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December 2020
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Hello Welcome to this December enews. |
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In this issue:
2020 what a year it has been, I think most of us will be happy to see it finish. Drought, Bush Fires and COVID-19 made it a very difficult and challenging year, for the way we had to live. This year we have said goodbye to some of our very dear friends who decide they would spread their wings and fly to the other side of the rainbow. Also those who have needed some extra support and are now in Residential Care. Some just wanted a change of scenery and moving out of the area. |
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November Rap The year is flying by, I can not believe we are in December already. What a year it has been, looking forward to 2021 to be brighter. Bring on 2021. We started November off with a Melbourne Cup Celebration on Tuesday 3rd. What a fun afternoon with afternoon tea and thank all our participants who attended. Our annual Hickory House Horse Race was won by Mavis. Winners for the best hat was tied between Helen and Bev. Some people are just lucky in winning sweeps and can win more then one place. Luckily last place gets a prize. It was a little different to watch this year as we missed the fashions on the field and all the spectators. Hopefully next year it will be back to some what normal. SSS lunch on the 9th was low in numbers but we still enjoyed our chat. Its always nice to catch up after the weekend and share our stories. Bingo on Wednesdays has picked up and it is great to see new faces. Our town lunch on the 12th was enjoyed at Cheeky Sparrow Café. The main topic for the day was around plants, as many of us are keen gardeners and it is always good to pick the brains of those who are more experienced. Toormina excursion on the 19th gave everyone the opportunity to catch up on those last minutes purchases. |
White Christmas Slice 2 cups/70g rice bubbles 1 1/2 cups/70g mini marshmallows 1cup/75g shredded coconut 1/2 cup/70g shelled pistachios chopped 1/2cup/70g macadamias chopped 1/2 cup/75g dried apricots chopped 400g white chocolate chopped 1/2 cup/100g chopped glace cherries 1/2 cup/50g dried mango chopped In a large bowl combine he rice bubbles, marshmallows, coconut, pistachios, macadamias and apricot. Place a bowl over a saucepan with simmering water and melt the chocolate or melt on low in microwave. Once melted, mix in chocolate mixture and stir well to combine. Add the cherries and mango, stir through. Pour into large 20cm x 30cm tray with sides, lined with baking paper. Spread out evenly and place in fridge till set, cut into pieces. Note - Swap any dried fruit with others such as cranberries, sultanas or glace pineapple.
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Coming up in December Remember to book in for town lunches, SSS lunches and bus trips on 66572 896. 2nd - Bingo 10.30am until 1pm at Hickory House. 3rd - Due to restrictions still in place we have had to change the way we run our Christmas party. This is invitation only in which RSVP was in November and only sent to participants of the Dorrigo Support Centre. Hopefully next year we can open it up to the seniors of the community again. Tickets for our Xmas Raffle can be purchased on the day or from Dorrigo Support Centre. Raffle drawn on the day. 7th - SSS Lunch at Hickory House 12 noon cost $10. This will be the last for 2020. p\Please book. 9th - Bingo 10.30am until 1pm at Hickory House. 10th - Town lunch at RSL Chinese 12 noon please book at DSC. 16th - DSC Bingo Christmas Party will be held after bingo the last game for 2020. Please bring a plate to share. 17th - Bus Trip to Toormina pick-up starting at 8.45am cost $15. Lunch will be at own cost. This is popular, so book in early. Ph: 66572 896. The last trip for the Year. 21st - Will see the Office closed for the holidays until the 4th January. For transport needs call Community Transport. |
Coping with Christmas For many, Christmas can be the most stressful time in the year. Don't place yourself under financial pressure just because it's Christmas. It is okay to say no to invitations. There are no rules to Christmas, do what is right for you. Have a plan for the holiday season but don't make it unachievable. If you are spending it alone maybe treat yourself with something special, like your favourite food or doing things you enjoy. Remember to check closure times and opening hours when services and business are, as many can close for a holiday break. It is okay to miss someone over the holiday season, it may be your first without them and want to spend time on your own, maybe light a candle in remembrance for the day. Don't cut out the people who love and care about you. Let them know what your plans are, that you may need some alone time. Sharing a celebration or a day with others, talking and remembering the good time you had with a love one can help, they maybe missing them to. Don't over indulge with rich food and alcohol this can contribute to stress, anxiety and depression. Don't forget to get up and move. Go for a walk, play a game with family or just get some fresh air. Drink lots of water! If you are alone on Christmas Day, remember it is just one day out of 365. Most importantly take care of your wellbeing. Don't be afraid to call a help line. There are numbers listed in this newsletter. |
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Dorrigo Lifesprings Op Shop and Pantry Did you know that the Lifesprings Pantry is open on Thursdays 10am to12pm, it caters for low income earners by providing food assistance to anyone on a current health care card or pension for a small service fee, also to persons qualifying for emergency assistance.
