DYRSL Baseball Does Us Proud!

Congratulations to DYRSL 1st grade Baseball team who have again managed to win the Grand Final in both the Pacific Coast Baseball Leagues 1st Division competition and also the Manly Warringah Winter Baseball Association 1st grade competition.   Well done!

 A fantastic season with runs for and against of 122 to 43 and a win-loss record of 12 – 2 culminating in 2 x Grand Final wins.    All of their games can be seen by going to “iscorebaseball.com” and typing DYRSL.

 

The 2nd grade side finished the season in 3rd place.  It was a very tight and entertaining game and the RSL staged a gallant comeback to have the crowd on the edge of their seats for the last few innings. No doubt the team will be looking to next year to reverse the result.

 

Bruce Tippett, President of DYRSL Baseball & Softball Club said "A huge thank you to DYRSL for their  continued support. We have done our best to promote the club in the spirit in which we play the game and the respect for the uniform. We look forward to giving our best and defending our titles next year."  

 

 

Dee Why Public School Says Thank You to DYRSL

Lorrie Clarke – Teacher/Assistant Principal Special Education at Dee Why Public School said “We were absolutely delighted that we could take almost all of our year 5/6 students to Canberra and the snow. They showed exemplary behaviour and had a great time. Apart from the thrill and positive social experiences everyone had from being away with their friends, I would say most of the students experienced things which would never be possible for them to experience otherwise. Seeing their sense of awe and amazement in Parliament House; the obvious fun and learning experiences they gained at Questacon and Sportex; and their excitement at seeing and playing in the snow were the highlights for me and again we thank Dee Why RSL for helping make this possible.” 

Dee Why Public School is one of the 100+ local community organizations proudly sponsored by Dee Why RSL Club.   Pictured is the School Notice Board on Fisher Road displaying a message of thanks to the Club for their support.

 

The Bump Program for Young Mums

The Bump Program is available to young women who are under 23 and pregnant or parenting. The Young Love Foundation coordinates the program which includes monthly workshops to educate and support the young Mums, as well as meeting weekly with an experienced mentor to guide them through the maze of motherhood.

The Bump Program is free, and child care is provided for the workshops which include fun stuff like yoga, massage, self defense, masterchef cooking and even artistic pursuits. Lunch is also provided for the workshops, and girls are given the opportunity to learn about interesting topics such as nutrition, relationships, body image, women’s health, education options, employment activities, family budgets and goal setting. They offer a chance to get together as a support network, have a few laughs and share knowledge and experiences, as well as taking some time out just for themselves.

 

The mentors are volunteers from the community who are Mums too, so they understand what it’s like having a baby and are there to support, share experiences and be a confidante, without judgement or stereotyping. They are warm, gentle women who have an interest in supporting young mums.

 

The next Bump workshop will be held on Monday 23 August in Dee Why in the hall on the corner of Avon Road and Oaks Avenue.     For more information please visit the Young Love Foundation website at www.younglove.org.au or contact Vicki Condon on 0419 633 881; email: vicki.condon@bigpond.com 

 

The Young Love Foundation and the Bump Program are proudly sponsored by DYRSL for the first time this year.   One of the 100+ local community organisations currently supported by your Club.

SLS NB 2009/10 Awards

Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches consists of the 21 Surf Clubs on Sydney's Northern Beaches, from Manly's North Head to Barrenjoey Head on Palm Beach.

The Branch exists for the benefit of the volunteer Surf Life Saving clubs and their members on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

The Branch is run as a cooperative of clubs, it recognises the strength of the organisation is built on the club system and will act within the best interests of all clubs, while maintaining the interests of SLSA in the area.

The Branch is committed to maintaining the volunteer ethos of Surf life Saving and the valuable, trusted and respected role Surf Life Savers play in the community.

Pictured at the recent Surf Life Saving Northern Beaches 2009/10 Branch Awards evening held at Dee Why RSL Club (DYRSL)  on 18 June, are Mark Pitt (DYRSL Treasurer) and the joint winners of the Volunteer of the Year 2009/10 Award winners, sponsored by DYRSL: Seamus Redmond from Long Reef and Patricia McDermott from North Narrabeen.

DYRSL Brings Art To The People!

The annual Warringah Art Exhibition opens from Thursday 15 July to Sunday 25 July at Artfocus Gallery & Studio, Brookvale corner of Powells and Mitchell Roads, Brookvale, 10am-4pm daily.

 This high profile event attracts over 300 artwork submissions and is growing each year.    From that pool, more than 100 selected artworks are exhibited and viewed by more than 1000 visitors to the gallery over the exhibition period. 

 

Dee Why RSL proudly sponsors the Dee Why RSL People’s Choice Award and this year for the first time the Club will exhibit the winning artworks from all categories (Selector’s Choice, People’s Choice, Youth & Waste to Art) on Level 2 of the Club.   The display will be on show in the Club from Monday 26 July to Sunday 1 August. Membersof the public visiting the Club will be able to walk amongst the artworks and enjoy & appreciate the high standard of the artists work in our local community – for free!

 

For further information about the Warringah Art Exhibition please visit Warringah Council website at: http://www.warringah.nsw.gov.au

 

To contact Dee Why RSL Club in regards to the post exhibition display at the Club, Tel: 9454 4000.

Orchids by the Sea

Manly Warringah Orchid Society

presents its 4th annual orchid show

Orchids by the Sea

Friday 6th - Sunday 8th August

at the Reef Room, DYRSL

Opening Hours:  Fri 6th August: 10am - 6pm; Sat 7th August: 9 am - 7 pm; Sun 8th August: 9am - 4pm

Admission: $3 donation

Featuring Orchid displays, floral art & craft, raffles, plants for sale, potting demonstrations, Dee Why Public School art competition and Fisher Road School orchid display.

Principal Sponsor Dee Why RSL in conjunction with Van Schaik's Biogrow, Seasol International, Organic Crop Protectants, Yates, Neutrog, Charlie Carp, Amgrow and Bunnings Belrose.

 

Your Club Wins Again

Dee Why RSL has won the Large Club of the Year award for the second time in three years, and in the process confirmed Sydney’s Clubland has moved from its western suburbs heartland to the sand and surf of the northern beaches.

The recognition as Australia’s best club comes at the conclusion of a hectic 12 month period that has seen the Club open Sydney’s largest long-day care centre, approach completion of a 76 unit seniors living village and rebuild its self-service car wash.

 

During the year membership has grown by 9% to for the first time hit the 40,000 mark. Over the same period the Club donated more than $1.2million to 108 local community and sporting groups. The Club also committed $400,000 over ten years to the Lifeline service on the Northern Beaches.

 

CEO of ClubsNSW David Costello said the North Shore and Northern Beaches were in the middle of a transformation that had them level pegging with the mega clubs of Sydney’s west and south west.

 

“Dee Why RSL has led the transformation of the clubs on the northern side of the Bridge. But other clubs such as Pittwater RSL, Balgowlah RSL and North Sydney Leagues have also undergone significant developments that have led to large increases in membership and the development of much needed community services.

 

“Pittwater RSL is just 2 months from opening a new $6million sports centre that is already receiving bookings for 2011.

 

“With its focus on families, Dee Why RSL has led the club industry’s push to higher quality restaurants and entertainment.

 

“Over the next few weeks the Club will host a 5 course dinner and wine event which will be accompanied by commentary from Hunter Valley winemakers. Several days later 3 sold out Playschool shows will keep the children entertained for hours.

 

“Clubs have always seen themselves as family friendly venues. However, as the definition and expectations of a family have changed, the Club Industry has needed to change with it. Dee Why RSL recognised this early on and wonderful projects such as their ten pin bowling alley and the child care centre are testament to their visionary planning and willingness to listen to their members,” David Costello said.

 

At a gala dinner at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday night, Dee Why RSL won awards for Outstanding Human Resource Management, Outstanding Club Governance & Innovation, Best Club Gaming Venue and of course Large Club of the Year.

