NEWS
The Western Community Centre AGMThursday 26th August 6.00pm
Agenda
2009 minutes
Chairperson Reports
Manager Reports
Audited Accounts
General Business
Election of Board
Board nomination forms must be completed 7 days prior to AGM and can be collected from
The Western Community Centre.
The lastest news and developments at the centre. If you have something you want to publicise please call or email the centre staff.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Western Wheels Learner Licence and Road Safety Course
It’s free to attend this 3 day course but it does cost to sit the learner licence test. Everyone who sits their first learner licence test must pay the Land Transport Safety Authority fee of $79.00. WINZ subsidies are available upon application. Applicants must enroll before the course start date to enable processing through the NZTA system. A fun and easy way to learn the road code in a relaxing atmosphere with other learners. Contact Aileen or Margaret to enrol.
Blending Families
Vision The blossoming Of the Family, Te Puawai O Te Whanau
The Blending Families initiative started as a one day event in 2008 co-ordinated by HCC Neighbourhood Advisor Ioana Manu and developed into a parenting course providing hands on activities, tools, resources and solutions to support families to grow healthy relationships between parents, step parents, children and step children. The next course is planned for March 2010, call Ioana on 847-4873 extn 2.
Community Forums and education evenings
As needs arise, we hold community forums and/or education evenings. We also host regular community networking meetings at our Centre. For information on dates please contact Ioana Manu, HCC Neighbourhood Advisor based at our Centre.
FAMILY SERVICES AND EVENTS
Community Family Support Worker
Margaret Higgins Dip. Counselling
A koha based service offered at the Centre Monday – Friday 9am-3pm, providing social work and family support, budgeting advice and information, parenting courses and one on one assistance to residents in our coverage area. Contact Margaret on 847-4873 extn 3 for an appointment.
Strengthening Families
Strengthening Families is an initiative with a goal to helping families get access to the services they need, in a caring and supportive environment. Strengthening Families is supported by agencies, such as Housing NZ, Police, CYFs, MSD, Schools and IRD who work alongside community agencies such as Western Community Centre, Family Start, Parentline, Catholic Family Services, Barnardos, Youth Horizons Trust, Family Works, and Rostrevor House. It is a family driven and focused process that empowers the family/whanau to be able to say who participates, where meetings are held, the date and time, the Facilitator and Lead Agency. To self refer or for more information contact Rei Mihaere direct on 856-1838 or 0275 902 481 reim@tekohaohealth.co.nz
Kaitātaki-a-Rohe / Whānau Development Worker Advertising
In 2009, KaR Louise Were worked very closely with whānau, hapu, iwi, and community groups on a special project to listen and gather the whakaaro (thoughts and views) of our Māori community, with the goal being the creation of a Community Vision and Action Plan for Māori living in Hamilton West. The draft plan was completed in January 2010, and is waiting appointment of a Whanau Development Worker in February 2010 to implement. It is hoped that through this plan, whānau will be empowered; key leaders in our community will be recognised, to lead positive development and see whānau live their potential in safe, positive environments.
Fruit & Vege Co-op @ WCC
46 Hyde Avenue, Nawton – order at reception
Fruit and vege packs are available for purchase from Thursday 21st January 2010. Orders taken at reception and must be paid for by 5pm Wednesday. $10 per pack for a minimum selection of 3 fruit and 3 vegetables. Contact Anita at reception 847 4873 extn 0.
Kotahi Playgroup – at the back of the section @ 108 Grandview Road, Nawton
The Playgroup runs from 9am-12pm every Monday and Friday during school term, in the pre-fab building at the back of the section (behind the front house occupied by City West. If you are interested in joining, please call in when the Playgroup is running or call Clarissa on 021 294 2961.
Mum to Mum Support Group – Weekly Tuesday 9:30am-11:30am in school terms
A support group run by the community and supported by the Western Community Centre. Regular gatherings create a supportive environment for Mums and their children. Held in the Kotahi Playgroup room at the back of 108 Grandview Road, Nawton. Contact Renee on 848 2304.
