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Are you missing your grandkids? Humans in Geelong writer Deb Howcroft has tackled the challenges of lockdowns and physical distancing from her grandchildren by writing a guide for grandparents on how to connect with grandchildren ‘virtually’.

“While in isolation I thought I’d learn how to self-publish an e-book through Amazon Kindle. I decided to write about something close to my heart; how to maintain the bonds with my young grandchildren through the COVID-19 pandemic, which has imposed the separation of many grandparents from their families.”

Deb said she wrote the small book she called Connected Grandparents: A practical how-to guide for ‘virtual’ grandparents – great ideas to keep grandkids entertained and connected to far-away family, because she hoped that it could be a useful tool for other grandparents during the isolation restrictions.

Continue reading “Connected Grandparents, Deb.” →

Do you care about our environment? If so, please make a submission by 30 April to Geelong Council about their proposed Sustainability Framework. If you don’t have time to wade through the lengthy, technical Framework, you can gain a valuable insight and submission suggestions from Geelong Sustainability and other concerned environmental groups, at this google doc https://tinyurl.com/ybc5v79z

The Framework was developed in response to community demands for Council to declare a climate emergency. Environmental community groups have serious concerns about the content of the Framework, and the process of its development. They state:

“We need as many Geelong region residents to make a submission, using the link to let City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) know that the Framework is inadequate, misrepresentative and deflective of the main issues it should have addressed. CoGG has invited community input, which is open until 30 April 2020 – here: https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay/item/8d7baac2ab0ab19.aspx

Their call to action is:

• Use the points in the google doc https://tinyurl.com/ybc5v79z to assist you in creating a submission, before April 30, for the survey
• Share this document on Social Media and encourage your friends to participate.
• Write to your councilors and express your feelings on the framework.
• Write a letter to the editor about the lack of scope in this framework.
• Continue to submit questions to council question time.

Photo from previous tree planting story 2019.

Geelong’s ‘Lockdown buddies’ are looking for those vulnerable in the Geelong region who need help to self-isolate. Lockdown Buddies aims to pair elderly/at risk people in our community with a volunteer to provide contactless support and company during isolation. Whether it be as simple as a regular phone call, dropping around a cup of sugar, or heading to the shops to grab a list of groceries, volunteer Lockdown Buddies will be on hand to help out. Who knows? New lifelong friendships could be formed.

“Please share: speak to your parents, grandparents and elderly neighbours and find out if they could benefit from a lockdown buddy or know of anyone who would. They can sign up for help on the Lockdown Buddies website https://www.lockdownbuddies.org/“ we hear from Kara, one of the founders.

Lockdown Buddies was created by cousins Kara and Rachel, both local community-minded, caring Mums of young children. “I saw our elderly neighbour go out and come home with only one bag of groceries after 3 hours” Rachel tells. “This was what inspired us to start Lockdown Buddies.

Continue reading “Lockdown Buddies, Kara.” →

You are amidst the opportunity of a lifetime… Consider this – The butterfly emerges from a cocoon, completely different to the caterpillar that went into it. Right now, you have an unprecedented opportunity to do the same physically, mentally or emotionally – let me explain…

If there is one saying that you learn, whilst in isolation, it is that ‘Our Identity Creates Our Action’.

As someone who has helped people change their Mindsets for almost a decade now, there has been one common theme with every case: Whoever you think you are, you are.

If you have ever admitted to yourself ‘I am not a morning person’, you would know that usually in the mornings, you don’t function well. Alternatively, those who are ‘Early Birds’ or ‘Morning People’, just seem to function fine as soon as the alarm goes off, almost jumping out of bed with a spring in their step. Notice how those who identify as having a ‘Sweet Tooth’, end up craving sugar, and people who refer to themselves as a ‘Gym Junkie’ just seem to be consistently motivated?

It all comes back to this one saying – ‘Our Identity Creates Our Action’.

Continue reading “Our Identity creates our Action, Rhys, Mindset Coach.” →

“OneCare Geelong use to provide 70 sit-down meals to disadvantaged and isolated people per week, now we are providing 500 pickup and delivered meals per week.

“People can register for assistance at our website https://www.onecaregeelong.org.au/ and follow the COVID-19 links. Note that we can only deliver to certain postcodes.

“Once you are registered, if you can come to us, we’d love to see you on a Tuesday and Thursday between 10am and 12pm at 61 Candover St Geelong West.

“Our takeaway meals and emergency pantry packs will be available. We are committed to continuing our service while adhering to additional hygiene needs and safe social distancing restrictions. We might not shake your hand when you arrive but we will give you a big smile!” OneCare Geelong.

