ACT Veterans and Seniors Newsletter
May2017
Contents
Major News Items and Activities
Forthcoming Events
Notices and Information
Employment and Retirement
Learning and Development
Volunteering Opportunities
Health and Wellbeing
Finance and Budgeting
Mailing List and Future Articles
Major News Items and Activities
Applications are Open for the 2016-17 Community Support and Infrastructure Grants (CSIG) Program
The Community Participation Group of the ACT Community Services Directorate is pleased to announce the availability of the 2016-17 Community Support and Infrastructure Grants (CSIG) Program.
This grant program aims to support ACT community organisations to deliver their programs and services effectively and efficiently for the benefit of members of the ACT community through the following four grants categories:
- Community Support and Capacity;
- Non-fixed Infrastructure and Equipment;
- Minor Capital Works and Fixed Infrastructure;
- Community support for children in care.
Organisations may apply for projects that encompass one, two, three or all four categories in a single application.
The funding available in this round is $220,000 (GST exclusive) with the maximum nonrecurrent grant that can be applied for in categories 1, 2 and 3 in this round is $10,000 (GST exclusive).
The maximum nonrecurrent grant that can be applied for under category 4 in this round is $5000 (GST exclusive).
Applications close: midnight Sunday, 28 May 2017.
Guidelines and online application forms are available at:
For more information call the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Community Participation Group on (02)6205 3047 or email
Applications are Open for the 2016-17 Participation (Digital Communities) Grants Program
The CommunityParticipation Group of the Community Services Directorate is pleased toannounce the availability of the 201617Participation (Digital Communities)Grants Program.
The aim of the program is to support ACT community organisations to establish and/or enhance their capacity to effectively engage their communities and clients to participate fully in the life of Canberra through the use of digital technology.
The funding available in this round is $125,000 (GST exclusive). The maximum nonrecurrent grant that can be applied for in this round is $5,000 (GST exclusive).
Applications close: midnight Sunday 28 May 2017.
Guidelines and online application forms are available at:
For more information call the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Community Participation Group on (02)6205 3047 or email .
Message from ActewAGL: ActewAGL Reassures Members about Estimated Gas Bills
As CEO of ActewAGL, I sincerely apologise to any members who’ve had to deal with inaccurate gas bills in the past six months. I would like to reassure veterans and seniors that they won’t pay a dollar more than they should for the energy they’ve consumed. I encourage them to call us on 13 14 93 if they have concerns about recent bills.
Last year there was a big increase in the number of estimated gas bills sent to customers caused by a national market system change that we were required to implement. The problems this caused ActewAGL have now been fixed, but I still have a special team in place making sure it doesn’t happen again.
My public apology to ActewAGL customers in April was genuine, but it is also important to understand that receiving a gas bill based on estimated consumption is a normal part of the process so that customers receive their quarterly invoice.
If information about your gas usage isn’t available in the billing system before your next bill is automatically generated by your retailer, the back-up system is activated providing an estimate of your gas consumption. There are valid reasons for this happening, including when a meter reader can’t access a meter due to blockages, hazards or bad weather.
Billing works on a rolling cycle. This means that any over- or under-payment based on an estimated amount is adjusted on your gas account after the next actual meter read is available in the system for billing. This adjustment then appears on the following bill.
Estimated billing is not an ideal system. The regrettable increase in the number of estimated bills sent out last year understandably caused many customers concern and frustration.
So please contact our customer assist team on 13 14 93 if you’d like to talk about your bills. More information about the billing process is available on the ActewAGL website.
Michael Costello
CEO ActewAGL
Seniors MyWay Card – Improvements
Transport Canberra, along with the Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT; have created improvements to Seniors MyWay Cards, which now include a signature ID on the card, streamlining usage and access for card holders.
Previous blue and yellow Seniors MyWay Cards are still valid for travel on ACTION buses. If you would like to update your card to the new Seniors MyWay Card, with the new Transport Canberra brand, you will need to apply for a replacement card.
For further information on applying for a Seniors MyWay Card, registering your MyWay Card and anything else MyWay, please visit the COTA website or call ACTION on 13 17 10.
Travel on the NSW Opal Network for ACT Seniors Card holders
Did you know that ACT Seniors Card holders are eligible for concession travel on the NSW Opal network?
However, there are a few things you should check before applying:
1. Do you have a valid Seniors/MyWay card?
MyWay cards remain valid for two years from the date of the last 'transaction' (a 'transaction' could be either travel, recharge or when the card has been originally activated). If your card has expired you will need to get a replacement card.
2. How many numbers does your Seniors Card have?
If your card has only five numbers (the older cards) or does not have a MyWay card on the reverse side, you will need to get a replacement card
3. When did you apply for/receive your Seniors/MyWay card?
It takes up to 7 business days for the Transport Canberra and NSW Opal Card databases to sync details.