 

A complete list of Awards For Excellence winners is available at www.clubsnsw.com.au

30 Years Serving the Community

Cubby house toy library’s dedicated team of volunteers and staff have been providing assistance to families with children with additional needs for 30 years. To mark this important milestone a special birthday party was held on 20th March, 2010. Members, volunteers and staff, both past and present, gathered at St John’s Parish Centre in Dee Why to celebrate this amazing achievement.

 From humble beginnings, in a small room provided by Warringah Council and with 250 toys provided by the Handicapped Persons Bureau as an initiative of the International Year of the Child, the service has grown and flourished. The library is now located in a cottage provided by Warringah Council at 32 Howard Avenue Dee Why, has over 2,400 items in its collection. Since opening in 1980 cubby house has assisted 1,200 northern beaches families. 

 

The backbone of the service is its team of 25 volunteers who, as well as forming the Management Committee, work in a hands-on role assisting parents, and cleaning and checking toy during opening hours. They contribute over 50 hours per week and 30% the current volunteers have completed 10 Years or more service with the library.

 

The library is also staffed by two part-time Occupational Therapists who help parents to select suitable toys and provide ideas for play. Both have been with the service for over 13 years and are skilled in suggesting the right toy at the right time for each child’s needs. Toys borrowed provide the opportunity to practise many skills, such as gross motor and fine motor, cognitive and language skills, in a fun way. Ideas and instructions provide guidance and encourage parents to start where children can attain success and gradually work on skill development.

 

Cubby house is reliant on community support to continue its operation and welcomes donations from the community. Donations over $2 are tax deductible. Dee Why RSL has supported cubby house through its CDSE program for the past 8 years.

 

New members are always welcome and anyone interested in joining can phone 9971-7006 to make an initial appointment or make further enquiries.

April is Autism Month

A British artist with an extraordinary talent will travel to Australia in April to create his latest work.   From 19 April, Stephen Wiltshire (pictured) will draw an image of Sydney, which he will do from memory following a climb up Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Stephen has been invited by Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), Australia’s largest not-for-profit autism charity to coincide with Autism Month.   Aspect builds confidence and capacity in people who are on the autism spectrum, their families and communities, by providing information, education and other services.

For more information about Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) or other events planned for Autism Month (including Autism Hour) please visit www.autismspectrum.org.au/autismmonth

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is one of the 100+ organizations currently sponsored by Dee Why RSL Club.

Bob Waterer Honoured with 2010 Seniors Week Achievement Award

Our sincere congratulations to Bob Waterer who was honoured with a 2010 Seniors Week Achievement Award in the Intergenerational Understanding category presented on Sunday 21 March.

Bob Waterer, a valued and highly respected member of the Aboriginal Support Group-Manly Warringah Pittwater (sponsored by DYRSL), is the only known 6th generation Guringai person living on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.  Since discovering his Aboriginal heritage in 2005 he has volunteered his time unstintingly to speak to schools, community groups, businesses and government organisations creating awareness and a growing understanding of Australia's Aboriginal heritage.

It was believed for many years that there were no Guringai descendants living on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. This followed colonization when disease and racism decimated the Aboriginal people of this area.

In 2005, Bob located the documentation that authenticated his Aboriginal heritage as the great, great grandson of Biddy Bungaree. He has embraced his heritage with pride and generously gives his time working to encourage people of all ages to walk on the path to reconciliation.

Bob served in the Australian Army from 1943 to 1946 joining the 2/4^th Field Regiment as a signaler.   He saw action at Balikpapan in Borneo participating in the biggest amphibious landing undertaken by the Australian Army and remained with the Infantry for the six weeks of the campaign. He is NSW Secretary of the 2/4^th Field Regiment Association and has been a Life Member for the past twenty years.

Bob,  now aged 85,  resides at the War Veterans Retirement Village in Narrabeen.

 

Grand Final Victory for DYRSL Baseball team

With a team name like the Spankies, the Dee Why RSL Club summer baseball team has a lot to live up to. However after completing an undefeated season with a resounding victory in their recent grand final, the team’s performance has certainly supported their moniker.

 The Spankies association with the Dee Why RSL Club began back in 2003. In the ensuing seven seasons, the Spankies have been crowned Manly Warringah Summer League champions five times, including the last three seasons.

 

With ages ranging from 22 to 59 years old, the team consists entirely of players who have grown up playing baseball on the Northern Beaches, with many previously representing Manly in both junior and senior grades.

 

This year the Spankies achieved a new performance milestone, going undefeated throughout the regular season for the first time. Their season climaxed with a huge 17-3 victory in the grand final, with the game being called off early after the umpires invoked the mercy rule in the 7th inning.  The victory marked a fitting conclusion to a dominant season.

 

For further information on the Dee Why RSL Baseball & Softball Club contact Bruce Tippett on 02 9913 7009 or visit: http://www.dyrsl.com.au/html/interclubs.cfm

 

Celebration by the Sea

On Saturday 20 February StreetWork hosted a BBQ luncheon at Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club in celebration of the success of their ‘Kickstart’ mentoring programme for young people residing on the north shore and northern beaches areas.    

 Parents, youth, Mentors, Volunteers and Sponsors alike mingled at the informal luncheon which was held to recognise the commitment and progress of the young people enrolled in the mentoring programme.     StreetWork also celebrated their 30th anniversary of operation on this occasion and took the opportunity to introduce their new Patron – Nick Farr-Jones.

 

Kickstart is a mentoring and early intervention strategy for troubled and isolated adolescents and young offenders. Adolescents are matched to a trained and locally based youth mentor. Youth mentors and their youth ‘mentee’ meet on a weekly basis, initially building rapport, then discussing and setting short and long term goals. A contract is formed and progress towards the goals is supported by positive reinforcement as they move along each incremental step towards success.

 

Dee Why RSL Club proudly supports StreetWork Inc by sponsoring the Kickstart mentoring programme.

 

For further information please visit the StreetWork website at: http://www.streetwork.org.au/

Skippy Day

"Skippy Day"

Sunday 31st January 2010

11 am till 3 pm

James Meehan Reserve (behind Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club)

Cnr Clyde Road & Richmond Avenue, Dee Why Beach

For more information call the Event Organiser: Penny Edmonds on 0415 403 953

"Skippy Day" is a day to highlight the plight that Waratah Park now faces and to make our community aware of a beautiful piece of bushland on their doorstep.  A magnificent 12-hectare sanctuary adjoining the spectacular Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which recently achieved national hertiage listing for its oustanding biodiversity values.  Waratah Park is best known as the home of "Skippy the Bush Kangaroo", the iconic 1960s Australian television series that became part of television history.

Come along and rediscover your childhood or introduce your children to the wonders of Waratah Park. Hear people singing the Skippy anthem, and talking about the virtues of the park.

We must ensure that the site is preserved under public ownership and remains open for the enjoyment and benefit of the people of NSW.  Not redeveloped into another unwanted housing plot.

2009 NSW Touch Championships

Eleven Senior Representative Teams from Manly Warringah Touch Association (MWTA) recently made the annual trek to Port Macquarie to participate in the 2009 New South Wales Touch Championships 3 day tournament.

 Many of our Manly Warringah teams made the Quarters and Semi Finals, with four teams being runners-up in their respective Division’s Grand Finals - Men’s 30’s, Women’s 30’s, Men’s 40’s and Men’s 50’s.  

 

Our Men’s Open “A” Team played exceptionally well, reaching the Semi Finals, only narrowly being beaten by 2 tries, with the final score being 9 – 7.   It has been a 20 year drought since a Manly Warringah Men's Open Team reached the Semi Final at the NSW Championships.  

 

Similarly, our Women’s Open “A” Team (pictured), Women’s Open “B” and Men’s 20’s teams had some very exciting and close games throughout the tournament. These three teams also consisted of a large number of young players, many of whom it was their very first State Championships in the senior divisions. 

 

The MWTA Executive congratulates all our senior representative players on another fantastic State Cup and would also like to thank our major supporter Dee Why RSL Club for their very kind and generous support of our Association and particularly our members.  

