MWCAG - Obrien Blog

Good Morning, Everyone

There has been so much going on - time has been at a premium.

Firstly, the response from the Field Days was excellent. It was a bit taxing on Helen and I, but we coped very well, with a lot of interest in the Centre. Health being the main feature exhibit this year generated a tremendous amount of interest, with enourmous amounts of give away information. Well done to all, especially Julie Proctor, who had the job of organizing the 3 days.

I must mention here that the Choir, The Symptomatics, sang at the Field Days, and have released their first CD, for sale for a mere $10. Surprisingly, for the field days, we had lovely weather, but was a bit hot for some of the singers. However, they sang very well and were very well recieved indeed.

The weaving project generated a lot of interest, with the outcome that there is now a weaving class held at the Aboriginal Land Council, with Judy O'Neill as tutor, every Tuesday from 12 noon to 6 pm - Everyone welcome. Field trips to gather weaving material are in the future, as well. One trip to Canowindra has already taken place, lots of material gathered. We stopped at Mary Douglas' home, where we had lunch - was good to catch up with her.

Did I mention that Helen and I attended the NAIDOC Ball, where the weaving projects received the Community Award? The Award was accepted by Judy O'Neill. What a boost to morale for everyone. The night was well attended, with 400 people there. We (Helen and I) represented the O'Brien Centre, enjoyed ourselves, and very proud to have been involved.

Since then, the Weaving Projects and the Cubism that is now in place at the new hospital has received community, national and international awards. What a boost to all those involved in these projects. Well Done, All.

Our AGM was held on Thursday, 24th. What a day weatherwise - the rain came down in buckets and on the tin roof, impossible to hear oneself talking, lol. The outcome of this meeting is that i've resigned from the Secretary's job. It's time for new blood - and have taken a 6 months leave of absence from the O'Brien Centre. I will help the new secretary until she finds her feet: hopefully this time will allow me to recoup flagging energies.

The last day for the year is on the 8th December. Santa will be there, and a feast is being organized. This will give everyone a chance to recover from a very full year. The next open day will be Thursday, February 1st, 2012.

Until next time, i wish everyone a most MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. Stay well, all, and SMILE lots. Hugsssssss from me for now.

What a wonderful partnership between the NAIDOC executive and the Centre.

We had a very good turn out, thanks to the lovely day we were given. We feared it would rain and make everything very cramped, but as it turned out, the Good Lord was kind, and everyone was able to wander at will. Judy and Brian's tastings were mobbed, i feel, and folk started to tuck into the snags as soon as they were cooked. Sadly didn't get the quiches out before they began to eat, but there was plenty for all. Full tummies helped to appreciate the day, as well. We had visitors from Sydney who were much impressed with the whole day and with the O'Brien Centre.

The music room had a good workout, the sculptures that were at the Centre were very much admired, as was the art works by our talented folk displayed for all to see. A video on `The Apology' was played and viewed by a good number of folk. How many of the Wiradgeri people came to be settled in this area was explained, but sadly, again, kitchen duties held precedence, so I personally missed a lot. Won't happen next year, someone else can have the kitchen duties, lol.

Speaking of art works, we were asked to send 8 pieces of art to Pine Street Creative Arts Centre, 64 Pine Street, Chippendale explaining how art helped in their recovery. The exhibition will be opened by the Honourable Kevin Humphries, Minister for Mental Health, 12 noon on the 21st October. Helen, Claudette and maybe Margaret will attend - Jenny is hoping that she has recovered enough to attend as well.

Friday morning, Jenny and I set up our little section in the main exhibition hall at the Field Days, ready for the multitude that will attend the field days over the three days, from October 18th to 20th. The Symptomatics will perform at 11.30 to 12 noon October 19th. It is very exciting to be part of the whole Health display. Hope to see many familiar faces.

My next report will be after the field days. We won't be there on the Thursday, but Julie and crew will keep an eye on our display for us.
We are short a bus driver for Thursdays - Grant has filled in for us when he could, but is unable to drive for us this coming Thursday.
If anyone reading this has a licence to drive a 22 seater bus, would like to volunteer their time, they will be most welcome. They would only be required to pick up folk of a morning, and return them all in the afternoon.

Until next time, stay well, be happy and SMILE.

