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Get creative this summer with BCR Art Sparks - a hands-on art and ceramics program for young people with an NDIS plan. Think art, clay, imagination and loads of fun! It will be on every Monday during the School Holidays from 10am to 2pm in the BCR Communities Creative Space at 18 Sanctuary Point Road. Make new friends, try a range of different art techniques and take home your amazing creations. Spaces are limited so make sure you book your spot by phoning 1300 222 748 or emailing info@BCRcommunities.com

Christmas cheer is arriving early for some Bay and Basin families, thanks to the generosity of Basin Shores Community Association residents. For the past three weeks, residents have been leaving donations at their community centre to create beautifully assembled Christmas hampers. These hampers, packed with festive goodies and essential items, will be distributed by BCR Communities, to families in need. The project reflects the power of community spirit and kindness. Resident and former florist Sue Irvine, who took the lead in assembling the hampers, described the experience as a "labour of love." “I put my hand up to create the hampers because I was a florist for 30 years, and I still have cellophane, ribbon, and all the bits and bobs to make them special,” Sue said. “I made up little stories for each one—there’s one that will be perfect for a single mum with a baby girl, and another for a family that includes breakfast items, snacks, sweet treats for the kids, meal ingredients, and even pampering goodies for mum and dad.” Chairperson of the Basin Shores Community Association Executive Committee, John Di-Masi, highlighted the significance of this year’s donation. “We support a different charity each year, and this year, we really wanted to give to a local organisation that makes a big impact in our area,” John said. “BCR Communities is a Bay and Basin not-for-profit, so it felt like the perfect choice.” “All these hampers show what we can achieve when we come together as a community,” he added. “We hope they bring a little extra joy and comfort to families this Christmas.” The donation comes at a critical time, as many families in the region are grappling with the pressures of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Heather Marciano, CEO of BCR Communities, emphasised just how vital this support is for struggling families. “We are thankful to the Basin Shores Community Association for choosing us as this year’s recipient,” Heather said. “The cost-of-living crisis has put many local families in stressful situations. Rising rents, increased grocery prices, and higher energy bills mean that for some, a joyful Christmas is looking very uncertain this year.” Heather also highlighted the emotional and practical value of the hampers. “These hampers aren’t just about providing food or essentials—they remind families that their community cares about them,” she said. “For some, receiving this kind of support at Christmas can take a real weight off their shoulders.” Heather encouraged others to consider how they can contribute during the festive season, highlighting the power of small acts of kindness. “Whether it’s a hamper, a donation, or simply checking in with a neighbour, every gesture strengthens our community,” she said. The hampers, along with other donations of presents, food, and essential items, will be distributed to families through the BCR Communities network.

Last night, BCR Communities celebrated International Volunteer Day with our amazing team of volunteers at the Sanctuary Point Youth and Community Centre. It was an evening filled with fun, laughter, and heartfelt appreciation for the people who have always been the backbone of our organisation. We enjoyed a delicious woodfired BBQ dinner, played Singo Bingo , a lively twist on traditional bingo that had everyone singing along and laughing. The festivities continued with music trivia and entertainment by our own talented Pirates Band. Thank you to our lovely volunteer Renata, who generously baked one of her famous Black Forest cakes. This was the grand prize for the music trivia competition, and the winning team were thrilled with their prize. The night was a reminder of just how fortunate we are to have such dedicated and passionate people at BCR Communities. Our volunteers truly are the heart of everything we do. To each and every one of our volunteers: thank you for your time, energy, and unwavering commitment to our community. You are the reason BCR Communities thrives, and we couldn’t do it without you. As the year draws to a close, we look forward to another year of working together to make a difference. Wishing all our volunteers and their families a joyful holiday season and a very Merry Christmas!

AGEING WELL HISTORY BCR Communities Social Groups SPEND THE DAY WITH FRIENDS It’s time to get out of the house, have fun and spend time with your friends. The activities change every week – we might stay indoors for games, trivia or an art session or get in the bus and explore our stunning coastline or try a new café. While the activities may differ from week to week, what doesn’t change is the companionship, the conversation and something delicious for lunch! Click the buttons below to see the latest Social Group Activity Calendars. As of May 2024, we have a calendar for south Shoalhaven and one for north Shoalhaven. Dec/Jan Calendar (south) Dec/Jan Calendar (north) February Calendar (south) February Calendar (north) SUBMIT THANK YOU, WE'LL BE IN TOUCH. Contact BCR today to find out more about joining our social groups Weekly Social Groups BCR Communities has a varied calendar of social activities throughout the week including day trips, lunches out, special events, walking groups, trivia, games, art, music and more. Making friends the easy way It is harder to keep socially connected as we age, friends and family move away or health problems make it more difficult to get out of the house. BCR Communities Social Groups makes regularly meeting up with friends simple and fun, with transport available to pick you up and drop you home. Join our online social community for connection every day of the week We know that sometimes it can be difficult to leave the house to catch-up with friends, meet new friends or simply share common interests with others. There are many reasons any one of us can become socially isolated. That’s why BCR has created the BCR Communities App. Think of it as an online, or digital, Town Square - a place to meet others and get connected. You might already be a part of a social app like Facebook, or you might be completely new to online communities – either way this App is for you! You can download the BCR Communities App onto your iPhone, Android Phone, iPad or Tablet. You can even access it on your computer. Once you join BCR Communities, you will be able to take part in online discussions, share information, join interest groups – for example, the Gardening Group or the Walking Group, and take a look at our Community Connects Calendar for upcoming events and activities. Most importantly, you will be able to connect with people and make new friends. If this is of interest to you, but you think you might need help let us know and one of our friendly team will be more than happy to assist! Join BCR Communities "I haven’t been in the Wednesday Social Group for very long but I’m so glad I joined because they are a lovely group. It is great to be out of the house and meeting new people. I used to be a nurse so I’ve always been drawn to being around people." WILMA

