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Issue #41 | April 2022

IN THIS ISSUE:

  • Coordinator’s Corner

  • From your Council

  • Strengthening culture & connection: The Possum Cloak Project

  • Meet our Steering Group: Ross Hobbs

  • Grovedale Toy Library Update

  • Neighbourhood House Week

  • StudioArt6

  • Share your Story: Disability Royal Commission

  • Lions

  • Uniting Barwon OpShop

  • Join the Probus

  • Grovedale Waurn Ponds Rotary

  • Jobs Victoria Advocate

DOWNLOAD THE GRAPEVINE (PDF)

Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Grapevine!

It’s been lovely to see so many of our groups return to the Hub offering much needed social connection opportunities for our community. With Covid-19 more prevalent and restrictions easing to ‘Covid normal’, it is important that we don’t become complacent. Please remember to protect yourself and each other by maintaining good hygiene practices, continuing to follow public health orders and making sure you do not attend activities at the Hub if you are feeling unwell. As we go to print, it is still a requirement for participants at Community Centres (this includes the Grovedale Community Hub) to show evidence of their Covid-19 vaccination and QR Code check-in on arrival.

Like so many industries and businesses, Grovedale Neighbourhood House has felt the impacts of this virus on our small team. Shivonne and I would like to thank you all for your understanding and patience as we continue to manage isolation requirements, particularly where they result in office closures.

Based on our observations over the last Term and to better support all aspects of our service delivery, from Monday 11 April we will be trialling new office hours. These hours will be reviewed at the end of the Term to ensure they continue to meet community need. The trial office hours will be:

Monday to Thursday 9am-2.30pm

Friday 9am-12noon.

We are excited to see the fantastic Slowphoto program commence on Friday May 13 after Covid concerns saw it postponed in Term 1. There are still places available for this wonderful free 6-week program. For more information see the flyer in this edition of the Grapevine or contact our office on 5241 5717.

Grab a cuppa, make yourself comfy and enjoy the latest edition of the Grapevine.

Kind regards,

Nateesha, Your GNH Coordinator

DOWNLOAD TERM 1 2022 PROGRAM

Kardinia Ward Update

An update from your City of Greater Geelong, Kardinia Ward councillors Ron Nelson, Belinda Moloney and Bruce Harwood

With the warmer days of summer set to become few and far between in the months ahead, it is pleasing to know that those of us who enjoy getting in the water will have a nice undercover facility ready to go again very soon.

Whether it be to undertake rehabilitation sessions, attend classes or simply to have a swim, Leisurelink at Waurn Ponds is a great place to get your water fix.

The final stage of the 50-metre pool redevelopment currently being undertaken at Leisurelink will begin in April, and construction of the centrepiece tiled concrete pool is progressing well, with the new and improved aquatic facilities expected to open in June.

There will be some service changes as the finishing touches are applied to the project, which will also deliver upgrades to the waterslide, splash park and concourse.

To ensure key works can be safely carried out, all aquatic facilities at Leisurelink will be closed on April 11 and April 12, but from April 13 the warm water pool and spa will reopen.

The majority of Webstar Swim School’s program will relocate to the warm water pool, with the Learn to Swim and toddler pools to remain shut for a scheduled seven weeks.

All aquatic facilities will again be unavailable for four days at the end of May, before the tiled 50-metre concrete pool is opened for the first time.

The new pool at Leisurelink will serve the community for many years to come, so we thank everyone for their patience as the redevelopment is carried out.

The works that are being undertaken now will enable us to provide the best facilities for our residents to learn to swim, stay safe around the water, and to undertake vital rehabilitation and hydrotherapy sessions, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back very soon.

Strengthening culture & connection

This article featured in the City of Greater Geelong Community Update Summer 2021 publication and is reprinted with permission.

Possum skin cloak story is a process that’s shared by knowledge holders in the community and can be a process of healing, connection and of storytelling for their family and journey.

The Possum Cloak Project was an initiative by Nyul Nyul man and director of Wan-Yaari Aboriginal Consultancy Services, Lowell Hunter, who had experienced first-hand the importance of a program that strengthened connections to culture and identity.

“For me growing up in community I had a lot of opportunities to connect to culture through various programs, and that was when I was growing up down on Gunditjmara Country, down in Warrnambool. I knew how important they were as a young fella and now, a bit older, knowing the impact they had on me and my family,” Lowell said.

“It’s really important work and allowed me to connect to culture and strengthen my identity and learn about cultural values. Fast-forward 20-odd years and now I’m in a position to be able to give back and provide similar opportunities for community – in way of delivering cultural programs like this.”

The program continues on from Wan-Yaari’s cultural strengthening program with young Aboriginal men, which is one of many services provided by the consultancy. “That program was around cultural strengthening through dance. Often what would occur is the families would come and drop the boys off, but there were still other siblings and family members missing out on the chance to learn about culture.”

