Woden Voice

Issue #9. October 2009

Woden Voice

Published by Woden Community Service Inc. & Woden Valley Community Council Inc. with a distribution of 19,675

Healthy Communities Positive Wellbeing Sustainable Living

Community Festival Edition

October 31 Eddison Park Woden Community Service Inc. PO Box 35 Woden ACT 2606 Ph: 6282 2644 E: wodenvoice@wcs.org.au W: www.wcs.org.au Community notices, diary dates, community articles & ads welcome by 1 November

Come see Woden Valley Children and Family Activities • Fun sport and fitness activities • Arts and craft, face painting • Jumping castle and rides • Tethered balloon rides • Kids at Play equipment • Disc golf ‘come and try’ • Mascots and mascot race • Police horses and Kenny Koala • Early childhood playstations • Family fun walk/run to Mt Taylor & back and Charge up the Mountain (run up Mt Taylor) - to be confirmed

Come and celebrate our vibrant community in Eddison Park on Saturday 31 October from 10am to 3pm (LiftOff 09 3pm to 6pm).

Southern Cross Health Club’s Health and Fitness Village • Fitness checks • Fitness equipment to try e.g. weights • Fitness competitions e.g. sit-ups, push-ups etc

This is a great opportunity for people, who live, work or have a connection to the area to embrace what it means to be part of a healthy community, and this includes enhancing individual wellbeing and also looking after our environment.

Celebrity Street Soccer Challenge • A challenge team versus The Big Issue team

This is also a chance for local community groups and businesses to showcase their contribution to Woden. Activities and entertainment will be provided for all ages and the festival will be a child friendly event. All activities, as much as possible will either be free or at low cost.

Activities for Seniors • Capital Chinese Medicine Tai Chi Display

Energising our community.

CCA 909/05

ActewAGL is proud to sponsor the 2009 Woden Valley Community Festival. We sponsor over 150 groups and events each year through our Community Sponsorship program.

ActewAGL Retail ABN 46 221 314 841.

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Community Festival Community Entertainment Stage Live Music and Performances (10am to 3pm) Key celebrity inspiration wellbeing speaker – Michael Milton Bands and other entertainers e.g. latin dancing Community and multicultural performances

Market Stalls Jewellery, art and craft and fresh produce Community Information Stalls Showcasing Woden Valley (and ACT) groups & activities Police forensic display and Police Water Boat - to be confirmed

Community Display Area Local martial arts e.g. Taekwondo, PCYC Judo & wrestling Dance displays e.g. gymnastics, sling dance

Formal Ceremonies and presentations • Opening Ceremony – an indigenous welcome and dance ceremony • World Peace Flame presentation • Official opening by VIP guests • Mount Taylor Charge race finish and presentations • Michael Milton - Celebrity Keynote inspiration health and wellbeing speaker. A talk to inspire Woden Valley residents to further embrace the concepts of health, wellbeing and sustainability • Unsung Heroes – Recognition of people and/or groups that have contributed to the Woden Valley community (nominations received and collated prior to the festival, presentation on the day) • Lady/Lord of the Lake - the crowning of a woman or man of Woden Valley who has made a contribution to the community • A word from our Festival Patron Pam Yonge • Lift Off 09 Winning Announcement - winner of the recording contract (6pm at the end of the day)

Youth Village Skating demonstration, free skating, Hip Hop Dance Off Youth Entertainment Stage (3pm to 6pm) – Lift Off 09 youth performance competition finale (bands and soloist performances) Positive Wellbeing Village Try out a range of alternative therapies - massage, yoga, other healing modalities Workshop tent Wellbeing workshops, health talks, Dru Yoga Hindmarsh Sustainable Living Expo Stalls, sustainable schools display, electric car, hybrid police car Food Fair Multicultural food and healthy delights

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WODEN VALLEY COMMUNITY COUNCIL Local Newsbites

Chifley Gets a Community Park

Annual General Meeting WVCC’s Annual General Meeting will be held on October 7 at 7:30 pm in the Hellenic Club’s Orpheus Room. All Woden residents are encouraged to attend and hear what WVCC does to help improve our living environment in Woden.

