The end of the year is fast approaching and I'm sure many of us feel that it can't come soon enough. 2020 has been a difficult time for everyone. However, these hardships have brought out the best in our volunteering community as so many of you put your hand up to help those most affected by the crises we have faced over the previous months. We cannot thank all our volunteers enough for the remarkable work they have done for our community.
In December, we look forward to International Volunteer Day on Saturday the 5th, which serves as a time to reflect on the importance of volunteers and celebrate their efforts.
We are also happy to highlight the newly created www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au website which delivers quality independent news from experienced, community-minded journalists for free. Sign up and stay connected with what is happening in the area. Until next month,
Cheryl
Thank You Bruce
The team at Volunteering Sunshine Coast would like to thank Bruce, one of our wonderful volunteers, for all the hard work he has done for us during his time at our organisation. His hard work collating vital information for reporting purposes have been invaluable.
While we are sad to see him leave, we wish him nothing but success for the future. You will be sorely missed, Bruce.
STEPS Autism Treehouse 7th Annual Christmas Party
Join families from the Sunshine Coast and beyond for an unforgettable day of festive fun in a supportive environment!
The STEPS Autism Treehouse Annual Christmas Party presented by The Fleet Office is the Sunshine Coast’s largest event for young people and families living with autism and disability.
This will be a very special Christmas event where families living with disability can enjoy a fun-filled day in a safe and supportive environment. Come and join in the fun!
WHEN
9am - 3pm
Sunday, 6 December 2020
WHERE
Field 5 & 6 Kawana Sports Precinct (entry off Nicklin Way)
320 Nicklin Way, Bokarina QLD 4575
COST
Entry: $15 per person (under 3s free)
Entry: $50 per family of 4
Entry: $60 per family of 5
Includes all rides & entertainment.
No concessions
The Christmas Party is a COVID-19 Compliant event and offers many different activities such as a sensory tent, rides, a mobile rock wall and of course, Santa!
Following receipt of funding from Queensland's Gambling Community Benefit Fund, Volunteering Sunshine Coast has purchased 2 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles for our Spontaneous Disaster Volunteers program. This program manages a cohort of disaster-trained volunteers with a range of skills, ready to be deployed in the event of a catastrophic event. The vehicles are to be used in the day-to-day administration of the program and in the event of mobilisation.
Thanks to the community-minded crew and Matt Twentyman at our local Cricks Sunshine Coast who gave us an excellent deal.
International Volunteer Day 2020
5 December was designated International Volunteer Day in 1985 by the UN General Assembly. The Day is an opportunity for us all to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognize volunteer contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local, national and international levels.
The extraordinary challenges we have all faced over the past year has shone a light on the critical importance of volunteering in responding to our medical, community and societal needs. This year's International Volunteer Day theme, "Together We Can Through Volunteering", is an affirmation of the power of volunteering in the midst of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Important amendments are being made to the law underpinning Queensland's guardianship system which will come into effect on 30 November 2020.
The reforms include changes to guardianship laws and new:
enduring power of attorney forms
advance health directive forms
other related forms and explanatory guides
capacity assessment guidelines to assist people who undertake assessments of an adult's capacity to make a decision under Queensland's guardianship laws.
Specialisterne is conducting a survey to better understand the career aspirations of adults on the autism spectrum.
SHARE YOUR VOICE IF YOU ARE:
An autistic adult, with or without an autism diagnosis
Employed, unemployed or under-employed
18 years or older
Residing in Australia.
WHY UNDERTAKE THIS SURVEY?
Specialisterne Australia works to enable jobs for autistic adults through social entrepreneurship, using alternative recruitment approaches and educating employers and broader society to shift their thinking and mindset from a deficit to positive difference position.
Through the Career Preferences of Autistic Adults survey, they are seeking to better understand the career aspirations and job preferences of autistic adults in Australia. Specifically, they want to gain a deeper understanding of the skill sets, strengths, interests, education levels and career preferences of adults on the autism spectrum with the intent to directly target the types of industries and job roles that align with the career aspirations of autistic adults.
Additionally, the findings of the survey will help inform employers about the diverse and unique skills and talents of people on the spectrum, and the strengths they can bring to any role and any workplace.
The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and should be done in one session as you will not be able to save your answers.
Your time is valued to participate in this survey, and to say thank you Specialisterne are giving away a laptop to one lucky winner! Every survey respondent automatically goes into the draw so keep an eye on your email!
For any questions, please contact Angela Bueti, Specialisterne Project Manager QLD, NSW and NT at: angela.bueti@specialisterne.com.
Framework For Mental Health in Multicultural Australia
The Framework for Mental Health in Multicultural Australia (the Framework) is a free, nationally available online resource which allows organisations and individual practitioners to evaluate and enhance their cultural responsiveness.
It is mapped against national standards to help organisations meet their existing requirements, and provides free access to a wide range of support and resources.
Follow the link to the website to register and enter the Framework, where you can find out more about how you can tailor the Framework to best meet your needs and the needs of your local community.
The Sunshine Coast’s first major FREE and independent daily news website has just launched which will inform, connect and celebrate the region like never before.
The website, www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au, will feature local, state, national and world news, property, business, sport, education, lifestyle and opinion, all produced daily by experienced journalists immersed in the community.
The initiative is brought to you by the 100% local publishers of My Weekly Preview, Salt magazine and Your Time.
As mentioned, the site is FREE, but the publishers are asking people to register their name and email, which will help them quantify support for the site and shape the news they provide. Those who subscribe will receive a once-daily bulletin highlighting the news of the day.
This is the good news story the Sunshine Coast has been waiting for.
