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Contents

Key elements of MMNC Strategic Plan 2013 - 2015 ………………………………………….….2

MMNC Organisational and Management Structure ………………………………...…….....4

Board, Staff, and Reception Volunteers......……………...........................................…...5

Minutes of 2014 Annual General Meeting………………………………………………….…………6

Chairpersons Report……………………………………………………………………………………………..8

Managers Report ……………………………………………………………………………….…….…....…10

Blue Mountains Lithgow Integrated Neighbourhood Centre Network………………...14

Progress Report on Management & Operations………..………………………………….….…15

Community Development Workers Report………………………………………………….……..21

Volunteer Home Visitors Report………………………………………………………………………….32

Carers Groups Report………..………………………………………………………………………………..36

Community Café Report..………....……………………………………………………………………….37

Cyber Seniors Report………………………………………………………………………………………….38

Blue Mountains Palliative Support Report…………………………………………………………..39

No Interest Loans Report…………………………………………………………………………………….46

Strengthening Exercise Classes Report…………………………………………………….………….48

Mid Mountains Community Garden Report………………………………………………………..49

Financial Reports…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Aspirations

We acknowledge the Darug and Gundungurra nations as traditional custodians of these lands

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Key Elements of Strategic Plan 2013 - 2015

MMNC’s TARGET POPULATION:

Residents of the Mid Mountains (Bullaburra, Lawson, Hazelbrook and Woodford) with priority on those who are most vulnerable.

MMNC’s VISION:

A Mid Mountains community where everyone’s worth and contribution is valued, and where time is taken to build relationships, share information and support, make shared decisions and enjoy life together.

MMNC’s MISSION STATEMENT:

MMNC values and works closely with volunteers, the community and other partners to: reach out to the whole mid mountains community; support the needs of vulnerable children, young people, families and individuals;

and increase community connectedness, participation and access to services.

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d

Mid Mountains Neighbourhood

Centre

STRATEGIC GOALS

Strengthen MMNC Governance capacity

and systems

Increase MMNC Association

membership, with focus on offering

members opportunity for worthwhile

community activity / involvement

Strengthen MMNC’s role and visibility in the WHOLE Mid Mountains community (Bullaburra,

Lawson, Hazelbrook and Woodford)

Increase MMNC’s contact and response

to ‘hard to reach’ and low access groups

in the community

Strengthen MMNC’s identification of and response to new and emerging community

issues and needs

Strengthen and increase MMNC’s

partnerships to achieve improved

community outcomes

Proactive focus on strategies that support

and strengthen MMNC’s long term

goals and sustainability

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Organisational and Management Structure

Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre Board of Governance

MMNC Manager

Volunteer Home

Visitors Coordinator Coordinator

Volunteers

Community Development

Worker

Admin Staff

Palliative Support

Coordinator

Financial Officer

MMNC Association Members

Sub-Committees (eg Policy)

Carers Support Worker

Mid Mtns Festival

Coordinator

Community Cafe

Workers

Admin Assistant

NILS staff

Meet Your Street

Coordinator

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Board of Governance 2014 – 2015

Executive Positions Board Members

David Caton (Chairperson)

Paul Garde (Vice Chair)

John Baker (Treasurer / Public Officer)

Nadja Lawrence (Secretary)

Jean Bundesen Kerin Pollock (til February 2015)

Meg Benson Greg Birtles

Robert Lawrence Martin Nichols

Staff Mick Barrett Manager Laurie Strathdee Community Development Worker (til January 2015) Danielle Wilding-Forbes Community Development Worker (from January 2015) and Mid Mountains Festival Coordinator Katrina Simmons Coordinator - Blue Mtns Palliative Support Service Stacey Fantom Administrative Assistant – BMPSS (from September 2014) Paul Best Coordinator - Volunteer Home Visitors Service (til Jan 2015) Robin Thomas Coordinator - Lawson Volunteer Home Visitors Service (on

secondment from KNC; from January 2015) Kay Spriggs Financial Officer – MMNC, MM NILS & BMPSS (til Oct 2014) Helen Wilson Financial Officer – MMNC, MM NILS & BMPSS (from Oct 2014) Gillian Oxley Carers Support Worker

and Cyber Seniors Groupworker (til December 2014) Leigh Gordon Administrative Assistant – BMPSS (til September 2014)

No Interest Loan Scheme Admin Officer (from Sept 2014) Celia Vagg Project Coordinator – ‘Kids in Sport & Recreation’ (til

September 2014) Pauline Stafrace Community Café Worker and No Interest Loans Interview Officer (from May 2015) Merle Phegan Community Café Worker Kerin Pollock Meet Your Street Coordinator (from February 2015) Sarah Dean MMNC Administrative Assistant (from January 2015)

Reception & Administration Team Volunteers

Koula Van Megen, Stacey Fantom, Sarah Dean, Angella Dunstan, Nell Daniel, Carol Lubbers, Helen Routledge, Pat Caton, Bill Harvey, Barbara Sanson, Marion Gray, Sue Tonacia, Sue Withers, Sophia Stephenson, Terry Greer

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Minutes of Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre Inc Annual General Meeting

Held at the

Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, Wednesday 5th November 2014

Present: David Caton, Jean Bundesen, Sarah-Lee Davy, Kerin Pollock, Helen Wilson, Paul Best, Henk Luf, Mary Bull, Helen Routledge, Pauline Stafrace, Try Lorenz, Helen Coltman, Jeanette Crawford, Rob O’Brien, David Olsson, Marg Perry, Rob Lawrence, Clr Romola Hollywood, Mick Barrett, Franco Veronesi, Patrick Kelly, Christine Kelly, Danielle Wilding-Forbes, Katrina Simmons, Gillian Oxley, Suzan Mehmet, Liz Smith, Greg Birtles, Bev Baker, Doug Baker, Cecilia Vagg, Bill Harvey, Martin Nichols, Meg Benson, Laurie Strathdee.

The Chairperson, Meg Benson, opened the meeting at 4:05, acknowledged the traditional indigenous owners of the land, welcomed all those present and called for any apologies.

Apologies: John Baker, Patricia Caton, Paul James Garde, Terry Robin Greer, Carol Lubbers, Joy Pospisil, Kersi Vajifdar, Baptist Church Lawson – Parish Secretary, Fran O’Leary – BM Food Service, Deb Dare – FACS, Chris Gardiner, - Connect Child and Family Services, Sarah Dean, Nell Daniel, Leigh Gordon, Kay Spriggs, Merle Phegan.

Mick indicated to the meeting that anyone wishing to be nominated for the Board of Governance should collect the forms from the Secretary, with nominations to close in five minutes from that point.

The Chairperson (Meg Benson) drew the meeting’s attention to pages 6 and 7 of the Annual Report and called on those present at last year’s AGM to move acceptance of the Minutes of that meeting.

Moved: David Caton, Seconded: Jean Bundeson, Motion carried.

The Chairperson (Meg Benson) presented her report.

The Chairperson called on Mick Barrett to present the MMNC Manager’s Report, Management and Operations Progress Report, NILS Report and Strengthening Over Sixties Report (pps 9-13, 40-41 and 42 of the Annual Report). Mick thanked all staff, the Board volunteers and all involved. He also drew the meeting’s attention to the survey regarding the community’s aspirations.

The Chairperson called on Laurie Strathdee to present the Community Development Worker’s Report (pps 14-16 of the Annual Report). Laurie thanked the staff and Board.

Laurie called on Danielle Wilding-Forbes to present the Love Lawson Festival 2013 Report (pps 17-18 of the Annual Report).

Laurie called upon David Olsson to present the Mid Mountains Community Gardens Report (p19 of the Annual Report). David thanked the management of Kihilla for their co-operation.

Meg called upon Celia Vagg to present the Kids Sport and Rec Project report (pps 20 and 21 of the Annual Report).

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Meg called upon Suzan Mehmet to present the Getting Around in Community Project (GAIC) Project Report (pps 22-26 of the Annual Report). Suzan pointed out that the project was completed earlier in 2014.

Meg asked Paul Best to present the Volunteer Home Visitors’ Report (pps 28-30 of the Annual Report).

Paul, in turn, asked Gillian Oxley to present the Carers’ Group Report (p31 of the Annual report) and the Cyber Senior’s Report (p32 of the Annual Report).

Paul called upon Pauline Stafrace to present the Community Café Report (p31 of the Annual Report).

Meg called upon Katrina Simmons to provide the Blue Mountains Palliative Support Service Report (pps 33-39 of the Annual report).

Mick, following the above reports, expressed his thanks and pride in the volunteers and staff, pointing out the 216 volunteer roles that operate from the Centre. Mick spoke to the Financial Statements (pps 43 onwards in the Annual Report), nominating William Tomiczek and Associates as the auditor for the next financial year and Meg Benson as the signatory for the Fair Trading Form 12.

The Chairperson called for Association members to move and second the Annual reports, including acceptance of the association’s financial statements for the financial year 2013 – 2014 and the auditor’s report.

Moved: David Caton Seconded: Jean Bundesen, Carried.

The Chairperson vacated the Chair and invited Romola Hollywood (BMCC Ward 2 Councillor) to act as Returning Officer for the election of the incoming Board of Governance.

The Returning Officer officially dissolved the current Board of Governance of the Neighbourhood Centre, and before calling for nominations for the new Board of Governance, noted that no further applications for membership had been received. The Returning Officer read a list of 10 Nominations for positions on the 12 person Board, as follows:

John Baker, Kerin Pollock, Paul Garde, David Caton, Jean Bundeson, Greg Birtles, Meg Benson, Nadja Lawrence, Robert Lawrence, Martin Nichols.

