deaf access - Barwon South West Newsletter
CONTENTS:
1.
Eileen Green – deaf access Geelong
2.
What’s on in Geelong
Geelong West Neighbourhood House
Geelong Community Events
Auslan Classes & Workshops
Geelong Community Reef Project
Geelong East Men’s Shed
Jamie Oliver - Ministry of Food, Geelong
Readings Movies – Closed Caption Cinema
The Edge – Deaf Social Gathering
3.
Victoria News Update
Vicdeaf – NDIS, Christmas Rally, Melbourne Deaf Expo 2012
4.
Deaf Australia Inc. – Emergency 000 Service Calls
5.
Geelong Events and Festivals
Social Inclusion Week 2012
National Week of Deaf People 2012
International Day of People with a Disability 2012
Streets Are Alive – Butterfly Poem with Deaf Arts Network
6.
Poem – Butterfly Hands
7.
Bulletin Board
8.
Facebook Page
9.
Local Geelong Services
10.
South West activities
1.
Eileen Green; deaf access Geelong
Hello everyone, here is a little about me. I live locally in Geelong and I am a solo parent
of an 11 year old boy, Keane. I moved here from Brisbane two years ago to be closer
to my family. I grew up in Melbourne, travelled & lived overseas in my 20’s and early
30’s and then studied Auslan at Kangan Batman TAFE (Richmond TAFE) and then
went on to RMIT. I have been working as a NAATI qualified interpreter for the past 16
years, working both in Melbourne and Brisbane.
I love living in Geelong the people are so friendly and it has the atmosphere of a smaller
close knit town.
My favourite food is anything hot and spicy, my favourite colour this week is purple (it
changes from week to week) . My son is the reason I get up every day. I can’t live
without him, and that is not just because he is the only person in our home who knows
how to operate the DVD player and how to fix my computer. Technology !!!…..
Arrrrr……..
My hobbies are reading and playing/learning my ipad. I am currently finishing off the
renovations of my home, love to go to the movies, and I like to relax by curling up with a
really good book (kindle).
I hate housework and washing my car (doesn’t everyone??) I don’t see the point as it all
gets dirty again too soon. Hahaha…….
I love to travel, and I have been very envious of all of you who have been travelling this
year. You have some great photos and stories from your trips away. My next holiday
will be to celebrate my 50th birthday next year. WOW!!! Yes, that is right, I am that
young.
You have all made me feel so welcome in the last two years in Geelong and I look
forward to joining in with you all in the upcoming activities and events in the region.
What I do as deaf access Geelong worker is:
support people who are deaf and hard of hearing to optimise participation in the
life of their local community.
strengthen the community’s ability to provide support to people who are deaf
and hard of hearing and their families.
work support providers to improve their ability to provide relevant and
appropriate supports in the community.
Provide information about relevant services and community activities available to
people who are deaf and hard of hearing in their communities.
facilitate integrated local community planning which engages and involves
people who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families, disability service
providers and community organisations.
2.
What’s on in Geelong?
Geelong West Neighbourhood House – Term 4
Cake Decorating, Bev Brown: Sat 13 Oct, 12 - 3pm @ OneCare. Cost $30
Learn tips and techniques for decorating cakes to create the wow factor with little time and cost.
Crochet 'Yarn Network', 7 wks: Wed 17 Oct - 28 Nov, 7 - 9pm. @ OneCare. Cost $5 session.
All levels, whether beginners or experienced, will benefit from joining this group each week.
Embroidery, Helen Lucas, 3 wks: Mon 15 - 29 Oct, 10 - 12noon @ 151 Pakington St. (Karingal building). Cost
$10 session. Learn basic stitches to create your own wonderful work. Needles, threads and material provided.
Bring small sharp scissors.
Helping Hands, Sewing and Knitting, Maggie McNamara, 5 wks: Mon 12 Nov - 10 Dec, 10 - 12noon @ 151
Pako. Cost $5 session.
Help is given to work out patterns or any other problems.
Mosaic Workshop, Baby Birds on Sticks, Helen Millar: Sat 10 Nov, 1 - 5pm @ GW Community Garden,
Leckie Place. Cost $70.
Learn the simple techniques of mosaic making using reclaimed china, tiles and glass. All materials provided.
