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Cire Community School acquires an additional campus in Monbulk

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Cire Services, a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity in the Yarra Ranges is expanding its Community School to Monbulk. This expansion follows the acquisition of the former school grounds of Mountain District Christian School earlier this year. The new campus, located at 325 Macclesfield Road Monbulk and spanning 17.5 acres, boasts incredible facilities, including a full-sized oval, an indoor sports stadium and gymnasium, a stage, an internal canteen, a science room, and a library. These resources will allow the students to have experiences that were previously unavailable.

Cire Services’ CEO Gus Seremetis shared that other campuses at Yarra Junction, Mount Evelyn, Berwick, and Lilydale are currently at capacity and have waiting lists. With the acquisition of the new campus, Cire Services will be able to cater to more students and address the significant need for community schools in the surrounding areas. The community has shown great support and interest in this expansion, which will serve students from primary to year 12.

Cire Community Schools currently have around 360 students across their four campuses, where they offer co-educational schooling catering to young people who have or are at risk of disengaging from their education, requiring an alternative to mainstream schooling. The model will remain the same as what is currently offered in classrooms, with an average of 15 students per class and two educators in each class.

Gus said that the organisation runs differently from traditional models, providing a lot of support for students at different levels. Furthermore, with the fantastic support from key stakeholders, including Yarra Ranges Council, Mountain District Christian School, and the local community, Cire Services is well-positioned to offer community schooling, training, early learning, and community outreach services to more students across multiple locations.

If you would like to know more about the Monbulk campus; click here to submit your interest. With this new campus, Cire Community School will undoubtedly continue to provide its students with an exceptional learning experience.

Dreadlocks help push cancer fund raiser to $16k

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Congratulations to Tristan Rogers who has had his dreadlocks of seven years shaved to boost the GoFundMe campaign for teenage friend, Merrick Edleston, who is battling cancer.

Tristan’s amazing gesture has helped push the amount of funds raised to close to $16,000, to assist Merrick and his family during such a challenging period in their lives.

The cascade of dreadlocks met their demise at Branded Burgers and Bar, Seville on Sunday 28 March with the event live-streamed to sixteen-year-old Merrick who has been in hospital for treatment for his acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and was unable to attend.

Í decided to have my dreadlocks shaved because it was something I could do to help, given all that Merrick is going through, as well as his family,’ said Tristan, 21 who is coordinator of Cire’s Out of School Hours program at Badger Creek Primary School.

Branded Burgers also rallied, donating $2,600 from its takings to the campaign.

For those interested in supporting the campaign that ends on Easter Sunday, please click here to visit the GoFundMe page.

AML is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is a group of leukaemias that develop in the myeloid cell line in the bone marrow. Myeloid cells are red blood cells, platelets and all white blood cells excluding lymphocytes.
AML is fairly rare with about 900 people diagnosed in Australia each year, accounting for 0.8% of all cancers diagnosed and at a rate of 3.7 per 100,000 of population.

Pictured: A new look Tristan with his very proud great grandmother Leila Woods from Croydon.

Days numbered for dreadlocks in cancer fund raiser

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The countdown is on for 21-year-old Tristan Rogers who is about to have his cascade of dreadlocks shaved off as a fund raiser for a teenage friend battling cancer.

Ever humble about his courageous gesture, Tristan says it is the least he can do to help support family friend Merrick Edelston who has Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), and also encourage others to dig deep.

Sixteen year old Merrick from Seville is about to undergo his second round of chemotherapy and it has been confirmed he will need a bone marrow transplant.

‘It was like a bombshell when I heard about Merrick and I thought that having my dreadlocks shaved would be a great way to help Merrick and his family,’ said Tristan who is coordinator of Cire’s Out of School Hours Care program at Badger Creek.

‘We all know each other from going to Seville Primary School and Lilydale High…and our brothers being close friends.’

The big day for Tristan’s dreadlocks of the past seven years is 11.30 am on Sunday 28 March at Branded Burgers and Bar, Seville. All money raised will go to the GoFundMe campaign that has been launched for the family with Branded Burgers donating 20% of its taking from 11 am to 12.30pm.

For those keen to donate, and as the gofundme page states: ‘Let’s support Merrick and his amazing family through this long and stressful journey by ensuring they can cover medical expenses, petrol and parking costs as well as the impact on both Maree and Jonas’s ability to work their usual hours while caring for Merrick.  Let’s show our support for Merrick a bright, fun loving, caring and thoughtful young man who faces this extremely tough journey and subsequent recovery.

