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
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.
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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.
