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COMMUNITY NEWS
Edition 3 - September 2020
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Welcome to the third edition of our Community News!
We're here to give you an informative overview of news and events happening in and around our local community.
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This is Carlo the Community House!
Keep an eye out for him throughout this month's edition of Community News!
Carlo is hidden within the links, pictures or main body of the newsletter. Can you find him?
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In Brief
- Team Member Profile
- Wear It Purple Day
- Business and Community Resilience Grant Awardee
- Bass Valley Community Group, Chaps and Chapettes
- (it's no) drama - Party of One
- Women for Change
- Get Active Victoria
- Training and Volunteering for Emergency Response
- Useful links/information
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Team Member Profile
Leah Bellairs - Team Leader Community Planning
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Where do you live?
In Inverloch with my husband, two children and our adopted greyhound.
What do you love about your job?
Talking to people! I love hearing from the community about what their vision is, and then seeing how I (and Council) can work alongside the community to achieve their goals.
What is your favourite book?
Anna Meares (Biography) Now
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Cycling, getting out into nature and having fun with family and friends. And trying to learn how to skateboard, which is not going so well!
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On 28 August 2020, Staff from Bass Coast Shire Council got involved in the Wear It Purple Day campaign, showing their support for the young LGBTQI+ community by wearing something purple. Even though working from home, all staff members were encouraged to wear something purple and discuss the meaning behind the day in online department meetings. Rainbow flags were raised at the Yes Youth Hub in Wonthaggi as a sign of support.
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headspace, Wonthaggi
awarded Business and Community Resilience Grant
The Business and Community Resilience Grants Program was developed earlier in the year in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to help businesses and not-for-profit organisations in Bass Coast recover from the impacts on our community. We are very happy that headspace was one of the successfully applicants, they provide inspiring support to the young people in our community.
headspace said ‘ The new funding grant will enable headspace Wonthaggi to provide our ongoing telehealth services and outreach services, through the purchase of dedicated laptops, headsets and protective laptop cases from local provider C&S Computers in Wonthaggi.’
Click the headspace logo to hear about the Grant that headspace Wonthaggi received and how they are using this to help young members of our community.
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Neighbourhood Houses are the heart of the Community, and if you have ever been to the township of Bass you will know this to be true.
Bass Valley Community Group is the lively hub for the community. Bass Valley Community Group supports the community and surrounds. Those who visit the Centre enjoy staying active and socially connected. The Centre depends greatly on volunteers with the op shop that shares the grounds run solely by volunteers, whose efforts are very much appreciated.
Feeling lonely and isolated in these times can affect us all, so Bass Valley Community Group is sharing some, Covid isolation busting, fun. Meet the Chaps and Chapettes rolling out to make friends in the community. A clever initiative by staff and volunteers to keep spirits high and encourage a green thumb or two. Through nurturing and water upkeep, the Chaps and Chapettes will flourish by growing a full head of grass hair. Photo above shows how they begin their journey.
When the doors finally re-open be sure to check out the weekly fun activities that are always on offer, make new friends, bring joy to your life and you can even join special outing days as well.
Call the office on 5678 2277, email admin@bvcg.org.au or browse the website www.bvcg.org.au
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Trust me you are going to want to watch this heart warming 4 minute video
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Isolation and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic have infiltrated our everyday lives. This has been devastating for some more than others, but what has been evident is a burgeoning collective creativity seen across the globe.
All abilities physical movement ensemble (it’s no) drama rose to the challenge, and out of isolation a video production has been developed and filmed, documenting this time.
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Women for Change, a Bass Coast Community Foundation initiative, is an effective way to connect with other like-minded people, learn more about issues in our community and pool funds for greater social impact.
Women for Change creates opportunities for women from all walks of life to participate in philanthropy by providing a vehicle to donate. Individuals can give money and/or time and then contribute to decisions about which charity or community projects are supported, to help local women make a life change, or take a step toward greater well-being.
Click the above image for more information.
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Inspirational Quote for the Month
Happiness is the new rich.
Inner peace is the new success.
Health is the new wealth.
Kindness is the new cool.
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Victorians of all ages and abilities are being encouraged to get active with the Victorian Government launching a new campaign to keep active and healthy during the coronavirus pandemic. Includes an online platform with free workout videos, challenges and ideas to get moving at home. There are workouts for all levels that range from 10 minutes to 30 minutes with little or no equipment needed. Participants can focus on strength, cardio, flexibility and other options.
