STEVEN BRADBURY - 'Last man standing' will be in Scone 28th June 2013

Scone Neighbourhood Centre

Presents

STEVEN BRADBURY

Since his remarkable victory Steven is inspiring people all over the world spreading his message of passion and persistence. Steven’s story is one of the true Aussie battler who overcomes all kinds of adversity to achieve the ultimate goal. Some people have described Steven Bradbury’s victory as lucky. But winning Olympic gold took a lot more than just luck!

Friday 28th June 2013 – 6.30pm for 7.00pm start

Scone RSL – Upstairs Auditorium

Bar Snacks served throughout the night – tea and coffee available

Also featuring Scone Singers and Dr Steve Sylvester

Tickets $15.00 (proceeds to future Neighbourhood Centre projects)
available from Neighbourhood Centre 130 Liverpool Street, Scone

and Aberdeen Neighbourhood Centre 22 Moray Street, Aberdeen

More info 6545 2562

You are Invited to -

 ‘A little bit of information’

can go a long way….. 

Bill Howey

Thursday 2^nd May 2013  - 6.30pm 

at the Scone Neighbourhood Centre 130 Liverpool Street, Scone

entry through Main Street doors.

Local resident and recent Councillor Bill Howey is a former Rural Ambassador for the Black Dog Institute. Bill will present on ‘His Story’ and ‘Dealing with Demons’. He will seek to demystify, de-stigmatise and dignify issues relating to anxiety, anger, stress and various types of depression illness. Bill will cite myriad examples of famous and brilliant people throughout history who have suffered and how they ‘dealt with their demons’ not always successfully? We are in eclectic company!

No booking necessary

Additional information phone Lee 6545 2562 or email lee.scone@pacific.net.au 

Congratulations to the Upper Hunter Mens Shed who held there opening this month.

The shed located in Oxford Road, Scone was officially opened by the Hon George Souris Member for the Upper Hunter. The weather was brilliant and the support was fantastic!!!

The Virtual Shed are pleased to have been a part of the Mens Shed beginnings.

Bunnan Community BBQ

Hi fellers, the next Community BBQ for Blokes hosted by the Scone Neighbourhood Centre is happening on Saturday, 2nd February 2013 from 6:30 pm to 8:30pm at the Bunnan Hall, Bunnan.

We're looking forward to getting out there, firing up the barbie and having a presenter from the NSW Cancer Council share some tips on cancer prevention.

I'm sure this is particularly pertinent to those fellers who spend a lot of time outdoors.

This is also just a great chance to catch up with your neighbours and share in community spirit in a casual setting. So why not take a bit of time out from your busy schedules and recharge? Bookings are essential for catering purposes and can be made by phoning the Neighbourhood Centre on 6545 2562.

Heat Wise - Tips on Keeping Safer

This year has seen some extreme temperatures with the weather bureau predicting more to come. At it's most extreme heat can result in a person experiencing heat stroke which can be a potentially life threatening condition.

This happens when the body's core temperature rises above 40.5 degrees and can result in serious medical conditions which will need to be treated as an emergency. To a lesser extent, prolonged exposure to heat can result in suffering from heat stress - not as debilitating as heat stroke, but still very uncomfortable and debilitating. NSW Health, in their Heat Stroke Factsheet has more information and some very useful tips to avoid becoming badly affected by the heat.

People at particular risk of experiencing heat stress or stroke are:

• people over 75 years
• babies and young children
• people with chronic diseases (high blood pressure, heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes or circulatory diseases)
• people who are obese
• people on some medications
• people who are socially isolated
• people who work outdoors or in hot and poorly ventilated areas
• people engaging in vigorous physical activity in hot weather
• people who are not acclimatized to the heat, e.g., overseas visitors.

