Posts related to 'social inclusion'

Women’s Health East Annual General Meeting

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 18th of November, 2008

Located at 28 Warrandyte Road in Ringwood, Women’s Health East is a community based women’s health agency. The organisation aims to lead, promote and supports health initiatives for women within Melbourne’s eastern region.

Today’s annual general meeting discussed the Health Promotion Plan, which identified the key priorities over the next three years. The plan includes a focus on violence against women, reproductive health and mental health and wellbeing.

Women’s Health East has an emphasis on advocacy, as well as health promotion and the organisation’s first factsheet assists in both of these aims. The factsheet, which is on violence against women, identifies the reported cases of violence and ongoing concerns over the under-reporting of such crimes.

Local government has the potential to promote health and wellbeing and encourage gender equity. As a candidate in the council elections I recently signed my commitment to the Action Plan for Women’s Health 2008-2012 and Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan will be able to assist in implementing these aims.

Ambleside Tours 10th Anniversary

Published by Alex Makin on Saturday 15th of November, 2008

Ambleside Tours, based in Heathmont, provides holidays and day tours for people with disabilities. Each trip includes drivers, carers and other helpers to ensure that assistance is available if required.

Ambleside Tours, which began as a day trip for three people with disabilities, has grown over the 10 years to provide a range of travel destinations for all people of all abilities. Ambleside Tours promotes the abilities of each individual and its senior management are heavily involved with community advocacy for people with disabilities.

It is great to see business success stories such as Ambleside Tours, particularly when they assist people that are often marginalised within our communities. Businesses like Ambleside Tours help ensure social inclusion so that all people in our community can participate in recreational opportunities.

Volunteer Recognition Function 2008

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 13th of November, 2008

Volunteers form the lifeblood of any society through the time and dedication they provide to assist the wider community. Today’s Volunteer Recognition Function provided an opportunity to thank the many volunteers that devote their time to creating a better Maroondah.

Whether its people providing Meals on Wheels, advocacy on behalf of their community, assisting in causes such as Red Cross, or delivering services through community houses and other facilities, volunteers are essential to any municipality. One of the key challenges facing our society is the need to encourage additional volunteers so that the spirit of our community can continue to flourish.

I would like to thank the many volunteers within Maroondah and the many community groups that I have met over the past three years. I thank you for the time you have provided to the many causes and services that exist within Maroondah.

Rotary Club of Ringwood - establishing regional partnerships

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 12th of November, 2008

The Rotary of Ringwood, is one of the many Rotary clubs within Australia and part of Rotary International which comprises of 1.2 million members worldwide.

Today’s meeting discussed the potential to establish a community partnership with the Rotary Club of Kaninva, located in the Shire of West Wimmera, to provide assistance to this drought affected region. The project would be modelled on the successful Boroondara Cares program which provides support for within the Moira Shire located along the Murray River in Northern Victoria.

Officebearers of the Rotary Club of Ringwood will be travelling to Kaniva in early December to discuss the project in further detail and to witness the effects of drought within this part of regional Victoria.

Following this visit, the Rotary Club of Ringwood will formulate a strategy to provide relief and lasting community partnerships with Kaniva and the Western Wimmera.

Service Above Self is one of the key tenants of Rotary and this project certainly has the potential to create strong community partnerships and contribute to the wellbeing of regional Victoria.

Eastern Access Community Health 2008 AGM

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 6th of November, 2008

Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) is a community based organisation that delivers an holistic approach to community health and support services across Melbourne’s eastern region, including Boroondara, Manningham, Whitehorse, Monash, Maroondah, Knox and the Yarra Ranges. EACH provides a range of community health services, including counselling, disability support services, respite care, assistance for gamblers and is also a registered training organisation.

Tonight’s annual general meeting provided an opportunity for the board and management team to discuss the taxation rulings that threatened the Donation Gift Recipient (DGR) and Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) status of Eastern Access Community Health. The loss of this status would restrict the organisation’s capacity to attract donations and would result in adverse tax treatment, including the loss of Fringe Benefit Tax exemptions.

Given the adverse ramifications of the taxation rulings it has been proposed that EACH be constituted as a company limited by guarantee. This would assist in meeting these challenges and allow EACH to continue to expand its services in community health provision.

The guest speaker was human rights advocate Julian Gardiner, who spoke about the need to break down the systemic human rights inequities that exist within society and perpetuate disadvantage. Inclusive communities, where human rights are respected, assist in removing disadvantage through ensuring that everyone is able to participate. Julian discussed how a lack of access into buildings or a lack transport choice can limit social inclusion and as a result entrench disadvantage.

Organisations like EACH, through their holistic approach to community health, contribute to reducing this disadvantage to create an inclusive community with opportunities for all people. For further information on Eastern Community Health please visit www.each.com.au.