St Laurence
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St Laurence

About Us

Mission, Vision and Values

Our Mission

"Helping people help themselves"

Our Vision

We innovate and build resilient, inclusive communities to help people achieve their full potential

Our Values

INTEGRITY We help people in need who seek our help. We are honest, trustworthy and transparent in our dealings with service users and stakeholders.

EQUITY AND ACCESS We work to ensure each person receives the resources they need to maximise their potential and to actively participate in the life of their community.

INCLUSIVE We respect all people. We provide opportunities for meaningful participation to those who seek our help.

EMPOWERMENT We ensure people have the necessary information to make informed choices and where an individual has difficulty in making decisions themselves, we work closely with their family and carers to achieve the best outcome for them.

DIGNITY We recognise the intrinsic uniqueness of each person and we value their human worth and treat them as equals.

 News & Events 
Guest Speaker Helen Glover REGISTRATIONS WELCOMECome along to our World Cafe next Thursday to hear about what it means to be a consumer living with mental illness. Read More >
Conversations That Matter - FREE EVENTAddressing food insecurity,obesity and chronic disease; different perspectives on the relationships with food - brought to you by Deakin & St Laurence Read More >
Calling For Volunteers!Ever thought about volunteering? We have some vacancies and would love to have you come and join the team! Read More >
How to Capture Market Share In A Competitive, Consumer-Directed And Controlled WorldA presentation by Toby oConnor on 'Consumer Directed Approach' Read More >
LOCK IN THE DATE - Blue & White Ball @ Old Geelong Gaol!Friday June 21 will be this years Blue & White Ball. Key it into your calendars now! Read More >
Outdoor Cinema - a Valentine's Hit!St Laurence hosted the first Open Air Cinema @ The Geelong College on Valentine's Day with roaring success. Read More >
Event Volunteering - a day out of the office and onto the green!Feb 21-24 saw the Vic Open come to Geelong's own 13th Beach Golf Links and St Laurence was there to welcome the stars. Read More >
St Laurence Service Of The MonthEvery month, we will highlight one of our services that are doing outstanding work in the community - this month, Art Unlimited. Read More >
Free Corporate Challenge - Masters Games Tug of WarSt Laurence is supporting the Australian Masters Games later this year in October and to get warmed up we're calling for people to join the St Laurence Tug of War Teams! Read More >
Announcing St Laurence Brand Ambassadors 2013Gold medallists and Paralympians Kelly Cartwright & Richard Colman join forces with St Laurence. Read More >
101 Queen Street - WHAT A TRANSFORMATION!St Laurence has invested $1.3m of its own resources to redevelop the 101 Queen Street learning and community centre for people with disability, and what a result! Read More >
What Will 2013 Bring?It seems as though the traffic on the roads is getting busier and school starts again soon, meaning the end of the summer holidays and back to work. What will 2013 bring? Will it be lucky or unlucky 13? Read More >
Human Library To Take Front Of Stage @ Geelong Night MarketHuman Library - where the books are people and where reading consists of a conversation! Read More >
Local Business Uncovering Raw TalentMetropolis Gallery are opening their doors to host an exhibition of little-known artists in Geelong recognising talent in our community amongst those with disability. Read More >
St Laurence Open Air Cinema - Feb 14What better way to spend Valentine's Day than watching DIRTY DANCING under the stars with a loved one or group of friends. Read More >
Open Air Cinema FAQs and TermsSee below for all terms and conditions relating the the Feb 14 screening of Dirty Dancing at The Geelong College. All proceeds from the night going to St Laurence. Read More >
2012 Wrap Up - Social Inclusion @ St LaurenceFor over three years the Social Inclusion Unit has promoted the voice of the consumers using St Laurence’s Services. This year has been no different. Read More >
How will you make an impact this Christmas?Give a gift with meaning this Christmas and buy from one of our community's Social Enterprises. Read More >
Thank you for all your fundraising through 2012St Laurence has been able to use funds donated from events held throughout the year to help people with disability. Read More >
Drinks @ The Gaol - after work drinks a hit!Friday November 23 saw the first-time opening to the public of the studio space and outdoor garden that comprises Art Unlimited at the Old Geelong Gaol in the heart of Geelong. Read More >
Presentations from the Knowledge to Change Conference 2012If you missed out on attending the November 1st 'Knowledge to Change' conference, see links to presentations. Read More >
WHAT NDIS MEANS FOR ST LAURENCE AND OTHER NGOS: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES. By Toby oConnor, St Laurence CEOThe Prime Minister announced the National Disability Insurance Scheme on 30 April 2012. That was 155 days ago. In 251 days, the NDIS will commence operations in the Barwon Region. I have been asked to consider two questions: How prepared are we as providers of some sort of service for this social insurance scheme? And, Will we be ready? Read More >
Annual Report now availableSt Laurence is pleased to advise that our Annual Report for the 2011-2012 year is now available. Read More >
Spark in the Park - oh what a night!On Friday 26 October St Laurence Community Services Inc held a Community Fair - "Spark in the Park" on the grounds of its retirement village at Lara from 4.30 pm - 8.00 pm. Read More >
St Laurence supports Anti-Poverty WeekAnti-Poverty Week is held in October every year. It is a time to reflect on the fact that not all Australians have access to all the goods and services we so often take for granted. Poverty affects over a million people Australia-wide. Read More >