Ways to help avoid becoming affected by heat stress include:

• drinking plenty of water or other cool, non-alcoholic drinks. (Check with your doctor if you are on limited fluids or fluid pills)
• stay indoors or in the shade
• staying cool and keep air circulating around you. Use air-conditioning if possible (if you don't have air-conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping centre or public library)
• reducing physical activity and avoiding vigorous exertion in hot weather
• resting often if activity is unavoidable
• eating regular light meals
• wearing lightweight clothing
• taking a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
• checking on older, sick and frail people who may need help coping with the heat (at least twice a day)
• never leave a person or pets in a closed parked car.

Follow these tips and look after yourselves - and if you know anyone at particular risk, please, take some time and check on them.

 

 

A Celebration of Grandads!

Grandads play an important and sometimes overlooked role in families and the community. In celebration of this contribution, the Scone Neighbourhood Centre would like to invite grandads to an evening of celebration on Wednesday 28 March at the Neighbourhood Centre from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm for a free BBQ followed by a fun, informative discussion with Ray Muddle from Interrelate about what makes a great grandad. It’s a chance to meet other grandfathers, share your experiences and learn from each other.

Researchers have found that grandchildren who have a close relationship with a grandfather are likely to perform well in school, display positive emotional adjustment, have higher self-esteem, and a greater ability to develop and maintain friendships. Grandfathers who report having close relationships with grandchildren describe the significant joy they experience as a result.

Grandfathers make many invaluable contributions as a sounding board, as someone who can pass on positive values and provide a strong sense of family. We are offering grandfathers and even grandfathers to be an invitation to come along to a free evening to share their stories and tips about the joys of being a granddad.

To book your attendance phone the Neighbourhood Centre on 6545 2562 by close of business 24 March 2012.

November is Movember - Support your Mo Bros!

Hey fellers, November is Movember - the month when blokes cultivate and proudly display their moustaches to promote and support their commitment to mens health.

On Tuesday, 15 November a group of riders who are riding from Brisbane to Melbourne to promote Movember will be in Scone.

The Neighbourhood Centre and Upper Hunter Mens Shed are hosting a free BBQ for blokes to come and meet the riders, hear their stories and support the cause. The BBQ is at the mens Shed in Oxford Rd Scone from 6:30 pm and bookings can be made by phoning us at the Neighbourhood Centre on 6545 2562. Be a Mo Bro ... support yourself and support your mates.

Come along to Secret Men's Business

Secret Mens Business

The Scone Neighbourhood Centre through its Virtual Shed project is
hosting a free seminar for rural men on 28 October at the Country
Women’s Association rooms in Surman St, Scone from 9:30 am to 4:00
pm.

The seminar, presented by Sandra Martin and Natalie Shephard, who
have a wealth of experience in working with rural men, will offer an
opportunity to gain valuable skills in becoming a leader, mentor, and
role model within your community through increased self-confidence,
awareness and understanding of others.

Some of the things covered in the seminar include: what makes women
tick- understand how they think and communicate effectively with
them, leadership, how to look good and feel good – motivating and
inspiring others and how to get your message across respectfully and
effectively.

Bernie Rischke, project officer for the Scone Neighbourhood Centre said,
“We are pleased to be able to present this seminar to the men of the
Upper Hunter and encourage people to attend. It’s a great opportunity
to learn some valuable skills that can be applied in all walks of life – at
work, at home and in your community.”

Lunch, morning and afternoon tea will be supplied and bookings are
essential. Bookings can be made by phoning the Scone Neighbourhood
Centre between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm Monday to Friday or leave a
message on our answering machine out of hours on 6545 2562.

Big Boys Toys

Hey fellers, on September 3rd, 2011 the Aberdeen "Big Boy's Toys" day is happening at Jefferson Park in Aberdeen. All sorts of toys for boys will be there - cars, bikes and machinery of all types and sizes; as well as stalls and a whole bunch of other interesting things to keep you entertained.

Scone Neighbourhood Centre in partnership with the Hunter Division of Rural Practioners will be there too with a "Pit Stop" health check station.

