issue 3 2012 - ccfsnaq newsletter
DESCRIPTION
The 3rd issue for 2012 of the CCFSNAQ NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
NETWORKER’S NEWSLETTERWelcome to the Community Centre and Family Support Network Association QLD Inc Networker's Newsletter. The newsletter endeavours to share useful information with members of the CCFSNAQ as well as supporting our members to build Community.
ISSUE 3, 2012
The Regions
CentralFar NorthFar WestGreater BrisbaneNorthSouthSouth WestSunshine
Contact Details
M: CCFSNAQ C Blunt PO Box 260 Smithfield Q 4878
T: 4038 1644F: 4038 2328E: W: ccfsnaq.org
IN THIS ISSUE
Responses to Funding CutsRegional RoundupAnti-Poverty Weekand more ...
Dear Members and Supporters welcome to this edition of the
CCFSNAQ Newsletter.
You will have to agree that it has been a busy and somewhat
stressful few months as organisations come to terms with the
fallout of cost-cutting by the LNP Government. I am sure all of
you have been touched in some way. It was a sad day when I
opened the letter from the Director General of the Department of Communities
informing me that the CCFSNAQ had been defunded.
We held our 2012 Annual General Meeting in Brisbane on the morning of August
30th. The meeting was well attended with each region represented. Regional
Reps and Proxies were elected for all regions bar the SOUTH and conversations are
happening in relation to a possible Representative for that Region. The Executive
all remain in their current positions for another 12 months and Geoff Roberson will
continue in the role of Executive Officer but with reduced hours. There were guests
from QCOSS and PeakCare and the support for the Association was humbling.
What a meeting, I thank all who attended for their overwhelming show of support.
Let me reassure you that CCFSNAQ will come back from this stronger than ever.
Now, as Centres across the state come to terms with losing some of their services
they are now faced with a reduction in their core funding. In saying this, the
determination and strength of the sector is shining through as Centres adjust to
this cost cutting.
What are we doing about the current situation I hear you ask? The CCFSNAQ is
committed to working with QCOSS on the issues of viability and sustainability of
Neighbourhood and Community Centres and how they position themselves to
survive even prosper in the current government's policy and ethos. We will also be
embarking on a Campaign, joining with the National Body, to secure Direct Gift
Recipient (DGR) status for all Neighbourhood and Community Centres.
I am off on a well-earned three week break and look forward to catching up when I
return to the chair at the end of October.
Cheers Colleen
FROM THE PRESIDENT
2011 State Committee
Sunshine RepresentativeKerry LongHervey Bay Community Centre
T: 41943050
Greater Brisbane Representative
Trish Cattermole
Acacia Ridge Comm Support Ctr
T: 3379 6963
F: 07 3379 4757
Far North Kylie BockHambleton House Community
Centre
T: 4045 0222
Representative
South Representative
Is This You?
Far West Representative
Chris Connor
Mt Isa FSS & Neighbourhood Ctr
T: 4743 4506
M: 0431 327 372
Executive Officer
Geoff Roberson
T: 4038 1644
M: 0439 600 136
President
Colleen Blunt
T: 4038 1644
Treasurer
Helen Hobson
T: 4744 0144
Secretary
Tracey Jones
T: 4787 4798
Sth West Representative
Angela Harrison
Graham House Community Centre
T: 4168 3232 F: 4168 3549
Central Representative
Merrilyn Richmond
Emerald & District
Neighbourhood Centre
T: 4982 1689
North Representative
Natalie Saroglia
PO Box 1342 Ayr 4807
T: 47834243 F:47835338
Image Not AvailableImage Not Available
REGIONAL WRAP UPFar North
The Men's Shed is taking an active stance against the Indian Myna bird and building traps to help eradicate the pests. This will assist in bringing back native species to homes, resorts, outdoor sport and public areas. The traps are available for purchase.
We thank the Rotary Club of Mossman and The Lions Club of Mossman/Port Douglas for the start up funds to begin this project.
For further information about trapping, disposing of these pests, ordering,operating or building traps, please call or visit the Men's Shed at 20 Mill Street, Mossman (back of Community Centre).
MOSSMAN MEN’S SHED
REGIONAL WRAP UP
CCFSN -NQ“Spirit of North Queensland”
NEWS FROM NORTH QUEENSLAND
CHARTERS TOWERS
The Charters Towers Neighbourhood Centre is now on Facebook.