Mosaics Group Special, Helen Millar: Date to be arranged by you if you can get a small group together. Cost
$70. With some like-minded people, choose a date and time for a workshop; it can be a bird, topiary or chook on
a stick.
NIA Dance, Monica Winston, 7 wks: Mon 15 Oct - 26 Nov, 5.30 - 6.30pm @ Scots Church Hall. Cost $80 term
or $15 session. An enjoyable workout for body, mind and spirit; suitable for all body-types, ages, genders and
fitness levels.
OZI Owl Workshop, Robyn and Mia: Sat 1 Dec 1 - 4pm @ 151 Pakington St. Cost $18.
Kits provided in a range of colours, including Christmas colours, to make 'Ozi' 14cms high x 16 cms wide.
Paint Your Pet, Felicity Kavanagh, 4 wks: Mon 15 Oct - 5 Nov, 6.30 - 8.30pm @ OneCare. Cost $60.
Learn how to draw basic features of domestic pets, then create your own project with acrylics on canvas.
Picasa Photo Management, Anne Leach, 7 wks: Tues 9 Oct - 20 Nov, 9.30 - 12.00noon or 7.15 - 9.45pm @
OneCare. Cost $100. Learn to sort, edit & display your digital photos. Includes 2 1/2 hrs email/skype. All
equipment provided. BYO laptop.
Poetry Zoo, Guenter Sahr, 8 wks: Fri 8 Oct - 26 Nov, 10 - 12noon @ 151 Pakington St. Cost $5 session.
As a group, explore different poetry forms, develop your own poetry and be published in the group's anthology.
Printmaking and Stamping, Felicity Kavanagh, 5 wks: Mon 12 Nov - 10 Dec @ OneCare. Cost $75.
Use hand pressed linocut technique to produce prints that can be used as cards or ornaments.
Tai Chi, Geoffrey Menator, 7 wks: Thurs 18 Oct - 28 Nov, 6 - 7pm @ Supper Room, GW Town Hall. Cost $80.
A slow entry into fitness, relaxation,meditation with health and well-being exercises. Practise Yang style Tai Chi.
Woodwork, Whittling for Beginners, David Burrell, 6 wks: Mon 15 Oct - 19 Nov, 10 - 11.30am @ OneCare.
$100. Learn new skills to to produce small, unique wooden items, creative artefacts. All materials and tools
provided.
Woodwork, Caricature Carving, David Burrell, 6 wks: Tues 16 Oct - 20 Nov, 7 - 8.30pm @ OneCare. Cost
$110. Make 3 different caricature carvings of animals and faces to paint or stain. All materials and tools
provided.
Yoga, Keith McKinlay, 7 wks: Tues 16 Oct - 27 Nov, 10.30 - 11.30am @ Supper Room, GW Town Hall. Cost
$80 term or $15 session.
Multi-level class that strengthens the body, increases energy flow & flexibility and develops a sense of wellbeing. Bring mat & blanket.
For more info: www.gwnh.org.au or Ph: Rosemary: 0427 703 218 sms
Email: info@gwnh.org.au
Community Events
'DisabiliTEA'
Guest Speaker on the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Friday 26th October, 10.00am - 12.00pm
151 Pakington St, West Geelong (Karingal building)
Entry: donation
Community Reef Project:
Crochet workshops for the Community Reef Project are held on the 4th Sat of the
month
At Virginia Todd Hall, 9 Clarence Street, West Geelong
Saturday 27th October & 24th November, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Entry: Gold coin
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Auslan Classes/Workshops
Darren Roberts - Auslan Company
Vines Road Community Centre
In term 4 there will be no weekly Auslan classes at Vines Road Community Centre.
A level 2 Auslan weekend workshop will be run on the 24th and 25th November from
10am to 4pm both days. Cost: $180-00 For further information please contact:
Darren Roberts – darren@auslan.net.au or 0425 777 208 sms only
Eva Bevan - Community Auslan
Classes are run during week nights at:
Waterfront Christian Church, 35 Corio Street, Geelong Vic 3220
Contact: Eva Bevan – evab@cjbeng.com.au or 0424 735 932 sms only
Vicdeaf
The Auslan Department at Vicdeaf provides Auslan classes offers an opportunity to
learn the basic skills of communicating with Deaf people, and gain an understanding of
their culture. This level is for people who do not have any sign language skills. You will
learn expressive and receptive signing skills and practice everyday signs for use in
basic conversations with Deaf people. You will also learn about Deaf culture.
