nundah activity centre December 2015

Merry Christmas

get more out of life

nac’s activities: • bus tours • walking • ballroom dancing • line dancing • ballet • men’s shed • snooker • yoga • exercise classes • darts • mah jong • table tennis • movies club • euchre • computer classes • American canasta

Another Christmas is on our doorsteps and another fantastic year for your Centre. I outlined the achievements in my Annual Report and in the last newsletter including the Digital Community Visitors Scheme, Skilling Queenslanders for Work training programmes, and special projects such Bikes4Life and our own internet radio station, naconlineradio. As impressive as these may be for a non-profit organisation of our size, every time I call at the centre, I am constantly reminded of the importance of the less-than-dynamic normal activities our people perform in daily roles that have been, and always will be, at the heart of Nundah Activity Centre’s identity.  We are still here for the local community and it is the actions of the staff and our volunteers that are the truly amazing story of NAC. I wish to thank your General Manager, Don Rudd, and all of his dedicated staff for their hard work in 2015. Without them, our goals and mission at the centre could not be achieved. Above all I would like to say thank you to the many volunteers who contribute numerous hours of their valuable time to ensure that the lives of our many clients are made more comfortable.  I also thank the Board of NAC who have again, in 2015, put in an enormous effort. You have made me proud to serve as your President and I look forward to our 40th Anniversary in 2016. I wish you all a great and safe Christmas and hope that your dreams in 2016 become a reality. Terry Hayes  President

Whew… Time to pause for breath! What an amazing year we have enjoyed at Nundah Activity Centre rolling out an array of exciting and innovative programmes in the Centre and all over Australia. Our very own radio station NAC Online Radio, art classes, vocational training programmes, the Digital Community Visitors’ Scheme and members’ iDesk, to name a few. It takes a team effort to achieve outstanding results like these. I thank our dedicated and talented staff, volunteers and Board members for their contributions to our success in 2015. Special thanks to our members, friends and sponsors. Your enthusiastic support has provided the motivation and the means for our campaign to expand our services and extend the range of the NAC brand to help people everywhere get more out of life. Have a great Christmas break and prepare yourself for even more exciting developments at NAC in the new year. Best wishes, Don Rudd General Manager

In this issue...... Skilling Queenslanders for Work Gets Underway and Deputy Director-General’s visit Two courses designed to he lp people get a start on worthwhile careers commenced in October. See how the trainees in both courses are progressing with their hands-on training. The DDG dropped in for a visit with our Skilling Queenslander for Work trainees and praised the interest and progression of our trainees over a cuppa with NAC management and staff.

NAC Online Radio can send your greetings across the world Read how our internet radio service is readily available to use on Christmas Day to send loved ones overseas your special Christmas greeting and song dedication.

Digital Community Visitor Scheme as Christmas Gift Something truly different and special for older parents at Christmas. A gift that will help remove isolation.

The fun of our Melbourne Cup Party A big race and a big day. See how we spent Cup Day at the centre.

Our Christmas Party Soon

Book now. Don’t miss out.

Your Christmas Greeting Across the World with NAC Radio Send friends and loved ones overseas your special message on Christmas Day. Through our internet radio service, NAC Online Radio, we can send your Christmas wishes to be received at the time your loved ones overseas are enjoying their Christmas morning. The message can be played as they are opening presents and getting ready for Christmas dinner, even on the other side of the world. It can accompany a Christmas song of your choice and be a special message that uses the internet to bridge the distance and bring you to others across the world. No matter where they are, as long as your recipients can access www.naconlineradio. org on their internet connection, they can hear what you have to say. Simply tell them to put the service on at the time it will be played (we can determine when that will be) and they can hear your personal message and Christmas song at a time when it can mean the most. If you do not tell them why, it will be nice surprise. Call to the centre during office hours and have one of our NAC Online Radio staff record your message. Choose a special Christmas song from a list of more than one hundred to dedicate along with your message. Your message will be played on Christmas Day at the time that your recipients are having their Christmas morning. No matter where in the world your loved ones are, they can hear your Christmas message and dedicated song. This will be a free service NAC offers to its members with our wish for a Merry Christmas for you and yours. NAC Online Radio is Nundah Activity Centre’s internet radio project. It broadcasts Easy Listening and Great Music Memories, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can listen to it at www.naconlineradio.org

NAC is Wrapping up Your Christmas The gold coins have been growing in the tin as the throng of happy Christmas shoppers have been getting their purchases artfully wrapped for giving by our devoted volunteers. Our annual Christmas service in association with Toombul Shopping Centre will continue at the centre until Christmas and the gold coin donation to help us continue our community activities is gratefully received. You will find the service located beside the central stage at Toombul Shopping Centre. Drop by and say hello to Gwen and her happy band of volunteers. If you would like to help out, there is still time to volunteer.

