|
CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY
An ageing population, increased disability awareness and greater workforce participation is driving the need for more skilled workers within the Home and Community Care, Disability Services, Aged Care and Children’s Services sectors.
IMPACT’s Centre for Learning has responded to this growing need by introducing Certificate III level qualifications in community services which are offered at no charge to eligible jobseekers in the Bundaberg region.
IMPACT’s trainers have extensive experience in their respective industries and have demonstrated a commitment to sharing their passion for care with their students. Classroom-based training is enhanced through vocational placement in facilities in the Bundaberg region so that students can apply their new skills in real work environments.
The accredited training is backed up with Job Search Training ensuring that candidates are supported in their job seeking activities and are ready for employment.
A new course in Aged Care commences on 5 December and new courses in Disability, Home and Community Care and Children’s Services will be commencing early in 2012. People who are interested in gaining qualifications in these areas should contact IMPACT on phone 4153 4233 to discuss their eligibility and register their interest.
These Australian Government funded Productivity Places Programs are coordinated under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
11.2011
Left: Judy Chenhall, Linda Mullins and Carol Hanlon during a group work session in the Cert III Disability class; Middle: Tasha Kyson and Leonie Young, Cert III Home & Community Care Students; Right: Aged Care students Jacky Harrison, Tmeka Orpin and Sue Little practise their technique with the hoist in IMPACT’s aged care training room
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGING LIVES
Not being able to read, write or communicate effectively can make everyday life challenging. IMPACT is currently delivering literacy, numeracy and language support to jobseekers and those wishing to improve their life skills via an accredited training course in Adult Literacy and Numeracy.
Participants work one-on-one with a volunteer tutor and receive individual support to complete oral communication, reading, writing and numeracy activities.
In addition to working with jobseekers seeking to improve their skills, IMPACT staff have been working with several participants referred from the Endeavour Foundation who wish to increase their independent living skills. Activities are tailored according to individual needs and staff have adopted a range of innovative approaches to learning. Participants have been learning to read recipes and are applying their new skills to cook damper and quiche, taking great delight in sharing their delicious results over morning tea.
The goals that these participants have set themselves may seem small, but to them are life changing. One participant commenced the program with the goal of writing personal messages in Christmas cards to his family – he is well on the way to achieving this and cannot wait to surprise his family at Christmas.
This training is made possible through funding from the Queensland Government, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative. Additional placements available within the course are funded by the IMPACT Make Your Mark Board of Directors Community Fund.
11.2011
 Left: LLN course participant Wally Stewart and IMPACT staff member Ann Gouge; Middle: James Sproule and Fern Dunshea enjoy applying their new skills reading recipes; Right: Mates Mark Coglan and Wally Stewart take a break from making quiche.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL ABILITIES SPORT AND HEALTH EXPO
As a part of Disability Action Week, the All Abilities Health and Sports Expo was held at the PCYC on Wednesday 26 October. IMPACT participated with an interactive display which included a PowerPoint presentation of recent IMPACT advertising and photos from program activities. The Nintendo Wii was also utilised by expo participants and prizes were awarded for high scores.
The PODS group attended and took part in a “Mystery Box Cooking Challenge”. The challenge was to create an appetising fruit and vegetable platter from unknown ingredients in 15 minutes. There was fierce competition from the Tom Quinn Community Centre and YMCA, however every group did an amazing job and were rewarded with MasterChef aprons, cook books and cooking utensils to use in their activities. Whilst there were a few small cuts, everyone survived. Jamie Oliver (aka Ryan) and Manu Feildel (aka Robert) as well as the rest of the PODS team did an outstanding job and should be very proud of their achievement.
11.2011
 Left: Masterchef Ryan Whiting; Middle: The PODs group prepare their ‘mystery box’; Right: The ‘fruits’ of their labour.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADULT LEARNERS MONTH
IMPACT offered hospitality and computer classes free to members of the public during Adult Learner’s Month. The ‘quick and tasty’ cooking classes held in the new commercial ktichen were very popular. The participants in the desserts class cooked up so many marvellous creations during the 3 hour class that they struggled to eat them all! The pizza class was also a big hit and the pizzas looked and tasted divine! Internet for Beginners was attended by older people ‘new’ to computers, with participants having fun learning how to do simple searching and use programs such as Google Maps to look at satellite images of their houses and neighbourhoods. 09.2011
(Left L-R) Phil Price, Jim Carmody and Lea Carmody follow the steps in the recipe book (Centre L-R) Quick and Tasty teacher, Bronwyn Janke with the participants of her Adult Learners Month Quick and Tasty Desserts class (Right) The yummy product after all their hard work – Bron’s famous Peanut Butter Cake!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAME ON!