Come and 'Like' us at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charters-Towers-Neighbourhood-Centre/137348066325585
Or do a search for Charters Towers Neighbourhood Centre.
UPPER ROSS HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHALLENGEThe Upper Ross Healthy Lifestyle Challenge kicked off on 1st September with a passionate and committed group of 22 chosen from over 50 deserving applicants.
Over the 12 weeks the group will work with personal trainers from Rise and Shine Fitness; attending two FitCamps, Zumba or Tai Chi and a practical workshop each week.
Funded by The E Robert Hayles & Alison L Hayles Charitable Trust managed by Perpetual, with additional funding from DATSIMA the challenge aims to overcome chronic illness, change lifestyles and improve fitness.
Already some amazing outcomes have been achieved with kg’s lost, one participant riding a bike for the first time in 20 years, reductions in blood pressure, a number of participants giving up smoking and a group climbing the Goat Track on Castle Hill.
REGIONAL WRAP UP
CCFSN -NQ“Spirit of North Queensland”
NEWS FROM NORTH QUEENSLAND
BOWEN FIGHTS FINDING CUTS WITH PEOPLE POWER
Like many others the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre has recently lost 10% of its funding due to cuts under the new Queensland governments cuts. This cut of 10%, equates to approximately $11 000 per year for the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre.
This is a HUGE amount of money for the centre to try and find, when we already operate on a super tight budget. This could have detrimental affects to our ability to run programs and provide services to the community. Over the next 8 months the board will be discussing and deciding how to find this money, and how to continue operating the service to best support the community. We fear that this could possibly mean a cut in our operating hours, meaning the doors won't be open to those most vulnerable.
However, its not over !! and we aren't accepting NO for an answer. We have written letters to the minister, to the premier and to the local members trying to express the huge value of the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre to Bowen, and the need to maintain our current levels of funding so we can keep the doors open, and continue to pay the quality staff that we need to run such a centre.
And now we are launching a public support campaign. by asking our local community to take 5 or 10 minutes to write a letter, or an email to the minister, premier and local members to express their opinion over the cuts to the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre.
BURDEKIN LAUNCHES NEW PLAYGROUPBNC has recently launched a new Playgroup, formed due to the need to provide social opportunities for parents and their children in danger of social isolation
“The Burdekin community is quite transient, due to the sugar industry & education teachers doing their rural stays etc”, says Natalie Saroglia, “so making new contacts, friendships for not only yourself but your kids can be difficult.”
Playgroups are so important in the makeup of communities. It allows people to come together in a relaxed environment and develop those support systems.
The BNC playgroup is attracting new families every week – it's a fun and informal morning that is facilitated by the members themselves.
REGIONAL WRAP UPSouth WestHARLAXTON MEETING FUNDING CUTS HEAD ONFor the Harlaxton Neighbourhood Centre we have had that many meetings to review what the effects of the reduction in funding will cause to our service. In retrospect we have considered reducing office hours, operating with one paid staff member, turning off the lights, working on a daily basis and not stock piling stock, shopping around for better deals for insurance (in all areas), using other services that offer fee for service at a reduced rate such as , maintenance, and reception work.
We also access other employment services that provide staff, again at a subsidized rate. One area that works well with our service is that we share resources with another Community Centre such as staff and resources. We also have an MOU with this service so we are governed by guidelines, at present we employ a Grant Writer who has been successful in several small, along with these grants an administration charge is part of the grant. Our grant writer is subsidized by an employment agency and our two services make up the difference for wages. We have also applied for DGR status and here's hoping that will be successful.
We also have a successful Indigenous art group which we support through grants from our local Council. The paintings are sold on-line or personally through our Centre's, a fee is charged and this is put back into services of both Centers. Our Centre has a an asset which is our hall, We have sought businesses from not only Toowoomba but also Brisbane, to date our hall is hired four days a week and every alternate weekend. These hires are usually for a term of six months through to two years at a time.
Although we are feeling the effects of the cuts we continue to try and run our service as a business and sell ourselves as such. May I say all funds received by our service goes back into operating our services.Hope this can be used either in its entirety or partially
Cheers
Matt P Tamou(Harlaxton Neighbourhood Centre)
Far WestBLACKALL/TAMBO DEALS WITH FUNDING CUTSMy service here in Blackall was funded under the Community Development Program which is ceasing totally as of 31 Dec 2012.