Grandparents raising grandchildren support group
Meetings are held within the support group’s homes and we would like to invite all grandparents who raise their grandchildren who wish to join to contact Lyn Falconer, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren’s Trust Inc. 07 855 7280 email lafynn@xtra.co.nz .
Yummy Mummy’s Support Group
Weekly Thursday 10am-12pm in school terms
A support group run by the community and supported by the Western Community Centre. Regular gatherings create a supportive environment for Mums and their children. Held in the Kotahi Playgroup room at the back of 108 Grandview Road, Nawton. Contact Margaret 847 4873 extn 3
HEALTH CLINICS IN HEALTH ROOM
Midwife clinics
Lena Williams is a registered independent midwife working in Hamilton and other outlying areas. Lena has a long association with Western Community Centre and provides care for women of all backgrounds, with a strong passion for Maori women and young mums. For all enquiries and bookings phone Lena direct on 846 6551 or 021 650890.
Every Wednesday at WCC – Plunket outreach clinic with Lisa Martin
Hamilton West Plunket nurse Lisa Martin runs weekly clinics at our Centre every Wednesday 9am-3pm – appointments can be made through Richmond Street Plunket on 839 3982.
Horizon Radiology – Ultrasound services Every Thursday at WCC
Sonographer Andrea Gibb comes with 30 years experience and has been living and working in Hamilton for the past 10 years. She offers all types of scans with her favourites being musculoskeletal and pregnancies, with baby scans and ACC injury scans FREE! For all bookings and enquiries, please phone 0800 888 7226 (no appointments through WCC reception).
Alternate Fortnights on Friday – Horizon Radiology starting from 15th January 2010. (delete the rest)
Alternate Fortnights on Friday – Plunket Community Karitane
Clinics will be held fortnightly on Fridays starting 22nd January 2010. Appointments with Katie can be made through Richmond Street Plunket on 839 3982.
EVENTS 2010
Children’s Day Annual Event March 2pm-6pm at Elliott Park. Sunday 7th March 2010
Celebrating Children by providing activities and new experiences free to all children. Face painting, bouncy castle, dunking tank, cooking, painting, Sing Star, sausage sizzle and other child friendly foods. Bring the kids and come and enjoy the day as a family.
Blending Families
Vision The blossoming Of the Family, Te Puawai O Te Whanau
The Blending Families initiative started as a one day event in 2008 co-ordinated by HCC Neighbourhood Advisor Ioana Manu. In March 2009 we followed up the event’s success with a custom made parenting course providing hands on activities, tools, resources and solutions to support families to grow healthy relationships between parents, step parents, children and step children. The next course is planned for September 2009, call Ioana on 847-4873 extn 2.
TREATS IN THE PARK 31st October every year
Our major annual event for families held at Elliot Park every 31st October. The event also showcases local talent and provides youth with an opportunity to positively contribute to the community through volunteering for the many jobs needed to be done to make the event a success. Supported by community organisations that operate in the West Hamilton Ward, this huge community event is attended by 4,000 community members, has been going for over 5 years and continues to grow each year. To volunteer for jobs contact Ani Nock, Youth Advisor 847 4873 extn 4.
Low Cost Living Expo
This expo is an opportunity to inform and educate families on ways to live effectively within their income, through a range of practical activities and resources. Highlights include the opportunity to taste many of the low costs meals from the low cost recipe book which is available free on the day. Contact: Ioana Manu 847-4873
COMMUNITY
Neighbours of Nawton
A crime prevention initiative run by Community Constable Willie Cuthers and HCC Neighbourhood Advisor Ioana Manu. Tune into Community Radio Hamilton AM1206 and 106.7FM every Friday 12:30pm-1:00pm or via website www.communityradio.co.nz. Contact Willie on 846-3064.