As there were no further nominations, the Returning Officer declared the Board elected as read and congratulated the new Board. The Returning Officer announced that the Executive Officer positions of the Board will be decided at the next Board meeting (19th November).

Romola declared the meeting closed at 5:03 p.m. and invited all present to join in for a light meal.

Martin Nichols (for the Secretary)

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Chairperson’s Report

We acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, the Darug and Gundungurra peoples; and pay our respects to their Elders, both past and present. MMNC is committed to reconciliation between all Australians. MMNC is committed to living & working together peacefully and respectfully inclusive of people of all ethnicities and faiths and none. We pledge not to position any community as ‘the other ‘, we are one Australia which will not be divided. Our diversity makes us stronger and richer and we will stand together.

Welcome everyone to the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre (MMNC) Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Thank you for your interest and participation this year. Your membership, attendance and support at various activities assists with making the MMNC and its various communities a great place.

If you are interested in your Mid Mountains Community and would like to do more then you may wish to become an association member, if you are not already.

The various supportive and caring services and programs offered to the community have again been overseen by our Manager, Mick Barrett. On behalf of the Board I wish to commend his efforts, particularly when there continues to be is so much change and uncertainty occurring across the entire community sector, driven, in the main, by the ever decreasing availability of the dollar. There is not a single manager or worker who is free from the impact of these threats and unpredictable future and the extra stress load, particularly on all managers, should not be underestimated.

Mick is fully committed to social justice and to forming the necessary partnerships to ensure the disadvantaged and valued community members have continued access to social inclusion, wellbeing and healthy lifestyles.

Mick has continued to look into various pathways of future sustainability, from fundraising, philanthropy, corporate sponsorship, and strategic partnerships.

To this end the Blue Mountains Lithgow Integrated Neighbourhood Centre Network (BLINN) has progressed with eight organisations now committed to act as a united body to secure future funding as and when the need arises. At this stage the Managers are meeting on a regular basis (where their expertise from senior management is combined to form a think-tank for the sustainability of all neighbourhood centres in view of funding changes), and also meeting with appropriate funding providers. The Chair and the Manager of each organisation meet every quarterly, developing policies and procedures to ensure mutual understanding and the preservation of goodwill.

The Board also extends our thanks to each and every staff member and volunteer who work so hard with care and commitment to the Mid Mountains Community and beyond. There have been a number of staff changes this past year due to other opportunities, and for health reasons. We wish all past members of the staff the very best and welcome the newcomers.

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MMNC is governed by a voluntary board. It has been a privilege to Chair this Board for the past year. I would like to thank Meg Benson for her time as Chair for the previous two years, and for her continued contribution this year.

There have been some long-term members from the Board who have moved on to other activities and we thank them for their generous involvement. We have also welcomed new members. There are some vacancies on the Board. There are twelve positions, but at present we only have nine filled. If you are interested in finding out what we do, please do not hesitate to ask.

Board members are passionate about their local community, and it is preferable that board members have past senior management or board experience, plus Community or Not-for-Profit experience is an advantage. There are a range of roles operating within the board to allow for various skills and interests.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank last year’s board members, with particular mention to the policy subcommittee who have worked extraordinarily hard to update many policies in line with the Carver model which clearly delineates the delegations of the board of governance as differentiated to management.

Thank you again for being interested in the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre.

David Caton Chairperson

Greg’s aspirations MMNC Board: Meg, John, Jean, David, Nadja, Paul, Rob

Mid Mountains Festival

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Manager’s Report

Our Vision and Mission statements are at the heart of everything we do as an organisation, they inform what we strive for in our activities. Our Social Justice principles guide why and how we go about our activities: so that our community and all the people in it have access to what they need and aspire to, and can participate in realising a shared quality of life together.

Social Justice is more relevant than ever, as state and federal governments are considering reforms that, while well intentioned, have the potential to increasingly disadvantage and withdraw support for vulnerable people, and (rather than provide adequate funding,) redirect their funding programs from social capital building.

The challenge for our Neighbourhood Centre in these times is to ensure our Vision, Mission, and principles result in effective, sustainable activities that authentically represent the aspirations of our community.

Sustainability of services is the main issue which has driven the consortium of Blue Mountains Lithgow Integrated Neighbourhood Network (BLINN), a partnership of all the Neighbourhood Centres of the Blue Mountains & Lithgow LGAs and Mountains Outreach Community Service; together BLINN offers the benefits of locally accessible services from a strengths base that one small Neighbourhood Centre can no longer provide in the foreseeable future (see BLINN table on the page following this report).

As outlined in our response to the ”Targeted Earlier Intervention Programs” sector consultation paper that was issued this year by NSW Family and Community Services (FACS), BLINN posits the case that not only do ‘primary/universal’ services such as Neighbourhood Centres provide programs targeted at entire population in order to provide support and education before problems occur, but they also provide linkages and pathways to the

secondary and tertiary levels of the service delivery spectrum when required; we have a valuable and ongoing role as a conduit. With local connections as a ‘soft entry’ point for people to interact, and good collaborations, we are able to respond to issues and opportunities eg bushfire vulnerability to benefit our community in many ways. Neighbourhood Centres’ integrated State and Federally-funded programs enable a diverse range of programs and services that support people in the community across the life-span.

I am excited by our initiatives this year with the Community Conversations which focus on people’s aspirations, that is, what is important to them. These conversations are developing narratives based on common values and so they resonate with the people throughout our community. We are taking these first steps in an ongoing process that will inform our ongoing priorities, and how we will collaborate to change things together for the better. Please refer to ‘Community Conversations’ in the Community Development Worker’s report.

I commend you to the reports that follow. For me some of the highlights this year have been the developments of the Community Conversations, Meet Your Street, the weekly Community Cafe, Cyber Seniors group, the collaborations with our BLINN partners, and the substantial engagement of facebook as an information tool.

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MMNC staff from left: Helen, Mick, Danielle, Katrina, Kay, Robin, Merle, Laurie, Leigh, Suzan, Gillian, Paul and Pauline

Reception volunteers: Pat, Helen, Nell, Carol, Stacey, Angella, Sarah, Barbara

I would like to thank and acknowledge the valuable contributions of those involved in all that you can see throughout this Annual Report.

Our Board ensures that we achieve our organisation’s vision and that our governance is effective, so that our activities are effective. Thank you to Chairperson David Caton and all members of the Board for your support and work.

I am very proud of our team of staff who achieve great things. Combined with our volunteer Reception team, we offer a Centre that is friendly and welcoming, and able to help each person with opportunities to connect with each other, participate in activities that interest them, and access services that enhance their quality of life. All of you contribute in your special way. I particularly appreciate the contributions of Sarah Dean our new Administrative Assistant with only 6 hours per week to provide administrative support to the staff and Reception team, as well as IT, and rostering of the Cyber Seniors tutoring. I welcome the high calibre of work introduced this year by both Danielle Wilding-Forbes as Community Development Worker, and Kerin Pollock as Meet Your Street Coordinator.

All of our projects and activities are made possible by people who voluntarily contribute their time and energies; throughout each year over 150 people have partnered with MMNC as a volunteer, and each person in these roles is coordinating or performing activities that provide for many more people to participate in. Together we facilitate ways that we can give, receive, share and participate with each other. When people have an opportunity to get together, amazing things happen.

Some key partners in shared projects:

We thank our local, state and federal government representatives for their support for our services. We acknowledge funding assistance from NSW Family & Community Services, NSW Health, and NSW Fair Trading; and federal Department of Social Services; and Blue Mountains City Council, as well as generous sponsors for individual program activities.

The Hazelbrook Association operates the Mid Mountains Graffiti Removal project, the Hazelbrook town centre gardening project, and the annual Carols in Gloria Park, with support from MMNC. In 2015 its 3 ANZAC Day events were very popular.

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There is a vibrant Festival Committee that creates the fantastic local community based Mid Mountains Festival each November, supported by the army of people who voluntarily organise and run it each year.

The Mid Mountains Community Garden operates with volunteer participants (particular thanks to its Safety Officer Janet Rannard, and David Olsson), and is situated at Kihilla thanks to hosts the Church Army.

TAFE Outreach has run several computer courses via MMNC this year.

The Australian Tax Office coordinates a volunteer Tax Help service each July - October, helping people complete their tax returns. Thanks to John McLean for being our volunteer in 2014.

Broadband For Seniors is a project that makes internet use accessible to seniors who otherwise would not know how to use it. The computers have been provided by the Australian Government. Thanks to Colin Oriti for individual tutoring this year. Thanks to tutors Gillian Oxley, Barbara Gow and Caitlin Oxley for establishing the Cyber Seniors group during 2014, and Grace Wallace, Caitlin Oxley, Faith Wallace and Jacob Hawkins since this February. Please see the Cyber Seniors report about how group tutoring has continued during 2015.

The community groups that use the Joy Anderson Hall (weekdays 9am – 3pm), Alma King Meeting Room, Small Meeting Room and Interview Room, serve to create wonderful opportunities for locals to participate in, and each day we are treated to seeing the rooms and courtyard fill with activity.

Mid Mountains Community Centre 377 Committee, with stakeholders from MMNC, BM Food Services and Mountains Outreach Community Service (MOCS), work with Blue Mountains City Council in management of the Community Centre. This Centre is a terrific venue for many groups to use. We liaise with Council to maximise facilities and opportunities for the community to use this resource. Thanks in particular to Karen Ives from Council who works with us on bookings.

The annual Caring and Sharing Elders Lunch which brings indigenous and non-indigenous people together in the spirit of Reconciliation is organised in partnership with BM Food Services, Mountains Outreach Community Service, and Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre.

