David Byers is a Bundjalung man and talented artist. A while ago, he was facing some hard times. With no income or food and looking for assistance, David came into The Family Centre and spoke with our Men and Family Services Coordinator. After getting some food organised, they then started chatting about his love of art – David hadn’t painted for 15 years and wanted to reconnect with his country through his art. The Men and Family Services Coordinator organised a donation of canvasses, paints and brushes so David could work on his art again. David visits The Family Centre regularly to say hello and to update us on his progress. Recently we were happy to find out that David has been commissioned to produce artwork for a local job network provider. He has a passion for painting sunsets and bringing the two styles of artwork together to make one.

If you would like to find out more about David’s artwork contact The Family Centre on (07) 55248711 or [email protected]

Connecting Home Youth and Family worker Jess took a group of young people from the Connecting Home program for a day out in Byron Bay. The purpose of the day was for the group to take some time out from stress in their current life situations and do something for themselves, as well as show them some places in the fantastic region we live in. It was great to get out in nature and to hike up and around the lighthouse. The highlight of the day was seeing all the dolphins.

Last week The Family Centre gave a fond farewell to Jack OLeary our Men and Family Services Coordinator at our monthly lunchtime concert held at Ground Control South Tweed Heads – celebrating Jack’s creativity and commitment to community development, and his love of music.

Jack has been a passionate supporter of men and families in the community over the last 7 years.  He has led the Family and Relationship Services (FaRS) program through many changes and assisted to take on new and innovative opportunities, including the foundational pilot work leading to The Family Centre being funded to support Male Victims of Domestic and Family Violence.

Jack has made an outstanding contribution to The Family Centre and has been influential in changing the way we see ourselves, and our role in the community.

We wish Jack the best for the future.

Books for Early Literacy was initiated by The Family Centre’s Volunteer Leadership Group (VLG). The VLG buys children’s books with funds collected in Donation Boxes placed in local businesses. The QBD bookshop Tweed City bookshop provides a discounted rate for the books.

The project gifts books to children who participate in child minding while parents are our attending courses, to children who attend playgroups, and to other children in families participating in our services. To date 600 books have been gifted as part of the program. If you would like to find out more about the program or make a donation phone (07) 5524 8711 or info@thefamilycentre,org.au

Congratulations to Family Centre Chairperson Pam Mitchell who recently travelled to Hungary to compete in the World Club Crew Competition. Pam’s team Burleigh Fire Dragons finished 2nd in the 200 metre race and 4th in the 500 metre race competing against over 600 paddlers from 26 countries. 

Pam has been dragon boating for 12 years and trains 4 times per week with her team.

Volunteering plays a big role in Jan’s life – many of you may have seen Jan out and about volunteering in your community to raise funds for Palliative Care, Murwillumbah CWA, Red Cross and The Family Centre.

Jan’s career in volunteering started with supporting her children’s activities at school and sporting groups 

‘Living in the bush people seem to help out wherever they can – whether it is with the school, local community hall, neighbour’s, and when there is an emergency’ said Jan.

Jan is a qualified Early Childhood Educator, taught for 22 years in the local area. She has a passion for early literacy, and was instrumental in setting up The Family Centre’s ‘Books as Gifts’ program.

Retiring from full time work in 2010 Jan started volunteering at The Family Centre in the Home Visiting program. The Home Visiting program assisted mothers with children in their homes. When the program ceased Jan took up work with The Family Centre, minding children whilst their parents where participating in Family Centre courses. During this time she continued to volunteer with The Family Centre and is one of the original members of the Volunteer Leadership Group.

In her spare time Jan is actively involved in the Mt Warning Dragon Boat Club – rowing 2-3 times per week and is currently the head coach. She has competed around Australia and the world and at the 2014 World Championships her crew won gold, silver and bronze. She is currently training for the World Championships in France 2020.

Jan is always on the go but for relaxation she belongs to a crochet group that meet every Monday morning where she enjoys a laugh, a bit of a gossip and trying to make something useful.

Jan will be 75 years old in November so has decided to retire from child minding but will continue to volunteer for The Family Centre.

Thank you Jan for all that you contribute to our community.

Tuesdays, 9.30-11.30 – Elevation Church, Tweed Heads West

WHAT ARE FAMILY CENTRE PLAYGROUPS?

Our playgroups are meeting places where parents & their children can play, share experiences and enjoy the support of other families and our playgroup facilitators.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Parents/carers and their children aged 0-5 years.

COME ALONG TO:

Learn creative ways to support your child’s development

Be part of a supportive environment where parents can meet and learn from each other

Access information and resources about parenting

Meet other parents/carers and enjoy a cuppa while the
children play

Identify and build on your individual parenting strengths

Connect with Family Centre staff and local service providers

Learn more about local community and health services

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL

For further information call (07) 5524 8711 or follow the link below

We are seeking suitably qualified and experienced person to join our team to coordinate the Community Based Suicide Prevention Project (CBSPP). The project will initiate and support local integrated multi-sector approaches and strong local engagement to design and implement strategies to reduce the prevalence of suicide, and suicidal behavior, in the Tweed and Byron shires.

Applicants will be required to undertake a criminal record check and a working with children
check. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

For further information please contact
David Boutkan at [email protected]

We are seeking suitably qualified and experienced people to join our Early Intervention & Intensive Family Preservation team on a casual basis for various assignments in Tweed, Ballina and Byron Shires.

Please forward your expression of interest and resume including 2 referees to
[email protected]

Applicants will be required to undertake a criminal record check and a working with children check. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

For further information please contact
David Boutkan at [email protected] or 
Nicole Julien at [email protected]

Thursday August 30, 10am–12pm. The Family Centre, Frances Street

FIND OUT ABOUT:

Our people and where we are located

Our work with children, young people, families, schools & communities

Our community activities and our partners

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

We look forward to seeing you at the info session

RSVP: Tuesday August 28 to (07) 5524 8711or [email protected]

Child minding is available please indicate if you need it when you RSVP