An offer has been made to re-fund the service under the Neighbourhood Centres program from 1 Jan 13 but Council needs to apply.
It will mean a reduction in funding of $7600 / annum which shouldn't impact too much as I will endeavour to partner a little more with other services that cover our region that are based elsewhere and receive their own funding.
VirginiaWackerCommunity Development OfficerBlackall/Tambo Regional Council
REGIONAL WRAP UPMT ISA NEWSSo much has been happening since I became Manager in May this year. Every Tuesday we have food vouchers available as part of our Emergency Relief program, and we also hold our free Copper Kids Playgroup including transport every Wednesday. People over 50 can learn to use computers with our Broadband for Seniors program and use the internet for free. We have life skills courses that include budgeting, meal planning, cooking, parenting, looking after yourself and your home, computing and job searching. At the moment, we are seeing an average of 30 people coming through our doors each month.
One of our most popular programs is the No Interest Loan Scheme. This year about 85% of our loans have gone to Aboriginal Australians. We have recently broadened the scope of our No Interest Loan Scheme for people on low incomes, to include vehicle registrations and repairs, and replacement of tyres and windscreens. This is a response to the lack of public transport in our otherwise wonderful city of Mount Isa. Work is also underway to expand this service to other remote centres in North-West Queensland, including Mornington Island, Burketown, Normanton, Doomadgee, Camooweal, Cloncurry, Dajarra, Boulia, Winton, Croydon and Georgetown.
We will be celebrating International Anti-Poverty Day on Wednesday 17 October, with a free lunch and info session. The purpose of the day is to strengthen understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty, and to encourage action to address these. For example, did you know that 17.2% of adult Australians are fully or severely excluded from financial services? This means that they may not be able to access a bank account, up to $3,000 of credit in an emergency, and basic insurance. For Indigenous Australians, this percentage is as high as 43.1%. You can access more details about this issue by going to the websites of the National Australia Bank or the Centre for Social impact. .
Amnesty International has more than 150 local groups in Australia, and Mount Isa is about to become the next to have one. Our Neighbourhood Centre is the place to meet others in our community who are committed to defending human rights. Getting involved in a local Amnesty International group is not only a fun and social experience; it's a powerful and effective way for people from all walks of life to come together to defend human rights for all. There are so many issues for people to get involved in, including refugee policy, discrimination, Indigenous rights, the arms trade, violence against women, torture, the death penalty, and the right to housing. Amnesty has identified that they have about 240 supporters in the region.
Work is progressing behind the scenes for the construction of a brand new Mount Isa Neighbourhood Centre. The Centre will be located at the corner of Marian and Butler Streets, on the site of the former Copper City Motel. Features of the new Centre will include:· An outdoor yarning circle· Dedicated indoor and outdoor playgroup areas· A community garden· Storage shed for equipment· A computer/training room· Two meeting rooms· Four interview rooms· A kitchen with outdoor servery· A room for Home Management and Community Education· General offices and space for visiting services· Off-street undercover parking for up to 12 vehicles.Many of the spaces within the Centre will be available for use by local clubs. The new Centre is expected to be completed in August 2013. It's a very exciting time!
REGIONAL WRAP UPCentral
In May this year BMA Norwich Park Mine, one the two BMA mines in Dysart, closed its gates indefinitely. After 30 years of coal operations by the mine, the town was devastated by the shock announcement. BMA employees were given the option of relocating to another BMA work site or taking a voluntary redundancy but this wasn't the same for contract workers, many of whom became unemployed. The mine closure has brought many changes to the community with so many families relocating. Some of the employees moved to Saraji Mine, the one remaining BMA mine in Dysart, which helped to keep some stability in the community. Employees who relocated, took with them their partners, some of whom were the nurses, teachers or other workers who provided vital services to the community. Children of the families who left, reduced the numbers attending schools, kindergarten and daycare which then affected the employment of the teachers and carers. It was a very sad time for many of us who had to farewell family and friends as they left our community.