We are lucky in the Mid Mountains to have many people with ideas and energy for things to happen, and all they need is some support from MMNC to make it happen. Please see the following report (under “Auspiced projects”) for the list of projects that MMNC auspiced this year, as well as all the project reports for details of other such projects that thrive on partnerships and community participation.

I am especially appreciative of the Managers from BLINN, as well as Kris Newton from Mountains Community Resource Network, for mutual support, collaboration and information sharing. We have much to learn from each other and work on together throughout the region.

It is more important than ever that MMNC has a strong and active membership. The members of our Association are the representatives of our community. The interests of our membership tell us what is possible for our community, what is important, what we can build with. We thank all our members for all the ways you contribute.

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As we rise to meet the challenges in the coming year with the wonderful people who share common aspirations, I thank you.

Mick Barrett MMNC Manager

Council bi-election Meet the Candidates

Aspirations

Day Centres

Carers Frail aged people 65yrs & over

People with a disability inc under 65

THE place:

to find out what’s around

to get creative ideas/options

to choose what you want

to join up with people, places,

activities, supports,

opportunities, groups

BLINN

NGOs GPs Allied health

Ability Links

Disability Services

ACAT

Friendships

Gardening support Trained volunteers -

give practical support

Transport

Volunteering

Interest groups

Learning opportunities & courses

Health & fitness

Outings

Hobbies

What’s on

Community events

Home visitors

Information about other services

Leisure activities

Support in planning details

Creative ideas & individual solutions

Home modifications &

maintenance

Advocacy

Community representation

Aged Care & Disability

MyAged Care

Children & Families Socially & Financially Disadvantaged

Vulnerable children &

families

Young people

Health programs

Mental Health

support

Social support

Mental & physical health

programs

Low incomes -

NILS

Emergency Support

Transport services

(medical, shopping, social)

Volunteer Home Visitor

Community Visitors Scheme

(Federal funding)

OOSH

Community hubs (schools & NCs)

Partnerships with MYST and

others

Report on Progress (June 2015) of MMNC Management & Operations - as per MMNC Strategic Plan 2013-2015 Section B

Governance Support Support is provided to ensure MMNC’s Governance reflects best practice

21 new MMNC Association applications have been approved this financial year. 93 Association members as of June 2015 (compared to 101 members as of June 2014);

Form 12 was sent to Fair Trading, and ACNC register was updated.

As part of Board move to Carver model of governance, MMNC policy sub-committee and Manager are liaising to develop governance policies, and to develop understanding between governance & operational policies.

MMNC Visibility and Profile MMNC’s visibility in the Mid Mountains community is increased (also see CDW Report)

2 Association events held (40 attended AGM on 5/11/14, 60 attended the MMNC Christmas Lunch 10/12/14)

Joy Anderson hall is booked at 85% capacity 9-3 Mon-Fridays; Small meeting room is used at half capacity 9-3 Mon-Fridays and utilised by MMNC and local groups. Average bookings per month: 99.

Continued promotion of the activities of groups hiring halls and rooms at Mid Mountains Community Centre via ‘Whats On’ in Mid Mountains News, and social media.

MMNC website and Facebook “page views” average 3831 per month

5500 printed copies x 4/year MMNC News distributed: via insert in the Gazette as well as via local outlets.

The monthly enewsletter is being emailed to 228 MMNC members and other interested parties.

The annual Community in a Teacup (celebrating Neighbourhood Centre Week, Volunteer Week and Biggest Morning Tea) was successful with approximately 40 participants.

Mid Mountains Residents Kit 2014 & 2015 editions: 661 distributed

3 MMNC stalls held: At Mid Mountains Festival 15/11/14; The bbq fundraiser at the state election polling booth 28/3/15; MMNC stall at the Nepal fundraiser 30/5/15

People connected with information average: in person 129 per month; by phone 181 per month

Human Resources

MMNC’s staff and volunteers are supported in their roles and are better able to meet organisational needs: On track:

Individual supervision meetings with staff. Staff team meetings monthly.

Reception volunteer team: Roster is full. Reception team meetings quarterly.

Sarah Dean started as MMNC Administration Assistant in January; supporting MMNC frontline services as well as providing administrative assistance to the Manager and other staff. This position is addressing the long term gap in admin support for Manager & staff.

Financial Officer position: Since Kay Spriggs resigned, this position has been split into a 7 hour / week NILS admin worker

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Human Resources (continued)

position (filled by Leigh Gordon who was working as BMPSS Admin Assistant) and an 11 hour Financial Officer position Financial Officer position filled by Helen Wilson.

Community Development Worker position: Laurie Strathdee was replaced by Danielle Wilding-Forbes (Festival Coordinator and Meet Your Street Coordinator) in January.

Volunteer Home Visitors Coordinator position: Paul Best was replaced by Robin Thomas (on secondment from Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre), in January.

BMPSS Admin Assistant position: Leigh Gordon was replaced by Stacey Fantom.

Auspiced projects Auspiced projects (funded and unfunded) are effectively managed and supported

All auspiced projects have governance practices that meet MMNC’s accountability expectations, risk management and insurance requirements as outlined in MMNC’s Auspice policy Projects auspiced this year:

BM Palliative Support; (see separate report)

Funding: KPIs were negotiated with NSW Health for 2014-2015 funding, after which Health issued a contract for 2014/15.

Accountability on track. We were assured in 2014 by NSW Health that “The Ministry is preparing a general communication to the NGO sector

with more detail on purchasing directions by Program stream and expected timeframes for the transition to a purchasing environment, to be issued before the end of 2014. Consistent with previous communications, the transition from current grant funding arrangements to a purchasing environment will be undertaken in waves, based on NSW Health and NGO sector readiness. As previously indicated, a range of funding and procurement models will be used in the new environment – only select services and programs will be procured through open tender. In most cases, current grant funding will continue on a rolling basis until grants are transitioned to the new purchasing framework. Any changes to funding or services, including the intention to tender for the provision of services or programs, will be communicated to the NGO sector well in advance”. NSW Health issued a statement in late December 2014 that “funding under the NGO Grants Program will continue into 2015-16 for the vast majority of NGOs to support continuity of services as NSW Health rolls out new purchasing arrangements in waves”. We have written confirmation from the Local Health District that funding for continuing existing services will be extended in the interim until June 2016 while funding reforms are being rolled out for new purchasing arrangements.

Katrina and Mick attended the NCOSS Procurement training 25/3/15 to glean information about how to become “tender ready” under the new Health purchasing arrangements. (A forum 11/6/14 to update NGOs on funding gave us the impression we need to get “tender ready” which would be helped by some sort of quality improvement

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Auspiced projects (continued)

accreditation) We have since contracted with QIP for ASES Standards accreditation.

MMNC provided limited auspice (insurance cover) for the Palliative Volunteers Conference in May 2015 attended by 150.

Home and Community Care (Volunteer Home Visitors, Carer Support Groups and Community Café (see separate reports) Funding: We have received notice from the federal Department of Social Services that funding for the VHV program will

be extended for 2 years ie June 2018. Mitch Fifield (Assistant Commissioner, Social Services) 19/5/15 gave a clear indication of the federal department’s intention to move aged care services to be more like the NDIS by February 2017: ie home packages distribution to individuals rather than to service providers. Funding has been extended to October 2015.

VHV: BM Managers / Coordinators are working towards standardised practices and forms all services will use eg Careplans, service priority protocols. Meetings between BM Managers & Coordinators are regularly held to review trial of the new standardised client forms according to the Common Care Standards. The challenge is to streamline the forms to be user friendly.

VHV Managers & Coordinators meetings are also addressing priorities for remodelling the service in response to changing referral and funding scenarios. Concerns about the planned aged care fees policy which would compromise volunteer roles as well as impact on vulnerable aged clients, and on our services. Mitch Fifield (Assistant Minister for Social Services) 19/5/15 acknowledged that charging fees for volunteer social support had issues and that guidelines soon will address those issues.

Carers support groups: The Thursday group is now meeting independently as a closed group as of December 2014. Gillian has reduced her working hours to 3 per month from June til December 2015.

New HACC funding (via KNC - this has been extended til 31/10/15 and is expected to extend after that date): The weekly “Community Café” Thursday Morning Tea social support group is attracting an average of over 12 weekly attendances. Social transport and domestic assistance to current HACC clients are also available, and referrals to make use of this in the Mid Mountains need to be developed in our area.

Community Development project (see separate reports) The transition from Love Lawson Festival to the Mid Mountains Festival was made in November 2014. Local Neighbourhood Bushfire Preparedness Project (LNBPP): aka “Meet Your Street”: Danielle Wilding-Forbes filled this

272 hour coordination position to be implemented October 2014 - November 2015 which was created thanks to the successful funding submission to the Dept of Premier & Cabinet’s ‘BM Flexible Community Grants Program’. Kerin Pollock became the Meet Your Street Worker when Danielle took on the CDW position.

Meet the Candidates 13/11/14 (Council Ward 2 bi-election): Six candidates addressed about 40 members of the public in Woodford to outline their candidacy.

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Auspiced projects (continued)

The Stronger Families Alliance planning session 24/11/14 expanded its scope to include young people up to 18 years as well as addressing mental health issues. The revised plan which will be finalised in 2015 will provide a more useful framework for MMNC to collaborate with other partners for families with children 0-18.

Kids in Sport & Recreation; This 1 year project funded by the Ian Potter Foundation ended in September 2014 with the database (of sport and recreational organisations offering free places to disadvantaged children) being handed over to BM Family Support Service to take over the ongoing role of matching sponsor sport & recreational organisations with children from disadvantaged families.

