December 2015nundah activity centre

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

get more out of life

Merry Christmas

Another Christmas is on our doorsteps and another fantastic year for your Centre.

I outlined the achievements in my Annual Report and in the last newsletter including the Digital Community Visitors Scheme, Skilling Queenslanders for Work training programmes, and special projects such Bikes4Life and our own internet radio station, naconlineradio.

As impressive as these may be for a non-profit organisation of our size, every time I call at the centre, I am constantly reminded of the importance of the less-than-dynamic normal activities our people perform in daily roles that have been, and always will be, at the heart of Nundah Activity Centre’s identity. We are still here for the local community and it is the actions of the staff and our volunteers that are the truly amazing story of NAC.

I wish to thank your General Manager, Don Rudd, and all of his dedicated staff for their hard work in 2015. Without them, our goals and mission at the centre could not be achieved.

Above all I would like to say thank you to the many volunteers who contribute numerous hours of their valuable time to ensure that the lives of our many clients are made more comfortable.

I also thank the Board of NAC who have again, in 2015, put in an enormous effort. You have made me proud to serve as your President and I look forward to our 40th Anniversary in 2016. I wish you all a great and safe Christmas and hope that your dreams in 2016 become a reality.

Terry Hayes President

Whew… Time to pause for breath! What an amazing year we have enjoyed at Nundah Activity Centre rolling out an array of exciting and innovative programmes in the Centre and all over Australia. Our very own radio station NAC Online Radio, art classes, vocational training programmes, the Digital Community Visitors’ Scheme and members’ iDesk, to name a few.

It takes a team effort to achieve outstanding results like these. I thank our dedicated and talented staff, volunteers and Board members for their contributions to our success in 2015.

Special thanks to our members, friends and sponsors. Your enthusiastic support has provided the motivation and the means for our campaign to expand our services and extend the range of the NAC brand to help people everywhere get more out of life.

Have a great Christmas break and prepare yourself for even more exciting developments at NAC in the new year.

Best wishes, Don Rudd General Manager

In this issue......

Skilling Queenslanders for Work Gets Underway and Deputy Director-General’s visit

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

NAC Online Radio can send your greetings across the world

Read how our internet radio service is readily available to use on Christmas Day to send loved ones overseas your special Christmas greeting and song dedication.

Digital Community Visitor Scheme as Christmas Gift

Something truly different and special for older parents at Christmas. A gift that will help remove isolation.

The fun of our Melbourne Cup Party

A big race and a big day. See how we spent Cup Day at the centre.

Our Christmas Party Soon Book now. Don’t miss out.

nundah activity centre December 2015 NAC News 03

Your Christmas Greeting Across the World with NAC RadioSend friends and loved ones overseas your special message on Christmas Day.

Through our internet radio service, NAC Online Radio, we can send your Christmas wishes to be received at the time your loved ones overseas are enjoying their Christmas morning. The message can be played as they are opening presents and getting ready for Christmas dinner, even on the other side of the world. It can accompany a Christmas song of your choice and be a special message that uses the internet to bridge the distance and bring you to others across the world. No matter where they are, as long as your recipients can access www.naconlineradio.org on their internet connection, they can hear what you have to say.

Simply tell them to put the service on at the time it will be played (we can determine when that will be) and they can hear your personal message and Christmas song at a time when it can mean the most. If you do not tell them why, it will be nice surprise.

Call to the centre during office hours and have one of our NAC Online Radio staff record your message. Choose a special Christmas song from a list of more than one hundred to dedicate along with your message.

Your message will be played on Christmas Day at the time that your recipients are having their Christmas morning. No matter where in the world your loved ones are, they can hear your Christmas message and dedicated song.

This will be a free service NAC offers to its members with our wish for a Merry Christmas for you and yours.

NAC Online Radio is Nundah Activity Centre’s internet radio project. It broadcasts Easy Listening and Great Music Memories, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can listen to it at www.naconlineradio.org

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

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

get more out of life04 NAC News December 2015

Our Cup Carnival• Written by Lee Sims

It was a historic day. Michelle Payne became the first female jockey, on only the fourth 100 to 1 winner, Prince of Penzance, and we saw it on the big screen at nac.

It was a special day for me. My first chance to host an event for Nundah Activity Centre but, even

more, a wonderful opportunity to meet some our longest standing members.

a big week fOr elenOrElenor Weymouth was there as a prelude to her own 90th birthday on the following Saturday. Many happy returns, Elenor. I look forward to seeing you again at our next Melbourne Cup Day.

And, of course, at 3pm, the big race on the big screen and what a finish. The Melbourne Cup is arguably the most exciting sport event. You can always rely on an exciting finish and usually a surprise winner.

But this year’s was more than anyone could have predicted. Well Margaret Carl, said she thought Prince of Penzance might win. Did she back it? No.

Seems I’ve heard that story before.

nundah activity centre December 2015 NAC News 05

Last month we had the pleasure to host the Deputy Director-General Suzanne Wauchope at the centre. Ms Wauchope and her entourage came to inspect our two training courses and meet the participants. The students were keen to demonstrate what they were learning and express their feeling of achievement gained from participating in the Skilling Queenslander for Work.