The Possum Cloak Project ran over 10 weeks. At the end of the project, the families involved went home with a possum skin cloak and the knowledge of this significant cultural practice. A series of photographs were also taken to document the experience of the families and these are now on display as banners and framed photos at the Grovedale Community Centre, which was the host venue for the program.

“When I first attended the facility [in Grovedale], I think it was only a couple of years old and the newly renovated space looked like it had a lot of potential. A community hub is there for everyone to use but that gap that was missing was that there was nothing there to encourage the local Aboriginal community to go and be involved in the hub,” Lowell said.

Now with the photos on display, First Nations People and families will be able to see themselves, or someone they know, represented at the community facility.

Lowell credits one of our Healthy and Connected Communities Grants for helping him to get the program off the ground. He worked with the Grovedale Neighbourhood House on the application and is hoping it will be the start of many more programs for Aboriginal communities that are supported by the City.

Connect with Lowell Hunter at wanyaari.com.au.

Meet our steering group

Ross Hobbs

The Grovedale Neighbourhood House Steering Group had their first meeting in February. This newly formed group of passionate and civic-minded community members will guide the direction of our Neighbourhood House and provide input into our programs and activities.

We will feature each of the Steering Group members in the Grapevine over this year, starting with Ross Hobbs.

Ross is well connected to Grovedale Neighbourhood House, running the large Ukes ’n’ More community singing and ukulele group. Ross kept this group connected during the lockdowns by running catch ups via Zoom, with 25-30 people attending each week.

Ross comes to the steering group with over 32 years’ experience working for a large industrial company and 8 years as a teacher before that. He brings wisdom and extensive experience that can be applied to the Neighbourhood House sector.

Ross says, ‘I have lived in Grovedale for over 40 years and seen it grow from a small, detached outlier from Belmont, into the vibrant family belt that it is now.’

We welcome Ross to the Steering Group and are grateful to have him on board. If you would like to know more about the Steering Group, please contact the Grovedale Neighbourhood House on 5241 5717 or email info@grovedalenh.org.au

If you would like to chat with Ross about his work on the Steering Group or learn more about Ukes ‘n’ More, you’re welcome to give him a call on 0430 871 045.

About the facilitator: Nicole Marie is a local documentary photographer who is interested in encapsulating and sharing the extraordinary stories of everyday people, places and projects through photography.

Enjoy sharing your story by focussing less on technical aspects of the device, and more on the art of seeing.

1. MINDFUL SEEING - The art of observation + composition in photography

2. TEXTURE - Observe and document interesting textures in your home and community

3. LIGHT - Discover and capture the magic that light can make through shadows, reflections and mood

4. COLOUR - Choose a colour to focus on, find and incorporate into an image

5. PEOPLE - What is the story of someone you know? Create a portrait in response.

6. PRINT + SHARE: Select a favourite photo from the 5 photo prompts to print and share

PROGRAM DETAILS

Duration/Time: 6 week program commencing Friday 13 May 10am-12noon

Equipment: BYO digital camera (compact or SLR), smartphone or tablet. (Digital cameras available to borrow if required.)

Cost: Free

Output: Each participant will have one image printed on a small canvas for exhibition at the Grovedale Community Hub.

LOCATION: Grovedale Neighbourhood House, Banksia Room, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale

Bookings are essential.

This program is subject to COVID-19 protocols. Proof of vaccination is required.

For all enquiries and bookings please contact Grovedale Neighbourhood House on 5241 5717.

STORIES WELCOME

Does your group have important updates for the community? If you use the Grovedale Neighbourhood House within the hub and have anything you would like to contribute or share with the Grovedale Hub community for the upcoming issues please contact info@grovedalenh.org.au.

Exciting things are brewing at the Grovedale Toy Library

There has been a lot of exciting things happening at the Grovedale Toy Library this term. We have recommenced our Book and Browse sessions, allowing members who are doubled vaccinated to enter the toy library and select their own toys.

This has been an exciting change as due to COVID, the toy library has been operating via Click and Collect for the majority of 2020 and 2021. We have had new members join, our AGM and of course, new toys for people to borrow!

In the coming weeks, we have even more exciting events to watch out for at our toy library.

Nature Play Week - Member Stay & Play - Saturday April 9th 9:30-11:30, Blackwood Room @ the Hub

Easter Competition - Guess the Toys in the Jar - on display in our window - enter via Facebook & Instagram, or there is a link next to the jar to enter if you’re not a social media user!  Winners announced at the Nature Play event.

Geelong Circular Living Challenge - GTL Open Day - Wednesday 20th April 10-12 (no borrowing) - stay tuned for promotional material, help us spread the word about our amazing toy library (and a bonus for new members signing up as part of the challenge)

Please spread the word about our wonderful toy library to friends and family who have children and if you would like to know more about our toy library or any of these events, please follow us on Instagram, find us on Facebook or email us at: info@grovedaletoylibrary.org.au

StudioArt6 - Jen Jones, Local Artist @ Grovedale Neighbourhood House.

