Blog

Bendigo Community Coat Drive 2017 - we need your help!

: Friday 19 May 2017; Written by Rod

BCHS CEO Kim Sykes, Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters and Pristine Dry Cleaners manager Jane Townsend.

We need your help!

Our 2017 Bendigo Community Coat Drive is underway and we’re aiming to break the record of 2300 items this year.

Please check your cupboards, draws and those boxes that have been sitting in the shed for ages to see if you have a jacket, jumper or blanket that hasn’t been worn in a while.

Our kind community donated 2300 items last year and every one was distributed to someone in need through Bendigo Community Health Services sites at central Bendigo, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat.

We also provided coats to like-minded organisations such as Haven Home Safe to distribute to their clients.

This is your chance to help someone less fortunate keep warm through the winter months.

The Coat Drive runs from May 22 to June 9. So, where do you drop off your coats?

Bendigo collection points

Pristine Dry Cleaners

Shop 141/157-161 High Street, Bendigo.

Any Bendigo Community Health Services site:

Bendigo Central – 171 Hargreaves Street.

Eaglehawk – 3 Seymoure Street.

Kangaroo Flat – 13 Helm Street.

If you need more information about the coat drive or have a question, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 5448 1600.

Thank you Lisa Chesters and Pristine Dry Cleaners

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters kicked off our 2017 Bendigo Community Coat Drive by donating the coat she made famous during the 2016 election campaign.

Our CEO Kim Sykes said the donation was a great start to the 2017 coat drive.

: Friday 12 May 2017; Written by Rod

It's National Volunteers Week and to celebrate we are running a little series of profiles recognising some of the volunteers who give their time to support our organisation. We so treasure the valuable support of all our volunteers. Thank you ...

To complete the series, today we meet Colleen Gale:

How long have you been volunteering with BCHS?

I have been volunteering with the Women's Embroidery and Sewing Group since August 2016.

What is your role?

To supervise within the group alongside various other volunteers. I also attend to the needs of the children within the play area.

Why did you start volunteering?

I commenced my role with this group of women because I had an interest in the work they were doing and there was an opportunity for me to assist and learn within a group environment.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

Coming along each week as it gives me a good sense of direction and purpose, along with connecting to women of other nationalities. This is what I like most about my involvement, getting to know the women, and seeing how they are going with their work each week, and how they are generally feeling on the day. They bring me a lot of joy with their unique personalities, and they always contribute genuinely with each other, and with great fondness for each other.

: Thursday 11 May 2017; Written by Rod

BCHS volunteer Jasmine Noske meets Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters at the La Trobe University Pride Week.

Today we meet Jasmine Noske:

How long have you been volunteering with BCHS?

Since I finished my La Trobe (University) placement in November of last year.

What is your role?

To aid the Strategic Planning and Analysis team with their workload. I volunteer one to two times a week on average to help complete data collection, report writing and other tasks. I also help with other teams when I can, such as attending Pride Week at La Trobe with the BCHS sexual health nurse.

Why did you start volunteering?

Because I had loved my placement with the SPA team. I also wanted to gain more experience after I finished university in order to hopefully gain employment. Volunteering is an excellent way of gaining valuable experience in your chosen field.

What do you like most about volunteering?

Knowing that I am helping people and gaining valuable experience along the way. I love the team I am working with and feel as though I am learning a lot more about public health and how everything works.

: Wednesday 10 May 2017; Written by Rod

Kirsty Ash, right, volunteering with BCHS.

Today we meet Kirsty Ash:

How long have you been volunteering with BCHS?

Around one year.

What is your role?

Helping out with the Young Pregnant Parenting Program.

Why did you start volunteering?

I am studying Diploma of Community Services and wanted experience in the field. I was also a great way to be able to give back and assist others in the community.

What do you like most about volunteering?

I love seeing what the clients achieve, the skills they develop in the program and the friendships they make. This gives them a bigger support network.

I also love the Linda the co-ordinator has so much knowledge and experience. She has been so generous sharing this and answering all my questions had never been a hassle.

: Tuesday 9 May 2017; Written by Rod

Today we meet Ann Fisher who volunteers at our Homework Club:

How long have you been volunteering with BCHS?

I've been helping at Golden Square Primary School Homework Club for nearly two and half years.

What is your role?

