ for more information.

A Message from Cec There is a saying we are all familiar with. It goes like this, “It is not the size of the dog in the fight that matters but rather the size of the fight in the dog”. How true that is and no more so than in the story of David and Goliath that we all learned about in our Sunday School days. The Philistine, Goliath was a giant of a man dressed in armour from head to foot carrying a spear and a sword. David was a young shepherd boy who went in to do battle with Goliath. He wore no armour, nor carried a sword or spear. All he carried was his shepherds staff and five smooth stones. As the giant approached, David put one of the stones in his sling and hurled it with such force that it entered the forehead of Goliath and killed him. Good had surely triumphed over evil. This story is in 1 Samuel 17 in our Bibles. As each of us travels along the road of life we are often confronted by the Goliaths of this life which come in many forms. Some will be easily defeated but others have the potential to overwhelm us and crush us. The giants of life may take on many forms. Today’s Pandemic which effects each one of us is a Goliath of giant proportions. It has spawned other giants, that individuals must do battle with such as unemployment, depression, homelessness, hunger, poverty and many more. The list is endless. How do we deal with these giants? Of course there are others that most of us will encounter on life’s journey, sickness, age and infirmity, pain and suffering and loneliness and finally death. The good news is that we don’t have to battle the giants alone. There are others who are there to fight the battle with us so that victory might be ours. David said to Goliath “I come to you in the name of the Lord,” acknowledging that God was on his side and would give him victory. In all our battles with the giants, God is on our side and He will give us the Victory if we put our faith in Him. We need never battle alone. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the evil one’. There in lies our guarantee of victory as we do battle with the giants that confront us on our life’s journey. Let me close with these words of a song sung by Harry Secombe I think. “I’ll walk with God from this day on, His helping hand I’ll lean upon, I’ll pray to Him each day to Him and He’ll hear the words that I say”. If this is the faith by which we live, we will be conquerors through Him who loves us. God bless, Cec - Cec Lawson offers Pastoral Care to participants at the Neighbourhood Centre.

A BIG Thankyou for these beautiful hand crochet rugs that have been kindly donated to us by Trish Schmidtchen. Drop in to the centre if you would like to purchase one.

Your 10c recyclables can Our driveway into the centre is quite narrow, and so is Rookwood Avenue. Please do not make a difference! park too close to the driveway or our Neighbourhood Centre Vehicles can not turn The Neighbourhood centre is now into our driveway. Our vehicles can be carrying registered with Containers for clients with limited mobility so it is essential that Change. You can drop your eligible containers they are able to enter the driveway and park into the Neighbourhood Centre, or take near our entrance safely. Parking is available them to TOMRA Recycling Centre at 655 behind the church on the cor- ner of Keeling Street and Or- Toohey Road Salisbury. Please quote our ange Grove Road. No.C10125238. All funds raised will go towards Thank you for your kind our community outreach including our Monthly consideration. Community BBQ Breakfast. We welcome your feedback.

Common Courtesy to our Neighbours. We are always interested in hearing what you think. Compliments, complaints or just When parking to come to the centre, please show some suggestions, we welcome your views. courtesy for our neighbours when parking your vehi- There are feedback forms located at cles. Friday is rubbish collection day in our area so reception, in the Harmony room and in try not to park in front of rubbish bins because the the Social Group room. trucks can not empty them. You are also welcome to Thank you speak to one of the staff.

Do you know that we have an EFTPOS machine now? Minimum of $5, and it can be used to pay for Harmony, Stay n Play, Social Group Fees and also for Thrift Shop Purchases. See Reception. COOKING WITH KATRINA— Impossible Pie

60 grm butter Oven 180 C 4 eggs Place all ingredients in a bowl and blend 1 cup castor sugar until well combined. Pour mixture in greased pie dish/or 1 cup coconut square dish ¼ cup plain flour(replace Bake for approx. 45 mins until cooked plain flour with gluten and golden brown. free flour if required)

½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp vanilla essence 2 cups of milk

ST. DAVIDS UNITING CHURCH—THE CHURCH IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19

St. David’s Uniting Church is still sharing the word. Services are being posted on Facebook. If you would like to have the link sent to you ore receive a printed copy of the service, please contact the office. Visit the Website — stdavidscp.unitingchurch.org.au Or Facebook — St David’s UCA Coopers Plains Services are being screened on You Tube.

St. David’s UCA Neighbourhood Centre STAFF: MANAGER: Kellie Griffiths 68 Orange Grove Road Miss Melanie BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

(enter via Rookwood Avenue) Dawn Claes Anne Brand—Chair

Coopers Plains 4108 Yvette Curl Robyn Solomon—Vice Chair

Phone: 3274 3240 Max Draper Bruce Moffat—Treasurer

Fax: 3272 7150 Kerry Hayes Lenore Gibson—Secretary

Email: [email protected] Katrina Marschke Sue Williams

Website: stdavidsnc.org.au Karen Shapcott Andrew Demack

Like us on Jess Webster Pamela Weymouth

YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE ABN 64 543 404 785