News update from the BI Neighbourhood Centre Team. Our Penny is retiring!!

Starting in April 1996, Penny has been BINC’s amazing Admin worker, always ready to turn her mind and hand to whatever needed doing whilst keeping the finances in good order. (The printer has stopped again/eek, a mouse/where is the (insert needed item), can someone mind the front desk etc, etc …). After an epic commitment to her community, it’s time for Penny to leave us as family responsibilities come to the fore and new challenges beckon. We will certainly miss you, Penny, not sure how much you will miss the hectic job. Best wishes to you and your family, The BI Neighbourhood Centre Team.

WELCOME ELISSA! Meet Elissa our new Administration and Support Worker, who brings her professional skills and extensive relevant experience to the role. Elissa lived on Bribie Island in the 90s and her parents are local retirees, so she is very happy to be joining us on the island.

ALSO, A BIG WELCOME to our newest volunteers! Kerri, Nicole and Sally are happy new team members who are keen to assist everyone through our doors with their enquiries or appointments.

A huge thank you goes to the Bribie Island Masons, who have provided a large shade shed for our backyard. It is currently useful for people waiting for Oz Harvest or Services Australia services and as the weather gets a little cooler, and perhaps drier, we will be able to also hold our groups there.

Also, a huge thank you to the Bribie Island Bowls Club, who hosted our morning session, ‘Are you a dementia friend?’ This free information and awareness session aimed to increase understanding and awareness of dementia and help create an understanding of what makes a dementia-friendly community. The session was hosted by BINCA’s Treasurer, Estrella Herzog, who is a Dementia Australia workshop facilitator.

We need new volunteers who are great team members and caring, happy and non-judgmental people who can maintain confidentiality and work respectfully with all people attending our services, to train to work in Reception and in our Information, Advice & Referral Service. If you would like to make a positive difference in your community by joining our friendly team, please phone us to enrol or enquire on 3408 8440 (Mon - Thurs 8.30 am – 3 pm, Friday 8.30 am -12.30 pm).