37th Annual Report 2010/2011 - Gymea Community Aid & …gymeacommunityaid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/2010... · 2020. 4. 30. · 37th Annual Report 2010/2011 Gymea Community

37th

Annual Report

2010/2011

Gymea Community Aid & Information Service

39 Gymea Bay Road, Gymea NSW 2227

Phone: 9524 9559 Fax: 9524 1179

Web: www.gymeacommunityaid.org.au

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Annual Report 2010-2011

Table of Contents

PAGE

Gymea Community Aid and Information Service

Mission Statement and Objectives 3

Organisation Structure 4

Volunteers’ Acknowledgement 5

President’s Report 6

Treasurer’s Report 7

Community Development Service Report 8

Settlement Services Report 12

Gymea Home and Community Care Service Reports 20

Audited Financial Report 28

Photographic Image of Gymea Lily by Narelle Munro

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Annual Report 2010-2011 3

1. Gymea Community Aid and Information Service

Mission Statement and Objectives

MISSION

Gymea Community Aid and Information Service reduces social isolation and celebrates diversity.

OBJECTIVES

To provide an information, referral and advisory service to residents with the aim of relieving the effects of alienation by identifying personal contacts, community organisations and focal points of friendship within the Gymea and surrounding districts.

To facilitate community development and the establishment of services to alleviate hardship or need.

To provide a general community service accessible to all people within the Gymea and surrounding districts.

To assist and relieve poverty, distress, suffering, destitution, misfortune, loneliness, helplessness and personal need (as it is not for profit – charity role).

To give emergency aid and assistance to the residents of the Gymea district.

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2. Gymea Community Aid and Information Service Inc.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AS AT SEPTEMBER 2011

Jan McCready (President), Russell Barnes(Vice President), Helen Rosner (Secretary), Ron Byrne

(Treasurer), David Pratt (Committee) , Hany Salib (Committee), Hatice Ozcan (Committee), Linda

Winnell (Committee)

HACC CO-ORDINATOR –

JANET BROWN

HACC ASSIST. CO-ORDINATOR –

MAUREEN CLARK

SETTLEMENT SERVICE CO-ORDINATOR

JENNY GREY

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATOR

BARBARA BURRIDGE

ASSISTANT COMM. DEVELOMENT

CO-ORDINATOR - VERA AU

Multicultural Aged Day Care

- Greek Group (Mary)

- Chinese Group (Kerro)

- Italian Group (Lorraine)

- Multicultural Group (Trinidad)

Sutherland Shire Aged Day Care

- Monday Morning Group (Angela)

- Monday & Wednesday

Group (Kylie & Carol)

English – Beginners, Intermediate,

Conversational

Homework Club

Arabic Women’s Group

Sutherland Shire Multicultural Network

Multicultural Women’s Group

Volunteer Co-ordinator – B. Bradley

Challenging Anxiety & Depression Group -

Christine

Gymea Grandparents Group – Usha

Student placement

Advocacy/Information/Counselling Janet, Maureen

Wrap with Love Maureen

Indian Sub-continent Group

Chinese Mothers Group

Mah-jong Club – Lina

Seasons for Growth

Visually impaired Group Kylie, Vera

Russian Activity Group

Computer Kiosk

High Needs Social Support Group

Spanish Latin Parents Group Community information

Chinese High Needs Social Support

Group

Russian Group

Tax Help

Social support (Shopping/home

visiting)

Spanish Latin American Group

Room hire

Chronic Fatigue Group Advocacy Information/ Referral

Diabetic needle services

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3. Thank you to our valued volunteers MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2010-2011

Kerry Little, Jan McCready, David Pratt , Helen Rosner, Natalie Hoyos, Ron Byrne, Russell Barnes, Hany Salib, Hatize Ozcan , Linda Winnell.

SETTLEMENT SERVICES PROJECT

Alla Mayorchik Cora Montoya Judy Lumb Moramay Barrera

Alicia Herman Elena Kravchenko Karina Harley Natalie Hoyos

Allyson Blake Elena Nikiforova Kathryn Watkins Ron Byrne

Alma Martinez Elizabeth Corben Kendall Barrett Sabrina Peralta

Alyce Taylor Elyse Niall Kerro Lam Sudha Natarajan

Ana Garcia Geoff Sutherland Lawrence McCarthy Sue Hall

Andrea Rivas Helen Rosner Linda Oakey Sushma Sachdev

Anni Linklater Irina Bogoyavlenskaya Loga Rengasamudram Usha Patel

Arthur Watterson Jan Treharne Lydia Clancy Vivien Krepp

Carolina Ferraro Janet Stirling Margaret Reid Vuolit Girgis

Cheryl Spencer Jess Miller Maria Gallardo-Robertson Yulia Kuchina

Christine Fagan Joan Wyman Mark Taylor Zoe Brown

Claudi da Silva Judy Cameron Moaro Prado

HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE PROJECTS

Angela Kioutzis Debbie Sykes Jamileh Fazeli Pam Buckley

Anne Silver Dick Massaar Janette Dunn Riki Paul

Ashley Wei Chen Elaine Grimley Jennifer Henderson Rosemary McKill

Carol Ludington Fikry Bassivoni Johanna Massaar Ross Jones

Claire White Gillian Muslic Karen Leegwater Sue Sutherland

Coky Cruz Gillian Schuback Keith Hutton Teresa Paez

Danielle Purcell Hilda Muller Lyn Kubbere Valda Phillipson

Deanna Flemming Jacky Shore Maria Awad Wee Lin Han

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Cheng Chen Dalen Periera Lena Liu Thomas Reilly

Cheryl Harte Fon Vei Lea Rodney Butt Usha Patel

Christine May Gail Edwards Samuel Yu Yanzhen Cai

Dalen Periera Huiqian Ying Stephaine Lawson Youhan

Gail Edwards Jenny Lu Susan Melbourne Mark Mitchell

OFFICE

Barbara Bradley Jean Burton Judy O’Reilly Michelle Lummow

Betty Lyon Joan Thompson Karen Wheatley Valerie Axtell

Betzabe Perez Joan Wyman Lena Lui Norma Pereira

Faye Wherry Joy Cook Luz Tan Pearlen Goh-Ngai

Helen Rosner Joy Salvetti Mark Tatnell

STUDENTS

Annelise Alphonse Kelly Macdonald Samuel Yu Tatyana Hayes

TAX HELP Alan Mckay

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4. President’s Report I became president when Kerry Little unexpectedly had to resign earlier this year. On behalf of the organisation I would like to thank her for her contribution and wish her all the best.

