2021 is here and a perfect time to review whether the promise to yourself in regards to wellbeing and exercising more is on track. In conjunction with Heart Foundation Walking, we have formed 4 groups to meet the needs of all ages and fitness levels. What’s even better, we have placed as much attention on the “after walk” social for those with the time to stay with the group just that little bit longer. Think cafes, smoothies, great conversation. Today it’s Gymea/Woronora/Taren Point-tomorrow, Kokoda!!! (When they let us back in of course)

• HOW TO REGISTER
  To learn more, go to Heart Foundation Walking. By entering 2227 into the postcode field, the Gymea Afternoon Pacers, Gymea Nature Walk, Gymea Finally Friday and Happy Healthy Whole Soles will appear. Follow the prompts and enrol directly through the site. Or, download the registration form HERE.
  If you’d like to get more information from our walk coordinators, contact Rowena Condon, rowena.condon@gcais.ngo.org.au or Lou Mitchell, marie-lou.mitchell@gcais.ngo.org.au.
• COST
  It’s Free to join the walk!!!! Additional costs to purchase the GCAIS walking t-shirt, water bottle and “after walk” activity.
• WHERE
  Our groups leave from a variety of locations. Go to What’s On for a full list of our groups
• DAYS and TIMES
  The What’s On will list all details. In summary:
  – Thursdays   9:30am from Flower Power, Taren Point or, 4:00pm from the Gymea Community Centre
  – Fridays        9:00am from the Gymea Community Centre or 8:30am from the Sutherland Tennis Courts, 112 The Grande Parade Sutherland.
  
  So, if you’ve been thinking about getting active and joining a group that focuses on health, well-being and socialisation, contact us today. Email either Rowena or Lou, visit our Centre at 39 Gymea Bay Rd Gymea or call us 0295249559. To find out more about our groups and this initiative, go to Heart Foundation Walking 

Gymea Community Aid and Information Service has received a $31,405 grant to support its Learner Driver Mentor Program to raise road safety awareness amongst young people.

See the full story

Stuck for what to give (or receive) for Christmas  or a special occasion?

Why not purchase a Gymea Community Aid (GCAIS) gift voucher and use for our many activities including day trips, group activities, even exercise programs? You can purchase up to $200 credit per voucher and utilise it as many times as you’d like.

In line with Fair Trading, vouchers have a 3 year expiry date giving you plenty of time to use it on your most valued activities. On request, GCAIS can hold the voucher on file at the Centre.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Vouchers must be produced upon redemption
• Vouchers are not redeemable for cash
• If purchases exceed the amount of the voucher, the balance must be paid by other available payment options
• Vouchers must be redeemed within the validity period
• Expired vouchers are not redeemable or refunded
• GCAIS reserves the right to verify the identity of the bearer

For more information, contact our Front Desk on 02 95249559 or email Reception@gcais.ngo.org.au

We are pleased to announce the continuation of funding for our Active and Social program-a tailored offering in collaboration with a diverse variety of accredited physiologists from Peak Health, qualified nutritionists from Sutherland Food Services and other specialty partners.

Commencing on 2nd February 2021, this 8 week program will have you engaged in assessments, gym work, individual exercise sessions and nutrition education allowing you to:

• Build strength and maintain mobility
• Keep active and experience a range of new activities that broaden your skills and abilities
• Build community connections and develop new friendships

To Register: Contact Jenny Koutsoncolis on Jenny.k@gcais.ngo.org.au or Kalpna Patel, Kalpna.patel@gcais.ngo.org.au or, phone reception at 02 9524 9559. Registrations close on
21st December 2020

Cost: This package is valued at $900 and is available at a minimal cost of $100pp for the 8 week term. Exercise socks are available at a cost of $20 per pair. Payment is required up front.

Other: The program will commence on 2nd February 2021 for a duration of 8 weeks. Participants should expect to complete a minimum of 2 sessions per week to maximise their efforts.

NOTE: Why not ask for a GCAIS gift voucher for Christmas and get ready to participate in an enjoyable program targeted at your well being? Contact us on 02 95249559 and find out more.

Spring is here and a perfect time to review whether the promise to yourself in regards to wellbeing and exercising more is on track. COVID 19 hasn’t helped but it’s not too late to get exercising. In conjunction with Heart Foundation Walking, we have formed 4 groups to meet the needs of all ages and fitness levels. What’s even better, we have placed as much attention on the “after walk” social for those with the time to stay with the group just that little bit longer. Think cafes, smoothies, great conversation. Today it’s Gymea/Woronora/Taren Point-tomorrow, Kokoda!!! (When they let us back in of course)