Date - 24th October 2012 – 28th November 2012
Time - 5.45pm - 7.45pm Wednesdays
Where - Waurn Ponds Library @ 140 Pioneer Rd, Waurn Ponds, Geelong
Full Cost - $215.00
Concession - $200.00
16 year & under - $140.00
Business/Services - $236.50
You can enrol online http://www.vicdeaf.com.au/auslan-details.asp?id=749&m=201210
Or email James on jblyth@vicdeaf.com.au or call our reception and register over phone
with credit card on 03 9473 1111 TTY: 03 9473 1199 Fax: 03 9473 1122.
Geelong Community Reef Project
2 Hour Workshop
Date: 27th October 2012 Time: 2:00pm to 4pm
Venue: Virginia Todd Hall, 9 Clarence St, Geelong West
Cost: gold coin donation
Tutor: Faye Hector
Be part of an amazing Global Community Project.
Discover the wonder of hyperbolic planes and how to crochet them.
Use your creativity to contribute to a local group exhibition of
crocheted coral.
Learn to use colour, shape, texture and size to full effect.
Tutored by experienced local crocheter.
Some wool supplied, bring your own crochet hook if possible.
http://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_wertheim_crochets_the_coral_reef.html
Geelong East Men’s Shed
Where: Grinter Reserve, Coppards Rd, Moolap
Thurs 10am to 12pm
Contact Bob Westlake on 0447 106 036 or
bobkat39@hotmail.com
A men's shed is a community space where men of all ages can meet
and share and learn skills. The aim is to create a supportive and
welcoming space where men can contribute to their community in a
practical way.
Members work together on community projects that may commonly
involve skills such as metalwork, woodwork, restoration, computers
etc.
Men's sheds promote good mental health through a sense of being
productive and valuable in your community, connecting with people
and maintaining an active body and mind.
Jamie Olivers Ministry of Food - Geelong.
This project has been setup by the famous TV chef Jamie Oliver and will be running over the next 3
years right here in Geelong. This is a great opportunity aimed at people who have few skills or little
experience in cooking basic meals in the kitchen.
The Ministry of Food is a 10-week course comprising weekly 90-minute cooking classes.
Each class has about 12 participants and will cost $5 for concession card holders.
The centre provides basic education and mentoring on how to shop, save money, and make tasty
quick meals for yourself and your family.
If you are interested or know of someone who might be keen, please contact Eileen for further
information and to guarantee an Auslan interpreter will be provided.
For more information about this amazing opportunity please go to www.jamieoliver.com
Readings Movies - Close Captioned Cinema
Access to the movies
CC
Cinema is made accessible to those who are deaf or hearing impaired through captions
and those who are blind or vision impaired through audio description. While most
movies released in Australia have captions and audio description, not every cinema
caters to customers with impaired hearing or vision. Media Access Australia works
closely with the cinema industry so that more people will be able to enjoy the movies.
As of August 2012, there are currently 56 cinemas in Australia that show accessible
movies on a total of 101 screens. 86 of these screens show both captions and audio
description while 15 screens show just captions.
Where: Readings Movies – Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre
Please check in the local newspaper or with Readings as to which
movie is currently playing in cinema 5, this cinema is the only one
currently setup to use the Closed Caption digital units.
You can book a general admission ticket to the session but you need to ask for the
equipment when you get to the cinema.
Ask the staff at the box office for a caption unit when you get to the cinema, even if
you’ve bought your ticket online beforehand.
Most cinemas will ask to see some identification (driver’s licence, passport or pension
card) and to copy the details to make sure the equipment is returned.
This is standard practice for valuable equipment that is loaned to customers across a
variety of services.
Remember, the box office staff are there to ensure your experience is enjoyable so if
you have any questions or difficulties be sure to ask for assistance.
The current list of cinemas with the new technology can be found at
www.yourlocalcinema.com.au
Regular Deaf Social Gathering – Geelong
The Edge 6-8 Eastern Beach Geelong VIC 3220 Ph: 5222 2666
Meet at The Edge from 6pm onwards on the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month.
