I AM issue 12.1 Xmas Edition 2013

I AM MAGAZINE SPECIAL XMAS EDITION 2013

I AM MAGAZINE IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: Dutchee Dutchee - Cronulla In Motion Lifestyle .com.au The Barefaced Bride .com.au Sophie B .com.au South of the Border - Cronulla Urban Chic - Mortdale Vital FX Health .com.au Nutrition iLove .com

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i-am Magazine Pty Ltd is an independent magazine published quarterly by Samantha Edwards & i-am Magazine Pty Ltd. Available for reading at www.iammagazine.com.au Mail to: PO Box 1145 Cronulla NSW 2230 AUSTRALIA ABN: 82 146 481 781 All content is subject to copyright, and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Opinions represented in i-am Magazine Pty Ltd are not necessarily those of the publishers. This magazine is intended as a reference only, NOT as medical advice.

Some course language and/or sexual references may be contained herein. Please browse/read of your own choosing.

Articles labelled ‘LE’ are written from ‘life experience’ only, therefore the advice provided is not suitable for everyone. I AM recommends anyone experiencing difficulties in life seek advice from a professional.

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ED’S NOTE elcome to the special I AM Xmas Edition.

Yes, that word has come round again, and even faster than last time. On the release of this issue, Christmas will be a measly 19 sleeps away, and the year of 2013 will come to an official close.

I find the end of the year an interesting season, in that, it is almost a bitter sweet event. In adulthood we are excited to know that we will be receiving a little leave from work, which means extra time with family, rest and relaxation, or party central.

It is also a time of the year where we may be met with the realisation that we did not achieve everything we’d hoped we would, in 2013. I think, as we get older, we set the stakes higher, providing somewhat impossible ‘to do’ lists. The feeling of not accomplishing everything you set out to do can leave you deflated, desperate and disappointed.

This is the moment when the question must be asked; “What did you do?”

We are so quick to identify our failures, the things not achieved, our unsuccessful moments. Can 2013 be the year that you start to identify the things you did achieve?

This philosophy has been a strong factor in the development of the Xmas issue you are about to read. We are bombarded daily with news of what is wrong with the world. As a Xmas gift to you, and ourselves, we have dedicated this issue to what is right. And, it’s all happening under our noses, in the Sutherland Shire community.

So, in reflection when the clock chimes midnight NYE, remind yourself of all the wonderful experiences you were given in 2013.

My message for 2014: Be kind when writing your ‘to do’ lists, you are a beautiful human ‘being’, not a human ‘doing’. Stay Present, People.

Sam xo

SNAPSHOT of the issue...

05 SUUBI ‘HOPE’ FOR 2014 06 PEOPLE - A JOURNEY TO INDIA 07 DIY LIFE - GET UP! 09 PETS GETTING A SECOND CHANCE 10 EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS @ THE HUB 11 HAVING A MONOCHROME MOMENT 15 LOCAL—PEACEBOMB 16 GOD HELP! THE COMMUNITY 18 WE’RE DEFENDING HUMAN RIGHTS...AGAIN! 19 A MESSAGE FROM MADIBA

EDITOR & PUBLISHER: SamanthaEdwards I-AM Magazine Pty Ltd www.iammagazine.com.au ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES & EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: iammagazine@live.com.au FOLLOW US: FACEBOOK: /iammagazinesuthshire PINTEREST: /iammagazine INSTAGRAM: /iammagazine TWITTER: #iamtheshire

MERRY XMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR I AMers!!!X

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aWORTHYgift!

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Yes, folks it’s that time of year again. The tree goes up, the Christmas lights get untangled and wrapping paper flows in abundance. Your Christmas list is written, crumpled and written again. Where will you find a gift that is beautiful, functional and gives twice?...

The SUUBI calendar - Hope for 2014- will tick all 3 boxes.

The ESG Foundation, in association with Kurnell-based company ESG Asia Pacific, has recently released the 2014 SUUBI Calendar in an effort to raise much needed funds for developing projects in Uganda.

In May, John Beach, CEO of the ESG Foundation, travelled to Uganda and South Africa on a distribution trip with the Global Volunteer Network. While there, he visited a number of various projects which completely changed his outlook on life and the purpose of the ESG Foundation. On his return, he felt compelled to do something even more, and after browsing through the numerous photographs he had taken, he conjured up the concept for the 2014 SUUBI Calendar.