 

For further information regarding Manly Warringah Touch Association, please visit our web site www.manlytouch.com

           

(Written by: Sue Jones – Vice President, Manly Warringah Touch Association, proudly sponsored by DYRSL)

Play Time at St John's Dee Why

Today (Monday 14 December 2009) was great joy for us at St John's Anglican Church Dee Why, when we welcomed Jennifer Holley-Ashton to officially "Open" our splendid sun shade installed through the generous support of the Dee Why RSL Club.

 The main beneficiaries of the sun shade are our kiddies who belong to St John's Play Time group. This group of about thirty children and parents meet on Monday's and Thursday's during school term time between 9.30 am and 11.00 am. St John's Play Time is for children from 0 to 5 years where they can meet and play together while the mornings are also a great social time for parents and carers. The sun shade offers protection from the morning sun in the Church Hall garden and has proved to be of great value.

 

Thank you Dee Why RSL Club.

 

(Written by Mr Lindsay Walker – Fund Secretary, St. John’s Christian Study Public Fund, proudly sponsored by DYRSL)

Celebration Day

On Thursday 17 December, Dee Why School for Seniors celebrated the end of the school year with a Celebration Day concert held at the Uniting Church Hall, Dee Why.

 Members of a variety of classes offered by the School performed on the day including the School Choir, Italian, Spanish & literature classes.   This was only a small sample from the School’s curriculum which covers a range of courses - from art to languages to tai chi, mahjong,  bridge, jewellery making, scrabble and even creative card making amongst many other educational activities.

 Dee Why RSL sponsors the annual Art Show each year, traditionally held during  Seniors Week, with the next Show being held Friday 26 March & Saturday 27 March 2010 in the Lakeview Hall at the Tramshed, Narrabeen. 

 

For further information about the Art Show and the many classes that Dee Why School For Seniors have on offer, please contact Rosemary Pearman (Secretary) on Tel: 9984 0947 or Margaret O’Neill (Co-ordinator) on Tel: 9997 5120.   Fees for 2010 are $15 per term or $40 if paid annually.

 

(Pictured are members of the Dee Why School For Seniors Choir performing songs from the musical “South Pacific”)

Junior Bowlers Learn New Skills

Every summer, the children of Curl Curl North Public School have the option to elect Lawn Bowls for sport.    

The Dee Why RSL Bowling Club conveniently located at the end of the same street as the primary school in North Curl Curl hosts the students, together with their sports teacher as Supervisor.    

 

Several of the members of both the Dee Why RSL Mens & Womens Bowling Clubs coach the students over a seven (7) week period on a Friday afternoon in the art of lawn bowls.    This arrangement has been in place for 5 years now, with the popularity of the sport growing each year with the children.    Course numbers are usually around twenty five (25) children of all different ages and abilities.   On the last bowls session for the year, the children are treated to a party, and certificates are exchanged, as well as thank you gifts and cards for the Bowls Club members who gave their time and experience to teach the children.

 

Dee Why RSL Club is proud to co-partner with our local community.   This is an ideal opportunity for our Bowling Club members to share knowledge across generations and instill good sportsmanship in our youth.

New builder appointed to Oceangrove Village Project

A Queensland based firm with nearly a hundred years of building industry experience has been appointed to the Dee Why RSL Club’s Oceangrove Village project in Pittwater Road. 

The firm Hutchison Builders will complete the work started by financially troubled Wideform Constructions which is now in voluntary administration.

 

The appointment of Hutchison Builders ensures that the project will be completed on budget and on time in October next year. It also means that employees engaged on the site by Wideform will be paid their outstanding entitlements and will have the opportunity to work again before Christmas.

 

“Hutchinson Builders is a large firm with excellent credentials and we are delighted to have them on board,” said Club CEO, Grant Easterby. “This outcome is good for club members, good for Oceangrove buyers and good for local workers who can now look forward to continuity of employment.”

 

Mr Easterby said that while the Club had met all of its financial obligations, we were keen to protect the interests of those members of the local community who had been employed on the site by the former builder.

 

“We have maintained an open dialogue with the union, the CFMEU, because we shared a common concern for the workers on the site,” Mr Easterby said. “That concern has now been translated into an agreement with Hutchinson Builders that protects the worker’s entitlements and provides continuity of employment.”

 

 “The Dee Why RSL has been a trusted member of the local community for more than 60 years and we wanted to honour that trust,” he said.

 

Established in 1912, Hutchison Builders is now Queensland’s largest privately owned construction company with a turnover of more than $1 billion a year and a string of major projects currently underway across Australia.

 

Selected from a short list of leading building firms by project managers, Farrell Coyne Projects, Hutchison Builders will be on the Oceangrove site this week.

 

Oceangrove will include 76 apartments and facilities that will allow buyers to make the most of their retirement years.

Dee Why RSL’s Oceangrove Apartments on schedule to open in November 2010

The Dee Why RSL Club’s Oceangrove project on Pittwater Road is on time and on budget and CEO Grant Easterby says he is confident that the village will open on schedule in November 2010.

Mr. Easterby gave the assurance after it was revealed that the project’s building firm, Wideform Constructions Pty Limited as part of the Wideform Group of companies , may be experiencing financial difficulties unrelated to the Oceangrove project but which may affect its ability to continue on site.
 

“Discussions are being held with Wideform Constructions Pty Limited and the Club has already put in place a strategy to ensure continuity and completion of the project on time,” Mr Easterby said.
 

“In the event that Wideform is not able to continue, we have structured the project and contractual obligations in such a way that both member and purchaser interests are well protected,” he said. 
 

Mr. Easterby said that the Club’s paramount consideration is for members and those people who have bought into the project with a view to retiring at Oceangrove.
 

The Club is in the process of contacting each buyer individually to assure them that their interests are protected.
 

 “We also have a concern for the people and the economy of the local area and we believe that the steps we have taken will ensure that there is no disruption to this important community project,” Mr. Easterby said.

“Oceangrove is on track to provide buyers with a lifestyle that allows them to make the most of their retirement years,” Mr. Easterby concluded.

305 Squadron On Parade

305 Squadron are a unit of the Australian Air Force Cadets.    On Saturday 21 November, 2009 the Cadets held their ‘End of Year Parade’ at Pittwater House Schools parade ground in Collaroy.

The Cadets should be justifiably proud as all their hard work throughout the year paid off when they paraded past officials & dignitaries in full military dress.  The formal parade follows a very strict order of proceedings and requires the Cadets to show precision and discipline in every form from their marching to their uniforms.    The Squadron passed with flying colours.

 

305 Squadron is moving into its 10^th year of operation in 2010 and continues to provide a high tempo, youth development focused training program.

 

Dee Why RSL Club have sponsored the 93 cadets enrolled in the 305 Squadron by providing funding to give each of the cadets an air/flying experience with an instructor and we look forward to following the progress of these promising young Australian citizens.

Bear Cottage, Manly

Bear Cottage in Manly is the only children’s hospice in NSW that provides support, respite and end of life care for children with terminal illnesses and their families.

Working in conjunction with the Pain and Palliative Care Service at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Bear Cottage is a medically supported home away from home offering families a physical and emotional break from the arduous task of caring for such a sick child.

 

Families don’t pay for any support they receive from Bear Cottage, with one and sometimes both parents giving up work to care for their child, many families are simply not in a financial position to pay for anything that is not absolutely necessary.  By having Bear Cottage available to them at no charge means they can take a break and re-charge their batteries, safe in the knowledge that their child is being cared for by the best staff available. They can enjoy time with one another without having to worry about the housework and cooking. Most importantly though, they can spend quality time together and create special memories that will last long after their child has passed away.   