The most popular item in the recently established ‘games room’ at IMPACT is the beautiful pool table donated by Barbara and Teri Kruger. Teri and Barbara were keen to make a difference to participants in our Disability programs and the very generous donation was accepted with much appreciation. The pool table has been very popular with the PODs kids and assists them with their hand-eye co-ordination in a fun way. The Youth programs are currently organising a pool tournament to help raise funds for their end of year trip to the big smoke! 09.2011
(Centre) The Pods participants with facilitator, David Lowther (right) say ‘thank you!’
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUNDY IN BLOOM PARTICIPATION
IMPACT certainly made a mark in the recent Bundy in Bloom parade held on the afternoon of Sunday 11 September. Staff and participants followed the colourful float as it made its way down Bourbong Street to Alexandra Parkland. Our Recycling and Collections Cardboard collections truck was brightly decorated and received many compliments. A big Thank you to Lauren, Tanya O, Sharelle, Genevieve and Dave L for their help on the day. A great time was had by all. 09.2011
(Left) the IMPACT float (Centre) Walking behind the float, representing Recycling and Collections – Remember! It’s rubbish if you don’t recycle!! (Right) The famous recycling turtles also paraded through the Bundaberg Streets
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PODS GROUP BIG DAY OUT!
The Providing Opportunities through Day Services (PODS) group were excited to visit the Bundaberg Rum Distillery in early September which also happened to be IMPACT staff member Sherelle’s last day working with the group. Participant Ryan Whiting was keen to share his report:
“On the 2nd September Sherelle took the PODS group to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. There were lots of things to look at, smell and even taste as we ran through parts of the tour. We had such a great time, we bought some cool and tasteful stuff from the store. Also it was one of the best days spent with Sherelle on her last day with PODS. We wish her well as she moves to a new position with IMPACT. We will miss her company”. 09.2011
The PODS participants enjoying their visit to the Bundaberg Rum Disterillery
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICIAL BUILDING OPENING
A warm welcome was extended to Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and her husband Mr Michael Bryce when they arrived to officially open IMPACT’s new facilities on Friday 19 August. Over 200 invited guests and staff gathered to celebrate the opening of the self-funded $1.5 million expansion acknowledging an important addition to the facilities provided for the many clients that are supported through IMPACT every year.
The Governor-General acknowledged the work of IMPACT in improving the lives of many in the Bundaberg community and made special mention of the contributions of Barbara Matt AM. In recognition of her services and contribution to IMPACT dedication was made of the “Barbara Matt Workshop”. Many IMPACT staff helped make this a very successful and memorable event volunteering for roles including reception and welcoming, car park attendants, ushers, food and beverage attendants, kitchen and catering staff. Special thanks must go to Vicky who was the event coordinator and to Peter who was the event MC. A big ‘thank you’ is extended to all staff and a massive ‘thank you’ is extended to everyone who attended to show their support for IMPACT!
Taken from the Governor Generals website:
The Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce travelled to Bundaberg in Queensland to open a new training facility which will support people to gain employment, and to attend a reception with community leaders. The IMPACT Make Your Mark's Training and Administration Building incorporates a new workshop, training kitchen, administration section, meeting rooms and a rehearsal space for the IMPACT Choir. Ms Bryce officially opened the new buildings with Ms Barbara Matt AM, who led the organisation for 22 years. A highlight of the day was a performance by the IMPACT choir, which earned a standing ovation.
Full text of the Governor-General’s address is also on the website: http://www.gg.gov.au or by clicking here 08.2011
(Left) The Governor-General arriving at IMPACT (Centre Left) Addressing the crowd (Right Centre) Barbara Matt and the Governor General cutting the ribbon – officially opening the building Centre photos courtesy of the Bundaberg News Mail (Right) The IMPACT choir debuting at the opening
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW COURSES COMMENCING SEPTEMBER
Training courses commencing in September will be the first to take advantage of the new facilities at IMPACT. These Australian Government funded Productivity Places Programs are coordinated under the Queensland Government’s “Skilling Queenslanders for Work” initiative. The new commercial kitchen is sure to be a hit with the students of the Certificate II in Hospitality. Whilst the Masterchef judges won’t be on hand to invite participants to ‘step up to their benches’ their trainer is excited that students will be able to practise and perfect their skills on site. “Your time starts….now!”