Gymea Community Aid is an organisation that works from the heart. Those who are clients are met in friendship by our volunteers and staff.

Our staff members work hard to obtain grant money from the various levels of government and organisations that support us. This money allows our Centre to function and we thank them all. I think our staff are wonderful, in addition we are fortunate to have many very capable volunteers at the centre.

The volunteers integrate smoothly with our staff to provide an excellent service to the Shire. They give with their hearts, hands, minds and voice, their time and energy and we very much appreciate that. As volunteers our wonderful clients are our reward. Our staff and volunteers are a formidable force for good and the Shire is blessed to have a Centre like ours.

I want to congratulate the many people from Sutherland Shire Council who have helped us this year. My sincere thanks go to the Funding Bodies; State and Federal governments, Tradies at Gymea and Caringbah, Gymea and Caringbah and Rotary and other organisations who all support us. Their money, time and effort are not wasted on us. We are worthy of their generosity and we are very, very grateful.

I thank you all and the many other people I haven't mentioned. Barbara Bradley in particular put in many years of service as our volunteer co-ordinator and she left us this year to go on to pursue other interests. We thank her for all the time and thought she put into this organisation.

Jan McCready

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5. Treasurer’s Report

Financial year 2010/11 resulted in an income increase of 8% over the previous year to $531,348. Operating grants were up by 4% to $428,625 and in addition other grant moneys from Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, as well as Community Relations Commission provided an extra $12,527. Additional donations were also received from Caringbah and Gymea Rotary Clubs for the Depression Support Group.

Total expenditure ($516,629) rose by 4% over the previous year and was principally made up of wages, superannuation and employment on-costs which amounted to 67%.All other expenditure was directed to operating the Centre facility and supporting administrative functions.

As a result of the above, we were able to finish the year with our accumulated reserves in a healthy position of $64,310.

All areas of the Centre and the projects within each area have been well run by the Co-ordinators exercising good financial control so that budgets were not exceeded. During the year we also strengthened our diligence over cost and approval processes and I am pleased to report the high level of acceptance of these additional financial disciplines. This will be important for the coming year as like all organisations our costs will inevitably increase.

Budgets for the financial year 2011/12 have been prepared by our Co-ordinators and presented to, and accepted by the Management Committee. This is the first time we have undergone such a rigorous process and it demonstrated the high level of ownership and commitment by all who are responsible for each area of budget expenditure.

In concluding this report I would like to thank everyone that has contributed to the day to day running of the Centre, and in particular Vera who not only has been a great support to me as Treasurer, but is indeed the administrative backbone of our organisation.

Ron Byrne

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6. Community Development Service

OUR MISSION -“To reduce social isolation and embrace diversity”

Gymea Community Aid and Information Service Inc is made up of a group of three Community Services working together to fulfil our Mission Statement by providing a wide range of services to the broad community of Sutherland Shire.

1. HACC – Home and Community Care, services for frail aged and younger people with disabilities and their carers

2. Settlement Services- providing assistance to new migrants and humanitarian entrants

3. Community Development - Creating projects to address need and to draw the community together. This section is responsible for the running of the following groups:-

CHALLENGING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION GROUP

This support group continues to meet fortnightly on a Friday at 9.45am.

We would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Rotary Club, Caringbah for funding which enabled our Support Group to continue this year.

Also, we would like to thank the Rotary Club of Gymea who successfully applied on our behalf to the IMB Community Foundation for a grant which will allow us to involve health professionals to deliver more face to face counselling and workshops to our group next year.

Thank you Jackson’s Pharmacy who generously donated Christmas presents to us.

Our thanks also go to volunteer speakers, Neil McDonald, Claudia Silva, Michelle Brunton, Gabrielle, Megan Taylor and Bianca Wong for providing seminars to us.

We have had 28 registered members this last financial year and a total of 195 attendees to our group activities. During the group meeting our senior members share their experience and offer support to new members.

Our workshops/seminars/activities this last financial year included Emotional Management, Learning Coping Skills, Managing Anxiety, Self-Healing Exercises, Self-Challenging, Understanding Our Thinking, Effective Communication, Dealing with Grief and Loss, Life Style Balance, Forming Positive Relationship, Understanding medication, Self-Challenging and Goal Setting, Christmas in July and Christmas lunch.

GRANDPARENTS PLAYGROUP

This social support group for grandparents babysitting their grandchildren continues to meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10am -12noon. We are now in our third year and it is a pleasure to watch the children playing together and the grandparents having the opportunity to interact with each other in such pleasant surrounds. The activities include water play, painting, play dough, singing and storytelling. This group has been financially supported by Tradies Gymea and Playgroups NSW.

SEASONS FOR GROWTH

We provide group counselling sessions on Tuesday afternoons from 4-5pm for children 6-9 years who are having difficulty coping with family separation, grief and loss. We are now in our second year. The counsellor has made significant change in the lives of these children and is much appreciated and we thank her sincerely.

No referral is necessary to attend these sessions.

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COMPUTER KIOSK

Our team of volunteer tutors has now been teaching computer basics to seniors for over a year .In that time we have taught approximately 36 people a week, five days a week. Quite an achievement, well done team! There is also a tremendous amount of organising that goes into the roster to maintain these numbers and I thank our office volunteers for their input into this. We will continue this service in partnership with Sutherland Council and the TAFE for the year 2011/12.

