Kogarah Community Services in Kogarah, New South Wales | Public service

Kogarah Community Services

Locality: Kogarah, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 9553 6506

Address: 49 English Street 2217 Kogarah, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.kogarahcommunity.org.au

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25.01.2022 Kogarah Community Services and 2Connect Youth & Community are excited to announce an end of year free celebration for the Glisten Group. We welcome all same-sex attracted, gender diverse, and questioning young people up to 18 years, along with their friends & allies. It will be held in-person on Tuesday 15th December 2020, from 4pm-6pm in Hurstville. Registrations are essential - Call or Txt: 0451 826 885 or email: [email protected] There will be give-aways, games, food and a chance to meet new people. We would love to see you there. Thank you to 3Bridges for the use of their venue and supporting Glisten. #lgbtqiagroup #LGBTQIAYouth #lgbtqiasocial

25.01.2022 This week the NSW Parliament passed an important Bill to expand family violence protections to include animals. This is a simple, common sense step that comes ...in response to mounting evidence that domestic violence perpetrators often threaten to harm or kill pets in the course of their abuse. There is so much more we need to do to stop domestic violence in NSW - but hopefully this law will at least mean animals are no longer used to intimidate and manipulate victims. If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence call the 24/7 NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 Domestic Violence NSW

24.01.2022 Today is World AIDS Day Things are a little different this year, but you can still make a difference by donating to the Virtual Red Ribbon Appeal Pin a Virtual Red Ribbon to remember a loved one, send a message of solidarity, or show your support for people living with HIV. 100% of donations will go towards the ACON Red Ribbon Appeal, supporting ACON’s work in HIV prevention, education, advocacy, support and care. ... www.virtualredribbon.org.au www.redribbonappeal.org.au #worldaidsday2020 #WorldAIDSDay #redribbonappeal #ACON #raiseawareness #endHIVstigma #NowMoreThanEver #neverforget #GetTested

23.01.2022 Social abuse often exists alongside other types of abuse in a relationship and it can be difficult to recognise. In this article from ABC Life can assist you ...to identify if it's something happening to you or someone you care about. For 24/7 information, referrals and confidential counselling, you can contact 1800RESPECT by phone on 1800 737 732 or via webchat on our website.

21.01.2022 Kogarah Community Services will be delivering another free workshop focused on well-being "Self Care for Tough Days" on Tuesday 8th December 2020, 10:00am-1:00pm Registrations are essential via email: [email protected] or 9587 6622 #selfcare #mentalhealthmatters #selfcaretips #bekindtoyourmind #takecareofyourself #selfcareisnotselfish #selfcareisimportant

20.01.2022 25th November was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women From 25th Nov 10th December it is #16 Days of Activism to end violence against women and girls Kogarah Community Services and staff support both these incredibly important initiatives, recognising that violence against women is a global ‘epidemic’ that not only threatens the lives of women, but also compromises their health, education, social participation and wellbeing (UN Women / WHO). ... There are things you can commit to doing every day to prevent violence against women: Challenge the culture of condoning violence against women, which is ingrained in our society, and often blames the victim rather than the perpetrator of the violence. Challenge the normalisation of violence as an expression of masculinity or male dominance Promote and normalise gender equality in public and private life Address the intersections between social norms relating to alcohol and gender Challenge the gender stereotypes and rigid gender constructions of masculinity and femininity Model respectful relationships to your children Talk to your children about consent and healthy relationships Name the behaviour and educate yourself about what domestic violence, sexual harassment, cyber bullying, stalking and sexual assault looks like so that you are able to support others Intervene when you hear or witness sexist, homophobic, transphobic and misogynist comments & behaviours If it is safe to do so, be an active bystander Understand the intersections between gender identity, sexuality, race, disability and violence BELIEVE survivors If you or someone you know is in danger, call 000 Domestic violence and sexual assault support services include: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) NSW Rape Crisis Centre 1800 424 017 MensLine 1300 78 99 78 National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1800 880 052 ACON (LGBTIQ+) 1800 063 060 Indigenous Women’s Legal Contact Line 1800 639 784 #16DaysOfActivism #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderBasedViolence #stopviolenceagainstwomen #GenerationEquality #GenderEqualityMatters #challengesexism #IDEVAW #endrapeculture #noexcuses #breakthesilence #domesticviolenceawareness