IMPACT will be also be delivering three courses at Certificate III level in Children’s Services, Disability and Home & Community Care (HACC). The new classroom is sure to be put to good use and the new function room will be a perfect place to celebrate graduations. Recruitment for trainers is currently underway. An information session will be held for the Home and Community Care course on Wednesday 7th September prior to course commencement on 20th September. It is planned that the remaining courses will start in late September.
It’s not too late to contact IMPACT and register your interest in participating. A new intake for the Aged Care Certificate III program started on Monday 15 August. 08.2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MENTAL HEALTH AWARNESS SESSION HITS THE MARK!
The “Managing Diversity; mental health in the workplace” sessions currently being delivered for employers have proven to be so popular that the session planned for 13 September is booked out and there is a long wait list. One in five people will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives and this invaluable FREE workshop aims to highlight for participants the value of being proactive about mental health in the workplace. The next session is planned for 8 November from 8:30am – 5:00pm, so contact IMPACT to reserve your place now! 08.2011
(Above photos) Sandra facilitating the overbooked and very popular workshop at IMPACT: Managing Diversity; Mental Health in the Workplace.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOVE BITES IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE
Over 20 participants from community organisations in the greater Bundaberg region attended a powerful and informative training session held at IMPACT on Thursday 14 July 2011. IMPACT’s Positive Start Facilitator, Amanda, partnered with Becky Spruce - Community Solutions, Gail McFeeters - Q Clinic Wide Bay, Deborah Cheung - Phoenix House and Senior Constable Danielle Loftus to host training in the Love Bites domestic violence prevention program.
The Love Bites program is aimed at high school students and has been delivered in New South Wales, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Queensland. Participants in IMPACT Make Your Mark Youth Connection program completed Love Bites earlier in 2011. It is planned that the program will be piloted at Gin Gin State High School in September this year with plans for more schools to become involved in 2012.
(Left) Gail McFeeters from Q Clinic Wide Bay holds the Love Bites booklet (Right front) Deborah Cheung, Becky Spruce and Gail McFeeters with (Back) Amanda Scarborough and Senior Constable Danielle Loftus Photos courtesy of the News Mail
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUNDABERG CAREER EXPO
The annual Bundaberg Career EXPO held on 20 July 2011 provided a great opportunity for IMPACT Make Your Mark to showcase employment, training and support services to high school students and members of the public from the region. The Bundaberg Civic Centre was transformed into a one-stop career extravaganza with over 50 exhibitors representing education, training and employment services.
IMPACT staff had approaches from people seeking further information on a wide range of services including disability employment, youth services and forthcoming training. People were signed up to the email tree on the spot and students were impressed to see that IMPACT was on Facebook!
(Left) The crowd at the careers expo, held at the Bundaberg Civic Centre (Centre) The bright and colourful IMPACT Make Your Mark stand (Right) An impressive display from the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks crew
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAKING AN IMPACT TO HELP FIND A CURE
Passing a baton and walking all night is not crazy talk - it’s the annual Relay for Life! The IMPACT team raised $1,281 through raffles, morning teas, cheese platters and sausage sizzles and completed the challenge in chilly conditions at the Bundaberg Showgrounds on Saturday 23 July. Well done to staff members Bronwyn, Keely, Susie, Janine, Joy, Caramia, Kate, Jill, Sue and an extra special shout out goes to Tim – who was the only male on the IMPACT team; for their commitment in supporting such a worthy cause.
(Left) The Make an IMPACT team (back) Keely, Tim, Bronwyn and Jill (Front) Leila, Janine, Joy and Kate (Centre) Joy, Browyn and Kate (Right) The team at night, all rugged up keeping warm (Tim, Jill, Kate, Susie, Bronwyn, Joy, Janine and Keely)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GREEN ARMY GRADUATES
Seven jobseekers who helped the Bundaberg region’s flood recovery efforts celebrated their graduation on Monday 18 July from the Bundaberg Green Army – Clean Green Environmental Machine program delivered by IMPACT Make Your Mark. It has been a busy time for our Green Army since their hard work in January rebuilding the pathway through Sharon Gorge as part of the flood recovery effort. In addition to the completion of 20 weeks work placement they have undertaken job search and career planning activities as part of the program.
Participants also completed accredited training in Work Safely in the Construction Industry (White Card) and Apply First Aid Certificate. IMPACT Make Your Mark Program Manager Rick Johnstone said that three participants who commenced the project secured full-time employment part way through which was a terrific outcome for those individuals. One graduate was excited to be commencing a traineeship immediately following Graduation. “The flood-recovery work completed by participants was difficult. In particular, during the re-creation of the pathways at Sharon Gorge there was a lot of wheel-barrowing up and down hills. All graduates should be proud of their efforts,” Mr Johnstone said.