Western Community News – 20,000 copies published every 2 months!
Western Community News (WCN) is a bi-monthly 12 page community newspaper delivered FREE to residents of West Hamilton – that’s 18,500 households! WCN provides residents and community groups with an opportunity to profile citizens and organizations working in the Western community. Hamilton’s Fraser High School contribute 4 pages to the paper, keeping the community updated on school events. Advertising packages offer businesses and groups very reasonable rates in return for bi-monthly exposure directly into 18,500 homes, because we only aim to cover costs. The main goal is to share information on our community for our community. Cut off dates in 2010 for articles, photos and advertisements in the paper are 10th Feb, 24th March, 26th May, 28th July, 15th Sept & 26th Nov 2010. All queries please call Ioana on 847-4873 extn 2, Ani extn 4 or Nicki extn 9 or email wcn@wccham.org.nz.
Venue Hire
Venue hire – Western Community Centre has a large combined conference room that can fit over 100 and a sports complex room that sits 30. We also have a commercial kitchen on site available for hire by non-profit organisations. Community and corporate rates are charged depending on the type of organization. Call Ioana on 847-4873 extn 2 for rates and availability.
WESTEN STARS CHILDRENS PROGRAMMES AND SERVICES
Western Stars Holiday Programme – Held throughout the school year, usually the first week of school holidays.
The Western Stars Holiday Programme runs the first week of every school holidays at the Fraser High School Gym Complex on Ellicott Road. Children are divided into 4 age based Zones, the Starlight Zone 5-7 years, the Moonlight Zone 8-9 years, the Twilight Zone 10-12 years and the VIP Zone 13-14 years. The next programme runs from 6th-10th July with the final one for the year on 28th September-2nd October 2009. Cost per child per programme is $70. Check out our website www.westerncommunity.org.nz to download enrolment forms or contact Danielle on 847-4873 extn 5.
Western Stars After School Care
We are pleased to offer an after school care programme at our Centre, providing fun and stimulating activities as well as afternoon tea for the children. We still have places available in 2009, so if you are interested in enrolling your child, call Danielle on 847-4873 extn 5.
Western Stars After School Sports Programme only runs in fine weather. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at local parks in West Hamilton 4pm-5pm
The sports programmes run for the first 9 weeks of each school term and a different sport is played each week. It’s free and children are encouraged to turn up and have fun. Held at various parks in our area.
Mondays at Western Heights, Tuesdays at Crawshaw Park and Wednesdays at Nawton Park. This programme has been running smoothly for 5 years now and is supported by a grant from JR McKenzie Trust.
Hip Hop Classes - Run for 10 weeks over the School Term
The Hip Hop dancing classes are in their second year at the Centre. In March 2009, our community hip hop crew, the Nawton Cruisers, entered the Waikato Regional Street Dancing competition, held at Founders Theatre, where they came second! Classes run from 3:30pm-4:30pm and cost $2 per session or $20 for the full 10 week course – what a bargain! Tutor Rae Masters from NRoM. Contact Ani on 847-4873 extn 4 to enrol your child.
Community Sports Equipment Pool
A large range of groups and individuals borrow sports equipment from the pool of equipment the Centre oversees. Contact Ani Nock, HCC Youth Advisor at the Centre.
YOUTH PROGRAMMES AND SERVICES
City West Activity Centre
Western Community Association is proud to be able to support City West’s return to Nawton!
Situated at 108 Grandview Road, in the front building that used to be the Helping Hands Family Store, City West start again on the 2nd February 2009. City West was established in 1996 as an alternative learning centre for tauira struggling in schools around the western part of Hamilton. City West aim to create a safe environment for Rangatahi where they can re-engage with their learning of basic literacy and numeracy, supported with a life skills programme to help with their development as a teenager. The programme runs from 9am-3pm, 5 days a week during school terms. For more information contact James Koopu 021 159 6961 or 846-3353.
