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Submission to Social Inclusion Board
St Laurence Community Services and Bethany Community Support in partnership, have written a submission to the Social Inclusion Board to aid its research on breaking the cycle of disadvantage.
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St Laurence to celebrate National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week begins next week on Monday 10 May. This year’s theme is “Now, more than ever”, and highlights the critical role of volunteers across the many areas they are involved in including community and welfare, environment, emergency response, sports, and education.
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Social Inclusion Conference Presentations
St 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.
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Social Inclusion Conference - unpacking the jargon
St Laurence in partnership with G21 hosted a Social Inclusion Conference on 16 April 2010 at the Four Points Sheraton.
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Art Unlimited Exhibition 2010 officially open
The official opening of Art Unlimited Selected Works 2010 Exhibition was held at the Geelong Gallery on 18 March. The proud artists were excited to view their works on display at the Gallery and show them off to their families and friends. A cocktail party was held to celebrate with large turnout including members of the local business community in attendance.
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Senator Stephens visits the Purple Paper People
On 25 March 2010, Senator Stephens – Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion visited the Purple Paper People service at 142 Victoria Street, North Geelong.
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Social Inclusion Conference
Social Inclusion - Unpacking the jargon
St Laurence in partnership with G21 will host a Social Inclusion Conference on 16 April 2010 at the Four Points Sheraton, Geelong.
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St Laurence Twilight Golf Challenge a huge success
The St Laurence Twilight Golf Challenge in an amateur event that is designed to be a competition whilst also being fun.
The 2010 Challenge was held on Friday 12th February 2010 at the Curlewis Golf Club.
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St Laurence thanks its Community & Business Partners
St Laurence Community Services held a special event on Wednesday 18 November to formally acknowledge its unsung heroes and key supporters who continue to assist St Laurence carry out its mission of helping people help themselves in the community.
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Reta Bircher turns 104 years old!
On Thursday 19 November 2009 Reta Burcher a resident of St Laurence Costa House Residential Aged Care turned 104 years old.
Reta remains healthy and active and enjoys her hobbies of knitting and craft, taking part in a craft group which donates products to needy people. Reta enjoys creating artwork and has made many tapestries over the years that her family are proud of. Reta was also a talented pianist and organist.
Reta has lived at St Laurence Park for the past 17 years, now residing in Hume Court.
A morning tea was held with residents and staff of St Laurence to celebrate Rita’s birthday on Thursday 19 November 2009 at 10.30 am.
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St Laurence 2010 Calanders now for sale
St Laurence Community Services has now produced a calendar for sale.
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St Laurence Annual Report 2009 now available
The St Laurence Annual Report 2009 is now available.
If you would prefer a hard copy please contact Honnie Strachan on ph: 5282 0066.
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Peter Garrett AM MP announces $900,000 boost for Austin Homes
ELIZABETH Austin’s 123-year-old vision of helping older women in crisis has been given a much needed boost with the announcement of $900,000 funding.
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Questioning the Current Social Inclusion Agenda
In an address to the AGM of St Laurence on 4 November 2009, Ms Megan Peacock, Social Inclusion Research Officer, suggested that the current focus of social inclusion was heavily skewed towards employment and that this was not helpful for all those disconnected from the labour market.
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Paper Services find 19th century news
Wrapping for fish and chips used to be the final resting place for yesterday's news.
But in these enlightened times, newspapers are put in the recycling bin.
North Geelong recyclers Purple Paper People unearthed a mid-19th century gem when they pulled a copy of the London Times from September 24, 1867 from a bale of waste paper.
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Assistance for the ‘Purple Paper People’
The Rudd Government’s $650 million Jobs Fund has extended a welcomed life-line to one of Geelong’s most important social employment enterprises.
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St Laurence seeks project partners
St Laurence Community Services is looking for partners in a new project aiming to bring about lasting change in the lives of those who are disadvantaged and excluded.
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St Laurence Annual Dinner a huge success
On Friday 28 August 2009 the St Laurence Annual Dinner was held at the Geelong Football Club, Grant Hackett OAM was the keynote speaker and provided guests with his personal story, a compelling journey - an honest insight into performance management, harnessing effort and doing the simple things very well.