• HOW TO REGISTER
  To learn more, go to Heart Foundation Walking. By entering 2227 into the postcode field, the Gymea Afternoon Pacers, Gymea Nature Walk, Gymea Finally Friday and Happy Healthy Whole Soles will appear. Follow the prompts and enrol directly through the site. Or, download the registration form HERE.
  If you’d like to get more information from our walk coordinators, contact Rowena Condon, rowena.condon@gcais.ngo.org.au or Lou Mitchell, marie-lou.mitchell@gcais.ngo.org.au.
• COST
  It’s Free to join the walk!!!! Additional costs to purchase the GCAIS walking t-shirt, water bottle and “after walk” activity.
• WHERE
  Our groups leave from a variety of locations. Go to What’s On for a full list of our groups
• DAYS and TIMES
  The What’s On will list all details. In summary:
  – Thursdays   9:30am from Lucy’s Cafe, Sylvania Waters or, 4:00pm from the Gymea Community Centre
  – Fridays        9:00am from the Gymea Community Centre or 8:30am from the Sutherland Tennis Courts, 112 The Grande Parade Sutherland.
  
  So, if you’ve been thinking about getting active and joining a group that focuses on health, well-being and socialisation, contact us today. Email either Rowena or Lou, visit our Centre at 39 Gymea Bay Rd Gymea or call us 0295249559. To find out more about our groups and this initiative, go to Heart Foundation Walking 

Be advised we are now officially registered as a COVID Safe business.

DOWNLOAD our Covid Plan Here.

We recently applied to the Community Building Program to upgrade our facilities. With the vulnerability around COVID 19 and keeping both our Clients and Workers as safe as possible, we have asked for financial support to upgrade the kitchen facilities and front desk reception area. This will allow us to create additional  space and produce a more hygienic area where food etc is being handled.

We ask you support us by accessing the survey link below. Your vote must be processed by 5pm, 21st August 2020. The survey is less than 5 minutes to complete.

Thanks in advance for your support.

VOTE HERE

Be advised that our Centre will be operating under restricted opening hours due to the latest COVID 19 update.

From 10th August 2020, the Centre will be opened from 9:30am to 2:00pm. Our business will continue to operate between 9:00am to 5:00pm with workers being available by phone. The new hours will be in place indefinitely.

Existing appointments outside of these hours will still be accepted.

Contact us at Reception@gcais.ngo.org.au or 02 9524 9559 if you require additional information.

Are you missing Sydney’s iconic walks? City to Surf? Sutherland To Surf? If so, come and join us on 9th August for the virtual version of the Sutherland to Surf.

Starting point:
Outside unit 72, Sales Office Woolooware Shores Retirement Living Village, Alexander Ave Taren Point.
Route:
The groups will walk towards Shark Park i.e. the 2km group will walk 1 km and turn around, 5km group will walk 2.5km and turn around, 11km group will walk towards Cronulla Beach for 5.5kms and turnaround.
This route is very flat and suitable to  all levels
Refreshments:
Coffee and/or Lunch will be available at the Taren Point Bowling Club where tables will be booked to ensure social distancing. This will be at the walker’s cost
Time:
11kms group will commence at 9:30am
5kms group will commence at 10:30am
2km  group will commence at 10:45am
Cost:
$20 to register on the formal site (link below). Click “Join A Team” and enter ‘GCAIS Walkers’. Those experiencing financial hardship should email Joanne.cracknell@gcais.ngo.org.au and discuss registration possibilities.
Other:

• Each group will be led by an organiser
• All participants will be asked to join Heart Foundation Walking if they are not a current participant
• Social distancing will be practiced
• All participants should bring water, towel, sunscreen and hand sanitiser
  
  Registration
  https://sutherland2surf.com.au/. Choose “Join A Team” and enter “GCAIS Walkers” in the team name.

Once registered, email Joanne, Joanne.cracknell@gcais.ngo.org.au and advise you will be joining us.

For more information contact us on 02 95249559 or email Joanne.cracknell@gcais.ngo.org.au

We are pleased to announce we will be re-opening the Centre from 22nd June 2020. It has been a long time since we’ve seen our clients and visitors and whilst our service offering will be minimal due to restrictions being in place, we look forward to welcoming you back. What this means to you:
– We are still working through what groups can be delivered face to face so are taking some time to finalise the plan
– There will be a maximum number of people permitted to be in the building at any one time including workers
– Hand sanitisers, soaps, regularly cleaned surfaces will be our practise
– Our premises including toilets are professionally cleaned 3 times per week
– We can no longer provide shared refreshments nor do we allow workers or clients to share food
– There will be a protective screen at Reception
– There will be floor markers to remind everyone to keep the required 1.5m distance.

We do need to ask you to do a few things:
– Leave your name, address and contact phone number when you sign in in case we need to make contact with you. We suggest you also download the COVID APP
– When the maximum number of people allowed in the Centre has been reached, we will be asking you to wait outside until there is room
– Please remain at home if you are feeling unwell
– Use the provided hand sanitiser and keep good hygiene in mind
– Where possible, call us and make an appointment so we can be sure to be available to you
– Respect instructions provided by our workers especially if social distancing has been compromised.