The Christmas Gift of Care for Older Parents This Christmas, help your parents get more out of life with Nundah Activity Centre’s DCVS Service. A gift that overcomes time, distance, and lack of personal contact, and it is free to all eligible recipients of an Aged Care Package. DCVS Service Gift starts with NAC providing a simple tablet with internet connection, easy-to-use touch functions, personal instruction, and assistance to remove the confusion of new-age technology that often deters older people. “The Digital Community Visitors’ Scheme is a complete service provided by NAC for older people living in specific regions around Australia who receive packaged home care. nundah activity centre

December 2015 NAC News 03

Our Cup Carnival • Written by Lee Sims

It was a historic day. Michelle Payne became the first female jockey, on only the fourth 100 to 1 winner, Prince of Penzance, and we saw it on the big screen at nac. It was a special day for me. My first chance to host an event for Nundah Activity Centre but, even more, a wonderful opportunity to meet some our longest standing members.

A big week for Elenor

Elenor Weymouth was there as a prelude to her own 90th birthday on the following Saturday. Many happy returns, Elenor. I look forward to seeing you again at our next Melbourne Cup Day. And, of course, at 3pm, the big race on the big screen and what a finish. The Melbourne Cup is arguably the most exciting sport event. You can always rely on an exciting finish and usually a surprise winner. But this year’s was more than anyone could have predicted. Well Margaret Carl, said she thought Prince of Penzance might win. Did she back it? No. Seems I’ve heard that story before.

04 NAC News December 2015

get more out of life

Trainees in Certificate III in Home and Community Care were given practical demonstration and training in the use of equipment they will use in their future career. Skilling Queenslanders for Work is a Queensland Government initiative that provides essential theoretical and practical hands-on experience to properly arm trainees for their future careers. Our Certificate III courses, Home and Community Care and Technology and Information got off to a great start in October. Certificate III in Digital, Technology and Information, in partnership with Australian Business College and Certificate III in Home and Community Care with Royal Health Care College. Boths course are provided free to eligible applicants under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work.

Training Goes Ahead Deputy Director-General Visits Last month we had the pleasure to host the Deputy DirectorGeneral Suzanne Wauchope at the centre. Ms Wauchope and her entourage came to inspect our two training courses and meet the participants. The students were keen to demonstrate what they were learning and express their feeling of achievement gained from participating in the Skilling Queenslander for Work. Later the Deputy Director-General took a break for a cup of tea and to chat with NAC management and stall at the centre.

With the successful launch of two courses, we are now planning to commence more of these programmes in early 2016. The training is offered free to eligible applicants. For enquiries about course content, commencement and eligibility contact Joanna Barnes at Nundah Activity Centre, 3266 4500 or [email protected] nundah activity centre

December 2015 NAC News 05

Monday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Walking Club

Walking Club (Toombul Shopping Centre)

Podiatry 8.00 am - 11.00 pm

Walking Club

(Toombul Shopping Centre)

7.00 am - 8.00 am

7.00 am - 8.00 am

Gentle Exercise 8.00 am - 9.00 am

Men’s Shed 8.30 am - 12.00 pm

$5.50 Per Session $50 Per Ten Week Course

Snooker 8.30 am - 4.00 pm

Bookings Required $3.00

Recreational Bus Trip 8.30 am - 2.00 pm Bookings Essential $7.00 Clients Only

Mah Jong 9.00 am - 12.00 pm $3.00

Euchre 10.00 am - 12.00 pm $3.00

Afternoon Dance 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm Beginners Welcome Ian or Val 3863 0193 Not Public Holidays $5.00

$2.00

Computer Lessons 9.00 am - 11.00 am

By appointment only Clients $8.00 Private $30.00

Nutritionist & Physiotherapist 8.00 am - 4.00 pm

Craft 9.30 am - 12.00 pm

$2.00

Fundraising activity

Justice of the Peace 9.15 am - 10.15 am

Yoga 9.30 am - 11.00 am

Braille Reading 9.30 am -12.00 pm

Counselling Service 10.00 am - 2.00 pm

Table Tennis 9.30 am - 12.00 pm $3.00

Hearing Tests 9.00 pm - 1.00 pm

First Wednesday each month Free

Free

Free

Pensioners: $12.00 Others by request

Appointment required $3.00

$3.00

Art Classes 11.00 am - 3.00 pm

American Canasta 12.30 am - 4.00 pm

(Joint birthday November/ December)