Strengthening for Over Sixties; Markesha is the new Trainer, as from March 2015. (see separate report under its new name “Strengthening Exercise Classes”)

No Interest Loans Scheme (see separate report)

Mid Mountains Community Gardens projects Review of auspice 5/2/15 including updated risk management plan of MMCG. The Gardens planned workshops with MMNC support (equipment, administration and promotion) but have had to postpone them due to lack of registrations. (see separate report)

Broadband for Seniors: (See Cyber Seniors report)

Anzac Day annual event in Honour Ave Lawson April 2014 organised by Lawson Combined Services Social Club - approx. 1000 attended with support from MMNC (insurance coverage)

Hazelbrook Association projects A MOU with Hazelbrook Association to formalise partnership around MMNC limited auspice of shared projects was signed. Three ANZAC Day events in Hazelbrook and Woodford were covered by MMNC insurance, with popular attendance. Tidy Towns gardening: monthly working parties have cleaned up and weeded the Hazelbrook shops area. Graffiti removal project throughout the Mid Mountains area: 3 Persons Responsible have been orientated to supervise so

that separate teams can operate according to a revised risk management plan. Weekly clean up runs with 2-5 volunteers per run. During 2014/15 1054 tags were removed; area cleaned 649.7 square metres.

Carols event (see CDW report)

WOW Wall: limited auspice (insurance cover) for an installation during Winter Magic week 2015.

Nepal Fundraiser was held 30/5/15 with limited MMNC auspice (insurance cover). It raised over $4000, with approx. 200 attending.

Mahjong, Scrabble, BM Refugee Support Group, BM Renewable Energy Group were supported with meeting space, and promotion.

Joy Anderson Bequest: annual $150 community development grant was used for a youth zone at MM Festival; annual $500

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child recreation access grant went to swimming lessons.

See also “Sustainability - Partnerships “

Sustainability MMNC strengthens its sustainability in the longer term

FACS Community Builders funding (core MMNC infrastructure): The uncertainty of funding sources past 2016 places the organisation and its projects at risk.

When the details of the funding reform are known, the FACS District office will have probably have discretion over which funding streams get what percentage of the total District funding. There is a sense that the total allocation of Community Builders funding statewide will be maintained (but redistribution to more vulnerable areas is likely); and that there will be a lead time of 18 months (6 months consultation and 12 months transition period) for any Reform process, as from when the Minister hands it down. That is, probable rollover of current funding until June 2018.

We are exploring strategies that provide for viable service provision, particularly with similarly focussed organisations. We may not have much control over what our existing organisations will look like in the coming years, but we can focus on how to best serve our communities (ie via BLINN and possibly regional collaborations with similar organisations; also via shared model of collaboration ie Harwood; as below). o BLINN: The BLINN Board passed a resolution “that members of BLINN formally adopt becoming a legally constituted

entity under a model yet to be decided”. The BLINN Managers have been focussing on developing policies, MOU, the new HACC funding; and to map out what we collectively want to become and do modelling for how to get there.

Harwood: (see also CDW report on Community Conversations)

3 BLINN Managers did training with the Harwood Institute in late October 2014, with the view to train all BLINN organisations in a commonly implanted method of delivering community development services across the region. The training involves ongoing support with coaches over 2 years. This is an important step towards BLINN formalising a cohesive regional approach to be competitive for state Community Builders funding from 2016.

Initial steps to practice this model were taken in exercises at the MMNC AGM, BLINN Managers meeting, BLINN Board meeting, Mid Mountains Festival (the video of the results of this is on MMNC website), and MMNC Board meeting. Training for the BLINN partners and affiliated agencies went well, with all partners engaged and keen to collaborate on using the Harwood approach.

‘Community Conversations’ workshops are being held in each Mid Mountains town in 2015, as well as throughout the Mountains, in collaboration with other organisations. These will build engagement with people in the community and develop a narrative to inform our work.

We presented the Harwood approach at the Stronger Families Alliance Youth Focus meeting 2/4/15. There was strong interest in a collaborative approach to hold Community Conversations in high schools across the Mountains, via

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Sustainability (continued)

partnerships between educational officers and youth services. We will continue to support these initiatives, eg facilitated an Aspirations exercise at the Mid Mountains Youth Forum 10/6/15 with 30 participants, and MMNC has committed to community conversations with other youth focussed agencies.

Funding accountability requirements continue to be met for all funded projects

Premises: Parking for staff is starting to become an issue, with increased popularity at the new Lawson shops impacting on parking

spaces. Council has been lobbied to proceed with the gazetted MMCC Staff Carpark behind the MMNC, which was included in the 2014-15 Capital Works program, but bumped off. A BMCC officer is due to initiate draft design of a MMCC staff carpark off Lowden Lane in 2015, for possible inclusion in the 2016-17 capital works program.

Interim arrangement for use of Small Meeting Room is in place Ongoing liaison with Council for Mid Mtns Community Centre (WHS, repairs, maintenance, best use of space/rooms,

feedback from user groups, bookings issues and suggestions for improving usage). Convening MMCC 377 Committee.

Partnerships:

Developing partnership with Mountains Youth Services Team to increase youth activities (see CDW report)

Ongoing partnership with BM TAFE to host a 18 week Intro to Computers course, 2 x 9 week “Next Steps” computer courses, and a Gardening course. TAFE has a fees structure from 2015 which has affected access to these courses.

Ongoing partnership with MOCS, ACRC and BM Food Services to host annual Elders Lunch reconciliation event for indigenous and non-indigenous elders; 2015 event went well, with 140 attending. Debrief meeting has set plans for 2015. (see CDW report)

Tax Help: provided via volunteer John McLean weekly July – October, in partnership with Australian Tax Office

St Vincent de Paul weekly Emergency Relief hosted at MMNC.

Food Rescue provides food for distribution twice a week via MMNC.

Work Health and Safety

All workers (paid and unpaid), clients, Board members and visitors experience a safe and healthy environment at MMNC: On track. The draft Manual (prepared by consultants Bridge the Gap) is due to be finalised for implementation in 2015-16.

Community Development Worker’s Report

Laurie Strathdee CDW – July 2014-December 2014

Danielle Wilding-Forbes CDW- January 2015-June 2015

The past year has been full and productive when it comes to Community Development at Mid Mountains Neighbourhood centre. With a focus on working more outwardly we have embraced the Harwood Methodology, trained with other BLINN consortium members and reached the point of implementation. With a staff changes occurring in Dec 2015 MMNC saw the arrival of a new CDW worker in February and with it a review of the CDW work plan.

Soup Nights

MMNC made a commitment in last year’s annual report to increase our outreach activities. In response to this a number of community soup nights were run in the latter half of 2014. The community were invited via banners, posters and letterbox drops to come and share in a meal and get to know their neighbours.

Outcomes: Social connections were built between those who attended.

MMNC workers were able to liaise with the community on a village level.

Areas for future development: This activity proved to be a fabulous way to engage the community, workers received lots of positive feedback from attendees. This approach could be combined with the Harwood Community Conversation activities to further attract attendance.

More than a Fire Plan

Saturday 16th August, Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, 52 Adults

In August & September 2014 Blue Mountains Neighbourhood Centres in partnership with Australian Red Cross and the NSW Rural Fire Service presented community forums throughout the Blue Mountains. ‘More than a fire plan’ consisted of representation from emergency services, Red Cross and community workers presenting ion their roles in the case

Date Location Attendance

20th July Bullaburra 18

8th August Lawson 20

15th August Hazelbrook 15

17th August Woodford 16

18th May Bullaburra 22

13th July Hazelbrook 18

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of an emergency. Attendees were then able to ask questions and connect with other people in their area.

Outcomes: (captured in feedback surveys)

The community were informed about Emergency response procedures.

Attendees felt confident in the information they received made a commitment to take action on creating an emergency management plan in their household.

Areas for future development: The data collected form this activity has been fed into the Blue Mountains Resilience and Wellbeing committee and has informed content and structure of subsiquent Recovery Projects.

Holiday Family Fun Mornings

24TH August 2014-Bullaburra, Noble St Park, 41 adults / 71 children

8th April 2015-Bullaburra, Noble St Park, 28 adults / 36 children

Two Family fun days were held in Bullaburra this year. Noble Park was identified as an ideal place for these activities to support the creation of a new playgroup in Bullaburra in 2015 by MOCS. Carers and children attended a day in the park full of craft, games and information sharing.

Outcomes:

Parents and carers had an opportunity to play and have fun with their children.

Parents and carers took part in stories and rhymes with children.

Areas for future development: Assess efficacy of 2015 activities and inform planning for 2016/17. Look at broadening the type of activities offered to cater more to 8-12 year olds.

Seniors Week 2015

19th of March 2015, 10-12pm, Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, Attendance: 36

It was determined that a seniors week event should be coordinated by the CDW in collaboration with the MMNC Volunteer Home Visitors Coordinator and MMNC Community Café Workers. This allows us to build on the attendance established at the Community Café and hopefully grow this activity. This lovely event and was well received. A community choir the “Vocal Locals” performed and shared their infectious positivity for life. A theme of inspiring while retiring was adopted. Advertising was circulated through our usual networks and extended to doctor’s surgeries.

Outcomes:

Seniors felt valued and celebrated.

Social connections were made attendees met new people.

Seniors had an opportunity to connect with MMNC workers and learn about other programs they may wish to be involved with.

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Areas for future development:

Conduct an event survey in 2016

Create a song book that can be circulated and encourage participation in the singing.

Community in a Tea cup

MMNC hosted a Biggest Morning Tea event on the 14th of May 2015, 10-12pm, Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, Attendance: 42

It was coordinated by the CDW in collaboration with the VHV Coordinator and Community Café Workers. By Scheduling the event at the same time and in the same space (Joy Anderson Room) as MMNC’s weekly community café it created an opportunity to cross promote.