Chifley will soon have a new community park opposite the Chifley shops. It will include a half basketball court, some playground facilities and fitness equipment to cater for all age groups.

The proposal for a Community Park on the former school grounds site took place at the second round of consultations for the Melrose Primary School site in Chifley. Three locations were originally looked at.

WVCC seeks new committee members to help in serving our community. For further information, or to nominate contact the Secretary on 62865359.

Improving Woden Amenities The ACT Government has commenced some exciting new projects to improve community amenity in Woden.

In consultation with the community, plans are underway to improve Farrer and Lyons shopping centres and the park at Chilfley shops.

Work is well underway on the upgrade of Eddison Park. Plans are being finalised for the community centre at the old Melrose (Chifley) Primary School. WVCC has lobbied to get community meeting rooms at the centre.

WVCC has opposed the de-concessionalisation of the lease to the Woden Tradies Club.

The lease was issued at less than market value to the Club to encourage it to provide community benefits. If the lease was de-concessionalised we believe the lease could be traded commercially without regard for community services on the site.

The former school playgrounds will be removed as well as the basketball courts. Only one playground near the YMCA can be reused according to TAMS and will be relocated to another site, (not in Chifley). Also provision will be made at a later date for more car park spaces at the Chifley shops.

The club is proposing a major redevelopment including accommodation, hotel and office towers. The draft environmental impact statement on the lease change proposal is out for comment.

Woden Valley Community Council is generally supportive of community parks, and would ask the ACT Government to consider more community parks for other Woden suburbs for the future.

Further information on how to comment can be found at www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/your_say/comment/draft_eis.

Development applications for community comment can also be found on the ACTPLA’s website.

Mandir Ashram Aged Care Facility Residents have lodged an appeal with the ACT Civil and Administration Tribunal over the density and scale of the proposed Mandir Ashram aged care facility in Farrer.

Whilst WVCC recognises the need for aged care facilities in the ACT, we are concerned that an additional 40 beds have just been allocated for further development on this already overcrowded proposal.

Article in last edition on South Canberra Cemetary Correction: The proposed location for the South Canberra Cemetery is near Mugga Way tip not at Melrose School site as indicated in the landscape plan that was included in the last edition by mistake .

WVCC meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm at the Hellenic Club. Please come along. www.wvcc.org.au or wvcc@bigpond.net.au, PO Box 280 Woden 2606 or (02) 6281 0096 4

WODEN COMMUNITY SERVICE (WCS) Have Fun at School Age Care and Vacation Care WCS School Age Care Program will have its annual FUN DAY on 23 October at Hughes Primary School. This is for all children who attend our seven School Age Care Programs.

The afternoon will be great fun with rides, amusements, food and activities for the children.

WCS’s school holiday program will also be running our Senior Woolshed Camp in the school holidays from 6 - 9 October.

The camp is a great opportunity for children to take part in bushwalking and building self help skills in a very rustic environment.

The camp is run by qualified and experienced carers and is for children aged 8-12 years.

Kenny Koala Visits Lollipop

For more information on the WCS Vacation Care Program, visit www.wcs.org.au or phone Nila on 6234 6832.

Constable Kenny Koala recently visited Lollipop Children’s Centre. The children loved his questions and knew lots of the answers! It was a great day and an effective way for young children to learn about road safety.

TRIVIA NIGHT

This was just one of the popular activities that children have experienced at Lollipop which is based in the heart of Woden in Corinna Street.

Free entry - tUeSDAyS @ 7pm GreAt prizeS to be won!

The children learn through play so there are lots of fun and interesting activities inside and outside in the playground – art, craft, stories, music, construction, puzzles, games and outdoor time in the sandpit, on the climbing frames and running and jumping.

Hellenic clUb oF cAnberrA www.hellenicclub.com.au for the information of members and guests

Lollipop Children’s Centre offer long day care, permanent part time and occasional care. It provides care for 60 children per day from birth to five years, Monday-Friday between 8am5.30pm.

