Welcome to our June edition of our bi-monthly newsletter! Stay informed with community centre highlights, inspiring stories and upcoming events.

Thank You Volunteers: You Make a Difference! 

In May, we celebrated National Volunteering Week with a lavish morning tea to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of our over 70 volunteers who selflessly support our centre in various ways. This year's theme, "Something for Everyone," beautifully captured the diversity and inclusivity of our volunteer community, highlighting how individuals from all backgrounds and skill sets have valuable contributions to offer. Our celebration was a heartfelt tribute to the unique and essential role each volunteer plays in making our community centre a vibrant and welcoming place for all.

Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and lend their skills in numerous capacities. We have group team leaders who guide various activities, volunteer baristas who ensure our coffee is always top-notch, playgroup supporters who create a nurturing environment for our youngest members, and receptionists who greet everyone with a warm smile. Our sewing and knitting groups constantly craft beautiful items, all of which are donated to those in need. The management committee members play a crucial role in governing the centre, while university placement students bring fresh perspectives and energy. Each volunteer is an invaluable part of our community, and we simply could not function without their dedication and hard work.

Our new local MP, Daniel Doran, honoured us with a visit, taking the time to personally thank our volunteers for their unwavering support and dedication. His words of gratitude resonated deeply with all in attendance, reinforcing the significance of their contributions.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Miss Mia, in her debut performance, introduced us to a lively session of bingo. Her energy was infectious, soon having many of us out of our chairs, dancing and laughing. It was a joy to see our volunteers having such a wonderful time, and Miss Mia expressed her gratitude for having such an amazing group of people to test her very first performance.

We are immensely grateful to each one of our volunteers. Your commitment and enthusiasm are the heartbeat of the Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre. Without you, we would not be able to offer the range of services and support that our community relies on.

Thank you, Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre volunteers – you are truly amazing!

If you would like to book Miss Mia for a party or function, please contact the centre for details.

The Seen and Unseen Faces of VLCRC Volunteering

By Jodi C - University Placement Student

Our university placement student from Griffith University, Jodi, had the opportunity recently to interview some of the wonderful people that choose to use their time to volunteer at our centre. Jodi wanted to uncover the stories behind their volunteering dedication and to learn more about their personal journeys. 

Chris embraces his responsibilities on the management committee because he understands the importance of the social services provided by the VLCRC. Chris explains that his role is, "more than just volunteering, it's about being part of a dynamic team that delivers vital services to our community." Chris appreciates that the center offers a diverse array of programs, from playgroups for preschoolers to fitness classes for seniors, catering to a wide range of needs within the neighborhood, with social work, community recovery, and financial counseling also available.

"At the heart of it," Chris reflects, "is the respect we show to every person who walks through our doors. Whether someone needs a simple service or complex assistance, they're greeted with warmth and a genuine desire to help." This inclusive approach underscores the center's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all.

For Chris, gardening isn't just a hobby, it's a way of life shared with his wife, Glenda. They take joy in nurturing fresh produce and sharing the fruits of their labour. There is something special about growing and sharing food, and the Varsity Vegies community garden is a valuable social endeavor.

In retirement, Chris finds purpose and fulfillment in giving back through volunteering and gardening, while also cherishing moments with his daughters and neighbours. He believes in the importance of community connections and continues to make a difference in the lives of those around him through his dedicated service to the community center and the garden.

Introducing Our Volunteer Receptionists: The Friendly Faces of Our Team

Kay appreciates the mission of VLCRC particularly the fantastic opportunities for fun, friendships and guidance for those who have recently moved to the region. Volunteering allows Kay to keep a balanced approach to life and maintain her physical and mental health within a dedicated team.

Prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns, Kay had been engaged in a personally rewarding position as a home visit volunteer for the Veterans Support Centre. In addition to her current volunteering commitment, she had a dedicated career in the medical sector, working at locations such as Royal Brisbane Hospital and for general practitioners, optometrists, and specialists in maxillofacial, dermatology, and orthopedics. Working within the healthcare environment has fostered in her a true sense of empathy and respect for all.

Kay finds her greatest fulfilment in spending time with her beautiful family. Time spent with her daughters, their husbands and her three grandchildren is cherished and sustained by a wonderful relationship and daily beach walks with her husband Steve.

Tracy chose to volunteer at VLCRC because she believes in the power of community and the positive impact that support and resources can have on individuals and families. VLCRC provides essential services that help people lead better lives, and Tracy wanted to be part of that mission. As a resident, she feels it's also important to give back.

What motivates Tracy to continue in her volunteer role is witnessing the tangible difference that the VLCRC can make in people's lives. Whether it's offering a platform for the elderly to enjoy their retirement, providing a safe space for kids to learn and play, or offering support to those in need, seeing the gratitude and positive changes in people’s lives is incredibly fulfilling.

In Tracy's opinion, VLCRC's most important service is the comprehensive support system for families in need, including programs like Support Beyond Barriers, Nourishing Our Neighbourhood, Tech Help, and placement for university students. By addressing various needs, VLCRC helps individuals and families achieve stability and improve their quality of life.