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St Laurence Community Services wins Minister's Awards for Excellence
Advanced Career Training has won a Minister’s Award for Excellence which recognises and rewards organisations and individuals who make an outstanding contribution towards the training of Australian Apprentices.
The Minister’s Awards for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices recognise those employers who demonstrate commitment, innovation and outstanding achievement in the training of Australian Apprentices.
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Carers get an even break
St Laurence and United Way Geelong have joined forces to give hard working carers a well deserved break.
The Glover Foundation through United Way have granted $100,000 towards the creation of a purpose built respite holiday house for people with dementia and their carers. The unique development set in a semi rural, ‘farm-stay’ environment will offer an opportunity to provide personalised respite options that meet the individual needs of the carer.
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Finalist in Retirement Village Australia Manager of the Year Award
Ms Rue Skoba the St Laurence Housing Services Manager has just been awarded runner up Finalist in the 2009 Retirement Village Australia Manager of the Year Award.
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STAR Training Development day
Recently a group of staff from Social Engagement Services (Respite and Outreach) joined facilitators from the STAR (St Laurence Adventure Recreation) team on a team building /fun day at the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club, on the Great Ocean Road.
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Donation provides drought relief to St Laurence
St Laurence is one of three community organisations to have received some respite from the drought thanks to Barwon Water.
St Laurence Care Farm at Costa House, Lara, Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary at Barwon Heads, and Rainbow Riders, Connewarre, have shared 31 bales of lucerne grown at Barwon Water’s recycled water demonstration farm.
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120 reasons to celebrate
This year marks the 120th Anniversary of the opening of Austin Hall, part of the Elizabeth Austin Homes located in South Geelong.
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St Laurence celebrates Volunteer week
St Laurence recognises that volunteers are a highly valued and essential part of being able to provide valuable services to the community. St Laurence has over 300 volunteers who contribute their time and expertise and assist in providing programs and services in the community.
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STAR Connections
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St Laurence appoints new Chief Executive Officer
Mr Don Blackmore, Chair of St Laurence Community Services is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Toby O’Connor as St Laurence’s new Chief Executive Officer.
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Shell Community Fund provides funding for Edible Garden
St Laurence Community Services disability clients get a taste of healthy eating and sustainable living through a new project.
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50 years of volunteering - Lola puts the Saint in St Laurence!
Still finding joy in volunteering after 50 years Lola Lewis is St Laurence's longest serving volunteer.
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St Laurence Bushfire Appeal Raffle raised over $4000
St Laurence Community Services recently held a moster raffle with all proceeds going to the victirms of the bushfires.
The raffle rasied over $4,000 for this worthy cause.
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St Laurence Twilight Golf Challenge
The St Laurence Twilight Golf Challenge in an amateur event that is designed to be a competition whilst also being fun.
The 2009 Challenge was held on Friday 13th February 2009 at the Curlewis Golf Club.
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Surfs up for TAC staff
STAR (St Laurence Adventure Recreation) in February 2009 facilitated a Surfing Day for the staff of TAC, who have recently moved their work site from the Melbourne CBD to Geelong. The day was planned to help the staff 'get to know' their new surroundings, including the Bellarine Peninsula and Ocean Grove.
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St Laurence launches Australia's first Dementia Care Farm
Local community and business leaders will join with St Laurence Community Services to officially open St Laurence Care Farm, located at Costa House Residential Aged Care, St Laurence Park, Lara on 8 December 2008.
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St Laurence shares news of its achievements at Annual General Meeting
St Laurence Community Services held its Annual General Meeting on 6 November 2008 at its Community Support Services site, 140 Cox Road, Corio.
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Oct - Sept 2008 News
news@stlaurence - new edition of newsletter now available
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St Laurence offiically launches it Paper Services facility
Local community and business leaders joined with St Laurence Community Services to officially open St Laurence Paper Services, which is situated at 142 Victoria Street, North Geelong on 9 October 2008.
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St Laurence Partners with Masters Games Volunteer Program
Australia’s largest multisport festival is coming to Geelong, from 20 February – 1 March 2009.
The 12th Australian Masters Games is a ten day sports and entertainment festival open to people over the age of 30, regardless of sporting background or ability.