Peer Support for Men Keith Mahar knows what it is like to struggle with a severe mental illness and recover. He spent 10 years rebuilding his life after experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Lollipop Children’s Centre, which has three individual rooms - a nursery, a toddler room and a preschool room, has occasional care vacancies for children. Ring the Centre on 6282 2644 for bookings.

In 2007, Keith made a presentation on his recovery from bipolar disorder at the World Psychiatric Association International Congress. Keith’s story of recovery is available on www.mentalympians.tv.

Building Society of the Year

Now Keith is both a mental health advocate and social worker, employed by WCS to work with others in their recovery process.

Keith has been coordinating a self help group for men with a lived experience of mental illness at WCS.

IMB Woden

“Peer support groups provide an important environment for recovery, one fostering a culture of acceptance and hope, where individuals are respected and valued,” said Mahar.

Shop 1, Plaza Level, Woden Churches Centre

6122 8200

IMB Ltd. ABN 92 087 651 974. AFSL 237 391.

For information contact Keith on 6234 6823.

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Woden Youth Centre Lift Off 09

KULTURE BREAK dance classes

Dance classes are free.

Are you a young performer keen to have a recording contract?

Hip Hop is a fresh new dance form founded in the USA that encompasses the elements of rhythm, balance, power and style.

Registration forms can be obtained by contacting Jess at WYC on 6282 3037.

Woden Youth Centre (WYC) and Hardrush Music Corporation are hosting a music competition for musicians and bands aged between 12-21years.

Hip Hop is based on earlier styles of dancing such as popping, locking, break dancing and disco.

Two heats will be held on 16 and 23 October at WYC from 6-10pm.

Hip Hop dancing is also founded strongly on hip hop and r’n’b music.

Judging will occur over both heats, with six performers/bands selected to compete in the finale at the Woden Valley Community Festival (Youth Village) in Eddison Park on the 31 October from 3-6pm.

Break-dance, (breaking, b-boying) is a street style that evolved as part of the hip hop movement.

First prize is a two day recording session with distribution, the runner up will receive a feature story in BMA music magazine.

To register download information from www.wcs.org.au/festival or contact Sindy at WYC on 6282 3037.

Break-dancing involves the dance elements of top rock, down rock, freezes and power moves.

Young people can join in the Hip Hop dance classes which are held at the WYC. The classes are on Tuesdays 4pm to 5pm during school terms.

Narrabundah College “YUDDAH” Bandnight - WYC, Friday 6 November Narrabundah College music students will be performing at the Youth Centre.

This is part of their class assessment in stage set up, lighting and vocal/instrumental performances.

This event showcases young people’s talents and provides a formal setting for professional development.

Fallsuit at Bandnight - Friday 13 November Alfred Deakin High School band “Fallsuit Theory” will be performing with other musicians to provide a great night of entertainment.

Advertise in the Woden Voice & reach 19,765 businesses & households!

Ph 6234 6837. Ads due November 1 for December edition 6

Community Diary October

Ongoing Dates

7 Oct 7.30pm Woden Valley Communty Council AGM Hellenic Club 27 Oct 6.30pm Woden Community Serivce AGM, WCS

Chat and Chew For men with a mental illness WCS Tuesdays 12 - 1.30pm Keith 6234 6823

31 Oct Woden Valley Community Festival Eddison Park Enquiries 6234 6837.

Paint and Play 9.30am to 11.00am Birth to 5 years YMCA Maclaurin Cres Chifley (old Melrose Primary School)

November

Pearce Neighbourhood Watch - every 4th Wednesday.

Brian Schiller on 62861138

6 Nov “YUDDAH” Woden Youth Centre Bandnight WYC. Narrabundah College Entry fee applies. Sindy 6282 3037

Woden Lunchtime Toastmasters Club Every Wednesday lunchtime 12.30 pm until 1.30 pm at the Woden Library Balcony Room, Corinna Street, Woden. Mike Phoenix 6296 6575

28 Nov Christmas Fair – Saturday at Woden Seniors, 12 Corinna Street, Woden between 9.00 and midday. Contact Polly on 6282 2573 or admin@wodenseniors.org.au

Woden SEE-Change Social get-togethers, committee meetings, sustainability workshops, tours. Vanessa 6248 0885

Ongoing Dates

National Servicemen’s Association of Australia (NSAA) meetings. Queanbeyan-Canberra Sub Branch 11am on the 1st Saturday of the month. Canberra Services Club, Manuka.