Now 5 months on, the community is going through further changes with the slump in the mining boom. Mining companies are reducing employee numbers as are companies that contract to the mines. Property investors who profited from high rents with the shortage of housing during the good times are being forced to reduce rental values to renew leases. Although rent prices are reduced, many are still unaffordable for the average family. Businesses are struggling to keep trading at the moment and some have closed. Dysart, together with other communities in this region, is going through a downturn at the moment. Mining communities are very resilient and I am optimistic, after seeing many downturns over the years, that there is a brighter future ahead.
After being the Central Region representative on the State Committee for the CCFSNAQ since September 2008, I stood down from the position at the AGM held in Brisbane in August this year. My time on the committee was both enjoyable and rewarding. I was a bit apprehensive attending my first meeting in Brisbane, but I was made welcome and initiated into the group very quickly. To participate in the CCFSNAQ at that level, gave me the opportunity to share in the knowledge held by the long-time members of that Group. Meetings held at the Department of Communities provided face to face consultations with departmental staff and the opportunity to take forward questions from CCFSNAQ members. Being a regional
rep was a very rewarding experience and I would recommend it to any member who gets the opportunity. Thank you to all the members who participated in the State Committee during my time, for the patience and help shown to me. I have formed some great friendships and am sure we will continue to stay in touch.The new Central Region rep is Merrilyn Richmond from Emerald Neighbourhood Centre who I am confident will represent the region admirably.
NORWICH PARK MINE CLOSURE - 5 months on
FAREWELL FROM MARGARET MCDOWELL
REGIONAL WRAP UPCentral Cont.
My name is Merrilyn Richmond and I was recently elected to the position of Rep for Central Region. I have lived with my family (husband and 4 boys) in Emerald since 1999 and have had an association with the Emerald Neighbourhood Centre in a variety of capacities since 2000.
My background is in teaching and I have also worked in the childcare field with Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care. I have spent a short time at a disability service and have been at the Neighbourhood Centre since 2008.
My role at the Neighbourhood Centre started with the introduction of the Standards and has involved policy development and review. In addition to paid work at the Centre, I am also involved at committee
level with two other organisations in the Central Highlands region. I enjoy assisting those organisations to keep current with standards and in particular with their policies.
I would like to say thank you to the outgoing rep, Margaret McDowall for her contribution and wish her all the best for her future. I look forward to the next couple of years working with our region and also with other regional reps at CCFSNAQ
HELLO FROM MERRILYN
REGIONAL WRAP UPCentral Cont.
The Emerald Neighbourhood Centre's funding will be reduced slightly but as the management committee has yet to meet, any effect is not yet known. The biggest impact will come from the closure of the State Emergency Relief program as it assists so many people in our local community. The funds which come from federal government do not meet the needs of people in the community.
On the good news front, the Emerald Neighbourhood Centre has been involved for a number of years in the Emerald Relay for Life, which is held in August and raises money for Cancer Council Qld. We hold a much anticipated curry night as well as loads of other fun fundraising events for our two teams. This year our teams won the highest fundraiser at the event with a total of approximately $14000. This was due in part to some new members whose passion and efforts are much appreciated.
We are also just starting our Linking Alms for Christmas Appeal, which raises funds and provides donated Christmassy items for approximately 300 hampers which go to some of our region's most disadvantaged individuals and families. The Appeal runs in conjunction with 'Adopt a Family', where generous families, individuals and businesses provide beautiful hampers for families chosen anonymously from a list printed in the local newspaper.
This year has also seen our centre participate in a partnership with St Vincent De Paul, Uniting Church and “Avalon Aged Care Nursing Home” to provide a venue for residents to have afternoon tea with family, friends and local community members on a Sunday afternoon. Funding was obtained for a coffee machine and associated items, volunteer groups were sourced and “Café 126”, named by one of the home's residents, opened on Mothers Day. It continues to run on donations and with many enthusiastic volunteers who come from a broad spectrum of ages and community members.
NEWS FROM EMERALD
CTM LINKSCTM Links is a small organisation which operates in the communities of Capella, Tieri and Middlemount, which encompass CH Regional Council and Isaac Regional Council. The three community development officers work with their communities to provide a range of events to assist community members, especially new members, to feel part of the community.
Events include Newcomers morning teas, million paws walks, photography workshops and Seniors Week events. The workers have become very proficient at funding applications as department funding only covers wages for part-time hours.
A new memorandum of understanding with CH Regional Council will see two workers gain additional hours as part of Council's community planning.
