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We respectfully acknowledge the country on which our Community House is located, Wadawurrung country and pay our respects to traditional owners, ancestors and elders, both past, present and emerging.
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Our lovely Palila is leaving us. After 7 years at Torquay Community House Palila is moving onto a new and exciting area of work.
Palila has been instrumental in developing the communications and media program at Torquay Community House. Palila has brought the Springboard from a small community newsletter to a sophisticated online community magazine supported by a Torquay Community House presence on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Palila has developed media networks and contacts that have allowed a broad range of Torquay Community House events and actions to be included in the mainstream press and radio.
Palila’s warmth and welcoming presence will be missed at Torquay Community House, as will the gentle herding of groups and individuals as she records and takes photos of Torquay Community House events and community programs.
We thank Palila for all the fabulous work she has been part of at Torquay Community House and we wish her well in all her future endeavours.
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The 2021 National Reconciliation Week theme graphics are drawn from the artwork Action by Jessica Johnson. Find out more about the artwork HERE
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Wednesday May 26 is Sorry Day and Thursday May 27 to Thursday June 3 is Reconciliation Week. Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2021, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.
Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Find out more about reconciliation Week HERE
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Great Start for Road Home Project
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Richard from the Corio Norlane Lions Club collected the first load of donations form our generous community.
The Road Home collects essential items for people experiencing homelessness or home insecurity. This will be especially important over the cold winter months.
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The project will continue collecting until September. We are accepting donations of:
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- All Clean Clothing
- Blankets
- Towels
- Sheets
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- Soap
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Hairbrush/Comb
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
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| Unfortunately Doonas and Pillows cannot be accepted. |
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Register for groups and classes HERE
Registration for all classes and groups is essential as due to Covid restrictions our class numbers are limited. Don't forget our SOS link if you need help or support. See you soon!
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Don't see the class or group you are interested in? Put in an expression of interest and we'll do our best to get it happening!
We are currently also taking expressions of interest for:
- First Aid
- RSA - Responsible Service of Alcohol
- Games Nights for Grown ups
- Computer Training - Not in the know and need to know? Let us know what you interested in learning
If you're interested in any of these OR something else contact Fiona Bramham, Activities Coordinator, fiona.bramham@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au
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Young Wolves is our Maths and English tutoring program for grade 5 and 6 students. Students get a weekly, 40 minute one on one session with a tutor to focus on any areas of Maths or English they may need help with.
This class costs just $10 house membership per term. Please go HERE for more information or to enrol.
All tutors are required to hold current police check and working with children check. Please see our Child Safe Policy HERE
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Do you need to talk over any life issues such as:
- Work / retirement
- Grief
- Depression
- Personal esteem and goal setting
- Family
- Coping with change
One hour counselling or supervision sessions are available at Torquay Community House.
These sessions are with Jan Cheatley who has 30 years experience in the counselling field and specialises in empowering people and encouraging positive life experience.
Call: 5261 2583, 9am-2.30pm, Monday to Thursday to book an appointment.
Cost: $25 (please see below for subsidised fees)
We understand that this is a financially difficult time for many people so if you are experiencing financial hardship and would still like to attend counselling please contact us HERE and we be happy to assist.
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Mind the Step Program for Carers
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Carers Victoria is delivering ‘Mind the Step’, a FREE four-week online program for carers who feel they would benefit from building their personal resilience and connecting with others in similar situations.
The program is facilitated by qualified counsellors via Zoom for 90 minutes each week to support carers in Western Victoria. Participant numbers are kept small to provide a safe and supportive environment.
Download the full flyer for info HERE
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Congrats Feed Me Surf Coast!
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We are were so happy to see Feed Me Surf Coast selected as this year's Surf Coast Times Torquay Cup's charity partner, with all funds raised supporting the foundation.
Feed Me Surf Coast provide meals and food items for community members in need. Check out their facebook page HERE.
