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ACT Seniors and Veterans Newsletter March 2020€¦ · To best meet the needs of the veteran...

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Page 1 of 20 ACT Seniors and Veterans Newsletter March 2020 Contents Page Grants, Awards and Events ......................................................................................... 2 Recreational, Health and Wellbeing ............................................................................. 6 Information and Assistance ....................................................................................... 12 Training and Education............................................................................................. 15 Volenteering ........................................................................................................... 19 Mailing List and Future Articles ................................................................................. 20
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Page 1: ACT Seniors and Veterans Newsletter March 2020€¦ · To best meet the needs of the veteran community, a focus on ageing veterans, contemporary veterans and veterans’ families

Page 1 of 20

ACT Seniors and Veterans Newsletter

March 2020

Contents Page

Grants, Awards and Events ......................................................................................... 2

Recreational, Health and Wellbeing ............................................................................. 6

Information and Assistance....................................................................................... 12

Training and Education ............................................................................................. 15

Volenteering ........................................................................................................... 19

Mailing List and Future Articles ................................................................................. 20

Page 2: ACT Seniors and Veterans Newsletter March 2020€¦ · To best meet the needs of the veteran community, a focus on ageing veterans, contemporary veterans and veterans’ families

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Grants, Awards and Events

Veterans Grant Program 2019-20

The second round of the Veterans Grant Program is now open. The primary aim of the Veterans Grant Program is to support veterans and their family’s wellbeing and social inclusion. To best meet the needs of the veteran community, a focus on ageing veterans,

contemporary veterans and veterans’ families might be considered collectively or separately as the focus of the grant application.

Applications are sought for innovative projects that promote veterans as valued members of the ACT community and enable them to participate in community activities.

A maximum of $5,000 is available per grant. To apply, visit http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/home/grants

Applications close at 5:00pm, 30 March 2020

Seniors Grant Program 2019-20

The second round of the Seniors Grant Program are now open. The Seniors Grant Program provides funding for innovative projects that promote seniors as valued members of the ACT community, and enable their active participation in community life. The Program has

a particular emphasis on supporting projects which address the areas of elder abuse, enhanced social inclusion and those that address the needs of diverse seniors, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse seniors.

A maximum of $2,000 is available per grant for innovative and dynamic new programs/ projects or equipment to promote seniors in our community.

To apply, visit https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/wac/seniors/grants

Applications close at 5:00pm, 30 March 2020

Page 3: ACT Seniors and Veterans Newsletter March 2020€¦ · To best meet the needs of the veteran community, a focus on ageing veterans, contemporary veterans and veterans’ families

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2019-20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants Program

The grants program aligns with several Focus Areas under the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Agreement 2019-2028 (the Agreement). The Agreement is a policy framework which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to exercise self-determination and have the ability and resources to provide their own solutions, acknowledging that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership is central

to the process of ensuring the long-term emotional and physical wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The grants program consists of three (3) components which are:

1. Cultural Grants: support the Agreement Core Focus Area of Cultural Integrity, where a society that supports the aspirations of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and contributes to the

building of respectful, fair and sustainable communities. Individuals can apply for up to $5,000 (GST exclusive) and organisations can apply for up to $10,000 (GST exclusive).

2. Leadership Grants: support the Agreement Core Focus Area of Community Leadership, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a strong voice, are decision makers on issues that impact them and lead in the achievement of positive life outcomes.

Individuals can apply for up to $5,000 (GST exclusive) and organisations can apply for up to $10,000 (GST exclusive).

3. Scholarship Grants: support the Agreement Significant Focus Area of Lifelong Learning, where respect is given to preserving the world’s oldest living cultures which enhances social inclusion and empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to fully engage in lifelong learning and

positive generational experiences. Individuals can apply for up to $5,000 (GST exclusive).

Please refer to the information section of the Guidelines for information about the Grant components

(Cultural, Leadership, Scholarship). There is funding of $220,000 available through this grant round.

The grants program is available to individuals and organisations across the ACT and Canberra Region.

The grant program opened on 27 September 2019 and will close on 31 March 2020, or when total funds are expended. Applications may be submitted anytime during this period.

For more information or to apply please visit https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/home/grants or call (02) 6207 9784.

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Chief Minister’s Concert

Join in the fun on Tuesday 24 March. The Band of the Royal Military College will be putting on an unforgettable show.