If you have any questions about applying for a card, please contact COTA ACT on 6282 3777 or read more on our website:
Regular Cervical Screening Could Save Your Life
Women participating in the Cervical Screening Program (Pap Test) are currently rescreened every two years. It is recommended that women continue this until May 2017 when the Pap Test will be replaced with a Cervical Screening Test. If you have not had a test in the last two years book your test today with your health practitioner.
Under the new test, women between the ages of 25 and 74 years will be invited to participate in cervical screening every five years, even if they have already received the HPV vaccine, as it does not provide protection against all types of HPV. A Cervical Screening test significantly reduces your risk of being diagnosed with cervical cancer.
For more information on the future changes to cervical screening, visit Cervical Screening.
Delivered by ACT Health, theACT Cervical Screening Program forms part of the joint Australian Government, State and Territory National Cervical Screening Framework .
2017-19 Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing (MACA)
The preceding Members’ term expired in March 2017. The recruitment process for new members commenced in December 2016. Nominations closed on 3 February 2017.The nomination process was streamlined for existing members, with a one page Expression of Interest sufficient for applying for a second term.
Three of the current Council members are serving their second term and are therefore ineligible to nominate for another term (Mr Lawrence (Chair), Ms Kalokerinos, (Deputy Chair) and Ms ‘Laurayne Bowler).A number of current members have indicated that they would like to continue their work with the Council, which will help provide continuity for the Council.
An Assessment Panel has convened to consider the nominations and make recommendations to the Minister for Seniors on suitable candidates for appointment and re-appointment to MACA. Announcements will be made once the Cabinet process is finalised.
All appointments and re- appointments to Council are at the Minister for Seniors discretion. When appointing members to Council the Minister will consider the composition of the Council to ensure that the Council is representative of the ACT community including people of diverse ages and cultural backgrounds.
Veterans Advisory Council
The Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) provides advice and introduces issues to the ACT Government on any matters relating to veterans and the veterans community.
The Council is established as a non-statutory advisory body comprising of up to eight members of veterans’ associations and associated ex-service organisations in the ACT.Members’ current term will expire October 2017.
The Expressions of Interest to fill the current vacancy on Council opened on 2 December 2016 and closed on 10 February 2017.An Assessment Panel will be convened to consider the nominations and make recommendations to the Minister for Veterans on suitable candidates for appointment to VAC.
When appointing members to Council, the minister will consider the composition of the Council to ensure that the Council is representative of the ACT Community including people of diverse ages and cultural backgrounds.
Life’s Reflections
Life’s Reflections is an amateur photographic competition and exhibition run by the ACT Office for Veterans and Seniors, on behalf of the ACT Government. The competition promotes positive ageing, healthy and active lifestyles and intergenerational relationships through photography.
The Office for Veterans and Seniors has revamped and reinvigorated Life Reflections recently. The Life’s Reflections Photographic Competition is now open. We’re encouraging Canberrans to get behind the lens and take photographs that highlight the diversity, positivity and invaluable role of seniors in our community. “What do you love?” is this year’s theme and we want you to show us.
All that’s required is sendinga 2MB Jpeg image along with the completed entry form (available on the website link as given below) to .
Send in your entries via email to the above stated email address by 5pm on 25 July 2017.
For more information about Life’s Reflections, please visit:
Elder Abuse
The Public Trustee and Guardian is concerned about Elder Abuse and seeks to play a role in our community to prevent or mitigate such abuse.
Elder Abuse is typically defined as any act that causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust. Elder abuse can take the form of psychological/emotional, financial, physical, social, sexual abuseand neglect.
Older people may experience more than one type of abuse e.g. people who suffer from financial abuse often experience emotional manipulation and psychological abuse.
Abuse can be experienced by people from all cultures and races and by both rich and poor. Statistics tells us that elder abuse is unfortunately likely to come from someone the person knows and who enjoys a position of trust, often family, a carer or a friend.
There are many older people in the community who experience abuse. The real number is not known as many older people who experience abuse suffer from social or physical isolation.
Older people often feel shame, embarrassment or fear the consequences of speaking out. This stops them reporting abuse or seeking support. Many believe that ‘family matters’ should be kept private. Most don’t realise that the problem is not theirs alone, this problem is shared by many in the community.
Some older people state that they fear reporting abuse in fear of not seeing their grandchildren.
Many older people also place great importance on preserving their relationships with family and do not want to lose family support.
If you are experiencing abuse or suspect someone is being abused there are a number of options open to you. Any kind of assault should be reported to ACT policing at131 444or the ACT Abuse Prevention, Referral and Information Line (APRIL) at (02) 62053535. APRIL is a confidential and freetelephone service for callers to talk through their experience and seek referral to appropriate services including legal, community support and advocacy support.
