City Beach Function Centre was the venue for a moving event last Wednesday when Lifeline South Coast was awarded the inaugural University of Wollongong Community Fellowship.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
UOW deputy chancellor Dr Stephen Andersen said there were many people in the community who were lonely, depressed and struggling without hope or help, and without Lifeline and its remarkable and compassionate volunteers, there would be many whose struggles would defeat them.
"For this reason alone, Lifeline South Coast and its people are to be commended," he said.
Dr Anderson said Lifeline was started in 1963 by the late Sir Alan Walker.
"We are all accountable for our actions and, ultimately, Reverend Walker decided to be accountable to his community," Dr Anderson said.
"He understood that there was a need for support and compassion, and today that need has never been clearer."
Lifeline South Coast was established in Wollongong in 1969. The Nowra branch opened in 1981.
"From these beginnings Lifeline South Coast has grown and flourished, under good leadership and faith," Dr Anderson said.
The university believed it important to demonstrate how much Lifeline is valued in our shared communities, and how important it is that we celebrate those who give of themselves to strengthening our community.
"As dedicated volunteers, you give your time and you are trusted because the people who call upon your services know that they will be listened to.
"The University of Wollongong thanks you wholeheartedly for your dedication, for your commitment and for your generosity of spirit."
The award was accepted by Lifeline South Coast executive director Grahame Gould, board chair Stephen Long and long-serving volunteers Joan Bell, 31 years, and UOW associate professor Audrey Wilson and Ros Clare, who have both been volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporters for 19 years.
Mr Gould thanked the university of behalf of all Lifeline's volunteers, staff and supporters.
Volunteers thanked
After the Community Fellowship Award presentation Mr Gould and the regional directors of Lifeline South Coast acknowledged all volunteers for their years of service.
All were called forward and applauded for the important role they play helping to save lives via Lifeline's telephone crisis support service on 13 11 14 which in 2013-14 took 17,139 calls.
Many volunteers and staff are also involved in the Lifeline Shops and popular Book Fair that regularly generates critical funds.
During the last financial year the book fair was supported
by 230 volunteers who
showcased 226,800 books for
sale at fairs attended by 12,800 people.
In the process $290,000 was raised, taking the total close to $2 million since the Book Fair began operating in April 2006.
Mr Gould said every member of the Lifeline South Coast team deserved such recognition.
Nepal fundraiser
A Nepal earthquake emergency response fundraiser, Trivia for Nepal, is being held this Saturday at Thirroul Bowling, Leagues and Recreation Club.
The event will include local band The Himalayas, movies and trivia as funds are raised for the work of Save the Children Australia.
Tickets can be purchased online at stickytickets.com.au/26165/trivia_for_nepal.aspx and the https://www.facebook.com/events/1585688458368486/ Facebook page has more details.
Red Shield lunch
It's the Salvation Army's 2015 Illawarra Red Shield Business Appeal luncheon this Friday at City Beach Function Centre in Wollongong. UOW Chancellor Jillian Broadbent is the guest speaker.
The annual appeal is becoming more important every year for the Salvos as more people struggle in our community.
Leukaemia Angels
Angels at Work will see business people donning wings and walking into workplaces as angels collecting gold coin donations for the Leukaemia Foundation this Friday.
More than 30 angel collectors have signed up but more workplaces are being sought.
Leukaemia Foundation regional manager Nina Field said people could also sponsor angel collectors online and there is also an Angels at Work Facebook page with more details.
People in the street are also welcome to chase an angel and take selfies and post them as the Leukaemia Foundation endeavours to do as much as possible for the local families affected by blood related cancers.
Regional manager Nina Field said people could also sponsor angel collectors online and to date funds raised through sponsorship and events such as a Warilla Business Chamber corporate breakfast last Thursday and a TAFE Illawarra student run corporate golf day last Friday have already raised more than $8,000 before the official collection has even begun.
Friday will start with large donors invited to a corporate breakfast at Diggies at 7am from where business angels will collect their wings and hit the streets.
Next week the Business in Heels Illawarra networking group in Shellharbour is using its event to raise money for the cause.
That will be followed on May 30 by the Angels at Work Markets and Paddle Like An Angel event organised by JPD Surf at Reddall Reserve.
This year’s’s goal is $25,000.
Further information and registrations at www.facebook.com/angelsatwork100?fref=ts and http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/angelsatwork15.
Art at the Lagoon
The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant launches Art at the Lagoon next Tuesday.
Designed as a creative escape for adults to express themselves, it starts at 6pm with a complimentary drink and renowned Shellharbour artist Natalija Vocanec providing instructions before painting alongside participants over what is designed to be a fun filled two hours where there is no right or wrong and nothing that can’t be changed or fixed.
Little Leonardo's Art Studio is handling all registrations at www.littleleonardos.com.au and further information at info@littleleonardos.com.au or on 02 42951042.
Disability concert
The Disability Trust's not-for-profit volunteer performance group The Music Makers is staging its annual Fundraising Concert on Friday at Waves@Towradgi Beach Hotel.
The annual Creative Performance Evening by Those with a Disability is now in its sixth year.
The annual production has raised more than $60,000 for The Disability Trust to help it provide sport and recreactional opportunities for children and adults with disabilities throughout the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
The Music Makers will be joined by support acts such as the Dan Usher Band and Tee and Nada-Leigh.
