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)

• 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 The Point Walkers 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, rcondon@gcais.org.au or Lou Mitchell, mmitchell@gcais.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 or 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 

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.

ANNUAL REPORT

We’re coming back to Gymea to throw open the doors. Watch our newsletter for what groups are re-opening as we make our way out of lockdown. Our plan is to open our Centre when the NSW restrictions lift at 90% vaccinated and/or around December 2021. In the interim, our workers are readily available at Reception@gcais.org.au or, 02 9524 9559 during our office hours of 9:30am to 4:00pm.

For the safety of our Clients, Workers and Community, please see our updated COVID – 19 Safe Plan. DOWNLOAD

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.

FULL REPLAY

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

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.

Watch and Read here

To register your interest in participating in DLAP, go here

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.

Find out more about LASA

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.

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

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.

LISTEN HERE

You asked for it and we’ve delivered. We have expanded on our popular Active and Social Program and increased the range and number of single session exercise classes. Think boxing, pilates, yoga, resist and more.

Most sessions are commencing on 26th April and bookings are essential to secure your place.

DOWNLOAD the flyer here. Full details are also listed on our What’s On pages.