(Left) Program Manager, Rick Johnstone shows the certificate that the participants will receive (Centre) Family and staff gather in the IMPACT function room for the graduation (Right photo - back) Ian Routledge (Bundaberg Regional Council Natural Resource Supervisor), Nathan Tanner (Green Army team leader), Dylan Macnamara, Brodie Ely and Cody Dunin. (Front) Andrew Beaumont (Bundaberg Regional Council Natural Resource Supervisor), Matt Lennox, Brett Aslin and Chris Grey-Manly
This project has been funded by the Queensland Government's Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR IMPACT COMPUTERS
When IMPACT Make Your Mark recently upgraded a computer training room they didn’t consider the equipment was ready for the scrap-heap. Bundaberg and District Neighbourhood Centre were pleased to accept the donation of ten computers to be used throughout the centre and in the literacy/numeracy program which helps adults to develop or improve their everyday skills.
“The computers are not yet at the end of their life and we’re pleased to be able to donate them to a community agency knowing they will be valued, and given a second life, rather than remaining stored or dismantled for recycling” said Tanya O’Shea, IMPACT Chief Executive. In accepting the donation, Lorraine McLoughlin, Centre Manager said “It was an opportune time for this generous donation as our current Literacy/Numeracy computers are well-overdue for replacement, several of these having been sourced over 10 years ago. These computers will enable us to provide up-to-date training to clients and users of the Neighbourhood Centre”.
Wide Bay Volunteers also benefited from the receipt of computer equipment not yet at the end of its life. The computer components donated will support the Computer Refurbishment Project. Wide Bay Volunteers accept donations of computer equipment from the public for refurbishment and redistribution to community non-profit groups. The project is supported by Ergon Energy as well as IMPACT’s Job Services Australia Work Experience program. Lead by Project Coordinator Emerson Ysayama, with support from volunteer Geoff White, a group of job seekers are learning to re-build computers and restore them ready for operation using donated IT equipment. Cheryl Dewhirst, Centre Manager, commented that these computers, while not fully up-to-date are often a significant improvement to a lot of information technology currently in use at community based non-profit organisations, therefore they are a welcome upgrade for that agency.”
(L-R) Patti Webb, President Bundaberg & District Neighbourhood Centre, accepts the computer donation from IMPACT Make Your Mark’s Chief Executive, Tanya O’Shea (Centre) Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Chief Executive & Cheryl Dewhirst, Manager Wide Bay Volunteers
(Left) Jade Buckler Wide Bay Computer Refurbishment Project Participant
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIDING WAVES OF CONFIDENCE!
Team building, confidence and physical activity are all benefits of surfing that participants of IMPACT’s youth and disability programs will receive as a result of generous community donations. Owner of REEF2BEACH surf shop, Wayne Mellick at Agnes water donated surf accessories (leg ropes) valued at $150.00 to support this activity. Wayne said he “is stoked to be part of this project and wrapped to see disadvantaged people in the community getting the opportunity to learn how to surf and ‘feel the vibe’ and excitement of riding waves.”
Greg Redgard, IMPACT’s WHSO & Surf Instructor, has completed Surfing Australia training on the Gold Coast with local Bargara Surf School owners Phil and Michelle Moller, having provided the 10 mandatory lessons required for this qualification free of charge! Fairymead Swimming Club has provided further support to IMPACT by enabling Greg to complete his Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallion free. John Axford, CEO of LAND&SEA in Sydney generously donated 4 surf boards to IMPACT to enable our clients to engage in this learning and recreation experience.
Without the generous support and donations from all these organisations and businesses, this opportunity would not have happened so thank you on behalf of IMPACT Make Your Mark and all our clients! With the weather being a bit chilly, we haven’t had the opportunity to take the boards out with any clients but as soon as it starts to ‘sizzle’ you can be sure to see us in the surf!
(Above left) IMPACT Youth Connections staff member Lynet Paterson (far right) and participants along with Greg Redgard (back) are thrilled with the donations and can’t wait for the warmer weather to return to learn how to surf!
Left photo courtesy of the Bundaberg News Mail
(Right) Greg Redgard with Wayne Mellick from REEF 2BEACH in Agnes Water
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORK EXPERIENCE CREATES A 'HOLE IN ONE'
A golfing clubhouse in Gin Gin now has a ‘new lease on life’ after a team of IMPACT Job Services Australia Work Experience participants completed a ‘renovation project’. A coat of paint, some TLC and garden work have added new life to the golf clubhouse. Neil Pendock, Secretary of the Gin Gin Golf Club Inc. was pleased with the outcome and added that the painting has greatly enhanced the appearance of the Clubhouse and the garden work improved the entrance to the facility.