REGIONAL WRAP UPGreater Brisbane
After almost 17 years of service at Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre I will be resigning at the end of this year and look forward to travelling around Australia with my husband and caravan in tow .
My career goes back a long way firstly as an early childhood teacher at Indooroopilly Pre School after which I moved into Special education and worked at the Autistic Therapy Centre. After 9 years of work at the centre and working closely with the social worker dealing with distressed parents I decided to change careers and study at the Australian College of Psychology where I gained a Counselling Diploma and later a Diploma in Community Services and Management. I have worked in domestic violence refuges,
taught at Ipswich TAFE, family support at St. Davids Neighbourhood Centre and finally Manager of Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre.
My connection with CCFSNAQ goes back to 1990 when I worked at St David's Neighbouthood Centre and it was the CCFSNAQ network who helped me obtain funding for the centre. I have held the Regional Representative position for South East Queensland and later filled in for a short period as the Greater Brisbane representative. During my term on the state committee I became the representative for ANHCA “Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association which gave me a insight into how neighbourhood centres ran in other states.
The opportunity to network through CCFSNAQ has given me opportunity to form wonderful l friendships, gain skills and information. I wish CCFSNAQ and all its members the very best in the coming years. I will miss you all.
Margaret SmithCentre Manager Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre
MARGARET SET TO RETIRE
CCFSNAQ RESPOND TO FUNDING CUTSPresident Colleen Blunt and Executive Officer Geoff Roberson recently prepared a Press Release as a response to the recent funding cuts to Neighbourhood Centres. They have sent this to the Newspapers in the Far North and encourage everyone to do the same in their regions. You are at liberty to make any necessary changes that reflect your local environment but in doing so they urge you to maintain only factual statements.
Everyone should have received an email with the Press Release below attached;
PRESS RELEASE
FUNDING CUTS HIT NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES
As Neighbourhood and Community Centres and Support Services come to terms with funding cuts for much need services such as the Tenancy Advice Service and the Healthy Lifestyle Program, they have been dealt another blow with the latest announcement.
The Minister for Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, the Honourable Tracy Davis has announced that there will be a 10% reduction in funding to those Neighbourhood Centres receiving more than $90,000 per annum. This will affect a significant number of the 109 Neighbourhood Centres in Queensland. For a Centre receiving the average $105,000 in funding, this means a loss of $10,500 to their core funding.
As well as being a friendly and welcoming place for local events and activities, Neighbourhood and Community Centres are often the first point of contact for clients coming to terms with and seeking help about child safety, mental health, suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, elder abuse and financial crisis. Clients view Neighbourhood/Community Centres as a supportive and non-judgmental path to assistance and recovery.
Neighbourhood Centres were also highly significant operations centres in the Summer of Natural disasters, providing crisis assistance to cyclone Yasi victims in North Queensland, and those affected by the floods in the South-East and Central Queensland.
The funding cut will result in Centres delivering less service as they reduce their opening hours. It will also mean a significant pay cut to workers who are already giving freely of their personal time in a highly challenging work environment.
In a meeting with the Minister in Cairns on Sunday, Community Centres and Family Support Network Association President Colleen Blunt and network members were told that reducing government debt was the Newman Government's priority, and the only other option to maintain funding at previous levels was to target individual Neighbourhood Centres for closure.
There were no spare seats when the CCFSNAQ and QCOSS co-hosted a symposium with Ms Angela Blanchard, President and CEO of Neighborhood Centers Inc. of Houston, Texas. Over sixty participants from each of the Association's eight regions, along with State, Commonwealth and local government visitors attended an open presentation and a workshop at the Holiday Inn in Brisbane.
Ms Blanchard spoke passionately about Building Vibrant Communities - An appreciative approach to working in ne ighbo rhoods deve loped by Neighborhood Centers Inc. A link to this is available on the CCFSNAQ website.
Ms Blanchard described the following key elements of neighbourhood and community centres:
About people: - people are the centre, all centres are unique and diverse. • Value and social connection - not doing for, doing with community.• Collaborative governance - community ownership.
• Value for money - calculate leverage on government investment, eg cash and in-kind contributions, for every dollar there is a return of five.• Flexible - reflects individual communities, inclusive and providing universal access.• Responding to aspirations - avoid identifying issues or problems - “identifying
problems takes you down the cul- de-sac of misery”
To read the comprehensive notes taken by QCOSS during the symposium, go to the CCFSNAQ website and open Symposium Notes in the Newsletters, Forms page.