Pit Stops are a fun way to have your "car" - in this case your body - checked over quickly to see if you are at risk of developing heath problems that might need attending to by a "mechanic".

So, if you're going to be checking out the toys, why not come over to our booth and see if you can pass the pits?

Community BBQ at the Mens Shed in Scone

The Scone Neighbourhood Centre through its project for men is hosting a free BBQ on Thursday, August 4 at the Upper Hunter Mens Shed in Oxford Rd, Scone.

The BBQ, starting at 11:30 am is planned to be fun, healthy and interactive with the opportunity for men to come along and participate while learning some tips and tricks for preparing simple, healthy and flavorsome food.

Megan Jackson, dietician with the Rural Primary Health Service will be sharing her expertise and offering tips on how to make sense of food labels, making small changes to your eating that can have long term health benefits and be available to answer questions.

Bernie Rischke, project officer for the Scone Neighbourhood Centre said, “A couple of things featured prominently in a recent survey of men we conducted with Community BBQs and information about healthy lifestyle proving to be of real interest to the men in the Upper Hunter. This is a great way to combine the two.”

Men who are interested in coming along to the BBQ are asked to contact the Scone Neighbourhood Centre on 6545 2562 for more information or to book by Tuesday, 2 August.

Scone Neighbourhood Centre's "Virtual Shed" Three More Years

The Scone Neighbourhood Centre is pleased to announce its popular Virtual Shed project has received another lease of life after the announcement that funding through the Federal Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs has been extended for an additional three years.

The grant of $282,000 has been offered through the Department’s Community Investment Program and will allow the Scone Neighbourhood Centre to continue to engage rural men through various workshops in the Upper Hunter region and facilitate discussion on topics such as drought, family breakdowns, grandparenting and parenting. It provides opportunities for men to establish and maintain support networks, as well as a referral service to a range of agencies.

The Virtual Shed project has now been running for almost four years and during that time has offered men in the upper Hunter over forty activities ranging from high profile guest speakers, community BBQs, fishing trips, activities for dads with kids and a wide range of information and resources about health.

The Virtual Shed has also been the springboard for the establishment of the Upper Hunter Men’s Shed in Scone and generating interest in Murrurundi for a Men’s Shed.

We are looking at running some new and innovative activities and workshops for men over the next three years and encourage comments and ideas to continue making this project interesting and relevant. We also invite other agencies who would like to work with us in developing activities for men to make contact with the service.

To help us with our planning, please take 60 seconds to complete our survey

For more information, contact Bernie Rischke at the Scone Neighbourhood Centre on 6545 2562.

Anh Do Sheds for Scone

In the tradition of ending the Virtual Shed year with top quality speakers and entertainers, the Scone Neighbourhood Centre is bringing Anh Do, comedian and author to Scone Bowling Club on Saturday 21 May.

Anh Do has played to sell out crowds at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and The Sydney Opera House.

As one of Australia's most sought after stand-up comedians, Anh is an accomplished comedian and MC with ten years experience. A talented writer, actor, producer and comedian, Anh is a speaker and entertainer not to be missed.

After bagging every comedy award in town, including the Sydney Comedian of the Year, and appearing on every television show featuring comedians including Rove Live and The Footy Show, Anh finally realized his regular gigs at Rooty Hill bikers club would one day get him killed. Since then, Anh has turned to his hand to acting, film producing and writing. More recently, Anh was awarded the Australian Independent Booksellers book of the year prize for his memoir, "The Happiest Refugee".

Tickets for the function are available throught the Scone Neighbourhood Centre at 130 Liverpool St, Scone or the Aberdeen Information Centre. For more information, contact us at the Neighbourhood Centre on 02 6545 2562.

Free Community BBQs

An important facet of what the Virtual Shed project has been all about is to get the message out to men in the Upper Hunter that taking care of your health is important. That includes physical, mental, relationship and financial health.

