There’s more than meets the eye in Elmore
There must be something in the water in river-side Elmore. How else to explain the bright vitality and fresh faces of nonagenarians Ina, Nance and Elva?
At 91, 92 and 94 they’re defying the odds to be not only living independently at home, but out of the house three days a week; crafting, lunching, laughing.
“Well, Elmore is on underground bore water,” Elva says. “Didn’t you know that?”
Before you start bottling the local drop, it turns out at least part of the trio’s secret is their long-term attendance at the Elmore Social Support Group.
Seniors invited to walk for health and wellbeing in White Hills
Bendigo Community Health Services has joined forces with Healthy Loddon Campaspe to make walking easier for seniors in White Hills.
The new White Hills Wanderers walking group is meeting on Mondays at 9.30am until June 24.
Health Promotion officer Moni Sonsuwan said anyone aged 60 and older who wanted to get back into walking was welcome to join.
South Bendigo Bowls Club makes history
For more than 120 years the South Bendigo Bowls Club has been welcoming people for pleasure and pennant. But there’s never been an influx like the new group of bowlers coming week-by-week to master the art of the green line.
The club is thrilled to have ten new social members following a Bendigo Community Health Services Sports Inclusion program to introduce Karen people to lawn bowls.
The program has fostered participation in soccer, tennis, volleyball, rowing and more for Bendigo’s former refugee communities.
When South Bendigo Bowls Club member Iain Aitken attended one of BCHS’ Understanding Karen Culture sessions at another local sports club, he was keen to get his own sport involved.
Take the Anti Stigma Campaign survey
Bendigo Community Health Services is seeking to gather information on people’s experiences of stigma in the City of Greater Bendigo.
This month BCHS launches its second Anti Stigma Campaign to bring awareness of the impact stigma can have on individuals and within society.
Health Promotion Office Sebastian Goscha said the campaign also aimed to encourage people to take the time to listen to others’ stories and experiences, and ultimately to support each other.
“We’re highlighting the importance of acting without judgement; in our schools, workplaces, and in the wider community,” Sebastain said.
BCHS calls for liquor law compliance following mystery audit
Bendigo Community Health Services’ annual supply monitoring audit of local takeaway liquor outlets has revealed alcohol is being sold to people to who appear underage in Bendigo.
Late last year, BCHS sent mystery shoppers who appeared under the age of 18 into 32 local liquor stores. The audit showed that:
- 12 stores sold alcohol.
- 4 of the 12 sold alcohol even after the purchaser said they didn’t have ID.
- 20 stores asked for ID and refused to sell if the purchaser said they didn’t have ID.
- 13 per cent of chain stores sold alcohol without asking for ID.
- 40 per cent of independent stores sold alcohol without asking for ID.
- 33 per cent of franchise stores sold alcohol without asking for ID.
- Alcohol signage laws were visible in 75 per cent of audited stores, and 29 per cent of these did not request for ID from the purchaser.
Working towards reconciliation and healing
Bendigo Community Health Services has taken important steps on its path to partner respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. BCHS’ Reconciliation Action Plan was launched to staff this week, which reflects on actions to date and outlines a way forward towards healing.
CEO Mandy Hutchinson said the Reflect RAP provided a framework to build strong and respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities.
Click image to view the plan.
Hey Maree, we’re proud of you!
When Maree Dixon convened the first headspace support session for parents and carers of trans and gender diverse young people in Bendigo eight years ago, she wasn’t sure if it was only going to be the manager, her husband and herself attending.
“That wasn’t the case at all,” she says. “We had a room full of parents and carers. I knew then how much this group was needed.”
Since then, the group has continued to meet twice a month – once for specific support, and once for a meal out, helping smooth the path for – and celebrate the lives of – local LGBTIQA+ young people and their families.
Take the First Step this autumn with BCHS
Bendigo Community Health Services is sending out a city-wide invitation to Take the First Step to healthy eating and active living.
Autumn is undoubtedly the best time in Bendigo to get out to the many parks, gardens, pools, walking and cycling paths and get started on the recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day.
Likewise, the season brings lots of fresh of fresh produce, and much of it locally grown. BCHS is encouraging locals to munch on a granny smith, snack on a pear, plus incorporate the optimal five veggies into their daily meals.
Launching hope and care for those with endometriosis and pelvic pain
Bendigo Community Health Services will mark International Women’s Day with a step in the right direction for people experiencing the challenges of endometriosis and pelvic pain.
The day will feature Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon Ged Kearney officially opening the federally-funded* BCHS Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic.
Assistant Minister Kearney will tour the Hargreaves Street clinic, meet staff and guests and talk about the impact of a condition that affects at least one in nine Australian women.
BCHS nurse Mary-Anne McCluskey said that impact was huge, yet often under-recognised.
Tough Talks vaping video reveals concerns of young people in Bendigo
Bendigo Community Health Services’ Health Promotion team spoke to young people about the dirty tactics the tobacco industry uses to get a new generation hooked on nicotine. And then we made a video to record the young people’s reactions.