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Oldest Resident Daisy Watt dies, 107
The oldest resident at Costa House Residential Aged Care facility, St Laurence Park Lara Daisy Watt has died, aged 107, after spending more than four decadesliving in the aged care facility.
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Upgrade of Tucker Court Apartments Improves quality of life for aged residents
On 8 July 2008, St Laurence Park Retirement Village formally opened its newly renovated Tucker Court Apartments.
The Percy Baxter Charitable Trust, ANZ Trustees and the Marion & EH Flack Trust have all generously supported this project and representatives joined the celebrations.
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New walking track
A new walking track has been constructed at St Laurence Park, Retirement Village, Lara.
The residents of St Laurence Park
expressed a need for a safe walking track
to allow them to exercise with safety and enjoy a more active lifestyle; and so the idea for the “Walk on the Wild Side” Walking track was born.
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STAR Snow trip
St Laurence Adventure Recreation (STAR) recently held a camp at the snow covered Mt Baw Baw. The group were treated with their accomodation which was a three story Ski Lodge, featuring seven bedrooms, two large living areas and two warm open wood fires.
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June - July 2008 News
news@stlaurence - new edition of newsletter now available.
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St Laurence Annual Dinner a huge success
On Friday 18 July 2008 the St Laurence Annual Dinner was held at the Geelong Football Club. Steven Bradbury was the keynote speaker and provided guests with details both funny and poignant of his trials and tribulations before he won Australia's first Winter Olympic Gold Medal.
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Activities for Well Being
St Laurence Adventure Recreation is kicking off a new series of activities, this time for people living with a mental illness.
A pilot program was run in April this year at Anglesea, with the activity of choice being canoeing. The day was a huge success so a follow up planning meeitng was held to establish what activities, people living with a mental illness int he Geelong region would like to participate in.
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St Laurence officially launches it's Secret Garden (Work for the Dole project)
Local community and business leaders joined with St Laurence Community Services and Work for the Dole participants to officially open the "Secret Garden", which is situated in the old Geelong Gaol.
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April - May 2008 News
news@stlaurence - new edition of newsletter now available.
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20 Years of Innovative service to people with dementia
St Laurence Community Services celebrated 20 years of operation of its St Laurence House respite services at 347 Shannon Avenue, Newtown.
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A good time to be alive at 107!
Daisy Watt scoffed at the suggestion she is the oldest living person in Australia. But those close to the Lara senior citizen, who turned 107, have researched the matter and think she might be.
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St Laurence House makeover
Telstra Country Wide employees traded in their suit and ties for some casual gear and some gardening tools, when they teamed up with St Laurence to give St Laurence House a spruce up.
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January - February 2008 News
news@stlaurence - new edition of newsletter now available.
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67 years and not out...
On Thursday 14 February two residents, Eric and Joyce Turner of St Laurence Residential Aged Care, Costa House, Lara will celebrate their love and marriage of 67 years at a romantic Valentine's Day themed luncheon.
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STAR Team Building Day
STAR (St Laurence Adventure Recreation) recently conducted a Team Building day for staff of Barwon Youth.
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Surfs Up for All Abilities
The sun was shining, the waves crashing at the Ocean Grove main beach for St Laurence's All Abilities Surf Day held on 3 December 2007.
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Annual Report 2007 now available
The St Laurence Annual Report 2006/07 is now available for download.
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St Laurence Employment Services Ararart awarded
St Laurence Employment Services, Ararat site has been awarded number one provider of Employment services in the Wimmera by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
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A snowy adventure
A group of clients and staff of St Laurence Disability Services recently visited the snow.
The trip was full of activities to suit a variety of interests and abilities.
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Art Unlimited artists exhibition
On 27 September 2007 the official opening of the third exhibition of the works of Art Unlimited artists at the Geelong Gallery was held. This event also incoporated a celebration for annual partners of St Laurence.
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St Laurence Park now RVA Accredited!
St Laurence Community Services celebrated International day of older persons on Monday 1 October 2007 by holding a celebratory afternoon tea event at St Laurence Park Retirement Village in Lara. The event was held to celebrate seniors in the community and the recent official accreditation of St Laurence Park by the Australian Retirement Village Association.
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STAR and Wathaurong get active!
St Laurence Adventure Recreation has recently completed another ten week session with the Wathaurong Juvenile Justice Program.