Now, there is no denying that visits to your GP, contacting support services when in need of help and having regular checkups is vitally important. But aside from that, there is ample evidence that being actively involved in your family or community has massive health benefits too.

Social isolation can literally be deadly.

And so, in promoting healthy lifestyles for men, we believe our community BBQs are an ideal way to connect with your neighbours and community in a fun, relaxing way.

And so, the Scone Neighbourhood Centre through the Virtual Shed project is hosting free community BBQs for men in the Upper Hunter, the first of which will be at the Bunnan Hall on Saturday, April 16 from 6:30 pm.

Guest speaker at this BBQ will be Todd Andrews from the NSW Department
of Industries and Investment who will share some interesting insights into
international farming practices that should prove to be instructive.

The Bunnan BBQs have proven to be very popular in past years with a great
turnout and I look forward to the men enjoying their get-together.

Also in April, there will be a Community BBQ at the Upper Hunter Men’s Shed
located behind the Senior Citizens’ Centre in Oxford Rd, Scone. The lunch
time BBQ will be held on April 21 from 11:30 am and featuring Stuart
Torrance, Coordinator for the Hunter Cluster of Mens Sheds.

Men of all ages are invited to attend and learn more about the value of getting
involved in the growing mens shed movement across Australia.
Bookings are essential for catering purposes and can be made by phoning
the Neighbourhood Centre on 6545 2562.

Wayne Pearce in Aberdeen

The Scone Neighbourhood Centre through the Virtual Shed will be featuring Wayne Pearce as the guest speaker at Aberdeen Sports & Recreation Club Golf Club)on Saturday evening November 13.

Wayne is one of Australia's most respected and highest profile rugby league identities.

He carved out an illustrious career in rugby league where he represented and captained the Balmain Tigers, New South Wales and Australia from 1980 to 1990. In 1988, whilst still a current player he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to rugby league and the community. At representative level, Wayne played fifteen State of Origins for New South Wales from 1985 to 1988, including the first ever State of Origin clean-sweep in 1986.

Wayne also played eighteen Test matches for Australia. On the 1982 "Invincibles" Kangaroo Tour, he was voted best player on the tour and in the 1984 Ashes campaign against Great Britain, he was again voted player of the series.
In 1985, Wayne won the Rothman’s Medal (Rugby League’s equivalent of the Brownlow Medal) as the best player in the game.

Former team-mate and fellow international Steve Roach gives Wayne a good wrap - he said, "Junior was the toughest bloke I ever saw. He had a strength of character and a never-say-die spirit that was indomitable.
Whilst developing his football career, Wayne completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of New South Wales which included three years of psychology studies.

This background was particularly useful when he retired from playing and commenced a professional coaching career with the Balmain Tigers. He was so successful as the Tigers coach that he was appointed New South Wales state of origin coach.”

Tickets are available from the Scone Neighbourhood Centre – a contribution of $20 per person or $100 for a table of six for catering and to support the work of the Virtual Shed is requested.

Phone 02 6545 2562 for more information.


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Phoenix Rising

Back in May, I published a blog proclaiming the end of the Virtual Shed project - and a mere two hours later the Neighbourhood Centre received a call informing us that we'd been offered an extention to our grant to continue the Virtual Shed another twelve months.

So, like Phoenix rising from the ashes, the Virtual Shed has another life. Our thanks go to the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs for considering the work we've been doing important enough to keep funding the project. To say we've been overwhelmed by the show of faith is an understatement.

Now it's getting back to the grind-stone to organise interesting speakers and events for the men of the Upper Hunter while continuing to promote community building, good health and overcoming adversity.

We plan to have four major functions and at least four smaller community gatherings over the next twelve months. So, if you'd like to invite the Virtual Shed to host a function in your town in the Upper Hunter Shire, drop me a line at virtualshed@pacific.net.au or phone on 02 6545 2562 to talk about what sort of activity you'd like to have. Be creative with your ideas but bear in mind the focus needs to be about promoting healthy lifestyle.