“We greatly appreciate your assistance and hope your workers have gained some skills from the project” said Neil in his letter to IMPACT. If you are a community based not-for-profit organisation that have a project, renovation or minor maintenance activity where you need assistance, our Team Leader and Work Experience participants would love to help out! All you have to do is supply the materials… and we will supply the labour!
(Left & Left Centre) BEFORE: Garden bed and exterior of club house and
(Right centre & Right) AFTER: Revamped garden bed and club house – looking a million dollars!!
For further information on this project give Sandra or Vicky a call at IMPACT on 4153 4233
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGING DIVERSITY WORKSHOP
IMPACT’s Managing Diversity – Mental Health in the Workplace workshops are available at no cost to local business and the community sectors. The workshops help people who manage or supervise employees to recognise and understand mental health conditions, with a focus on supporting people to recover from or manage mental health conditions and maintain their valued role in the workplace. The first successful workshop was held this month at IMPACT, with the next workshop planned for July.
Participants report the workshop helped improve their understanding of mental health and gave them strategies to manage issues that may arise in the workplace. In the words of participants:
“Excellent and well presented, resource handout fantastic to increase knowledge amongst staff members.”
“Awesome, I am so much more aware."
These workshops, developed by Worklink, are well established in Cairns.The Bundaberg workshop is the first to be delivered outside that area. The workshops cover a range of topics including social and emotional wellbeing, some facts about common mental health conditions, discussing misconceptions held by the public in general around mental illness, how to create a mentally healthy work environment, identifying early warning signs, develop practical strategies to deal with real issues in the workplace and rights and responsibilities of managing staff suffering from stress and distress.
(Left to Right) Sandra Hansen facilitating the first Managing Diversity workshop in Bundaberg
Funded by IMPACT Make Your Mark Board of Directors as a Philanthropic Activity
If you are an employer or supervise staff and wish to attend a workshop please contact
IMPACT reception on 4153 4233 to book a place
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GREEN ARMY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BUNDABERG REGIONAL COUNCIL
CONTINUES TO SUPPORT FLOOD RECOVERY
Hosted by Bundaberg Regional Council to help speed flood recovery, IMPACT’s Green Army participants are experiencing real work, working alongside council employees in various sections of the council and gaining extensive hands-on work experience.
Activities have included working in parks and gardens as well as footpath and amenity repairs with participants rotating around a range of work activities within mobile units every seven weeks. Of the ten participants who commenced two months ago, nine participants are still hard at work.
IMPACT’s Green Army Supervisor, John Waters is in contact with the Council Coordinators on a regular basis and receives feedback on the participants’ progress. John reports feedback has been very positive and the additional man-power appreciated by Council. The Coordinator for footpaths and channeling has already indicated that he will seek to keep one of the participants on after his Green Army placement has finished.
Frank (Council Coordinator) said “This typically, is the type of bloke we look at when recruiting”. What a fantastic personal working relationship the participants have created with the local council. “This is a very positive experience for each participant and they report satisfaction with the way the project is unfolding for them” said John Waters.
(L-R) Jenny & Michael pressure cleaning the pavement at Botanic Gardens and (Right photo - Back row) John Waters (Team Supervisor) with Green Army Team Jenny, David, Michael, Brandon, Patrick, Steve, Ray. (Front row) Jamie, Anthony and Alec.
This project has been funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative
To find out more about participating in Green Army, please contact
Rick at IMPACT on 4153 4233 or register by clicking HERE!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPACT’S BIGGEST AFTERNOON TEA
Just holding a simple Afternoon Tea has helped raise over $300 for cancer research. IMPACT staff members cooked and baked savoury and sweet treats to tempt the tastebuds.
Raffle winners were... 1st Prize Linda Sanderson, 2nd Prize Jill Brown and 3rd Prize Heather Hinsbey. Lucky door prizes went to Lisa O’Donnell and Robyn Yettie - Congratulations!
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the raffles and supplied food and to Tanya O’Shea (Chief Executive) and staff for supporting this fundraising activity! This is the third consecutive and successful Biggest Morning Tea held at IMPACT to raise funds for cancer research with all funds to be donated to the Cancer Council, Queensland!
(L-R) Ann the expert tea maker; Bronwyn & Amanda specialised in Cappuccinos; Staff enjoy tucked into delicious food and supported the raffle
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAFETY GREG A HUGE SUCCESS AT KINDY
Workplace Health and Safety officer at IMPACT, Greg Redgard went along to Play and Learn kindergarten to speak to the little ‘choppers’ about safety. He brought along some hard hats which all 42 of the children loved and tried on while Greg spoke about Personal Protective Equipment and put on quite a show! Every child was given a little pack with a safety colouring-in book and pens plus some information about IMPACT to take home to their parents.