Tickets can be purchased from The Disability Trust offices at 100-102 Jardine St, Fairy Meadow and 210 Shellharbour Rd, Warrawong.
New builder on IRT project
IRT Group has appointed Zadro Constructions to complete construction of its new 100-suite care centre at Tarrawanna.
Chief executive Nieves Murray said the Sydney-based company would start work immediately and had more than 50 years experience in major construction projects, specialising in aged care and community developments.
The new $25 million care centre will replace the existing IRT Towradgi Care Centre of almost 40 years.
Housing for growth
The Illawarra's growth and housing needs will be a focus of the Property Council of Australia's Illawarra lunch with keynote speaker Deloitte Access Economics partner Chris Richardson on June 5.
The theme for the event is delivering density and reviving our urban centres.
It comes with awareness that high-density living is taking hold as people want to live, work, shop and play all in one area.
The lunch will feature major new research for the Property Council of Australia that looks at how greater densities and more housing cab be delivered in centres across the Illawarra.
As well as how that can generate more investment in the region.
Engaged in age
The IRT Foundation speaker series continues on June 2 at City Beach Function Centre with speaker Ian Barker QC talking on the subject A Life Rich In Experience.
Mr Barker, a 79 year old practising barrister with Frederick Gordon Chambers, is predominantly known for his legal career but has also been involved in human rights and civil liberties matters.
He has been invited to Wollongong to give his perspectives on the importance of staying actively engaged in work and the community as we age.
Need a Feed
Shaz Harrison-Shaw, of Need a Feed, has a chance to win $1000 for the charity that helps local families put food on the table. Help by voting at http://your.westfund.com.au/heroes before May 31.
Kinsmen doco support
The maker of a documentary about Australian variety act the Four Kinsmen has secured his first sponsor for the film.
Wayne Waples said the The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant had come on board but he really needed several more business’s in the Wollongong area to help him reach his production budget goal for The Four Kinsmen Documentary.
THE DIARY
May 20 – Angels at Work come to Business In Heels along with business tech tips at Bella Portofino Shellharbour.
❏ Illawarra Grammar School’s Biggest Morning Tea at The Lagoon Restaurant. Registrations tigs.nsw.edu.au/events-and-bookings.
❏ICT Illawarra (ICTI) hosts its next Lightning Talk.
❏Shellharbour City Business Network meets in Stockland Shellharbour community room for 2015 business tax tips.
May 21 – Shoalhaven Coast Winter Wine Festival launch at Gabbys Berry from 6pm.
❏McGrath Estate Agents office opening at 2/63 Burelli Street, Wollongong.
❏Five international business marketing experts deliver a sales and marketing mastery workshop at Centro CBD.
May 22 – Angels at Work corporate breakfast at Diggies.
❏ Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal business luncheon at City Beach Function Centre.
❏Illawarra Women In Business Coffee Club at Cleverlink.
❏Shaken Not Stirred Links Seaside black tie charity dinner to help Parkinson’s disease research.
❏IWIB Coffee Club at Cleverlink, Corrimal.
❏ Kerryn Barnett fundraiser at the Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow.
❏Small Business Basics Workshop at Illawarra ITeC.
❏Tamara Burchell fashion illustration workshop on drawing techniques at the George Street art studio in Warilla from 11am to 1.30pm.
May 24 – McGrath Foundation Signature High Tea at Seacliff Function Centre.
May 26 – Wollongong City Breakfast at the Wollongong Golf Club.
❏Little Leonardo’s Art Studio evening art class at Lagoon Seafood Restaurant. Information at info@littleleonardos.com.au or on 0242951042.
❏Illawarra Working Mums Networking Group at the Lagoon from 10am.
May 27 – Rotary Clubs of the Illawarra showcase their work at CBD Centro. It will involve four PhD students undertaking health research who are sponsored by local clubs. Catherine Kubel will speak on dementia, Jeremy Lum and Tara Hunt on mental health and Anthony Espinoza will talk about prostate cancer.
May 29 - WHY Documentaries is holding a private screening in Sydney of its documentary The Dalfram Dispute 1938: Pig Iron Bob.
❏ Minnamurra Café is the venue for the opening of local artist Jamie Cole’s exhibition Wavelength which is an abstract exhibition exploring the colourful coastline and marine-life of the Minnamurra area.
May 30 - Wollongong Eisteddfod begins and runs until July 5.
❏ Paddle Like and Angel at dawn on Lake Illawarra followed by the Angels at Work Markets at Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.
June 2 - The Illawarra Connection dinner with leadership expert Peter Baines of Hands Across the Water.
June 5 - The Property Council of Australia Illawarra lunch with keynote speaker Deloitte Access Economics partner Chris Richardson. The theme for the event is delivering density and reviving our urban centres.
❏ Illawarra Rugby League presents a State of Origin Lunch hosted by Today Show’s Tim Gilbert and featuring rugby league coaches such as Laurie Daley and Paul McGregor. Bookings from the Steelers Club on 4227 2255.
June 6 - Dragons Race Day at Kembla Grange.
June 18 - The Vinnies 2015 Annual CEO Sleepout in Wollongong.
June 21 - Banquet at the Beach at City Beach Function Centre.