AML is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is a group of leukaemias that develop in the myeloid cell line in the bone marrow. Myeloid cells are red blood cells, platelets and all white blood cells excluding lymphocytes.

AML is fairly rare with about 900 people diagnosed in Australia each year, accounting for 0.8% of all cancers diagnosed  and at a rate of 3.7 per 100,000 of population.

Click here to visit Merrick’s GoFundMe page

Cire delivers for Second Bite and Rotary

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Cire is supporting the Second Bite fresh food program in the Yarra Ranges through its organisational membership with Wandin Rotary.

Cire has joined the Rotary club’s roster to collect freshly cooked and frozen meals and deliver them to Yarra Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church volunteers for distribution to those in need in the Wandin area.

The Second Bite Program was launched several years ago by LinC in conjunction with local church groups with Wandin’s inclusion on the list in recent months. Other locations include Millgrove, Yarra Junction, Woori Yallock, Warburton and Mooroolbark.

From Wandin Senior Citizens Hall, food is being distributed to up to 30 families each Friday with some elderly residents collecting for their neighbours who are less mobile.

In a ‘paying it forward’ gesture, one woman in her 80s arrived with a shopping trolley overflowing with oranges she had picked from her tree to share far and wide.

‘Everyone receiving the food is so appreciative,’ said Pastor Emanuel Millen.

“It is so wonderful to see so many different groups working together to help those experiencing challenging times,’ he added.

Congregation member Veronica Tirchett who helps coordinate the program said the church was thrilled to be another outlet for the Second Bite Program at Wandin Senior Citizens.

“In light of the global pandemic, we thought that this would be a great help to those in this local community to support them through these tough and difficult times,: Veronica said.

“Hardship can happen to anyone and the cost of fresh food can make it difficult for people in need to maintain a balanced diet. We have a new public distribution point to assist people in need to have access to a range of seasonal fruit, vegetables and bread.”

Wandin Rotary has been assisting by collecting frozen meals and delivering them to the Senior Citizens Hall each week.

Rotarian Gavan McIntyre said the club had been delivering about 40 meals each week thanks to the generosity of a Rowville woman, Christine Smith who operates a commercial kitchen. Christine is currently having a break so the club is covering the cost of purchasing frozen meals while she is away.

For more information on the Wandin program, contact 03 5967 1272 or visit their website.

Main image – Cire’s Melissa Lizza (second from right) with Ian, Beth, Sheree and Rob from the Yarra Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Magic of giving adds to kinder graduation excitement

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Thanks to the generosity of Cire’s Sue West, the inspiring magic of giving added to the excitement of the first group of four-year-olds to graduate from Cire Children’s Service and Kindergarten at Chirnside Park.

Proudly dressed in graduation robes and caps, the nine children were thrilled to welcome Sue, who sponsored their academic regalia, to their graduation ceremony on 17 December.

The group was the first to graduate, ready for school next year, with Cire commencing the Children’s Service and Kindergarten at Chirnside Park at the start of 2020.

Aware that the service didn’t have any graduation gowns, Sue generously covered the cost with part of her prize money as a finalist in the 2020 Learn Local Awards. Sue, a trainer with Cire Training, together with student Haylee Mackintosh, were among the top three finalists in the state for the coveted awards in their respective categories.

Executive Manager, Cire Children’s Services Diletta Lanciana said Sue’s generosity was overwhelming yet very much in character. Sue is a dedicated member of Cire Training’s team and always helping others to achieve their best. She is particularly passionate about First Impressions Clothing Exchange (FICE) for women who are long-term unemployed and/or needed extra support, and empowering women to be financially literate and secure.

Graduation is an important milestone for children and even more so this year with all the disruptions and challenges of 2020.   When asked how they wanted to mark this special event, the children said they wanted a graduation ceremony, explained Diletta. They subsequently worked together to plan the ceremony with the gowns being a big part of the celebration.  The celebration featured a Yarning Circle with the children presenting a song and dance for their families about what they want to do when they grow up. The children were very excited to wear their gowns and hats and to receive their certificates.

In addition to Chirnside, 14 children have graduated from the Yarra Junction service ready for school in 2021 and three from Mount Evelyn.

“Due to COVID and the financial challenges that 2020 brought Chirnside didn’t have is own set of graduation gowns and hats,” Diletta explained.

“We have a set of gowns at Yarra Junction that we would normally share with all services but this year we needed each service to have their own to allay any fears about COVID and to ensure we are COVID-safe.  Thanks to Sue this was possible.”

