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October Newsletter 2004
Editorial:
One of the regulars at Cornerstone made an interesting comment the other day: "Max, where would most of these
people be if it wasn't for Cornerstone!" This immediately raises the question of the value of Cornerstone to the
community. What would Dandenong be without Cornerstone? If we closed tomorrow would anyone really notice.
Questions we cannot answer. However, we do know that at the moment Cornerstone serves a need in our
community. For those on the fringes of our affluent society it provides a safe place to gather. It provides food. It is
a point of contact for many and a place where the isolation of acute loneliness can be addressed for a short time.
There is a boisterousness that is Cornerstone and a message that someone cares in this uncaring world. God
has a love for the poor and this can be demonstrated daily at Cornerstone. Jesus was comfortable about ordinary
people who battled to survive in an unfriendly environment. This is a different world to the comfort and isolation of
the mortgage belt. Unfortunately we are moving more and more to isolate the poor, the mentally ill, etc and are
pushing them to the outskirts of our society where they remain largely unseen by the majority of Australians. We
label them with a variety of names, unemployed, mentally ill, dole bludgers, and leave them to survive as best they
can. In this artifical, self important and greedy society we live in the fringedwellers are the real lepers of our society
and as we minister to them in practical ways the love of God is demonstrated. This is why Cornerstone and those
similar to it are so important in the fabric of our society.
Pastor Max Walker.
CEO.
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Middway Walk:
This was a great day and culminated 12 months intensive planning by the Middway committee. It was great to see
the support from local municipalities, politicians and other agencies in the district. Looking back down Walker
street it was great to see the Banners, wall to wall marchers, the balloons and the interest it created. The
speeches and the festival at the Market with its emphasis on good living and healthy food were well received and
overall it was voted a great event.
Hillcrest:
Hillcrest Christian College have been sending groups of students to Cornerstone in Term 3 and have indicated they
are keen to do so in Term 4. It is part of a social awareness and concern program. The students observe, talk to
the clients and assist with clearing up after the meal.
Maintenance Upgrade:
The funding from the Tattersall's award has enabled Cornerstone to go ahead with essential maintenance that
would not have occurred without the award. Two disabled toilets have been added, a ramp to improve access to
the building has been added, new doors are being fitted, the new heaters are brilliant and extensive replacement of
faulty lighting has been done. Further improvements are planned including fencing off the car park area.
Volunteers:
The appeal for volunteers has resulted in several volunteers coming forward. Two responded from St. Michaels
Catholic Church in Berwick, four from Winepress, one from the Reformed Church Dandenong and one from Narre
Warren North Uniting Church. Cornerstone still requires volunteers to assist on the first Saturday Night in each
month working with a team from Dandenong Baptist Church.
Planning for 2005:
Planning for 2005 is underway. A reminder that we do have a meeting room suitable for local groups to use. If you
need a Dandenong base for an activity in 2005 why not approach Cornerstone.
October Encounter:
This will be held on Sunday 31st at 5.00 p.m. at Cornerstone. There will be a bbq and salad meal and Klaus
Kruithoff will provide a segment using puppets etc. Cornerstone will remain open until 9.00 p.m.
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New Music Program:
Sponsored by Cornerstone George Sarkatzis is running on a Wednesday evening a teaching program for those
interested in learning a musical instrument.
Correction Program:
Since 1994 Cornerstone has been involved with a program through CORE to provide for people on community
orders. Over the past 10 years Cornerstone has seen hundreds of people come through assisting in a great
variety of tasks including maintenance, cleaning and assisting with the food program. They have been of
inestimable value to Cornerstone over the years. A small percentage remain to avail themselves of the programs
at Cornerstone and/or join the team of regular volunteers.
Coming in for Lunch:
Fermont and Crystal Manor have been bringing in up to 20 people for Wednesday lunch. Funding for this program
has been organised by Tim Brewster through the Dandenong Community Grants program. Cornerstone is funding
the meal and the rest of the program, buses, carers are funded by the Council Grant. Cornerstone regulars assist
with serving the meals and making the people feel at home.
Cornerstone Free Legal Service:
Cornerstone Free legal service is available Wednesday morning from 9.00 am - noon and the first Thursday of
each month from 8.00 p.m - 10.00 p.m. There is a continual flow of people through the service and is a great first
point of referral for people who need legal advice.
Sponsors:
As the end of the year comes into sight and all the madness of November and December begins there are many
people and groups that make the continuance of Cornerstone possible. The volunteers who spend countless
hours keeping the everyday wheels turning, the Greater Dandenong and Casey Council and supportive
Councillors, local politicians, churches and businesses that support us are essential to our existence. Also there
are the nameless people who send us donations in kind and cash. You are all the unseen people who make
Cornerstone possible.
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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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