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Photographic Prize Opportunity
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Entries are now open and MGA - Monash Gallery of Art invites artists to submit photographic work created over the last year – a year that we will all never forget, with the shortlisted works exhibited at the gallery in September.
Entries close 5pm (AEST), Wednesday 30 June 2021.
Enter at mga.org.au/bowness-prize
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Free Job Skills Workshops
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The Gordon Skills and Jobs Centre is a free careers service for job seekers in the Geelong and Wyndham regions. The centre provides information and advice about training and employment opportunities to assist individuals to make informed career choices. Download the latest course guide HERE
These events are FREE of charge and provided for individuals in the Geelong area, offering opportunities to assist them making informed career choices. Workshops will be delivered face-to-face, phone or online via Zoom. Please check Career Hub for workshop location details when you register to attend.
Registrations are handled via telephone to the Skills and Jobs Centre, central phone number on 5225 0700. When registered, bookings can be completed electronically or over the phone.
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Get $250 off your Power Bill!
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The Victorian Government's $250 Power Saving Bonus is available to anyone with a gas or electricity account who holds a pensioner concession card or receives JobSeeker, Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance.
If this applies to you or someone you know, don't hesitate, apply now! https://powersavingbonus2.energy.vic.gov.au/
If you require any assistance in filling out the form, you can ring 1800 830 029 for one-on-one help.
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Household Relief
Loans Without Interest
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Good Shepherd in collaboration with the Federal Government are offering Household Relief Loans Without Interest for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Assistance for rent and utility bills can be provided in the form of loans of up to $3,000 with no interest, charges or fees to pay. Delivered by Good Shepherd in collaboration with the Federal Government.
Apply now >> www.householdrelief.org.au
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Torquay RSL
Exercises for Mind and Body
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Exercise programs for veterans, and their carers, are held at various times on three mornings a week at Body Sculpting and Fitness in Torquay. The free programs help veterans maintain a level of fitness appropriate to their age; help with rehabilitation from injuries or surgery; and help with mental health issues through social interaction with other veterans.
Organised and run by Exercise Physiologists from NJF, there are group sessions or one on one sessions catering for special needs of the veterans.
Torquay RSL is a strong supporter of the exercise programs with a number of its members attending two or three times a week. According to Wellbeing Advocate, Peter Thomas, social interaction is a big part of the morning sessions.
“By the time we have finished our workouts, we are usually ready for a coffee and chat session. These get-togethers each gym morning seem to help whenever we have issues, or are just a great together for reminiscing or helping sort out each other’s daily life problems.”
Peter, who is a Vietnam veteran, encourages all veterans to participate in these or similar programs. “Once it was just Vietnam veterans taking part in the program,” he said. “Over the years, however, we have been gratified to see younger veterans from more recent overseas operational service, or service in Australia who are joining us.
Torquay RSL encourages veterans and their carers to join the fitness programs. Anyone wanting to know more about how to join the free programs is welcome to contact the RSL by email torquayrsl@gmail.com or ring the office on on 0409 297 441.
Torquay RSL rooms at the back of Torquay Bowls Club are not always staffed but phone or email messages are quickly followed up.
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Lions Gift Will Help Local Women
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When Torquay Lions Club donated toiletries for women to Torquay Food Aid, Lion Terena Lane and Torquay Food Aid’s Vicki Hertaeg discussed the value to women needing support, a situation which arises often.
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Torquay Lions Club has answered a call from Torquay Food Aid, providing a range of toiletries for women in need.
Delivered in packs made up by Lion Terena Lane, the items chosen by Terena are intended to fill emergency needs of women forced to leave quickly from their homes.
“That was the prime aim of our donation,” Lion Terena said. “However, in discussions with Torquay Food Aid, the items might be better used to top up food packs chosen by those in need. Our Lions prefer to be guided by the Torquay Food Aid volunteers as to how the items are used to the greatest benefit."
Vicki Hertaeg, Torquay Food Aid secretary and volunteer coordinator, accepted the gifts gratefully.