 

Bear Cottage is 100% community funded – it costs $2.3 million per year to run Bear Cottage so every little bit counts!     As an example, Dee Why RSL recently donated  $1000 to Bear Cottage as part of a Woolworths Dee Why store fundraising drive.   This amount would typically fund a weekend’s play therapy for the patients.   To find out more about Bear Cottage and/or to make a donation, please visit their website at: http://www.bearcottage.chw.edu.au/

Beacon Hill Playgroup

Beacon Hill Playgroup has received a community grant from Dee Why RSL as part of their CDSE funding. This grant has helped the Playgroup to buy a wealth of much needed new toys and also allowed them to host several morning teas for those community members interested in joining the local group.

 Jennifer Walker, Secretary of Beacon Hill Playgroup said “The children are having a wonderful time playing with all their new toys and we would like to thank Dee Why RSL for their generosity.”

 

Beacon Hill Playgroup is open each Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30am to 11:30am at the Wesley Uniting Church, 15 Lee Road Beacon Hill.

 

Playgroup is low cost, parent-run and gives young children stimulating play opportunities in a social environment. For adults, playgroup is a chance to meet other families in the local area and exchange information, seek advice and give each other support.

 

Please contact Jennifer Walker on 9982 1156 / 0439646801 if you would like further information.

Memory Van Visits DYRSL

The Alzheimer’s Australia NSW memory van is a mobile education resource that travels statewide to help raise awareness on the importance of brain health and dementia risk reduction. It provides communities with information designed to help educate and assist people living with dementia, their carers and health professionals.   The van will be stationed outside the Pittwater Road entrance of DYRSL on Wednesday 14 October from 10.30 am – 1.30 pm.   For more information phone 9942 2122 or visit www.alzheimers.org.au

 The memory van is proudly sponsored by DYRSL Club – one of the more than 100+ community organizations currently supported by the Club.

Climb Every Rainbow

Rainbow Club is about hopes and dreams and smiles.    Rainbow Club aims to offer regular swimming sessions to young people whose physical or intellectual disabilities make it difficult for them to attend mainstream clubs. Rainbow Clubs provide each and every one of its members with a sense of ‘belonging’ to their own club. They give the children and their families an opportunity to meet other families in similar circumstances as themselves, thereby creating a real working network with immeasurable benefits.

 Dee Why RSL sponsors the local Warringah Rainbow Club who meet every Sunday morning from 9.00 am at the Warringah Aquatic Centre in Frenchs Forest.     Instruction is usually one-on-one depending on level of proficiency with a maximum of two children  per Instructor.    There are approximately 4 - 5 children in each half hour class and sessions end at 11.00 am.   The children although tentative when they first start, look forward to their weekly get togethers (as do the parents!) and it is obvious they are enjoying themselves immensely and growing in confidence throughout their training. 

 To find out more information about Rainbow Club please visit their website at:

www.rainbowclubaust.com.au

Carnivale in a Dust Storm!

Undeterred by the inclement weather, Dee Why Public School bravely proceeded with their annual Carnivale event on Wednesday 23 September. The show must go on even in a dust storm!, so organisers & teachers moved all proceedings indoors.

 Dee Why Public School has a multicultural mix of approximately thirty eight (38) different nationalities.   Carnivale celebrates the marriage of the different cultures by giving the children & their families the opportunity to share their backgrounds and come together to showcase their talents.    The audience was treated to a line up of traditional dancing from many cultures, songs from around the world & ended with an International smorgasbord - a feast prepared with tender loving care by the parents of the children attending the school.

 

Dee Why RSL Club sponsored the newly erected “Nationalities Photo Board” which will be proudly displayed at the school for two (2) years.

Footy Fever at Dee Why

Dee Why Football Club recently played host to a number of Grand Finals on behalf of the Manly Warringah Football Association across Ladies, Junior & Men’s competitions.  Representatives from throughout the Club contributed to the successful running of these days.  Success was not only limited to running the events with Dee Why FC celebrating victories on the park too.  Dee Why FC Grand Final Winners included the Ladies Division 6’s who defeated Wakehurst 3 – 0, The Men’s Division 5 who triumphed over Seaforth and The Men’s Division 5 side who edged out Narrabeen 3 – 2.

Dee Why RSL Club are proud sponsors of Dee Why Football Club – one of the 100+ local community organizations currently supported by the Club.   Please visit Dee Why Football Club's website at: www.deewhysoccerclub.com

 

Battle of the Lagoons

An intra northern beaches surf competition known as “The Battle of the Toxic Lagoons” was recently held between teams from Dee Why, North Narrabeen, Curl Curl and Long Reef.

The format was engaging for all the teams and involved a cross section of all ages.   This made it an extremely fun day with plenty of healthy rivalry.

 

North Narrabeen came up trumps taking first place in both the Juniors & Seniors events, with Long Reef taking out the Opens.

 

Dee Why Surfing Fraternity are one of the 100+ community groups currently sponsored by Dee Why RSL Club.   For more information on Dee Why Surfing Fraternity, please visit their website at: www.dysf.com.au

 

 

DYRSL - Finalist in 2009 Restaurant Excellence Awards

Dee Why RSL Club is nominated again!   After winning back to back “Best Casual Dining Venue” for Flame Dining in the ClubsNSW Awards for Excellence for the last two years, Flame Dining is now a finalist in the Restaurant & Catering NSW/ACT 2009 Awards for Excellence under the ‘Best Restaurant in a Club’ Category.

Restaurant & Catering NSW/ACT (R&C NSW/ACT) is the major Association representing the needs of restaurants and caterers in NSW and ACT. One of the objectives of R&C NSW/ACT is to recognise best practice in the hospitality industry. There are up to six finalists for each category derived from peoples’ choice nominations. Restaurants receiving votes are placed into categories and the top six restaurants, based on the number of votes received, are nominated as finalists in each of the categories.   The judges of the Awards then conduct a secret site inspection and dine at the restaurants unannounced before making their decision!.

 

Award winners for the Sydney Metropolitan region will be announced on Monday 28 September 2009 at a gala event at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre. Fingers crossed Dee Why RSL comes up trumps again!   In the meantime, come and sample the fine fare on offer at Flame Dining at your Club – Dee Why RSL.

Help is at Hand

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common, physical disability affecting Australian children. One in 400 babies is diagnosed with CP. It is a permanent condition affecting movement. There is no known cure, and for most, the cause is unknown.

 The Spastic Centre provides support and services for children and adults with cerebral palsy and their families.

 

Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways and in varying degrees.  Some people have muscle weakness in just one side, whereas others are unable to walk, communicate or use their arms and hands.

 

In the local area, there are a number of children with cerebral palsy hemiplegia, which affects arm movement on one side of their body. These children require a program to improve upper limb function to help them with everyday tasks. For children with hemiplegia, skills such as building with blocks, using scissors, drawing, buttoning clothes and opening containers can be difficult.   

 

Dee Why RSL provided funding to The Spastic Centre to purchase Assisting Hand Assessment Kits (AHAs). These are valuable tools which enable therapists to assess and then support children with hemiplegia.

 

To find out more about cerebral palsy or to make a donation to The Spastic Centre, please go to www.TheSpasticCentre.org.au

Lone Parents Are Not Alone

 The Northern Beaches Lone Parent Family Support Service offers free help and support to sole parents provided by trained workers in a caring and confidential environment.

 

The Northern Beaches branch is conveniently located in a comfy space at a converted home/office at 34A Howard Avenue, Dee Why.  This service has been up and running in Australia since 1964 through the Australian Birthright Movement, with other branches located in the North-West and Central East regions of Sydney.

 

Free services include counselling, crisis support, groups and courses such as Parenting Teenagers Course, relaxation groups, housing advice, drug & alcohol advice, emergency financial assistance & mediation.   The Centre also provides help with family issues and budgeting as well as assistance in returning to the workforce.

 

For more information please call 9982 5500.   Opening hours are 9am – 5pm Tuesday to Thursday only & appointments are essential.

 

Dee Why RSL is proud to support the Northern Beaches Lone Parent Family Support Service – one of more than 100+ community organizations sponsored by the Club.

Teen Spirit

Every year Northcott Disability Services (formerly the NSW Society for Crippled Children) organise and run Interschool Sports Carnivals.    The carnivals cater for children and teens with physical disabilities.  Sports include swimming, wheelchair football, athletics and wheelchair soccer.   The Carnivals give students with physical disabilities the opportunity to represent their school and compete against other young people with similar abilities as themselves.