(Left) Greg presenting to the Kindy (Centre) Greg gives a colouring in safety pack to a young girl
(Right) Safety first! Children try on safety hats.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW BUILDING / WORKSHOP PROGRESS
The building project at IMPACT is progressing at full pace and is currently running ahead of schedule! The top level of building two has officially been handed over and consists of one large training room, 6 interview / individual staff rooms and a large open plan office for staff. Completion for the ground floor of the building is almost complete with handover due on 13 May. This will have one large function room (the size of two large training rooms) and a training kitchen / canteen. The Carpark is due to be completed in June.
The new workshop is due to be completed 13 May and will include a large multi-purpose undercover area from Building 2 to the new workshops. With toilet facilities and large roller doors to maintain a cool temperature, our participants are rearing to get into some new construction projects.
In July we hope to have an official opening of the new building. Keep an eye on our newsletters to keep up-to-date with all the progress!
(Left) The new classroom (Centre) Viewing some of the six new interview / staff rooms (Right) inside the new workshop
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEVASTATION AIDED BY DEPARTMENTS QUICK ACTIONS!
December 2010 to January 2011 saw Queensland devastated by flood events which included flooding within the Bundaberg Region. Bundaberg city, the banks of local rivers, foreshore areas and creeks were significantly impacted by this event. IMPACT, through Green Army initiatives has been supporting the flood recovery since 4 January 2011 working in close association with the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), the Bundaberg Regional Council and other environmental groups.
The team worked in a range of locations such as Lions Park, Botanical Gardens, and Kennedy Flats with other recreational parks and garden areas identified by the Council. As well as witnessing the daily improvements to flood damaged areas that they’ve worked on, participants also acquired new skills and contacts and, in several cases, new jobs or places in training courses.
Together with their Team Leader, they worked under the supervision of Bundaberg Regional Council staff undertaking flood recovery work in the parks, gardens and recreational areas in and around Bundaberg.
[Left photo] Team members received their certificates from (Right) team leader Reuban Granzier and Bundaberg Regional Council Supervisor (Bill Burford). [Right photo] Green Army (Flood Relief) participants (from Left) Aaron Jackson, Tesha Mills, Toby Frew, Jacob Scerri and Rebecka Collier and team leader Reuban Granzien (Centre).
This project has been funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VOLUNTEERS AID IN FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS
A Volunteer Flood Recovery team was also brought together after a philanthropic activity proposal was presented to the IMPACT Board for approval. Both the IMPACT board and senior management decided it was important to support the environmental flood clean-up in the Bundaberg region through provision of a volunteer clean-up team under the guidance of the Disaster Management Committee.
The team contributed to a speedier recovery and return to normality in particular ensuring re-access to community and tourism amenities which helped with the region’s economic recovery. During the 13 week project the team undertook significant clean up and restoration work in and around Lions Park and Queens Park in conjunction with Council contractors.
Team leader Ken Venus with the IMPACT Flood Recovery graduates Bernard Evans, Grant Smith, Dennis Hollis, Joshua Chick and Councillor David Batt (Right)
Funded by: IMPACT Make Your Mark Board of Directors Philanthropic Funding.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORKSHOP HELPS WITH RELATIONSHIPS - TEEN TALK
Recently, six Kepnock State High School students had the opportunity to come to IMPACT Make Your Mark to be a part of a ‘Relationship Workshop’ which was co-hosted by Community Solutions Youth Support Worker, Becky Spruce and trainee Lea Neary, Tyson Hepi, the Citicoast youth pastor and IMPACT Make Your Mark Positive Start facilitator, Amanda Scarborough.
The workshop gave the youth an opportunity to reflect on what they expect from healthy relationships, encouraged them to think about how they would like to be treated in a relationship, promoted discussion around what behaviour is acceptable and not acceptable in a relationship. The group also explored issues regarding sexual health and making positive choices, including self respect.
Finishing off what was a very sucessful workshop, the group had a casual sausage sizzle for lunch. All the girls had a great day and now understand what a healthy relationship is and how to seek help if they experience an unhealthy relationship.
(Left) Becky Spruce and Amanda Scarborough (Centre) Lea Neary with the girls from Kepnock High School Students with Becky and Amanda. (Right) Students with Tyson Hepi, Youth Pastor of Citicoast and Becky Spruce
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAUGHTER AND HILARITY WITH A SERIOUS MESSAGE
EMPLOYER EVENT WITH BRUCE SULLIVAN!