Numbers are limited. Reservations can be made by contacting COTA ACT on (02) 6282 3777 or online www.concert2020.eventbrite.com.au

Please note, no catering (including tea/coffee) is available at the venue.

Getting there The Albert Hall is located on Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla (beside the Hyatt Hotel). By car

There is ample parking around the venue, but please note this is timed pay parking. By bus

Catch the R2, R4, R6, R7 or R10 from any major bus station and get off at the Albert Hall stop.

Seniors Expo 2020 The 2020 ACT Seniors Week Expo will be held on Thursday 26 March.

Held from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Exhibition Park in Canberra, the Expo brings together more than 120 exhibitors to inspire, inform and connect older Canberrans to the groups, activities and organisations

available to them. The Expo is designed to showcase businesses and organisations, giving Canberra seniors information on:

• lifestyle options;

• retirement and aged care advice and options;

• travel opportunities;

• investment ideas;

• government services;

• community links;

• social and leisure activities; • health and fitness; and more!

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Canberra Walking Festival

The Canberra Walking Festival (incorporating the 29th Canberra Two Day Walk) is a non-competitive event open to walkers of all ages. The event aims to foster and promote walking as a worthwhile, fun activity. Participants may walk one or both days, choosing their distance(s) from set routes: walks on Saturday from

5km to 42km around Lake Burley Griffin and surrounds; walks on Sunday from 5km to 28km along the Canberra Centenary Trail. All walks start from the Control Centre in Yarralumla.

Date: Saturday, 4 April and Sunday, 5 April Time: Start times vary by distance; ends at 4:00pm each day Where: Albert Hall, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla

Cost: Fee varies by age and number of walks Child Under 10: $10 (for one or two days) Child 10-17 years: $20 (for one or two days) Adult: $30 (one day) and $55 (standard online two-day entry rate)

More Info: http://aussiewalk.com.au/cwf/

2020 Volunteering Awards VolunteeringACT is excited to announce that nominations for the Canberra region, are now open.

The Awards are the premier volunteer recognition event in the ACT and surrounding regions. Held annually, the Awards night aims to celebrate the contribution of volunteering to the Canberra region

and recognise the impact nominated individuals have had on our community. This year, nominators can select from seven award categories:

• Volunteer team of the Year Award;

• Corporate Volunteering Award;

• Volunteer Leadership Award;

• Innovation Award;

• Young Volunteer of the Year Award;

• Senior Volunteer of the Year Award; and

• Inclusion Award.

All nominees will be eligible for an additional two categories:

• Volunteer of the Year; and

• Canberra’s Choice Award

Nominations can be submitted here: https://www.volunteeringact.org.au/get-involved/volunteering-awards/submit-a-nomination/

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Bonsai Week

The National Arboretum Canberra is celebrating Bonsai Week in March. Come and learn about the art, science and the people behind bonsai – including internationally recognised bonsai artists Marija Hajdic

and Nik Rozman.

Date: 23 – 29 March 2020 There will be a series of special events for the curious gardener or serious bonsai professional, including:

• free tours of the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia;

• free Bonsai Demonstrations;

• beginner Bonsai Workshops; and

• Bonsai Talks from international bonsai artists. You are also invited to attend Bonsai After Hours, enjoy drinks and canapes while you watch a fast-paced bonsai transformation by our international artists. Never been before? It could involve chainsaws, it could

involve audience participation, and it is guaranteed to help you see the art of bonsai in a new light. Visit during Bonsai Week and be inspired to start or continue your bonsai journey!

To find out more and book tickets visit https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/living-collection/bonsai/bonsai-week-2020

Recreational, Health and Wellbeing

Forrest Men’s Shed

Date: Each Tuesday morning Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm Where: Wesley Uniting Church, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest

Cost: $2 contribution for morning tea

For more information phone 0490 027 153 or visit tinyurl.com/MENS-SHED-FORREST

Forrest Men’s Shed has a weekly program including speakers, cooking and a woodworking workshop.

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Marymead Grandparents Group

Have you heard about the Grandparent's Group?

Marymead's Grandparents Group provides a support network for grandparent carers in the ACT. It also provides social connection, support, education and advice for grandparents who are preparing to be or who are primary carer for their grandchild/ren.

Marymead’s Grandparent’s Group meets monthly at Marymead’s Canberra site at the Rheinberger Centre.

