A message from the team
We hope everyone has been keeping well and safe over the last number of weeks and we know lockdown is tough. It is particularly tough for those in our community with limited access to online services, support and social engagement.
If you haven't heard from your neighbour for some time, or know that they might be isolated, we suggest dropping a note under their door to check in on them. Our staff are busy checking in with community members we recognised as particularly vulnerable at this time.
Due to the lockdown extension, our Factory Community Centre and Multicultural Centre will remain closed. The Poet's Corner Preschool will operate at a reduced capacity.
Our team are getting jabbed! We hope you are too.
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Complete our Online Survey :)
We know that the Covid-19 virus and the necessary but painful lockdown has a disproportionate impact on our community, especially those living in social housing and from low socioeconomic groups.
Part of the way out of this pandemic is through vaccination targets as announced by the Federal government. We also know there may be complexities in the decision of taking the shots and we would like to learn more.
Please take time to fill in this short survey and share it with your friends, families and networks.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7GJ59RD
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Counterpoint's Online Hangout!
Catch up with our friendly staff at our online hangout every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 11.30am - 12.30pm via Zoom. We would love to hear from you and how you are going. So don’t be shy and pop in to say hi!
On Tuesday, say hi to our community support team. On Thursday, play a range of fun games with our community development team and on Friday why not have a winge to our management team!
We know that some of you are unsure how Zoom works or how to join us online. If this is you, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we will talk it through.
How to Join:
Click on the link below. This will take you either to the Zoom app if you have it downloaded, or to your default internet search browser. You might be prompted to enable audio and video. Then once we have seen that you have entered the online waiting room, we will let you in!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87602744222
You can also call in via your mobile device. Dial this number 02 8015 2088 and when prompted, enter the meeting ID: 876 0274 4222.
If you prefer a one-on-one chat with our team then call 9698 9569 or email info@counterpointcs.org.au to make a confidential appointment.
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Get Prepared Online Information Session
Following the launch of the Emergency Preparedness Handbook for people living in social housing at Northcott Community Centre in June, the City and partners are inviting residents to attend an online ‘Get Prepared’ information session in lieu of any face-to-face workshops currently.
Emergencies can happen at any time, and often when we least expect. Floods, storms, fires and heatwaves can damage your home and force you to leave for a period of time. Such events are disruptive, yet we can reduce the stress and hardship that follows by taking some simple steps now.
Join the Australian Red Cross and NSW State Emergency Services to learn about how you can be better prepared for emergencies, and what resources are available to help you develop your own emergency plan.
When: Thursday 26 August
Time: 10am – 11am
Register in advance for this session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vd-mppjgpHdJl17n20iIbsaFE5D6iEf_V
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you have any questions about the information session please contact Laura Kelly at lkelly@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or call 9246 7883.
Access 70 Discounts and Rebates - Information Session
The City of Sydney has organised an information session with Service NSW to provide information relating to rebates and refunds. The discounts include energy bills, rental assistance, assistance with health equipment, parking, drivers license, vehicle registration, recreation including boating and fishing, children’s creative and sports support and many more initiatives the NSW government provides. The session is on zoom in English and Mandarin, please promote far and wide.
To register or find out more, follow the link provided.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/access-70-discounts-and-rebates-70-tickets-161190877253
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Participate Australia
Participate Australia have a range of online activities for all-inclusive over 18's. For bookings and enquiries:
Email bookings@participateaustralia.com.au or call 02 9799 4333
Check out their flyer below. If you have difficulty reading, let us know and we will send you the flyer or convey the information in Russian/Chinese languages.
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Mission Australia Online Information Sessions
To register, call Claire Trojkovic from Mission Australia on 0491 147 620 or email trojkovicc@missionaustralia.com.au
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Energy & Water Ombudsman
Thursday 12th August, 2pm – 3pm
This information session will cover topics including how to make a complaint, how to save on your bills, how to compare contracts, medical and life support rebates etc
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Centrelink
Thursday 19th August, 2pm – 3.30pm
This information session with cover topics including payment types for those affected by Covid, using the MyGov App, how Centrelink’s social workers can help in a crisis, Centrelink’s response to Covid etc.
