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May Newsletter 2005
Editorial:
The Federal Budget has been handed down and there is little to assist
the battler to make ends meet. The devil is in the detail and it has the potential to see many of our people lose money rather than be
better off. For those who are currently on disability pensions they remain unaffected by this budget, however, for the older unemployed and
the single parents the picture is unclear. The philosophy of providing jobs for all who are able to work is fine, but the categories
of employment that is available in Dandenong at the moment does not fit the potential workforce we see each day. Add to this the working
poor who battle to keep their heads above water, with the the Federal Government's industrial relations changes they can push through a
compliant Senate and the situation can only worsen. The gap between the haves and the have nots continues to widen. The I'm all right
syndrome worshipping at the altar of greed is often oblivious to the needs of the poor, and if they do consider them it is usually to
categorise them as dole bludgers and the like.
Materialism says the more you acquire the happier you are. Yet suiciderates are up and more and more are succumbing to mental illness.
Christian compassion for the poor and the hurting has been replaced by hard-headedness and self-centredness. Unless we address this in
our society the poor will continue to live as second class citizens.The inherent danger in this is as the Bible says: You reap what you
sow! And, as a society we are sowing the seeds of poverty and history tells us what when this occurs resentment and anger explodes deprived
communities.
Jesus said: "Love your neighbour as yourself!" and it's time we put
this into practice!
Pastor Max Walker. CEO.
May.. A busy month:
May has been a very busy month at Cornerstone. The majority of
programs have seen an increase in numbers. Don's Friday afternoon
program has commenced and this is off to a promising start. The Steve
Chapman Memorial Pool Competition has concluded with Grant being this
year's champion. The office area has been revamped with Richard
working in the main office on computers and Alan taking over the Koala
Cafe. Easter Monday saw Cornerstone open with Jimbo's team. Linda and
Charmaine providing an excellent lunch. Avocare continue to assist
with meals as well as helping Joey's van and a breakfast program at
ERMHA. The Cardinia Church through Berwick Benevolent Society donated
a variety of vegetables and fruit from their Harvest Festival. We
also celebrated with Don and Jo the birth of Jemma..
Cornerstone Personalities:
 Nicolai hs been renowned at Cornerstone for his long white beard. At the Russian Orthodox Easter service while holding a candle in the
crowded church he set his beard on fire. A closely shaven but unrecognisable Nicolai now attends Cornerstone
Geof and Jimbo have also lost their beards but in less spectacular
fashion.
Angela Sumyla walks down from Stud Rd every Wednesday morning to pack the large quantity of bread we receive into plastic bags for
distribution. She arrives about 8.30 a.m and is on her way by 10.00a.m. A faithful but often unnoticed volunteer.
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Board of Management ponderings.
Under the Chairmanship of our new Chairman Grant Renkema the Board met
in 23 May.
At this meeting all the programs were reviewed and it was decided that there would not be any changes in programs at present. The overall feeling was that they were going well. The new Sunday program is attracting between 30 - 40 people. Following the last meeting Don and 6 others attended a service at the Samoan Church. The Board was informed that the funds sent to India for the tsunami victims was greatly appreciated. Letters were read from our two projects, the orphanage and the radio program. The Board has accepted the offer from the City of Greater Dandenong for three year funding accepting the key performance factors required by the Council. Funding has been set at the 2004 community grant amount with an annual CPI adjustment.
Cornerstone has also applied for assistance through the City of Casey as Cornerstone has 40% of its people coming for assistance from Casey.
Some facts and figures.
Over the April/ May attendances have increased at the programs. A significant factor is the number of new faces indicating again the
transitory nature of the lifestyles of many who attend our programs.
Total attendances: April/ May > 3440 people. 430 people each week share in a meal at one of the programs. Approximately 150 people per week drop in just for a chat and or coffee and a bun leaving before the meal. Regular referrals are made to other agencies in the City of Greater Dandenong and the City of Casey.
Many newcomers/ new migrant groups to the district and those from overseas do not have assistance and the meals and referrals help them survive until they are
established. |
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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