The SUUBI calendar has been created to raise $25,000 for projects in Uganda, with the intent of donating all money raised directly to programs like; The Great Big Project. The money will assist the building of schools, health centres, homes for orphans and other much needed facilities.

Lack of education is one of the major factors maintaining the cycle of poverty in Uganda. Facilities like stationary and classrooms are scarce, along with money to pay school fees. Overcrowded schools, holding an average of 85 students per room, also adds to the problem.

It has been reported that only 12% of primary school students in Uganda reach secondary education due to tuition fees, in the reputable institutions, being too high. To achieve a decent education in Uganda, one must have the ability to pay for it. Paying school fees is beyond many families, especially when they have a lot of children .

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aWORTHYgift!

Without an education in Uganda, one is considered to be of no status.

Community projects are very effective in planning and supporting a future, even without education. “In 1997 the Ugandan government introduced universal primary education (the idea that all children should be able to attend primary school for free) and in 2007 universal secondary education. Unfortunately the demand for free education outstrips the availability of places at the free government schools. It is not uncommon for classes to have well over one hundred students, with very little in the way of facilities, and demotivated, over-worked teachers heading them. This means that for most of the population, especially those who want a higher quality education, the only other option is private school. In Uganda, private schools vary enormously in fees and quality.� [salve international] The SUUBI calendar holds images personally captured by John, depicting a community radiating with a sense of joy, a sense of hope. It breathes inspiration and beauty, found in a tumultuous place.

SUUBI is the word of hope in Luganda, language in Uganda, and for the ESG Foundation members, raising funds for Ugandan communities just seemed like another chance to help make the world a better place.

The 2014 SUUBI Calendar can be purchased for $10 from various businesses around the Sutherland Shire or by contacting foundation@esgasiapacific.com. www.facebook.com/SuubiCalendar

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aWORTHYgift!

Local Sutherland Shire businesses have, of course, jumped on board to help.

“We have been fortunate enough to receive support from various businesses in both the production and sale of the calendars”, the ESG Foundation stated.

These businesses include local sponsors Tribe Social Fitness (Taren Point) and True Blue Chemicals (Caringbah), and a bevy of local businesses who have offered to sell the Calendar; The Hospitality Establishment (Caringbah) Putt Planet (Miranda) Asisa Hair (Burraneer) The Greedy Cat Café (Caringbah) Glo Spa (Burraneer Bay) The Vintage Vault (Miranda) Essenze Chocolate (Caringbah) Endeavour Café (Kurnell) Bambinos Kindergarten (Caringbah) Mad Mex (Cronulla) A Touch of Eden (Cronulla) Percy’s Café (Taren Point) Begin Bright (Gymea) Café Twelve (Gymea) Oh La La (Gymea) Bella Bakery (Sutherland) Post Box Café (Yowie Bay) Studio 11 Hair Design (Gymea) Little Kickers Sutherland Shire, 5sports (Caringbah) Mark Gardner (Caringbah) Café Di Casa (Gymea) Facebook supporters: Cronulla Beach and CBD Events, Gymea Village, Shire Women, Shire Mums and Shire Kids.

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PEOPLE

A Journey to India…

Lauren has found a spiritual home in India. On one of her first travels to India, a local man told Lauren something that has stayed with her and ultimately inspired her to bring yoga students to the country that is now her second home. oga teacher, holistic health practitioner & world change advocate, Lauren Deacon is a local girl helping seekers across the Sutherland Shire find fulfilment.

Known for her devotion to cleaning up Cronulla Beaches with her group Shaucha -which means cleanliness in Sanskrit- and providing support to Homeless people in Central Sydney, Lauren is a holistic educator with a strong insight into what can bring ultimate health, through understanding the connection between mind and body.

Lauren believes the key is getting back to the true essence of yoga and educating her students on the importance of daily ‘breathwork’ practise, along with integrating and connecting everything that’s natural to the human soul.

Lauren believes yoga has become somewhat commercialised and, in a way, ‘trendy’.

“I educate my students on the true meaning of yoga and bring all aspects of it to the awareness of the client in order to best treat underlying issues that may be affecting them physiologically”, she said.

