Newsletter Archive

July/August Newsletter 2006

Editorial: Pastor Max Walker CEO.
"I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame, father to the needy and champion of abused stranger." This comes from the Book of Job. In many ways it demonstrates the work of the welfare groups in our community such as Cornerstone and Wellsprings. Currently in our society there is so much distress among needy and the strangers in our midst. People in distress, the newcomers to the district, the hurting and the dispossessed, the asylum seekers, the latest migrant group find their way to our doors. To these people shelter and the next meal is their greatest priority, the cost of travelling on a bus or train is an insurmountable problem, the need for a warm jacket to counter the biting winter chill, the $4.00 or so to provide the script that will keep their illness under control, and so the list goes on. The frustration of not being able to meet many of these needs fuels a righteous anger that we, as a society, allows this to happen when we have the resources to eradicate most of these needs. I remember years ago seeing a film set in London of the 19th Century where a group of street urchins peered through the windows of a house watching the inhabitants gorge themselves while these urchins, barefooted and racked with malnutrition watched the feast with longing in their hearts and desperation in their eyes. Unfortunately I see the same expression in the faces of those who come into Cornerstone for a feed and a chance to escape the winter winds. I see this look on the faces of the innocent children and adults each night in Lebanon and Israel.

The tragedy is that we can do something about it both as a nation and as an individual but we choose not to!! The poor in our community, the annihilation of the innocents in the hotspots of the world can be turned off just as we change the channel on our TV set to cut out the unpleasant images we do not want to see.

Love your neighbour in our community has been replaced with"I'm alright Jack! Bugger you!! and this is the message that is being trumpeted to our community by governments at all levels. Mateship and a fair go for all has been swamped by our selfcentredness and the acquisition of material goods.

It is time we put "Love your neighbour as yourself" into practise and then we might, as an individual and as a nation begin to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

Pastor Max Walker.
CEO

Mayoral Charity Concert:
Cornerstone with Wellsprings for Women are the recipients of the Mayoral Concert for 2006. We thank the Mayor of Greater Dandenong Peter Brown for making this possible and for Maree Arthur for her enthusiasm and organisational skills that has brought together an outstanding group of artists to make this a truly memorable night at the Drum. On the night a packed Drum heard Peter Brocklehurst, Wendy Stapleton (Dusty Springfield Story) and Cotton Keays and Morris and their band. A special promotion on the night was a display by Hairdressing Students from the Chisholm's Dandenong and Frankston Campuses.

Volunteers Day:
A Cornerstone volunteers function was held in July in the meeting room at Cornerstone. Forty five volunteers attended the meeting. Pastor Max led the teaching time reiterating the link between the underlying Christian values and principles that made Cornerstone possible. Board members were introduced and their responsibilities outlined.

Pastor Max then proceeded to cover issues that arise as the organization adjusts to the changes that are occurring in the community and the transitional nature of the people who attend the Drop In. It was also an opportunity to highlight the latest trends occurring in the local welfare scene as well as the broader governmental policies that affect the day to day running of Cornerstone.

Following the morning session the volunteers enjoyed a Christmas in July luncheon prepared by Suzanne Van Rooy and her Cooking for Dandenong Work for the Dole program run by Avocare. This was a great time of fun and fellowship with an excellent meal provided. It also was a great opportunity for the Avocare folk to put to practical use the skills they are being taught as they partake in the program.

Jukebox:
This wonderful donation by John has greatly enhanced the drop in and fascinated the clients. It will be used in our Drop In programs.

Hanover:
The new Hanover building in Robinson St opens soon and this is an exciting time for staff and the community. "Changed Access Arrangements" with appropriate phone numbers can be obtained from Hanover and participating services. The new service starts August 3rd.

Wellsprings:
Wellsprings for Women, auspiced by the Presentation Sisters, is a centre for women in the local Community who are isolated due to the traumatic effects of migration, mental illness, family breakdown, disability or limited education. Wellsprings offers these women a wide variety of programs including educational and skill based programs, personal support, referral and advocacy. Currently Wellsprings welcomes approximately 300 women representing 56 different cultural groups. Wellsprings also offers a No Interest Loan Scheme, a Friendly Home Visiting Program and a Respite Care Program for older couples.

Don Cameron at Nazareth College:
Don attended the 'Drugs and Why People Use Them' seminar by Values For Life/Concern Australia (the God Squad) that we sponsored using a council grant. It went really well and the Values For Life speakers kept referring to Cornerstone. Don gave a short talk to the year eleven students about what we do and invited people who were interested in volunteer work to come along and check us out.

Dandenong Central Donation:
The donation received from the Dandenong Central Rotary Club as a result of their Charity Golf day earlier in the year will be used to re-develop the kitchen area of the Drop In Centre. Renovations will include new flooring, tiling, and the development of a more practical and efficient working area.

Dandenong Health Inspection:
Cornerstone was visited buy the local health inspector and, apart from a few minor matters, given a clean bill of health.

Dandenong Community Grants funding:
The paperwork has been completed as Cornerstone enters its second year of the three year funding program granted them in 2005. The amount has been increased by the CPI adjustment. The foresight of Greater Dandenong Council in providing three year funding has meant that recipients can plan ahead and clients can be assured of an ongoing program.

Donations:
A reminder that donations to Cornerstone are tax deductible. Donations can be sent electronically through the www.greaterdandenong.com, www.ourcommunity.com.au and www.cornerstonecentre.com.au or c/o PO BOX 358 Dandenong.

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:	ALLMAX@bigpond.com