Oct/Nov/Dec 2015
Welcome to the last issue of Volunteers Vibe for 2015. This issue will cover the period October, November and December, with the next issue expected to be published in January 2016. As we edge closer and closer to 2016, I thought it fitting to reflect on the year that's been. From my perspective, this has been a year of change, a year of development, but above all, a year of learning. I have had the opportunity to learn from you, as volunteers, that everybody's story is different. That everybody volunteers for their own reason, and that what spurs you to volunteer primarily comes from a place of kindness and compassion. I recall our Mayoral Volunteer Reception this year at The Gunners Barracks. It was an opportunity for me to introduce myself as the new Volunteers Support Officer, but to also get to know some of you better. The stories of what brought each of you to volunteering were vastly different but consistently humbling. I hope you all take pride in the voluntary work that you do, and you should take a moment to reflect on just how it has enriched your life in the last year. The next volunteer event this year will be the Mayoral Volunteer Christmas Party, Wednesday 9 December 2015, so save the date. - Invites will be sent out soon. I hope to see a lot of you there, and if I don't get to see you, have a safe and happy holiday season. ď Š
Steven Walker, Volunteers Support Officer
View Finders View Finders are a group of young people interested in the environment and how to sustain it responsibly; their aim is to become leaders in the community in the future. The group gains confidence in their volunteering by identifying with issues they think young people should be addressing and then designing a campaign to help raise awareness around it. View Finders invite special guests to advise them on the project they wish to undertake. They investigate and then set about creating an idea they can work on together as a team, bringing out their individual ideas. The group is about learning skills for the future in research, project management and communication.
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Oct/Nov/Dec 2015
Meet some View Finder volunteers Christine Ha and Sarah Mullins are two of the View Finder team.
Christine was attracted to the group by the garden developments being undertaken this year. She looks forward to learning skills she can use at home. Sarah is participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and, to fulfil the volunteering requirement, she became involved with View Finders via the Mosman Council website. They are both stimulated by their projects, meeting new people, committing to a worthwhile program, and setting goals. They have a blog on the Council website to keep the public informed as to what they “High School kids that care about the environment are involved in and hope to entice other please apply, for the good of the community and self young people to join the team. development� The current project is a Green Wall which will be positioned on the western wall of the Youth Centre. The Mosman Men’s Shed have provided the framework, Mosman Council is financing the project, and the group are making the pots to fill with succulents. Succulents chosen as they possess the capability to retaining water and to withstand the hot summer sun. The girls have gained confidence from being part of the team and with the knowledge of organisational skills are preparing for other leadership roles in the future.
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Oct/Nov/Dec 2015
Mosman Volunteer Updates… Did you know…………..
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5.4 million adult Australians undertake volunteer work
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Of those, 34% are in full-time work and 44% are in part-time work
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If you’re the kind of person that has a hard time putting yourself in social situations, volunteering can help. Of course it’s far from an instant fix, but it can be a useful tool in your battle. A permanent excuse to talk to people and try to get along.
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Come along to the Mosman Cappuccino Club for a chat, laugh and meet friends and new people, enquire about becoming a volunteer and any other services Mosman council has to offer.
A reminder to all volunteers still needing to have their National Police checks completed/renewed. Please could you make contact with your program coordinators to get this process completed. This reminder is primarily for volunteers in Aged and Disability Services programs. The Mosman Cappuccino Club is now up and running in our Seniors Lounge every Wednesday from 12pm. Spread the word.
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Oct/Nov/Dec 2015
Crossword Use the clues below to solve this crossword about Mosman 1.
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1. across and 1. down - Christmas Carols here at the Rotunda (2 words) 2. and 5. – Used to be a church, still a lovely place to visit to view the pictures (2 words) 3. and 4. – There’s lots of roar and snore here (2 words) 6. and 9. – It’s a bit confusing because you only read it once a week (2 words) 6. and 13. – It doesn’t have to rain or hail for you to use this transport. (2 words) 7. – He used to look after the council, now he’s at the top of Avenue Road guarding the Mosman High School (2 words) 8. and 11. – Not square or round but a nice place to play or watch sport (3 words) 10. – A perfect spot to relax and watch 12. come and go (1 word) 12. - A perfect way to get to the city (1 word)
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Oct/Nov/Dec 2015
A guy was invited to some old friends' home for dinner. His buddy preceded every request to his wife by endearing terms, calling her Honey, My Love, Darling, Sweetheart, Pumpkin, etc. He was impressed since the couple had been married almost 70 years, and while the wife was off in the kitchen he said to his buddy, "I think it's wonderful that after all the years you've been married, you still call your wife those pet names." His buddy hung his head. "To tell you the truth, I forgot her name about ten years ago."
Volunteering Opportunities Our Bushcare program is currently looking for more volunteers. If you enjoy the outdoors and like getting your hands dirty this may be the role for you. Give Steven a call on the below mentioned contact details to get involved. We are also looking for a volunteer to get involved with our Friday Youth group. This group runs once a month in the evenings from 6:30pm to 10:00pm. We are looking for volunteers with an interest or experience working with youth, disability, or community services. Once again, give Steven a call if you think this role appeals to you or may appeal to someone you know. Steven Walker - Volunteers Support Office – 9978 4126.
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Oct/Nov/Dec 2015
Letters to the Editor One last thing......................
We would love to hear from you : -
Any tips to help other volunteers Any funny volunteer stories Any volunteer questions you have Any topics you would like to see covered in the Volunteer’s Vibe
Please send your letters by email to:
volunteers@mosman.nsw.gov.au
This newsletter would not exist without the help of a dedicated team of volunteer editors. A big thank-you to Dian Smith, Julie Kelly and Sudha Balachandran for their efforts.
Crossword answers.
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