Dear OWN Members and Supporters,

It has been a quieter week here at OWN NSW as we regroup after the National Conference. Our post conference survey results were very encouraging - 90% of participants rated the two days as Very Good or Excellent with 10% rating it Good. Some comments from our participants included:

"I liked the range and depth of speakers and performers, the safe and inclusive vibe and the welcoming atmosphere"
 
 "I had never heard of the OWN community, and unsure what to expect. What I found was a wonderful collective of people with experience in advocacy for older women, who were happy to welcome me into their association. Thank you!"

We welcome all our new members and supporters to the OWN community and we thank you for your commitment to improve the lives of older women in NSW.

OWN NSW attended the  2019 Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards lunch at the end of October as a sponsor. The Inspirational Women’s Awards (RIWA) recognise community service across all sectors and locations throughout NSW performed by women through their various activities and endeavours, over and above their normal daily role. Pictured below is OWN Chair Beverly Baker with Rae-Anne Medforth, RIWA's Chair. Congratulations to all the winners! 

Thank goodness some parts of inland NSW received big rainfall over the weekend. Not drought-breaking but enough to bring hope and smiles to regional communities which are doing it tough. One of the best ways you can support regional communities in NSW is to buy from them this Christmas. Thanks to social media and online shopping, we have the opportunity to directly support rural businesses. Check out: (i) NSW's Government  - Buy Regional this Christmas. It features businesses from some of the hardest hit areas of the state, including Broken Hill, Coonamble, Inverell and White Cliffs.
(ii) Buy from the Bush - A showcase of beautiful things to buy from rural communities facing drought. A small way to invest in their future and help #stuffthedrought . Instagram or Facebook 

Until the next issue of dOWNtime, stay well, and keep healthy.

2019 City of Sydney Peace Prize Lecture and Award Ceremony

Every year, the Sydney Peace Prize brings the Sydney community together to talk about peace, justice and nonviolence, and to honour one of the world’s most inspiring peacemakers. 

The global women-led movement of solidarity with survivors of sexual violence and harassment #MeToo has won the 2019 Sydney Peace Prize. The movement's founder Tarana Burke and Australian #MeToo leader Tracey Spicer will receive the Prize on behalf of the movement "[f]or empowering survivors of sexual harassment and violence, and elevating their voices; for championing truth and justice; for highlighting the breadth and impact of sexual violence worldwide; and for launching a demand for change that is sweeping the world."

Friday November 22 to Saturday December 7

Share the Dignity Christmas collection is on again. You have the power to make life better for a woman or girl experiencing homelessness or poverty this Christmas. Provide pads and tampons, personal hygiene products and everyday luxuries to homeless women, women at risk or women experiencing domestic violence.

Choose a handbag in good condition that you no longer use.  Fill it with items that would make a woman feel special, pop in a thoughtful note or Christmas card and show her someone cares. Show her that she matters because everyone deserves to feel that way. Next time you’re at the shops, collect a few items for your Christmas handbag. No matter how you celebrate Christmas with your family, this will be the most meaningful and appreciated gift you give this year.

This idea came about from the realisation that women in crisis will put the needs of others before themselves, whatever the time of year. 

There are 85,000 homeless women who need your help this Christmas. Many have fled domestic violence or experienced extreme poverty.  You can make them feel special. It’s simple and it makes a big difference in a woman’s life.

Protect Refugees - sign the #SaveMedevac petition

The Refugee Council of Australia is our national peak body for refugees, people seeking asylum and those who work with and support them. In a few days, the Senate will vote on the life-saving Medevac legislation, which puts medical decisions back in the hands of doctors, not politicians. The Refugee Council want your help to save Medevac by signing the #SaveMedevac petition.

Doctors and key medical peak bodies have come out in strong support for Medevac, which has proven a crucial lifeline. Since being passed in February, the legislation has already saved the lives of people in desperate need of medical care, many of whom had been denied the treatment they needed due to a lack of facilities, or worse, political will. Medevac happened because thousands of Australians - including politicians of conscience - acted to give doctors a greater say in the medical treatment of people detained offshore. "The government's attempts to repeal this life-saving legislation mean that we need to rally the full force of our movement once again."

This petition will be delivered with doctors, lawyers and others from across this movement to the Federal Parliament to ensure all politicians know that Australians support this critical legislation.

Read more and sign the Medevac Petition here.

Your Super and Your Rights and Responsibilities

Would you like to:

• Learn more about super?
• Be supported to find where your super is right now?
• Choose the best super option for you? 
• Consolidate your super?

This free workshop will provide a supportive and unbiased environment in which you can explore your options.

DATE: Friday 15th November 2019
TIME: 1pm – 3pm
WHERE: Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Bedford Street, Newtown.
Light refreshments provided.

Secure your place in this FREE workshop for women and non-binary people. Register here or contact Emily at Good Shepherd in Marrickville on 02 8571 7800 or firmerfoundationssydney@goodshep.org.au

Sydney Basket Brigades 2019

Since 1995, throughout the Christmas season, the Basket Brigades of the Magic Moments Foundation have worked with grassroots organisations to anonymously deliver food, clothing, toys and hope to those who need it most. 

Do you know someone who is struggling financially and would appreciate a hamper or homeless pack from Sydney Basket Brigade this Christmas?  It's now time to nominate them for a hamper or homeless pack from Sydney Basket Brigade. Contact us at info@ownnsw.org.au by this Thursday, November 7th.
 
Allocations will be confirmed by Monday, 18 November 2019.  All recipients must meet the criteria.                         

Don't have anyone to nominate but want to get involved? You can volunteer for Packing Day in Sydney on Saturday, 7 December 2019. To register, follow up on Facebook.

A vigil to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. #enoughisenough
Not all disrespect ends in violence but all violence starts with disrespect.
Please come to this important Vigil planned for 5.30pm-7pm, Monday, 25th November in Martin Place to commemorate the more than 45 women who have been killed so far in Australia in 2019 due to violence.

25^th November marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. Look for the OWN banner and join us as we pay our respects to the women who have been killed, and to stand up against gender-based violence. Be part of a community which demands urgent action to create safety for women, children and families.

Download the flyer here.