Welcome to the EMC Autumn Update for 2018
This year the EMC is looking forward to providing more services through its longer hours. It will be implementing a new three-year business plan and engaging with guests by providing them with an extended range of activities as well as continuing the provision of breakfast and other regular services.
The traditional start of footy season BBQ will be held this Friday, 16th March at 12 noon. Come along and meet some of the Canberra Raiders. Meanwhile, the Friends of the EMC are starting the year with the return of the popular Jazz in the Garden fundraiser. We look forward to your ongoing support.
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Jazz in the Garden
Sunday 8 April from 2pm to 4pm
Once again, the Friends of the EMC welcome Geoff Page and his Jazz Band who will provide music in a beautiful autumn garden, with a scrumptious afternoon tea. Tea and coffee will be available or you are welcome to bring your own drinks, offers of cakes, slices or sandwiches are also welcome. Please come along and support the EMC.
When and where
Jazz in the Garden will be held on Sunday, 8 April 2018 from 2pm to 4pm.
The venue is 10 Currong Street, Reid - click here to view on Google maps.
More information
Cost is $20 per person, children are welcome (price negotiable). To find out more, please contact Anne Buttsworth on 6248 6480, or Margaret Watt on 0412 199 951.
This is the EMC's first fundraiser for 2018 and we are looking forward to a lovely afternoon. Please bring your friends and neighbours to enjoy the ambience as well.
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Longer opening hours, more services
Our EMC Director Nicole Wiggins, together with John, Nic and our two new staff members, Wayne and Jade, have introduced longer opening hours which are proving very popular with our guests. With more time available, simple actions such as providing multiple photocopies of the crossword pages in the newspapers allow guests to relax and feel at home. There's more time to chat. Lunch is provided several days a week. Ozharvest delivers fresh food regularly and what isn't used in the lunches is available for guests to take.
The regular services such as Street Law, the Primary Health Care Centre (doctor), Drug and Alcohol counselling, Centrelink, the Choir and Art classes are all continuing however, new services are being offered and more are planned. For example, last week an optometrist attended the EMC for the first time and was booked out immediately. He plans to come monthly and has already been able to assist guests with new prescriptions for glasses and access to the free spectacles scheme.
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EMC Computer Centre
Hands Across Canberra (HAC) have always supported the EMC. Late last year we were very fortunate to receive a grant from HAC which allowed us to refurbish our computer centre.
The number of desktop computers was doubled to six, which are all in constant use. We have also invested in new desks and chairs and six tablets which are used in small groups for teaching computer literacy. The longer opening hours provide an opportunity for developing computer skills.
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ACT Government Grant update
Last year the EMC received an increase in its grant from the ACT Government. It included an amount for a consultant to help with developing a business plan for the next three years. The consultant, Mia, has talked with and surveyed guests, staff, volunteers, service providers and supporters. From her work has come an ambitious list of possibilities which are currently being moulded into a business plan. We look forward to exploring these options during the coming months.
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Goodbye to 2017
Christmas seems a long time ago, however, the annual EMC Christmas lunch was as popular as ever and well supported by an army of volunteer cooks and servers, from politicians to public servants on their lunch hours.
We were fortunate to receive donations of food hampers and lots of extra goodies to put in them, as well as some generous donations of money which paid for the meal which was enjoyed by all. It may be three months ago but thank you to all who helped on the day and we hope you will return for the Christmas lunch in 2018.
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