Conversations That MatterSt Laurence has partnered with Deakin University to hold the inaugural 'Conversations That Matter' twilight seminar, bringing people of our community together to talk about the tough issues. Read More >
Support Anti Poverty Week - buy a swag todayAnti Poverty week is a national event aimed at creating awareness, and/or improving the lives of Australians touched by poverty. Read More >
Knowledge to Change Seminar - Register NOWUnpacking Federal and State legislation in the Charities and Not-For-Profit sector. Read More >
Notice of MeetingYou are invited to the 16th Annual General Meeting of St Laurence Community Services Inc. Read More >
Helping our Avalon NeighboursSt Laurence is getting behind the petition to bring Tiger back to Avalon. Read More >
The Final Session of St Laurence Supercats After a partnership spanning more than a decade, the St Laurence Supercats will conclude their named sponsorship at the end of the 2012 season. Read More >
Call Out For Employee Mentors!St Laurence Community Services Inc. - Battling the growing unemployment rate in Geelong with an all new mentoring initiative. Read More >
September Tea Parties Raising Funds Across VictoriaHave you registered to host a Tea Party yet? Read More >
STAR helps umpire achieve his goalSt Laurence client Jeremy Lang has a new found confidence after umpiring his first game of football. Read More >
Geelong wins $140 million National Disability Scheme (NDIS) boostIt is very pleasing to be able to announce that the offer placed by the Victorian Government for an NDIS trial in the Barwon Region has been accepted by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. This is great news for the people of Geelong. Read More >
Don’t look back….Luke Beavis is a St Laurence Community Services Inc. supported employee whom works at Paper Services in North Geelong, a complete paper recycling service for business of all sizes. Luke has endured mental illness all his life and this has affected his confidence and ability to find open employment. But with a positive attitude and determination, Luke is turning his life around and bringing music to the people. Read More >
Social Inclusion - Inclusive growth what does it mean?When Kevin Rudd became Prime Minister he established the Social Inclusion Advisory Board in 2009. This was in line with European and British social policy thinking, which since the 1970s, have been using this terminology and putting it into practice. Social Inclusion in practice is often done through employment. For some obtaining employment is more difficult than for others. It is important in an inclusive community that everyone has the right to housing, food, a safe environment and employment opportunities. Further to this is the notion of inclusive growth. But what does it mean? Read More >
Disability Enterprise Opened by Colac Otway Shire MayorColac Otway Shire Mayor, Stephen Hart, re-opens 'Kui Nursery' as the first stage in the massive redevelopment of St Laurence's disability services in Colac. Read More >
Bare Rooted Tree Sale! Direct from Kui Nursery, bare rooted trees are now available for those wishing to purchase in Geelong. Read More >
The Struggle of 'Affordable Housing'Census data released last week indicates that rents have doubled in the last decade. Data from the recent Census is backed up by the Australia–wide Anglicare Rental Affordability Snapshot St Laurence participated in earlier this year. St Laurence found they there has been a decrease in the availability and affordability of rentals in region. But what does it mean? Read More >
Ironing out the issues and back into employment!What a great news story! After being unemployed for ten years Claire has found a new job! St Laurence Ironing Service based in Colac has employed her. Read More >
A Gift Can Change a LifeWatch this YouTube clip to view the life changing affect the St Laurence Donation Fund can have on individuals in our community. Read More >
St Laurence Is Evolving!St Laurence has undergone a reinvigoration of its brand image to give it a new burst of energy! Read More >
Volunteers – Everyone CountsOn 18 May 2012 St Laurence thanked volunteers from the Geelong Community and celebrated International Volunteer Week which was held from: 14 – 20 May 2012. Read More >
Art Unlimited Exhibition – Limited Time Only @ The Geelong GalleryArt Unlimited is an access studio for practicing artists with a disability. It provides professional studio facilities and is staffed by qualified, practicing artists. The Art Unlimited artists have the opportunity to work across a wide range of medium including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork and electronic media. Read More >
St Laurence Needs Your HelpThe Project St Laurence Community Services Inc. has committed $1.2M to undertake a comprehensive renovation of its Queen Street, Colac property. The project will deliver a state of the art learning and community facility for people with a disability. Read More >
Blue & White Ball - All that Jazz a success!‘All That Jazz – 1920’s New York Glamour’ ball hosted by St Laurence was held on 6 July 2012 at The Pier Geelong. Read More >
Corporate Social Responsibility – What’s The Point?We all hear constantly of the “benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility” – so much so that it’s all getting a bit tiresome. We’ve all been told that being corporately responsible is essential for employee recruitment & retention, managing our reputations, competiveness, marketplace positioning and optimal financial performance. Read More >
Goodwill Wine Gets Recognition It DeservesGoodwill Wine receives accolades for 'paying it forward'. Read More >
Your Invitation to the BIGGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR!It’s finally here! Your invitation to the inaugural Blue & White Ball hosted by St Laurence. Read More >