MAHJONG CLUB

We celebrated our 1st anniversary of the Mah-jong club on August 6th.The Mah-jong club runs every Saturday from 11am -3pm at Tradies Caringbah RSL, 28-30 Banksia Road, Caringbah. Approximately 28-32 people enjoy getting together to play this fascinating game and we are now considering playing on a Wednesday evening as well. We have a project worker who is responsible for this group and she has a team of 4 regular volunteers who assist her faithfully every Saturday. I would like to thank them particularly as Mah-jong is a game with many rules and their help is invaluable.

TAX HELP

We were again able to offer assistance with Income Tax Returns to people with low incomes due to the voluntary work of Alan. Thank you Alan for the time you have given in this way.

VOLUNTEERS

Most Community Services have volunteers working for them and I am sure they would all say that they couldn’t provide the services they do without the assistance of these wonderful people. Here at Gymea Community Aid and Information service our 100 volunteers approximately provide a total of 218hrs/week = 10,900 hrs /year!!!!!! What an amazing contribution from the people in the Sutherland Shire to the people of the Sutherland Shire.

Our volunteers work in a variety of areas, ranging from office duties to teaching English, Computers, helping in different centres with different groups and visiting people at home.

STUDENT PLACEMENT

Yolanda did her 120 hrs work placement for her Community Services Certificate, with us and helped with a variety of projects. Anna did a week placement with us for her Return to Work Certificate. We have a year 10 high school student Sam came to complete his one week work experience, however he decided to stay on as a volunteer helping us once a week to work in the IT area. What a “gem”. THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDING BODY, SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS - who make these services to the Community possible.

SUPPORTERS/SPONSORS

Chamber of Commerce, Gymea Jacksons Pharmacy Volunteer Link Gymea Rotary Caringbah Rotary Gymea Tradies Club Playgroup NSW

FUNDING BODIES Sutherland Council

Barbara Burridge

Community Development Coordinator

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Month Daily Avg Monthly Totals

Hits Files Pages Visits Sites KBytes Visits Pages Files Hits

Jun 2011 258 212 96 35 573 88478 1036 2787 6171 7495

May 2011 321 229 94 36 623 94681 1144 2932 7127 9953

Apr 2011 167 155 66 32 585 62450 972 2009 4673 5028

Mar 2011 368 271 113 38 714 126428 1179 3516 8407 11410

Feb 2011 300 213 94 46 688 81665 1304 2638 5974 8403

Jan 2011 218 179 96 45 644 72247 1399 2998 5568 6758

Dec 2010 261 204 121 37 551 66029 1151 3777 6332 8094

Nov 2010 334 228 95 47 744 87088 1429 2861 6860 10042

Oct 2010 295 199 92 36 625 91624 1135 2858 6192 9149

Sep 2010 303 226 95 47 640 96493 1424 2873 6801 9119

Aug 2010 296 242 113 53 744 85847 1667 3530 7524 9188

Jul 2010 270 225 110 54 625 86979 1687 3428 6987 8392

Totals 1040009 15527 36207 78616 103031

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PHONE AND DESK ENQUIRIES – From 1.7.2010 – 30.6.2011

VISITORS SIGN IN SHEETS – FROM 1.7.2010 – 30.6.2011

WEBSITE USAGE STATISTICS FOR gymeacommunityaid.org.au

http://persephone.webcity.com.au:2082/cpsess5370177423/tmp/gym16662/webalizer/usage_201106.html












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7. Settlement Services Report

Funded under the Settlement Grants Program (SGP) of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the SGP provides support and settlement assistance, to newly arrived migrants and humanitarian entrants living in Sutherland Shire so that they become self reliant and participate equitably in Australian society.

During 2010-11 GCAIS has continued as an effective service hub in providing settlement casework, information, referral, support, community development and cultural transition to SGP eligible clients. GCAIS has played a central role in a network of community, business and government partnerships in the Sutherland area.

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT AND CASE WORK

In the past year the service provided over 364 casework services to individuals. This ranged from complex case support on such issues as accommodation, family violence and mental health, to short face to face client enquiries. Over 192 clients accessed the casework services coming from such countries as China, Russian Federation, Egypt, Bosnia, Peru, Sudan and Iraq. Casework often provides an entry point into the settlement support groups and other programs provided by the service or results in a formal referral to a range of community organisations and government agencies. Casework focuses on providing information, knowledge and resources to enable clients to access services independently and to develop self reliance. Outreach was also provided at Loftus TAFE for the English class students.

The project add values to clients through increasing their knowledge of services that are available to them as they settle in Australia, thus increasing their capacity to access services which can support them in their transition , e.g. emergency relief, family support, training , employment and language support. There is an improvement in health and wellbeing of many clients through involvement in workshops e.g. yoga, relaxation, exercise, stress management, parenting skills, also through referral to counselling services such as STARTTS, DV services and financial counsellors.

Service 2010/2011 2009/2010

No. Casework Services 364 482

No. Clients Serviced 192 238

New Clients 121 135

Non casework Services 466 553

Information Sessions 64 54

Group Participants 1250 1239

Reception Inquiries 1007 997

Visitors 1394 1367

Table A. Client Services Provided

The four main issues for clients, as identified in Table B are accommodation, social participation, language, employment and accommodation continues to be a main issue for many clients as lack of affordable housing is experienced Sydney wide. New migrants are disadvantaged in the highly competitive rent market with their lack of rental history and lower levels of employment. The St George Sutherland Housing Group undertook research into housing stress and are developing strategies for advocacy on this issue.

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Table B Casework Issues.

Settlement Support Groups

During 2010-11 GCAIS continued to assist communities with addressing identified settlement needs through the provision of social support groups, English conversation classes, information sessions and training workshops. Social and recreational activities aim to increase social connectedness, identify needs and strengths and develop self reliance. For many clients attending one of the social support settlement groups provides them not only with a social network, but with knowledge and skills; e.g. parenting, health and nutrition, first aid and consumer affairs. These groups reduce social isolation and enable clients to participate in community life.