The volunteers give the children a snack from 3.15pm to 3.30pm. From 3.30pm to 4pm we get into groups for reading time. We discuss the book, ask questions and check for comprehension. From 4pm to 4.15pm the students tell their group their news. It helps their oral language. From 4.15pm to 4.50pm we all come together for the main activity. They go outside when it's warm and play a game. They do different indoor activities. Then we pack up and the parents come and take them home at 5pm.

Why did you start volunteering?

I started volunteering because I like helping the Karen families from Burma. I now like the families from other countries too.

What do you like most about volunteering?

I like most building relationships and befriending the families. They are all a blessing in my life.

: Monday 8 May 2017; Written by Rod

Adrian Powell delivers children's books donated by State Trustees to our kidzspace centre.

First up we meet Adrian Powell who volunteers at our Thursday Soup Kitchen though a partnership with his employer State Trustees:

How long have you been volunteering with BCHS?

Just under a year now.

What is your role?

Assisting with Thursday Soup Kitchen.

Why did you start volunteering?

To be able to give back to the community and engage with many of the clients that I work with on a different level.

: Friday 5 May 2017; Written by Rod

Winter is coming and that means cold days, even colder nights, a longing for warmer places and the arrival of the dreaded flu season.

We can help you beat the lurgy and if you’re a business owner keep your staff healthy too.

Did you know flu is linked to 3000 deaths in Australia each year?

A further 13,500 people will need hospital treatment.

The flu thrives in workplaces with one in four people falling victim each winter which research shows leads to at least three to five days off work.

That’s where we come in!

The World Health Organisation says vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent flu.

Our qualified nurse immuniser will travel to your business to vaccinate staff and we offer catch up sessions at our Eaglehawk site for anyone away on the day.

You might also want to get a flu shot if you're heading overseas in the Australian summer to colder climates.

: Friday 5 May 2017; Written by Rod

The emergence of more than 500 new ‘legal high’ and illicit drugs in six years has prompted Bendigo Community Health Services to host a free workshop for professionals working with drug users.

Edith Cowan University senior lecturer of addiction and ethno-pharmacologist Doctor Stephen Bright will facilitate the May 31 workshop.

Anyone working in the alcohol and drugs sector, emergency services, public health and interested community members are welcome to attend.

The May 31 workshop will run from 1pm to 3pm at the La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre, 121 View Street, Bendigo.

To secure a place in the free workshop click here or for more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 5430 0500.

Bendigo multicultural refugee services directory

: Thursday 4 May 2017; Written by Rod

A directory of services for refugees in Bendigo has been updated with new information.

The directory was produced by the Rural Australians for Refugees Bendigo with support from Bendigo Community Health Services and Young People for Refugees.

: Monday 1 May 2017; Written by Rod

Bendigo Community Health Services values children from all backgrounds.

We are dedicated to making our community a safe, nurturing and welcoming place for children to grow and develop.

We are committed to making sure ALL children reach their individual potential.

• BCHS acknowledges the significant impact of child abuse, violence and trauma on children and commits to acting in the best interests of children at all times, to protect and nurture children into their future.

• BCHS listens to the needs of children, their families and their community and commits to responding to community need to enhance outcomes for children.

• BCHS recognises the importance of stable relationships, connections to others and ongoing support for families, promoting resilience and optimising outcomes for children.

• BCHS is committed to making client and community spaces ‘safe’ for all children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, culturally diverse children and children of all abilities.

We will do this by:

• supporting families to keep children safe, healthy, happy.

• helping families support children to reach their full potential.

• Effectively advocate for children and being a champion for quality outcomes in child health and wellbeing.

Child Safety Officer

Bendigo Community Health Services has a dedicated Child Safety Officer.

Our Executive Director Peter Richardson presently holds this role within the organisation.

The Child Safety Officer provides a single point of contact for children, parents, staff and volunteers who are seeking advice or support regarding the safety and wellbeing of children associated within BCHS.

Peter will ensure that child safety is prioritised and that any allegations or concerns are recorded and responded to consistently and in line with your organisation’s legal requirements, policies and procedures.

To contact Peter about any issues in regards to Child Safety and BCHS please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Last updated: September 15, 2020

Subcategories

General
Community

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Discovering BCHS - meet our staff

Find out more about our amazing staff
kidzspace - a new era for BCHS

Our kidzspace project
Volunteers

BCHS recognises and thanks our volunteers
Partnerships

BCHS recognises and thanks our partners
From our executive

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Celebrations

Celebrating BCHS's milestones
Men's Health Marathon

Bendigo Community Health Services runs the Men's Health Marathon in late August and early September each year - 11 days of activities designed to get men out, active and thinking seriously about their health.