by Social Futures Community Hub | 28, Jun 2022 | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
The Arakwal Corporation, Flickerfest & iQ Inc are thrilled to present their annual evening of inspiring aboriginal storytelling celebrating NAIDOC Week 2022 and this year’s theme ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’
It will be on Tuesday July 5, at 6.30pm
This year’s programme of Flickerfest favourites is curated from the recent Flickerfest Academy® qualifying Australian competition and will take you on a special journey with some incredibly strong and powerful stories, who’s compelling voices will inspire, move and delight.
The filmmakers and film creatives featuring in the 15th Arakwal NAIDOC week screening are some of the leading lights in indigenous film today, blazing brightly on Australian screens and stage.
The programme features 10-multi award winning short films with highlights including the moving and insightful ‘Strange Country’, winner of Best
Cinematography at Flickerfest 2022, produced and shot by award-winning Aboriginal cinematographer Tyson Perkins, starring acclaimed actor Hunter
Page-Lochard, the delightful animation ‘Jarli’ about a young First Nations girl in outback Australia who dreams of flying to the stars co-written by Casino
Bundjalung man Jon Bell, the delightful ‘Shiny One’ from writer /director Viviana Petyarre, an Alyawarre filmmaker from Utopia in the Northern Territory and award winning producer Tanith Glynn Maloney’s first film as writer/ director ‘Finding Jedda’ based on the original auditions for the role in 1953 and a tribute the original ‘Jedda’ star the late Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM.
A local Arakwal Traditional Custodian will welcome us all to Country on the night .Come along & enjoy these unique stories from incredible First Nations filmmakers championing Aboriginal voices through this year’s NAIDOC theme; Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! & support the celebration of Aboriginal culture during NAIDOC Week.
A fundraiser for the Arakwal Corporation & supported by the Indigenous Coordination Centre & The Byron Theatre. Tickets: The Byron Theatre, byroncentre.com.au & at door $17/ $15 con
Book early – Don’t miss out! Programme details & info: www.iQ.org.au | 0414 779881
by Social Futures Community Hub | 28, Jun 2022 | Health and wellbeing (including Mental Health)
The Men and Family Centre is running Women Supporting Women online group from June 30 for 5 weeks.
A five-week support group for women who have experienced abuse in intimate partner relationships.
When: Thursday evenings, 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Where: Online
Commencing: 30 June 2022
Free of charge
To inquire or register, please contact Mardi [email protected] or phone 0432255815
by Social Futures Community Hub | 28, Jun 2022 | Services and support groups
You’re invited to attend a free morning or afternoon tea and information session on either 28 June or 5 July 2022.
Join us for a cuppa and something to eat, meet our friendly team and discover how Community Gateway delivers the Community Visitors Scheme, which helps to create new social connections for older people in our communities.
If you work in residential aged care, are an older person looking for more company in your life, or would like to become a volunteer visitor, these events are for you.
Both events are absolutely free to attend and held at Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre, 50 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah NSW 2480.
Afternoon tea
Tuesday 28 June 2022, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Morning tea
Tuesday 5 July 2022, 10am to 12 noon
RSVP by emailing [email protected] to let us know which date you’d like to attend and if you have any dietary requirements.
by Social Futures Community Hub | 28, Jun 2022 | Families and children, Research reports and information
If you have opened a newspaper in the last few weeks, you’ve probably been inundated with stories about the increased cost of living. Around the country we’re seeing increases in everything from petrol to gas and electricity.
We know that people on income support will be hit hardest by these price increases, but those stories aren’t getting nearly enough media coverage.
That’s why we’ve created a cost of living survey to capture data on the experiences of people on income support that we can pass along to journalists. If you’re currently struggling to get by on income support, can you take five minutes to fill in this survey and ensure that your experiences are being covered by the media?
We know that many members of our community struggling to get by on income support were already forced to make impossible decisions between keeping their power on or buying groceries. And these price increases will only make life harder.
These stories need to be heard and should be at the centre of the conversation about measures to ease the cost of living crisis.
In the past, our community has been able to secure national media coverage off the back of our surveys. Can you help to do it again? Click here to complete the anonymous survey.
by Social Futures Community Hub | 28, Jun 2022 | Funding and grant opportunities
Byron Shire Council’s Community Initiatives Program is open.