He said, “Everybody comes to India to find themselves.”

This can imply many things, however one thing seems obvious - many people living in the first world are soulfully lost. Our bodies and minds are unbalanced by society and lifestyle and this is creating havoc on the overall health and wellbeing of western civilisation.

‘Yoga Journey’ departs several times a year and heads directly to one of the most beautiful parts of India, the peaceful beaches of South Goa. On the journey with Lauren, you will experience natural authentic Indian community living. You will eat home cooked food and live amongst the locals at a home stay. You will be given the tools to facilitate ‘real’ personal change, you will be inspired to create and evolve into the person you desire to be.

The Yoga journey to India is an opportunity to reconnect and recharge. Using yoga, massage, meditation and spiritual connection, journey goers will be given the opportunity to finally discover themselves.

For more information on Lauren’s services, including workshops and retreats, head over to: www.vitalfxhealth.com.au Another local Sutherland Shire business.

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LE

GET UP!DRESS UP!SHOW UP! 2013, for some, was a year of uncertainty. Jobs dissolved and regular income became a game of hide and seek. The life comfortably lived managing mortgage and debt became unstable and stressful.

So, how do we come back from a time in our life considered, one of the lowest?

First of all we Get Up, we make an effort to Dress Up, and we always Show Up!!!

Some mornings it’s beyond hard to get out of bed. You lie there knowing the day has started for most, but your body, thick with emotion, is like a lead weight falling into the mattress. How do you get out of bed when you know you have nothing to go to?

Now that you have days and hours at your disposal, the first thing you need to do is identify what you are going to do with your time?

The average human being requires purpose. It keeps us going through suffering and turbulent times. Viktor E. Frankl wrote a whole book on ‘purpose’, describing his time in a Nazi concentration camp and identifying it as the key tool for survival – if you were spared the gas chamber. The key was having a reason to live, a knowing that there was something for you once you were released. It was about having faith in your life.

Did you lose your job? Look at further education! Maybe it’s time for a career change. Increase your skills by learning something new. Find a local networking group and connect with others who have also lost their jobs or are endeavouring to return to the workforce.

To cushion the money worries contact your local Centrelink office. Those unemployed are entitled to Government assistance, not only for day to day finances, but for further education. Ask questions. Ask for help.

Get Up!

Set your alarm EARLY! Do not fall into the trap of the Monday to Friday sleep-in. Too much sleep equals motivation crasher. Late nights equals not enough sleep, which, yes you guessed it, equals motivation crasher! Several glasses of wine before bed to numb your sense of hopelessness or dull down the stress vibration -no, you don’t need to be Einstein, it’s common sense- equals MOTIVATION CRASHER!!!

Go to bed at a reasonable hour and get your ass out of bed EARLY! Scientific evidence has found that on average humans require 7-8 Hours sleep to maintain health and wellbeing. >>>

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LE

GET UP!DRESS UP!SHOW UP! Know what you are doing!

One of the most effective motivators for getting you out of bed is knowing you have to be somewhere by a certain time. Make a plan. Find something to do first thing in the morning. Embrace exercise. Put the runners on and get moving. Suck in the fresh morning air and surround yourself with other go-getters. Early morning walkers are motivated folk, get amongst their energy and inhale. Let them inspire you to start your day with purpose.

Join a Community Group that offers Community Support Services. The Hub, located in Caringbah [page 10], is a Community Support Centre offering services and activities for people in need of social interaction or life and general assistance. Like the name suggests, it is a Hub of information for services to assist community members at any stage of their life.

The focus is to leave the house and make a bee line towards purpose. Talk about what’s happening in your life with people in similar circumstances. The more you talk about what you need, the closer you will get to finding the support and assistance to get you back on track.

DRESS UP! Feeling good about how you look holds great importance, and not just for women. Confidence and self esteem link in with many things, but one of the key components is with what we wear. What we wear affects how we feel.

Do I hear a scoff?

Think about it. Take the times you have made the effort to look good, compared to the times you’ve stumbled out of the house in something you should have thrown out years ago; felt different didn’t it?

Map out a weekly wardrobe. Identify the clothes that make you feel great and designate a VIP section in your wardrobe for quick, easy access. Discard or hide every single item that makes you feel less than wonderful and uncomfortable.

