CommUNITY 2019:  Awareness:Advocacy:Action

Led and inspired by young people CommUNITY 2019 raises awareness of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees. Youth leaders bought together young people within the Sutherland Shire, Illawarra and St George communities, and through a program of interactive activities motivated them to act to reduce social exclusion, bullying, harassment and racism.

WATCH THEIR EXPERIENCES GAINED AT THE 2019 CAMP

We understand that many of our workers and clients have been affected by the recent bush fire crisis. Many of you are engaged in fighting the fires and participating in  community activities positioned to provide help and support to the victims. At the very least, many of us continue to feel the affects of the poor air quality which is expected to continue for some time.
We will continue to share any resources or information we receive. Alternatively, if there is any information you would like us to share through our network then send through to us.
Stay safe, look out for each other, and please reach out if we can help in any way.

GO HERE to find out how you can help

We are closed for the Christmas holidays from 24th December to 6th January. Due to renovations, the Centre remains closed until 13th January 2020.

From 6th January, we will be responding to voicemail and email messages. Please leave us a message on the following:

• Phone: 02 9524 9559
• Email Reception@gcais.ngo.org.au

Alternatively, look in our What’s On section for outings, groups and activities scheduled for 2020.

We are pleased to announce we are partnering with Debbie Charlwood’s Organised Occasions to provide interesting, fun and social weekend 1 and 2 day events. Go to our What’s On page to find out more:

“Weekend in the Southern Highlands”  13th-15th March 2020

” The Lights Water Fest” 1st February 2020

“Bundanoon is Brigadoon” 4th April 2020

Some of our walking groups are taking a well-earned break over the Christmas period. below is a list of when they return in 2020. This information is also available in What’s On.

• Gymea Easy Pacers  Tuesdays from 9:30am at Zimzala. No break taken
• Gymea Afternoon Pacers  Thursdays from 4:00pm at GCAIS. Returning on 16th January 2020
• Gymea Summer Walkers Thursdays from 6:00pm at Zimzala. Returning on 9th January 2020
• Gymea Finally Friday  Fridays from 9:00am at GCAIS. Returning on 17th January 2020
• Gymea Nature Walk  Fridays from 9:00am at Sutherland Tennis Courts. Returning on 3rd January 2020.

For more information, contact us at Reception@gcais.ngo.org.au or call on 02 9524 9559.

This program is now full. We will keep you up to date with future programs as they are scheduled

The active and social program offers anybody 65 years young and over an opportunity to stay active, maintain mobility and develop friendships in the new year.

This tailored program consists of health assessments from accredited physiologists at Peak Health, supervised gym sessions once a week, 5 nutrition sessions and additional activity sessions (e.g, aqua aerobics, dancing, singing, swimming, gardening, fishing, walking, Tai Chi, Zumba, lawn bowls etc)

This program has been designed to consider individual needs and requirements, and helps those with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritic pain or at risk of falls. 

WHEN:                 28^th January – 26^TH June 2020 (Includes weekly activities)
WHERE:               Gymea and various locations (dependent on activity)
COST:                    $80 (covers all assessments, gym and nutrition sessions and additional activities)    

Registrations close 21st January 2020 with limited spaces available. For further information and to register:

Telephone:         Jenny K. or Kalpna on 9524 9559
Email:                  jenny.k@gcais.ngo.org.au     kalpna.patel@gcais.ngo.org.au               

Additional information
This program is split into 2 terms of 9 weeks to coincide with the school academic terms:
Term 1 (January 27^th– March 27^th 2020) consists of:

• Project launch on the 28^th January 2020, where you will be introduced to all the partners on the project, get an overview of the program and hear from health professionals on the benefits of keeping active and social
• Individual health assessments with Peak Health Physiologists
• Introduction to online apps- to help you track your own progress.
• Tailored gym sessions once a week for 8 weeks, under the supervision of Peak Health Physiologists to build strength and get active.
• 5 nutrition sessions delivered by Sutherland Food Services
• 4 Additional taster activities – you help us decide what you would like to do
• Mid program assessment to check how you are tracking

Term 2 (27^th April – 26^th June 2020) consists of:

• Tailored gym sessions once a week for 9 weeks, under the supervision of Peak health Physiologists to build strength and get active.
• Additional nutrition sessions
• Regular activity sessions
• Final program assessment
• Program graduation celebration.

