Southern Sudanese Forum:
Pastor Max and Alison attended this excellent information session run by The South Eastern Migrant Resource Centre. Leaders of the Sudanese community spoke including representatives from the Nuer, Chollo and Dinka tribes. Southern Sudanese migrants are one of the latest groups to move into the Dandenong area.

Last Resort Band:
This is a group of clients from Southern Region Mental Health Association and is one of their daytime activity programs. They shared their music with us following a Wednesday lunch. With music from the 60's to the 90's they entertained the after lunch crowd performing well known songs of the era.

Pool Competition:
Under the supervision of JIMBO, our pool supervisor the battle for the "Steve Chapman Memorial Pool Trophy" has been brought to a successful conclusion being won by Joe Brennan whose name will now be added to the trophy. The winner also received a $30 Coles voucher.

News from the Philippines:
Cornerstone continues to support two programs in the Philippines. The radio program run by Pastor Quitoriano continues to provide a weekly christain broadcast on Southern Mindinao. The church program run by Pastor Rene and Richelle continues to support an orphanage and Cornerstone assists with the provision of food and educational support for the orphans. They have also established a number of churches at Manukan.

June Encounter:
Despite one of the wettest and coldest Sunday evenings of the year up to 50 people gathered for the June Encounter on Sunday 21st. However, the meal and the warm friendship of Cornerstone easily compensated for the bleakness of the night. A feature of the night was Johno the Music Man and his team of puppets. Their 45 minutes presentation was a highlight of the evening. After the meal the Drop In remained open until 8.45pm and the people enjoyed the normal Drop In activities.

UNOH ... Surrender 2004:
Pastor Max and Alison attended this excellent conference in Melbourne. It was a grassroots conference on ministering to the poor. Dr. Tony Campolo was one of the many speakers. UNOH are old friends and supporters of Cornerstone. Cornerstone supports their work in the slums of Bangkok where the founders of UNOH Ashley and Anjie Barker minister the love of Jesus to destitute people. UNOH staff regularly bring needy folk to our lunches. The Rainbow church in Noble Park is an expression of the work of UNOH (United Neighbours of Hope) Nearly 300 people attended the Conference being challenged to be Jesus to the poor in our society and overseas.

New Saturday Night Format:
At the midyear review held by the Board the new Saturday Night format, where a variety of groups have responsibility for the night, was declared a resounding success. Numbers have been growing and the variety of leaders from various churches have added a new dimension to the night. The Board looks for more exciting developments as the new teams develop.

Avocare goes again:
Having run one successful ethnic cooking program Avocare will run a second program on a Tuesday and a new one on Thursdays.

PTEP donates Computer:
Glen Stewart of Peninsular Training and Employment Program Inc has had dealing with us over a number of years and through his representations and the support of PTEP CEO Steve Wright Cornerstone has been given an excellent reconditioned and upgraded computer. This will increasingly facilitate our record keeping and public relations functions.

Christmas in July:
Two Christmas in July functions have been held. The first of these was on Saturday July 17th as part of our Saturday night drop in program. People brought their own foods to add to the Cornerstone provisions. It was a great night.

The second was made possible by the Mayor of Casey, Councillor Rob Wilson who allocated $200 from his ward allowance to fund a Christmas In July luncheon. This will be held at Cornerstone at 11.45 am on Wednesday July 28th.

Community Grants Programs:
Both the City of Greater Dandenong and the City of Casey through their recent Community Grants allocations have continued to strongly support the work at Cornerstone. Assistance will be provided for food and utilities for 2004/5 grants period. Monies allocated will be available in August.

Heating:
Cornerstone has already placed one new heater in the main drop in area. A recent donation of $1000 specifically for heating has allowed us the freedom to seek quotes on gas wall heating. It is hoped that installation will occur in the near future.