Know what you are going to wear pre-tomorrow and get it ready to go.

You must treat yourself good, to feel good. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. It simply takes preparation and care in how you look. Not for others…for yourself!

If spending hours on your locks doesn’t fill you with joy, get a haircut. Find a style that is easy to manage and perfect in a minimal amount of time.

Women love having long hair, however, if you can’t afford the constant maintenance to keep your >>>

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LE

GET UP!DRESS UP!SHOW UP! >>> tresses looking pristine, op for a shorter do. Alternatively, invest in a box of bun pins and pop those untamed locks in a neat sleek bun for the days you don’t have an hour to straighten your mane. Dress to impress every day.

The universe is beautiful and unpredictable, it may just have you colliding with opportunity when you least expect it.

SHOW UP! The key to moving on with life and getting what you want is, SHOWING UP for it! Show up for life, Show up for the day. Wake up, get up, dress up and SHOW UP! Commit to showing up. Your life was provided to you as an opportunity to grow, experience, explore & discover. Hiding away at home in a lull, attempting to ride out a storm, is acceptable for a short period of time, but you may find the storm won’t ease until you make the choice to move on.

A period of suffering is an experience to learn more about yourself, to become aware of the life you have created and to decide if it is everything you believed it would be. It is an opportunity to change direction and make a new path to get you where you truly want to be.

If symptoms persist see your doctor!!!

If you are experiencing extended periods of feeling sad, hopeless, low, overwhelmed or stressed, seek advice from a doctor or medical practitioner. There are services available to you to help you feel more balanced during this period.

If you are on a low income, local community services like the Sutherland Community Support Centre, on Stapleton Street Sutherland, have a registered Psychologist available free of charge to those holding a mental health plan from their GP. Talk to your doctor about this and how you can access free mental health support. These types of services are available to all. Remember, ask the questions. Ask your Doctor to assist you in heading in the right direction. Mental health plans are provided to low income earners by most doctors under the Medicare bulk billing service.

LE - THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN WRITTEN FROM LIFE EXPERIENCE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS PROFESSIONAL CARE.

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EDUCATE

Pictured here is Bonnie & Maddie with two Sydney Pet Rescue volunteers.

Their story; They were rescued as kittens from death row at Ranbury Farm Pound and have been in foster care since.

Giving lost & abandoned pets a second chance.

Welcome to the Pound! You have 7 days to live. Pets placed on death row at the pound have 7 days to be adopted or rescued, otherwise they are put to sleep.

These are the types of animals the Sydney Pet Rescue & Adoption Centre, located in Jannali, remove from the pound. There are currently about 60 animals in temporary foster care that have been rescued by the local centre and the search for a new home is something they take very seriously. Although the centre generally re-homes cats and dogs, rabbits have also found their passage to a new home through the centre.

As you can imagine, 60 animals would occupy quite a great deal of space.

Would that type of shelter experience be comfortable for the rescued? Well, the Sydney Pet Rescue & Adoption Centre do not have a shelter. Instead, all animals are placed in loving temporary foster homes until a new family can be found. *Surrendered Microchipped pets have 14 days to live from arrival at the pound.

What’s involved in the adoption process?

There are stories and photographs of all the animals on the website. www.sydneypetrescue.com.au If you are interested in a particular pet you will then fill out a cat match or a dog match form—you didn’t think the centre would hand their little ones over to anybody, did you? If you are considered a good match you will then meet the foster carer and your new best friend. If all parties agree, a small fee is paid to cover vet fees etc., and your life is complete, with a sweet addition to your family. To accommodate any possible teething problems, all adopters are given a 4 week trial period. Post-adoption support is also on hand, should you need it.

It’s Xmas time!

DO NOT buy a pet as a gift!

The centre receives a number of phone calls from people who have been gifted, with good intentions, with a pet. Sadly these gifts can become quickly unwanted. This is part of the reason why pounds are full of animals. The process is indiscriminate, there is no pet matching and no consideration to accommodating the needs of the animal, or the owner.

Part of the excitement of getting a pet is the planning. Buying a pet must be planned and the new owners must be prepared.