The Community Initiatives Program offers grants of up to $5,000 to:
- Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations
- Community groups auspiced by an incorporated organisation
Applications for the 2022 to 2023 round are now open with funding available for Community Projects that address a specific need, build a sense of community, and align with Council priorities.
Examples of types of projects Council supports are:
- Bringing people and community organisations together to foster stronger more resilient communities
- Celebrating a sense of identity, diversity and cultural connection within the community
- Improving community health and social wellbeing
- Enabling people to develop skills, knowledge and confidence to lead and contribute to community life
- Enhancing places where communities gather
- Increasing access and inclusion for communities experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage
Further details, including the online application form, are available on Council’s website on the Community Initiatives Program page.
You can also contact the Community Development team at [email protected]
Applications close 30 June 2022
by Social Futures Community Hub | 28, Jun 2022 | Training and professional development
ACE Community College has announced its winter program
Searching for a moment of peace and purpose? Winter is sorted, stress less, smile more. Refill your cup in the second half of 2022 with Leisure and Lifestyle short courses, stacked to the brim with goodness. Go on, you deserve it
To find out more CLICK HERE.
by Social Futures Community Hub | 28, Jun 2022 | Services and support groups
Have you received a high water bill you can’t explain? You may have a water leak at your property.
We are the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON). We provide a free and independent dispute resolution service for all electricity and gas customers in NSW, and some water customers.
If you noticed an increase in your water usage, check in and outside the home. Some leaks can be hidden!
Check for a hidden leak at your property
- Discolored or swollen cupboards, kitchen tops and floors
- Water pooling around your water meter
- Wet patches in the driveway or green patches in your lawn that may indicate a broken underground pipe
- Drips or stains near the hot water system
- Dripping taps in basins and showers
- Toilets that keep running after flushing
- Dripping hose nozzles
Check your meter
Take a picture of the numbers on your water meter then stop using water, including taps, toilets and showers. After three hours, return to the meter and compare the numbers. If they have increased, there may be a leak on your side of the meter.
Our factsheet on water leaks provides more useful information at https://www.ewon.com.au/content/Document/Resources%20for%20customers/EWON-Factsheet-Water-leaks.pdf.
What next?
If you think there is a leak at your property talk to your water provider first. However, you may need to hire a plumber to locate the problem and identify who is responsible for the repairs.
Some water providers have a hidden leak policy to assist owners who have fixed the leak as soon as it was detected. Check with your provider.
Read our factsheet for more information on water leaks https://www.ewon.com.au/content/Document/Resources%20for%20customers/EWON-Factsheet-Water-leaks.pdf or contact us for help.
How to get in touch with us
Freecall: 1800 246 545* Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm
Freepost: Reply Paid 86550 Sydney South NSW 1234
Interpreter: 131 450
TTY/Voice: 133 677
Online: ewon.com.au
* If you are calling from a mobile phone, let us know and we will call you back.
by Social Futures Community Hub | 28, Jun 2022 | Families and children, Health and wellbeing (including Mental Health), Young people
In partnership with DET NSW, Catholic Diocese of Lismore, and NSW Independent Association, headspace National are hosting an education session for parents and carers of children and young people to support their wellbeing, around the Northern Rivers.
Information presented will:
- Strengthen your understanding of the impacts of disasters on children and young people’s mental health.
- Explore the conversational approach to talking to your young person about their mental health.
- Build skills and strategies to support your young person’s mental health.
- Build awareness of local, state and national support services.
LISMORE
When: Wed, 29 June 2022 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm AEST
Where: Anglican Parish of Lismore. 10 Zadoc St, Lismore NSW 2480
How do I register? Click here to register via Eventbrite, or copy the URL below into your web browser: https://bit.ly/3mRnJ6t
Walk-ins are welcome if you are unable to access Eventbrite.
