With the support of the Council Grants, we are able to extend 2 projects over the course of 2023-2024. These projects include recognition programs for our weekly Walking Groups and, employment support for vulnerable and unemployed, newly arrived migrants and refugees. 
This year’s Centre For Volunteering awards have just been held and we are honored to announce that Reg Mahoney, our volunteer for supporting youth leaders in schools has been announced as the Senior Volunteer of the Year winner and, the Regional Volunteer of The Year for Southern Sydney Region. Reg works with our groups and gives his time selflessly by coaching participants on emotional intelligence and leadership skills. He will now head to the NSW Finals.
Reg was in good company with Wendy Ducasse, retired volunteer as the Board Secretary; Adele Douglas and Cristina Diverio for volunteering with our senior’s group outings each receiving recognition awards.
We congratulate each of them for this recognition and wish Reg the best of luck in the finals.
Our senior’s exercise classes continue to receive great feedback and participation. Read below feedback from our client Patricia in regards to the Better Bones session. This session is open to clients who have previousy attended the GCAIS Active and Social program.
“Just wanted to make a quick comment about the fantastic classes you run.
I am loving the Better Bones class – a special mention for Brooke who makes it fun and informative, she is patient with us and explains everything so well. The class is interesting so long may it continue.
A shout out I have made a few times before for Emma, Moves what a fun class, dancing, singing and madness but all in a good way! And for you two lovely ladies who I feel are friends after all these years, thank you.
Gymea Community Aid deserves a pat on the back ( and pay rises haha) for the wonderful work you do for us oldies who still think we are forty!” Patricia.
We were very grateful to be the recipient of the Club Grants for 2023-2024. Our driver mentor program, Drivetime was co-funded by local clubs Tradies Gymea and Cronulla Sharks. Support such as this allows our organisation to support our community members to remain independent and participating in the communities in which they live.
A big shout out to Steve and the team at 1300Rubbish for helping to clear unwanted goods and items from our premises. It was much appreciated in helping to provide a more comfortable space for both our workers and clients. Working with businesses aligned to the community and giving back is an absolute pleasure!.
We have been doing a lot of work and research into sustainability and will soon be announcing education and projects for the community to get involved. We currently have a compost bin onsite available to local residents.
To find out how to be involved and utilise this service, contact our Community Development Coordinator, Brenda Eggleton on BEggleton@gcais.org.au or phone Brenda 95249559 Tuesdays and Thursdays to find out more.
Want to know what to and what NOT to place in the bin? Find out here
We are very proud to have been selected as a From The Heart partner by Sharks for 2023.
This partnership will provide us with opportunities to raise awareness and funds for our organisations including Game Day 50-50 raffles, a 2023 signed jersey and match tickets, access to a pool of volunteers and utilising the Sharks brand and social media to raise awareness for our causes. Our game has been announced for 14th April 2023.
GCAIS has been recognised by the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN), as the organisation to facilitate a Healthy Ageing Hub for Sutherland Shire. 4 areas across Sydney were being considered for 2 of these hubs with Sutherland Shire being awarded along with Newtown Neighbourhood Centre for the Inner West.
This fully funded service is an addition to our highly sought after senior’s programs and provides an opportunity for our seniors, their family and carers to understand how they can maximise their senior years. We welcome Karen Buckley to the role of Healthy Ageing Advisor and is available for one on one bookings and group presentations. Talk to us today about making an appointment by calling us on 02 9524 9559 or, healthyageing@gcais.org.au.
Find out more by going to Healthy Ageing Hub.
Our Finally Friday walking group entered this photo into the National competition organised by Heart Foundation Walking. Winners are to appear in their 2023 calendar. This photo was selected as a winner!!!! Well done to the group especially the walk organisers Sharon, Lisa and Teresa who put a smile on the face of the group every Friday.
We are very proud to announce we have been named as finalists for the Outstanding Community Organisation in the 2022 Business NSW, Sydney Metro Business Awards. We acknowledge our clients and suppliers for their continued support and our staff who consistently deliver services at an exceptional level. Wish us luck-winners will be announced on 19th October.
GCAIS was recently a proud recipient of funding under the Clubs Grants program with support from Gymea Tradies. The project awarded is the Learner Driver Mentor Program, supporting migrants and Aboriginal students attending the Kirinara Hostel in gaining their P1 license.
We congratulate our manager of Settlement and Multicultural Services, Jenny Grey on a successful grant application.
The weather was brilliant, the vibe sensational and the company was impeccable. That’s what it’s like to spend a Sutherland To surf Walk with members of our walking groups. Even better, it was a PB for all involved.
As a part of Refugee Week and in recognition of Sutherland Shire being a Refugee Welcome Zone, we welcomed newly arrived refugees with a series of educational demonstrations and BBQ at Gunnamatta Park. The day involved a welcome from key leaders across the community including Deputy Mayor, Carol Proven and sessions presented on water safety and fishing.
See the full article HERE.
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.
2023 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, The Camino Trail!!!
HOW TO REGISTER