Sue said she decided to donate because COVID restrictions and lockdowns have been so hard for everyone. She believed such a gesture would bed a real boost for the children and their families.

”I was overwhelmed to be nominated by Cire Training and named a finalist in this year’s Learn Local Awards. It seemed right to share this achievement with another Cire service.”

Sue said that it was incredibly rewarding to work for Cire, especially at FICE where women are able to work towards reaching their own personal goals through friendship, mentoring and training. Every day she feels blessed to be able to help other women reach their true potential.

FICE has quickly gained momentum, recognition and support since its establishment mid last year. In addition to the hundreds of women it has assisted, including Zoom sessions throughout COVID restrictions, it received a CommBank Staff Foundation Community Grant through the Mooroolbark branch to cover operation costs in 2021, a Yarra Ranges Council for Community Grant to launch a pop-up shop in 2021, and a council small grant for a fashion show on 12 February 2021.

Of significance, Sue recently became a grandmother for the first time.

“It will be so exciting to watch my beautiful granddaughter Ainsley grow and achieve many milestones through life including graduating from kinder to ‘big school’.

If you would like to know more about our early childhood education programs click here.

Cire Community School expands to Berwick

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Cire Services Inc is excited to announce the opening of a third Community School secondary campus at Berwick at the start of the 2021 school year.

Following an 18-month process, the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) has given Cire the green light to offer years 7 to 12 to local young people who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging from their education.

The approval is testimony to the reputation Cire has earned and enjoys as a ‘school of choice’ for students who need a positive alternative to mainstream education, as well as realistic employment pathways.

Based on the Berry St Education Model and trauma-informed approach, Cire Community School is one of only a few special assistance schools registered for years 7 – 12 students.

The school has well-established campuses at Yarra Junction and Mount Evelyn where total enrolments across the campuses have grown 86% since 2015 to more than 200 enrolments. Earlier this year, the Yarra Junction campus received VRQA approval to offer years 5 and 6 for the first time at the commencement of 2021.

The expansion to Berwick, aligns with Cire’s Strategic Plan to source opportunities, mainly focusing on areas of need and growth that complement existing campuses in the Yarra Ranges.

“Berwick is such an amazing opportunity to extend what we deliver, and do well, in the Yarra Ranges and adjacent areas,” said Cire CEO Gus Seremetis.

“Cire Community School has become one of choice, offering alternative education for young people who struggle in mainstream education for all kinds of reasons. We are not competing with other schools; we simply offer a positive alternative with many successful outcomes.”

Cire enjoys a strong reputation and track record for engaging students who have previously struggled; some have not attended school for up to 18 months or more. Successful outcomes include students transitioning to TAFE and further education, employment including apprenticeships and traineeships, and returning to mainstream school.

Cire Community School’s Executive Principal, Paul van Breugel said – “He is proud that Cire’s model and expertise in specialist education can be extended to the City of Casey and adjacent areas where schools have identified the need for such alternative education.”

“Local young people who need this type of education will have access to better opportunities to learn and grow and become successful adults,” Paul said.

Cire Community School’s success is underpinned by specialist wellbeing teams and dedicated staff on each campus where each student is respected as an individual with unique needs.

“Our flexible and innovative approach is reflected in individual learning plans for each student, enabling them to achieve at their own pace and in their own way,” Paul explained.

Cire Community School campuses offer a welcoming environment to ensure students have a sense of belonging, purpose and growth, and are supported in their learning, wellbeing and life goals.

The Berwick campus will offer middle years (years 7 to 9) and a VCAL program (years 10 to 12) with the first intake of students beginning at the start of the 2021 school year.

Already with strong enrolments, the Berwick Campus has the capacity for 90 students and the potential for further growth.

Click here for further information on Cire Community School.

Cire partners with Big W Lilydale to share gift of giving

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Cire has welcomed a partnership with Big W Lilydale Services which has brought much cheer to people across the region and well beyond, in the lead up to Christmas.

Through a huge distribution of surplus new goods, Cire and Big W have touched the lives and hearts of people of all ages and challenging circumstances including families doing it tougher than ever due to the impact of COVID, young children and at-risk youth, the homeless, as well as asylum seekers and refugees, and people in crises presenting at hospital emergency departments.

Cire CEO, Gus Seremetis said the distribution was incredibly timely given the far-reaching impact of COVID and the fact an increasing number of people are facing levels of vulnerability they have not experienced previously.