Acting Class 12.00 pm - 1.30 pm Ballet 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm

Euchre 10.00 am - 12.00 pm

$3.00

Last Friday of the month

Tuesday

Ballet 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm

NAC Haccers 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm

Eva Kohout (07) 3266 8397

$3.00

Monthly Bus Trip

NACtivities 9.30 am - 2.00 pm

Line Dancing 9.00 am - 1.30 pm

Second Friday of the month

NAC Members Birthday Party 10.00 am

Free

Clients $13.00 Private $20.00

NAC Member Bus Trip 8.30 am

Men’s Shed 8.30 am - 12.00 pm

$3.00

Wheels to Meals 9.00 am- 1.00 pm

Bookings Required $3.00

Bikes 4 Life 9.00 am - 12.00 pm

IT Club 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm

$3.00

Snooker 8.30 am - 3.00 pm

$3.00

Ballet 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm

Patchwork 9.00 am - 11.00 am

7.00 am - 8.00 am

By appointment only Clients $3.00

English as a second language 10.30 am - 11.30 am

Eva Kohout (07) 3266 8397

(Toombul Shopping Centre)

Clients Only Price according to destination Check the notice board

Clients $13.00 Private $20.00

Ballet 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm

Eva Kohout (07) 3266 8397

$10.00

Eva Kohout 3266 8397

Saturday Ballet 9.00 am - 3.00 pm

Eva Kohout (07) 3266 8397

Dancing Night 6.00 pm Learn 7.00 pm Dance

1st & 4th Saturday each month $10.00

Brett Jenkins 0402 623 787

Sunday

Ballet 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm

Bikes 4 Life 10.00 am - 12.00pm

Eva Kohout (07) 3266 8397

Faith City Worship Centre 9.00 am - 11.00 am

Morning tea after service

NAC’s Christmas Break Nundah Activity Centre will be closed over the Christmas/ New Year Period from Christmas Eve. It’s time for us to take a short break. We will close at 4pm, Thursday, 24th December, and open our doors again on Monday, 11th January. Best Wishes for the New Year. See you again in 2016

US Professor Explores Men’s Sheds In October, Professor David Jones visited the Nundah Men’s Shed on a factfinding mission. Professor Jones is no stranger to Nundah. He grew up here. This Aussie educator has, for the past 25 years, been lecturing in the United States with the Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio. News of the success of Men’s Sheds in Australia has spread to United States and David Jones’ College Dean sent him to Australia to investigate the Men’s Shed success story. Naturally he picked Nundah as the starting point. One Men’s Shed is not enough to gain a proper perspective so, after meeting with Jeff Lawrence and other members at the Nundah Men’s Shed, Lee Sims had the pleasure of escorting the Professor to other sheds around the Brisbane area, including Mt Gravatt and Ipswich. Each operation has its own characteristics and provides variations of the concept but the theme of camaraderie and purposeful activity is consistent at all Men’s Shed. And that is the way that the Professor found it throughout the tour.

December 17 - A Big Birthday Celebration for Molly Birthdays in December can be a problem... Close to Christmas... Harder to get the attention…

What about when your birthday is only two days before Christmas? This year, Mary McDuff will not be overshadowed. Birthdays in December can be a problem... Close to Christmas... Harder to get the attention… Christmas or not, this is her year. Mary (Molly) McDuff turns 100 on December 23 and we will be making a big deal about it in the week before. What about when your birthday is only two days before Christmas? This year, Mary McDuff will not be overshadowed. Christmas or not, this is her year. Mary (Molly) McDuff turns 100 on December 23 and we will be Mary McDuff was born in Ipswich as the second of five children. She followed in the tradition of her father as a teacher. She making a big deal about it in the week before. began teaching in Clermont, where she met her husband, Clarrie (Mac) McDuff. Mary McDuff was born in Ipswich as the second of five children. She followed in the tradition of her father as a They lived in Caboolture, where they had three daughters and a son. They moved to Windsor and then to Wavell Heights teacher. She began teaching in Clermont, where she met her husband, Clarrie (Mac) McDuff. where Mary still lives in that family home. We look forward to hosting Molly at the Centre on 17th December and welcome her 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren along with other extended members of her family and many local They lived in Caboolture, where they had three daughters and a son. They moved to Windsor dignitaries. and then to Wavell Heights where Mary still lives in that family home. We look forward to hosting Molly at the Centre on 17th December and welcome her 4 children, 10 grandchildren On 17th December, we will be holding a 100th Birthday Celebration Morning Tea for Mary, her and 9 great grandchildren along with other extended members of her family and many local family and many friends. RSVP 15th December. dignitaries. On 17th December, we will be holding a 100th Birthday Celebration Morning Tea for Mary, her family and many friends. RSVP 15th December.