EVANS HEAD
When: Thursday, 30 June 2022 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm AEST
Where: Club Evans Remembrance Room. 11-13 McDonald Place, Evans Head NSW 2473
How do I register? Click here to register via Eventbrite, or copy the URL below into your web browser: https://bit.ly/3Hrflnr
MURWILLUMBAH
When: Tue, 28 June 2022 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm AEST
Where: Nullum House. Nullum Street, Knox Park Murwillumbah NSW 2484
How do I register? Click here to register via Eventbrite, or copy the URL below into your web browser: https://bit.ly/3bi8Kjy
After you have registered, you will receive an email confirmation from Eventbrite.
All those who register will receive a digital information pack after the session that includes key messages as well as links to resources and support services. Contact: For more information email: [email protected]
by Social Futures Community Hub | 28, Jun 2022 | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Banaam is holding a surf session.
Please see the attached flyer for more information.
by Social Futures Community Hub | 28, Jun 2022 | Health and wellbeing (including Mental Health)
Healthy North Coast is reminding communities across our region to stay on top of their COVID vaccinations, as well as booking in for a free flu shot this month. Conveniently, the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be given at the same time if you are due for both.
Flu cases rising
Healthy North Coast Chief Executive, Julie Sturgess, said the latest health data indicates influenza activity in the community is increasing rapidly, due to an early start to the winter influenza season.
‘Due to COVID-19 restrictions and reduced travel, there was very little influenza getting around in the community last year and also a decrease in influenza vaccine coverage,’ Ms Sturgess said.
‘Now that international and state borders are open again, we’re seeing a dramatic increase in influenza cases.
‘As at 11 June 2022, there were 1,558 notifications of influenza cases across the North Coast this year, with 76% of these notifications reported within the last 4 weeks, so we’re definitely seeing case numbers climb as winter sets in.
‘We are urging North Coast residents to take advantage of free flu shots offered by the NSW Government up to 30 June and to book a vaccination appointment with their GP or local pharmacy as soon as possible.’
The influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over and can be given with other vaccines, including COVID-19.
COVID-19 still a risk to community
Ms Sturgess said the North Coast has an outstanding COVID vaccination rate, but it’s important to continue to strengthen protection given COVID variants are still circulating.
‘I urge parents to not let their and their children’s vaccination dates slip,’ she said. ‘Whether it’s a second dose for younger children or a booster for teens aged 12-15 who may be more vulnerable to COVID than others, please take the time to book an appointment so we can maintain a high level of protection across the region.’
As at 20 June 2022, 65% of eligible North Coast residents aged 15+ have had their booster shot, behind the NSW average of 68%.
COVID-19 vaccinations are free and available at a range of locations including local GPs, pharmacies or respiratory clinics.
You can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment by texting ‘Hey EVA’ (Easy Vaccination Access) to 0481 611 382 or visit the online COVID-19 vaccination clinic finder to book an appointment.
‘Ideally, we would like everyone to book their COVID-booster and flu shot for the same time to maximise community protection,’ Ms Sturgess said.
COVID-19 vaccination
- As at 9 June 2022, ATAGI recommends that a booster dose of Pfizer vaccine may be given to adolescents aged 12 to 15 who completed their primary course 3 or more months ago and they:
- are severely immunocompromised
- have a disability with significant or complex needs
- have complex and/or multiple health conditions .
- Children aged 5 to 11 and other adolescents aged 12-15 are not yet recommended to get a COVID-19 booster.
- Some people who are at a higher risk of severe disease and complications from COVID-19 are recommended to have a second booster dose, which can be given 4 months after their first booster dose. This includes people aged over 65, residents of aged care or disability facilities, people with severe immunocompromise, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, people aged 16-64 with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness, and people with disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities that increase the risk of poor outcome from COVID-19.
Influenza immunisation
NSW Government announced free flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older from 1 June 2022 to 30 June 2022.
Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza are eligible all year for free annual flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Program. This includes:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age
- children from six months to under five years of age
- people with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease)
- pregnant women
- people aged 65 and over.
Minimise your risk of catching COVID-19 or the flu
Take simple precautions to minimise the risk of catching COVID-19 or the flu and passing it on:
- stay at home if you are sick and avoid close contact with other people to protect yourself and the community from COVID-19 and the flu
- wear a mask in indoor spaces if you are unable to physically distance.
- sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands.
- wash your hands thoroughly and often.