There was a fabulous Tea Quiz run by volunteer Mary Bull and Music was provided By Anne Fitzgerald. The raffle was a big hit and all proceeds raised on the day went to the Cancer Council. A total of $252 was raised.

Outcomes:

People connected with MMNC and leant about the services we offer.

Attendees felt like part of their local community.

The Mid Mountains Community raised funds for Cancer research.

Areas for future development: Build on the distribution of promotions. Split donations between Blue Mountains Cancer Care and the Cancer Council of Australia.

Community Readers

Weekly during school term, Hazelbrook Public School

Participation: 16 Volunteer Community Readers in 2015

The Community Readers MOU with Hazelbrook Public School was revised and signed for 2015. This provided a clear understanding of the commitments of both parties. Kathy Evans

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the programs coordinator at HPS communicated a need for more support at the training day and end of year volunteer thank you event. This was able to be met by the CDW work plan and has been included in our commitment. Training was conducted in March for 2015 volunteers.

Outcomes:

Community volunteers assisted in delivering the reading recovery program to HPS.

Social connections were made between volunteers; they met new people.

Literacy levels improved in the children who participated.

Areas for future development:

Create an evaluation to measure the outcomes outlined above.

Mid Mountains Walkers

Occurs weekly on a Monday and Friday, Attendance varies (6-9 participants)

Our walking group in partnership with the Heart Foundation continues to run well. It is led by a community volunteer and is largely self-sustaining. I attended a walk with the group in February to touch base and was informed that numbers have fallen slightly. This is partly due to the challenge of finding a pace that suits everyone in attendance. They have also requested a little more promotional support which has been addressed.

Outcomes:

Community volunteers assist in making this program sustainable.

Social connections were made each week.

Participant’s fitness levels were improved.

Areas for future development: Create a walking group in Hazelbrook. Concentrating on parents/ carers with prams, a group that would benefit from building social connections.

Youth

A youth Zone was run at the Mid Mountains Festival in November 2014 and was a big hit with the 8-14yr olds. There were refreshments, table tennis, drumming, stress ball making and other craft type activities. While they were not the target audience it definitely revealed a need for activities scheduled for this age group.

In June 2015 Mick and Danielle attended a youth networking forum in June 2015. This was a fabulous opportunity to meet other workers active in our area and commit to actions in the future together.

Mick and Danielle also attended a meeting of the Stronger Family Alliance Youth Engagement working group. It is encouraging to see that they are looking at similar strategies as MMNC to engage youth.

Schedule a training date for 2016 in time for term 1 Mid Mountains News Release. Cross promote MMNC activities to volunteers more frequently.

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Engaging Youth and young people has been identified as an area of priority for MMNC.

Outcomes:

Youth connected with MMNC and leant about the services we offer.

Youth attendees felt like part of their local community.

Social connections were made, attendees met new people.

Areas for future development:

MMNC will engage youth and young people over the course of the year by running creative arts activities that help young people develop their creativity through visual arts, drama and music. This in turn builds self-esteem, encourages self-expression and provides positive learning experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Conduct community consultation with youth to establish what they want and need.

Explore the 8-12yrs old age bracket, who is engaging the middle years? Who is funded to do so? And what can we do to contribute to services in this area. Activities for this age group will be added to the CDW work plan.

Meet Your Street Project

Reported on by Kerin Pollock (MYS Co-ordinator)

Funded by: Blue Mountains Flexible Community Grant Program for Building Bushfire Preparedness and Networks in Local Neighbourhoods.

The Meet Your Street Project funded by the Blue Mountains Flexible Community Grants Program has completed the first two of three planned rounds. Round 1 was completed in November 2014 and included five community based events in local neighbourhoods from Woodford to Katoomba. These events were attended by 122 adults and 94 children. The events successfully engaged communities and initiated discussions about bushfire preparedness strategies. Data was collected through 101 surveys to provide a baseline understanding of the community needs and preparedness levels. Feedback provided by the community indicated that there was a great deal of trust in the expertise of the Rural Fire Service (RFS). This feedback was particularly strong from the Bullaburra event that was attended by a representative of the local RFS brigade.

Photo: Woodford Meet Your Street 2015.

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Round 2 was completed in April 2015 and included 6 events in villages from Woodford to Katoomba. Events were attended by 103 adults and 118 children. As a result of feedback from the Round 1 events the RFS and Fire and Rescue were invited to attend Round 2 events. Data was once again collected to create a baseline understanding of community needs and preparedness levels. Seventy seven first contact surveys were completed in Round 2. Thirteen second contact surveys were also completed. Second contact surveys were completed with community members who had previously attended a Meet Your Street event and had completed a first contact survey. Surveys were designed to gauge levels of preparedness and any steps taken as a result of attendance at previous events. RFS and Fire and Rescue recorded conversations had with community members and these conversations included plans, preparedness measures and community fire units. Community feedback from these events was overwhelming positive and indicated that the information provided was useful and relevant.

Surveys used in Round 1 and 2 events and data collections from these surveys have been developed in consultation with Dr Sarah Redshaw from Charles Sturt University (Community Connections and BSAFE project). Adopting a responsive approach to the development of this project by making the community the centre of activities and informing content has been of high priority.

Working collectively with other Resilience and Preparedness projects across the Blue Mountains like HUFF (Heads Up For Fire) and has strengthened the reach and efficacy levels of this project.

Round 3 of the project is currently underway. This round was scheduled to coincide with the start of fire season and will include 8 events in villages from Medlow Bath to Woodford. The round will again focus on bushfire preparedness and include data collection. It also hoped that strategies for promoting ongoing discussions and awareness of bush fire preparedness will be developed for use in this round. It is estimated that the project will be completed by November 2015.

Photo: From Hazelbrook Woodford Meet Your Street 2015. Groups represented: Rural Fire Service, Red Cross, Mountains Outreach Community Service, Central Mountains Rotary, MMNC and Meet Your Street team.

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Community Conversations

Sunday 1st June, Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre Lawson, Attendance: 6

Friday 19th June, Hazelbrook Scout Hall, Projected attendance: 12

BLINN (Blue Mountains and Lithgow, Neighbourhood Centres Network) have embarked on Harwood Community Conversations methodology training and implementation in 2015. They are an opportunity for us to better understand people’s aspirations for their community, the concerns they have and what they believe might make a difference in strengthening the community. We’ll take what we learn from these conversations and use it to help make our work in the community more effective. Exploring this form of

community consultation has been a fabulous learning curve for all workers involved. A Mid Mountains facilitation team (MMNC and MOCS workers) have held Community Conversations in Lawson and Hazelbrook.

Outcomes:

Public knowledge is generated that can be used to inform decision-making of all kinds.

Services turn outward to authentically engage members of the community.

Areas for future development:

Judith Hawkes (CDW MOCS) and MMNC will build a plan to conduct multiple “Ask” exercises in the Mid mountains over July /August 2015 and schedule further community conversations from there.

After MMNC conduct a series of general community conversations we will conduct a series of themed community conversations.

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Student Placements

February- June 2015 Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre

Supervised by: MMNC CDW

We have two students from Wentworth falls TAFE on placement in 2015. Robyn Elliot is with us till June and will focus on fundraising and planning for the Mid Mountains Festival. Ranya Sharara will be with us through to November and will focus on Mid Mountains Festival and Meet your Street. Both students have made a great contribution to the CDW work of MMNC.

Outcomes:

Students gained practical knowledge of how a community services organisation runs.

The MMNC CDW position was able to delegate the preparation of some tasks to the Students on placement.

The diversity of input on the Mid Mountains festival planning was increased.

Areas for future development:

Create a more structured and defined work plan for students in the future.

Mid Mountains Festival 2014

Celebrate, Share, Belong

Saturday 15th November MMNC Lawson, Attendance: Approximately 2000

Fundraising Events for Mid Mountains Festival 2014/2015

Family trivia night 6th September Hazelbrook, Attendance: 74 Adults

Trivia Fundraiser Night 2015, 31st May, Attendance: 86

On the 15th of November 2014 The Mid Mountains Festival took place at the Mid Mountains Community Centre. It attracted approximately 200 people onsite at any one time with approximately 2000 people attending throughout the day. Over 20 community groups, clubs and organisations were represented on the day. With 27 stall holders, two stages and 9 activity zones the program was packed and endeavoured to offer something for everyone. Community engagement throughout the year was a large focus to introduce people to the Mid Mountains direction. The feedback to date has been very positive.

Prior to the event:

Community members were invited to join an Advisory Committee to help shape the festival. This proved to be hard to maintain due to the individuals busy schedule and commitments.

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The Festival Coordinator met with Mid Mountains groups in their space to invite them to participate. Attending local committee meetings of groups like the Hazelbrook Association and Woodford Academy was very well received.

Local schools were invited to participate via a community feedback activity.

Through Social Media was a constant form of community engagement throughout the year. With likes for the event page hitting over 500 in June.

At the event:

By creating a day of festivities that were free to attend and diverse in nature we aimed to provide activities that would appeal to all age groups and interests.

The event was held in the local environment at the Mid Mountains Community Centre where citizens already have an affinity and knowledge of the space.

Activities like the Beard and Mo Comp, Bliss Beat Marquee and the local dance school performances were representative of talent and endeavours specific to the Mid Mountains. Participants were all from the local area.

Outcomes:

MMNC hosted a free family event a day full of local festivities representative of Mid Mountain culture and activities.

The local community were invited to shape and participate in a day of celebration and fun which in turn built community cohesion and connectedness.

People connected with MMNC and leant about the services we offer.