English Classes

The community English Language classes at GCAIS continue to attract new migrants with over eighty students accessing the five classes. This year a conversation hour was piloted during the summer holiday break and this was consistently used by 6-7 students. There are six volunteer tutors who prepare weekly lessons and provide a stimulating and informative environment. English classes are an entry point for many new clients into the service, who may require additional settlement services and often join one of the social support groups or training workshops. English language skills are essential for new arrivals to participate in the economic, social and community life of Australia, providing access into education, employment and community activities. This year the group combined with English classes from Loftus TAFE for a Going Bush programme which included a cultural presentation on aboriginal rock carvings and bush walk at Jibbon beach Bundeena.

Chinese Mothers Group

Although members change as children reach school age, this group continues to meet weekly and attract new members. Group leader Kerro Lam keeps the group busy with activities and social events with a varied program. This year the group undertook an eight week Triple P parenting program facilitated by Kerro who is an accredited Triple P facilitator. Other activities included yoga, children’s cooking, information on children’s services and environmental awareness. The group functions as a support and friendship group for the parents and carers and they actively celebrate cultural festivals such as Chinese New Year, Moon Festival, Christmas, Easter and children’s birthdays.

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Spanish Speaking & Latin American Groups

There are two groups for the Spanish speaking & Latin American community; the Timbiriche Parents Group and Grupo Hispano-LatinoAmericano. Timbiriche continues to grow with over 30 families accessing the group at different times. The group meets twice a month and is facilitated by volunteer group leaders. The original leaders Sabrina Peralta and Moramay Barrera are now pursuing personal goals. Karina Harley and Maria Gallardo Robertson are organising the group. The group has been very active this year, one of the activities was a Triple P parenting program, which was a partnership with St George Migrant Resource Centre and Sutherland Shire Family Services Other workshops have included story time and a “Mum matters” series and stress and relaxation sessions. Gymea TAFE Outreach has also provided two courses – a six week Nutrition course & First Aid, both extremely popular and attended by 15-20 participants

The Grupo Hispano-LatinoAmericano met during 2010 with regular social activities but went into recess for the first half of 2011. It has had a revival with new leaders and is again meeting twice per month to support newly arrived migrants as well as those who have been here for many years and who often feel socially isolated and require cultural connections. It provides a relaxing opportunity for people to speak Spanish, make new friends and enjoy a few hours together, whether gaining new information, having a dance or merely having coffee. Both groups function to increase social connectedness through development of social networks thereby reducing social isolation as well as to maintain a connection to cultural identity and language.

Russian Activity Groups

As the number of Russian speaking families settling into Sutherland Shire continues to grow, so does the popularity of the Russian Activity Group which meets twice a month at the Stapleton Community Centre in Sutherland. This group attracts family groups who want their children to have an understanding of Russian culture and language. Elena Kravchenko one of the group leaders involves the children in drama and musical activities.

Funding was received to develop a Healthy Ageing program for Russian speaking seniors, who now meet twice monthly and participate in group outings and information sessions and activities, for health and well being. The group was involved with the Going Bush program and participated in guided tours of Sydney and Wollongong. Community engagement and participation has also been fostered through involvement with broader community activities such as International Women’s Day, Seniors Week, and Harmony Day activities,

An important aspect of work with these groups is capacity building and leadership development and the groups have shown a readiness and commitment to work towards organising themselves into an association. Future engagement with the Russian speaking groups in 2012 will be targeted towards this goal.

Homework Club The Homework Club continues to provide homework tutorial support for young students from a refugee and migrant background. Sixteen students are tutored by eight volunteer tutors on a weekly basis during school term and school holiday activities such as ice skating, cinema visits and picnics are held to which parents attend. This year a bus has been used to pick up and transport students home. This has proved very effective in ensuring consistent high attendance numbers at the Club. A Youth Leadership Camp held in partnership with St George Migrant Resource centre has provided the opportunity for young people to gain leadership and team work skills in a fun interactive environment over a weekend in the Summer school holidays. The camp also aims to develop an ongoing supportive leadership network. This year saw the piloting of Homework program at Menai High School with the support of Shire Wide Youth Services and Menai High School. The program began in May and has six volunteer tutors and up to ten students. Menai High has a large number of students from a

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humanitarian background and increased participation in this project will be fostered during the coming year. Funding has been received to support both these Homework Programs

Indian Sub Continent Seniors Group

Working with the Indian Sub Continent Seniors Group has been a continued success. This group has been meeting together for three years and has secured several funding grants to provide activities to its members. The Leave a Legacy Project - Write a letter to your Grandchildren project is an intergenerational creative program, which involved over 10 families who contributed their stories and art work. The project was launched at Sutherland Hospital in October 2010 and has been displayed widely across Sutherland & St George and has featured in Diwali and Seniors Week events.

Another highlight for the group this year was the holding of a Diwali celebration (Festival of Light) in Sutherland in Nov 2010. This was an opportunity to share the Indian culture with others cultures, and over 100 people enjoyed traditional dance costumes and food. This group continues to meet fortnightly and is taking part in the Linking CALD Communities through Permaculture project, from the St George MRC. The group has visited Nan Tien Temple and participated in local events such as Social Inclusion Day and International Women’s Day. The two volunteer group leaders Loga Rengasamudram and Sushma Sachdev received the CALD Active Senior’s award for 2011. This is a great testament to the commitment of these two volunteers.

Advocacy on the needs of seniors from the Indian Sub Continent is an important element in the collaboration with the Resourceful Australian Indian Network (RAIN), and GCAIS works closely with the RAIN public officer Sudha Natarajan.

Other Projects

Harmony Day 2011

Harmony Day is a day where Australians can focus on and celebrate our cultural diversity. It is also about community participation, inclusiveness and respect – celebrating the different cultures that make Australia a great place to live.