Good Morning, Once Again

In spite of no kiosk at 9am, in spite of unable to find cheque for the helium tank and balloons, in spite of the rain, in spite of Helen being dripped on, Thursday was a very good day - the children loved the balloons, and the interest in what we had to display and give away was worth being rained on. Even if we had been only able to give support and help to just one person, the day was of value.

NAIDOC Day and the first day back after the school holidays is this Thursday. We're all hoping for a dry day. The agenda for the day is listed below. We look forward to seeing as many attend as possible.

I'll leave with this little saying: `The smile on your face is the light in the window that let's people know you are at home'.

So, my friends, keep smiling - be happy, warm and dry. Solong for now until next time.

Morning, All

Yesterday's Information Day went well in spite of a few gremlins and the wet - well done to alll involved.

Have just received more venues for Mental Health Month. They are as follows:

Saturday, October 8th - Dubbo - Let's Get Physical - Orana Mall, Wheelers Lane, 11am - Contact: Tim Carr - Richmond Fellowship - 02 6881 6011 - E-mail: t.carr@rfnsw.org.au

Thursday, October 13th - Dubbo - Stress Less Day - Ollie Robbins Park, Bligh Street - 2.00 pm - 4.30pm - Contact: Chris Daly - Mission Australia - 02 6884 8526 - E-mail: DaleyC@missionaustralia.com.au

Wenesday, October 19th - Dubbo - `Intangible' Movie Night - (guest Speaker: Jessica Rowe) - RSL Theatrette - Corner Brisbane St & Wingewarra St - 6pm - Contact: Kelly Leonard - Family and Carer Working Party - 02 6841 2975 - E-mail: Kelly.Leonard@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Tuesday, October 25th - Gilgandra - `Intangible' Movie Night - (Guest Speaker: Nick Farr-Jones) - Gilgandra Services Club - 33 Morris Street -
6pm - Contact: Jill Blackman - Gilgandra Mental Health Advocates Group - 02 6817 8750

Thursday, October 27th - Dubbo - Trivia Night - Break Thru People Solutions - 136 Darling St - 6.30pm - Contact: Nathan/Rowena - Break Thru People Solutions - 02 6884 5151

Thursday, October 27th - Bourke - `The Artist Within' Art Exhibition Launch - NSW Outback Division of General Practice Building - 27 Oxley Street - 4pm - 7pm - Contact: Alicia Russell - The Richmond Fellowshiip - 02 6872 4501 OR Abigail Baker, CentaCare - 02 6871 1551

Friday, October 28th - Bourke - `The Artist Within' Art Exhibition (Open All Day) - NSW Outback Division of General Practice Building - 28 Oxley Street - 9am - 4pm - Contact: Alicia Russell - The Richmond Fellowship - 02 6872 4501 OR Abigail Baker - CentaCare - 02 6872 1551

Saturday, 29th October - Bourke - Free Community Breakfast BBQ - Out the front of NSW Outback Division of General Practice Building - 28 Oxley Street - 8am - 2pm - Contact: Alicia Russell - The Richmond Fellowship - 02 6872 4501 OR Abigail Baker - CentaCare - 02 6872 1551

Hopefully, all the outlying areas have submitted their agenda for Mental Health Month. There are lots of activity going on throughout the areas and that they are all well attended. Good Luck, Fair Weather and just plain enjoy the days.

Hello, Again

Well, it is going to be a very wet day for us at Post Office Lane, am afraid. I do hope that the weather doesn't keep anyone away from us - we will really need support today, am afraid. We have 2 members who are very sick, unable to help - one is in the midst of packing, preparing for a house move, but will be able to give us a few hours, bless her.

We would really love to see as many of you as we can. Will post more as soon as I can.

Hugs for now.

Good Morning, all

The following are additional items sent to the co-ordinator at the last minute. Apologies for this.