Forthcoming Events
National Seniors Australia (NSA) - Canberra South Branch Monthly Meeting
The Canberra South Branch of NSA meets on the last Wednesday of each month (excluding December). After the business part of the meeting, we will hold our Biggest Morning Tea to raise funds for the Cancer Council - members are asked to bring a small plate of food to share. Then we will host this month’s guest speaker, Martin Laverty, CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, who will talk about the valuable work done by the organisation. Those who are not NSA members are most welcome to attend the meeting.
Date: Wednesday, 31 May 2017
Time: 10:30am
Where: Weston Creek Labor Club, Teesdale Close, Stirling.
Cost: The usual contribution of $3.00 towards the cost of morning tea will be waived in favour of a donation to the Cancer Council.
More Info:Further information on National Seniors Australia is available at
Alternatively you can contact the branch via email .
World Dance Classes for Adults
At Folk Dance Canberra we learn dances from a variety of countries around the world. They range from very simple social dances to more complex and challenging ones and give an added benefit of enjoying the music of many countries. Classes are taught at various levels throughout the week during school terms. No partner or previous dance experience is necessary.
If you are looking for an activity that engages both mind and body in a friendly setting, why not try an introductory class?
Where:Folk Dance Canberra Hall, 114 Maitland Street, Hackett.
When:Thursdays during the school term from 7:30pm-8:30pm.
Cost:$10.50 per session. Discount applies for term payment in advance.
Email:.
Website:Folk Dance Canberra.
More information: Contact Rebecca on 0420 524 412.
Meditation and Relaxation for Persistent Pain
Pain Support ACT Inc Expert Speaker Program presents Suzanne Newnham who will talk about meditation and relaxation for persistent pain. A short and a longer meditation will be offered (participation is optional).
Not sure if meditation is for you? What if it is called relaxation or quiet sitting? Does pain interfere with any type of relaxing? Come along and explore various techniques; you caneither participate or just listen.
With the longer meditation which will complete the session you can sit, stand, lie down as you wish; if lying on the floor you might like to bring a blanket/cushion if possible.
There will be opportunities to ask questions and give feedback.
Suzanne Newnham has been teaching various styles of meditation since 1988. From a life-time of chronic pain of varying degrees, she has developed a variety of meditative techniques for people experiencing chronic pain & fatigue.
Pain Support ACT Inc’s Expert Speaker Program is open to everyone.
Date: Tuesday, 23 May 2017.
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00 pm
Where:Pearce Community Centre, Building 1, 1 Collett Place, Pearce
Cost:A small donation to help Pain Support cover basic costs is requested.
BYO: Your lunch if you’d like to have it at the event.
Coffee & tea is available.
More Info:Call (02) 62901984; or visit Pain Support.
Law for Non-Lawyers February to June 2017
Legal Aid ACT will be providing the following legal training courses for 2017:
- Wednesday 17 May 2017 – The Australian Legal System;
- Wednesday 7 June 2017 – Wills and Estates; and
- Wednesday 21 June 2017 – Sexting and Cyberbullying.
Time:9.30am – 11.30am.
Venue:Legal Aid ACT, 2 Allsop Street, Canberra.
RSVP: or 6243 3463.
Cost:Free. Materials and morning tea included.
More information:Regarding course outlines contact or 6243 3463.
Power of Music Variety Concert
Palliative Care ACT is hosting the inaugural Power of Music variety concert to raise much needed funds for our volunteer program.
Music helps us to recall significant events in our lives and can evoke strong memories and emotions. It connects those who are dying to the life that they have lived and is a powerful way for family and friends to share music together, to remember stories and experiences.
We hope that this concert will entertain, inspire and touch people's hearts.
The concert program will include local choirs and singers such as well-known Canberra soprano Louise Page OAM.
Date: Saturday, 3 June 2017
Time: 7.00pm – 10.00pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club, 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip ACT 2606.
Cost: Tickets are $40 per personplus booking fee
To book visit:
More Information:
Are You Looking For a Personal Trainer at an Affordable Price?
Are you interested in enhancing your health and fitness one-on-one with a student personal trainer?
CIT Fit & Well are offering ‘student personal training packages’ at an affordable price, in a fully equipped modern facility. Package includes a CIT Fit & Well membership and 12 student personal training sessions with a student trainer completing their fitness qualification. All students are supervised by highly-qualified fitness practitioners in a professional gym environment.
More information: Please contact CIT Fit & Well on (02) 6207 4309.
Sessions for Seniors at COTA ACT
COTA ACT coordinates a series of free Sessions for Seniors on various topics out of our office at the Hughes Community Centre.
Get free advice on a range of issues:
Legal (excluding wills and estate planning);
Police issues;
Elder abuse;
Advance care health planning;
Aged care and retirement services;
Housing options;
Changes in vision and sight.
Sessions are by appointment only.