Next meeting dates:
17th October 2012
21st November 2012
3. Victoria News Update
Vicdeaf
National Disability Insurance Scheme
http://www.ndis.gov.au/about-an-ndis/what-is-an-ndis/
On Friday 26 October Vicdeaf will be holding a ‘DisabiliTEA’ as part of a nationwide tea
party to call on the Government to introduce the National Disability Insurance Scheme
(NDIS) without further delay. The DisabiliTEA will be held at JML Community Centre at
Vicdeaf, Level 3, 340 Albert St, East Melbourne at 10.30am.
The new Vicdeaf CEO Christine Mathieson said the NDIS needs to be considered as
vital to supporting the Victorian Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing community.
“We want this year’s DisabiliTEA to send a clear message to Australia’s political leaders
that the NDIS has strong community support,” Christine said.
“Last year, 35,000 people took part in more than 900 DisabiliTEA events around the
nation and helped put the NDIS firmly on the public agenda.” “But much more needs to
be done.”
Christine said that while progress is being made to advance the NDIS there is only
enough funding for about 20,000 people at five launch sites, which will commence from
1 July next year.
“The Prime Minister must put real money on the table to lock in the NDIS so over
400,000 Australians with a disability get the care and support they desperately need.”
“We want as many people living in Victoria to join us on Friday 26 October and show
their support for the NDIS.”
Media enquiries: Brent Phillips, Communication & Community Relations Manager.
Email: bphillips@vicdeaf.com.au or 0413 370 086 (SMS)
www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au; www.ndis.gov.au/about-an-ndis/what-is-an-ndis/;
Vicdeaf Christmas Rally
We are pleased to announce the location of this year's Vicdeaf Christmas Rally.
The Christmas Rally will be held at Glenferrie Oval in Hawthorn.
It will be held on Sunday 2nd December, 2012 from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm.
The Rally is an open event for everyone in the Deaf and hard of hearing community and
their family and friends.
There will be sausage sizzle, with soft drinks and water provided. There will be a large
marquee and some umbrellas for people to shelter from the sun. There will be limited
tables and chairs as well.
The Christmas Rally is a special day for kids, with a visit from Santa Claus.
Glenferrie Oval is very close to Glenferrie Railway Station on the Alamein, Lilydale or
Belgrave Line and there is a tram stop on nearby Glenferrie Road.
There is plenty of car parking off Linda Crescent and surrounding streets.
Mark this date in your diary and tell your family and friends about the Christmas Rally.
If you have any enquiries about the Christmas Rally, please contact us or visit the
Vicdeaf Information Centre. We look forward to seeing you there.
Melbourne Deaf Expo 2012
Saturday 27th October 2012
10.00 am - 4.00 pm
Expo Hall, Melbourne Showgrounds, Ascot Vale
The Melbourne Deaf Expo is a state event and is designed to
bring together information about all services and technologies
relevant to deafness.
This includes information about education, employment,
hearing aids, assistive devices communication, sign language,
technology, hearing loss prevention, sports, health,
government services, and more.
It is anticipated that the Expo will appeal not only to people
who are Deaf and hard of hearing, but their families and the
general community.
The aim is to raise awareness and encourage the involvement
of individuals, their families, business, government and the
broader community.
For more information visit
www.melbournedeafexpo2012.com.au
or contact Melbourne Deaf Expo 2012 Coordinator
David Peters email: dpeters@vicdeaf.com.au
Volunteers Needed
For
Melbourne Deaf Expo 2012
Royal Melbourne Showgrounds
Saturday 27th October 2012
10am to 4pm
There are a variety of areas where you can help out
For full details and to register your interest, go to the Deaf Expo Website:
www.melbournedeafexpo2012.com.au
Enquiries: 03 9269 8304
Laurel Hertan – Volunteers Co-ordinator
4. Deaf Australia Inc - Emergency 000 Service Calls
GOVERNMENT SAYS NO TO ‘000’ SERVICE FOR DEAF AUSTRALIANS
“Lives will be lost because of the Gillard Government’s decision to ignore deaf Australians and
not provide them with easy access to the ‘000’ service through an emergency SMS service,” said
Deaf Australia President Ann Darwin today.
Despite the organisation drawing this matter to the attention of governments for the past ten
years, the Gillard Government has failed to include access to essential mobile emergency
services under their current National Relay Service (NRS) tender.
Although the National Relay Service has been successfully helping deaf people communicate
with hearing people by phone and now internet for 17 years, this tender misses the opportunity
to include technology upgrades that are long overdue.