She said it was extremely rewarding to work with Big W Lilydale to assist people in need within the Yarra Ranges and beyond.

Due to COVID, Big W Lilydale had a large surplus of stock that needed to be moved to allow for pre-ordered consignments, particularly in the run-up to Christmas and the re-opening of retail with the easing of restrictions in metro Melbourne. The store contacted Cire to assist with distribution to people most in need, rather than send the valuable consignment to landfill.

Cire CEO, Gus Seremetis said the distribution was incredibly timely given the far-reaching impact of COVID and the fact an increasing number of people are facing levels of vulnerability they have not experienced previously.

She said it was extremely rewarding to work with Big W Lilydale to support people within the Yarra Ranges and beyond.

Rebecca Moyle, Manager of Soft Goods at Big W Lilydale, commended Cire on the way it sorted the enormous consignment of clothing, shoes, toys and other goods and ensured they reached those in need.

Cire was able to distribute most of the consignment through its core business units of Cire Children’s Services, Cire Community School for at-risk youth, Cire Community Hubs and First Impression Clothing Exchange for vulnerable women.

Cire was also able to facilitate access for other local organisations such as Nourish Network, Redwood Centre at Warburton, LinC Yarra Valley and Discovery Community Care based at Lilydale. Other beneficiaries were the Maroondah Hospital Emergency Department and a community outreach program looking after up to 2000 people a week including asylum seekers and refugees thanks to the joint efforts of Servants of the Two Hearts and Reaching Out Because We Can.

Overawed, a Cire Children’s Services mum exclaimed:

“Oh my god, this is a life saver I’m putting some of it away for Christmas for my five children. This is so awesome, thank you so much!”

At Maroondah Hospital, staff were equally amazed by the generosity. Many homeless people present to the Emergency Department without shoes and only the clothes they are wearing which sometimes needs to be cut off. It is so nice to be able to send them home in new clothes.

Also, the Christmas period is a time when the hospital sees more mums in crises presenting with young families.  New clothing for their babies and young children provides real relief.

Cire partners with Big W Lilydale
Cire partners with Big W Lilydale
Cire partners with Big W Lilydale
Cire partners with Big W Lilydale
Cire partners with Big W Lilydale
Cire partners with Big W Lilydale
Cire partners with Big W Lilydale
Cire partners with Big W Lilydale

Images – main image Cire staff sorting through the Big W Lilydale consignment in the underground car park of Cire’s Lilydale head office.

Donations by the patient trolley load for Maroondah Hospital Emergency Department

Goods on display for families at Cire Children’s Services at Yarra Junction

Elisa Mineo_Reaching Out Because We Çan (left) and Sr Margaret_ Servants of the Two Hearts

For further information please contact Sandra Bucovaz, Manager Partnerships and Funding, Cire Services Inc. Tel. 0401 617 122

Cire welcomes role in new $4.5m youth health hub

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A new youth health hub for young people with locations in Lilydale, Belgrave, Healesville and Yarra Junction is on track to open in August 2020.

Cire Services Inc. is excited and proud to be part of the consortia behind the hub, which is lead by Inspiro Community Health Service and includes Oonah Health and Community Services Aboriginal Corporation, Anchor and Eastern Legal Community Centre.

In March 2019, the Australian Government announced $4.5m funding for the Integrated Youth Health Hub (IYHH), which will provide young people, and their families and carers with a single entry point to access a range of no-cost or low-cost primary health care, community and social services.

The Knox headspace satellite in Lilydale, which is separately funded by the Australian Government, will work in collaboration with the hub.

Cire CEO Gus Seremetis said the consortia partners bring diverse skills and expertise, as well as additional venues across the Yarra Ranges, with a strong local presence and connections.

“As well as adding value, this will create opportunities for more community involvement.

“We will also work closely with Yarra Ranges Council and other agency partners to bring the Hub to life,” she said

Federal Member for Casey Tony Smith MP welcomed the announcement that locally-based organisations will run the new Integrated Youth Health Hub for Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN).

“With $4.5 million of Federal Government funding over three years, the Lilydale-based hub, along with a separately funded headspace satellite service, will deliver vital health and support services for young people aged between 12 and 25 living in the outer east, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

“Having fought for improved youth health services, it’s great to know the hub and headspace satellite service will soon get underway and be making a difference in people’s lives,” he said.

EMPHN CEO, Janine Wilson, said the service aims to improve access, service coordination and integration for young people in the region.