Do NOT buy a pet from a pet store. This is just re-enforcing backyard breeding.

There are too many pets currently without homes. Adopt a pet and give him/her a second chance at living a life, loved.

“We don’t believe that animals should be put to sleep for convenience.”

[SPR&A volunteer.]

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www.caringbahhub.org.au

helpingHAND Located on busy President Avenue in Caringbah, The Hub is the local neighbourhood ‘do drop in’ centre. Didn’t know it was there? Perhaps you are wondering whether the demand is high for a Sutherland Shire centre providing support to people experiencing hardship?

The 2011 census may have revealed that the average Sutherland Shire income is, well, not by any means lacking. In fact, it revealed that more than 61% of Shire households received an income greater than $1000 per week. With the median Australian income sitting at around $46,000 per year, this would indicate we are in fairly good shape.

The thing with these types of statistics ,and how they are calculated, is that they do not take into account the average price of living per area. What might appear as a substantial income may be compromised by excessive rental fees or an overwhelming mortgage.

With the average rental price now exceeding $410.00 per week [unit price] and about 20+% of us needing to rent, hardship is running somewhat rife in our little seaside paradise.

The interesting thing about the Sutherland Shire is that you can sit in any one of the local cafes or wine bars and conveniently become oblivious to the fact that many residents are doing it tough.

Thankfully, there are places like the Hub, located mainstream Caringbah, that have all doors open, ready to help.

The Hub is a not-for-profit organisation providing assistance to the local community in various ways.

Whether you simply need someone to talk to over a cup of coffee, or would like to join a social group for interaction with others, the Hub can assist you in finding the right information and local community service to provide you with support.

On site, they also offer activities like Zumba, Tai Chi, Art Therapy, Games & Knitting. And to keep it exciting, community programs are updated regularly.

Services like financial & general counselling, massage and a low cost food pantry for low income earners, is also available.

A recent community program organised by The Hub has been developed to help the growing number of single parents in the area find the support they need. Women in particular are financially disadvantaged in the case of separation and the need to give up their career to provide primary care for their children. The rental market is tough in the Shire with single parents competing against high income singles for tiny apartments. Also, returning to work can be met with a lack of empathy by employers, making the job search even harder to navigate. Logging onto the website www.shiresingleparents.org.au the viewer will find a long list of shire based services that can help a sole parent get back on track.

The Hub is auspiced by Shire Community Service, an incorporated association with a management committee.

The Hub has a centre co-ordinator and project officer, and the daily running of the centre is assisted by community volunteers.

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Ch-ch-changin…

The Shire’s most beautiful change-maker’s!!!

The I AM magazine team love working with the girls at Dutchee Dutchee, Cronulla, for a number of reasons. The first, we adore fashion, and frankly they know style. The racks of Dutchee Dutchee are always filled with items we suspect reader’s will love.

Second, the girls of Dutchee Dutchee are incredibly active in supporting the community.

Straight up, they give a sh*t about their community—and we at I AM, totally DIG THAT! The story of Hannah and her dream to get herself and 19 other mates to the top of Mt Kosciusko, blew our minds.

Hannah has Cerebral Palsy, along with others also making the journey. Her dream includes bush trails, wheel chairs and volunteers, all making their way through the Snowy Mountains and up Australia’s highest mountain, Mt Kosciusko.

The girls put an offer out to the local community to assist Hannah’s dream by buying tickets in the ‘Bikes For Spring Fundraiser Raffle to help Hannah’. $1000 was raised by the store, with every cent going to Hannah.

Hannah will be heading off on her adventure in March 2014.

DUTCHEE DUTCHEE SURF ROAD CRONULLA 2230

Amazing people live in the Sutherland Shire.

So, that’s not the end of the story...

The first prize winner, of the Cruiser bike, was able to add icing to this already perfect cake.

1st prize winner, Erica Adams, donated her prize back to Dutchee Dutchee for sale in store, with all money being added to Hannah’s cause.

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PeaceBOMB!

hat does one do with the scrap metal remains of 250-260 million bombs?

They make jewellery, of course.

‘Peacebomb’ is a story about war and peace, destruction and reconstruction.