“These are the items which we need to have available for our women clients, when the need arises”, she said.
“Our service to those in need relies very heavily on donations and the Torquay Lions Club is one local group we can always rely on”.
Torquay Food Aid has been operating in Torquay for 25 years. Vicki Hertaeg has been helping those in need for the past six years.
“Our main objective is to support families and individuals requiring food assistance, but as our motto states, ’Torquay Food Aid – A Helping Hand’.
“If someone needs a hand to put meals on the table, or toiletries needed for cleanliness and self-esteem, contact us on torquayfoodaid@gmail.com or ring 0409 614 630,” Vicki advised.
There are Torquay Food Aid bins at IGA, Gilbert St Torquay, and the Torquay Community
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Personal Development Program Opportunities for Young Adults
Rotary runs a number of programs designed specifically for young adults to equip them with skills.
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Defying the Drift – build a great future
The average age of farmers is approaching 60 years so young people interested in farming are worth their weight in gold!
There are strong economic realities driving prosperous rural futures. The world’s growing population needs to be fed and clothed which means a great future for young people in agriculture. The world needs more and better educated farmers, not less.
Careers include everything from hands-on farming to high-end research and many options in between, and there are also great opportunities in the many professions, trades and vocations needed in every community.
Defying the Drift is a 2 stage Program
Stage 1: Defying the Drift starts with a challenging residential program at leading tertiary agricultural institute, Longerenong College, where participants learn new skills, discover many rural futures, visit a range of rural enterprises, meet some great young agriculture role models and have a great time.
Stage 2: is when participants bring it all together and make a presentation to their sponsor Rotary Club. Presentations are expected to cover what participants have learnt through the Defying the Drift program and their personal reflections on possible rural futures.
Who’s it for?
Years 10 & 11 students (approx. 15 -17 yrs) interested in rural career options.
Download an application form.
Where and when?
Stage 1 Residential Course
Longerenong College, Longerenong, near Horsham, Monday September 20 - Wednesday 22 September, 2021.
For more information Contact Torquay Rotary Youth Director Ben Featherston on 0447 519017 or follow this link Application Pack
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The Torquay Community Men’s Shed Inc. is open to local men from all walks of life to encourage friendship, support, fellowship and to promote health and well being. We’re an Incorporated, not for profit organisation at 18 Price St. Torquay, behind The Old Police Station (TOPS). While some members are creative in the workshops, many just come and sit, drink tea/coffee, eat cake and biscuits and talk around the “Table of Knowledge”! It’s all part of the process of getting together, meeting new people and generally relaxing in a male friendly, alcohol-free space!
Here are some of our activities:
- Mondays 1:30pm – 3pm is our ‘Singing in the Shed’ group who say they always feel fantastic after exercising their lungs. Don’t worry about talent – these guys can shatter glass but they do have fun, so come along and join in! They are now meeting at the new Wurdi Baierr Stadium in Torquay North
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are regular Shed days; 9:30 am – to 12:30 pm, when everyone just kicks back and relaxes or works on a project in the metal or wood workshops. On the last Wednesday of every month, we have our regular sausage sizzle, all for the same daily fee of $2!
- We have a “movie day” on the last Thursday of the month at the Shed. The morning will only cost you a couple of dollars and there’s snacks and all!
- Our garden group is an on-going affair that is under the watchful eye of our gardening ‘guru’. The supervised action is usually on Tuesday mornings.
- Last but not least is the car group. A new addition is a Mini which is a restoration project that is slowly progressing.
We are open during school holidays and can be contacted on 0482 770 634 or email us at menshedtorquay@gmail.com.
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Need help with something else?
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Check out our support services page HERE for links to services that offer mental health assistance, housing advice and more. Or call 5261 2583 11am-2pm, Monday-Wednesday during term time.
The Surf Coast Shire also has a comprehensive page of with information on support services for all these issues and more. Please visit the page HERE
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