AGEING WELL HISTORY Carer Support At BCR Communities we understand that while caring for someone is rewarding, it can also sometimes feel overwhelming and isolating. It is important to look after your own health and wellbeing and also be informed about what help is available to you as a carer. BCR centre based respite BCR Communities offers a small day-centre respite group tailored specifically for people living with dementia. The group meets every Monday from 9.30am to 2.30pm at the BCR Communities Paradise Cottage located at 16 Sanctuary Point Road, Sanctuary Point. Our experienced staff provide care that is responsive and empathetic and aim to promote well-being with meaningful and fun activities. Morning tea and lunch is provided and clients feel supported in a comfortable and safe environment. BCR Carer Support Group BCR Communities Carer Support Group meets once a month on a Thursday afternoon for a cuppa and a chat. It is a relaxed and friendly environment where everybody has the opportunity to share their experiences, discuss challenges and support others. There is no cost and all carers are welcome. The meetings are currently held: Third Thursday of the month - 1pm to 3pm at the BCR Wellness Centre, 130 Macleans Point Rd, Sanctuary Point Last Thursday of the month - 1pm to 3pm at the BCR Tongarra Centre, 108a Tongarra Road, Albion Park Other carer support Serviced by the Australian Government, the Carer Gateway provides emotional, practical and financial support for carers. Find out about counselling, tips and advice, peer support groups, financial help, coaching, emergency respite and other government support programs. 1800 422 737 Find out more Dementia Support Australia represents the 487,500 Australians living with dementia and their almost 1.6 million Australians carers. The website has resources, information, links to counselling, the latest research and events. There is also a free national dementia helpline which you can call any time. 1800 699 799 Find out more "I love my husband and want to care for him but as his dementia progresses, I’m spending more and more time at home alone with him. While my friends and family are sympathetic they really don’t understand what I’m going through like the other carers in the support group. It is so good to know that others are going through the same thing and get their advice and support. We also have a chat and a laugh together which helps." CARER SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER

BCR Communities Building Connected Resourceful Communities (Formerly Bay & Basin Community Resources) Explore our services COMMUNITY Chat Chat COMMUNITY AGEING WELL NDIS Your community. BCR Communities is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation which has been serving the Shoalhaven and Illawarra for over 30 years. We believe in thriving communities living happy, healthy, meaningful and productive lives. Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers support our communities through our quality Aged Care, NDIS and Community Services including our Community Radio Station – Bay & Basin 92.7FM. To find a service, get involved or discover more, please get in touch here . ALL STAGES We are for all ages and stages From creative classes for kids through to social groups for seniors, we are supporting our communities through every life stage. PEOPLE FIRST We put people first As a community-led, not-for-profit organisation, our mission is to partner with our communities to provide person-centred services for all. TRUELY LOCAL We are truly local BCR Communities was created for locals by locals and nobody understands the communities of the Shoalhaven and Illawarra better than we do. RESPONSIVE We are responsive to the needs of our communities For over 30 years, we have been building brighter, more connected and resourceful communities through our services and supports. INCLUSIVE We are inclusive We welcome and celebrate every person. The diversity of our organisation reflects the diversity of our communities. LISTENING We listen to you Understanding your values and what’s important to you helps us to support you to live a happy and healthy life. Are you looking for rewarding work that makes a difference? Whether you have experience in a caring or support role or are looking for new and fulfilling work, if you share our core values of inclusion, integrity, empathy and encouraging wellness, get in touch here . Keep up to date with our latest news Get Creative with BCR Art Sparks Community Helping Community This Christmas Demand for Emergency Food Relief Surges in the Bay and Basin “I think this is a wonderful job because I like talking to people and helping people and knowing that I am enabling them to stay living in their own home. I really enjoy working for BCR Communities, it has a family feeling and the clients and the management and the staff are all just lovely. It’s a pleasure to come to work.” FRANCINE 1/1 © 2023 by BCR Communities. Privacy Policy