Registration is now open for the following Term 2 - 2022. Classes catering for beginners to experienced artists:

Combined Acrylic Painting & Soft Pastels

Monday 2nd May - 20th June: Times 1.30pm-4pm

Saturday 30th April - 18th June: Times 10.30am-1pm

Bookings essential. Cost - $200. Payment in full prior to commencement. Includes light refreshments. Proof of Covid vaccinations required. Current Covid-19 restrictions and safety requirements adhered to. Current Working With Children’s Check. Any queries regarding payment or registration can be directed to Jen: M: 0408 461 559 | E: jenajones1253@gmail.com | W: studioart6.com.au

Lions Club of Grovedale/Waurn Ponds

The Lions Need You

The Lions Club of Grovedale/Waurn Ponds is looking for new members to further our efforts in our local, national, and international communities. Our numbers are small, and we are seeking some young folk to reinvigorate our club to become the great helper it once was. This could be just the thing for you, to give back to Grovedale/Geelong and Australia and become a member of the largest service club in the world. Every bit helps in the work of Lions Clubs, and particularly the Lions Club of Grovedale/Waurn Ponds. Join us to become a member of an international organisation numbering nearly 1.5 million people who help their communities and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with this. If you have a bit of time to spare, we’d love to hear from you. To have a ‘no obligation’ chat, contact either: Mark Grey – 0428 557 564 or David Ridley – 0459 574 347

Uniting Barwon’s Op Shops generate urgently needed funds for our Emergency Relief budget

Our Geelong West, Highton and Point Lonsdale stores urgently need volunteers for Saturday shifts.

  • Op Shop fan

  • Love customer service

  • Ready to help your local community and make new friends

  • Available for 3 or more hours a week (or fortnightly or monthly)

  • Need 15 hours per week volunteering for your Centrelink mutual obligation

Uniting Barwon needs you!

Please contact Elizabeth Hopkin on 4210 1113 or email elizabeth.hopkin@vt.uniting.org

Other urgent volunteer vacancies with Uniting Barwon include:

Emergency Relief: Receptionists, Interviewers, Van Crew, Maintenance and Food Distribution Team Members at Norlane and Grovedale.

Retail: Team Members and Team Leaders at Highton, East Geelong, Norlane, Geelong West and Point Lonsdale.

Here’s why we do what we do:

Emergency Relief addresses the gap in resources including food, clothing and material aid. Our volunteer teams provide services to individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet.

WE OFFER SUPPORT SUCH AS:

  • Food and food vouchers

  • Clothing – Adult & Children

  • Nursery Items

  • NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme)

  • Homelessness and Housing

  • Education Assistance Program

  • Advocacy and links to other services

GROVEDALE - 4210 1100 NORLANE - 5278 8492

Become a friend of the Rotary

Would you like to help your Community, make friends and have fun?

Become a member of Rotary or Become a friend of Rotary.

  • What does Rotary do?

  • Supports Local, National and International Projects.

  • Friendship and Fellowship

  • Supports the Development of our youth.

  • Helps those less fortunate than ourselves.

  • Works to improve the environment.

  • Club Information

We meet twice a month. Rotary is open to any person of good standing in the community. There is no commitment to attend. You may prefer just to help with our hands on events. We meet on a Wednesday night 6 for 6.30pm or via Zoom. 80% of people stay in Rotary to serve the community and for the friendships they make.

PERHAPS THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Contact David Carlyle 0409 343 250 or Gary Clark 0418 593 767.

What have we done recently?

We have had 2 Bunnings Barbeques where we raised monies to support

  • 1.The Tonga Disaster.

  • 2. To the Flood Victims in Queensland/NSW.

All funds raised by Rotary is 100% given to our beneficiaries.

How a Jobs Victoria Advocate can help you

If you’re looking for work more hours or training opportunities, Jobs Victoria Advocates can:

Refer you to a local Jobs Victoria Partner who can help you update your resume, prepare for job interviews, and connect you with local employers.

Connect you to local skills and training opportunities through Work and Learning Centres, TAFE Skills and Jobs Centres, and apprenticeship programs.

Help you apply for jobs in your local area through the Jobs Victoria online hub

Are you looking for great role with an immediate start? With a focus on supporting the critical supply chain shortages at major supermarkets and wholesalers, speak to a Jobs Victoria Advocate who can discuss Jobs Victoria’s recruitment drive and support you through the application process.

Positions currently being advertised:

  • Front of House – Cashiers

  • Fill and Night Fill

  • Pick Packers (includes manual handling of up to 16kgs and working in different controlled temperatures)

  • Forklift Operators

  • Transport Drivers

  • Food Preparation

  • Butchering Apprenticeships

Expressions of Interest can be submitted at: https://jobs.vic.gov.au/help-for-jobseekers/supply-chain-roles-now-open

Contact: Mat & Lizz 5272 5272 | Carly 0427 997 472 | Janelle 0439 080 296 | Karianne 0447 155 046

ADVERTISE WITH THE GRAPEVINE

We accept advertising for the online version of the Grapevine. Please contact info@grovedalenh.org.au or phone us at (03) 5241 5717.