The Op Shop opens from Tuesdays to Thursdays. They will be closed the 25th December to 5th January. ------------------------------------------------------------ Be Prepared For Storms Summer is the prime time for serve storms. After a hot day storms can be at their most dangerous so what can you do to be prepared. Think about what is in the yard and on your balcony/outdoor area. Whether it can blow away and cause damage to your home, car or neighbouring property. Have your gutters and downpipes checked for leaves and blockages, heavy rain can cause damage to your home. Check your yard of trees that are hanging over your home, they may need pruning back. High wind may cause trees to break onto the home. Check your insurance is up to date and adequate. Stay safe inside when storming, that is not the time to venture out to save your garden pots etc. Prepare an Emergency Kit in case you lose power or need to evacuate your home. Power can be affected for days in storms. Keep it in an easy to access spot. Include a flashlight, battery operated radio, spare batteries, portable mobile phone charger. Have non perishable food in the cupboard. If you have no power try to limit or reframe from opening the freezer and or fridge. Listen to the local radio for weather warnings and update. If you need help emergency call - 132 500 Community Transport Christmas Closure Community Transport will be closed from lunch time on the 24th December until the 4th January 2021.
Community Transport Dorrigo Community Bus Departs Hickory Street, every Monday at 9am returning 3pm. Bookings are required by lunch time Friday. No cash payments excepted, payment must be made by credit card or Seniors Travel Card. Community Transport supplies transport further a field, for appointments, hospital and other visits, shopping etc. please book on 1300 812 504. Office hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm. |
Thank You - From Sandra It been my absolute pleasure being involved with the valued clients and staff over the last 7 1/2 years at the Dorrigo Support Centre, but it is time for me to handover to someone else. As you all will realise it gets harder to multi task as you get older and its time to put the farm and family as my number one priority. My last day at the Dorrigo Support Centre will be the 3rd December our Christmas Party, but its not goodbye! I will still be in the community and would love to catch up occasionally over a town lunch or maybe help out on a bus trip. We have shared some great memories, trips together, lots of laughter and some sad times, sharing a tear for friends that have passed. Kind Regards Sandra Francis So Long, Farewell, Goodbye and Best Wishes Dorrigo Support past and present staff would like to express our very best wishes for Sandra in her future endeavour and say a huge thank you for all you have done for the service in the time you have been with us. We have all enjoyed working with Sandra and have had many belly laughs, valued your friendship and support. Sandra's local knowledge and engagement has been invaluable, plus all that information stored in her head. We appreciate everything you have done for us and we will miss you immensely!! When one door closes, another opens. Best Wishes - Dorrigo Support & Bellingen Shire Council Wellbeing and Community Engagement Teams Scooter Dorrigo Support centre have the red Scooter if anyone is needing to borrow or trial especially over the holiday period. Please contact the office if you are interested.
Be prepared |
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Important Numbers
-------------------------------------------------------------- NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES OF BELLINGEN SHIRE INC OUTREACH IN DORRIGO EVERY 1st & 3RD WEDNESDAY EACH MONTH AT DORRIGO YOUTH CENTRE (Behind Dorrigo Community Centre) OPEN: 9.30AM - 3.30PM PH: 0438 735 904 -------------------------------------------------------------- *Reminder the Dorrigo Support Centre will be Closed from the 18th December until the 4th January. **Domestic assistance will still be available. Please let us know if you require service or will be away before the 3rd December for rostering. There will be no Domestic Assistance on public holidays. Dorrigo Support Centre Staff wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We will see you in 2021.
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BEGIN TO PREPARE FOR AN EMERGENCY With the emergencies we have all faced in 2020, the need to be prepared is again highlighted. Bushfires, Floods and a Pandemic. In the event you need to evacuate in a hurry, or you may be without power and clean water, a little planning now will spare you precious time. We have prepared in hardcopy or click here which is attached to this months newsletter a "step by step" resource on what to pack and take with you if an emergency occurs. This includes a detailed list of essential items to pack and keep in a safe place, so if it is required to can just "go go go". Also included in this months Newsletter, which is included is a "Get ready for a Bush Fire" - Four Simple Steps to making your Bush Fire Survival Plan or you can download from www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. Please ensure that you don't become complacent with cleaning the gutters, keeping lawns mowed, removal of any excess rubbish and pruning overhanging branches from trees around the house and powerlines (always access the risk before commencing). Make sure all flammable items are stored away from the house. Always a good time to check that your fire alarms are functioning and replace batteries if required. RFS - AIDERThe AIDER (Assist Infirm, Disabled and Elderly Residents) program is a free, one-off service which supports some of our most at-risk community members. The program helps people live more safely and confidently in their home in areas where bush fires may start. The AIDER program is designed for people who have limited domestic support available from family, relatives, friends or other services. This could include older people, people living with a disability, and people who are already receiving community assistance and services. Their property must also be on a bush fire prone land (land that can support a bush fire or be subject to bush fire attack). AIDER services can include:
The current COVID-19 outbreak is an ongoing situation that continues to require changes to how they implement their services. If you would like to know more about the free, one-off AIDER service, call 02 8741 4955 or email aider@rfs.nsw.gov.au
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The Dorrigo Support Centre opening hours are 9am-4pm Monday to Thursday. You can contact us on (02) 66572896 or via email- dorrigosupportcentre@bellingen.nsw.gov.au
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This monthly newsletter and schedule of events is supported by the Commonwealth Home Support Program. |
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