16.01.2022 One of the most important parts of Trans Awareness Week is education engaging with it, and sharing it. Knowledge is power! And it's how we make even more tran...s allies. We've got loads of digital resources, images, and educational content this Trans Awareness Week. Check it all out: https://bit.ly/3pmD8vl

13.01.2022 WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT? Sexual assault is a crime for which the offender alone is responsible. The person who experienced this violence is never to blame. Peopl...e use a range of terms to refer to sexual assault and it can be confusing to understand the true definition (e.g. sexual abuse, rape, indecent assault, sexual molestation, incest, child sexual abuse, child sexual assault or sexual harassment) Most important is the understanding that sexual assault is a gendered crime - the victims are women, children and men while offenders are nearly always men. https://www.rape-dvservices.org.au//i-was-sexually-assault WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? Domestic and family violence are broad terms covering a range of different behaviours. Importantly, domestic and family violence is a crime for which offenders are solely responsible.There are many names used to mean domestic and/or family violence. Some people talk about partner violence, intimate partner violence, DV, spousal abuse, child abuse, or incest.We use the term domestic and family violence to describe a range of behaviours that are used by a person to dominate and control another, using tactics that include violence, manipulation, stalking, gaslighting and more.’Domestic violence' usually refers to violence between people who are in an intimate or dating relationship (or who have previously been).The broader term 'family violence' refers to violence between people who have a family relationship eg. brother, sister, cousin, parent, grandparent, etc. Family violence is the preferred term in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in which close relationships and kinship relationships extend far beyond the nuclear family. https://www.rape-dvservices.org.au//types-of-domestic-and- Being a #tellableperson is being informed. No one expects you to have all the answers. But it helps to know the definitions of sexual, domestic and family violence to be a #tellableperson and supporting your friends and family in disclosing their experience of violence.

13.01.2022 Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. For many people experiencing family violence, their workplace is their only saf...e place. It is a space where arrangements can be safely made to leave family violence. Working from home has now made workplaces unsafe for many workers. The new workplace resource "Working From Home When Home Isn't Safe: How to respond to family & domestic violence in home-based workplaces" will assist unions, employers and workers in addressing a range of health and safety issues. Thank you to Australian Services Union NSW & ACT and Unions NSW for your leadership and collaboration in developing this resource. DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE: https://www.asumembers.org.au/working_from_home_when_home_i #16daysofactivism #healthandsafety #workersafety #familyviolence #domesticviolence #workingfromhome #workplace #EndGBV #leadership #workathome #union

12.01.2022 It is currently Social Inclusion Week 21st 29th November 2020 and as part of our celebration, Kogarah Community Services organised the free workshop Push the Limit by Shanon Bates. It was an educational and engaging session, giving participants the opportunity to expand their understanding of disability. This is especially important as research shows that community attitudes towards people with a disability continues to be one of the factors that contribute to social isol...ation and exclusion. Social Inclusion is much more than ensuring disability access in public, educational, recreational and social spheres, although that is of course essential; it’s about people having the opportunity to participate and to do things that have purpose & meaning. Social Inclusion as defined by UNESCO is a society for all, in which every individual has an active role to play. Such a society is based on fundamental values of equity, equality, social justice, and human rights and freedoms, as well as on the principles of embracing diversity. The Australia Social Inclusion Board defines social inclusion as having the resources, opportunities and capabilities to: - Learn (e.g. participate in education and training) - Work (e.g. participate in employment and voluntary work) - Engage (e.g. connect with people, use local services and participate in local, cultural, civic and recreational activities) - Have a voice (influence decisions that affect them) To quote George Dei: Inclusion is not about bringing people into what already exists; it is making new space for everyone. The workshop participants, KCS staff and facilitator Shanon Bates also publicly displayed their commitment to take action to end violence against women. This is an intersectional issue, as research has found that women with a disability are at higher risk to experience abuse and violence. WHO states: Factors which place people with disabilities at higher risk of violence include stigma, discrimination, and ignorance about disability, as well as a lack of social support for those who care for them. Placement of people with disabilities in institutions also increases their vulnerability to violence. #16DaysOfActivism #disabilityawareness #IDEVAW #SocialInclusionWeek #WeAllBelong #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #DisabilityRightsAreHumanRights #GenderEqualityMatters #GenerationEquality #challengeableism #dontdismyability #IncludeEveryone

