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September Newsletter 2004
Editorial:
As I listen to all the promises being made by Howard and Latham for the betterment of the Australian
people I am yet to detect any significant mention of the needs of the mentally ill. As more and more people
succumb to the illness as the pressures of our society and the fears for the future increase across the general
community it is evident that the whole mental health area is in crisis. As I see the plight of many of the people who
come to Cornerstone who need accommodation, specialised treatment, rehabilitation programs, family assistance
and carer support it is difficult to see them getting any realistic support in the current climate. From the non
medical outsider's view it would appear that the whole system is "stuffed"?and unless there is a revolutionary
change in government thinking there appears to be little prospect that the situation will improve.
Now is the time for all of us to remind the politicians through personal and written contact that mental health needs
to be made a strong health priority. Unless we who can speak for the sick and deprived in our community do so,
how will their voice be heard!
Ps. Max Walker.
CEO. 7/9/04
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NEW VOLUNTEERS:
The response to an appeal for volunteers to work on the Friday lunch program has been great with volunteers from
St. Michael's Berwick, Narre North Uniting Church, Winepress and Dandenong Reformed Church providing
valuable assistance to Marion and her Friday team.
HILLCREST:
Students and teachers from Hillcrest College have visited Cornerstone twice in the past month. They have met with the leaders and volunteers, talked to the clients and assisted with cleaning up afterwards. Reports coming from the school indicate that the students were enthused by what they saw and their participation in the program. It
is anticipated that further groups will visit in term four.
JACKO:
Ian McFarland, one of our volunteers and a former member of the Board has resigned from his position of Catering manager as he now has fulltime employment. We wish him well and thank him for his contribution to Cornerstone
over the past 5 years.
JOHN MURDOCH:
John travels regularly from Thomastown to be part of the Cornerstone family. He is a model train enthusiast and
was featured in a Father's Day article in "That's Life" magazine.
MIDDWAY:
Planning is well under way for the Walk through Dandenong on Thursday October 14th and Cornerstone will open on the morning of the March for morning tea before joining the March at the Dandenong Gardens. The March will
walk through Dandenong, through the Plaza ending at the market where a festival and celebration will be held.
TRIPS:
Cornerstone is looking to run a number of bus trips later this year and early in 2005. Many Cornerstone folk are confined to the immediate Dandenong area due to economic reasons and a bus trip for a BBQ or to the City to see
the Christmas lights will be a real treat for many of them.
ENCOUNTER:
The August Encounter was held on Sunday August 29th from 5.00 - 9.00 p.m. More than 50 people attended and it was a great night of fun, friendship and food. Pastor Max shared on the problem of labels and members from the Livewire Club sang. Pastor David brought another of his Lancashire poems and music videos were screened as
well as the ever popular lolly quiz.
DONATIONS:
The Reedy's from Cranbourne have donated us a small truck load of pumpkins while Bob our new volunteer from
Narre North has brought in potatoes and a regular supply of muffins for our Friday program.
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IMPROVEMENTS:
The recent Achievement Award Cornerstone received has assisted us to make a number of improvements to the
building.
- HEATERS:
Gas Heaters have been mounted on the walls of the main Drop In utilising the permanent gas supply. These have been a great success especially at the night meetings. In fact they work so well that on occasion we are asked to
turn one or all of them off.
- TOILETS:
Extra toilets are being put in and other necessary plumbing done.
- LIGHTS:
These are in the process of being upgraded including extra security lights for the carpark.
- DOORS:
A major project is the replacement of the side door off the carpark. Over the years this door has been attacked by malcontents and through the years has served its purpose well. However, it is now on its last hinges and needs to
be put down. Hopefully this will be done in the next few weeks.
JOHN WILLIAMS:
The unexpected death of John Williams one of the regulars at Cornerstone shocked us all. John was one of those
characters who always had a tale to tell and a joke to cheer you up. He will be sadly missed.
PROGRAMS:
Currently a number of new programs are being discussed that will further enhance the activities available at Cornerstone and increase the times we are open. The major problem faced with new programs is to ensure that the existing volunteers are not burnt out. Thus some of these ideas will be placed on the backburner until such time as new volunteers and leaders are available. Overall all the programs report an increase in numbers with the
Wednesday Drop In recently having 130 in for lunch.
LORRAINE & NEVILLE :
The recent doubles pool competition was keenly contested being won by Lorraine and Neville. Their names have
been added to the Steve Chapman Memorial Trophy. |
For further details check out the website or contact us as indicated below. *
All correspondence to
CEO c/o PO Box 358 Dandenong. 3175.
Cornerstone:
Pastor Max Walker CEO. |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 358
Dandenong Vic 3175 |
| Address: |
Church of Christ building
cnr Mason and Walker Sts
Dandenong Vic 3175. |
| General Enquiries: |
(03) 9794 5654 |
| Fax: |
(03) 9794 5949 |
| Free Legal Service: |
(03) 9794 8428 |
Email:
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ALLMAX@bigpond.com |
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