Keeping with the theme of Harmony Day 2011, Everyone Belongs, our event focused on the stories that have brought migrants to this land. Participants shared their stories of struggle and settlement and enjoyed musical entertainment. It was an opportunity to celebrate what makes each Australian unique and share what we have in common. The Gymea Tradies again provided extra support on the day and local businesses supplied over 50 participants with a Taste of Harmony lunch.

Refugee Week 2011

The theme for Refugee Week 2011 “Freedom from Fear.” formed the backdrop for the Sudanese Oral History project – “Sudanese people in Sutherland Shire - a moving community” , which was launched during this year’s Refugee Week celebration. Oral historian Carol McKirdy worked with the local Sudanese community to document their settlement in Sutherland Shire and provide insights into the circumstances which led them to call Australia home. Interviews were recorded with local residents who assisted the refugees from Southern Sudan to transition into the Australian society. The oral histories project not only records community history in Australia but records for posterity recollections of life in Sudan, the Dinka language, images and music.

The overwhelming evidence from the project is that not only has the Sutherland Shire community worked tirelessly and consistently to support refugees who have made Sutherland Shire their home; different parts of the community have worked together to achieve the best possible outcome. Another prevailing theme is the willingness of Sudanese people to

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participate and make a significant contribution to Australian society yet maintain their unique cultural identity.

Over 60 people attended a launch at Sutherland Library. Sutherland Library also ran the Australian Refugee Film Festival during Refugee Week. The oral histories will link to the Sutherland TAFE oral history wiki website and be accessible and usable by students in schools and TAFE. The Oral History project can be viewed on; http://oralhistory.sydneyinstitute.wikispaces.net/Sudanese+people+in+the+Sutherland+Shire+-

+a+moving+community%2C+oral+history+project

Multicultural Women’s Group

Focusing on Health and Wellbeing activities to increase social connectedness and develop social networks this group has been involved in a diverse range of activities throughout the year; silk flower making, Zumba classes, relaxation, yoga and mediation sessions, visiting Nan Tien Temple and movie afternoons. Group participants are forming the basis for a research project which is evaluating how participation in social support groups and activities can reduce social isolation, increase social connections and improve feelings of well being Once again the group supported the annual Knit In for Wrapped With love together with members from the Seniors Activity group.

Volunteering and Mentoring Activities

GCAIS provides support and development for a large team of volunteers from a variety of backgrounds that greatly furthers the scope and cost effectiveness of the SGP. Volunteers work and provide support in many areas; English class and Homework club tutors, group leaders, administrative support, bus driving and child care.

Training and support for volunteers is given a high priority at GCAIS. Volunteering provides an excellent opportunity for new migrants to obtain work experience which assists with the attainment of paid employment. Having GCAIS as a referee has enabled several SGP volunteers to obtain employment. Mentoring is an important componentt of the support provided to SGP volunteers. Group leaders of settlement support groups work closely with the Migrant Services Coordinator and are encouraged to attend relevant trainings and meetings. This has facilitated the development of some very successful settlement support groups with skilled group leaders.

Inclusion and Participation

Networking and Advocacy

GCAIS has strong working relationships and has developed partnerships with many organisations and government agencies across Sutherland and St George region. These relationships are integral for a collaborative approach to advocate for needs of newly arrived migrants and humanitarian entrants and to deliver effective services across the region that meet emerging needs. This has included a strong working relationship with the AMEP providers in the area, both TAFE and St George & Sutherland Community College, advocating for needs of clients, as well as supporting the Multicultural Education Unit to continue to deliver services and courses to the multicultural community.

Through these working relationships, the SGP project also provides opportunities for information exchange and professional development, thus increasing their capacity to provide culturally appropriate services and have up to date knowledge of referral pathways. Feedback from organisations identifies that the information supplied through the email network is valuable and informative, and assists in service delivery and professional development. A working group of network email distributors is currently investigating a new e- newsletter model to streamline the distribution of electronic information. This should come on line by early 2012.

http://oralhistory.sydneyinstitute.wikispaces.net/Sudanese+people+in+the+Sutherland+Shire+-+a+moving+community%2C+oral+history+project

http://oralhistory.sydneyinstitute.wikispaces.net/Sudanese+people+in+the+Sutherland+Shire+-+a+moving+community%2C+oral+history+project

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Working relationships also can involve: project partnerships, participation in networks and advisory groups, working parties and committee membership. GCAIS is a member of KU Inclusion Support Reference Advisory Group, the Diversity Health Committee of Sutherland Hospital, participation in the St George Multicultural Network, Sutherland Interagency, Sutherland Child and Family Interagency and the Settlement Services Providers Forum of DIAC.

The Sutherland Shire Multicultural Network (SSMN)

GCAIS convenes the SSMN which represents the interest of CALD communities throughout Sutherland Shire and is a network of non government and government agencies from across the region. This network meets monthly with topical guest speakers, information exchange and an advocacy agenda. An email information network maintained by GCIAS ensures that promotional material information, research, training etc are circulated across a wide spectrum of organisations. Issue areas at meetings during the course of the year have included Human Trafficking and Slavery in Australia, Working with Muslim Arabic Elderly, CALD Carers, the new Industrial Relations System and Fair Work Australia. Representations have been made by members at the community consultations and cabinet that has been held by the State Government. Professional development opportunities have also been provided through partnership work within the SSMN and a number of training sessions have been offered to workers, these included Working Effectively with Refugee Survivors provided by STARRTS and Understanding the Family Violence Provisions by the Immigrant Women’s Speakout. The SSMN identified the need for social media training for workers which Sutherland Council has agreed to provide. The interests of CALD communities in Sutherland Shire, especially new migrants and humanitarian entrants are advocated for at a regional, state and federal level through participation in regular forums such as the Multicultural Advisory Committee, Community Relations Commission Consultation with Settlement Services, Combined Migrant Interagency and the DIAC Settlement Services Providers Forum.