12.01.2022 KCS is asking our local community what's important to them. Due to Covid restrictions we had limited places in our consultation session last week, but we would still love to hear from you. Please comment below What are 3 words to describe your ideal community? Pick from: Safe, Inspiring, Traditional, Welcoming, Generous, A place where I belong, Comes together, Healthy, Compassionate, Authentic, Inclusive, Equality, Creative, Fun, Diverse, Same as it is now, Help each other o...ut, Connected, Resilient, Optimistic, Learning from others, Adaptable, Environmentally conscious, Fair, Harmonious We have had these Feedback Boards on display at our Neighbourhood Centre, Children's Services and Community Hub. Later this year, we'll let you know what everyone has been telling us.

10.01.2022 Join ACON in celebrating International Day of People with Disabilities with the launch of our new LGBTQ People with Disability Project and the QueerAbility Tool...kit, which will assist LGBTQ people navigate the NDIS. The launch will feature a preview of the QueerAbility toolkit and films as well as a live panel discussion with community members who were involved in making the QueerAbility Toolkit. When: Thursday, 3 December 2020, 12:00 - 1:00 pm (AEDT) Where: Zoom RSVP here aconhealth.org.au/queerability (Image description: Photo collage of NDIS participants as a border. A large white box in the middle that features a rainbow QA with the word QueerAbility in black under it.)

08.01.2022 Good LGBTIQ+ data is hard to find and we are today gifted with yet another amazing study. ‘Private Lives 3’, is Australia’s largest national survey of the heal...th and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people to date. It was conducted by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University. The survey provides vital information for all of us, and health professionals, service providers, community organisations and governments to better understand and support the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people in Australia. I’m proud that it was jointly funded by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet, and will be launched by our Minister for Equality, Martin Foley MP, today. Be warned, Private Lives 3 is hard reading. People were asked to reflect not just on their lives, but on the past 12 months, which included the first anniversary of the dreadful postal survey, and the Religious Freedom Bill being released and all of the horrible transphobia that came in reaction to that. It shows that our communities were reeling from attacks. We are resilient, but if this year has shown us anything, it’s that even the best of us can fall over in the face of outside events. Reach out for support and help if you need it. Catherine Barrett, of #TheKindnessPandemic, has set up a page for us to share our stories and feelings about how, during our toughest times, we find strength and survive. Sharing your story can bring hope to others and help them to find their strong. I’ve shared my story on the #QueerStrong page: https://www.thekindnesspandemic.org/queerstrong.html#/ and, if it feels right, I’d suggest you do the same. To download the Private Lives 3 National Report, please visit: https://www.latrobe.edu.au///private-lives/private-lives-3

07.01.2022 In our consultation with the community we have been asking people what they enjoy doing and what they would like KCS to organise more of in 2021. Please comment below Tell us 3 types of activities and events you would like KCS to offer: - Seniors’ group outings... - Children’s art and craft classes - Local exhibitions + events - Singing groups - Adult painting & craft - Education & Awareness (like Mental Health Month) - Community Gatherings like our Long-Table Dinner - Cuppa and a chat - Classes for children with additional needs - Celebrating diversity - Local History Tours - Seniors’ technology classes - Community projects like community garden - Exercise and wellness groups - Online community meet-ups - Supported Playgroups Later this year, we'll let you know what everyone has been telling us