Where: Corner of Weston and Loch Streets, Yarralumla When: 12:00pm to 3:00pm

Lunch is provided.

For more information, please call 1800 427 920 or visit http://www.marymead.org.au/services/grandparents-group

Gungahlin Day View Club Why not join a VIEW Club now. VIEW stands for Voice Interests and Education of Women and is open to women of all ages and offers a friendship network, providing fun and a se nse of purpose for members

through supporting education of disadvantaged children As a valued part of The Smith Family, VIEW members help to change the lives of young Australians in need through fundraising, volunteering, advocating and sponsoring disadvantaged students on The Smith

Family's Learning for Life program. Australia wide VIEW Clubs sponsor more than 1,400 disadvantaged students through the Learning for Life program.

Gungahlin Day VIEW Club meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at Versatile Restaurant,

Federation Square.

Where: 18 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls

When: 11:30am for 12:00pm start

RSVPs required by the Sunday before.

For more information go to www.view.com.au or email [email protected]

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A Social Gathering for NDIS Participants or Carers of NDIS participants Every second Tuesday starting 4 February 2020, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

Come and join us every second Tuesday morning in our group, with separate groups for men and women. A great way to make new friends, have a social outing and enjoy some activities.

Enjoy a game of pool, table tennis, shooting hoops, listening to music, playing the PS4 or just to have a coffee, cake and catch up!

A group of all ages and backgrounds held at Axis Youth Centre at Queanbeyan Town Park (just our group there) improved daily living skills, increased social participation or innovative community participation- Bookings are essential.

When: Every Second Tuesday Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Where: Axis Youth Centre, Queanbeyan Town Park Please contact Jenni on 0481 202 149 or [email protected] for an intake form.

Exercise and Strength for Life A FREE seminar organised by the Health Care Consumers’ Association, introducing people over 50 years to

the Strength for Life Program. You will:

• find out how exercise can prevent issues associated with ageing;

• find out how you can maintain and improve strength as you age;

• take part in some strength, coordination and balance exercises; and

• identify your next steps.

Date: Tuesday 17 March 2020 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm Venue: Meeting room, building on the right, 100 Maitland Street, Hackett.

Parking front and back. RSVP: By Friday 13 March to assist with catering to [email protected]

Phone (02) 6230 7800.

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Connections: 55 Plus (Multicultural Social and Wellbeing Seniors Group) Activities: morning tea, exercise, board games, community talk sessions, discussion, celebration and a light lunch.

Cost: $3.00 Date: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month

Location: 33 Were Street, Calwell (Southgate Christian Community) Time: 10:30am to 1:00pm

Contact for more information or obtain the group's poster, please call 0422 737 751 or email to [email protected]

Harrison Intergenerational Playgroup

We are seeking senior community members to participate in the Harrison Heritage intergenerational playgroup will come together at the beautiful ACT heritage listed site” Gungaderra Homestead” located at Mapleton Avenue in Harrison. This is a unique and special playgroup and we encourage the children and

parents to mix with the Seniors as much as they would like to. It is an excellent opportunity for your loved one to experience group activities and learn to socialize and

play in a range of situations. It also gives you the chance to meet other parents and carers, make friends and share parenting ideas and information. Harrison Heritage Intergenerational Playgroup also gives families and children the opportunity to build lasting relationships with the elderly community.

When: Friday morning’s Time: 10:00am to 11:30am Where: Gungaderra Homestead, Mapleton Avenue, Harrison

Cost: Gold coin donation Lots of Free parking available onsite via Otway street.

A great program brought to you by ACT Playgroups and proudly supported by CHC.

For more information: Please contact Mataina at CHC on (02) 6248 7716, alternatively you can email [email protected]

Page 10: ACT Seniors and Veterans Newsletter March 2020€¦ · To best meet the needs of the veteran community, a focus on ageing veterans, contemporary veterans and veterans’ families

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Mixed Bag

Mixed Bag is a social choir for all ages and abilities. The choir sing for an hour then meet afterwards for afternoon tea

When: Wednesdays at 2:30pm Where: Community Services #1 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah

Those with the ability to play a musical instrument are welcome to attend as well. Please call Community Services #1 to advise of your attendance

Seniors Information and Activities

Belconnen Men’s Shed (BMS) is developing a program of activities that will bring people together to

discuss matters that are of interest to seniors. Although the BMS will coordinate the program, the events will be available to all female and male senior members of the ACT community.

