The latest news from Capital Region Community Services
No images? Click here
2 November 2023
Hi
As Mandy mentioned in the October newsletter, she is taking some well-deserved leave until 2 February. We at CRCS wish her a relaxing and rejuvenating break, though we are sure we’ll miss her sage advice.
While Mandy is on leave, I will be acting CEO. I know I have big shoes to fill, but I am excited to lead the organisation over the next few months and continue to achieve for our community.
As usual, we’ve had a very busy last month. Some highlights in this newsletter are:
- We were thrilled to announce that we are participating in the ACT Government's free preschool for all three-year-olds in 2024.
- We held our annual 10/10 Project volunteering day last week, cleaning up yards and gardens for nine households in need.
- Our early childhood centres experienced a very special Children’s Week show themed around The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
- With the help of volunteers from Deloitte, the Belconnen Community Centre Foyer got a new coat of paint in advance of some exciting changes taking place soon.
- We have launched our annual Giving Tree program. Can you provide a gift for a vulnerable family this Christmas?
I hope you enjoy reading all the details!
Take care,
Deb Bampton
Acting CEO
Capital Region Community Services (CRCS)
What's happening in November
At the Belconnen Community Theatre
- 23 November: Free movie screening: Judy, hosted by CRCS. Join us for this 2019 biographical film about the tumultuous life of Judy Garland, who was most famous for the role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.
At the Belconnen Community Gallery
- 23 October to 8 December: “Dark Snow,” an environmental photography exhibition by John Brookes.
- 11 to 22 December: Bungee youth resilience program exhibition.
Upcoming coach tours
- THIS WEEK: 3 November: Visit Tumut, a delightful town in the Riverina region. Local attractions include Tumut River Brewing Company, Tumut Broom Factory and a Community Labyrinth For Peace.
- 10 November: Explore Fitzroy Falls and Kangaroo Valley. The area has so much to offer: incredible natural scenery, gourmet food, local wines and produce and historical pioneer sites.
- 15 November: Enjoy the country charm of Goulburn, Australia’s first inland city. Highlights include Belmore Park, Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum, The Big Merino and the Heritage Railway Museum.
- 24 November: There’s plenty to keep you busy when you visit Mogo! This adorable town features the Mogo Zoo, Mogo Lolly Shop, and a delightful strip of cafes, galleries and shops.
Other community events
Orange Day 2023 Symposium, 25 November
Initiatives For Women In Need (IWiN) invites all interested members of the ACT Community to join them, the South Asian Federation ACT (SAFACT) and the Multicultural Hub (MHUB) on Saturday 25 November, as a part of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General’s UNiTE campaign, “Orange the world”. This event is about taking action as a community to say ‘NO’ to violence against women.
This symposium is open to all genders and includes an interactive information session on how to end violence against women. There will also be an interactive panel discussion and networking opportunities in a culturally safe environment.
CRCS news
Free three-year-old preschool for Canberra families
To boost early childhood education for Canberrans, the ACT Government has declared the provision of free preschool for all three-year-olds for 300 hours annually, commencing in 2024. With a staggering investment of over $50 million across four years, this initiative promises equitable access to quality play-based learning, bringing lifelong benefits for children.
We are proud to be participating in this landmark program at our four early childhood education and care centres in Bruce and Belconnen.
Another 10/10 day
On 26 October, 56 volunteers donned their workwear, picked up rakes, pushed mowers, snipped branches and pulled out weeds to help out nine households in need across Canberra for our annual 10/10 Project.
Commencing in 2012, the 10/10 Project is a day about giving back to our community. Our volunteer teams provide one-off free ‘backyard blitz’ style yard and garden clean-ups for vulnerable families who, due to their life circumstances, find it challenging to manage the condition of their yards.
A day of hungry caterpillars
To celebrate Children’s Week 2023, three members of our early childhood education and care team developed a special show themed around ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’.
As Vivian De Sousa Silva, Nominated Supervisor of our Belconnen Early Childhood Centre, said, “This book is filled with teachable moments and chances for children to participate in play with rhymes, identify with book characters, foster imagination, and talk about food. And yes, we all love food!”
The team took this show around to all four of our early childhood centres on 27 October, and developed resources to continue the learning after the show was done.
Giving Tree appeal
We are now collecting gifts for our annual Giving Tree and once again ask our community to drop off suitable items for children, parents or our senior community.
- All gifts must be unwrapped and as new.
- You can donate at any CRCS office or early childhood centre.
- You can register to host a Giving Tree collection with your office or friends by emailing contact@crcs.com.au.
- All gifts must be dropped off by 22 November, or contact us to book a pick up on 23 November 2023.
Thank you in advance for your support for those in our community in need! Let’s ensure that everyone has food on the table and gifts under the tree this Christmas.
In-home support to empower seniors living at home
We provide a range of high-quality in-home and social support services to help seniors continue to live independently in their own homes. We have a particular focus on people with Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) packages and Home Care Packages (HCP), but we can also provide services for a fee for others who would benefit from in-home support.
Depending on their package, as assessed by My Aged Care, we can enable seniors' independence through:
- domestic assistance (such as chores or meal preparation)
- personal care
- home maintenance and gardening
- flexible in-home respite
- social support (individual or group)
- transport to/from appointments.
Find out more about our seniors' services or contact our friendly Community Care team by calling 02 6278 8101 or emailing packages@crcs.com.au.
Foyer improvements
If you dropped by the Belconnen Community Centre in mid-October, you might have seen a flurry of activity as we repainted the foyer with the help of volunteers from Deloitte.
This is not just a refresh of our space but a sign of big changes to come!
Emporium
Since it began, our Social Bean Café has been a place for our community to gather. It is now going to expand, with our foyer becoming an Emporium where you can support local emerging artisans, enjoy a delicious meal or simply connect with your neighbours and friends.
The Emporium will officially open by the end of November, ready for your Christmas shopping. Watch this space!
How to get involved
Cafe & Emporium volunteers enable the running of events and activities, and connect with community members to access and build their experience.
We are looking for helpers seven days a week.
Are you an artist or creator? Do you make a tasty relish or have a mini-nursery of plants? Showcase your merchandise as a stallholder with the Emporium.
You can lease spaces of varying sizes.