 A representative from Dee Why RSL attended The Seniors Athletics Carnival held on Tuesday 25 August, 2009 at The State Sports Centre, Homebush.  The Carnival featured many events for varying abilities including race events –forward obstacle race, reverse obstacle race, sprints & bean bag races as well as field events – discus, shotput, & wheelchair slalom events.   Needless to say a good time was had by all!

 

Dee Why RSL Club proudly sponsor Northcott’s teen recreation initiative. To find out more information about the valuable work that Northcott Disability Services provides please visit their website at: www.northcott.com.au

Co.As.It Exercise Program

Co.As.It (Italian Association of Assistance) provides many services to our wider Italian community.
 
Dee Why RSL sponsors the gentle exercise classes held at Co.As.It.'s Beacon Hill Daycare group for frail aged Italians. Many group members have health issues affecting their mobility and due to language barriers cannot access mainstream services.  Many members of the group are otherwise socially isolated and the group also provides respite for many of their carers. Morning tea is offered prior to the exercise class and after an hour of exercise, a well deserved hot lunch is served to the group.
 
Pictured are some of the local Italian community kicking up their heels, enjoying the company of others, having a laugh and a chat and getting fit in the process.   For more information about Co.As.It please visit their website at: www.coasit.org.au

Mini Wheels Maximum Fun!

Ku-Ring-Gai Mini Wheels Training Club Inc (KMW) is a family based organization promoting the safe and proper use of motorcycles in a controlled and supervised environment for children aged 4 to 17.

 Currently the Club has around 130 members riding in classes from Nippers (50cc) to Senior Combined (85cc Big Wheel or 150cc Four stroke equivalents). The Club facilitates practice days, sponsored Round Days and hosts an Interclub event which brings the seven (7) Clubs from the greater Sydney area together to compete.

 

The photo featured here was taken at the recent 5^th round held on Sunday 23 August with over 80 riders completing 9 separate events.

 

Dee Why RSL is proud to sponsor this community organization.    For more information please visit the KMW website at: www.miniwheels.com.au

New Monitors for ComPals NB

Computer Pals for Seniors, Northern Beaches held their 14^th Annual General Meeting on Thursday 20 August 2009. After the AGM, Graeme Liddell and Karl Parkes (DYRSL Directors) were pleased to be able to view the six new 22” flat screen monitors which Computer Pals purchased with the sponsorship monies supplied by Dee Why RSL Club.

 Pictured are Brian Hindes (Committee member, Computer Pals) and Graeme Liddell (DYRSL Director) with one of the new screens.

 

ComPals is a club that helps interested seniors use their computers more effectively. For more information, please visit their website at: http://www.compalsnb.org.au/

The Cottage Counselling Centre

The Cottage Counselling Centre in Narrabeen offers low cost counselling for those on low or limited incomes, providing community welfare & health services to those in need.

The Cottage commenced in 1996 and  is staffed by professional counsellors. It is a local initiative which aims to serve anyone in the community, irrespective of race or religion, who may be seeking individual or relationship counselling.   There are also counselling centres in Belrose, Chatswood & Manly. 

 

The counsellors have worked with a wide variety of people and issues, ranging from anxiety and depression, through various relationship matters in families, to dealing with serious matters such as domestic violence and sexual abuse or problems with alcohol, gambling, eating disorders and drugs. The counselling fees are based on a sliding scale related to income.

 

For more information or to make an appointment  please call 9972 0141.

 

Dee Why RSL is proud to support The Cottage Counselling Centre, one of the 100+ organizations sponsored by the Club in our local community.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

 Camp Quality believe in bringing optimism and happiness to the lives of children and families affected by cancer through fun therapy programs.  They believe ‘laughter is the best medicine’.

 Dee Why RSL sponsored four children from the Warringah local government area to attend Ski Camp for one week during the July school holidays at Perisher Blue.    This camp is all about the snow!  The kids ski or snowboard all day, every day. Some camps have lessons for half a day and free skiing for the other half. If it rains there's shopping or the movies. At night they might have a party or go rock climbing, but are often too tired.   There are two Program Managers that oversee the project with a volunteer known as the Camp Leader who coordinates the program.  On camp, there are companions assigned to each child and their role is to ensure the children get involved in the activities and build on their self confidence and esteem.  This is a wonderful time for families with children affected by cancer to bond and also provides a valuable respite service as well as networking opportunities with others who would be going through similar experiences.

 

Dee Why RSL are proud to sponsor Camp Quality, one of 100+ community organisations currently supported by the Club.   For more information on the work and services offered by Camp Quality, please visit their website at:

www.campquality.org.au

 

Orchid Art

 

Manly Warringah Orchid Society are again hosting their annual “Orchids by the Sea” show at Dee Why RSL Club from Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August inclusive.

 

One of the highlights of this event is the Children’s Art Show. For the third year in a row, Year 5 & 6 students from Dee Why Public School will be submitting their works. The Orchid Society donates the paint and paper supplies and the children first sketch and then paint from photos provided of the Orchids.   The children also use a variety of media such as crepe paper or pictures from magazines to supplement their designs.  1^st , 2^nd and 3^rd prizes are awarded and there is great excitement amongst the children to win the much coveted prizes.     (Pictured are the 2008 entrants with their works on display).

 

This year the special guest Judge of the Art Show will be The Honourable Bronwyn Bishop M.P. who will officially open “Orchids by the Sea” on Friday 7 August at 10am.

 

For a wonderful display of orchids and floral art to heighten all the senses, please come along and view the fruits of the Orchid Society members’ labour over the last 12 months. As well as the children’s art to enjoy there will be orchid plants for sale, raffles, orchid paintings and orchid craft items.   Adult admission is a $3 donation, under 15 or students free.  Open from 10am- 6pm Friday, 9am-7pm Saturday and 9am – 4 pm Sunday.

 

For more information please visit the Manly Warringah Orchid Society website at:

www.orchidsociety.com.au

 

 

DYRSL Club Mourns Passing of Former President

 

The Board of Directors, staff and members of Dee Why RSL Club join the local community this week to mourn the loss of former President and Life Member Edward Walter (Ted) Jackson OAM, BEM.   Mr. Jackson passed away on Sunday afternoon. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Trudy, their daughter Margaret Board, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Born in 1921 and raised in Dee Why, Ted served as a Sergeant in the 2/4 Infantry Battalion during WWII. In 1955 he received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the Australian Army & his work during the floods that hit Singleton in March of that year. In 1987 Ted was awarded the Australia Day RSL Achievement Award. This was followed in 1990 with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to veterans & their families. Ted was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to veterans in 2002. In that same year he also received Rotary’s Community Service Award.

 

Ted’s life long association with the Dee Why RSL Club commenced in 1946. He was a foundation member of the Club since the days when club meetings were held in the Battery House near the current DYRSL premises. In 1969 he was named a Life Member of the DYRSL Club Ltd.  Ted became a Life Member of the Dee Why RSL sub-Branch in 1971. He served as Honorary Secretary for 21 years and gave 36 years service to the sub-Branch Committee. In 1986 he received the RSL Meritorious Service Medal.    Ted served on the Board of Directors of DYRSL Club Limited for 47 years, holding the office of Vice President and then occupied the President’s chair for a remarkable 23 years.   He became an Emeritus Member of the DYRSL Club in November 2008.  He was active in the DYRSL Bowling Club, giving 17 years service to the committee and holding the offices of Secretary, Vice President and President. Ted was named as the DYRSL Bowling Club’s first Life Member. He was a member of the DYRSL Swimming Club and the Ice Picks Winter Swimming Club. Dee Why Surf Lifesaving Club named him an honorary member in 1983.

 

In addition to his enormous contributions to the DYRSL Club, Ted was the former President of Warringah Shire Council, the former Chairman of the War Veterans Retirement Village and a well known community figure. 

