Free financial workshop planned for the Northern Rivers
There is a free financial workshop planned for the Northern Rivers.
See the attached for more details.
Are you ready for Mental Health Month?
Get ready for Mental Health Month in October and a range of wonderful activities.
Please see the attached poster about a free BBQ in Ballina.
Northern Rivers Future Day a big success!
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation thanks the community for joining them at the Northern Rivers Future on Monday, September. 19 It was a great day of learning, discussion and connection. The foundation was grateful for the contributions shared and your ongoing leadership work to support the region.
The ARLF team alongside RAI and the Australian Resilience Centre hope the conversations have stimulated your thought and that your engagement with peers and family has benefited from your attendance.
The foundation hope to be able to share the ‘Future Factor’ report produced by Regional Australia Institute soon. The information shared throughout the day will also be shared in the lead up to the intensives (we need some time to format your shared wisdom!)
The next opportunity in the LARC journey is to apply for the Intensive Leadership Workshops. Delivered in the region, the first Intensive will run over three days from 26th – 28th October 2022, followed by a two day Intensive 20th – 22nd February 2023. Upon graduating from the Intensives, you will not only be equipped with practical leadership tools and skills, you will also join a network of over 2000 Australian Rural Leadership Foundation from around Australia – a valuable and incredibly broad resource of expertise with an enormous capacity to lead, inspire and create change.
Applications close 28th September 2022 so be quick. Apply now or reply to this email should you have any questions regarding the program. Please feel free to share this opportunity and tap someone on the shoulder you know. Who wasn’t in the room….and would be a valuable contributor, value the learning from within a leadership program?
In the meantime, we’d love to stay in touch. Why not sign up to our newsletter (click and scroll right to the bottom of the page!) or follow us on socials (see social media buttons underneath my email signature). We also encourage you to draw from your one day with us and share your insights and our work amongst your communities and networks.
SITE LAB // Small Gestures Towards Infinity
SITE LAB // Small Gestures Towards Infinity is a commissioning project encouraging both local and national artists to reimagine, disrupt, transform and engage in public space. A pilot collaboration between Arts Northern Rivers and Lismore Regional Gallery, SITE LAB is a series of temporary art projects presented in public locations across Lismore CBD and the wider Northern Rivers region.
SITE LAB invites continuous dialogue in the public arena via experimental and site-specific responses to our regional, post-flood landscape. The Northern Rivers has historically endured adversity with natural disasters at catastrophic levels. SITE LAB provides temporary spaces for community connection and critical discourse, and positions contemporary art practice at the forefront of the region’s recovery. Two commissioning streams are offered to support the development of new work to be presented in 2023.
COMMISSIONING STREAMS
Mentored Projects – For artists based in or that have a strong demonstrated connection to the Northern Rivers for projects up to $15,000. This fee includes concept design, professional artist fees, all production costs and insurances. For early career artists or artists who feel they would benefit from additional support, mentorship is available across concept ideation, production and presentation.
Open Projects – For Australian artists for projects up to $20,000. This fee includes concept design, professional artist fees, all production costs and insurances. Visiting artists must demonstrate links/understandings of the experience of the Northern Rivers context.
Applications Close September 28. Download Project Brief before applying.
TAFE offering forklift course
For anyone interested in obtaining a SOA in Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck, TAFE NSW has a course coming up.
See the attached pamphlet
GSAC offers discount gym memberships
The last two years have changed many people’s routines and priorities. If visiting the gym is something that has slipped off your radar, the upcoming Switch Gym promotion at GSAC might be the motivation needed to refocus on your health and fitness.
The Switch Gym at GSAC will be offering 25% off all gym memberships from 19 September to 31 October.
Kris Van Bibber, Gym and Fitness Coordinator at GSAC said the new season brings with it new opportunity to change your life.
“There are many health benefits to regular exercise and physical activity. With the upcoming promotion, there has never been a better time to join the gym and get involved,” he said.
If you or a friend would like to discuss membership options, please call the friendly team at GSAC on 6625 5370 or go to https://gsac.net.au/.
How can the Legal Aid NSW Disaster Response Legal Service help you?
The Disaster Response Legal Service is a free legal service that is available to anyone who has been affected by disasters. This service will continue to be available to community members even after our local recovery centres have closed.
Legal Aid NSW Disaster Response Legal Service (DRLS)
The Disaster Response Legal Service provides free legal help for disaster affected individuals in NSW with legal issues like:
- Insurance claims and disputes
- Housing and rental problems including caravan parks – damage to premises, rent reductions, repairs, etc.
- Credit, debt, fines and financial hardship
- Eligibility for disaster welfare payments and Government grants
- Employment – unfair dismissals, entitlements,
- Replacing important documents
- Domestic violence
- Other legal problems related to disasters.
Anyone can get free help by contacting the Disaster Response Legal Service NSW helpline on 1800 801 529 (9am to 5pm weekdays).
Further information and links are on the Disaster Response Legal Service website-Legal Aid NSW Disaster Response Legal Service.
Here is a link to a 5 minute video that sets out how theservice can help- https://youtu.be/wBFUxU2jgzk
Art therapy sessions starting soon
The Lismore Women’s Health and Resource Centre’s next Art Therapy session is Monday, September 19 from 10am to 12pm.
Enjoy a safe, welcoming environment, exploring Resilience, using Relaxation, Breath and Meditation and a number of Art Media.
Morning tea and art materials are provided. To book please ring 6621 9800
Lismore Head to Health broadens community support with new opening hours
Lismore’s Head to Health Hub has extended its opening times, now open after-hours and on weekends, making it even easier for local residents to access mental health support.
