A MESSAGE FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER

Well here we are again, nearly half the year is gone!!

At the office we are busy getting all the paperwork etc ready for the Quality Review, some of you may not be aware that it was cancelled due to the Hunters weather conditions being declared as a Disaster area. The new date is Wednesday 24th June. The assessment team will be visiting CCG 9am to 5pm. If clients/carers would like to talk to the assessor, please call the office so we can make an appointment for you.

Our website has been updated to include activity program calendars, updated photos, information and alsoincludes upcoming events e.g. Trivia Night.

We hope all volunteers can come to the Xmas in July theme mid-year function (see flyer attached to this edition)

Several volunteers attended “Emergency Plans” training held by LMCC recently. If you would like more information on receiving the emergency kit and having an Emergency Household Plan done in home please contact the office. These kits would benefit every person in the community. As part of the kit you receive a wind up torch, radio, emergency alarm and a phone charging device. Let the office know ASAP if interested in this project.

Until next time

Margaret Morgan

Service Manager

Anzac Memorial Walk

On Friday 1st May the Men’s Group went for a walk on the new Anzac Memorial Walk at Bar Beach Newcastle.

Bruce.D has written a reflection of the day.

The Anzac Memorial walk goes from Strzelecki Lookout where there is a good car park and seats. It goes down to Bar Beach along the clifftops for a kilometre. It is made of stainless steel, and is three metres wide good for wheelchairs. There are cut outs on the walls with reading of names of soldiers and units from the wars.

The walk has plenty of room to share

With the view of the ocean

And the breeze in the hair

The walk has viewing of ships and sails

Just the place to watch for whales

Bruce.D, John.T & Peter.M on the Anzac Memorial Walk

Men’s Group outings are on once a month on a Friday, if you know any men (over 65) that would be interested in joining the group please contact Alyson at the office on 4942 1117.

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Charlestown Caring Group Inc.Management Committee Members:

Office Bearers

John MihellChairperson

Gordon HughesTreasurer

Marion FalcocchioSecretary

Kay RyanAsst. Secretary/ liaison

Members

Tony Frawley Community Representative

Kirsten Girnth Community Service Provider

Gaenor Keena Community Representative

Daryl Jeffs Community Representative

John Falconer Community Representative

Social Support Report

The year is moving along and we have lots of exciting times ahead.

Transport services: Please phone the office and inform staff of your appointment date and time, we ask that you do this as soon as you get the appointment as time is needed to find a volunteer to provide the service.

Centre Based Day Care & Outing: Please ensure you ring the office and book in for the Calendar outing’s you wish to attend as a lot of the outings are popular and do have waiting lists at times.

We have a lot of information in the newsletter such as the emergency household plan, quality review visit & fire safety please contact the office if you would like any further information.

Alyson - Coordinator

Centre Based Day Care Report

Hi everybody,

Please let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions for outings or activities. We have lots of exciting outing’s coming up such as on Friday 26th June to Westpac Helicopters, you will be invoiced $30 for the day which includes a BBQ lunch,and on Thursday 9th July we have Bingo at Central Charlestown, $4.00 for 20 games and special lunch on the day.

Also don’t forget to ring the office with what you want to attend; if you don’t ring in and book you will miss out.

Looking forward to seeing you all

Kerry- Program Officer

Cyclone hits the Hunter

Overnight on Monday 20th April, winds gusting up to 135km/h, comparable to a category two cyclone, hit the hunter region, bringing with it torrential rain.

This resulted in three deaths, dozens of houses severely damaged, scores of flood rescues, hundreds of trees down, thousands of calls for help and tens of thousands without power. The storm brought with it 135kmh winds and rainfall not seen for at least 50 years - it created record river levels and stretched emergency services to their limits.

As the SES asked for people to stay off the roads,we cancelled our activities for that week.

The office did not lose power but a lot of the clients, volunteers and staff were affected not having power for at least 5 days. We did make contact with all clients to ensure they were safe and did not require any assistance. Thank you to everyone for their patience and understanding during the storm and the days of clean up. Please consider doing an emergency plan this will help to prepare for and recover from the impacts of severe weather or natural disasters. Further information is in the newsletter please contact the office if you are interested.

The view from Redhead Beach (photo: ABC Local)

Community News

Introduction to computers – An enjoyable, four week course, designed to help you “get started” with computers. Held at The Place Cnr Frederick & Pearson Streets Charlestown on Mondays 1, 15,22 & 29 June 9.30 – 12.30pm. Bookings essential Phone 4032 5500.

CPR for Seniors – Learn the latest CPR techniques. Presented by Lake Macquarie City Council Beach Lifeguards. Held at Belmont Library on Wednesday 17th June from 10.00 – 12.00pm. Phone 4945 4329 or book a spot online at library.lakemac.com.au/events. Bookings essential.

Calling all Next In Line – Memoir Writing Graduates – Join a monthly meeting to inform and motivate you. Discuss memoir writing, learn tips and tricks and share your work. Thursday 18th June at Speers Point Library 10.00 – 12.00pm. Bookings essential. Phone 4921 0263.

Simone’s Mobile Hairdressing - In the comfort of your own home. Are you tired of going to salons to get your hair done? If so then I’m the right person for you. Ladies cut and blow dry $25, Gents haircuts from $10, Ladies short hair perms $70. To make an appointment please call 0423184396.

What is SABRE? Smoke Alarm Battery Replacement (SABRE) is a Fire and Rescue NSW community safety initiative developed to support vulnerable people in the community to live safely and independently in their homes. People who cannot maintain their smoke alarms, who live in their own home with limited domestic support and have a disability or are aged 65 years and over, can benefit from SABRE.

If you require the assistance of Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters to install your battery operated smoke alarm or change the smoke alarm battery, you can contact your local fire station to ask about the SABRE program. You can also contact the office for any information.

I am Human

I am not my walking stick

It helps me stand up tall

I am not my walking frame

It helps prevent a fall

I am not my white cane

For me it’s an aid

It tells me there are steps ahead

Or how the pavement made

I am not my wheelchair

Look closer you will see

That person sitting in that chair is Human-it’s me

So do not rudely stop and stare or

Hinder me my space

I am not a circus clown or

From an alien race

Be glad you do not need to use

The aid that guides my way

So smile at me and say “hello “

Wish us both a happy day

By Rosemary Pont

Looking After Us and Our Place Project

Preparing for and recovering from the impacts of severe weather or natural disasters such as bushfires, severe storms, floods and heatwaves can be challenging.

Project Overview

Emergency household planning for such events can be an overwhelming task and many people need personal help and assistance. Lake Macquarie City Council is trialling a program where community agency volunteers assist individuals who are particularly vulnerable to develop a personalised household emergency plan. These plans are confidential and no information about content of the plans will be recorded.

The aim of this project is to equip vulnerable people with the information they need to be safe and feel secure and mentally strong during severe weather events, including natural disasters. Interested Clients can contact the office to put your name down. There will be a short information session regarding the process. Date of the information session to be confirmed.

TRIVIA NIGHT

Dudley Hall

$10 Entry

Friday 17th July 2015

6pm – 7pm

Soup and Dessert

7pm Trivia starts

Tables 8-10 people

Tombola $1.00 a ticket

Please contact the office on 4942 1117 to book your table.

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Photo Page

Wellbeing group walking the Tunnel on the Fernleigh Track

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, nice to see sunshine

Photo Page

That music is so lovely to listen to at Social Morning

Sun, sand, and surf, what a glorious day for a walk!!

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