“Through the hub, young people and their families will be able to access a range of health and wellbeing activities; mental, physical and sexual health services, including access to a General Practitioner; as well as alcohol and other drugs services, and community and social services such as housing and legal assistance,” she said.

Inspiro Community Health CEO Sue Sestan said the activities and services will be delivered by the consortium members and a range of other local partners.

“How the services are delivered will be guided by the voice of young people from the area via a Youth Reference Group.

“The services will be appropriate to the local community, providing connections, interventions and seamless care to young people where and when they need it,” she said.

Oonah CEO Anne Jenkin said our experience of embracing and supporting our young people and celebrating culture is key to our identity.

“We’re pleased to be bringing that expertise and approach into the hub development with our partners,” she said.

Anchor CEO Heidi Tucker said the hub will feature a strong ‘lived experience’ workforce.

“We will employ staff who have used a variety of health services as young people who will assist other young people to navigate and use the services they need,” she said.

Eastern Community Legal Centre CEO Michael Smith said young people need to feel they belong and can trust the services they access.

“Once they have that, they usually don’t want to retell their story to lots of different professionals.

“The hub gives us a real opportunity to wrap health and other supports around them, with confidentiality and care,” he said.

The hub will be located in Lilydale with outreach services operating from Belgrave, Healesville and Yarra Junction.

The hub was co-designed with local health and community services, the education sector, Yarra Ranges Council, youth representatives and other community members.

A Youth Reference Group will be involved in designing, monitoring and evaluating hub activities and services during its operation.

The hub is currently funded until 30 June 2022 by the Australian Government under the PHN program.

Integrated Youth Health Hub (IYHH)

Amazing virtual makeover for Training & Hubs

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Cire Training and Hubs (T&H) has reached new and innovative heights in service delivery during the COVID-19 restrictions, highlighting its expertise and commitment to offering flexible teaching and learning opportunities to people of all ages.

Whilst the physical sites have been closed, much has been happening in the cyber world with T&H rapidly embracing the challenge to deliver online and providing learners with extra support where necessary.

 “It has been fantastic to see how quickly we have been able to adapt to successfully deliver training online, and find ways to continue to support our students and broader community virtually across all of our services. This is a testament not only to our trainers and support staff, but also our students who have been working closely with us to make the transition as smooth as possible,” said Laura Shortis, Executive Manager of T&H.

“We have even seen higher levels of engagement among some people with our flexible delivery to enable learners to continue with, or commence their studies and be engaged and connected.”

A standout has been First Impressions Clothing Exchange (FICE),  which grew out of Cire’s Women’s Warehouse and has been creating all kinds of COVID-19 restriction ‘inspired’ records.

FICE provides long-term unemployed and financially disadvantaged and vulnerable women with access to quality and affordable clothing, on-the-job-training through its Mooroolbark shop, together with a broad range of teaching and learning opportunities and other supports.

With its shop closed, FICE has undergone its own makeover with a vengeance reaching more than 10,000 people through social media platforms. It is planning to continue the online sessions post COVID-19 to foster an ongoing connection with the broader community and complement Cire’s face-to-face learning platforms.

With engagement of over 7,000 and videos views at 7,400, the digital campaigns are playing an integral part in keeping the community up-to-date and providing practical assistance on finances, accessing material aids such as food, bill paying and providing advice on job searching and applications. Sessions have also been expanded to assist people to update resumes and cover letters in anticipation of the job market reopening.

FICE is confident that it will connect face-to-face with approximately 100 women a week when its shop reopens while its virtual reach will be many thousands a week.

Other initiatives from Cire Training and Hubs include:

  • Training’s pre-accredited and accredited courses have moved online with great results in terms of attendance and feedback from students.  Training has worked closely with those experiencing online learning challenges such as limited access to technology and resources and provided tailored support where needed.  The success of the transition in such a short period of time is a true testament to the dedication and expertise across the training team.  Expressions of interest are being invited for Cert III Individual Support and Cert IV Education Support, both starting in July (Term 3).  The style of delivery will be determined on restrictions at the time.
  • Smart Money has been delivered virtually for the first time and has been well received. Cire’s pre-accredited team has been providing additional support to small businesses given the current environment.  Small Business Hub is offering a special discounted membership fee for those joining the pandemic.
  • Community Hub programs online. Using Zoom for the Fit 4 Life seniors exercise class and weekly craft group has been extremely successful.  We have also been trialling new initiatives such as the Lego Lockdown Challenge and Minecraft competition.
  • Hub staff are volunteering with the CHAOS Chatline to assist those in the community who are reaching out for connection and support during this challenging time.
  • For the more vulnerable, Cire has distributed items such as Quilton toilet paper from Good360 which distributes new and surplus goods donated by its network of Australian manufacturers and businesses. While the FICE shop has been closed, there has been much online delivery of services and support such as virtual ‘Frock up Fridays’ with Good360 pamper products as prizes, and a Zoom makeup session with donated L’Oreal makeup packs for participants.