 

The service will be held on Friday 24 July, 10:30am at the St. Johns Anglican Church in Dee Why followed by a gathering at the Dee Why RSL Club. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to Peter Cosgrove House at the War Veterans Retirement Village at Narrabeen.

 

DARTS Launches a New Bus

 

Disabled Alternative Road Travel Service (DARTS) is a small charity based in Sydney that organizes transport for people with physical disabilities who use wheelchairs, providing door to door pick-ups in special mini buses fitted with hoists.  DARTS provides social, recreational and educational activities using these wheelchair accessible buses for transport.  The clients are adults with physical disabilities who use wheelchairs.  The organization has 3 buses and each is equipped with a hydraulic lift.   

 

The service supports people with physical disabilities so that they can remain in their own homes and not have to move to nursing homes.  DARTS increases its members’ independence by overcoming their transport difficulties and enabling them to get out into the community reducing social isolation.  Family or other primary caregivers are also given the opportunity of respite from their role.

DARTS has been operating for 30 years and their members are frequent visitors to Dee Why RSL Club.   

 

On 10 June, 2009 DARTS launched their new bus, proudly sponsored by Dee Why RSL Club.

Pictured from left to right are: Judith Brain (Project Manager, DARTS), Venessa Crane (Member, DARTS), Graeme Liddell (Dee Why RSL Director), Karl Parkes (Dee Why RSL Director) and Ann Deagan (President, DARTS)

 

To find out more about the services offered by DARTS please visit their website at: http://www.darts.org.au

 

Mave Still Swings The Clubs at 94!

 

Mave Gates turned 94 years of age on 17 June 2009.     Mave, a testament to a healthy lifestyle and a member of Dee Why RSL Ladies Golf Club for over 20 years still manages to play a round of golf without using a golf cart. She is an excellent putter & joins in all Club matches and activities.

 

Pictured are members of Dee Why RSL Ladies Golf Club celebrating Mave’s birthday.    Congrats from all of us here at DYRSL!

DYRSL Takes Home 3 Awards

 

On Friday 5^th June Dee Why RSL Club again confirmed their reputation as one of the best clubs in the industry at the Annual ClubsNSW Awards for Excellence.   The Club was proud to take home the winner’s plaques for Outstanding Community Service, Best Casual Dining (Flame Restaurant) and Best Gaming Venue. This incredible achievement reflects the effort and commitment of everyone at Dee Why RSL Club – from the Board to the staff.

 

For five consecutive years Dee Why RSL Club has stood out from hundreds of other clubs across NSW to be named finalists in multiple categories for these prestigious industry awards.   This year’s list of finalist nominations included:

 

• Best Casual Dining Venue
• Bets Entertainment Venue
• Best Gaming Venue
• Best Function Venue
• Outstanding Financial Management
• Corporate Governance
• Outstanding Community Service

Club members should feel very proud that Dee Why RSL Club has once again been recognised by the industry as achieving excellence in so many areas of their operation and service to the community.

DYRSL Club Turns the Turf on Retirement Village

 

The Honourable Brad Hazzard joined the Board of Directors of Dee Why RSL Club and representatives from construction company Wideform to “turn the turf” on the Oceangrove Seniors Living Village last week.   The village is being constructed adjacent to the Club on Pittwater Road with access from Dee Why Parade.  

 

The DYRSL Club received DA approval from Warringah Council to develop the site to include 76 independent living apartments, extensive gardens and community spaces.     

 

Club President Chris Olive stated “the DYRSL Board is extremely proud to be in the position to bring this much needed seniors living village to our local community.   Seniors in surrounding suburbs will now have a high quality facility that will enable them to stay close to the shops, services and social networks as well as the fantastic Dee Why Beach.”

 

A Display Suite and Sales office is currently operating out of the Club’s premises at 932 Pittwater Road.   Keen interest is already being shown in the project with nearly a dozen deposits received.

 

The Wideform Construction site is moving towards a completion date in late 2010.  Interested parties should contact the Oceangrove Sales Office on 9972 5490.    

Clients Have a Ball with the help of DYRSL

Frenchs Forest Flexible Lifestyles (FFFL), is a division of the Sunshine Home that supports some 25 clients who have both intellectual and physical disabilities, very high support needs and significant mobility issues in a day service program. Their clients enjoy customized, stimulating day programs and community participation opportunities 5 days a week.

 

For 2 years now, Dee Why RSL has supported Frenchs Forest Flexible Lifestyles, particularly in the development of their Sensory Room. Because the clients experience significantly disadvantaged ranges of movement and levels of cognizance, sensory stimulation is one of the most beneficial therapies that FFFL can offer them. Motion and sound sensitive equipment serve to augment their levels of awareness of and facilitate their response to various stimuli as well as to increase their periods of sustained attention. For some clients, this affords a means of communication and self expression, unavailable to them in the more conventional avenues of speech and movement.

 

Thanks to Dee Why RSL, the latest improvement to the Sensory Room– the Ball Pool – has arrived. Navigating the Ball Pool requires the clients to use many major muscle groups, which is one of the main objectives for a group of people who have an extremely limited range of exercise options available to them. Plus…the “fun factor” is so high that no one realises that they’re doing any work at all !

 

Sunshine is a not-for-profit organisation that also provides accommodation, day service programs, employment support and respite services across the Upper and Lower North Shore, the West and the Central Coast . More information on Sunshine, Frenchs Forest Flexible Lifestyles and how you can help can be found on www.sunshinehome.net.au .

Stewart House Day

 

Friday 8 May 2009 was designated 'Stewart House Day'.       The day coincided with Stewart House's annual presentation ceremony where schools' contributions for 2008 were honoured and Stewart House supporters, both individuals and corporations were rewarded with a thank you and a plaque in acknowledgment of their contributions.

 

Pictured are Dee Why RSL Directors – Karl Parkes & Graeme Liddell receiving the plaque on behalf of Dee Why RSL who have funded Stewart House for many years,   contributing funds in excess of $30,000.  Just one of the 100+ local community organisations supported by Dee Why RSL Club.

Local Lad Wins the Main Event

 

At the ripe age of 18 years and 10 months, Ryan Howarth proved he has what it takes to mix it with Australia’s best when he outlasted a 170+ player field to claim the Oz Poker Tour Main Event on Sunday 26 April at Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club.  Ryan was supported at the Main Event by his friends and family including mate  James Towers and Ryan's proud father, Phil and partner Carolyn.

 

Since turning 18, Ryan has enjoyed his regular local poker game at Dee Why RSL where he secured enough points to gain himself free entry to the monthly final. He took that opportunity with both hands and secured the lion’s share of the $20,000 prize pool. 

 

Dee Why RSL Club congratulates Ryan on his success and we hope to see even better results from this young talent down the track.

(Pictured are the winning team, with Ryan second on the left)

Helping Hands for the Holidays

 

Northern Beaches Interchange (NBI) are all about Respite, Recreation and Support.   NBI is a non profit organisation providing respite and support to families caring for children or young adults who have a disability.

 

For some years Dee Why RSL Club has sponsored the ‘Seagulls Holiday Program’ which caters for children aged 5-12 years with moderate to high support needs. It runs for 3 days / week during some of the school holidays supported by trained staff.  The program offers a variety of group recreation opportunities to the children while giving their family members some much needed ‘time out’. 

 

Pictured at the latest activity day on Tuesday 21 April are two of the children making Easter paper baskets.    A variety of games kept the children busy – from painting to puzzles, making Easter bonnets and going on an Easter egg hunt. This coupled with physical games such as ‘chasings’ and going on a walk to the shops was topped up with music and videos to keep them entertained especially whilst it was raining.

 

Many of the children don’t have a regular circle of friends, so these holiday programs are very important to their social development, providing interaction with other children of similar ages and abilities.  

 

This is only one of the many programs and services offered by NBI. For more information please visit their website at: www.nbi.org.au or Tel: 02 9970 0500 for further details.

 

Northern Beaches Interchange – one of the 100+ local community organisations proudly sponsored by Dee Why RSL Club.