Later the Deputy Director-General took a break for a cup of tea and to chat with NAC management and stall at the centre.

Deputy Director-General Visits

Trainees in Certificate III in Home and Community Care were given practical demonstration and training in the use of equipment they will use in their future career. Skilling Queenslanders for Work is a Queensland Government initiative that provides essential theoretical and practical hands-on experience to properly arm trainees for their future careers.

Our Certificate III courses, Home and Community Care and Technology and Information got off to a great start in October.

Certificate III in Digital, Technology and Information, in partnership with Australian Business College and Certificate III in Home and Community Care with Royal Health Care College. Boths course are provided free to eligible applicants under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work.

Training Goes Ahead

With the successful launch of two courses, we are now planning to commence more of these programmes in early 2016.

The training is offered free to eligible applicants. For enquiries about course content, commencement and eligibility contact Joanna Barnes at Nundah Activity Centre, 3266 4500 or Joanna@nac.org.au

WednesdayWalking Club (Toombul Shopping Centre)7.00 am - 8.00 am

Men’s Shed8.30 am - 12.00 pm$2.00

Computer Lessons 9.00 am - 11.00 am$3.00

Bikes 4 Life9.00 am - 12.00 pm

Table Tennis9.30 am - 12.00 pm$3.00

Hearing Tests9.00 pm - 1.00 pmFirst Wednesday each monthFree

Euchre10.00 am - 12.00 pm$3.00

American Canasta12.30 am - 4.00 pm$3.00

IT Club1.00 pm - 3.00 pm $3.00

Ballet 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm Eva Kohout (07) 3266 8397

Monthly Bus TripClients OnlyPrice according to destinationCheck the notice board

ThursdayPodiatry 8.00 am - 11.00 pmBy appointment only Clients $8.00 Private $30.00

Nutritionist & Physiotherapist8.00 am - 4.00 pmBy appointment only Clients $3.00

Men’s Shed8.30 am - 12.00 pm$2.00

Justice of the Peace9.15 am - 10.15 amFree

Braille Reading9.30 am -12.00 pmFree

NAC Members Birthday Party10.00 amLast Friday of the month (Joint birthday November/ December)

English as a second language10.30 am - 11.30 amFree

NAC Haccers1.00 pm - 3.00 pm$3.00

NACtivities9.30 am - 2.00 pmClients $13.00 Private $20.00

Ballet4.00 pm - 8.00 pmEva Kohout (07) 3266 8397

FridayWalking Club (Toombul Shopping Centre)7.00 am - 8.00 am

Snooker8.30 am - 3.00 pmBookings Required $3.00

NAC Member Bus Trip8.30 amSecond Friday of the month

Craft9.30 am - 12.00 pm Fundraising activity

Yoga9.30 am - 11.00 amPensioners: $12.00 Others by request

Counselling Service10.00 am - 2.00 pmAppointment required $3.00

Art Classes11.00 am - 3.00 pm

Acting Class12.00 pm - 1.30 pm$10.00

Ballet 4.00 pm - 8.00 pmEva Kohout 3266 8397

SaturdayBallet 9.00 am - 3.00 pmEva Kohout (07) 3266 8397

Dancing Night6.00 pm Learn 7.00 pm Dance 1st & 4th Saturday each month$10.00

SundayBikes 4 Life10.00 am - 12.00pm

Faith City Worship Centre9.00 am - 11.00 amMorning tea after service

MondayWalking Club (Toombul Shopping Centre) 7.00 am - 8.00 am

Gentle Exercise8.00 am - 9.00 am$5.50 Per Session $50 Per Ten Week Course

Snooker 8.30 am - 4.00 pm Bookings Required $3.00

Recreational Bus Trip8.30 am - 2.00 pmBookings Essential$7.00 Clients Only

Mah Jong9.00 am - 12.00 pm$3.00

Euchre10.00 am - 12.00 pm$3.00

Afternoon Dance1.00 pm - 3.00 pmBeginners Welcome Ian or Val 3863 0193 Not Public Holidays$5.00

Ballet 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm Eva Kohout (07) 3266 8397

TuesdayPatchwork 9.00 am - 11.00 am$3.00

Wheels to Meals9.00 am- 1.00 pmClients $13.00 Private $20.00

Line Dancing9.00 am - 1.30 pmBrett Jenkins 0402 623 787

Ballet4.00 pm - 8.00 pmEva Kohout (07) 3266 8397

NAC’s Christmas BreakNundah Activity Centre will be closed over the Christmas/ New Year Period from Christmas Eve.

It’s time for us to take a short break. We will close at 4pm, Thursday, 24th December, and open our doors again on Monday, 11th January.

Best Wishes for the New Year. See you again in 2016

nundah activity centre December 2015 NAC News 07

US Professor Explores Men’s ShedsIn October, Professor David Jones visited the Nundah Men’s Shed on a fact-finding mission. Professor Jones is no stranger to Nundah. He grew up here. This Aussie educator has, for the past 25 years, been lecturing in the United States with the Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio.