See how you stack up against Australian cricket hero Meg Lanning and AFLW star Daisy Pearce. Meg and Daisy have each created a challenge just for Get Active Victoria! View the full challenges on the Get Active Victoria website.
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Training and Volunteering Opportunities
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The Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry are holding a training day in Wonthaggi in November. This training package is designed to equip members intending to respond to emergencies and disasters in Victoria through VCC EM.
Australian Red Cross is currently looking to expand volunteer numbers throughout the Bass Coast, predominantly in Emergency Services response teams.
Please click on the pictures above for more information.
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Useful Links / Information
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How to support Children and Young People through Covid-19
The Australian Childhood Foundation work to ensure childhood is safe and supported. They have developed a range of information sheets and resources for parents and professionals to use to support children through COVID-19. There are short downloadable books for children on why we need to wear masks and to help explain Coronavirus.
https://www.childhood.org.au/covid-19/
The Raising Children Network is a comprehensive website with information for parents of children from birth through to the teenage years. They have a dedicated range of resources to help parents navigate supporting their children through COVID-19. Topics covered include “Talking with children about physical distancing and isolation” and “Physical distancing with children with disability, autism and other conditions.”
https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/coronavirus-covid-19-guide
Emerging Minds have a selection of resources and videos for parents and professionals. Particularly relevant at this time is the “Supporting Children’s Mental Health During a Pandemic Toolkit.” Contained in the Toolkit are videos on topics such as maintaining routines, using play to support children and also featured is the CHILD360 free app. This app has been designed for parents to reflect on how they are going in supporting their children’s social and emotional well-being.
https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/toolkits/supporting-childrens-mental-health-during-a-pandemic/
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Help for people affected by Coronaviris
The Victorian Government has funded the Partners in Wellbeing initiative to help people who are feeling stressed, anxious, worried, overwhelmed or isolated as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Delivered by specialist mental health services, Partners in Wellbeing is confidential, free, and available by telephone and video for people aged 16 and over.
For more information on this free service click here.
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Grants Assistance
Would you like to be updated on the latest grants or need help to prepare a grant application?
Click here for hints and tips on applying for Community Grants.
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There are many reasons why some people can't wear a face covering, which can make going out in public a really daunting experience. Please keep showing your kindness, your compassion and keep physical distancing, that’s 1.5m from anyone whether they’re wearing a mask or not. And remember it is up to the police to enforce laws around face coverings.
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Great Ideas for Self-care & Mindfulness.
What works for you?
- Get outside - look at the horizon
- Put on a favourite piece of music
- Message a loved one
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This booklet provides information on local services and supports available during this time and how best to contact them.
Our region has a wide range of support services available and these organisations are ready to support those who need assistance right now.
Click on the booklet for more information.
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Council Facilities Update
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Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Facility in Wonthaggi and the Phillip island Leisure Centre in Cowes are currently closed. It is anticipated that as restrictions ease, both facilities will re-open with reduced access. Please visit https://wonthaggi.ymca.org.au/ for up to date operating hours.
As of Monday 14 September, Councils play spaces and fitness stations have re-opened. Skate parks and BMX tracks have also now reopened for community use as of Thursday 17 September. The community is encouraged to continue utilising open space at recreation reserves as well as tracks and trails across the Shire for daily exercise.
Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre is currently a hive of activity behind closed doors! We are working hard to ensure that the centre can re-open safely as soon as restrictions allow. Please visit our facebook page for up to date information www.facebook.com/wonthaggiartcentre/ or our website www.wonthaggiartscentre.com.au/ and subscribe to our newsletter.
All Bass Coast Visitor and Information Centres are currently closed to the public. Staff are still available 7 days a week, 9am – 5pm to assist with enquires on t: 1300 366 422, online www.visitbasscoast.com.au or send us an email bookings@basscoast.vic.gov.au. We are hoping to reopen to the public soon but this will depend on state government advice.
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We hope you have enjoyed this months edition of Community News! If you have any information you think other Community Groups would like to know about please share with Kirsty via email kirsty.crooks@basscoast.vic.gov.au or call on 0435 243 863 (Wednesday - Friday) so we can include in future newsletters. Editions will come out monthly. We are really looking forward to getting out and meeting you all face to face. Take care of yourselves
Kind regards,
The Social and Community Planning Team
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