Community knowledge of Mid Mountains activities was increased.

People are more likely to get involved with local activities and groups.

Social connections were made, attendees met new people.

Local community groups showcased their activities in a public forum.

People felt good about their community and part of something strong and vibrant.

Areas for future development:

Liaise with MMNC Manager the structure and direction of the festival in 2015. In particular explore how the community consultation aspect of the project is executed.

Identify more funding opportunities.

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Invite the Mid Mountains Community to engage with the planning of the festival as early as possible.

Create activities throughout the year that feed into the festival on both a planning and artistic level.

CFS/ Fibromyalgia Group

1st Thursday of the month, MMNC, Attendance: 6-12 per month

The ME/CFS Fibromyalgia group continues to run well. In March 2015 the facilitator requested some assistance with reviewing their group agreement. MMNC attended their March meeting to facilitate a review process. The group explored how they had been working, areas of strength and what could be improved. New tools were identified as a group to assist in keeping the content fresh and interesting.

Outcomes:

Community Members in this group feel supported and safe when they come together to share common experience.

Areas for future development: MMNC will continue to support and check in with this group each month.

Comment from: Therese the group facilitator

The Blue Mountains ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Support Group, auspiced by the MMNC/Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre. It holds group meetings once a month on the first Thursday of the month from February to December. It has approximately one hundred members, with between six and twelve attending the group meeting. They also have a monthly newsletter to help people feel connected and supported, especially as many members cannot make it to the meeting. MMNC contributes a support worker, a room; gluten free morning tea each month prints and sends the newsletters out by mail provides advertising and covers the costs of photocopying or phone calls if needed.

This is a thriving support group started and continued in conjunction with sufferers of the disorders and the MMNC/Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre.

(Me= Myalgia Encephalomyelitis/CFS=Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibro= Fibromyalgia)

Parents and Families Finding Support (PAFFS) Grief Support Group

4th Saturday of the Month, MMNC, Attendance: 6-10 people per month

PAFFS is a grief support group for parents, grandparents, siblings and any family members living with the loss of a child at any age and from any cause. This was initiated and led with great humanity and care by Becky Avenel. It meets monthly on 4th Saturday and is regularly attended by 6-10 people from all over the mountains, Western Sydney and even from Orange.

In February 2015 MMNC met with the PAFFS group facilitator for a check in. She voiced a number of concerns for the group in regards to sustainability. We put a timeline of actions down as a plan to move forward in 2015-16.

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Outcomes:

Community Members in this group feel supported and safe when they come together to share common experience.

Areas for future development: The group will move their meeting to the joy Anderson room to avoid room hire costs.

Carols in Gloria Park 2014

Saturday 13th December 2014, Lawson Public school, Attendance: 500

Run by: Hazelbrook Association

Auspiced by MMNC

‘Carols in Gloria Park’ is a community wide event that involves local schools, churches and community organizations. It endeavours to link members of the community as well as provide opportunities for local community, church and school groups to promote the services they offer and for some to raise much needed funds though the sale of food and drinks. As well as being a time of celebration and singing, it showcases local schools and community groups who present items during the night. The event seeks to promote community connections and harmony.

The event was relocated to Lawson Primary School due to rain threatening. It is estimated that around 500 people attended. Thanks to Greg Birtles who coordinated the event, and the many volunteers who made it possible.

Danielle Wilding-Forbes

Community Development Worker

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Volunteer Home Visitors Report

Blue Mountains Volunteer Home Visitors (BMVHV) has provided social support to people over 65 years of age and/or people living with disabilities and their carers. The aim of the service is to assist people living in their own homes for as long as possible by helping them to maintain their independence. The service provides residents at risk of social isolation with an essential connection to the community in which they live.

The service covers the area from Woodford to Bullaburra and is based at the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre. BMVHV is also located at the Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre, Springwood Neighbourhood Centre and the Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre and so the service as available across the whole of the LGA.

In addition to this there are two carers groups - Caring for Carers and Carer Peer Support. Caring for Carers is open to all residents of the Blue Mountains who care for an older person or younger adult with a disability. Caring for Carers is facilitated by Gillian Oxley, a Carer Support Worker, and they meet on the second Wednesday of the month. The Carer Peer Support Group meets on the Thursday of each month. Both groups meet at the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre (please see Carers Groups report).

BLUE MOUNTAINS VOLUNTEER HOME VISITORS FUNDING

BMVHV has been funded under the Commonwealth Home and Community Care (HACC) Program and administered by the Department of Social Services. After 30 June 2015 the funding for the service will come under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. The philosophy behind the program emphasises independence for the client. Likewise activities undertaken with the client and volunteer actively foster and promote this independence.

SERVICE ADMINISTRATION AND STAFFING

The MMNC Manager has principal responsibility for the direction and management of the service and reports to the Board of Governance. Paul Best was the Coordinator of the service until the end of January this year when Robin Thomas took over the role on secondment from Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre. The Coordinator has day to day responsibility for the administration of the program, working with the clients and volunteers with the service. Gillian Oxley is the Carer Support Worker and facilitates our two Carers Groups. The service provided to BMVHV clients is delivered by a brilliant team of volunteers.

THE VOLUNTEERS

There are 21 volunteers visiting and providing social support to clients in their home and the community. Volunteer home visitors visit on a weekly or fortnightly basis depending on the

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goals of the client. There are range of activities provided including social support at home, carer support and activities, wellness activities and events; social interest and awareness groups, local community connections, supported outings and bus trips, assisted shopping, social transport, general information & referral, library collection and reading services.

Volunteer training and support is provided by the Coordinator through quarterly support meetings, phone calls and face to face meetings. A Volunteer Handbook developed to provide guidance and advice to our volunteers working in the community has been distributed to volunteer home visitors. Work Health & Safety Training for the volunteer team is scheduled for August.

CLIENTS

As at 30 June 2015 there were thirty local residents receiving home visiting social support from our Service.

The majority of our clients are aged over 65, in the age range of 80 to 94 years. The service has also supported clients under 65 who have a disability.

MEN’S PIE SHOP SOCIAL GROUP

The genesis for the social group grew out of the experience of a volunteer home visitor who had been visiting a client for four years. When thinking about the opportunities available for his client the volunteer home visitor realised there were limited places for men to socialise in supportive environment.

The Men’s Pie Shop offers an opportunity for men to meet together in a social context. The group supports each in getting to the group and if someone is unwell they are visited by a member of the group. It is a caring group of men who enjoy a good cuppa and a curry pie. They come together in a familiar environment at Mountain High Pies at Wentworth Falls on the highway. As regular visitors they are welcomed by staff who really look after them as regular visitors. The venue has disability access and stocks the daily newspapers as well! The group have also enjoyed a trip away to Lithgow.

The group gets together on the first Thursday of each month. They welcome newcomers to the group.

HOME FRONT EXHIBITION AT LEWERS GALLERY

In early May a group of volunteers and clients from the BM Volunteer Home Visitors based at services in Lawson and Blaxland, and members from our Community Café set off on an autumn adventure with the effervescent Nyla from TCP Day Tours. The group visited the Home Front Exhibition commemorating 100 years since the Gallipoli campaign. It included life size drawings and personal effects held by the Australian War Memorial and families living in the Blue Mountains and Penrith area. It was a powerful and moving exhibition capturing the moods and emotions of the Australian soldiers and nurses involved in the

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campaign. Along with viewing the exhibition, the group enjoyed the sunshine while sharing a cuppa and something to eat in the beautifully landscaped courtyard garden.

MY AGED CARE

My Aged Care is a new one-stop-shop for all aged care services and information. Set up by the Department of Social Services the 1800 number will respond to older people seeking support about the range of services available to help them remain in their home. My Aged Care also has a website that enables clients to research what services are available in their area.

From the 1 July 2015 referrals to the Blue Mountains Volunteer Home Visitor Service will be made through an online service portal established by the Department. As we look forward to this new way of working with each other the service remains committed to providing high quality advice and guidance to community members seeking information about services available to them in the community.

A tablet is available for community members to use at the centre, who are unfamiliar with using information technology, or don’t have access to a home based computer. Anyone who feels they would benefit from some additional support are encouraged to visit the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre on a Tuesday afternoon when Cyber Seniors classes run. In these classes they will be supported by the volunteers in researching what’s on the My Aged Care website.

SENIORS WEEK RECOGNITION AWARDS CELEBRATION

Paul Best and Kate Litchfield were nominated for individual awards held at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub at Springwood. Paul attended the ceremony where he received a Certificate of Appreciation for his contribution over the last 10 years as the Coordinator of the Volunteer Home Visitor Service and as a member of the board at the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre. Kate was unable to attend the ceremony where her contribution as a dedicated volunteer with over 13 years of service was acknowledged.

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Paul Best at the Seniors Week Award ceremony.

Our heartfelt thanks go to our community members who contribute their time and energy voluntarily to this vital work, for without you this service would not exist.

Robin Thomas Coordinator

Vale Doraleise

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Carers Groups

Two carers groups have met monthly throughout 2015 - the older, established 'Caring for Carers' group on the second Thursday morning of the month and the newer 'Carer Peer Support' group on the second Wednesday afternoon of each month. Since February 2015 the Thursday Carers group has been a self-facilitating group. The Wednesday afternoon Carer Peer Support group continues to be professionally facilitated by a member of MMNC staff.

In June this year members of the Carer Peer Support group were treated to a high tea at the Hydro Majestic at Medlow Bath. This event was very generously sponsored by the Together Programme – a project of the peak body Carers NSW. The Together project seeks to support, resource and link support groups for carers of people with a disability throughout NSW as well as carers of frail aged community members and carers of those living in the community and experiencing difficulties around their mental health and wellbeing.

