Join us for a welcome picnic to celebrate Refugee Week at Gunnamatta Park, Nicholson Pde Cronulla.
Relax and Enjoy:
– Aboriginal Welcome to Country and Culture
– Water and Beach Safety Session
– Morning tea and Lunch
– Fishing Activity
– Music
For full details and registration go to the link Refugee Week Family Picnic
We are very proud to share the news that our great volunteer and friend, Bruce Grimly, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours. Bruce volunteered for GCAIS for over 25 years and remained an active member of our groups namely the senior’s Active and Social program and Men’s Discussion group. He was also a lot of fun to be around!
Go into the draw to win a $150 gift voucher for Jensens Restaurant and Bar Kareela when you complete our 5 minute Community Survey and include your contact details.
Feedback from the survey will help Gymea Community Aid and Information Service to improve programs, services and events for the years ahead.
St George and Sutherland Shire residents aged 18 and older are eligible to win the competition prize.
Terms and conditions are available here.
Have your say:
For customers who are NOT currently a GCAIS client, complete the survey below via the link by 5pm on 10 June 2022.
For existing clients and those who have experienced our services, complete the survey below via the link by 5pm on 10th June 2022.
We are very proud and grateful to have been one of the recipients of the 2022 Big Sister Foundation grants. Our project is to enhance the skills and capabilities of women from the CALD community and increase their chances for employment.
Read more about this great opportunity the funding has provided.
2022 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)
On Friday 10th December it was announced that our GCAIS Community Connections Team and Support Functions claimed the big one-the National LASA Team Award for 2022
GCAIS had won the State Award earlier this year which made us eligible for the Nationals. We recognise all of the team, especially the key program coordinators and designers in Jenny K and Kalpna, with Rita at the helm. The back office supports also play a big role in the financial management and advertising of the programs which are a focus for the award being Active and Social and, Keeping Active.
Finally, a big THANKYOU to the quality facilitators who partner with us to deliver the program content.
Go to What’s On to find out more about our senior’s exercise programs. They are re-commencing on 24th January 2022.
WATCH the announcement below. You will see some familiar faces! fast forward to 42 minutes for our section.
For an update and summary of GCAIS’s FY2021, download our annual report. Full coloured copies are available from our Centre or can be posted to you by sending a request to Reception@gcais.org.au.
We are very proud to announce that we are the winners of the 2021 LASA (Leading Aged Services Australia) Award in the TEAMS category. These awards recognise excellence across the aged care industry and GCAIS entered the work done by our Community Connections Team, highlighting the Active and Social and, Keeping Active programs.
We congratulate not only the Community Connections team but the whole of GCAIS for providing the support, expertise and exemplary teamwork to allow us to receive this recognition. We also thank our clients for their willingness to participate, offer feedback and get involved!
Watch the complete presentation. The TEAMS Award appears at 37:38mins.
Go to What’s On for a full list of Keeping Active Exercise for Seniors sessions.
See the update of support offered to both individuals and businesses through the current Covid crisis and lockdown in NSW.
DOWNLOAD Flyer
Living in Lockdown for Mental Health
Our Program Manager of DLAP, Safwan Aldod, was interviewed recently on radio by SBS Arabic. Here he explains the criteria for DLAP and how migrants can participate.
GCAIS has supported migrants in gaining their P1 drivers license over the past few years in the areas of Sutherland Shire, Fairfield and Wollongong. In 2020, this program expanded to include Bankstown, Liverpool and Parramatta.
The program is helping people across these areas who face social and financial barriers to getting their license. Most of our clients are refugees and migrants, and many of them are women.
READ the recent article composed by SBS Dateline and WATCH the video starring our very own Program Manager of DLAP, Safwan Aldod and our mentors and clients.
A little ray of sunshine came our way with the announcement that we are finalists is the 2021 Leading Age Services Australia awards. Our nomination is for the Community Connections team who are responsible for the design and delivery of the Active and Social and, Keeping Active senior’s exercise programs.