Continue reading “OneCare Geelong, update.” →

Eshan (his name has been changed to protect his identity) is an enthusiastic, hardworking, young man seeking asylum in the Geelong region. Did you know that asylum seekers who lose their jobs due to Covid-19, aren’t eligible for any government income support? How are they meant to eat, cover basic living expenses let alone find the funds to pay legal fees for their visa or appeal processes? CRAG, the Combined Refugee Action Group for this region are helping many people like Eshan with their legal costs. If you can help with these legal costs, please sign up for their newsletter for more information or donate via their website, email combinedrefugeeactiongroup@gmail.com

Unfortunately, Eshan’s initial application for asylum was rejected however, a barrister has found a number of points of merit for an appeal to the Federal Court, which has given Eshan some hope of securing a protection visa and being able to stay in our beautiful country.

Under the current ‘fast track’ process, Eshan doesn’t have access to a thorough case review through a tribunal. The only avenue for appeal is through the court system.

Continue reading “Asylum Seeker, Eshan.” →

The Free Conversations Movement. Thanks Adri, from Barcelona, for reaching out and introducing me to Free Conversations. Adri is forming a global group of storytellers, with the aim of collaborating and sharing ideas. Before lock down, in Barcelona, Adri would take to the streets with two chairs and a sign, Free Conversations. On Easter Sunday I tried it at my oval, social distancing observed. Here are the first two, of a number of conversations.

1.“As a nurse, I don’t know how they are coping. I had to deal with 5 deaths in a day but how you would deal with a 100… It took me weeks to get over it. Being in ICU and knowing that there is nothing you can do but try your best. We are very lucky here in Australia that have such a great health system but hearing about what is happening in Milan and NY is so upsetting. Hopefully it won’t get to that stage here.

“Mind you, it has brought out a really positive side in people. You walk your dog and everyone is waving and saying hello. Everyone is being really kind.

2.“What’s your favourite thing at school?” Prep child on bike “I love learning.” Turns out Dad works for Ford Motor company. They are making face shields for medical workers. Mum is a midwife at Geelong Hospital, they’re still there. Elective surgery has been stopped and lots has been moved to St John of God or the Epworth. “There has been lots of preparing, we’re just hoping it is all for nothing.”

Stories: Jacqui Bennett. Photo: Adri in Barcelona

National Volunteer Week (NVW) Volunteer Ambassador Nominations Are Now Open! In these challenging times, volunteers across Australia, and the world, continue to make an amazing contribution to help people live better lives.

This National Volunteer Week 18 May to 24 May 2020, we want to celebrate and reward exceptional people who willingly give their time, and by doing so are “changing communities, changing lives”.

Humans in Geelong in partnership with genU and Volunteering Geelong are searching for 6 to 8 volunteers that would be willing to share their inspiring volunteering story with us, and act as online ambassadors in order to raise awareness about the power of volunteering during NVW.

We are pleased to announce volunteer ambassador nominations are open from now until Monday 4 May 2020!

It’s so quick and easy to nominate, tell us in just 100 words – simply click the link below!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VolunteerAmbassadorNom

#InThisTogether #WeLoveVolunteers #NVW2020 #humansingeelong

Photo from genU of previous ambassadors.

“Mate, why don’t we do something that goes past telling blokes to just have a chat, and try to understand the actual issue at hand, and while we’re at it, push social connection and drive real change when it comes to men’s Mental Health in Geelong.”

And with that, the idea of Right Mate was born.

Chris Lytas & Luke Outerbridge were introduced to each other by a mutual friend in July 2019 who had an idea that if she brought these two together, good things would come of it. After 9 months of planning, the formation of a committee of passionate men, the brand was incorporated and on Monday 6th April 2020, the website www.rightmate.org.au went live.

Continue reading “Right Mate.” →

“I’d been to New Zealand so was in isolation at home in Anglesea for 14 days. It was day 4, and it was driving me up the wall. So, when my friend asked me if I could sew some hats for nurses, it gave me a sense of purpose. Now making hats is giving purpose to hundreds of happy sewers and we’re supplying hospitals all over Australia.” We hear from Deb Elliott, Co-ordinator of the Helping our Hospital Heroes Australia Project https://www.facebook.com/groups/247717806396383/ . Please share! “We ask for amazing volunteers across the country to make hats or donate fabric. The volunteers not only have a sense of purpose but they communicate and connect over the project too.

“My friend was from the Rotary Club of Sunbury, Victoria, they’d received a request from one of their members, who is a Nursing Unit Manager at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, looking for volunteers to make hats for nurses.

“Nurses don’t normally wear hats on hospital wards but they wish to now, as they have been informed that the virus can remain on surfaces for up to 4 days. While many wear their hair up, it is still an area that is left vulnerable. Both male and female nurses want to protect their families as much as possible and don’t want to run the risk of taking the virus home with them. These hats are not intended to replace Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

Continue reading “Helping our Hospital Heroes Australia, Deb.” →