Re-Connecting Taree 15th May 2008

Reawakening Eldership
Reclaiming, Recreating & Reconnecting Elders’ Wisdom with Family, Community & Earth

(Contact Manning Valley Neighbourhood Service For more details -

Tel: 02 65535121

WHO
A 1 day seminar to for older Tenants:
If you are Aboriginal, you need to be 45 years of age or older
If you are Non-Aboriginal, you need to be 55 years of age or older

AIMS:
1. To provide a safe place where Older Tenants can explore:
¯ How, when and where they feel their Eldership has been undermined
¯ The losses they might have experienced because of this
¯ The impact of those losses on them, their families and their communities, and
¯ Validate the value of their experiences and wisdom

2. To explore ways individuals can reawaken, reclaim and express their Eldership within the context of their families and communities

3. To create pathways to Eldership that re-establish the communities’ perception that there is value in – and urgent need of – Elders’ involvement in families and communities

4. To develop specific projects that will be self-sustaining in a number of communities across the Northern Region which will:
¯ Re-establish the network of Eldership within individual communities
¯ Recreate an intergenerational connection to and respect for the Elders in each community
¯ Reconnect younger members of the communities with the value of becoming an Elder in their own time
¯ Support a continually widening network of Older Tenants across the Region
¯ Reclaim the wisdom of the Elders in each community for the benefit of their families, communities and country-environment


HOW THE FORUM WILL RUN

We will discuss & explore:
¥ Whether Eldership has been lost in our communities – both Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal
¥ If we decide it has been lost, we will explore how and why that has happened &
¥ How this has affected Elders, families, young people, children, babies, the whole community and our country-environment
¥ We will do this individually, in small groups, and together as a larger group
¥ We will play, we will create, we will listen to Elders tell their stories
¥
We will watch dvds that will help us understand what has happened across the planet and in this country ….
¥ We may need to grieve for some of these losses

J We will work out what sorts of projects and programs will work and what we can realistically achieve as individuals and as a group
J We will design projects that each Elder feels comfortable about creating in their own families and communities
J We will think about the difficulties that might get in the way of success and how we can help each other overcome them
J We will identify what we need to make these projects work: money, support, materials, etc.
J Above all, we will help each other grow into our own Eldership

WHEN IT’S ALL OVER

NRTRS will:
¯ Support the Elders who have attended the Forum in the projects they decide to take back to their communities and
¯ We will help them to find the resources they need to make them work
¯ Encourage other Elders to join in & support the projects and programs as they develop
¯ We will write a report for the Department of Housing so that they are aware of our intentions, achievements and needs

Mortgage Stress

There are increasing reports of households approaching NGOs because of problems keeping up with their mortgage. Many people in this situation do not know what they can do or where they can go for legal or financial help.
Two new brochures provide helpful information for people who are in trouble with their mortgage, from those who are in the process of being evicted from their homes to those who are just experiencing difficulty meeting their mortgage payments. They explain what you can do about your situation, and provide information about where you can get help.
Problems paying your mortgage? Things you can do. (Information on where you can get legal and financial help).
They are trying to take my home. (Answers common questions about home repossession and what you can do).
You can either download the brochures or order printed copies (publications@legalaid.nsw.gov.au; T 9219 5028).
The brochures are part of an information kit. To get a copy of the full kit, or to find out where to get help, phone LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.
The brochures are produced by Legal Aid NSW, the Consumer Credit Legal Centre and LawAccess NSW.
Please circulate to your networks.

RYDON Conference

RYDON ANNUAL YOUTH WORKER CONFERENCE
10 & 11 June 2008
REGISTRATIONS DUE 23rd MAY 2008

RYDON (Regional Youth Development Officers Network) is a network of Youth Development Officers from the Cessnock, Dungog, Gloucester, Gosford, Great Lakes, Greater Taree, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Scone, Singleton, and Wyong Local Government Areas.RYDON's primary purpose is to focus on community development activities that will assist young people to access community resources and opportunities. This is done through:
Promoting coordination, cooperation and networking between providers of services to young people;
Lobbying government and other relevant bodies on behalf of young people and providers of services to young people;
Supporting, organising and providing training for those working with young people;
Representing the interest of young people and those working with young people

Go to www.rydon.org.au for more details

Core of Life

What is Core of Life?
Core of Life in an innovative, ‘hands on’ health education program providing current, research based information about Pregnancy, Birth, Breast Feeding and Early Parenting to both male and female adolescents. Core of Life are currently calling for expressions of interest for people interested in being trained as a Core of Life facilitator in Coffs Harbour later this year. The training costs $220. There are a number of people already trained on the Mid North Coast including midwives.