Sutherland Cultural Awareness Day (SCALD)

Continuing to build on achievements and evaluations from previous years the 4th SCALD best practice forum was held in collaboration with Sydney Institute Tafe and held at Loftus TAFE on Nov 7th 2010. This forum attracted over 100 participants who attended 18 workshops. SCALD is about providing targeted workshops to assist workers in culturally competent service delivery. The success of this event has its basis in good partnership work between several community organisations and Sutherland Shire Council. Workshops included resilience in young children, refugee health, mental health, working with Muslim families and working with CALD volunteers. SCALD provides a pivotal group learning opportunity for local service providers to target their new arrival clients.

St George & Sutherland Employment Project

This project was concerned with improving employment outcomes for new migrants and refugees. Employment has been identified as one of the priority issues from casework. A working group was responsible for organising a forum which facilitated networking between mainstream organisations to assist the target group with employment opportunities. An employment expo was held in May 2010 attended by over 400 participants. A series of employment related workshops were delivered throughout the region following the expo. Over the year GCAIS hosted several workshops including, resume writing, returning to the workforce and Industrial Relations.

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Affordable Housing

GCAIS advocated for housing issues in collaboration with St George & Sutherland Housing sub committees. This also included the gathering of evidence based data through a housing snapshot survey for the region and is working towards improving the knowledge base on housing policy and initiatives. This work is being continued by the South West Community Development Organisation.

Challenges and Future Directions

Looking forward to strengthening relationships across the region to advocate on needs of new arrivals especially at regional, state and national forums. Working with emerging communities to provide relevant services and to further expand mentoring opportunities, that ensures support in the development of their capacities to participate fully in Australian society.

As always funding constraints provide challenges, as GCAIS advocates for sustainable multiyear funding for the Settlement Grants Project from DIAC. Changes to the Adult Migrant English Program and reduction in pathways courses at TAFE have resulted in access and equity issues for new migrants in the Sutherland Shire. GCAIS will continue to advocate for their needs.

During 2011-12 GCAIS will strive to strengthen the quality of service to new migrants and humanitarian arrivals and will seek out new initiatives to maintain GCAIS as the lead agency in Sutherland Shire on multicultural and CALD issues.

Acknowledgements

The SGP project is supported by a wonderful team of volunteers who work tirelessly and enthusiastically providing tutoring for the English classes and the Homework Club, undertaking reception, administration and management duties, and facilitating the support groups. A number of students from Loftus TAFE and Gymea Technology High have also contributed to delivery of the service.

The ongoing support from colleagues and organisations throughout the year is to be highlighted as a collaborative approach most certainly keeps the project solution focused and well connected into the community.

The SGP Advisory committee, comprises management committee members, Gillian Craven the DIAC grants manager and Maree Everitt from Sutherland Council, provide ongoing support and direction to the project.

Finally thank you to the GCAIS team, staff and management for their commitment, professionalism and everyday support and encouragement.

Jenny Grey

Migrant Services Coordinator

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDING BODY AND SUPPORTERS

Funding Body

Department of Immigration & Citizenship

Project Funding Sutherland Shire Council Community Relations Commission Multicultural Health SESIAHS Refugee Council of Australia St George Foundation Clubs CDSE – Gymea Tradies Dept of Ageing Disability & Home Care

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8. Gymea Home and Community Care Service (HACC)

Our Home and Community Care Program (HACC) is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments of Ageing, Disability and Human Services (ADHC.) The purpose of this program is to support the frail, elderly and younger people with disabilities to live safely in their own homes with dignity and a measure of independence.

Gymea HACC Services, as part of this initiative, offers Neighbour Aid/Social Support, Multicultural and Generalist Aged Daycare to HACC eligible clients who reside in the Sutherland Shire.

This report briefly outlines the activity highlights of our 3 HACC Services for 2010/2011:

NEIGHBOUR AID / SOCIAL SUPPORT.

The aim of Social support is to maximise an individual`s ability to continue to live independently at home and assist in meeting the person`s need for social contact. Social Support is either provided in the client`s home, or in client focussed small Groups.

Maureen Clark, our Assistant Coordinator, provides individual Social Support to a small number of Clients who would be unsuitably placed with a volunteer. Maureen`s report, outlining more of our Service Activities, follows this one.

Our groups and the activities they provide are determined by the interests and abilities of our Clients. They include:

SOCIAL OUTING GROUPS - held monthly.

Vision Impaired Group:

This group has attendees that cover a range of ages, the youngest being 38 yrs of age, and the eldest being 93.

Games and gentle exercise, park walks and sensory garden visits are always accompanied by morning tea and lunch. Kylie, the group leader, will often read an amusing short story or poem over lunch. Shopping at Vision Australia, Enfield, for visual Aids and activities is a favourite outing.

Higher Needs Social Support Group:

Caters for a small number of clients, who are frail and isolated.

Chinese Higher Needs Social Activity Group:

These participants enjoy a range of culturally appropriate activities and outings.

SOCIAL GATHERING GROUPS

Knitting Group: HACC Clients knit and sew squares to create blankets for those in need in Australia and overseas.

Chronic Fatigue Support Group: This Group was newly established at the end of 2010.

Our Art Therapy Groups have continued this year, under the expertise of Group Leader Kylie George. Art Therapy has proven to be an invaluable tool in bringing people of varying abilities together, allowing them to express themselves and tap into their inner creativity. This year we took the concept further by combining an Art exhibition with fundraising for the Cancer Council`s `Biggest morning tea`. We were overwhelmed by the response, as seniors` brought along their pottery and paintings.

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A day of Aromatherapy, hand massage and general pampering was offered to some of our very frail clients. Genuine aromatherapy essential oils were purchased with some special funding from the Dept. Thank you also to staff from the `Body Shop `who gave their time to assist on the day. A session of meditation completed a very enjoyable day.

STAFF MEMBERS.