IMPACT Make Your Mark hosted a business event at The Waves this week providing an opportunity for local business and community members to experience personal relationship and communication insight imparted by Bruce Sullivan, national keynote speaker, author and business leader.
Bruce had the audience cheering, laughing and even crying (from laughing too much) at his spin on the way we deal with life and business situations and our daily personal interactions. Challenging us to assess whether we are whingeing or problem solving and asking us to consider how the communication strategies we use deliver the result and impact we want.
He challenged us to wake up excited with the potential and opportunity of each day. David Clarke, WIN Television, expressed the general feeling of the audience in saying “We were utterly amused and captivated throughout the entire evening”.
Bruce took the opportunity to launch IMPACT’s “Managing Diversity – Mental Health in the Workplace” forums to be provided free of charge to employers and their staff throughout this year as a professional development opportunity.
One in five of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives. Workshops will cover areas such as developing proactive workplace strategies to improve performance and productivity, reduce rates of absenteeism and staff turnover, reduce workplace accidents and improve morale and employee satisfaction. To book a place for the first workshop on 10th May at IMPACT phone 4153 4233 or click HERE to view the flyer
(Left) Bruce speaking to IMPACT staff in the afternoon session, (Left centre) L-R Bundaberg Regional Council CEO, Peter Byrne, Cr Lorraine Pyefinch (Mayor Bundaberg Regional Council), Cr David Batt and Rob Sergiacomi, GHD Engineering, (right centre) Angela Pickstone (Bargara Golf Club), Wendy Thomas (CQ TAFE), Nikki Gill (CSQ) and Chris Kettle (Wide Bay Institute of TAFE) and (left) IMPACT Chief Executive, Tanya O’Shea with WIN Television’s David Clarke
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECYCLING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW
Working in partnership with Bundaberg Regional Council, IMPACT Make Your Mark manages the materials recycling facility at University Drive in Bundaberg. The recycling facility is an Australian Disability Enterprise employing 27 workers with disability, providing a safe and supportive workplace. The workers take pride in their contribution to minimising waste and supporting a cleaner environment. It is a hard job, made even more difficult when we, the public, don’t put the correct products in our recycling bins!
Imagine a milk bottle with a little milk left in the bottom! It hasn’t been rinsed before going into a yellow top bin… 5 days later, after enduring sun and heat, the bottle is tossed into a truck with more bottles and cans that also haven’t been rinsed… Then the bottle appears on a sorting line, with recycling workers grabbing at it, throwing it into the correct bin – ready for processing. The bottle is then crushed and the stale milk explodes out over the equipment. The stench is immense…
Workers at the recycling plant have to deal with the smell and sort by hand ALL products that the public place into the yellow top bins.
More than 65,000 individual cans alone are processed every day! The recycling workers’ message to the public is “Please be aware of the products you are putting into your yellow top bins, rinse bottles and tins if you can, and please don’t throw in other rubbish that we have to sort through – it will make our job so much easier!
There are three easy steps to a cleaner, greener tomorrow…
- Reduce (packaging),
- Re-use (containers) and
- Recycle (useable products)!
One the main benefits of recycling is that it reduces the amount of resources going into landfill. Products that are recyclable are saved and re-used to make new product. This means that the planet’s natural resources are saved! Find out more about IMPACT’s extensive support, training and employment services by visiting our website www.impact.org.au
(Left) Recycling workers Gary Rohdmann & Daniel Sheather review the products coming into the recycling plant with Mitch Pignat (IMPACT Supervisor), (Centre L-R) Craig Jensen, Derrick Heidke, Mathew Hendricks, Aaron Truscott with Supervisor Mitch Pignat, picking out recyclables on the sorting line, (Right) IMPACT Recycling & Collections staff
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE JOY OF SINGING - IMPACT IS SEEKING MUSICAL VOLUNTEERS!
Whether you love singing in the shower, the car, with friends, or in a choir, most of us just love to throw caution to the wind and break into song... Singing is uplifting, with or without an audience, and I’m told everyone can sing – however, I need to research that assumption further before I’m convinced.
All that said IMPACT Make Your Mark wants to establish a choir drawing songsters from our extensive client group. This is a very special choir, based on the “Choir of Hard Knocks” established in Melbourne, which brings together people who are isolated in their community or whose life needs uplifting. There are a number of similar choirs all over Australia making a difference in people’s lives, providing an opportunity for them to be involved in their community, to connect with supportive networks and make lifelong friends.