The purpose of Core of Life is to achieve better health outcomes for young people and future families in our wider community.

The program was developed by two midwives at Peninsula Health’s Rosebud Hospital in Victoria, Australia.

Core of Life aims to:

Assist in reducing teenage pregnancy rates;
foster increased levels of responsibility and confidence in youth; and
facilitate positive community and early childhood development.
Core of Life is an ideal addition to secondary schools’ health education programs or programs for youth at risk in the community.

The program is presented in partnership by a midwife and a youth/health professional and engages participants using slides, video, discussions, power point presentations and the opportunity to be involved in role-play.

The Core of Life program is currently being offered in secondary schools and community settings throughout Australia. The program can be easily adapted to suit the needs of various community groups including English as a Second Language (ESL) students and Indigenous communities. Core of Life is currently developing modified resources for Australia's Indigenous community in partnership with several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health organisations.

For more information on Core of Life or to register your interest in the training visit http://www.coreoflife.org/facilitators/workshopdates.html

Care from the Begining

Care from the Beginning Forum
Expression of Interest

The Mid North Coast Area Management Group is currently calling for agencies who are interested in presenting at the “Care from the Beginning Forum” on the 22nd July at Port Pacific Resort in Port Macquarie. The forum aims to promote the importance of antenatal care and showcase the various services available to families expecting a new baby. Please complete and return the form below if your agency is interested in giving a presentation to the forum.

Title
First Name and Surname
Role/Position
Organisation:
Type of service provided: ( ie Pre/Post natal, Midwifery, Obstetrician, Support service)
Target Group
Contact Phone No’s.
E-mail
Fax:
Postal Address
In 250 words or less please give an overview of your agency for inclusion with the program.

We are anticipating that presentations will be 15 minutes in length, although we can look at this if need be. Also as part of the presentations we are asking agencies to speak about what is working well and if there are any areas of improvement. This information will be further explored as part of a panel session at the end of the day.

Children and Grief Workshop

CHILDREN & GRIEF

This workshop will explore how living through loss, grief and trauma affects children’s behaviour, emotions and relationships. Learn and practice skills to assist children to cope with extreme stress, loss and trauma. Ages 5-12.
This workshop covers:
 Overview of loss, grief and trauma effects and responses.
 Learning creative and effective play therapy skills to assist children.
 Explore a range of “tools” e.g. Workbooks, drama, games, sand tray play, cards, story telling and much more.
 Cast studies “The Magic of Memories, Helping Children Live with Grief” Dianne McKissock’s CD.
This workshop is interactive and will allow hands on experience. Participants receive a workbook with notes and exercise for future use.

TRUDY HANSON OAM
Trudy is the Manager of the NALAG Centre for Loss & Grief Dubbo and Chapter Co-ordinator for NALAG (NSW) Inc. She is an accredited Grief Counsellor & Educator who has worked in the field for the past 20 years. Trudy is an accredited Seasons For Growth Trainer and Companion.

She has worked in health promotion in the area of Youth Suicide Prevention and established a mentoring program for Homeless Youth. She travels extensively throughout NSW promoting NALAG, training and establishing new chapters. She visits remote NSW communities conducting Healing Days. Her special interest areas are working with children and traumatic grief and trauma response.


REGISTRATION DETAILS ( cut out and send )

REGISTRATIONS CLOSE 5pm Monday 24th March 2008


NALAG ONE DAY WORKSHOP at Taree Friday 2nd May 2008

Non MNCC
Member Member
0 FULL DAY (Includes lunch) $ 60.00 $ 55.00
(Maximum 30 people)


0 WORKSHOP DINNER
6pm for 6.30pm
Island Trader Restaurant $ 25.00 $ 15.00




0 CHEQUE or MONEY ORDER
Enclosed for total amount due $
Cheques Payable to NALAG (MNCC)
Please post to: NALAG
PO Box 85
LANSDOWNE NSW 2430


Name:

Address:



Phone: _______

Email: _____________________________


Tax Invoice ABN 1905 1500 655
GST Not Applicable

Free Screening

HAVE YOU HAD UNPROTECTED SEX?