Ms Darwin said this decision means that while deaf people can contact road side assistance on
their mobile to get a flat tyre changed, they can’t use their mobile to call police, ambulance or fire
services.
Mrs Darwin said, “This omission is literally a matter of life and death for deaf Australians and
treats deaf people as second class citizens. It’s also contradictory to a commitment given by
Communications Minister Stephen Conroy in April 2010 and is a breach of UN Convention on the
Rights of People with Disability guaranteeing the right of safety.
“This decision means a deaf person has to rely on a hearing person calling ‘000’ for them or
hope they are home and can use outdated TTY services.
“Australians will understand the precarious position this puts the deaf community in when they
are outside of their home and in need of emergency assistance.
“I think the Australian community as a whole expects better from its Government and I call on the
Gillard Government to review this decision prior to the tender co-sign on October 10,” said Mrs
Darwin.
Deaf Australia is the national peak organisation for Deaf people in Australia. It represents the
views of deaf people who use Auslan and is a true consumer organisation as only deaf people
have the right to vote on Deaf Australia business and to be elected to the Board. Deaf Australia’s
vision is that deaf people are respected and fully included in the Australian community and the
right to use Auslan is legally recognised.
Deaf Australia Contact
Karen Lloyd AM, Executive Officer
Deaf Australia Inc.
TTY: 07 3357 8277
Fax: 07 3357 8377
Email: karen.lloyd@deafau.org.au
5. Geelong Events and Festivals
National Week of Deaf People 2012
Saturday 20th October - Friday 26th October 2012
The National Week of Deaf People is a week-long national celebration of Deaf
individuals and the Deaf Australian community.
It is an opportunity for the Deaf to:
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Celebrate their community, language, culture and history
Make the public aware of their local, state and national communities
Recognise their achievements
It is also an opportunity for organisations involved with, or wishing to be involved with
the Deaf community to:
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Showcase their services and / or products
Build / maintain relationships with Deaf people
Be recognised for giving Deaf people a fair go in their workplace
You are all invited to celebrate
The National Week of Deaf People
at a Fun Family Social BBQ at Eastern Beach BBQ’s along the Geelong Waterfront
When: Saturday 20th October 2012 Time: 12 – 2pm
Sausages, bread, sauce & soft drink supplied - BYO all else
RSVP: Eileen 0419 544 554 or deafgeelong@gmail.com
SPONSORED BY: MPOWER AND DEAF CHILDREN AUSTRALIA
http://www.deafau.org.au/community/nwdp.php
Social Inclusion Week
24th November – 30th November 2012
Being socially included means that people have the resources, opportunities and
capabilities they need to:
 Learn – Participate in education and training
 Work – Participate in employment, unpaid or voluntary work including family
and care responsibilities.
 Engage – Connect with people, use local services and participate in local,
cultural, civic and recreational activities
 Have a Voice – Influence decision that affect them
Signed Pre-School Storytime at Geelong local Libraries
Where: Geelong Regional Libraries
When: Contact Eileen if you wish to help or attend
International Day of People with Disability 2012
To celebrate the Day Geelong Rural access are organising a
community event ; Friday 30th November
in Little Malop Street, Geelong from 11am to 3pm
You are invited to come along and join in on the fun
Drop in to the open lounge room in Little Malop Street and enjoy the music, dance and
art.
Chat to people from Geelong's disability services organisations and those living with
disability about:
What it's like living, travelling, studying and socialising when you have a disability
what support services and programs are available.
The aim of the event is to generate public engagement by bringing conversations about
disability into a public space.
Also music, dance, art and theatre:
Nebula - a fully accessible mobile art studio. View and contribute to a collaborative
piece of art with the Nebula artists.
E.Motion 21 - a dance troupe for young people with Down Syndrome.
DJ Vinnie - the well known local DJ who has a disability but is unstoppable on the
decks.
Hoopfusion - fitness and fun through hoola hooping.
Postcart art - students from Nelson Park, Barwon Valley and Sacred Heart.
50 people one question - video project facilitated by Ross Mueller (Courthouse Arts),
Steven Oakes of Art Unlimited and Scott Price,actor from Back to Back Theatre.
Cost: Free
Facilities: Wheelchair Accessible
For further information please contact:
Sandra Muratti on 5272 4743 or email smuratti@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
6. Poem – ‘Butterfly Hands’
I watch my beautiful butterfly
Flit and flutter, Up, Up, Up
WHACK !