Out Of Hours Fun

 

Northside Enterprise Inc. provides Dept of Ageing, Disability and Home Care funded day programs in independent living, pre-vocational and community participation skills to adults with intellectual and/or multiple disabilities.  

 

Dee Why RSL sponsors the ‘Pathfinders’ Out of Hours program providing organised access to community based social and learning facilities and activities for needy and relatively socially isolated people with intellectual and/or multiple disabilities. The program provides support and facilitation by trained staff.   Groups/activities are Dinner Club, Art Club, Fitness Club, Coffee-Shop/Movie Club and Learning Circle Club.   The project enhances and facilitates a better and meaningful integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of community life and social fabric.

 

Pictured is the ‘line dancing class’ which runs as one of the activities during the day program in Brookvale.  A popular class with lots of singing, hand actions and dancing to music to get everyone moving and interacting with their friends.

 

There are many other programs & services on offer at Northside Enterprise Inc. To find out more please visit their website at: http://www.northside-enterprise.org.au/ or Tel: 9905 5377.

 

Dee Why RSL is proud to sponsor Northside Enterprise Inc. – one of the 100+ community organisations supported by the Club.

Australia - Our Home

 

The Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater (ASG) formed in 1979 began as a treaty organisation and later developed into a community of people committed to supporting Aboriginal & Torres Strait people in their broader struggle for justice. The ASG never speaks on behalf of Indigenous people and is committed to ‘being there’ with effective, informed support.

 

Located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, the ASG members meet regularly to discuss issues, causes and events and to plan actions moving forward to support Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations.   Members share a passion to see right relationship forged between Indigenous and Settler Australians, seeking to change the way non-Indigenous people understand and relate to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.

 

Dee Why RSL for some years now has provided funding to help produce elimatta - the bi-annual newsletter produced by the ASG. In one Aboriginal language elimatta means ‘our home’ and with this name the ASG expresses its dream for this country – a real home to all Australians, to be ‘at home’ with each other and to each other. Elimatta covers local as well as state and national Indigenous issues and events. 

 

If you are curious to find out more about Indigenous Australia, the issues of Reconciliation and the Aboriginal history of our area, please visit the ASG’s website at: www.asgmwp.net or telephone 9913 7940 or 9982 1685.

Reaching Out To Our Youth

Youth Reach – the ‘special work’ of the St Vincent de Paul Society exists to help young people in crisis and also to move them beyond the basics of day-to-day survival towards a more positive life of empowerment.

 Youth Reach encourages young people to help themselves through a variety of programmed opportunities by helping them to realise their potential & giving them the skills to take control of their own lives. With direction and guidance from trained, skilled staff Youth Reach provides a safe place to go where no one is judging, just an open door offering assistance.

 

With it’s great new location at 12 Powells Road, Brookvale,  the large space has been well utilised. With the help of many individuals & organisations the warehouse has been transformed:

• The wall to wall graffiti artwork breathes life into the big rooms offering a canvas where the local graffiti artists can legally display their work.
• A computer room is on site to aid with job searches & assistance is provided with writing resumes. 
• A fully equipped gymnasium helps release all that youthful energy whilst keeping everyone fit.
• There are pool tables and a ping pong table
• The Youth Reach basketball team are local stars and
• There are plans for a recording studio to be built in the near future.
• Peer group facilitators teach Hip Hop classes  - the kids learn routines and funky moves and will put on a concert at the end of the year to showcase their talents.   Music has proved to cross all barriers and Youth Reach has a multicultural flavour with youth from all backgrounds joining the fun.

 Youth Reach also provides many advisory & legal referral services. Amongst these, Dee Why RSL Club provides funds to sponsor the ‘Family Group Conferencing’ programme which assists with the mediation process, providing a safe haven & neutral territory for meaningful discussions to take place with extended family groups in crisis.

 

 

Youth Reach services the entire Northern Beaches region and they rely solely on support from the community.   Your donation or services would be greatly appreciated and well used.

To find out more about Youth Reach  please call (02) 9907-2604 or visit their website at: www.vinnies.org.au/youthreach

A Special Way To Say Thank You

 

On Tuesday 24 March, 2009 the donors and sponsors of Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) were treated to a morning tea by way of a thank you to all.    After being briefed with all the latest news in regards to funding, works in progress, services, schools and the future ahead, the audience was delighted with performances by several of the classes at the Vern Barnett School in Forestville.  

 

Dee Why RSL Club is proud to sponsor Aspect’s work – most recently the Club supported their “Someone to Turn To” parent support program providing specialized training and mentoring for the program’s parent volunteers who offer telephone support and advice to families who are struggling to cope with their child’s recent diagnosis of autism or a challenging behaviour or situation.

 

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is the leading Australian service provider for people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.  Aspect works with over 6000 people with autism, their families and service providers within NSW.  It provides an extensive range of services from early intervention and special schooling, through to adult services and family support.

 

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are lifelong developmental disabilities characterized by marked difficulties in social interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours and sensory sensitivities.  The word ‘spectrum’ is used because the range and severity of the difficulties people with ASD experience can vary widely.   

 

Studies show 1 in 160 children aged 6-12 have an ASD and it is more prevalent in boys than girls.   The effects of an ASD can often be minimized by early diagnosis and with the right interventions, many children and adults with an ASD show marked improvements.   For more information please visit Aspect’s website at:

www.autismspectrum.org.au

 

Aspect is one of the 100+ local community organisations sponsored by Dee Why RSL Club.

A Vision for the Future

 

On Friday 27 March 2009, three of the Dee Why RSL Directors and the Club’s Community Support Coordinator visited Vision Australia at Enfield. This was to be a tour with a difference. Our tour guide for the day was Nicholas (Nick) Gleeson, Community Development Officer for Vision Australia. Nick, who became blind at age seven, runs the Speaker’s Network and educates the public on blindness and low vision and on Vision Australia’s services.   He is a shining example of all that can be achieved through learning how to live independently. He has tandem sky dived, bungee jumped and scuba dived, run marathons and in 2000 Nick became the first Australian who is blind to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Nick was able to answer a flurry of questions from the Directors with first hand experience.

 

On our tour we visited their sensory playroom where children with vision loss develop an awareness of their senses by playing with objects like bells, drums, furry fabrics, brushes shiny toys and flashing lights. We also tried out some interesting gadgets such as talking watches and calculators, as well as braille games and saw adaptive computer software in action which allows easy access to printed information. 

 

Vision Australia is a living partnership between people who are blind, sighted or have low vision. They are united by the passion that in the future people who are blind or have low vision will have access to and fully participate in every part of life they choose.

 

Vision Australia relies on strong partnerships within the community to make a difference to the lives of people who are blind or have low vision. With the support of organisations such as Dee Why RSL, Vision Australia can assist people who are blind or have low vision to fully participate in life,” said Mr Gerard Menses, Vision Australia’s Chief Executive Officer.

 

There is so much more to tell than we can cover here about the invaluable work Vision Australia does, so please visit their website for further information at: www.visionaustralia.org.au.

 

Dee Why RSL is proud to sponsor Vision Australia – one of the 100+ community organisations supported by the Club.

Connecting Our Local Community

 

As the name suggests, Northside Community Connect is all about putting people in touch with each other and connecting people with the right services and information in a local context.

 

Northside Community Connect provides support, counselling and information services to Carers living in Warringah, Manly and Pittwater.     They also provide information and referral on a broad range of other services from health to family services, legal & financial matters, conservation & the environment to name just a few!

 

Just one of the success stories highlighted here is the original version of the north side ‘Backyard Blitz’ otherwise known as the ‘Easy Care Gardening’ programme.    This service provided by Northside Community Connect assists residents in the Warringah, Manly and Pittwater areas who are frail aged or people with a disability and their carers by providing an affordable gardening service as well as advice on how to plan a low maintenance easy care garden.

 

Under the supervision of a qualified horticulturalist and professional staff, over 105 trained and dedicated volunteers work in teams of between 2 to 20 throughout a 6 day week to create more manageable and safer garden environments to help their clients remain in their own homes.