Gina Harrowell and Sue Wildman have continued to run Art Therapy for Carers in the small meeting room here at the Centre every second Friday.

Our annual carers’ Christmas lunch took place on Wednesday 10 December at the Blue Mountains Hotel in Lawson. This combined event was a wonderful opportunity for members of both carers groups to meet with one another, together with those for whom they care, in a pleasant, informal atmosphere. We received some very positive feedback from carers who attended the Christmas lunch about what a relaxing and enjoyable event it was.

We currently have carers coming from as far afield as Blackheath and Winmalee to attend our Wednesday afternoon group.

Gillian Oxley Carers Support Worker

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Community Café Report Another wonderful year at the Community Café!

We have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of catching up with our Thursday family over a cuppa. We’ve collaborated with others to celebrate the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea and Seniors Week morning tea - both occasions saw our numbers swell and as a result we have gained new members to our weekly get together.

We celebrated Christmas in July which was a good laugh and huge success.

On 13th August, Merle (co-facilitator) spent her final morning tea with us as work closer to home was secured. I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Merle for everything she has done to make this weekly session a success, and to let her know that she is very much missed and will continue to be for some time to come.

Finally, I wish to thank everyone who has attended our Thursday mornings – it’s wonderful to see you and I look forward to many more cuppas with you, your friends and anyone else who would like to join us.

Pauline Stafrace Community Café Worker

Merle’s farewell

Anne with ukulele at Community in a Teacup

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Cyber Seniors (Broadband for Seniors)

Broadband for Seniors is a federal government initiative, with 2 computers made available by the Department of Social Services, and volunteer tutors. At Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre this has been developed during 2014-15 to include fortnightly individual tutoring with Colin Oriti; daily computer use; and ‘Cyber Seniors’ group tutoring. 64 seniors made use of the kiosk, including 44 seniors trained over 652 lessons, and 765 total uses. There was an average 4 tutors per week.

The significant increase in participation was due to the Cyber Seniors group developed by Gillian Oxley over 2014. Thanks to tutors Gillian Oxley, Barbara Gow and Caitlin Oxley for establishing the Cyber Seniors group during 2014. During 2015 Broadband for Seniors and Cyber Seniors was administered by Sarah Dean.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cyber Seniors is a small and friendly group that has run each Tuesday afternoon throughout the year during school terms. We are ‘young tutors helping seniors’ to come to grips with today’s ‘smart’ devices: providing participants with the opportunity to extend their technical skills and knowledge with mobile phones, tablets and laptops in a no-pressure, enjoyable, interactive environment.

This has proved to be a very popular weekly activity at MMNC, with the tutors having the opportunity to help people including those with hearing impairment to become computer aware with great results.

Group members have expressed a very high level of satisfaction both with the technical aspects of the meetings as well as the social support and opportunities for sharing that belonging to Cyber Seniors provides. My heart-felt thanks to our wonderful volunteer tutors Grace Wallace, Caity Oxley, Jacob Hawkins and Colin Oriti.

Sarah Dean

Administrative Assistant

Cyber Senior Nell with Grace

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Blue Mountains Palliative Support Service Coordinator’s Report

Blue Mountains Palliative Support Service (BMPSS) is a community based volunteer service providing care and support to:

People living with life limiting illnesses who wish to remain at home

People wishing to die at home or in the environment of their choice

The carers and families of those with life limiting illnesses, from the time of referral up until 12 months after the death of the client.

Our goals are:

To provide an appropriate and accessible service that supports people with a life limiting illness, their carers and families.

To develop and implement strategies which promote Palliative Care in the broader community.

Service Operation and Funding

The BMPSS operates 5 days per week from 9.00am – 4.30pm. There is one part time Co-ordinator, a part time Administrative Assistant and Financial Officer. The service covers the Blue Mountains Local Government Area and Lithgow. Funding is provided by NSW Health, through Nepean/ Blue Mountains Local Health District. The service has been notified that funding is currently through to the 30th of June 2016.

Client Referrals

Referrals are made through the Nepean/ Blue Mountains Palliative Care Team. There is no current waiting list.

PALLIATIVE SUPPORT VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROVISION

Blue Mountains Palliative Support Service (BMPSS) provides a volunteer service to support clients with life-limiting illnesses in their place of residence or in hospital – Springwood, Katoomba and Lithgow Hospital. Currently at Springwood and Katoomba hospital there are two volunteers visiting the Palliative Care ward weekly. Lithgow Hospital has one volunteer visiting the Palliative Care ward weekly.

Volunteers provide up to four hours support each week depending upon the needs of the client and family. This includes offering companionship, respite care, help with simple household duties, short outings, transport to appointments and bereavement support.

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We currently have 35 volunteers who provided 1254 hours of direct support to our clients at home and in hospital. Volunteers travelled 10,354 kilometres in their client related duties in the past year. The figures are higher than in the same period last year, due to our service now growing in Lithgow.

We aim to continue to increase referral rates via service promotion and community education.

Major users of the Service

The majority of clients referred have a cancer diagnosis. A small number have organ failure and chronic degenerative diseases such as Motor Neurone Disease.

Feedback from Consumer Satisfaction Survey

A consumer satisfaction survey was conducted ongoing through 2014-2015. Some of our client quotes were:

- It’s so lovely to have someone to talk to. (Volunteer) is wonderful and only too happy to do bits around the kitchen for me.

- You can’t imagine how valuable your service was to me when having my treatment. It made such a difference to my mental state having (volunteer’s) support and chatting with her to and from the Cancer Care Centre. (Volunteer) was exceptional!

- ‘Margaret (vol) is a sweetie. It is so nice having someone to talk to, who isn’t family. I can talk to her about anything really.’

- ‘ I was a bit hesitant at first but we are having some lovely outings now. It’s great!’

- ‘Chris (vol) is wonderful! (My husband) really looks forward to Chris visiting him and having a good chat together’

SERVICE PLANNING

The service will conduct a Planning Day on in March 2016

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT AND TRAINING

The volunteers receive comprehensive training, prior to their placement in the community, and there is a strong emphasis on continuing education and training. Regular supervision and support is provided to volunteers, both through the Co-ordinator and a professional clinical supervisor.

Volunteer Recruitment and Training

The service conducts interviews for new volunteers every two years. The service conducted recruitment, interviews and training for 11 new volunteers for the Blue Mountains and Lithgow area in 2014. Training was completed in April 2015.

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Photo: Some of our new volunteers at the end of training 2015 with Boudi Maassen psychotherapist at the front

Ongoing Education and In-service Training

Education and training for volunteers was provided in the following ways:

- Seven volunteers from the service attended the NSW Palliative Care Volunteer Conference at the Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong 29/5

- One volunteer attended the NBMLHD Supportive & Palliative Care Conference at Panthers in Penrith 5/6

Topics and Guest speakers for 2014-2015 were:

- Mary Clements from ’ Blue Mountains Food services’ spoke about meals provided to local residents as well as social support services 4/2

- Deleena Caagbay from ‘Continence foundation of Australia’ 4/3

- Melanie Oxenham from MND Association of NSW gave an education session and update on Motor Neurone Disease 1/10

- Paul Easment from Blue Mountains Can Assist gave a talk on their organization and how they can provide financial assistance to local residents who have a cancer diagnosis 5/11

- Robyn Yates from Blue Mountains Cancer Help spoke about services they provide and research they have been involved with UWS and Medicare local on the benefits of complementary therapies for cancer patients. 2/7

- Pat Marshall (long term volunteer) on “ Helping a client plan for their funeral” 6/8

- Simons Mundy volunteer and local counsellor on ‘Mindfulness and Emotional Wellbeing’ 3/9

- Kathryn Smith from the ‘MS Society’ gave an education session on Multiple Sclerosis symptoms and current treatment 6/5

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- Maureen Doherty volunteer and local counsellor gave a presentation on ‘Everyday Grief’ 3/6

Left photo: A temple Venerable and the organizing committee Naomi Pope (John Hunter Kids), Jacqui Martinez ( Sydney LHD), Anne- Marie Traynor (Calvary Kogarah), Arlene Roach ( SWSLHD), Alex Huntir (PCNSW), Katrina, Elanne Thompson (ISLHD), Sarah Potter (Westmead Kids)

Right photo: Volunteers at the conference Anne, Maureen, Ivy , Kerry, Kathy, Brenda and Beth.

Volunteer Supervision and Support

o Monthly support meetings for peer support, information exchange, clinical supervision and client updates;

o Phone or face to face contact with the Coordinator as required;

o Annual volunteer appraisals;

o Access to a well-resourced service library;

o Monthly newsletters.

Volunteer Appreciation

Volunteers were recognised and appreciated for their contribution at the end of year Christmas lunch held at Josh’s Bistro in Springwood. 20 people attended including the palliative care nurses and social worker from Lawson Community Health 3/12

Regular thanks were extended to volunteers through the monthly newsletter.

Left: Christmas Lunch 2014 Josh’s Bistro Springwood Right: volunteers Jayne Newling and Beth Edwards

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COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND SERVICE PROMOTION

The second major goal of the Service is to develop and implement strategies which promote an understanding and acceptance of Palliative Care in the broader community. The activities undertaken to achieve this are listed below.