And for those who are unaware, a group has formed to get a communal mens shed happening in Scone. The Upper Hunter Mens Shed currently has a drop in service at the rear of the Scone Neighbourhood Centre in Liverpool St each Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm when men of all ages are welcome and encouraged to pop in for a cuppa, chat and companionship. So, come along and see where the Shed is heading.

They're also looking at working on some Community Projects with re-spraying the metal legs of 70 chairs for the Neighbourhood Centre already underway. So why not come along and join in on the fun?

Farewell to the Virtual Shed

Saturday 5 June at the Scone Bowling Club will see the final ever Virtual Shed function being held from 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.

The Final Shed will feature Broderick Smith & Matt Taylor performing. Broderick was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2009 as a member of “The Dingoes” – famous for their country/rock anthem “Way Out West”. Broderick has a long history as a performer and has released fifteen albums to date, nine under his own name, recording both here in Canada and the US. He has recorded with Cat Stevens, Jimmy Barnes, Steve Cropper, The Memphis Horns, Buffy Saint Marie, Ted Egan, Tommy and Phil Emmanuel. The list goes on and on.

An artist of this calibre rarely comes to Scone, so make sure you don’t miss out. Phone the Scone Neighbourhood Centre on 6545 2562 to secure your booking.

Entry is a gold coin donation and finger food/bar snacks will be provided.

After three years the funding provided by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs has ended. This funding has been a huge boon to the Scone Neighbourhood Centre and the men of the Upper Hunter who have benefited from the many events, workshops and functions we have held.
Over the three years I have seen a real increase in awareness of some of the major health issues affecting men - especially men in a community that has been hit hard by drought and economic downturn.

Over three years I have seen men show an increased willingness to share the problems that affect them, take charge and seek help from the professional services on offer, gain an understanding that there is no shame in asking for help and become involved in activities that strengthen their families and communities.

We have received amazing support from many individuals, community groups, not-for-profit agencies, local, state and federal government agencies and service clubs. There are too many to name; but their support has been invaluable in making the Virtual Shed the success it has been.

This will be a men's only function - so show your support and book now!

Mens' Shed Committee

Exciting stuff is happening with the Men's Shed in the Upper Hunter.

One thing we've been trying to achieve through the Virtual Shed Project is generate interest in the formation of a committee willing to take responsibility for getting a permanent Communal Men's Shed happening in or near Scone. The Upper Hunter is sorely lacking in this sort of community asset with only the one functioning Shed in Merriwa.

Late March saw the first meeting of a group of interested men wanting to make this a reality in other parts of the Upper Hunter Shire. Since then, three more meetings have been held each Friday at the Scone Neighbourhood Centre seeing a Steering Committee formed.

Over these meetings, some great energy has been shown with ideas flying thick and fast about how to make this all happen. Committee members have been active in following up leads, exploring options and getting their heads around the formalities of getting a Shed for men to participate in.

Strong interest in the Men's Shed has been shown not only by the men involved in the project, but several other Community Groups in the district who are very interested in working in partnership with the Men's Shed on future projects. This support is great to see.

For the Men's Shed to become a reality and sustain itself over the years to come it will need support from all quarters and in particular, involvement from men across the Shire - if not in the planning, at the very least in becoming a member or taking advantage of the opportunity to have a cuppa.

If you want to become involved, or just learn more about what's being planned, feel free to contact Bernie at the Scone Neighbourhood Centre (02 6545 2562).

Bunnan and Scone Update

Bunnan: Rural towns and villages have a strong history of close knit communities where people know and greet each other in the streets and look out for each other in tough times. The blokes of Bunnan kept that tradition alive on Sunday night when they gathered at the Bunnan Hall for a BBQ hosted by Scone Neighbourhood Centre’s Virtual Shed project.

A good turnout of some seventeen men from Bunnan gathered together to enjoy each other’s company, relax, share stories and hear speakers Linden Green and Tony Rockley.