We will keep you up to date as our activities come back. Where activities have moved to online, we will maintain these until we confirm the safety of everyone involved to go back to face to face, We continue to be guided by the department and align to their recommendations.
Needless to say, we are all looking forward to welcoming you back!

To view the COVID Safety Plan, DOWNLOAD here.

Join us to see two free film screenings to acknowledge Refugee Week 2020. The Year of Welcome, will feature Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce with an opening address and guest speakers from refugee backgrounds.

WHEN: 17th June 2020
WHERE: Via ZOOM
TIME: Session 1 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Session 2 6:30pm to 8:30pm

REGISTRATION: Go Here for Session 1 at 2:30pm

Go Here for Session 2 at 6:30pm

Did you know that the Department of Health provides a variety of support services and resources for Seniors when looking for help with the COVID 19 crisis? Call the Support Line  on 1800 171 866 or go to Department of Health for a complete list of resources and advice. 

Domestic Assistance Service

As we get older things like health or physical challenges can make everyday tasks difficult. When you’re looking to stay in your own home, asking for help does not mean that you need to move or lose your independence.

At Gymea Community Aid and Information Service (GCAIS), we are funded to facilitate services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). What this means to you if you’re over 65 is we can support you with basic domestic services around the house such as:

• vacuuming
• mopping
• dusting
• cleaning the bathroom
• washing the dishes
• general tidying up
• doing the laundry
• making the bed
• unaccompanied food shopping

Do You Qualify?
Eligibility for this program is based on your support needs and age.
To be eligible for this program, you must be aged:

• 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
• 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

A face-to-face assessment will determine eligibility and ensure that the right services are made available to those that need them

The Costs
Once eligible, as you receive the services you are asked for a small contribution.

How Does It Work
GCAIS have a caring and enthusiastic team of Program Coordinators and Support Workers ready to deliver these services to you. Once you register with My Aged Care, you will receive an assessment by the RAS team (Regional Assessment Service). Once approved, you then choose your provider.
GCAIS also have workers to help with Chinese, Greek, Italian and Arabic speaking clients

Getting Started
Contact us on 9524 9559 or Aged@gcais.ngo.org.au for support throughout the process of registering with My Aged Care or for any support you need to acquire these services.

Volunteering provides opportunities for people, particularly those often excluded, to concretely impact their own lives and play a constructive role in their communities by volunteering their time. Through volunteerism, communities around the world often experience strengthened solidarity and inclusion. Here at GCAIS we couldn’t do any of our great work without our 100 plus volunteers. This week we salute you!

A group of community and in-home aged care providers in the Shire are encouraging older people to be careful with their personal information during the COVID-19 lockdown and seek help if they are being harmed in their own homes.

The Collaborative Against the Abuse of Older People in Sutherland Shire has produced a flyer [attached], which is being distributed through GPs and chemists, as well as community services that provide services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages.  The information campaign is the latest in an ongoing series of projects since the Collaborative formed in 2016 to support aged care in the community.

“Our staff and volunteers in the field work very hard to identify and respond to signs of abuse and neglect in our clients, but we’re not seeing many of them at the moment because our social activities are closed, and frankly we are concerned”, according to Collaborative Chair, Melinda Paterson, who is also the Manager of Engadine Community Services.

“All the risk factors that make older people vulnerable to physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse and neglect have been present and growing for the past six weeks.  Older people are isolated, families are stressed and many younger people are financially stretched, so we’re worried that trusting relationships could break down or advantages be taken.”

“It’s important for older people to be vigilant about their personal safety and call on formal Community Services to get the right support during the pandemic.  We’re all here to help.”

The Collaborative is part of a network of similar groups assisted by the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission, which also has an abuse helpline 1800 628 221.

DOWNLOAD FLYER

Need a list of food donation services currently operating during the COVID 19 crisis? Look no further!!!

DOWNLOAD THE LIST HERE

Our weekly service for providing Visa and Immigration Advice is still operating throughout the COVID 19 restrictions. Our agent will connect with clients utilising either ZOOM or SKYPE technology. Meetings are conducted on Wednesday mornings.

To find out more and to make an appointment, contact us at Reception@gcais.ngo.org.au or, leave a message on 02 9524 9559 and we’ll respond within 2 hours.

DOWNLOAD THE FLYER

Louiza, far right with local member, Eleni Petinos.

Louiza Knijnik 16, is a student of Caringbah High School and a youth leader at the School’s Refugee Forum. She is also a member of the young people organising the project, Changing The Narrative, facilitated by GCAIS and led by our Community Worker, Kalpna Patel.

Read Luiza’s article.