The Coordinator co-convened the ‘NSW Palliative Care Volunteer Conference 2015’ with six other managers from the Network. It was held on the 29th of May during Palliative Care week at the Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong. There were 156 attendees from NSW and ACT. The event received very positive feedback

The Coordinator met with Linda Ora CNC Lawson to provide Memorial Day bookmarks and suggestions for the Bereavement packs which will be distributed to patients in the Blue Mountains area 25/11

The service was included in the initiative by Blue Mountains Cancer Help Inc and UWS in meeting with two UWS third year medical student Emma and Mel who came to spend half a day to find out about the service Palliative Care Volunteers provide 13/5 and Mel 24/6

Our service, in partnership with Blue Mountains Cancer Help Inc, co-hosted ‘Grief Speaks’ on Sat 23rd of August 2014 at MMNC. Thirty three Blue Mountains residents attended this event Guest speaker Dr Roger Cole and Aunty Carol spoke about Grief and family experiences around grief. The program included a panel of local counsellors who answered questions from attendees. Feedback was very positive with many wishing to attend the event next year.

‘Memorial Day 2014’ was held in the Mavis Wood Hall at MMNC on the 16th of September 2014. There were forty five attendees including local community health staff, palliative care doctors, staff from Blue Mountains hospital, Lithgow hospital and Springwood Auxiliary and volunteers. Feedback from the event was very positive.

‘Memorial Day Sept 2014’ – Mavis Wood Hall MMNC

Left: Palliative Care RN Rebecca Palmer and volunteers Kerry Rice, Anne Dillon, Rhea Ellis and Deane Brownhill

Right: Dr Michael Noel Clinical Director and Staff Specialist

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NETWORKING AND PARTNERSHIPS

The Coordinator is responsible for maintaining close links with Nepean/ Blue Mountains LHD Palliative Care Team as well as building strong links with other agencies and networks. The relevant meetings and events attended are listed below.

Weekly clinical meetings of the Nepean/Blue Mountains Palliative Care Team;

Monthly hospital liaison meetings with Palliative community & hospital staff;

Monthly MMNC staff meetings;

Monthly Blue Mountains Community Care Forum meetings;

Quarterly Nepean/ Blue Mountains LHD Business meetings for Palliative Care;

- BMPSS is a member of the NSW Network Managers of Palliative Care volunteer services. The Coordinator attended and convened quarterly meetings at Port Kembla Hospital 2/2 Surry Hills PCNSW Office on 8/12 Braeside Hospital on 14/7 at Concord Hospital on 29/9 meeting prior to the volunteer conference at the Nan Tien Temple 28/5

- The coordinator meets with staff at Lithgow hospital Bronwyn Laing –Palliative Care Nurse Specialist and Nurse Unit manager Kim and social worker Jack Goldberg to review hospital visiting and community support service to obtain feedback. The service has received positive feedback showing there is an ongoing need for Lithgow residents to continue our service.

Left photo: The panel of counsellors at ‘Grief Speaks’ 2014 Dr Roger Cole, Boudi Maassen, Maureen Doherty and Megan Wynne-Jones.

Right photo: Long term volunteers Anne Dillon, Robyn Artup, Wendy Phillips, Narelle Bowen and Eric Hall at the 10 years of service Morning Tea

***********

The Blue Mountains Palliative support service continues to have a great reputation in our community. We are very fortunate to have a strong and compassionate group of volunteers who truly love their work. Four of our volunteers achieved 10 years of service in 2015. It is

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heart-warming and inspiring to see the level of commitment and dedication that the volunteers have towards supporting palliative clients in our community and our service. The feedback I regularly receive at meetings from clients and nursing staff is about how wonderful our volunteers are. Families are so appreciative of the volunteer’s contribution to their care and support at the end of their life.

Our service will be commencing an accreditation process in 2015-2016 which will result in achieving the Certificate level in the ‘Australian Service Excellence Standards”. Pending funding from NSW Health beyond June 2016, our goal is to continue with current and new projects and to continue promoting our service in the Lithgow area.

I would like to thank the MMNC Board and Mick for their on-going support.

Thank you to my colleagues for your inspiration, good sense of humour, listening ears and advice. A special thanks to Robin and Danielle, Sarah and Stacey who have been a wonderful support team. I wish Robin all the best in her new work in 2016

Katrina Simmons

Co-ordinator Blue Mountains Palliative Support Service

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Mid Mountains No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) Report Establishment of the Mid Mountains NILS Scheme

MMNC established the Mid Mountains NILS project in September 2000.

Thanks to National Australia Bank for providing a fee free, interest free overdraft of $75,000 for capital base since 1st January, 2012. Until 2009 we had been operating with loan capital base grants from: Mercy Foundation, Perpetual Trustees, Ian Potter Foundation, and Sydney Water.

Over the past 15 years the Neighbourhood Centre has recycled those funds through repayments to provide a total of 574 loans to families in need in the Mid Mountains.

Operation of the Scheme

We are accredited with Good Shepherd Microfinance (the community organisation which holds the trademark for NILS and oversees the operations of NILS programs nationally).

The Scheme covers residents from Linden to Wentworth Falls. Volunteer Joy Pospisil and staff Pauline Stafrace and Mick Barrett have conducted loan application interviews as the Loan Interview Officers. Loan applications are submitted to the Assessment Committee for decisions.

MMNC NILS staff and volunteers have attended two outer western Sydney regional meetings for training, mutual support and information sharing.

We are addressing repayment default risk factors by reviewing procedures to increase the information required by loan applicants, to equip the loan assessment committee to make more informed decisions, as well as to strengthen relationships to influence risky loan recipients to stay engaged. These practices will increase the responsibility of the Loan Interview Officer role in particular. To address this, the volunteer Loan Interview Officer position has been replaced for a trial period with a paid staff position. Increased training for our NILS workers has so far included online webinar and attendance (for Leigh and Helen) at the national NILS Conference. A NILS mobile phone has been purchased to help engage with clients “Currently Not Paying”, and the strategy of texting them has yielded some results that were not being achieved via leaving phone messages and sending letters.

Number & Value of Loans during 2014-2015

During the financial year to June 2015 we issued 51 loans to the value of $48 188.

Profile of Existing Loans

Over the past year loans have been approved for things like: fridges, washing machines and other appliances, hot water systems, computers, furniture, dental work, household repairs, moving expenses, educational fees, music expenses, medical equipment, car repairs, green slips and car registration.

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Most loan recipients use the free Centrepay direct debit repayment arrangement from their Centrelink benefits. This lowers default rates for the Centre across all loans.

Administration & Funding

NSW Fair Trading has granted administration funding until June 2017. We hope that this funding will become ongoing. Without this funding for management and accountability administration, we would not be able to provide this service.

We have also secured another grant from the federal Department of Social Services which will fund administration until June 2017.

Leigh Gordon has been employed as the NILS Administration Worker, principally monitoring repayments and following up any loans in arrears. She is also responsible for reconciliations and preparation of reports to Good Shepherd and provides general administrative and backup support to the NILS service. Helen (Financial Officer) backs up this position.

One of Leigh’s main responsibilities over the past year has been the migration of our loan records to Good Shepherd’s NILS4 database. While this was a challenging and time consuming task, it has dramatically cut down on data entry and has already proved a valuable asset in report preparation.

Thank you

We appreciate the organisations as above for their support. We also work closely with the Lithgow, Blackheath Area, Winmalee, and Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centres to provide NILS across the Lithgow and Blue Mountains LGAs. We are part of a network of NILS services across Australia and are supported by the NSW NILS Coordinator via Lismore Neighbourhood Centre.

The Volunteer NILS Sub-Committee members, Joy, Jean Lenihan and Jean Bundesen have all supported the Scheme and have participated whenever called upon.

We look forward to continued service for the people of the Mid Mountains community.

Mick Barrett

MMNILS Manager

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“Strengthening Exercise Classes” Program Report

In March 2015, I had the privilege of gaining the position of ‘Instructor’ for the St George

Hospital’s program ‘Strengthening for the Over Sixties’ conducted in Bullaburra Progress

Hall.

The following months have seen our classes increase from 4 classes per week to 6 classes

per week. All very well attended.

In May, I completed the ‘St George Hospital Course’ and all members are now benefitting

from the ‘Strengthening for Over Sixties Program’. We have also found the strengthening

program beneficial for all members of the mid-mountains community. The program is now

open to the general public.

I look forward to watching our members’ progress over the years.

Markesha Hartshorn

Fitness Instructor.

Strengthening Exercise class at Bullaburra Hall

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Mid Mountains Community Gardens

The Mid Mountains Community Gardens are auspiced by the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre and we work with our community partner, the Kihilla Organisation at Queens Road, Lawson.

The aims of the Community Garden are to promote community gardening and local, sustainable food production, as well as promote community building in the Mid Mountains area.

The 2014/2015 year has been productive and successful for the Community Gardens. Highlights of achievement and activities over the past year include :-

Participation in a local Food Forest Open Day in late 2014 where the Community Garden was open to the public along with 4 other resident’s backyard food gardens to promote sustainable and local food production in the Mid Blue Mountains.

Collaboration with the Mid Blue Mountains Seedsavers Group in the establishment of seedsaving beds at the Community Gardens and the promotion of saving heritage food plant varieties in the local area.

All 5 raised garden beds are in active production with a wide range of vegetables and herbs being grown. These include kales, silver beet and chards, broad beans, mizuna, turnips, salad greens, lettuce and herbs.

A new water efficient drip irrigation system has been purchased and is in the process of being installed as part of a self-sufficient water use program.

Crop protection netting structures have been installed over two of the garden beds and further beds are planned to be covered over the next few months.

Produce from 5 garden beds is being shared by community garden members and the Kihilla organization and excess produce is sold through the Community Market Stall at the Lawson Markets.

New volunteers have been attracted to the Community Gardens and are involved in sustainable food gardening programs supervised by experienced garden co-ordinators.

A range of activities are planned for the coming year including gardening workshops, social activities and fundraising events to attract new volunteers and engage with the local Mid Mountains Community.

David Olsson

MMCG