Wednesday, 5th October (today) - Forbes - Forbes Mental Health Month Main Event - Apex Park - BBQ, Tai Chi, Zumba, information, face painting, fishing (bring your own rod) 10am - Contact: Cindy Beadon - 026863 7404 - E-mail: cindy.beadon@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Thursday, 6th October - Parkes - Mental Health Month Launch - OCTEC Office, 206 Clarinda Street - Guest Speaker - All Welcome. Morning Tea provided - 10.30am to 12.30 pm - Contact: Cindy Beadon - 026863 7404 - E-mail: cindy.beadon@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Saturday, 8th October - Forbes - Youth Mental Health Month Movie Night - Youth & Community Centre "Grownups" - Entry by gold coin donation - Refreshments available - 7.30pm for 8pm start. Children under 10 accompanied by an adult. Contact: Stacey Brackenridge - 026868 2233 - E-mail: stacey.brackenridge@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Tuesday, 11th October - Forbes - Mums and Bubs Walk - Meet at the Aeroplane - 10.30am - Contact: Cindy Beadon - 026863 7404 - E-mail: cindy.beadon@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Monday, 17th October - Parkes - Parkes Mental Health Month Main Event - Cooke Park Community Hall - Performances, demonstrations, information stands, BBQ - All Welcome - 11am - 2pm - Contact: Cindy Beadon - 026863 7404 - E-mail: cindy.beadon@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Tuesday, 18th October - Forbes - Mental Health Walk - Meet at the Aeroplane - Followed by Centacare `Time Out' - Morning Tea at Mezzanine - 10.30am - Contact: Cindy Beadon - 026863 7404 - Email: cindy.beadon@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Thursday, 20th October - Bathurst - The Howard Pavilion, Bathurst Showground, Great Western Highway - 11am - 2 pm - Gold Coin Donation - Contact: Krystle Jackson - 026339 7200 or 0434 193 114 - E-mail: krystle.jackson@aftercare.com.au

This is the final list. I wish everyone great success with their events.

Until next time, stay warm, well, be happy and SMILE - lots. Did you know that the smile on your face is the light in the window that lets everyone know you're home? Solong for now.

Good Morning All

The Theme for Mental Health month is `WELLBEING: INVEST IN YOUR LIFE'

I received this Calendar of Events late Friday for the events occuring during Mental Health Month. They are as follows:

Thursday, 6th October, MWCAG Information Van in Post Office Lane, Orange. Community Information Van, Post Office Lane, Summer Street, Orange - 10:00am to 2pm. Contact: Jenny Coleman - 026360 8000 or 026360 7981 - E-mail: jenny.coleman@gwahs.health.gove.au

Wednesday, 12th October - Annual Craft Fair Official Opening. Bloomfield Hall, Bloomfield Hospital, Orange - 2pm to 5pm - Performance by the Symptomatics Choir - (Open to the Public on Thursday, October 7th) -Contact: Diversional Therapy Team - 02 6360 7700 - E-mail: jane.passer@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Thursday, 13th October - O'Brien Centre Open Day, Orange - O'Brien Centre re-opens for Term 4 - Art, music, Activities, lunch - $3.00 for the day - 10am - 2pm. Contact: Jenny Coleman - 026360 8000 or 026360 7981 - E-mail: jenny.coleman@gwahs.health.gov.au

Thursday, 13th October - O'Brien Centre - NAIDOC DAY - 10am-10.15am - Flag Raising (Didgeridoo Player), Welcome to Country and NAIDOC Address, Western Local Health District Response, Bush Babies Performance, Video - The National Apology, Lunch (Traditional Food Tasting).
Contact: Donna Stanley - Clinical Leader, Aboriginal Mental Health - Pine Lodge, Bloomfield Hospital, Orange. 026363 8211 or 0428 103 581

Monday, 12th October - `INTANGIBLE" Carer's DVD Launch - Orange - Orange Botanic Gardens, 1 Yellow Box Way - 11am - 1pm. Contact: Kylie Gregory - 026360 7850 - E-mail: kylie.gregory@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Tuesday, October 18th to Thursday, October 20th - Australian National Field Days - feature exhibit: Western NSW Local Health District - Borenore - Comprehensive Meanl Health Drug & Alcohol display within the feature exhibit in the Trevor Elliott Pavilion - 9am -5pm, all 3 days.
Contact: Julie Proctor - 026360 7986 or 0427 467 169. E-mail: julie.proctor@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Wednesday, 19th October - Symptomatics Choir performance and debut CD launch - Borenore - Main Stage, Australian National Field Days site, outside the Trevor Elliott Pavilion. Performance by the Symptomatics and CD launch - 11.30am. Contact: Julie Proctor - 026360 7986 or 042 467 169. E-mail: julie proctor@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Wednesday, 19th October - `INTANGIBLE' Carer's DVD Staff Screening, Orange - Orange Health Service Auditorium, Forest Road - 12.30 - 2pm
Contact: Kylie Gregory - 026360 7850 - E-mail: kylie.gregory@gwahs.health.new.gov.au