 DO YOU ALWAYS USE CONDOMS?

 DO YOU NEED THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY? + FREE TESTING?

CALL THE SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC
For free screening, treatment or advice at
Taree Community Health –on 6592 9421
Forster Community Health on 6555 1800

You may or may not have any symptoms of infection, and some people don’t necessarily notice symptoms from sexually transmitted infections( STIs), such as Chlamydia.
Chlamydia is the highest reported STI in NSW and mainly affects young people.
Treatment is simple ,but if left untreated Chlamydia can result in infertility.

BE COOL BE TESTED

There are even a few different ways to get tested … a quick urine test at your GP or FREE at your friendly Sexual Health Clinic.


ALWAYS USE CONDOMS /AND HAVE REGULAR CHECK UPS.

Core of Life Program

As part of our local planning for Families NSW we have identified a need to initiate a working party to coordinate the Core of Life Program in local High Schools. Core of Life is a program which addresses the emerging attitudes of adolescents towards the issues of pregnancy, birth and early parenting. There are a number of people who were trained last year to run the program. We would like to hear from people who would be willing to use their training and facilitate the program in Greater Taree, Great Lakes and Gloucester high schools.

We are holding a meeting on Friday 4th April at 10.30am in Education room 7 at Taree Community Health, to look at how we can get the program up and running. If you are interested in being involved please come along. If you cant make it on this day but are still interested in being involved please let me know.

Hope to see you there.

Regards
Kim Thomson
Senior Regional Strategies Officer - Child, Youth & Family
Mid North Coast
Communities Division
Department of Community Services

' (02) 6563 7830
Ê (02) 6563 7885
È (0437) 403 760
, PO Box 350, Kempsey, NSW 2440

Training for Community Groups

Training Workshop on Planning for community groups

26 March, 10am-4pm

Nabiac Showground Hall, Nabiac St, Nabiac

This workshop will cover the essential areas of how to contribute to planning and management for regional not-for-profit organisations. Participants will look at where their organisation is now, where they want to be and how to get there. This course de-mystifies the process of business planning and turns it into a tool that can be used effectively by groups of all sizes. It unpicks the jargon and gives you the skills and language to be able to clearly set out your long term plans and share them with potential support networks like local government. By the end of the workshop you will have drafted key elements of a Business Plan.

Although the workshop content is geared towards cultural organisations, volunteers working in all community-based organisations in regional Australia are welcome to enrol. The more people who come to a workshop from an organisation, the greater the benefit will be, because you can work together on issues.

This workshops is funded by the Australian Government, through the Regional Arts Fund. The workshop is supported by Arts Mid North Coast and Great Lakes Council. The cost to the participant will only be $25 including training resources and all catering for the day (lunch, morning and afternoon teas)

To enrol online at: www.regionalartsnsw.com.au

Enquiries: Contact Chloe Beevers at Great Lakes Council on 65917312 or chloe.beevers@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au
<> <>

Free Workshops

Strengthening Families ProjectManning Valley Neighbourhood Services Inc has a project funded by the Department of Family & Community Services & Indigenous Affairs (FACSIA) to facilitate free workshops and courses to help parents with children 0 - ¬8 years develop better relationships between themselves and with their children and to enhance their parenting skills.
All workshops and courses will be facilitated by experienced professionals from Interrelate Family Centres.

Free workshops for parents of children aged 0 – 8 years!
“Creating Positive Relationships”
Friday 14th March 12.30 – 3pm

“Positive Parenting”
Wednesday 26th March from 5.30 – 8pm

More courses and seminars to follow throughout
2008 – 2009!

ALL BOOKINGS TO BE MADE by phoning 6553 5121, OR BY E¬MAIL
mvns@mvns.org.au Mon, Tuesdays, Weds, Thurs 9am – 3pm

Meeting Place Consultation

Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services Inc will be holding a consultation at ‘The Meeting Place’ at 22 Marjorie St in Taree
to allow you the opportunity to provide input and ideas into how we can approach significant issues which need addressing on the housing estate. We want to identify positive strategies that are achievable and enduring.