The Cats, St Laurence and the Rotary Club join forcesThe Geelong Rotary Club teamed up with St Laurence Community Services Inc. to answer a simple call from a remote school, located in far north Kimberley in Western Australia, for AFL footballs. Read More >
WINNER of $100 Coles/Myer Gift Card Announced!Congratulations to Kelly Arndt – the winner of the $100 Coles/Myer Gift Card competition! Read More >
Get Your Entertainment Books HEREChoose what you want to do and when you want to do it with hundreds of valuable offers. Receive up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers. Valid now until June 1st 2013! Read More >
Art Unlimited Exhibition LaunchArt Unlimited artists will be holding an exhibition of their work at the Geelong Gallery from 12 May - 17 June, with a celebratory launch to kick start the event. Read More >
MyPATH Has LaunchedAfter two years of planning and development at St Laurence, Mr David Koch, MP, Member for Western Victorian Region, officially launched MyPATH; the new program for people with a disability, on April 26. Read More >
Got Feedback?Contact us with your comments and suggestions. Read More >
Art Unlimited & Goodwill Wine Join ForcesPurchasing your wine has never been so fulfilling! This year, Art Unlimited has partnered with Goodwill Wine to generate some much needed awareness and donations into the arts program... Read More >
How "Doing Good" Can Make a DifferenceCorporate Social Responsibility pays off. Businesses who participate in Corporate Social Responsibility often reap significant benefits from “doing good”. Corporate Social Responsibility can take many forms including volunteering to complete a community project... Read More >
St Laurence Corporate Golf Fundraiser Raises Over $4000 for Disability ServicesThe St Laurence Corporate Golf Challenge was more than an excuse to take time off work... Read More >
Mother’s Day Special at The Pickle GalleryGetting Mum a gift she’ll love has never been so easy! Until Mother’s Day, receive $5 off your online order when you spend $20 or more... Read More >
LBW Chartered Accountants embrace Corporate Social ResponsibilityOn Wednesday 14th March, 2012 a group of fifty staff from LBW Chartered Accountants left their suits and calculators at the office, put on some casual attire and picked up some gardening tools to spend half a day at St Laurence Park in Lara to assist in giving the Park a ‘facelift’. Read More >
St Laurence Human Library 2012DO YOU KNOW A LIVING BOOK? A Living book is any person with a story to tell. St Laurence is recruiting NOW for a Human Library to be launched at Blokes Day Out in Geelong on 1 April 2012. Closing date for refferals fast approaching! Read More >
Music as therapy - Music was the first painkillerEvery Friday the band Not Quiet Right from Ballarat make music to clear their minds and help heal their heads; however it's more than teen angst or rebellion that drives this band's urge for rock and roll salvation. Read More >
The Pickle Gallery now online!The Pickle Gallery is an Australian Disability Enterprise of St Laurence, located in Colac Victoria, uses local produce to create some of the region’s finest jams, preserves and pickles. The Pickle Gallery now has a website that products produced can be purchased from. Visit www.thepicklegallery.com.au Read More >
St Laurence 2011 Annual Report now available The St Laurence Annual Report 2011 is now available for download. If you would like a hard copy please contact Honnie Strachan on 5246 4504. Read More >
Every Australian Counts - National Disability Insurance SchemePlease use the link below to support the 'Every Australian Counts' campaign. This campaign needs 250,000 people signed up to ensure the scheme is funded federally. Read More >
Social Inclusion Conference PresentationsSt Laurence in partnership with G21 hosted a Social Inclusion Conference on 16 April 2010 at the Four Points Sheraton. Guest speakers included: Professorial Fellow Paul Smyth (University of Melbourne and Brotherhood of St Laurence), Anne Somerville (G21 Director Health and Well Being) and Gavin Dufty (Research and Policy Manager St Vincent de Paul). This presentation material is now availble for download. Read More >
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Effectively manage your organisation’s risk. Use St Laurence's Integrated Risk Management Framework. Contact Matthew Cheal on 5282 1405. Don’t put your organisation at risk.
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For parents of adults with a disability who want their child to reach maximum potential, MyPATH is a new, fully customised learning and vocational pathway that offers choice for growth and independence within the disability services industry.
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The Pickle Gallery is an Australian Disability Enterprise of St Laurence Community Services Inc which operates from a well appointed commercial kitchen in Queen Street Colac and produces jams, marmalade, chuntney, relish, pickles and sauces. Click here to order your delicious jams and relishes.
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Where training solutions live! ACT is your award-winning specialist in quality hospitality, retail, business and community services training.
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Opportunities for artists with a disability – studio space, professional guidance, exhibition and supported employment. Brush up here!
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Complete recycling services for your business – secure document destruction, paper/cardboard collection and paper recycling. Reduce landfill and make a difference!
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Adventure & recreational activities aimed at increasing fitness, self-esteem and self-confidence.
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