Symposium - Building a Policy Framework and Service Delivery Model for Neighbourhood and Community Centres in Queensland
Right: (L to R) Mark Henley - QCOSS CEO, Angela Blanchard, Keynote Speaker Margaret Allison - Director General of Dept. Communities, Child Safety & Disability Services & Colleen Blunt - CCFSNAQ President at the Symposium in Brisbane
Symposium - Building a Policy Framework and Service Delivery Model for Neighbourhood and Community Centres in Queensland
Right: The CCFSNAQ Annual General Meeting held prior to the Angela Blanchard symposium attracted a good turnout.
Left: Angela worked with the groups during the workshop sessions
Right: Whilst it was relatively easy to work out what Neightbourhood Centres are and what they do it was much more difficult to work out a way forward and identify strategies to help us get there.
THE HON PENNY WONG Minister for Finance and Deregulation
THE HON MARK BUTLER MP
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Minister for Social Inclusion
THE HON DAVID BRADBURY MP
Assistant Treasurer Minister Assisting for Deregulation
THE HON JULIE COLLINS MP
Minister for Community Services, Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Minister for the Status of Women
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
19 September 2012
LABOR MOVES TO BAN GAG CLAUSES IN NOT-FOR-PROFIT SECTOR
Legislation will be introduced to ban gag clauses in Commonwealth contracts with the Not-For-Profit sector, ensuring ongoing positive engagement and open debate between the Federal Government and the sector. Minister Mark Butler said Labor recognises that a strong, independent and innovative NFP sector is essential to building an inclusive community. “The Not-for-Profit sector is a key partner in developing and delivering major policy reform and creating opportunities for all Australians,” Mr Butler said. “The past few weeks in Queensland have reminded us of the dark days of the last Coalition government, when John Howard attacked the rights and legitimate role of the NFP sector and diminished its capacity to represent and advocate for its members.” In 2008, the Labor Government removed the gag clauses imposed by the former Coalition Government that restricted the sector from engaging in policy and political debate. “Now we’re seeing Campbell Newman try to do the same in Queensland,” Mr Butler said. Minister Julie Collins said gag clauses censor public debate. “Labor’s approach is starkly different to the decade of no reform, no vision and no action we saw from the previous Coalition Government for this vibrant and important sector,” Ms Collins said. Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury said the legislation would build on the Government’s reforms to the NFP sector, including the new charities commission, by ensuring gag clauses are not used in any Commonwealth funding agreements. “Our reforms recognise and embrace the critical role the sector has in advising and developing public policy and in advocating on behalf of members and constituents,” said Mr Bradbury. The NFP sector is made up of around 600,000 organisations and accounts for approximately eight per cent of employment nationally. MEDIA CONTACTS: TIM O’HALLORAN (Butler) 0409 059 617 JOE SCAVO (Collins) 0409 679 924 JUSTIN KOEK (Bradbury) 0400 126 939
THE CAB RIDE by Kurt Nerburn
There was a time in my life twenty years ago when I was driving a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a gambler's life, a life for someone who wanted no boss, constant movement and the thrill of a dice roll every time a new passenger got into the cab. What I didn't count on when I took the job was that it was also a ministry. Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a rolling confessional. Passengers would climb in, sit behind me in total anonymity and tell me of their lives.
We were like strangers on a train, the passengers and I, hurtling through the night, revealing intimacies we would never have dreamed of sharing during the brighter light of day. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, made me laugh and made me weep. And none of those lives touched me more than that of a woman I picked up late on a warm August night.
I was responding to a call from a small brick fourplex in a quiet part of town. I assumed I was being sent to pick up some partiers, or someone who had just had a fight with a lover, or someone going off to an early shift at some factory for the industrial part of town.
When I arrived at the address, the building was dark except for a single light in a ground-floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a short minute, then drive away. Too many bad possibilities awaited a driver who went up to a darkened building at 2:30 in the morning.
But I had seen too many people trapped in a life of poverty who depended on the cab as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation had a real whiff of danger, I always went to the door to find the passenger. It might, I reasoned, be someone who needs my assistance. Would I not want a driver to do the same if my mother or father had called for a cab? So I walked to the door and knocked.