Volunteering at VLCRC has taught Tracy to manage her time effectively and prioritise tasks. The sense of accomplishment gained from helping others is well worth the effort. Volunteering has also enriched Tracy’s life by introducing her to new perspectives and strengthening her connection to community. 

On her first visit, Muriel was warmly greeted by Kristy, who not only welcomed her but also gave her a comprehensive tour of the center. Muriel was impressed by the diverse range of community activities and services available for both children and adults. "Kristy took a genuine interest in my interests and goals," Muriel recalls fondly. Encouraged by Kristy, Muriel decided to volunteer at the reception desk. "It seemed like a great opportunity." Since then, Friday mornings have become lively and fulfilling, despite occasional name mix-ups. She attributes her joy to the wonderful support from her colleagues and the delightful hot chocolate served by Juliano, the VLCRCs barista, ending each morning with a smile.

At VLCRC, Muriel didn't just find a place to volunteer; she found a platform to make a meaningful impact. Fuelled by her passion for early education, Muriel proposed utilising the play area space to launch the Get Set for Prep program. This program was enthusiastically approved and will commence in the upcoming school term.

Before retiring, Muriel dedicated her career to the education sector. Driven by her love for assisting children facing learning challenges, she operated a business for over two decades, crafting and delivering tailored programs to help children reach their full potential—an experience she continues to cherish deeply.

Reflecting on her time at the VLCRC, Muriel expresses gratitude for the support and inspiration she finds daily. "The dedication of the centre to providing valuable services and support to the local community is commendable," Muriel says warmly. "I feel privileged to be part of such a vibrant and caring environment."

Muriel's journey at our centre is a testament to the transformative power of community and volunteerism. Her passion for education and commitment to serving others continue to enrich the lives of those around her, embodying the spirit of generosity and compassion that defines our community.

Join Us!

Are you looking to get involved? Whether it's volunteering at the center, participating in our diverse programs, or finding other ways to engage, there's a place for everyone here. Reach out today and be part of our vibrant community! 

Tech Help Program: Fostering Indigenous Elders with Digital Skills

By Raf C - University Placement Student

We are delighted to share a heartwarming update from our Tech Help Program. Recently, we had the honour of welcoming a group of Indigenous Elders from Kalwun, an Indigenous health provider, to receive tech support tailored to their needs.

Our dedicated mentors assisted these respected community members in navigating the digital world, helping them with tasks such as getting around Facebook, sending texts, setting up email accounts, and more. While simple for the younger generation, these tasks can be challenging for elders, and we were thrilled to provide the support they needed.

This initiative enabled our Elders with essential digital skills and strengthened our community bonds, fostering an environment of learning and mutual respect. Seeing the joy and confidence on their faces as they mastered these new skills was truly rewarding! We look forward to continuing this valuable program and extending our support to more members of our community!

If you need technology assistance, please call the centre 07 5593 7006.

Empowering Young Talent: Highlights from EmpowerHer

By Raf C - University Placement Student

EmpowerHer DJs - 2024

Original Audio G Group - 2018

We are thrilled to share the success of EmpowerHer, our 12-week DJ Skill Development Program. This journey brought together young girls from Arcadia College to explore the exciting world of music and sound.

Building on the achievements of our 2018 initiative, Audio G, made possible with the support of Christian, a dedicated local youth advocate and Hermann Vorster for funding the DJ deck. Christian, committed to nurturing young talent, once again partnered with our team as program lead to offer the EmpowerHer opportunity funded by the Queensland Government. We extend our gratitude to Christian for his tireless efforts, which even included flipping burgers at the Underage DJ Rage!  

EmpowerHer was led by an inspiring female DJ Claire G, our participants delved into the fundamentals of DJing, sound engineering, music production and event promotion. This hands-on experience allowed them to express themselves creatively and gain valuable skills in the music industry.

Using the Queensland Women's Strategy 2022-27, our program aimed to challenge gender roles and stereotypes, fostering self-confidence and promoting active participation and success for all participants. By the end of the program, these talented young individuals felt empowered and ready to showcase their newfound skills, which they did by hosting an unforgettable Underage DJ Party! Our DJs took to the stage, demonstrating their skills and celebrating their achievements with friends, family, and community members. The event was a huge success, filled with music, dancing, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

We are incredibly proud of our participants and grateful to everyone who supported this program. Your enthusiasm and encouragement make all the difference.

Click the link to discover more about the story of EmpowerHer and watch our DJs in action. 

Big Fun for Little Ones: New Programs in the Play Area Space!

We are delighted to highlight one of the most cherished areas at our community centre: the Play Area Space. Whether you're a regular or have yet to explore its wonders, we warmly invite you to visit one of our programs. Each program is only available due to support from our amazing volunteers, so once again we thank them for all they contribute.

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

Did you know? Our Play Area Space is also available for private hire. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a special event, or a group gathering, our versatile and vibrant space can be tailored to your needs. For more information on hiring please click the link.

Come join us at the community centre and experience the joy and excitement our Play Area Space offers. We look forward to seeing you soon!