Your input as a stakeholder is important!
This is a community issue!

The session will be independently facilitated by David Freeman

The first Meeting for stakeholders, community organisations and their workers will be held on Friday 7th March at 12.30pm
(a light lunch will be provided – an RSVP would be appreciated).
We anticipate the session will only be for approx 1½ hours.

Topics/issues to be discussed:
Vandalism on the estate
Provision of after school activities
Truancy
Clean up around shopping area including syringes etc

If you would like to speak to Caron about the meeting beforehand,
or RSVP –
please ring 6553 5121.

Youth Sexual Health Workshop

Re: Invitation to attend a Lower Mid North Coast Youth Sexual Health Network group

You are invited to be part of an exciting new project in the Lower Mid North Coast area - the establishment of a Youth Sexual Health Network group

As you would be aware there is a current epidemic of chlamydia in NSW.

There has been a 54% increase in the number of notified infections (NSW) from 2000 to 2004, with 55% infection occurring in 15-24 year old men and women. Chlamydia often has no signs or symptoms but people who are infected can still pass on the infection. Undiagnosed and untreated chlamydia can result in serious long term complications. The good news is that chlamydia can be easily prevented through safe sex practices and treated with antibiotics. As part of an on-going need to develop primary and secondary chlamydia prevention strategies, we are forming a network group to share knowledge around local needs and responses to the current epidemic.
An invitation is extended to you or a representative of your organisation to join the network.

An initial meeting will be held at the Taree Community Health Centre Sexual Health Clinic (meeting room) on Tuesday 11 March from 11am to 1pm.

This is a great opportunity for you to shape how you think the network could operate. There will also be time to tour the sexual health clinic and hear from Greg Stewart (Clinical Nurse Consultant- Taree Sexual Health clinic) about the clinics operations.

If you are interested in attending the meeting or simply joining the network please RSVP to Ailsa Mackenzie (project officer) by either email ailsa.mackenzie@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au or phone (49246327) by 4 March 2008.

If you know of other youth or sexual health service providers working in the lower mid north coast area who might be interested please feel free to pass this on.

Looking forward to your reply.
Regards
Ailsa Mackenzie
Project Officer
Population Health
Fax: 4924 6209
ailsa.mackenzie@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call me on 4924 6327.
Looking forward to hearing from you!

Festival of the Father

Fatherhood Festival Taree
“Every Child deserves an engaged loving and happy father”

Meeting 2 pm Wednesday 26th March 2008
Friends of the Fatherhood Festival 2008 are meeting,
Agenda items:
- update for beginning 2008:
- funding applications
- planning festival activities
- Fatherhood Forum presenters- some ideas so far
- Festival Arts – performers
- Big name acts
- follow up from last meeting
- relationship to Fatherhood Festival BAngalow- do we want this name?
- Website
- indigenous events and presenters
- sustainability- who will drive it in he future
-celebrity panel for public forum

- 2pm, 26th March in the Garden Room, Manning Uniting Church, Albert Street Taree

Peter Glencross
Engaging Men and Boys Project
Manning United ChurchCommunities for Children,
Taree Phone: 65505072Mob: 0428 372 927

Child Support Agency Expo Day

This is an open invitation to any Community provider in the Taree area that feels they would be able to contribute to our community information session to be held at the Taree information Centre on Wednesday March 26th, 2008 at 11.30am.
It will be conducted as an expo style event that invites our customers to interact with the various community groups on the day and is completely free of charge.
We welcome any involvement from these groups and if they are interested in attending on the day please ask them to contact me ASAP on 02- 940 76277 or 0423 825 604 to arrange for a table at this event.
Medicare, Centrelink and the Commonwealth Ombudsman will also be in attendance. The Hon Mark Vaile will also be invited.
Thankyou for your assistance in contacting the various providers in the area. We will also be conducting another information session in Singleton on Thursday 27th March 2008 at 6.30pm if any of these groups are interested in attending this session they are more than welcome.