Laura said the feedback from learners has made worthwhile all the hard work in embracing change so quickly and overcoming the challenges along the way.

The following helps capture the appreciation:

“It is fantastic to do all these exercises online with others.  You still get the community feel even in isolation. It is so nice to see other people we used to see all the time, plus it actually makes sure we do exercise and do it properly with supervision. Great fun for all” – Julie, Fit 4 Life participant

“I have enjoyed studying online as it gives me the flexibility to study from home and enables me to perform my family commitments. The workload is manageable and my teacher is easy to get in touch with and flexible in providing extra support when required” – Gavin, Certificate IV Education Support student (pitured above)

“I never thought I would enjoy learning about superannuation so much! Sue steers you through the confusing world of superannuation, with clear, informed and easy to follow teaching. The course is well thought out with the different aspects uncovered in each session, Sue takes the time so you truly understand what it is you are learning, I feel so much more confident and empowered in understanding my superannuation – thanks for such a fabulous course” – Alexandra, Smart Money attendee

Students and trainers have embraced the changes during this challenging time, as seen in this video for a Kitchen Kaos.

The Training and Hubs team are excited to be able to welcome people back to both the Yarra Junction and Chirnside Park Community Hubs following the announcement of the easing of restrictions. Both hubs will be re-opening on the 1st of June and will be resuming standard programs and services as the restrictions allow.

If you have any questions please contact us via email or call 1300 835 235

Timely focus on loneliness

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“Loneliness: the solution is community” is a particularly significant theme for Neighbourhood House Week 2020 this week, given the varying levels of social restrictions and lockdowns globally.

So, with people having to stay home, how can we connect with each other to maintain our sense of community? We hope the following might help.

It is great news that we can now welcome up to five friends or family members into our homes, or catch up outdoors in groups of up to 10, especially for those who have been missing their loved ones. However, please remember to maintain safe distancing and hygiene practices.

With the easing of some restrictions, some of our community’s most vulnerable people will still be isolated, so you might like to drop a note in their letterbox, offering assistance. Cire has created a simple form to offer your support.

Our Hubs team is proud to be part of the Community House network and help with the Outer East phone chat line. For anyone bored, isolated, lonely or just wanting someone new to talk to, we are here Monday – Friday 10.00am – 1.00pm and Monday – Thursday 5.00pm – 9.00pm or we can schedule callbacks outside of these times.  To get in touch for a chat, give us a call on 1800 984 825.

For those on Facebook, or other social media platforms, there are many ways to keep in touch. Now, more than ever, we are using our Community Hubs Facebook page to share information and stay connected with locals. Social media is a great way to have everyday interactions with family and friends, but it’s also full of groups to join.  If you have an interest, there’s sure to be a group of like-minded people.  We’ve been enjoying our “Lock-Down Lego” challenges, as a way to create connections with those who enjoy building.

Another option to grow your digital community is the “Next Door” website.  This platform helps people connect with their neighbours, posting information, as well as offers of goods, services or support.  As always, remember the core cyber-safety principles, and never share your personal information online.

Cire Craft Group

Cire Community Hub Craft Group catching up via Zoom

It has been exciting to see the ways that people have embraced using technology to engage with each other.  I had heard of FaceTime and knew that Messenger (Facebook) had a video call option, but I would have never thought that words like “Zoom” and “WebEx” would become so familiar, or add-ons like Microsoft Teams and Google Meet would become life-lines connecting with my colleagues. One of my favourite COVID-19 responses is the way our “crafters” have adapted to catching up via Zoom, rather than their usual Wednesday morning tea at the Chirnside Park Community Hub.  Chatting about current craft projects, grandchildren and offering mutual support is being done via video meeting, but the joy of connection is still very much alive.

Don’t forget our Hubs team is here for anyone needing some assistance in becoming familiar with using technology to connect to others.  Just give us a call on 1300 835 235, or email us at communityhubs@cire.org.au for more information.