Linden Green, from Interrelate in Newcastle gave an overview of the range of services offered by Interrelate including relationship counseling, family mediation and classes in parenting. Linden also spoke about the importance and value of developing and maintaining close knit communities especially as a way of “inoculating” against potential health problems. Mr Green said, “A real problem where communities have disintegrated is people lose their connectedness. This can increase the risk of depression in particular. Having a place like a hall, a shed, a tennis club or any other regular social get-together has huge benefits in reducing that risk.”

Tony Rockley, publicity officer for Muswellbrook Toastmasters entertained the gathering with a range of stories and offered valuable information about the NSW Ambulance service where he works as a paramedic. Mr Rockley spoke about how his involvement in Toastmasters has opened many opportunities for him and how it could do the same for others who are interested In participating.

This project is due to wind up at the end of June, so it was great to get back out to Bunnan. Blokes enjoying an evening out, getting a perspective on how things can change for the better; learning more about services, getting involved in activities and simply spending time with each other in a relaxed atmosphere is what this project is all about. Well done Bunnan!

Scone: Hot on the heels of the BBQ in Bunnan, the Virtual Shed had an evening in Scone last Friday. Thanks go to Michael Dooley from the Christian Information Centre for making the venue available to us, helping promote the evening and setting the venue up so all could go smoothly on the night.

It was a bit disappointing to see only about fifteen men turn up on the night, but despite the small turn out, it was a great evening. Dr Steve Sylvester from the Scone Medical Practice gave a very informative and entertaining talk about important men's health matters. As always, he was well received. Ollie Hall spoke about his experience with prostate problems and stressed the importance of getting checked out by your GP early. Many thanks go to Ollie who stepped in at the last minute to fill in after another speaker was unable to attend on the night.

The keynote speaker was Chris "Buddha" Handy who shared some fascinating insights into his life as a rugby player, commentator and community worker. "Buddha" proved to be very entertaining and interesting.

Get fed, get entertained, get involved -Get to Aberdeen

The Virtual Shed in partnership with the Upper Hunter Museum of Rural Life invite men and women in the community to meet and hear the internationally acclaimed artist, Greg Wilson, speak at Aberdeen on Thursday, February 18.

At age 24, Wilson was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident in Paddington, severing the main artery in his neck and being pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene before they were able to bring him back to life.
During a traumatic four-year recovery period, plagued by depression, anger and confusion, he called upon previously acquired skills in art and woodwork to begin sculpting and painting. It was the beginning of an exciting and rewarding journey.
“Greg’s story is inspirational and a reminder of how doing something you love and keeping active, whether it’s painting, working with clay, turning wood, tinkering on old machinery, or anything to keep your hands and mind busy, can have a huge positive effect.” said Bernie Rischke, project officer for the Virtual Shed.

John Scriven from the Upper Hunter Museum of Rural Life said, “The Museum Committee has been very interested in being associated with a Men’s Shed for a number of years. We’d love anyone interested in being part of a Men’s Shed committee to come along on the night and offer their support. We see the Shed as being somewhere men can come and have an outlet to do things or just spend some time out in a place with other men. One thing we want to encourage is passing on skills that are being lost to the community.”

“This is an exciting development for the Virtual Shed Project,” said Mr Rischke, “We will be hosting functions for the men of the Upper Hunter to the end of June in the format that’s become familiar, but having others come on board to keep the concept going beyond the end of the project, and work towards the establishment of a permanent Shed for men, is something we welcome. Not only has interest been shown in Aberdeen, but early March will see another function in Scone at which the committee will be formed to press forward with the idea.”

Greg Wilson can be heard at St Marks Hall, Aberdeen on February 18 with a BBQ starting at 6:30 pm. A gold coin donation to support the Project is requested and bookings are essential. To book, contact the Scone Neighbourhood Centre on 6545 2562 by close of business February 10.