Read about how GCAIS partners with TAFENSW for a program aimed to provide employment and/or training opportunities, with a focus on developing English language skills at the same time as knowledge and skills in the vocational area of hospitality.

READ MORE

Sutherland Shire Council is looking for 6 motivated people aged 60 years or over who are interested in joining a group of active, engaged and enthusiastic older people to provide valuable input for Council.

The role of the Seniors Reference Group is to provide a forum for engagement between older residents and to address and advance issues for older people within the Sutherland Shire.

For more information, contact Jayne Gan, jgan@ssc.nsw.gov.au  or 02 9710 0333. Expressions of Interest close on 20th December.

DOWNLOAD Reference Group Guidelines

DOWNLOAD Expression of Interest Form

WE are now 5 walking groups, helping the Shire stay active and social. Our latest group, Gymea Nature Walk, commencing on 29th November from 9:00am will meet at Sutherland Tennis Courts, enjoying bushland whilst on downhill pathways, then stairs to the Woronora River. Strolling along the river’s edge to reserved seating at The Boatshed, a Creekside Café. Working off the coffee with an uphill incline along pathways & stairs back to the Tennis Courts. Approx 20 mins there, 20 mins coffee & then 20 mins back.

Registrations can be completed directly with Heart Foundation Walking, https://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/walking/#map or downloading the registration form. Alternatively, go to our What’s On page or, call us on 02 9524 9559 for more information.

Support our local businesses by visiting the ShireWomen’s Marketplace at Tradies on 15th November. Lots of prizes , giveaways, specials and bargains. Shop for Christmas here instead of battling the crowds. All are welcome and entry and parking are free.

WHEN: 15th November from 9:00am to 12:00pm
WHERE: Gymea Tradies, 57 Manchester Rd Gymea
COST: Entry and parking are free.

For more information go to Shire Women

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 computer lessons? 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

An Opportunity for Individuals and Businesses to give

GivingTuesday, taking place December 3^rd, is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organisations to encourage giving and to celebrate generosity worldwide.  The goal is to create a massive wave of generosity that lasts well beyond that day, and touches every person on the planet.
Here at GCAIS, we have nominated 3 causes:

1. Seating for the Community Garden
2. Support funding to reduce isolation and promote independence and participation
3. Purchase of equipment and materials for our Homework Club, Water Safety Session, English classes and Multicultural Groups

To support our causes, make a donation at our front desk or online  DONATE HERE. 

The St George Migrant Information Day includes information on:

• Housing
• Health
• Employment
• Education
• Support Services
• Government Services

The program will also include live cultural performances, stalls, free food and refreshments
WHERE: Marana Auditorium, 16 MacMahon St Hurstville
WHEN: 6th November between 10:00am to 1:00pm

For full details, download the flyer HERE

Discover the fun of fishing and learn how to stay safe in and out of the water. Hear from fishing, boating ad water safety experts about:

• Water and Beach Safety
• Rock fishing and fishing safety

DOWNLOAD FULL DETAILS

Professional development event for service providers in the St George and Sutherland Shire areas. The event is focused on how to engage and support culturally diverse communities using collaborative methods.

DOWNLOAD FULL DETAILS

This year we are opening the Centre to provide you with a preview of our activities, products and services. Even more enticing is a home made devonshire tea whilst you enjoy the comfortable air conditioned premises. The Gymea Fair is on 27th October and our agenda will include:

• 10:30am Navigating The Aged Care System. Karen Buckley, Home Instead
• 11:00am Pet Owner’s Network. Sofi Sey, GCAIS Volunteer
• 11:30am Benefits of Movement and Music. Emma Watts, The Daisie Chain
• 12:00pm Garden Club and Tour of the Gymea Community Garden. Kalpna Patel, Community Worker, GCAIS
• 12:00pm Performance by the Gymea Community Singers
• 12:30pm What’s On at GCAIS. Joanne Cracknell, GCAIS General Manager

From 10:00am to 11:30am Devonshire Tea can be purchased for $4. Also available are one on one meetings with Karen Buckley who will work with you on your aged care needs and support you in utilising systems such as MyAgedCare. To book in a meeting in advance, contact us at Aged@gcais.ngo.org.au.

For full description of each of the sessions listed above, download our brochure.

Our Centre has been closed due to urgent work needed on the building. We are continuing our services so for the latest on our groups, get in touch with your group leader, email us at Reception@gcais.ngo.org.au or, call us on 02 95249559 Monday to Friday.

All events and sessions are listed in our What’s On section.