Wednesday, 19th October - Bathurst Community Information Day - Bathurst - Information and Resources, Stockland Mall, William St, Bathurst - 10am - 2pm - Contact: Linda Plicha - 02 6332 6822 - E-mail: linda.plicha@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Thursday, 20th October - Bathurst Community Information Day - Bathurst - Information and Resources, Stockland Mall, Main Foyer, Howick St, Bathurst - 10am - 2pm. Contact: Linda Plicha - 026332 6822 - E-mail: linda plicha@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Thursday, 20th October - O'Brien Centre Open Day - Orange - O'Brien Centre Open Day. Art, music, activities - $3.00 for the day - includes morning tea - 10am - 2pm. Contact: Jenny Coleman - 026360 8000 or 02 6360 7981. E-mail: jenny.coleman@gwahs.health.gov.au

Friday, 21st October - `INTANGIBLE' Carer's DVD Launch - Bathurst - Cathedral Parish Centre, Kepple St., Bathurst - 11am - 1pm. Contact:
Kylie Gregory - 026360 7850 - E-mail? kylie.gregory@gwahs.health.gov.au

Friday, 28th October - Community Barbeque - Cowra - BBQ, information, resources, Clinicians and MHDA staff, local community welcome - free of charge. 10am - 2pm - Squires Park, Main St, Cowra (opposite Post Office) Contact: Cowra Community Mental Health - 026341 2386

Should additional information come to hand, I will post on here. We will all be busy little beavers - in the meantime, enjoy what is most interesting and needful to you.

Stay well and WARM - old man Winter must like us, as he is sure taking his time in leaving us to Summer's bounty.

Until next time, hugs and purrs to everyone

Good Morning, All

We have one more week at the O'Brien Centre then we will be closed for the school holidays. Closure Dates are September 29th and October 6th. We will re-open October 13th. Please note that, due to rising costs of food and fuel, we are putting the lunch money up to $3.00, sadly,when we return.

For Mental Health Month, we will again have the kiosk in Post Office lane on October 6th. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Bloomfield will hold their annual Craft Fair on Wednesday, 12th October at 2pm, in the Bloomfield Hall.

Wednesday, 19th October, the Symptomatics will be performing at 11.30, National Field Days Site, Borenore. We will have, hopefully, copies of their new CD for sale, too.

Enquiries for either of the above functions can be made on: 02 6360 7986.

When the full schedule of events for Mental Health Month comes to hand, I will post on here.

I have been sent the following, which I think is very appropriate for Volunteers, regardless of it's just being kind to neighbours, friends, or organizations.

VOLUNTEERSPlant the Seeds of Kindness

Thanks for all you share,
and for taking
time to care.

Good Morning, Everyone

Firstly, I've had to return to my old PC, so everything on the other one is not here. Am so sorry, but can't be helped. PC's are a necessity these days, but they don't last forever, sadly.

So - I'll try to bring everyone up to date as much as I can.

The weaving and sculpting is coming to a close, after a year and a half of mad activity. We're meeting this coming Wednesday, 13th September with completed scales for the fish, which Gabriella will take home and complete both sides, then she will rosin it, so that it will withstand the weather. She will return on Friday 16th, so complete rosining the 3 sculptures left at the O'Brien Centre. It will be very sad not to have the ladies come every week. They are a group of very talented ladies, and it has been a privilege to meet and become part of their circle, albeit for a short time. Photos have been taken of the work in progress, and more will be taken when they're all complete. Hopefully, we'll be able to insert them on here, for everyone to be able to see the marvellous creations, using native grasses and rafia. The weaving is part of the native Aboriginal culture, and am grateful to have learned a new skill.

We've acquired a new kiln for ceramics, but it still has to be connected. Trying to get an electrician thru Mental Health has been an ongoing headache, but we're hoping to have it connected soon, so that we can continue with ceramics. We have a number of greenware just waiting to be completed.