News of the success of Men’s Sheds in Australia has spread to United States and David Jones’ College Dean sent him to Australia to investigate the Men’s Shed success story. Naturally he picked Nundah as the starting point. One Men’s Shed is not enough to gain a proper perspective so, after meeting with Jeff Lawrence and other members at the Nundah Men’s Shed, Lee Sims had the pleasure of escorting the Professor to other sheds around the Brisbane area, including Mt Gravatt and Ipswich.

Each operation has its own characteristics and provides variations of the concept but the theme of camaraderie and purposeful activity is consistent at all Men’s Shed. And that is the way that the Professor found it throughout the tour.

Birthdays in December can be a problem... Close to Christmas... Harder to get the attention…

What about when your birthday is only two days before Christmas? This year, Mary McDuff will not be overshadowed. Christmas or not, this is her year. Mary (Molly) McDuff turns 100 on December 23 and we will be making a big deal about it in the week before.

Mary McDuff was born in Ipswich as the second of five children. She followed in the tradition of her father as a teacher. She began teaching in Clermont, where she met her husband, Clarrie (Mac) McDuff.

They lived in Caboolture, where they had three daughters and a son. They moved to Windsor and then to Wavell Heights where Mary still lives in that family home. We look forward to hosting Molly at the Centre on 17th December and welcome her 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren along with other extended members of her family and many local dignitaries.

On 17th December, we will be holding a 100th Birthday Celebration Morning Tea for Mary, her family and many friends. RSVP 15th December.

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

What about when your birthday is only two days before Christmas? This year, Mary McDuff will not be overshadowed. Christmas or not, this is her year. Mary (Molly) McDuff turns 100 on December 23 and we will be making a big deal about it in the week before.

Mary McDuff was born in Ipswich as the second of five children. She followed in the tradition of her father as a teacher. She began teaching in Clermont, where she met her husband, Clarrie (Mac) McDuff.

They lived in Caboolture, where they had three daughters and a son. They moved to Windsor and then to Wavell Heights where Mary still lives in that family home. We look forward to hosting Molly at the Centre on 17th December and welcome her 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren along with other extended members of her family and many local dignitaries.

On 17th December, we will be holding a 100th Birthday Celebration Morning Tea for Mary, her family and many friends. RSVP 15th December.

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

We are proud to have Steve on the team. His dedication is an inspiration to us all.

get more back at nac

We want our volunteers to get a return for the time and effort they donate.

We take the time to find out about you, your experience, your skills, your interests, your aims.We want you to gain from time with us.

Call us and let’s talk about how you can get back more for your time with nac on (07) 3266 4500

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

Nundah Activity Centre

15 Jenner Street, Nundah, QLD, 4012

Tel. (07) 3266 4500

Fax (07) 3266 1271

Email info@nac.org.au

www.nac.org.au

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BoardTerry Hayes (President)Samantha Cowley (Secretary)Mary-Clare Harris (Treasurer)Mark GilbertChris ThorburneJeff LawrenceAunty Chick Fisher

General ManagerDon Rudd

Operations ManagerJanetta Mcdiarmid

Community Projects Co-ordinatorJoanna Barnes

Meals on Wheels Margaret Carl

PromotionsLee Sims (Manager)Sugito Arifin (Co-ordinator)Ying Lun (Graphic Design )

Community Visitors SchemeGwen Thiesfield (CVS Co-ordinator)Lynda Wells (DCVS Co-ordinator)

Digital ProjectsSarah Xu

Diversity Client ServicesDebbie Jones

Client and Member ServicesKaren Alexander (Respite & Lifestyle)Pam Dalrymple (Respite)Steven Turrell (CHSP & Property)

Finance and AdministrationEmerlina LagmanNatasha FertjowskiMichaela BadgerNatalie Klinger

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

Send stories tonews@nac.org.au

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

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

DCVS Service Gift starts with NAC providing a simple tablet with internet connection, easy-to-use touch functions, personal instruction, and assistance to remove the confusion of new-age technology that often deters older people.

The Digital Community Visitors’ Scheme is a complete service provided by NAC for older people living in specific regions

around Australia who receive packaged home care. It places our easy-to-use tablet, set up, ready to go, with internet access, a generous data allowance, simple functions, and our personal instruction, in your parents’ hands.

The DCVS reaches people that are socially isolated in a safe and secure manner. It helps to keep them living independently in the community. It is amazing to see the change in our participants from when they first start the programme. They are more animated, happier, and eager to engage in life. The service comes complete with ongoing support from our experienced and caring NAC DCVS Team.

The Christmas Gift of Care for Older Parents

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

“I feel much happier after I talk with Liz (DCVS Team member)” -- Terry, DCVS participant

For further information, please contact Lynda Wells, NAC’s Digital Community Co-ordinator, lynda@nac.org.au or (07) 32664500.