Youth events and programmes
The frequency of Youth events vary depending on need but WCC host at least 2 Youth events each year., inclusive of our major annual event Treats in the Park, where youth are encouraged to participate through volunteering for the many roles and activities that make the event successful. In 2009, HCC Neighbourhood Advisor Ioana Manu in partnership with local community constable Willie Cuthers is working on a programme for Pacific Island Youth, called “Auala to Success”. Wintec have provided some Adult Community Education funding to help meet the costs for the parenting component of the “Auala to Success” programme.
Youth mentoring
HCC Youth Advisor based at WCC is committed to encouraging youth involvement in positive social activities and works closely with the Western Stars Coordinator to encourage Youth participation in Western Stars programmes.
Youth trips
Four day trips per year are held for Youth who participate in Western Stars programmes as programme helpers, assistants and volunteers. Once a year a road trip is organized and spaces offered to all youth in the area. The last road trip youth went to the wave pools and ice skating.
Youth workshops
Are held at the Centre as needs arise. Last school holidays we ran a workshop for holiday programme youth workers on Working with Difficult Children. We are currently sourcing funding to run a child protection workshop for youth workers.
Community service hours – sponsor organisation
WCC are a sponsor organisation registered with Community Probation, Police Diversion and Youth Justice. Acceptance into the service is dependant upon an interview with the Youth Advisor Ani (for those under 18) or Services Co-ordinator Aileen (18 and over) and an agreement plan being signed and adhered to. From August, all community service workers will be interviewed by Aileen and to make an appointment time call 847-4873 Aileen extn 1.
SENIOR PROGRAMMES
Tai Chi
Every Tuesday and Friday Tai Chi for Seniors
We offer 2 community Tai Chi classes for Seniors each week. Tai Chi has been proven to improve mobility, flexibility and balance. Classes are held every Tuesday and Friday 10:30am-11:30am. Maureen Leong is the primary tutor. “Tai Chi is an ancient exercise practiced by warriors and sentries in China to help them maintain a relaxed state of readiness. It has since become a universal relaxing exercise regime adopted by men, women and young people throughout the world. Practising it will help you in many aspects of your life”. The group also enjoys the camaraderie and companionship amongst group members and welcomes all to come and join in the fun! We are trying to source a sponsor for Tai Chi now that CLANZ funding (Community Learning Aotearoa NZ) is no longer available due to budget cuts to Adult Learning.
Senior Shopping
Fortnightly on a Wednesday Senior Shopping
Held every pension pay week and run by volunteers, the Centre will collect those unable to shop for themselves and transports them to the Mall and assists them with their shopping. This is a vital service for seniors who are unable to drive and would normally struggle to get groceries and other items. Contact Anita or Aileen on 847-4873.
Senior luncheons
Monthly on third Thursday of each month –
Hosted by WCC, the luncheons provide an opportunity for Seniors in our area to meet, socialize, interact and enjoy some local entertainment. Transport is provided for those unable to drive. If you are interested in coming along, call Aileen on 847 4873 extn 1– the luncheons are pot luck and a great way to network and make new friends.
Senior Bus trips
We hold 3 bus trips a year, and they are well attended by 40-55 people each trip. A great opportunity for seniors to get together and have a day out of fun, food, travel and company. Call Aileen on 847 4873 extn 1 and ask for a Senior Calendar of Events for the next bus trip.
ESOL Home Tutors – ESOL Literacy classes – Learn English in your community
ESOL Literacy Classes
These classes are for adults who wish to learn English and had less than 6 years at school when they were children. Classes held in the Sports Complex room at Western Community Centre, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 12.15 – 2 .45pm starting 9 February 2009.
Social English group
Weekly at Salvation Army Centre 180 Grandview Rd, Nawton.
Wednesdays 10.00 – 11.30am. Pre Intermediate level. Starting 11 February 2009.
Contact: Elaine or Dianne at the Migrant Resource Centre 853 2188 for more information.