 

Dee Why RSL is proud to sponsor Northside Community Connect – one of the 100+ local organisations supported by the Club.

 

If you would like further information please telephone:9931 7777 or

visit Northside Community Connect’s website at: www.northsideconnect.com.au

Art For The Child's Sake

 

Dalwood Spilstead Centre assist vulnerable families who are experiencing difficulties in the care and parenting of their children during the early years.  The program supports families where there are complex family issues and children with social, emotional or developmental needs.

 

For some years Dee Why RSL Club has sponsored the ‘Art Therapy’ program at Dalwood.  The program is run by an experienced Art Therapist who builds a dynamic & close interpersonal one-on-one relationship with the child setting firm boundaries and clear goals.   Art therapy is a creative process, suitable for all ages, and particularly for those who may be experiencing life changes, trauma, illness or disabilities causing distress for the individual and their family.

 

Over the years, the Art Therapy program has continued to achieve results with significant emotional growth for the children.  They gain confidence and emotional stability, resulting in the majority of these children being able to access a mainstream school or pre school setting and interact with peers in an appropriate way.

 

Pictured is the ‘art therapy’ room where children can find a safe haven to release and express their emotions.    It is important that every time they come to this space that every item in the room is in exactly the same place as the last visit.    Establishing trust and security with their therapist and in the work space is all important to the success of the program.

 

For more information on the early intervention and support programs offered by Dalwood Spilstead Centre, please Telephone 9951 0365.

 

Dee Why RSL Club is proud to support the Dalwood Spilstead Centre, one of 100+ local community organisations sponsored by the Club.

 

Local Identity Honoured with 2009 Seniors Award

On Monday 16 March 2009 Hank Scheffers was presented with a 2009 NSW Senior Achievement Award.   The Hon. Paul Lynch, MP presided over the ceremony held in Angel Place, Sydney.

The NSW Seniors Week Achievement Awards are a prestigious recognition of NSW seniors for their contribution to the development of our community, for their leadership and for their initiative. The awards provide an opportunity to formally thank older people for the contributions that they make to the quality of life in our State.

Hank – a well known figure in our local Dee Why community was awarded under the Category “Community Service/Volunteering” for his dedicated and tireless commitment to the Dee Why RSL Day Club for Seniors which has been running for over 20 years.  Hank has been the volunteer co-ordinator of the Day Club for 8 years.   In this role he supervises and supports the 10 volunteer helpers who assist in the weekly program of activities for over 50 elderly participants.   Hank has successfully raised the profile of the Day Club & also extends his skills to advising other Day Care Centres as a Committee Member for 60 day clubs.   

Hank is also Vice President of the Dee Why RSL Sub Branch as well as a member of the Manly Warringah Pittwater District Council.

Please join us in congratulating Hank in receiving this well-deserved Award.

A Child's Memories of a Holiday by the Sea

Stewart House leaves a lasting impression on childhood memories.    Staff say it is not uncommon for adults to revisit many years later and tell of the joy and happiness of their visit to Stewart House when they were a child.    For some of these children it may be the only holiday or fun, light-hearted time they encountered in an otherwise tough upbringing.

Stewart House, based at Curl Curl on Sydney’s Northern Beaches was established in 1931.   Stewart House provides short-term care for public school children in need of a break.   Every 12 days 90 children from across N.S.W. and the A.C.T. participate in the program.   There are usually 45 children from the Sydney metropolitan school area and the remaining 45 from a regional area.    The children are nominated by their School Principal, Counsellor or Teacher as being in need of a break for reasons such as ill health, emotional or other distress, family problems, financial or social disadvantage, neglect or isolation.

At the end of their 12 day stay, sometimes for the first time, children will have developed self care skills through practicing personal hygiene, increased independence, developed self esteem, resilience and team building skills, undergone health screening, dental and optometric checks and participated in experiential, recreational and educational excursions, such as playing games on the beach at South Curl Curl as pictured, a ride on the Manly Ferry or a trip to Taronga Zoo.

For more information on Stewart House please visit their website at: www.stewarthouse.org.au or Tel: 02 9938 3100

Dee Why RSL Club is proud to support Stewart House – one of the 100+ local community organisations sponsored by the Club.

Clubhouse with a Pioneering Spirit

Pioneer Clubhouse began operating early in 1995 in Quirk Road, Balgowlah and is still going strong – bigger and better than ever with a big wish list to fulfil and a new building in the works!

Pioneer Clubhouse is a Clubhouse model rehabilitation program for adults living with a mental illness providing a socially and emotionally supportive environment in which members gain the skills & confidence necessary to regain employment and meet educational goals.

The Clubhouse is a hub of daily activity with members working in the ‘unit’ of their choice.  Options are in the clerical, administration & technology unit, restaurant & maintenance unit or research group.  Extra programs on offer include social outings and a young adult program.

In 2008/9, Dee Why RSL Club provided funds to equip the Clubhouse kitchen with an industrial fridge and cooking & serving equipment for their food service program.    Members prepare & serve lunch daily as job training.

Once members feel ready to rejoin the workforce, they are assisted by an employment and education program in-house at Pioneer – helping members to write a resume, go for interviews and then at the next stage via the Transitional Employment Program (TEP) allows members who lack work experience, confidence or skills for open employment, the opportunity to work at real jobs for real pay.

For further information please visit the Pioneer Clubhouse website at: www.pioneerclubhouse.org.au or Tel: 9907 9999. Dee Why RSL is proud to support Pioneer Clubhouse – one of the 100+ local community organisations sponsored by the Club.

MISSION POSSIBLE

Sailing on Pittwater on a Tuesday sounds like fun – a relaxing day out without the hustle and bustle of the weekend crowds on the water.  Well it is, but what if I was to tell you that Alan Clarke of Street Mission in conjunction with other youth charities were also giving less fortunate kids in our society a chance to escape the stress of their daily lives and in the process learn the skills and pleasures of sailing.   The sailing program is a useful tool for the Youth Workers and a wonderful natural environment for them to work in to encourage the kids to open up and relate to other adults in a social situation without any pressures or judgments being made upon them.   

The sailing program is run once a week on a Tuesday, weather permitting and Street Mission are hoping to increase this to twice per week in the near future.  A typical day out is sailing up Pittwater to Lion Island, then over to the Basin for a BBQ lunch.   The kids are encouraged to hoist the sails and steer the boat – a hands on approach to helping them develop and grow.    Volunteers are also on board to assist with sailing, cooking and of course conversation with the kids, which can be anything from sport to sailing to directing the kids thoughts towards their futures.

Street Mission is a self-funded organisation which feeds and provides life essentials for the homeless and disadvantaged in society.  Mission impossible becomes possible with the help of this dedicated team of volunteers. In addition to their Street Mission Café in Manly run every Saturday night, they also fund and support food and welfare programs such as the sailing program above and assist several other local charities, with particular emphasis on youth – Street Work, The Burdekin Association and Youth Reach.

For more information about the wonderful work Street Mission does in our local community, to make a donation or to volunteer your services, please visit their website at: www.streetmission.com.au or Tel: 8901 0679. Street Mission – one of the 100+ local community groups proudly sponsored by DYRSL Club.

DYRSL Recycles Uniforms to Donate to PNG High School

Porgera High School in the central ranges of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is the proud recipient of a new school uniform donated by Dee Why RSL Club.

Dee Why RSL Club updated their staff uniforms recently with new shirts and a different style of jackets and trousers.     Recycling was the obvious choice for clothing still in good condition and via our community network the Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah facilitated the transaction on behalf of the Club.

Pictured are some of the 600 junior & senior students from Porgera High School who are looking forward to receiving their new school uniform in the near future. Dee Why RSL donated approximately 800 blue shirts and various grey uniform pieces – jackets, trousers, as well as discontinued waterproof jackets and winter coats which should come in handy for all types of weather in PNG.

Dee Why RSL Club – helping communities in need near and far.