Mental Health month is coming up in October. We will again have Council's kiosk in Post Office Lane, with lots of information and giveaways for folk. The kiosk will open at 10 am and continue until we give everything away. This is a great way to try and negate the stigma attached to Mental Health. I will again type up the agenda for the month when it is available.

The National Field Days will also be held in October, and the O'Brien Centre will be represented with other Mental Health facilities. An even greater possibility of promoting Mental Health and the O'Brien Centre. As well, the choir `Symptomatics' will perform along with the launch of their new CD, which will be for sale for $15.00. One of the Centre's artist's painting will grace the cover.

NAIDOC Day will be celebrated at the O'Brien Centre again this year on October 13th. I will post more later when I have all the information to hand.

Old man Winter has decided he doesn't want to leave just yet. I hope he leaves us soon, and Spring can continue her journey towards Summer.

Until next time, stay warm, well and above all, BE HAPPY.

Many many thank you's to Frank for adding the flyer information to my last posting. Click on the O'Brien Centre Flyer and it will come up for you. I still have to learn how to do that, sighhhhhhhhhh. Hopefully this weekend, barring any unforseen interruptions, lolol.

Jenny, Helen and I worked on sending out the invitations today, and most are ready for mailing. There are just a few that addresses have to be found for, and they will be taken care of tomorrow.

It truly promises to be a fantastic day - in anticipation of seeing you there, solong for now. Hugs and purrs to all.

Good Morning, Everyone

O'Brien Centre's 12th year is coming up and you are Invited - here is the flier you can print out and pass around OBrienCentre12thyearInvitepdf.pdf

I have been remiss in telling you all that the school holidays are on, and the O'Brien Centre folk are having a well earned two week break. Everyone, that is, who are not involved in the weaving projects. A few of us will be out at the Centre this coming Wednesday and Thursday, as well as the following week. We are open to our folk again on the 28th April.

Anyone interested in helping with the weaving are most welcome. Of course, everyone is welcome on our Thursdays.

Until i have more news, solong for now. Stay well, healthy and happy. Hugss and purrsss to all

Good Morning, One and All

Firstly, apologies for not posting sooner and keeping everyone informed on the goings on at the O'Brien Center.

That out of the way, firstly, the Centre has been a hive of activity with the weavers from the Health and Well Being project, which is nearing completion, soon to be ready to be installed in the new hospital. Date still to be decided.
There are 16 projects under way, with a few already complete and looking great.

Secondly, the O'Brien Centre's 12th birthday celebrations are coming up on 12th May, 2011. We are all hard at work to
ensure a very happy, welcoming Day. In conjunction with our celebrations, there will be an opportunity to view close up the 16 woven designs. An invitation has been created - I will send to Nicky to be posted on here. (I still have to learn how to do this, but with Nicky's help, I will be able to do).

Thirdly, work has been in progress to prepare a spot for Frank Hayes' memorial plaque, to be unveiled on the 12th May. This will be a very sad occasion for many of us, but also, a celebration of Frank's life and time with us.

Fourthly, we have received a grant for the ceramics shed, so now just have to set dates for when we can start - this is very exciting - well, to me, anyhow.

I should also tell you that the recovery garden has been prolific - the tomatoes are coming out of our ears, and the butternut pumpkins are deeeeeeelicious. Jenny will start re-planting as soon as she can. There is absolutely nothing as good and satisfying as eating your own fresh produce, with no chemicals. Sadly, the caterpillars and moths also think so, and are doing their best to thwart our efforts, lol.

The above is all that I have for you at this time. I promise to be more forthcoming in the future. (I hope)

Hugs to all until next time

Hello again

Have just received notice that Mental Health Month, 2011 theme is `Wellbeing: Invest in Your Life'.

The theme for Mental Health Month this year is encouraging participants to take a holistic view of health and wellbeing.
A person's overall wellbeing can encompass not just their mental health, but also their physical health, social health, spiritual health and community health. These different domains of our lives can all work to support the creation and living out of happy, engaged and meaningful lives even in the presence of illness. The Mental Health month campaign will include a number of resources with strategies people and communities can take up to support and enhance their well being.

More will be posted as it comes to hand.

In the meantime, take care, stay well, be happy and enjoy your life.

Hugs to all