You never miss the water until you empty the well… And so goes the story of Steven Turrell There are members of staff, who are integral to the daily functions of NAC whom we do not truly appreciate until they are missing. Recently we suffered the temporary loss of CHSP & Property Officer, Steve Turrell, and his consistent attention to a variety of operational functions including workplace safety and security. Suddenly the “Just ask Steve” disappeared. The void commenced when Steve fell ill to the flu which was then compounded by a fall that broke his shoulder. Still, well before he was supposed to return, Steve was back, shoulder in sling, picking up on the workload. Obviously our members and the centre means more to Steve then his own comfort. We are proud to have Steve on the team. His dedication is an inspiration to us all. nundah activity centre

get more back at nac

We want our volunteers to get a return for the time and effort they donate. We take the time to find out about you, your experience, your skills, your interests, your aims. We want you to gain from time with us. Call us and let’s talk about how you can get back more for your time with nac on (07) 3266 4500

December 2015 NAC News 07

The Christmas Gift of Care for Older Parents

NAC’s Team

This Christmas, help your parents get more out of life with Nundah Activity Centre’s DCVS Service. A gift that reduces isolation and loneliness caused by lack of personal contact and it is free to all eligible recipients of an Aged Care Package.

Board Terry Hayes (President) Samantha Cowley (Secretary) Mary-Clare Harris (Treasurer) Mark Gilbert Chris Thorburne Jeff Lawrence Aunty Chick Fisher

DCVS Service Gift starts with NAC providing a simple tablet with internet connection, easy-to-use touch functions, personal instruction, and assistance to remove the confusion of new-age technology that often deters older people. The Digital Community Visitors’ Scheme is a complete service provided by NAC for older people living in specific regions

around Australia who receive packaged home care. It places our easy-to-use tablet, set up, ready to go, with internet access, a generous data allowance, simple functions, and our personal instruction, in your parents’ hands. The DCVS reaches people that are socially isolated in a safe and secure manner. It helps to keep them living independently in the community. It is amazing to see the change in our participants from when they first start the programme. They are more animated, happier, and eager to engage in life. The service comes complete with ongoing support from our experienced and caring NAC DCVS Team.

“It (the DCVS service) helps when I am in pain ‘cause I can chat through it, rather than lying down until it passes” -- Julie, a participant who lives with a chronic illness “I feel much happier after I talk with Liz (DCVS Team member)” -- Terry, DCVS participant

General Manager Don Rudd Operations Manager Janetta Mcdiarmid Community Projects Co-ordinator Joanna Barnes Meals on Wheels Margaret Carl Promotions Lee Sims (Manager) Sugito Arifin (Co-ordinator) Ying Lun (Graphic Design ) Community Visitors Scheme Gwen Thiesfield (CVS Co-ordinator) Lynda Wells (DCVS Co-ordinator) Digital Projects Sarah Xu Diversity Client Services Debbie Jones Client and Member Services Karen Alexander (Respite & Lifestyle) Pam Dalrymple (Respite) Steven Turrell (CHSP & Property) Finance and Administration Emerlina Lagman Natasha Fertjowski Michaela Badger Natalie Klinger

Tel. (07) 3266 4500 Fax (07) 3266 1271 Email [email protected] www.nac.org.au

ETON STREET T

E RE

To Northgate

JENNER STREET NUNDAH STATION

ST D OO ET W RE Centrelink ST ND N GA IO T TE A RO ST AD BOYD ROAD

SA

Post BUCKLAND ROAD

Support Services Ian Gordon (Technical) John Berry (Maintenance) Ray Carl (Transport/General) Arthur Kent (Transport/General)

Oxenham Park YORK STREET

MELTON ROAD

15 Jenner Street, Nundah, QLD, 4012

To Sandgate

DUKE STREET

Nundah Activity Centre

NUNDAH STREET

For further information, please contact Lynda Wells, NAC’s Digital Community Co-ordinator, [email protected] or (07) 32664500.

Send stories to [email protected]

Nundah Village BUCKLAND ROAD

To City

nac’s service • meals on wheels • digital community visitors scheme (DCVS) • home and community care • hearing tests • podiatry • JP Service

Printed with the compliments of Hon. Wayne Swan MP Federal Member for Lilley