Sessions will be focused on providing information to seniors that will assist them to make informed decisions or to source further information and assistance. The end goal of the program is to produce a reference guide for ACT seniors that provides information relating to:

• legal services and support; • liaising with government agencies; • coping with grief and changing circumstances; • considerations related to health services, medication, insurance and medical service providers;

• adjusting to deteriorating health, mobility or finances; • dealing with accommodation challenges; • planning for retirement;

• household budgeting and living on the Australian Age Pension; • matters related to relationships, families and older people in caring roles; and • finding physical and social activities that are suitable for your needs.

To gauge interest and decide information topics and the venue locations and the session times, a survey is available for interested seniors. The survey can be obtained at Terry White Chemmart pharmacy at Ainslie,

Garran and Higgins. It is also available online at https://tinyurl.com/tips4actseniors. Survey feedback will be used to establish the dates, times and locations of the informat ion sessions.

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Dance for Wellbeing Classes

The Dance for Wellbeing program is an initiative of Belconnen Arts Centre, promoting health and wellbeing for the body and the brain, through dance from many cultures.

We are providing regular dance classes for ACT communities with Parkinson’s disease, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis and other chronic conditions. There is a growing body of medical evidence strongly validating the

importance of exercise in the maintenance of our wellbeing – physically, cognitively and socially. All welcome, walkers and wheelchairs included! No partner necessary.

Dates and times: See website for more details Location: Belconnen Arts Centre and Tuggeranong Arts Centre Cost: $10

More info: Philip on (02) 6173 3300, Email: [email protected] Website: BAC

Information and Assistance

Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS)

The new Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS) is a specialist service within Legal Aid ACT offering flexible legal assistance to older people. OPALS can help in many situations, such as if you:

• have concerns about your safety;

• are being pressured to change living arrangements, sign documents, or provide finance details ;

• are having money taken from you without your permission;

• owe money and are not sure how you will pay;

• are being abused, threatened or bullied;

• are being denied access to grandchildren, other members of your family or support services; and

• are being discriminated because of your age.

OPALS has a strong community legal education and outreach component and provides information and referral services to concerned family, friends and workers. OPALS draws on the expertise of other practices in Legal Aid ACT when providing advice and representation services.

OPALS is a free service and all cases are treated in confidence. We can also help make referrals to other specialist services if you choose not to take legal action.

Address: 2 Allsop Street, Canberra Telephone: (02) 6243 3436 or 1800 353 374 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.legalaidact.org.au/opals

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SafeHome

The SafeHome program is an ACT Government Initiative to improve home security for households in the ACT who are vulnerable to property crime. This is undertaken through community education, the provision of home security assessments and minor modifications to eligible residences.

The program is open to ACT residents vulnerable to property crime. Contact SafeHome to discuss eligibility. The program is funded by the ACT Government and there are no costs to receiving assistance

for eligible residents. Do you attend a community group that would be interested in a FREE practical workshop presenting ideas and strategies to improve home security?

Phone: 1300 656 200 Email: [email protected] Postal address: PO Box 508 ERINDALE CENTRE ACT 2903

Aged Care Navigators The Aged Care Navigator is testing different types of services and activities to help people to learn more about Government supported aged care programs and how to access them.

COTA ACT is the Information Hub for the ACT and Queanbeyan. We provide locally targeted information. We are available to support, educate and assist people by informing and linking them with suitable aged care services. We aim to help local people build their own knowledge by guiding them through the steps

from information to assessment to receiving care. Some of the activities being offered include: Community workshops and information sessions, Assistance

with filling in forms, Contacting My Aged Care, providing factsheets, handouts and other resources, Outreach services to support those who can’t come into the centre and Individual support sessions

Drop in sessions/appointments: Get one on one advice and information from an aged care navigator volunteer. Appointments available on Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information or to book an appointment contact COTA ACT on (02) 6282 3777 or [email protected]

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Free Self Advocacy and Supported Decision-making workshops by Women with Disabilities ACT

Women with Disabilities ACT (WWDACT) is excited to announce that our Self-Advocacy and Supported

Decision-Making workshops will be starting up again soon! The workshops will be all about how to make self-advocacy work for women, non-binary and feminine-

identifying people with disabilities. We aim to share practical advice to build up confidence in self -advocating, and strategies around how and where to access helpful resources. This is a gap we are currently working to fill so that everyone has a safe environment to learn about self -advocacy and

supported decision making. The dates for the workshops are:

19 March Building Self-Confidence around Self-Advocacy This is a practical, hands-on workshop that will be looking at self-confidence, building up useful skills and how that will help us self -advocate.