During 1964-1973, Laos was victim to a ‘secret’ war. It was an aerial bombardment across Indochina to halt the spread of communism and ‘fool’ the people. During this period, approximately one B-52 plane load of bombs was dropped every 8 minutes, 24 hours a day for 9 years.

To this day, war debris can be found in abundance throughout the Laos countryside.

Project Peacebomb, founded by Elizabeth Suda’s company, Article 22 (named appropriately after Article 22 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights), is a collaboration with Laos artisans to create a collection of jewellery and homewares from the destruction a war left behind.

The goal for Article 22 was to assist the safe local crafting of war debris into modern artefacts, for sale in the Western World, in order to generate opportunities for farmer-artisans and support the local Village Development Fund.(a) It was also an opportunity, if only symbolic, to have Americans ‘buy back the bombs’.

The collection has a modern edge with an almost bohemian feel reminiscent of the 70s era.

From bangles emblazoned with “I love Peace” quotes, to “Love is the Bomb” pendants, the collection stands out due to it’s uniqueness, not only in style, but in ethical substance.

Each piece holds a story of a time some want to forget, a time some will never acknowledge happened, and the legacy of a shared past. The collection is a reminder of what we must work towards, never happening again. It is a reminder to keep peace within all of us. (a) [Village Development Fund— provides micro-loans to poor local families and supports small infrastructure projects, like electricity to Schools.]

Article 22 & PeaceBOMB can be found locally at South of the Border Cronulla Mall [opposite the train station]

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LookCLOSER

More than scripture and Sunday school...

[Samantha Edwards EDITOR@IAM]

On one of my recent research adventures to find good folk doing great things in the community, I stumbled upon 3 local churches giving more than just the Sunday service.

It was one month ago that I, again, embarked on a mission to find community support services in the local Sutherland Shire area. Low and behold, the local church is where I found one of the most active groups. You’d be surprised to know just how much your local church is pulling it’s weight in the ‘love thy neighbour’ category. Giving people in need a safe place to turn when life provides an unexpected b*tch slap.

Gymea Miranda Uniting Church Located on Central Road Miranda.

The Gymea Miranda Uniting Church has all the things you would expect from a church, scripture & bible devotion included, but it’s also bursting with a large group of community folk happily getting their hands dirty in projects designed to provide support & encouragement to people in need. One of those projects is the Church Community Garden.

The garden was started in 2010 on the block of land beside the church. The garden was created as an avenue to connect with people in the local community with similar interests and a zest for gardening. It was also designed to encourage a more sustainable way of living, with the addition of fruit and vegetable beds.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to participate and approximately 30 people are already involved in care of the garden.

With a rainwater tank in place, the gardener’s have already harvested a large amount of produce including beans, spinach, corn and tomatoes.

As housing in the area continues to expand more towards the sky, the chance of having a garden can be an impossibility for some. The Church Community Garden is a great opportunity to whip out your green thumb, even if you can’t have that garden of your own.

Gardening takes place every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 9 am and all are welcome.

Community Outreach programs are also available.

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LookCLOSER Cronulla Uniting Church

St Andrew’s ‘Toys N Tucker’

The Cronulla Community Café was formed in 2006 to provide a safe place for those experiencing troubled times.

The Christmas spirit is alive and well at St Andrews Church Cronulla as they rally again to support the Anglicare Toys N Tucker appeal, bringing Christmas cheer to thousands of struggling families.

Located on Gosport Street Cronulla.

Manned by a group of Sutherland Shire residents, the café provides breakfast, morning tea and lunch every Wednesday from 8.30—1pm.

The café is run by the Uniting Church and they describe it is a place where individuals like single mums, the lonely and homeless, can enjoy time amongst friends with a relaxing cuppa. Volunteers are on hand to spend time with anyone who needs it, providing information on other community services available to assist the disadvantaged.

Supported by a small group of Shire businesses and organisations, and run by people from the congregation and volunteers from the community, the café is a beautiful example of a community that cares.

Located on the Kingsway Cronulla.

Toys N Tucker is part of Anglicare’s annual Christmas appeal, where the community is encouraged to donate items for distribution to people in need over the Christmas period.

Christmas, for a lot of families, is a time of celebration, gift giving and food gorging but sadly this time of year can bring financial stress and an overwhelming feeling of loneliness to others. The Toys N Tucker appeal aims to share the joy of Christmas with every one.