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News & Updates
Botany Road Corridor Planning Proposal
The City of Sydney has released strategic plans to encourage business development, entertainment and retail opportunities along Botany Road and the north Alexandria light industrial area. Council's media release can be found here - Botany Road Media Release.
Join REDWatch on August 5th at 6pm via Zoom to hear from City of Sydney planners following Council's release of its strategic vision for the Botany Road corridor.
To join, click on the link below. This will take you either to the Zoom app if you have it downloaded, or to your default internet search browser. You might be prompted to enable audio and video.
https://tinyurl.com/RedwatchAugust2021
You can also call in via your mobile device. Dial this number 02 8015 2088 and when prompted, enter the meeting ID: 818 4645 9639
Lord Mayor Social Housing Forum
Postponed - new date to be confirmed.
2021 Census
Census night is August 10! You can fill in your form online, on paper or contact the Australian Bureau of Statistics for help.
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What have our staff been up to?
Here are some of the things our staff have been up to in order to keep busy (when they aren't working of course)!
Thomas - practising yoga and walking his beautiful doggo Olive (pictured). Want to try yoga? Check out this video.
Adam - watching baby sloth's taking baths! Super cute stuff - watch it here.
Elle - morning walks around Rushcutters bay to get that early vitamin D (pictured).
Bill - Contemplating the thought, "If ____ was an Olympic event, I'd win the gold medal".
Grant - Supporting his nephew with homeschooling - shout out to all the parents homeschooling their kids!
Michael - Our Executive Office is stuck at home in the Blue Mountains - apparently it's really cold up there!
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Covid-19 and Lockdown Information
COVID-19 is in our community and we need your help to stop the spread and to support our communities. We encourage you all to:
- Stay at home; do not visit family and friends; do not have visitors in your home. Keep up to date with the most current rules and advice follow the NSW Government website: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules
- Get tested if you have any symptoms. To find your closest Covid-19 testing clinic, go to the NSW government page.
- Book your COVID-19 vaccination appointment as soon as you are eligible. You can use the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker to find out when it’s your turn to receive the free COVID-19 vaccine or talk to your GP.
Sydney Local Health District has published a number of videos in community languages to provide the CALD community with updated information. We encourage you to share these resources. 2021 Covid-19 Stay at Home Videos - Multilingual Showcase.
Important Public Transport Notification
Stay at home and avoid non-essential travel.
To minimise transmission of the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta strain, all our public transport services in these regions (including some school buses) are running at reduced frequency and capacity.
The public transport services that are still operating are there to support authorised workers and people who need to travel for essential reasons. If that’s you, remember to:
- Wear a mask
- Sit/stand only on green dots
- Stay home if you feel unwell
Thanks for doing the right thing and following health and travel advice.
COVID Safe Travel Notifications on the Opal Travel app provide advanced personalised alerts for capacity on trains and Metro, all without having to plan a trip.
The new features allows you to know in advance, plan and see when a service is most likely to have available capacity on board, rather than arriving at the station to find the service is already at full capacity. The notifications will also let you know if your service is running on time or delayed and if it is impacted by a major disruption.
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Hosted by the Local Community Services Association (LCSA) in partnership with the Australian Neighbourhood House & Centres Association (ANHCA), the IFS Conference brings together the global network of Neighbourhood and Community Centres to engage around our theme of “Social Justice: The Unfinished Journey, Global Issues – Local Solutions”.
The virtual program includes:
- Keynote speakers, panel discussions, interviews, workshops, presentations, breakout sessions, documentary films, networking and entertainment performances.
- Access to over 38 hours of content - all live-streamed and on-demand recordings.
Counterpoint has been busy supporting our peak body, Local Community Services Association (LCSA) to bring you the IFS Conference and we encourage services and community members to sign up.
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