2 April Telling Others About Your Decisions

This is a workshop about communicating and staying safe while telling others about

your decisions, as well as who to involve.

16 April Areas You May Need to Advocate In

This workshop is aimed to build up self-confidence when advocating in a range of different situations, personal and systematic.

30 April Getting Help with Advocacy This is a workshop about finding the right resources and support necessary for advocating, both for yourself and for the community.

14 May Advocacy and Support in Canberra: A Crash Course A review of the supports and advocacy services available in Canberra, as well as how best to access them.

Note: All workshops are free and scheduled on a Thursday 6:00pm – 8:00pm on Level 3 in our office building (71 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra)

Free tickets for the workshop can be found on our website www.wwdact.org.au For more information, please email us at [email protected]

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Free Budgeting & Money Management Course This course assists participants to help manage their debt, budget, save and get more control of their finances.

One previous participant commented, "We are spending $100 per week less on food by paying with cash and we are eating well. That's a saving of $5,000 per year."

When: 7 March 2020, 9:15am to 12:30pm

Where: Tuggeranong Baptist Church, 1st Floor, 23 Garrett Street Centre, Wanniassa

Register: Send an email to [email protected] or ring Robert on 0402 007 551

Nicotine Anonymous group

Nicotine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women helping each other to live our lives free of nicotine. We share our experience, strength and hope with each other so that we may be free from this powerful addiction.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using nicotine. There are no dues or fees for Nicotine Anonymous membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.

Nicotine Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization or institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to offer support to those who are trying to gain freedom from nicotine.

More information is available from Sylvia G (0411 153 496) or Brian W (0414 332 539). Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Wills and Estate Planning

Free Seminar Presented by Dept of Human Services Date: Tuesday 28th April 2020 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00 pm

Where: 23 Garratt Street, Wanniassa Register at: Eventbrite - Search for Wanniassa

Email: [email protected] Ring: Robert Ardill 0402 007 551

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Understanding Retirement Income Streams FREE Financial Information Seminar presented by Dept of Human Services

Date: Tuesday, 31 March 2020

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Location: 23 Garratt Street, Wanniassa

Topics covered:

• how income streams work;

• options available;

• tax and Centrelink assessment;

• your retirement choices; and

• Home Equity Loans.

Register online at: Eventbrite.com.au - search for Wanniassa. Email: [email protected] Ring: Robert 0402 007 551

2020 Seniors Week Forum

The Public Trustee and Guardian will present two Forums during Seniors Week on the importance of having a valid and up-to-date Will and Enduring Power of Attorney. The Public Trustee and Guardian offer a free professionally drafted Will for anybody aged 60 years and older.

Date: Tuesday 24th March 2020 Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm Venue: Dickson Tradesman Union Club (The Tradies)

Address: 2 Badham Street, Dickson Date: Wednesday 25th March 2020

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Venue: Town Centre Vikings Address: Cnr Athllon Drive & Rowland Rees Crescent, Greenway

Free PTG Will voucher for all attendees up to 60 years of age. Light refreshment provided

Bookings essential call (02) 62079800 or email [email protected] We will also be at the Senior Week Expo at site 16.

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Probus Clubs in Canberra Probus is all about providing retirees Fun, Friendship and Fellowship in retirement beyond the social interactions of social media. As a member of a Probus Club you will be able to maintain an active lifestyle,

all while forming meaningful relationships through connecting with likeminded people in your local area. Members meet on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in a wide variety of

exciting activities including walking groups, travel for day trips or 5 to 7 days and dining groups to name a few.

One of the advantages of Probus Clubs is that they are neither service nor fundraising entities. Why not come to a meeting to see for yourself, just what this is all about. It really is about enjoying yourself through fun, friendship and fellowship.

There are well established benefits associated with socialising including:

• Reduced stress. Retirees who are socially active tend to handle stress better. This leads to

improving their cardiovascular health and immune system.

• Longer lifespan. High levels of socialising can help increase longevity.

• More fitness. Retirees with diverse social connections are more likely to exercise regularly. This can

lead to a myriad of physical, mental and cognitive benefits.