"Just a minute," answered a frail and elderly voice. I could hear the sound of something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman somewhere in her 80s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like you might see in a costume shop or a Goodwill store or in a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The sound had been her dragging it across the floor.
The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. "Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. "I'd like a few moments alone. Then, if you could come back and help me? I'm not very strong.”
I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm, and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.
"It's nothing," I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated." "Oh, you're such a good boy," she said. Her praise and appreciation were almost embarrassing. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?" "It's not the shortest way," I answered.
THE CAB RIDE by Kurt Nerburn cont.
Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice." I looked in the rearview mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I should go there. He says I don't have very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to go?" I asked.
For the next two hours we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they had first been married. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she would have me slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now."
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. Without waiting for me, they opened the door and began assisting the woman. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her; perhaps she had phoned them right before we left.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase up to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. "How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse. "Nothing," I said. "You have to make a living," she answered. "There are other passengers," I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held on to me tightly. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you."
There was nothing more to say. I squeezed her hand once, then walked out into the dim morning light. Behind me, I could hear the door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.
I did not pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the remainder of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? What if I had been in a foul mood and had refused to engage the woman in conversation? How many other moments like that had I missed or failed to grasp?
We are so conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unawares. When that woman hugged me and said that I had brought her a moment of joy, it was possible to believe that I had been placed on earth for the sole purpose of providing her with that last ride.
I do not think that I have ever done anything in my life that was any more important.
PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL!
Dear Australian
Taxation Office
Poverty and severe hardship affect more than a million Australians. Around the world more than a billion people are desperately poor. The main aims of Anti-Poverty Week are to:
• strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and within Australia; • encourage research, discussion and action to address these problems, including action by individuals, communities, organisations and governments.
Last year, at least 600 organisations around Australia participated in more than 400 activities during the Week, with a total participation of more than 10,000 people.
· Why not organise a display, stall or award?
· Maybe a workshop, lecture or forum?
· How about a fundraiser, fact sheet or petition?
The success of Anti-Poverty Week depends on individual people and organisations taking action to
organise an activity with friends, colleagues or other groups. Any activity, large or small, that
helps people to express their interest and concern about any aspect of local, national or global
poverty is very welcome.
For information and ideas, visit the website, www.antipovertyweek.org.au
or email [email protected] or call 1300 797 290
As someone working closely with people in our community, we know that you understand the importance of providing a quality, caring and reliable service. At Guild Insurance so do we.
It's this understanding that is helping us establish lasting relationships with Community Centres, Family Support Services
and Neighbourhood Centres across Queensland.
Every house or centre is different, so how can you be sure you have the cover you need?
That's where Guild Insurance can help. Our policy has been developed to cover the specific risks faced in your sector. Whether
you require cover for your liabilities insurance (Public Liability, Products Liability & Professional Indemnity cover), or only require
cover for your business risks, we can tailor a package for you.
You also receive:
· No excess on liability claims
No excess on liability claims encourages you to seek early support from our legal team who can help you defend
claims and achieve the best outcomes.
· One easily managed policy
We've developed an insurance cover that meets your organisation's needs in one easily managed policy. From
'burglary' to 'business interruption' we've got flexible insurance options to suit every aspect of your organisation.
· A dedicated service team
We are also ready to provide service when you need it with everything from reviewing your levels of cover to handling
a claim.
· 24/7 Claims Support
Most importantly, in the event of a claim, we are ready to leap into action. Don't take our word for it though - Since
2004 an average of 97.9% of claimants said they would recommend Guild Insurance to a colleague. *
Want to know more or take out cover?
If you want to learn more about our policy, our Customer Service Executives are happy to run through the finer points with you.
They'll even help you to assess your current levels of cover and issue you with a quote – Simply call 1800 810 213.
Guild Insurance supports your association through the payment of referral fees for certain products or services you take out with them. Guild Insurance Limited ABN 55 004 538 863, AFS Licence no. 233791 This newsletter contains information of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute the provision of advice. Before making any decision in relation to any of the products mentioned, you should consider your own circumstances, financial situation and needs. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full terms and conditions (including exclusions and limitations) of application acceptance and insurance cover. A PDS is available by contacting us on 1800 810 213. *Based on the results of the Guild Insurance Customer Satisfaction Claims Survey's. All results can be viewed at
http://www.guildinsurance.com.au/insurance-company/192-customer-satisfaction