IMPACT’s choir (yet to be named by the group) is looking for a volunteer Choir Master to lead the group and a volunteer accompanist to help them keep in tune. The commitment would be about half a day per week plus performances. If you have the musical skills needed and want to be part of this awesome and fun volunteering activity you can apply by letter or email to IMPACT at PO Box 694, Bundaberg or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. If you want to know more about the project, give Lauren a call at IMPACT on 4153 4233.
(Left) Participants and staff are excited about the Choir (Centre) IMPACT staff Steve & Anika test the new microphone (Right) Choir Coordinator Lauren Player at the keyboard
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MURRI PATHWAYS POST SCHOOL EMPLOYMENT SEMINAR
The Murri Pathways Seminar was supported by government and non-government agencies and aimed at helping exited Year 12 Indigenous students explore future career pathways. There were motivational speakers throughout the day with PowerPoint presentations and plenty of information.
If you would like to find out more about the information provided at this year’s expo, please contact Jason Carr on 5451 2341.
(Left) Diana Wade from Mission Australia with IMPACT’s Deneita Fewquandie, (Centre) IMPACT’s Environmental Green Army team checking out displays, (Right) Larry Budd & Mark Vincent from Construction Skills Queensland
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KICKSTART EXPO 2011 - CONNECTING WITH LOCAL YOUTH
Hinkler Central Shopping Centre provided the venue and local community organisations show-cased their youth services at the Hinkler Central Kickstart Expo.
IMPACT youth services which include: Youth Connections; Get Set for Work; Green Army; National Green Jobs Corps; Positive Start Parenting; and Providing Opportunities through Day Services (Disability services) all linked with young people and their parents visiting the expo.
Danielle Ingram, IMPACT’s Get Set for Work facilitator said “the all-day event was very successful and well received by the youth of Bundaberg. I had enquiries and a lot of parents asking about services available to their children who were not attending school anymore.
”This was a great opportunity for local youth services to promote the broad range of activities available to young people in Bundaberg. There are plans to make this a regular event due to the high level of interest generated.
Interested in participating in IMPACT’s youth service activities? See more information on this website or phone Rick Johnstone, Program Manager on 4153 4233.
 (Left) Amanda Scarborough (IMPACT Positive Start Parenting) (Left Centre L-R) IMPACT staff: Amanda Scarborough, Danielle Ingram, Anika Thorén, John Waters; with National Green Jobs Corps participants Jenny Pomroy & Chris Dobeli; (seated) IMPACT staff Lynet Paterson & Tanya Nagas (Right Centre) Danielle Ingram helps with an enquiry (Right) Lynet Paterson tries out the Indigenous Wellbeing Centre’s display.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLOOD RECOVERY - HELPING OUR COMMUNITY
IMPACT staff returned to work in January ready to lend a hand in any way possible with flood clean-up. Initially we were able to divert existing environmental teams already on-the-ground to flood clean-up work. Since then a further Green Army team of 10 participants funded by the State Government and a clean-up team funded by IMPACT’s Board of Directors, made up of 17 volunteers from IMPACT programs including our disability day services have commenced.
Together with their Team Leaders, they are working under the supervision of Bundaberg Regional Council staff undertaking flood recovery work in the parks, gardens and recreational areas in and around Bundaberg.Teams have worked in a range of locations such as Lions Park, Botanical Gardens, and Kennedy Flats with other recreational parks and garden areas identified by the Council for the two current teams’ clean-up activities.
When one of the newly recruited flood recovery workers was asked why he was doing this, he answered “I think I speak for all of us when I say this, we are all here for the same reason – to get a job and help the community. We are sick of being on the dole and when this disaster struck, it really reached into our hearts and we want to help out as much as we can. In the end, it would be great to achieve employment, and doing this is just another step forward in that direction!”
Keep up to date with these guys and the fantastic work they are doing for the community via our newsletters and website!
(Left L-R) Volunteer Flood Recovery Team Supervisor, Ken Venus; Team members: Back row Grant Smith, Sam Watson; Steve Dunn; Front row: Allan Chapman, Joshua Chick; Brett Bewley; Far back: Mike Rennie, IMPACT Board Chair, Tanya O’Shea IMPACT Chief Executive and Councillor David Batt; (Left Centre) Tanya O’Shea with IMPACT Supervisor, Ken Venus; (Right Centre L-R) Bundaberg Regional Council staff: Bill Burford, Nick Maclean and Greg Savage; (Right L-R) Grant Smith, Brett Bewley, Joshua Chick; Supervisor Ken Venus (IMPACT Volunteer Flood Recovery Group)
|