07.01.2022 A new website to be launched in Water Safety Week (December 7 to 14) offers crucial water safety tips to help save lives this summer as people head to Sydney’s ...beaches and waterways. Water Safety Week also gives culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, including migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, a chance to hear from fishing, boating and water safety experts and the sessions are FREE online via zoom. Participants can register using the link in the flyer on the ADS Facebook page. For more information about the Water Safety Directory Website or Water Safety Week, including a session in Arabic on December 10, read the full story online. Thanks to all the organisations that made these initiatives possible Advance Diversity Services - ADS, Asian Women at Work Inc, Bayside Council, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Georges River Council, Gymea Community Aid and Information Service, Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW, Royal Life Saving Society Aust NSW Branch, Surf Life Saving NSW, Sutherland Shire Council, Transport for NSW, Waverley Council, Randwick City Council, Kogarah Community Services, TAFE NSW https://advancediversity.org.au/new-website-launches-in-wa/

05.01.2022 "...when we're kind... We help others, we help ourselves and we encourage others to be kinder too." Try practising empathy and kindness each day during December with this kindness calendar from the group at Action for Happiness. #DoGoodDecember

04.01.2022 Would you like to promote your social, sporting or community group, club or business at our Get Re-Connected event in January and February 2021? Are you in the Georges River Council area? If so, we would love to hear from you. Register your interest by emailing us at [email protected] by the 11 December and we’ll get in contact with you. What is Get Re-Connected? January symbolises new beginnings and new opportunities. With the uncertainties and restrictions... associated with COVID-19 and curtailed inter-state and international travel these will be mainly virtual events that aim to encourage community members to re-connect with family, friends and neighbours, take on a new hobby or activity, and improve health and wellbeing all within our local area. We will look to support COVID-19 safe in person events with the guidance of NSW Health. Image may contain: 14 people, text that says ' Calling all social, sporting or community groups, clubs or businesses in the Georges River area. See more

04.01.2022 Are you a dancer, musician, performer or maker from the St George area? We want you to perform at ELEVATE! ELEVATE is a two day multicultural, multi art fest...ival showcasing diverse art makers. It will take place on the weekend of 12-13 December at Shopfront. If you would like to perform or showcase your art, complete this expression of interest form: https://forms.gle/brRHjyKdjJ4sebVz5 See more

04.01.2022 Heat is a danger for wildlife and pets alike! Temperatures are RISING from today and over the weekend, so help our wildlife by leaving out a small, shallow ...dish of water Don't forget, temps in the 30s are NOT a good time to walk the dog! Please make sure your pets stay home, stay cool, and have fresh, clean water available. This is especially important for snub-nosed/flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds . Clean, fresh water in a range of containers of various depths can help a range of different animals, birds and insects. Place under a tree or bush for both shade and protection from predators. Don’t forget to place sticks or a stone in the container for exhausted or heat-stressed smaller animals to use as a ramp if they fall in. Check out this factsheet from WIRES for more tips on how to help wildlife in your backyard: https://www.wires.org.au//wildlife-fact/water-for-wildlife

04.01.2022 25th November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The global stats are truly harrowing: * 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime * In 2017 around 87,000 women were killed in gender-based violence, with a staggering 30,000 by a current or former partner; that is 137 women killed EVERY day across the world by a family member, including partner. ... * 72% of all human trafficking victims are women and girls; the vast majority are sexually exploited * 200 million women and girls 15yrs-49yrs have undergone female genital mutilation * Each year 12 million girls are married before they are 18yrs * Due to underreporting, fear of retribution, and victimising legal systems, governments & orgs, don’t know just how many women and girls have been harassed, stalked, sexually abused or raped over the course of their lives. There is nowhere on earth that is safe for women, not in their homes, not on the streets, not at school or in their workplaces. Add to this the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen a rise in women reaching out for help due to family violence. From 25th November to 10th December #16Days of Activism takes place to combat gender-based violence against women, and address structural & societal causes such as entrenched gender inequality, rape culture, gender stereotypes, under-representation in political systems, economic inequities & the gender pay gap. Unless we ALL take action, women’s lives will continue to be stolen & destroyed by violence and inequalities. Sources: www.unwomen.org www.girlsnotbrides.org www.ourwatch.org.au www.16dayscampaign.org www.whiteribbon.org.au www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au #endgenderedbasedviolence #16DaysOfActivism #domesticviolenceawareness #IDEVAW #orangetheworld #GenerationEquality #breakthesilence #challengesexism #GenderEqualityMatters #SpeakUp