Maureen Clark Kylie George Janet Brown Vera Au Volunteer Driver: Fikry Bassiuoni

NEIGHBOUR AID SERVICE STATISTICS FOR 2010/2011

Information and referral – 690 Assessment and Reassessment – 75 Counselling and Advocacy – 42

CENTRE - BASED DAYCARE SERVICES REPORT

Centre - Based Daycare Services refer to the provision of structured group activities to frail older people designed to develop, maintain or support the capacity for independent living and social interaction. The alleviation of client social isolation and depression and relieving carers of their usual caring relationship are further benefit of such programs.

This year we have been part of Sutherland Shire Centre Based Daycare consultations. In the light of COAG changes and future viability we need to reinforce our position as a Service Type that enhances the lives of our Clients.

SUTHERLAND SHIRE AGED DAYCARE SERVICE.

Our Aged Daycare Service, now in its 4th year of operation, offers Groups 3 days per fortnight, and Cares for over 30 clients. Our geographic area covers from Sutherland to Cronulla.

Our dedicated and innovative staff, assisted by their volunteers, offer a varied and stimulating program to our frail, elderly clients.

The following are our dedicated team members:

AGED DAYCARE GROUP LEADER: Kylie George

ASSISTANT LEADER: Carol Cosham

VOLUNTEERS: Rosemary McKill, Jacky Shore, Gillian Muslic, Jennifer Henderson, Johanna Massaar

Thank you also to volunteer bus drivers Ross Jones and Keith Hutton.

Some of the highlights included a Tour of Prince Henry Hospital Museum, which is a museum of uniforms, medical practices and implements from a hundred years ago.

Other activities included painting ceramic pots then filling them with spring bulbs, gentle exercise to classical music, memory games, an informational visit from the Fire Brigade and guest speakers from the Caringbah Women’s` Health Centre .

Our Groups have once again reached full capacity, however Kylie is always happy to assess clients and accommodate one more!

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MULTICULTURAL SOCIAL ACTIVITIES GROUPS HIGHLIGHTS.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF MULTICULTURAL AGED DAYCARE With a small Departmental Grant attached to Seniors’ Week we were able to offer small gifts and a party to each of our 4 Multicultural Groups. A cake with the letter `10,` and a $10 gift voucher for everyone was presented by a surprise special guest with a significant past attachment to each of the Groups.

The following is a `snapshot` of activities enjoyed by the Groups:

Gentle exercise and Tai Chi, games such as tombola, bocce and memory games, Celebrations such as Chinese New Year, information exchange on topics such as osteoporosis, Australian hearing services, Environmental dept. speaking about Australian Native plants and animals and a guest speaker from the Aust. Nursing Home Foundation. Craft to assist with eye hand coordination is always presented around Mothers` Day.

The following are the members of our caring team:

CHINESE GROUP LEADER: Kerro Lam

VOLUNTEERS: Lin Han

GREEK GROUP LEADER: Mary Antoniou

VOLUNTEERS: Angela Kiourtsis

ITALIAN GROUP LEADER: Lorraine Donlon

VOLUNTEER: Carol Luddington

MULTICULTURAL GROUP LEADER: Trinidad Montalvo

VOLUNTEERS: Teresa Paez, Coky Cruz

BUS DRIVER/ CARE ATTENDANT: Goce Bogdanoski

STUDENT PLACEMENT WORKER: 240 hours Jamileh Fazeli

VOLUNTEERS.

Our volunteer numbers, excluding members of the Management Committee stand at 31 in total. Our volunteers either provide Social Support for clients, which may include accompanied shopping or just a cuppa and a chat, or they may assist with any of our Social support or Social Activities Groups.

STAFF TRAINING/ DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING.

Staff and Volunteer Training in OH&S Procedures and accompanying demonstrated competence in carrying out their duties is an integral part of the new Community Care Common Standards.

This year I attended a 2 Day workshop in Staff and volunteer mentoring, debriefing and support to assist in meeting the criteria.

Staff and Volunteer training this year was held over 2 Days and concentrated on new mandatory policies. OH&S, wheelchair transferral of clients, boundaries, and dealing with challenging situations. Working with clients with dementia was also included as a separate training day. Volunteers and Staff also attended training that focussed on Safe Food Handling and First Aid.

SUTHERLAND SHIRE NEIGHBOUR AID STRATEGIC PLAN

Much time was spent this year working with our Network of Seven Neighbour Aid Services to develop a Strategic Plan which carried the objective to work more in cooperation to develop and improve service to Clients.

Each Agency will take on a number of liaison or Policy development tasks, to be completed within an agreed timeframe.

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DEPARTMENTAL REPORT

From March 2011 the new Common Care Community Standards come into practice. Many of the Policies required are similar to the ones already in use. The main difference is the increasing emphasis on Staff and Volunteer Training. The other major change is to how we write our individual Client Care Plans. The Commonwealth Government has introduced the Wellness, or Client Restorative model that focuses on encouraging increased levels of independence for every client. With over 100 clients to consider it will be a considerable challenge both in terms of time and actually putting the individualised plans into practice.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

There are a number of small changes to Workcover from January 2012. One that directly relates to our Service is that both volunteers and paid staff will be known as workers for OH&S regulatory purposes.

All of our staff and volunteers are required to undergo Criminal record checks, and undergo training directly related to their positions.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to start with a really big thank you to all of our volunteers, too numerous to name individually, yet appreciated by all whom they assist.

We are fortunate this financial year to have an especially supportive, hardworking Management Committee. Thank you to all on the Committee who give the gift of their time.

Thank you to my wonderful Co Workers, Maureen, Vera, Jenny and Barbara and the front desk volunteers. Our harmonious working environment at the Centre is never taken for granted.

Thank you also to our Funding Body and Supporters:

Ageing, Disability and Human Services Department Gymea Rotary Club Gymea Trade Union Club Sutherland Shire Council

THE FUTURE - 2011/2012 Neighbour Aid Services Shirewide has engaged in discussions around merging Services in 2012. With seven Services at present operating independently within the Shire it could prove valuable in terms of combining financial, volunteering and staff resources. Standardisation of Policies and Practice would also bring positive outcomes for clients. Local identity would not be lost, as our outlets would remain in the same locations. Legal compliance and daily operations still need to be investigated.