I’d like to congratulate the team along with Jenny and Kalpna who work tirelessly with the clients and facilitators to make these programs so valued and popular.
Whist we already feel like winners, the final judging will be held on 7th August 2021. Stay posted for the final results.
Due to the latest COVID restrictions, our premises is closed from 28th June 2021-12th July 2021. Our staff are still on duty and taking calls and messages throughout this time. Services that remain in place are:
– Assisted shopping
– Transport to medical appointments
– Outdoor exercise options for existing registered clients with limited numbers
– Advise and support with the MYAGED CARE portal
– Online activities including senior’s technology.
As we set up to change how we do things, keep watching this space for further options.
For further information, email as at Reception@gcais.org.au or leave us a message on 9524 9559.
We are very excited to announce that all 10 of our Keeping Active exercise programs are extended to at least June 2022. What this means is that you can continue, start or even expand on your current exercise regime and have fun by participating with like-minded people!
Limited places and special pricing now applies to under 65 year old participants with discounted pricing offered to over 65s and previous Active and Social participants.
Sessions are available Monday through to Friday and located in the Gymea shopping precinct. For more information and video footage of each of the sessions go to What’s On, start at Monday and work your way down!
For more information and make bookings, contact Jenny Koutsonicolis, JKoutsonicolis@gcais.org.au or call us on 02 9524 9559.
2019 team at the finish line
We are participating in the 2021 Sutherland to Surf 11km walk. A fun, active and social event, we will gather at the starting point in Sutherland as the GCAIS Walkers and make our way through the streets of the Shire to the beautiful Cronulla Beach. Walking at a moderate pace and on mostly flat, sealed surfaces, you’ll share in the challenge and joy with a group of supportive and social walkers.
WHEN: 18th July 2021
WHERE: We will meet outside of the St George Bank, 770 Old Princes Hwy Sutherland at the advertised start time for walkers. This is typically 8:00am and will be confirmed 1 week prior to those who have enrolled
TIME: 8:00am approximately TBC
COST: Cost of early bird senior’s registration (over 60) is $33 or adult registration is $48
REGISTRATION: Register directly with S2S at https://onlineentry.com.au/S2S2021.aspx. Answer the prompt “Join A Team” with GCAIS WALKERS
BIB COLLECTION: Online entries placed before 30th June will have their BIB and tags posted. Online registrations after 30th June will need to be collected from the Wanda Surf Club.
For further information go to the Sutherland To Surf website. For more information on the GCAIS WALKERS, contact Joanne Cracknell, jcracknell@gcais.org.au or, reception@gcais.org.au.
Take a look at our video collection of all 10 sessions available in the Keeping Active Program for over 65s. In this series, you’ll hear from our facilitators and see some of our clients as they participate in exercise, whilst having fun and making new connections!
View the sessions here
We knew they were determined but didn’t realise how much. During Senior’s Week, our Zumba clients set about to establish the Shire record for the longest running senior’s Zumba session. The goal was a minimum 2 hours and maximum 3 hours. In the rules, the group needed a minimum of 10 to remain dancing to record the official time. We are thrilled that all 29 participants remained “zumba-ring” right through to the end.
To learn more about the event and join in on the recognition of this outstanding achievement, see this week’s article in The Leader.
Want to see some of the footage taken from the event? View our video playlist here
The Daisie Chain provides programs for aged care and disabilities facilities using the power of movement and music.
Emma Watts of the Daisie Chain, works with us here at GCAIS in the Active and Social program and now, the new Keeping Fit for over 65s. In her latest podcast, Emma talks with our General Manager, Joanne Cracknell, about what is happening during Seniors Week, specifically the 21st April when GCAIS hosts their event. There will be lots of activities, seminars and demonstrations. Get involved, stay connected and feel like you belong – Community!
1. Zumba Gold Class – World Record Attempt. All spots are booked out but you are welcome to come and cheer them on as they attempt to complete a 2 hours class of dance, movement and music.
2. Information and Demonstrations
3. Connections to community groups
For more information about how you can become involved in the community, check out the podcast.