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STAR helps build team spirit
The St Laurence Adventure Recreation Team are presently running a program for Year 8 students attending Norlane High School.
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Department of Primary Industries & St Laurence
Recenlty St Laurence has been involved with the Environment Best Management Practices of Farms (EBMP) program which is a ground up approach to environmental management of farms.
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Ross Stevenson keynote speaker at Annual Dinner
Ross Stevenson addressed the sixth annual St Laurence Dinner which was held at the Fred Flanagan Room, Geelong Football Club.
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Art Unlimited Artists exhibit at Federation Square
The Connected exhibition is now in its fifth year and is joint project between State Trustees and Arts Project (Northcote) with artists from other studios invited to submit work for selection.
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Rebecca works her way to top three in Australia
Rebecca Savage has been recognised as one of Australia's top three Work for the Dole particpants at an awards ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra.
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Ken Wilks Award Winner 2007
St Laurence TAP into Employment a Disability Network (DEN) Service is proud to announce that Paula Hobley is the 2007 winner of the Rotary Club of Bayside Geelong Ken Wilks Award.
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Daisy Watt turns 106!
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STAR tag team competition
The Victorian Indigenous Surfing State Titles were recently held at Fairhaven Beach with some awesome displays put on by the contestants involved.
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STAR going strong
St Laurence Adventure Recreation (STAR) recently completed a six week adventure recreation program with participants from the Wauthorong Juvenile Justice Program.
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Opportunity leads to development
A case of “opportunity leads to development” has occurred recently at St Laurence. St Laurence Training Services delivers nationally accredited qualifications as well as industry specific short courses throughout regional Victoria.
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Local Employer Recognises Ability Over Disability
Reid Engineering have put the abilities of their employee Jean Bousoula over his disability. Owners John and Greg Reid know how difficult to get a break in the workforce, and decided to give Jean a chance.
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Titanic matchstick effort
Art Unlimited Artists work in National Museum
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St Laurence House Makeover
Telstra Country Wide Employees traded in their suits and ties for some casual wear and a paintbrush, when they volunteered their time and teamed up with St Laurence to give St Laurence House a makeover to create an uplifting environment for the clients of the facility.
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Current Annual Report 2006
The latest St Laurence Annual Report 2005/2006 is now available for download.
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November - December 2006 News
news@stlaurence - new edition of newsletter now available.
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Men's Group @ Costa House
It’s no secret what some of the men at Costa House have been up to - they've joined a Men's Group!
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AARTBOXX - Exhibition
Tim McMahon, a client of Art Unlimited and St Laurence, has been asked to exhibit in this internationally renowned exhibition in Sydney, in 2006.
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Caloola House
As of 31 August 2006 St Laurence has officially taken over the ownership of and responsibility of Caloola House.
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STAR Snow Trip a great success!
After waiting for what seemed like an eternity for a good snow fall the STAR Team decided to grin and bear it and go out and find what ever snow they could.
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STAR provides high adventure
A group of year eight students recently experienced a day of high adventure at the You Yangs with the St Laurence Adventure Recreation Program.
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August - September 2006 News
news@stlaurence - new edition of newsletter now available.
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June - July 2006 News
news@stlaurence - new edition of newsletter now available.
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Geelong Superules - Major Sponsorship
St Laurence announces major sponsorship of Geelong Superules.
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Ken Wilks Award 2006
TAP into Employment is proud to announce that Donna Formosa (TAP client) is the 2006 Winner of the Rotary Club of Bayside Geelong - Ken Wilks Award.
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St Laurence fosters community partnerships
St Laurence recognises that community partnerships and volunteers are an essential part of being able to provide valuable services to the community. With over 250 volunteers St Laurence understands the tremendous contributions that volunteers make for the community.
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St Laurence Training - now listed online!
Interested in enhancing your skills, or learning something new? or need to improve your skills to find work. Perhaps you would like to book training for your workforce. Find out how we can help you with this.
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A Blossoming Daisy
When Daisy Watt was born in 1901, the Federation of Australia was established. Daisy has seen a lot in her 105 years including two World Wars, the first Holden rolling off the production line and the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
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Heritage Victoria Grant
On 23 March at Osborne House Rob Hulls MP announced a grant in excess of $23,000 provided to the historic Elizabeth Austin Homes at Yarra Street managed by St Laurence.