As always, I anticipate a year of new challenges arising out of the Commonwealth Government now taking full responsibility for Healthcare and Ageing. From 2012 we may see changes as our 3 year Funding Agreement falls due for renegotiation. We need to work stronger and more in collaboration to meet the demands of our changing economic climate and increased demands on the quality of Services.

JANET BROWN

HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES COORDINATOR.

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9. Gymea Home and Community Care Service

Assistant Coordinator’s Report

Gymea H.A.C.C. Services consists of:

Gymea Neighbour Aid

Sutherland Shire Aged Daycare Project

Sutherland Shire Multicultural Aged Daycare Project

GYMEA NEIGHBOUR AID

The Neighbour Aid Project exists to help our client group remain safely and comfortably in their own homes. We are funded to assist people who are frail elderly, younger people with disabilities and the carers of these people. The services we provide include accompanied shopping, home visiting, advocacy, information and referral. We also run small groups for clients with high support needs, clients who are visually impaired and we facilitate a group for people suffering from chronic fatigue.

Social Support is an important aspect of our services and we continue to look for imaginative ways to provide the most appropriate support to our clients. Continuing from last year, for example, we have had volunteers walking a dog for a client and another volunteer visiting a house bound young man with a disability to play scrabble. We have also assisted a client with a medical condition to reorganise her office/studio.

For this work we rely heavily on volunteers. We have a small band of dedicated people, some of whom have worked with the same client for a number of years. We are finding it more and more difficult to recruit new volunteers, however, despite notices in the window, adverts in the local paper and an appeal through the local radio.

MONDAY MORNING SOCIAL ACTIVITIES GROUP

Our Monday Morning Group, which is funded through our Aged Daycare Project, continues to meet each week. This became a combined men’s and women’s group some years ago when numbers in the men’s group became too low to continue. Unfortunately we now have only one gentleman in this group so would love to recruit more! The Group Leader is Angela Roberto who provides a great variety of activities, often designed to stimulate as well as entertain- quizzes, games and guessing competitions as well as the ever-popular Bingo and occasional craft activities, which are organised by our Centre Assistant Coordinator, Vera Au.

Once a month the Group goes on a bus outing. Venues this year have included Flower Power at Burwood, a BBQ lunch at Oatley Park, the Rowers’ Club at Wolli Creek, Bundeena RSL Club, Camellia Gardens and Revesby Workers’ Club. The usual format is a stop for Morning Tea, a shopping or other venue and then a stop for lunch.

The group has also had a number of visiting speakers including from Australian Hearing, NSW Fair Trading and Arthritis NSW as well as a “pampering day” provided by a consultant from Nutrimetics.

This group has a limited number of vacancies, so if you know of someone in our community who might benefit from this type of group activity please let us know. (Janet or Maureen, 95249559).

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Our thanks go once again to Angela for the enthusiasm and energy she devotes to her job as Group Leader. A special thank you also to our band of volunteers who assist the Seniors Group – Sue, Val, Hilde and Pam. These ladies provide transport to members of the group who would find it difficult to get here otherwise as well as assisting with Morning Tea and all of the activities and bus trips. Another long serving volunteer, Dick Massaar, also assists with transport. Our sincere thanks to all of them.

KNITTING AND SEWING SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP

The “Wrap with Love” organisation was started in 1992 when Sonia Gidley – King organised a group of friends to craft squares from left over yarn. Since then the group has grown to an estimated 25,000 volunteers throughout Australia. In 2009, they produced an incredible 37,289 Wraps. The organisation is non-denominational and non political, its sole purpose being to help “cold humanity”. Volunteers knit or crochet squares which are joined into rugs, or “wraps”, to be sent to the needy both in Australia and overseas.

Gymea Neighbour Aid first became involved in 2005, when volunteers managed to produce 14 rugs. Since then we have increased our tally each year thanks to our Knitting and Sewing Group which meets fortnightly and the volunteers who knit and crochet for us at home. In 2010 our tally was 170 and so far this year I have delivered 75 “wraps” to the warehouse in Alexandria. A win-win situation -- our clients have another social activity which helps to relieve loneliness and possible social isolation and needy people benefit.

I will end my section of this report with a thank you to all of the volunteers without whom we could not provide our services, including the members of our Management Committee. I would also like to thank the Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators of the projects which make up Gymea Community Services for their professionalism and support for each other.

And as always, if you know of people in our community who might benefit from our services, please let us know.

Thank you,

Maureen Clark.

Assistant coordinator, Gymea H.A.C.C. Services.

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GYMEA HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE SERVICE

STATISTICS FOR 2010/2011

2010/11 Volunteers (Exclude Management Committee Members) 30

Total number of clients: *Neighbour Aid (Social Support) Clients Assess 47 Clients 49 Hours of Service 3024 Multicultural Aged Daycare Clients Assess 40 Clients 52 Hours of Service 7440 Transport/Trips 2481 *Sutherland Shire Aged Daycare Clients Assess 44 Clients 50 Hours of Service (includes transport and care coordination) 7118.5

SUMMARY – Country of Birth – 2010/2011 Australia 77 China (excl. SARS & Taiwan) 23 Colombia 1 Croatia 1 Cyprus 2 Czech Republic 1 Egypt 2 England 1 Greece 12 Hong Kong (SAR of China) 1 India 4 Italy 15 South Africa 1 Spain 1 Others 5 Source of Referrals Public Hospitals 65% Self 10% Relative or Friend 10% Other Community Care Agency 15% Gender Female 129 Male 17

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

Clients Assess Clients Hours of Service Transport/Trips

Sutherland Shire Aged

Daycare10/11

Multicultural Aged

Daycare10/11

Neighbour Aid (Social

Support)10/11

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Documents

37th Annual Report 2010/2011 - Gymea Community Aid & …gymeacommunityaid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/2010... · 2020. 4. 30. · 37th Annual Report 2010/2011 Gymea Community