• Reduced risk of depression. Consistent socialising reduces the likelihood of retirees experiencing

depression caused by loneliness.

• Less anxiety. Similar to depression, retirees who socialise more experience less symptoms of

anxiety.

• Greater self-esteem. Socialising helps retirees be better engaged, growing their confidence and

sense of worth.

There are 23 Probus Clubs in Canberra and Queanbeyan so there is sure to be one near you. You can find out more about Probus by calling 1300 630 488 or visit www.probussouthpacific.org to find your nearest

Probus Club.

If you would like to speak to someone local then please call Tom Anderson on 0447 957 606 or email him

on [email protected]. Don’t think twice, give him a call!!

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National Redress Scheme assistance

ADACAS has recently received funding to provide support and help to ACT residents who are thinking about applying to the National Redress Scheme.

The National Redress Scheme was created out of the recommendations from the Royal Commission Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Institutions may include orphanages, schools, religious organisations, sporting groups or even government departments.

The Redress Scheme recognises the damage done to people as children. It holds the institutions accountable, and applicants may be eligible to receive:

• a redress payment of up to $150,000;

• access to counselling; and

• a direct personal apology.

If you experienced abuse, and would like some more information about how we can help you with the National Redress Scheme, please call us on (02) 6242 5060 or email [email protected] for a private

chat.

Training and Education

Mature Age Worker Support

The Mature Workers Grants Program, a Skills Canberra initiative, Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)

will focus on assisting mature workers by providing a wide range of supportive measures. For the purposes of the Program, the category mature workers include persons aged 45 years or older and Australian Apprentices aged 25 years or older (mature apprentices/trainees).

At CIT, we want you to enjoy your student experience with us and we have a range of services available to help and encourage you. Services include:

• course and career information and advice;

• financial support opportunities for training;

• skills recognition;

• professional counselling support services;

• an active CIT Student Association (CITSA) which provides advocacy, student activities, information, accommodation, bookshops, food services and cafes on campus;

• CIT Yurauna Centre, a welcoming Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students; and

• foundation skills (reading, writing and using numbers).

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To register for any of these support services, please register on our webpage at https://cit.edu.au/study/mature_workers_support or alternatively drop into the Student Services area on

campus or call on 6207 3188.

Volunteering

Access All Areas: Transport

Have your say to help improve Accessibility and Inclusive Practice for people with disabilities interacting

with Transport Services in the ACT: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYZNY72 The Project:

Access All Areas is a community consultation and education project designed to improve accessibility for people with disability and promote inclusive practice in transport services in the ACT. Rebus Theatre will develop experiential workplace training programs based on community consultation about where things can go wrong when people with disability try to access these services.

NB Transport services are not limited to government/public transport but may include community transport, taxis, Uber and other ride-share services, private coaches and buses and other private

transportation companies such as limousine services. We are also interested in acce ssibility of public services that have an effect on walking, cycling and driving such as bike paths and racks, parking etc.

How you can help: To do this we need to hear real life stories from people with disability or their carers about times that you have accessed or interacted with these services. We want to hear of any barriers you faced such as:

• physical barriers - like steps, accessibility;

• attitudes of employees of an organisation or service;

• processes such as ways of contacting an organisation or service;

• timetabling.

We are also interested in hearing stories of times when transport services got things right for you. Once developed, each training program will be delivered at workplaces or conferences relating to the

relevant service across Canberra. During the training the participants are invited to practice inclusive behaviour in real time and work together to find solutions to the barriers presented.

NB: We are only seeking stories from people with disability in Australia accessing services in Australia.

Page 20: ACT Seniors and Veterans Newsletter March 2020€¦ · To best meet the needs of the veteran community, a focus on ageing veterans, contemporary veterans and veterans’ families

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If you have questions at any time about the survey or the procedures, you may contact Ben Drysdale at 0403 815 784 or by email at [email protected].

This project is funded by the Australian Federal Government National Disability Insurance Agency's Information, Linkages and Capacity Building program.

Please apply: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYZNY72

Mailing List and Future Articles

Please let us know if you want to be added to our Newsletter mailing list (email or postal), or if you have an article you would like included in future editions.

We can be contacted through the following channels:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (02) 6207 2258

Mail: The Office for Seniors and Veterans GPO Box 158 CANBERRA ACT 2601

Feel free to pass on information about this newsletter to your friends and colleagues .


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