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St Laurence & United Way create a better quality of life for people with dementia
Recent funding provided to St Laurence by United Way has opened up new opportunities for people with dementia. Dementia sufferers have specialised needs and by providing a caring attitude and the right environment these needs can be met, which allows them to retain their dignity and improve self esteem.
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A 'STAR' of a time!
The first adventure recreation camp for young adults with an intellectual disability for 2006 was held in March at Lorne. Twelve young people and four instructors participated in a range of adventure activities including surfing, canoeing, bush walking, and rock pool rambles.
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April - May 2006 News
news@stlaurence - new edition of newsletter now available.
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Costa House is now accredited!
After a considerable amount of hard work developing policies and procedures Costa House has been accredited by The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd in accordance with the Commonwealth of Australia Aged Care Act 1997.
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A Fishy Tail
From the depths of Lake Colac a whimsical work of art has surfaced. When St Laurence Instructor, Patrick Harrison came across an old fence post while visiting Lake Colac, Patrick and the team at St Laurence had a vision of what they could create with it.
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Relay for Life - we did it!
On Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March 2006 St Laurence had teams participate in the Relay for Life event at Deakin University Waurn Ponds.
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Twilight Golf Challenge
The Twilight Golf Challenge was held on Tuesday 28 February 2006.
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St Laurence - celebrating 10 years!
April 2006 sees St Laurence Community Services celebrate it’s ten year anniversary. St Laurence Community Services commenced operations taking over the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Barwon operations at this time.
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Producing great results!
Avia Produce, a local Torquay business, has been named Victorian State Winner - Small Business, in the recent Prime Ministers Employer of the Year Award in December 2005. This local tomato farm, which provides fresh produce to the greater Geelong region, has been a major force in employing people with a disability.
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The Spirit of things!
In November 2005 as part of St Laurence Disability Day Programs eight young adults and two staff members went on a journey of a lifetime – a trip to Tasmania! Boarding the Spirit of Tasmania on the way there and experiencing an aeroplane on the way home the group had their first real holiday experience.
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Riding a wave of challenges
A special breed of surfie was riding the waves at Ocean Grove’s main beach in December when around 50 young people took part in the St Laurence Surf Day
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From small things big things come
Jodi Manion and her Telstra Country Wide team usually spend their days developing business strategies to drive performance for their customers. Recently they have found new skills to help residents at St Laurence Park, Lara achieve a better quality of life.
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Youngsters shooting with the stars
Disabled youngsters got the chance to shoot the hoops with their sporting heroes.
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Older Years can be Golden Years
When Rita Burcher was born the first Model T Ford had yet to roll off the production line, television was many years away and Einstein had just written his paper on the Theory of Relativity.
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October - November 2005 News
news@stlaurence - new edition of newsletter now available.
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Current Annual Report - 2005
The St Laurence Annual Report 2004/05 is now available for download.
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August - September 2005 News
news@stlaurence - new edition of newsletter now available.
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TAP client wins prestigious Ken Wilks Award!
The Ken Wilks Award is an annual award of tribute, presented by the Rotary Club of Bayside Geelong to an individual person with a disability from the Greater Geelong District who has show exceptional personal effort to meet the challenges of their employment.
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A STARry night by the campfire
A new adventure program has given disabled youth the opportunity to be part of a range of exciting new adventures, including a mountain biking camp.
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Community Recreation Program
The St.Laurence Community Recreation Program in partnership with The Gordon Institute of TAFE conducts the Art Program for residents of two Supported Residential Services in Geelong. The students attend the Gordon once a week to learn skills in art; this includes painting, drawing, and sculpture. Other projects have included participating in a community art project which involved painting flags for the Pakington Street festival. The facilitator of the Art Program is Melinda Flood who is a Geelong based artist.
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February - March 2005 News
news@stlaurence - new edition now available.
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Previous Annual Report - 2004
St Laurence Annual Report 2004.
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STAR Program now more accessible!
Great News! our STAR (St Laurence Adventure Recreation) program is now developing further to include youth at risk and not just people with disabilities. This means our great programs are now accessible to more people!
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