All ex National Servicemen (Nashos) are welcome. 62513791

Woden Valley Community Council meetings 7.30pm 1st Wednesday of the month at the Hellenic Club 6281 0096 Woden VIEW Club Monthly Luncheon 4th Tuesday of the month 11.30am Southern Cross Club $21 lunch and guest speaker. Contact 62861827 by Wed of the previous week

Coffee and Chat at the library Fortnightly Mondays, 10am to 12pm. FREE. Socialise, morning tea, guest speakers & find out about library services, Woden services and groups. Community bus transport available with bookings, gold coin donation. 6234 6820.

Youth Centre Drop In Callum St, Woden, 2 - 5.30pm Mon to Wed, 12.00 - 5.30 Thurs 12.00 - 7pm Fri 6282 3037

PLACE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT HERE CONTACT ASTORIA BY 1st NOVEMBER Ph 6234 6837

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Community Notices New café for Woden Library Woden Community Service (WCS) is to resume the café service at Woden Library with the establishment of a “socially responsible business”.

WCS is governed by a community board of management.

If you are interested in becoming a board member, please contact Chris Redmond 6234 6868.

The café is planned to reopen in mid November, employing people currently out of work and selling Fair Trade products, such as coffee and chocolate, freshly made sandwiches and cakes and light meals.

Have you considered the benefits of working from home while caring for your own children?

Employment opportunities exist in Woden Weston Family Day Care, as a home based childcare worker.

If you are interested in working from home, nominating your hours and days, receive training and support and above award conditions – then this is the opportunity you’ve been looking for!

“We are excited about the opportunity to start a business that assists people to reenter the workforce,” Gallagher said.

“We are committed to selling ethical products and fresh food,” he said.

Walking in Woden If you need to get fit after winter why not try one of the new Heart Foundation Walking Groups?

WCS is proud to be partnering with Heart Foundation Walking, Australia’s largest network of free community based walking groups, to facilitate this healthy activity in the Woden Valley.

“Walking is a fantastic way to meet your neighbours, socialise and get fit, all in your own suburb,” said Emma Walter, WCS Community Development Worker.

People can join an established group or start their own.

For information on how to get involved contact Emma Walter on 6234 6820. _________________

WCS AGM Woden Community Service will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 27 October at 6.30pm.

The support group is being facilitated by Keith Mahar, a mental health advocate.

See story p 5. Contact Keith 6234 6823

Employment Opportunity at WCS

Matt Gallagher from WCS said the community service ran the Dillybag Café at the site over 10 years ago.

The café, to be named Café Ink will be the first Fair Trade café in Canberra.

The group takes place each Tuesday from 12 – 1:30pm at Woden Community Centre, 26 Corinna Street.

For more information, please contact Jenny Pearce on 6234 6854.

Selling Your Home?

Bikes needed Bikes of any size (child/adult) are needed by people in our community.

If you no longer use your bike then we have good homes for them to go to, as we can give them to someone who can’t afford one.

Please contact Ben Johnson at Woden Community Service on 6282 2644 or email ben.johnson@wcs.org.au THANKYOU! Send community notices by Nov 1 to wodenvoice@wcs.org.au

Marcia and Noel specialise in providing the finest, supportive real estate services • to achieve optimum results; and • to ensure selling is a positive experience for their clients.

To enjoy their services, please phone marcia 0422 454 383 or

Chat and Chew Chat & Chew is a peer support group that has recently been established for men with lived experience of mental illness.

Each week an example of a positive social contribution made by someone with mental illness will be featured, followed by a casual discussion related to the example and any mental health issues raised by the group members (chat).

noel 0412 334 725

Marcia Delander Licensed Agent

Noel Lane Licensed Agent

A light lunch will be provided for participants (chew).

Lic’d Agent cAnberrA Wide Pty Ltd t/A richArd Luton ProPerties • 12 bougAinviLLe street, MAnukA Act 2603

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