My wounded butterfly hands
Fall to the ground
My frustration builds
My butterfly hands let fly a shout. STOP!
‘You are all patronising me’, STOP!
I can’t break down these walls alone,
STOP!
My courageous butterfly hands
Take flight once more, Up, Up, Up
‘Don’t Sign’
SMACK !
My two hands slapped
My bruised butterfly wings collapse
My butterfly hands release me into what
I desire
To imagine a world
Where I sign, speak with others
Where millions of butterfly hands
Fly together
My butterfly hands sign
‘Fly little butterfly fly’
But as it reaches the top
My butterfly hands are imprisoned
Bound in heavy chains
Drawn to celebratory light
My butterfly hands flitter
Resting upon my heart
Floating and free
My beautiful butterfly hands
Form the sign of love.
My shackled hands struggle to speak
7. Bulletin Board
 Nanette Ward, the Vicdeaf Case Manager for Geelong is not back to work as yet.
Vicdeaf are still continuing to provide a Case Manager to the Geelong Office every
week on a Friday. If you have any other queries please do not hesitate to contact
Kim Kavanagh at Vicdeaf Melbourne:
Address: Level 4, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne, VIC. 3002
TTY: (03) 9473 1199
PH: (03) 9473 1111
FAX: (03) 9473 1122
Email: info@vicdeaf.com.au
Website: www.vicdeaf.com.au
 Mpower deaf access worker will provide deaf awareness training for people who
are working with deaf or hard of hearing people in the workplace.
 Anyone interested in volunteering to assist with the entertainment at the Geelong
‘Streets Are Alive’ festival on 10th & 11th November, please contact:
Eileen on 0419 544 554 or deafgeelong@gmail.com
or Ross at Deaf Arts Network at deafartsnetwork@artsaccess.com.au

If you have anything you would like to share with others, some local news, an
event or a story, please forward it on to me at deafgeelong@gmail.com or pass
it on to me when you next see me out and about in Geelong, and I will include it in
the next issue of this newsletter.
Every two months the deaf access Geelong newsletter will be distributed via
email and post to all who would like to be in touch with what is happening in the
Geelong region.
I would also like to deliver this newsletter in Auslan, I will be at the BBQ at
Eastern Beach on Sunday 20th October, so if you are interested please come
along for a free sausage in bread and a chat about what’s on in Geelong.
If you know of anyone who would like to be on an email or post list to receive this
newsletter, please let Eileen know on 0419 544 554 or deafgeelong@gmail.com
Websites used in this newsletter that may interest you:
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www.geelongaustralia.com.au
http://www.deafau.org.au/community/nwdp.php
www.geelonglibraries.vic.gov.au
www.readingcinemas.com.au
www.artsaccess.com.au
www.ndis.gov.au
www.socialinclusion.gov.au
www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au
 www.deafnessforum.org.au
8. Facebook Page
Launching the new Facebook Page for the Deaf in Geelong
Do you use Facebook?? Would you like to be kept informed on what is happening in your area
that would be of interest to you, your family or your friends???
Then download the free Facebook app onto your smart phone, tablet or computer and
complete the quick and easy registration process to become a member.
You will then be able to search for and access the:
‘Deaf Geelong’
Facebook Page
This Facebook Page has been setup by the Deaf in the Geelong region and will be updated and
maintained on a regular basis.
All people will be able to post regular or one of local events, courses, workshops, festivals, tours
and many other activities onto this shared page. The aim is to increase the social participation
of the Deaf and encourage all to become more involved in recreational and social activities that
are on offer in the Geelong region.
All are encouraged to host and post an event, all you need to do is contact Eileen Green
(Mpower) or Debra Gormley (Deaf Children Australia) at : deafgeelong@gmail.com
We hope to have a wide variety of activities posted on the page for the next 6 months leading
up to Christmas. All relevant details of the event will be noted ie. where, date & time,
organiser, cost, contact details, if an Auslan Interpreter will be provided and also if you will
need to RSVP to register. So keep an eye out and come along and have some fun, meet some
great people and maybe learn something new.
Some of the possible upcoming events may be:
Fitness activities like tai chi, yoga or water aerobics, basic computer skills course, arts & craft
group, dance class, cooking class, movie outings, or sessions on subjects like Miki, home safety,
budgeting, 1st Aid, an information day with a travel agent, or another with a real estate agent.