NALAG Conference 2008 Taree

National Association for Loss and Grief (NSW) Inc
Mid North Coast Chapter

2008 Conference

WORKING WITH TRAUMATISED CHILDREN
Issues Around Loss and Grief

PRESENTERS

Julie Dunsmore AM

Trudy Hanson OAM

Date: Friday 2nd May 2008

Time: 8.45 am Registration

9.00 am Start

Venue: Community College Macquarie Street
Taree NSW 2430

Cost is $60.00 including lunch and refreshments

Enquiries: Marie Bartlett – 6558 8223
Bookings: 6592 9315

This is a joint initiative of NALAG Mid North Coast Chapter and
HNE Mental Health Service.

International Women's Day

International Women’s Day 2008
Saturday 8th March

International Women's Day is a day to celebrate the gains women have made over the years and to bring our attention to the issues that still face us. Most of all, it's a day to recognise that we, as women, have made and continue to make a difference. A day to celebrate women's contribution to making Australia and the world a better place for everyone.

The theme for activities to celebrate International Women’s Day for 2008 is '100 years of active women in paid and unpaid work'. This recognises the countless contributions that women in NSW have made towards improving workplaces and working conditions, as well as their tireless volunteering work which has contributed to the growth of more vibrant and robust communities.

We would like Wingham to come alive with women on International Womens day this year, so we are planning a series of events in town. It will be a day for girls to get together, giving us an opportunity to promote women’s happenings and raise funds and awareness of women’s issues. Janeece Irving and I are in the process of putting the program together and we have support from the Chronicle and the Wingham Chamber of Commerce.

The day will start with a breakfast at Tellers, followed by yoga demonstrations by Peppa, Wingsong will sing in the street and Donna Carson will be doing a book signing at Bent on Food with Peggy Van Zalm booked for an afternoon tea. The Manning Net will be on hand to give information about what they do and we are inviting any other women’s groups to attend and promote themselves. We are planning to have a “burn the bra” barrel where ladies pay $5 to throw their old bra in the barrel and their name goes into the draw for a prize. We will give all proceeds from this particular exercise to Breast Cancer Research.

We are inviting businesses to think about what they would like to contribute. We will be promoting through our extensive data bases and expect more visitors to Wingham on that day. Any businesses relating mainly to women could possibly donate some of their takings on the day to a nominated charity, rather than give customer discounts. You may also consider extending trading hours for the day.

We have limited time to compile the program so we would ideally like your ideas and suggestions by the end of the week. Please feel free to use this as an opportunity to hold your own event, just let us know so that we can include it on the program. By the way, men are welcome!!

Please contact Donna at Bent on Food 02 6557 0727 donna.carrier@bigpond.com
Or Janeece on 02 6550 5018.

Bereavement Workshop

Bereavement Workshop

‘How to Care, What to Say’

The aims of this workshop are to equip participants in the understanding of normal grief and to enhance skills in how to support the bereaved.

Date: Thursday 14th February 2008

Time: Registration & a cuppa: 9.30am
Start: 10am
Finish: 3pm

At: Taree Community Health Centre
64 Pulteney Street TAREE

Cost: $20, which includes morning refreshment & lunch


Booking: Taree Community Health Centre
Phone: (02) 6592 9315
Enquiries: Sandy Brooks – 6592 9315
Marie Bartlett – 6558 8223

This is a joint initiative of NALAG
(National Association for Loss and Grief) and HNE Mental Health Service

NOVA Employment

Nova Employment is one of the largest providers of Specialist Employment Assistance for people with a disability in Australia.
We are funded by the Australian Government to assist people with Disabilities into the mainstream workforce.

People who are assisted by Nova will find work at Award Wages or higher!

• We will help you with setting and achieving your career goals
• Preparing your resume for you
• Pre-employment skills and training
• Job seeking and attending interviews with you
• On the job training and support for a minimum of 100 hours for a fulltime position

To be eligible for our program you must

• Have a disability that is consistent with Centrelink’s disability support criteria and that you need support to find and maintain employment.
• Want to work
• Be able to travel to work, and travel training is provided
• Must abide by individual worksite requirements
• Have a permanent address

If you are interested in joining our service, or wish to find out more please visit www.novaemployment.com.au and have a look at our local Branch, just click on the link to the left that states “Branch Locations”. You are most welcome to drop down to the office anytime, we are located at 80 Albert Street Taree, across from the courthouse. Or alternatively contact Rachael on (02) 65514288 or email rachaelh@novaemployment.com.au

Thanks, and we look forward to meeting you soon. And don’t forget we have a Transition to Work Program also.