Located at the Lismore Health Precinct at Southern Cross University, the Lismore Head to Health hub is now open Monday-Friday 10am to 8pm and Saturday-Sunday 12 noon to 8pm.
Funded by Healthy North Coast through the PHN Program, Head to Health offers free mental health support both in-person and over the phone.
Healthy North Coast CEO Julie Sturgess said Head to Health was a welcoming entry point for engagement, assessment and treatment for people seeking mental health advice and support.
‘With all that has been thrown at our community over the past two years, there’s no shame in saying you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to talk things through,’ Ms Sturgess said.
‘It’s really important that we prioritise our mental health and wellbeing and reach out if we need help.’
Healthy North Coast has recently commissioned local provider Open Minds to provide the in-person Lismore Head to Health service for those aged 18 and over. Referrals are not necessary and walk-ins are welcome.
The free helpline on 1800 595 212 is open to all ages and operates weekdays from 8.30am-5pm.
‘Head to Health is free and can connect you to the right mental health information, counselling and services to suit your needs. I really hope people take that first step rather than push their concerns aside,’ said Ms Sturgess.
For more information, free call 1800 595 212 or visit https://hnc.org.au/head-to-health-helpline.
The Lismore Head to Hub is located at the Lismore Health Precinct, Southern Cross University Health Clinic, P Block North, Rifle Range Road, East Lismore.
Head to Health is not an emergency service. For 24/7 emergency support, call:
• 24hr Mental Health Line — 1800 011 511
• Lifeline — 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue — 1300 224 636
• For children under 12 years: Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800
In an emergency, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Heartfelt House is holding Healing Pathways
Heartfelt House is holding Healing Pathways for women who have survived childhood sexual abuse.
The group sessions run for 10 weeks and will meet at the Lismore Women’s Health and Resource Centre.
Please see the attached document for more information.
For inquiries phone: 6628 8960. Email: [email protected] and check out the facebook page: Heartfelt House
Gambling Trends in Australia Study – participants sought for a confidential survey about gambling
The Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) at the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) is conducting a research study about gambling trends in Australia. McNair yellowSquares is their fieldwork partner.
The aim of the study is to monitor trends in gambling participation and impacts on health and wellbeing. Findings from the study will help to inform the development and implementation of evidence-based policy and practice responses to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm in Australia.
How you can help:
McNair yellowSquares are seeking people who gamble on land-based poker machines (‘pokies’) to complete a confidential online survey during July through September 2022. The survey should take about 15-20 minutes to complete. For their time, participants will be offered to enter into a draw to win one of five $200 gift vouchers.
Surveying as many participants as possible is critical to understanding the experiences and views of people who gamble on pokies and we are seeking the assistance of community organisations and service providers to help us to promote the study.
Next steps:
We have attached a copy of our recruitment flyer for your information. We would be very grateful for your assistance to post the flyer on your service/community notice board/s or to distribute it to your clients or members through other means, which can include electronically (e.g., via email, online newsletters, social media etc). We can post or drop off hard copies of this flyer.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the McNair yellowSquares team at: [email protected]. For further information about the AGRC, please do not hesitate to contact me at: [email protected]
A summary of key findings from the project will be available on the AGRC website in late 2022: Australian Gambling Research Centre (aifs.gov.au)
Support Raise the Rate NOW!
In just a few days, members of the government, civil society, business leaders, and unions will come together for the Jobs Summit.
Already, there is a lot of talk about unemployment, skills training, and job creation by economists and others. But we need to make sure that our political representatives are hearing what it’s really like to struggle to get by on income support, without enough or any employment.
Can you email your MP and share your experience of struggling to get by on income support?
We know that people on income support payments who are seeking paid work face massive barriers that prevent them finding a job.
People with disabilities, single parents, people who are out of paid work long-term, and older workers are consistently pushed to the back of the job queue because employers aren’t willing to give them a chance.
And the outrageously low rate of JobSeeker and other income support payments makes it nearly impossible for people to cover basic expenses, let alone retrain and find a new job.
We need to make sure that our representatives are hearing these stories before the summit this week so that they get a full picture of what it’s like to live on income support. Click here to email your MP
Tech Savvy Seniors
Tweed Head’s ACE College is running a free course to help seniors unlock the mystery of smart phones, iPads, computers and tablets. If you have a client, friend or family member who needs a little help this is for them.
You will learn how to operate your tech, cyber safety, navigate online shopping, share media online, and engage with family and friends via social media.
Location: Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
Dates: September 2, 9, 16 and 23
Course duration: Four sessions / dates above / choose Morning or Afternoon classes
Fee: Free $0*
Please note students must reside in NSW.
Bookings: Places are limited, please phone the Student Services team on 02 6622 1903.
*Eligibility applies.
Rainbow Region Kids spring holiday program is open for bookings
The Rainbow Region Kids Vacation Club will be going full steam ahead during the September/October school break in Alstonville, Casino, Kyogle, Lismore, Ocean Shores and Wollongbar. They are open for bookings now.
The Rainbow Region Kids is not-for-profit, externally accredited, community-focused and childcare-subsidy-approved program, offering quality and affordability to parents.
You can read more about theSpring Vacation Club on their website HERE.
Free self-defence workshops for girls and women
In the September holidays, FREE self-defence workshop for girls and young women (aged 12 to 22 years) will be held in many centres in northern NSW, including Lismore, Casino, Ballina and Tweed Heads.
The workshops are fully funded and supported by the NSW government and the local PCYC.