Remember you can organise and run your own function/gathering, just share your idea by
posting it online and let everyone know what you would like to do. There is almost always
someone else out there who is interested in the same pastime or activity, so come on and give
it a go.
9. Local Geelong Services
Financial Counselling and
Tenancy Advocacy
Diverstat
Free Legal Advice
Barwon Community Legal
Service
153 Pakington Street
Geelong West, Vic 3218
Ph: 5221 6044
Fax: 5223 2848
Email: diversitat@diversitat.org.au
Website: www.diversitat.org.au
73 Pakington Street
Geelong West, Vic 3218
Ph: 1300 430 599
Email: bcls@barwoncls.org.au
Website: www.barwoncls.org.au
Diversitat provides free Financial
Counselling as well as Consumer &
Tenancy Advocacy to people living in
Geelong and surrounding districts.
BCLS provides free legal advice to
people who live in the Geelong,
Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and
Colac Otway regions.
The services can assist with all sorts of
issues including things like financial
difficulties, complaints with products you
have purchased or problems with a
property you are renting.
We provide a range of services that
include legal advice, referral to specialist
casework services, community education
and development; and policy and law
reform activities.
These are free services offered to all
people in Geelong with priority being
given to those on low incomes and to
those who are vulnerable, for whatever
reason.
Welfare Worker, Link to
Employment Assistance
Services, Disability Support
Pension
Centrelink
12-14 Little Ryrie Street
Geelong, Vic 3220
Customer Mail – P O Box 7800
Canberra BC ACT 2610
Ph: 1800 050 004
TTY: 1800 810 586
Fax: 1300 786 102
Website: www.humanservices.gov.au
BCLS welcomes all individuals from the
community who are seeking legal
assistance and information.
Centrelink offer a range of family
assistance, which support the growth
and development of your children or
dependents, and your family.
It can be difficult if you have lost your
job, been made redundant or are looking
for work. Centrelink have payments and
services available to help job seekers
find and keep a job.
We have payments and services
available to help people who have an
illness, injury or a disability. There is also
support to assist their families or
careers.
Relationship or Financial
Counselling, Gamblers Help,
Disability Support Services
Bethany
16 Ballarat Rd,
Hamlyn Heights, Vic 3215
Ph: 03 5278 8122
Fax: 03 5278 6382
Email: info@bethany.org.au
Website: www.bethany.org.au
NOTE:
If you or someone you care for has a
disability we at Bethany know you face
many challenges.
We have special people that work with
families with a child under 18 years,
where the child or parent has a disability.
We can help you set family and personal
goals and also help connect you with
disability-related support programs and
services.
PLEASE REQUEST AN AUSLAN INTERPRETER
BE BOOKED FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT AT
ANY OF THESE SERVICES
10. What’s on in the South West?
Did you know?
22% of the total population have a hearing loss about 1 in 6
BUT did you also know??????
This increases to 48% of 60 year olds - almost 1 in 2
Increasing again to 73% of over 71 year olds –
Almost 3 out of 4 of 75 year olds
Who in your organisation or work area ensures that these people are receiving
the proper attention for both their communication and hearing needs?
This training day will equip you with the understanding and knowledge to work
with clients with a hearing loss. With a balance of talks and hands-on sessions,
you will develop skills in communication with hard of hearing, how to clean and
trouble-shoot problems with hearing aids and learn what else is available to assist
with your patient’s needs. This can be used towards accreditation.
Registration and more information contact esmith@mpower.org.au
What is a
How can it help you
in the community?
deaf access has new hearing assistive equipment for
display and demonstration.
FIND OUT HOW THEY HELP
I would be happy to provide a workshop to your organisation. If you would like to take up this offer, call me on (03) 55 61
8114 or email esmith@mpower.org.au to discuss your needs. No cost involved.
We value your support and feedback to enable me to further develop and
distribute this newsletter. please do not hesitate to contact me for any
information.
Thank you
Eileen and Erica
Eileen Green – deaf access Geelong
Email: deafgeelong@gmail.com; egreen@mpower.org.au
Ph: 0419 544 554 TTY: 1300 363 559
Erica Smith – deaf access BSW Coordinator
Email: esmith@mpower.org.au
Ph: 0418392592