Community Northern Beaches helping marginalised people

Seniors Festival Mini Expo

The Northern Beaches Seniors Festival is a program of activities focusing on health and mental stimulation, food and nutrition, multicultural and inter-generational relationships, technology, accommodation and local service options. It is coordinated by Northern Beaches Council.

The festival program aims to encourage over 60s to connect with their community and develop new skills and interests. The Meet your local Seniors Groups mini expo was held at the Police Citizens youth club (PCYC) on Friday 16 Apr 21.

 

There were quite a few people attending the event. Lindy,Bev and Di Hart were on the stand

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many people showed interest

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor of Northern Beaches, Michael Regan at the Stand

The Secret of Chimneys

Saturday 17 April 21.

A most enjoyable play and no one guessed ‘who done it’. Over 20 Rotarians and friends attended the Saturday matinee of this Agatha Christie ripping murder mystery with elegant suspects. The performance was held at the Genesian theatre in Kent Street – an excellent performance by all 11 members of the cast which included Honorary Rotarian PP David Stewart-Hunter as Superintendent Battle of the Yard.

The majority of the group then went for pleasurable dinner at the nearby Belvedere Hotel. Many thanks to our Minister for Fun, PP Sue Terry for making all the arrangements for such a large group and ensuring another very successful event went so smoothly.

  

 Community Northern Beaches Presentation

John Kelly, Executive Director, Community Northern Beaches spoke to the club about the extensive work that they perform in the local community. Despite having the appearance of being an affluent part of Sydney, there is a great need for assistance in significant areas in the local community. 

John Kelly

John has been at the centre for 4 years after a career in a number of large not-for-profit community organisations and nursing facilities. He instigated broadening the services that now operate at Raglan St in Manly and has started a number of valuable additional locations and areas of assistance including Women's refuge, Pioneer Club plus a Community Information Hub in Dee Why. 

He operates with a staff of 9 skilled people and 100 volunteers and no appointments are necessary for anyone needing help. His aim was to make it a one-stop shop since many clients have multiple issues and needs. The organisation is at the front line in areas such as domestic violence (including Family & Youth services); Homelessness (providing a community hub that also connects with a range of outside services and organisations such as legal aid & Centerlink), and migrant services (where often the person or family are in significant need of assistance in many areas and cannot access services due to lack of knowledge and/or understanding. 40% of the cost of the operations is from donations and grants the balance is through accessing government schemes and grants. In the time he has been at the Community Northern Beaches, John has expanded the operations from $535K to $870K and now attained Public Benevolent Status/Deductible Gift Recipient Status (& tax deductibilty of donations) .  

The 3 key areas of assistance provided are Domestic and Family Violence; Support specifically with homelessness; and Family and Child Targeted Intervention. A wide rage of skills and integrated services are provided in each; often in conjunction with other specialised departments or agencies.

Domestic and Family Violence assistance Services provided include: Support and advocacy, Practical help and safety planning, Legal and Tenancy Advice, Financial Advice, Centrelink outreach, Assessment and referral to crisis accommodation services, Counseling, AVO and Court support. Building Blocks’ women’s support group*, Material Aid (clothing, toiletries, food, bedding etc.)

John reported that one women is murdered on average every week and the legal system breaks down in providing them protection almost in every case.  His staff attend the court in Manly to provide assistance and legal aid in family violent cases wherever possible - however the legal system needs a complete overhaul to ensure safer outcomes.

Support anyone experiencing, or at risk of homelessness on the Northern Beaches by providing access to a number of services, including the following: Information and referral; ‘Drop in’ café with free tea and coffee, and fresh food; Welfare; Material aid' Advocacy, Legal & tenancy advice, Centrelink outreach, Counseling, Computer and internet access, Mobile phone charging, Mail address, Locker storage

John reported that homelessness of occurs with people who suffered abuse as children; they don't want to be in the situation they find themselves. On the positive side 17 homeless people have been placed in a home situation or facility in the last 12 months, and they now can actively play a part in society. Frequently homelessness is linked with dug & alcohol abuse -  and the lack of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities is taking a great toll in the community (only 12 in the state) and a long term treatment is the only path to success.

Family and Child Targeted Early Intervention: The Family and Child Manager works towards prevention because, as reputable research now suggests, intervening in children’s earlier years has a significantly positive impact on the developmental journey of life. Programs change regularly throughout the year. Current programs being offered are a Supported Playgroup, a Respectful Relationships Program for high school students, Community Yoga, Youth Mentoring and Beyond The Gloves Boxing/Mentoring Program for 12 - 18 year old girls.

John makes presentations to Year10 students at many schools and openly talks about consent, life skills and the abuse potential of social media - all at no cost. Also project BUMP; pregnancy at school and mentoring and support.

John Kelly being presented with certificate of thanks by President Lindy Myers

The members of the audience were very moved by the stories that John outlined and greatly impressed by the assistance, dedication and commitment that the organisation and its staff provide despite the limited resources.

*Balgowlah Rotary intend to provide assistance to Building Blocks in the future since this project has a proven track record of helping groups of women who have suffered abuse and violence to rebuild their confidence, life skills and self-worth in a safe setting. The program is held 4 times a year and conducted by skilled counselors. Often the groups continue to regularly meet informally for coffee after the program has been completed since they have gained so much from sharing their experiences and giving each other valuable support during the program.

 

Golf Day _ Friday April 23rd

Balgowlah Rotary's 31st annual charity Golf Day to raise further funds for local charities and Rotary youth projects will now be held on April 23. It's an Ambrose tournament for men and women at Wakehurst Golf Club. There are lots of activities on the day and having fun is the order of the day. HURRY - Bookings are closing very soon!

Our revised flyer is below - see you on the course!