Donations for Toys N Tucker can be handed in at St Andrews Church located on the Kingsway Cronulla.

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I AMnesty

www.facebook.com/ sutherland.shire.amnesty When: December 1st 2013 Event: Write For Rights Held at La Cucina Gymea, pen was put to paper in support for those being denied justice and freedom.

When: November 23rd 2013 Event: Birthing Kit Packing Day The Birthing Kit Packing day event was held this year at the Sutherland Shire Community Centre, where over 80 people gathered to pack the lifesaving birthing kits that will assist in a safer birth for mothers in developing countries.

Fact #1 “Every 90 seconds, a woman dies of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.”

Fact #2 Many mothers and babies die from preventable infections.

6 basic items were packed.

A plastic sheet.

Gloves.

Soap.

Sterile scalpel blade.

3 pieces of string.

5 gauze squares.

Simple, but incredibly effective in assisting the birth of a child in an isolated area and reducing the chance of infection.

This year the group raised $6000 and packed 2000 kits with the assistance of 80+ volunteers.

Success.

Writing to the peeps in power, the gathered joined Amnesty supporters worldwide, to call for equality, better treatment and the unconditional release of those held without just reason.

This year they worked together to: > Release Cambodian housing activist, Yorm Bopha, imprisoned on fabricated charges for peacefully protesting against forced evictions. > Stop the violent repression of a Palestinian community, which holds peaceful protests against Israeli occupation of their land. > Free Dr Tun Aung, a Burmese community leader sentenced to 17 years in prison. > Call on police to investigate the illtreatment and threats against Ihar Tsikhanyuk, an openly gay LGBT activist in Belarus. > Demand a full investigation for Miriam López, who was tortured, raped and falsely imprisoned for seven months. > Release Ethiopian journalist, Eskinder Nega, serving an 18 year prison sentence for ‘terrorism’ after criticising the government and supporting free speech.

The event was organised by the local Amnesty group St George & Sutherland Shire Amnesty, and over 220 letters were written on the day.

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Merry Christmas On the 5th of December 2013, the world lost Nelson Mandela.

He united a nation, even in death, and spent his life working towards a better future for all. He was a Leader who listened and was not afraid to reconsider old beliefs, even if they were his own, and make the changes to amend them.

May he be an example for future Leaders to follow, in the hope that some day equality will be genuinely embraced and peace will be felt by all.

Christmas message of the deputy President of the ANC, Nelson Mandela, December 1990. [excerpt] ***

It is my privilege to speak to you today, on Christmas Eve, the first Christmas in almost 30 years that I have been able to spend with my beloved family, my closest colleagues, including our President, Oliver Tambo, and you, our people. I will spend Christmas without being a fugitive or a prisoner.

Wherever you are, I trust that you will join me in a prayer for peace to prevail throughout our common motherland, for justice to reign supreme and for all of us to be driven by the spirit of goodwill towards one another as we work together for the rebirth of South Africa as a non-racial democracy.

Our thoughts turn to all those others in our country who will not be able to be with their families; those who are still held as political detainees and prisoners, including those on death row.

I refer also to the thousands of our people who are still in exile who, like the prisoners, had hoped that in the light of the changes taking place in our country. They too would be spending Christmas with their relatives whom they have not seen for many years. *** This is a year that has been marked by moments both of hope and despair. As it comes to its close, the message we wish to convey to you all is one of hope.

We have confidence in the wisdom and good sense of the majority to share the hope with you that the New Year will bring all of us nearer to a situation of justice and peace for all the people of our country. *** The South Africa so many have sacrificed so much to achieve is within sight.

Together let us walk this last, long gruelling mile to reach a non-racial, non-sexist society, where all our people will be equal before the law. Where all forms of racial discrimination are abolished. Where a bill of rights protects every individual. Where political tolerance prevails. And the existence of different political parties is encouraged.

Together we have it in our power to defeat those who continue to kill to maintain the old order. We have it in our power to transform our country into the peaceful and prosperous homeland of all our people. Let us work together to achieve these goals. Let us vow never to celebrate another Christmas in chains.

We have a right to be free and we shall be free!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Nelson Mandela 1918-2013 25 / iammagazine.com.au