Want to put your input into the new Bendigo Hospital?

22 June 2011
COMMUNITY VIEWS TO INFORM NEW HOSPITAL
Bendigo Health is set to undertake another phase of consultation with the community to collect their views about the New Bendigo Hospital project at community information sessions on June 28 (between 4.30 and 8pm).
The informal session will be held at La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre (121 View Street, Bendigo) and provide an opportunity for the community to ask questions and also discuss any ideas for the new hospital project. Short presentations will also take place on the hour at 5, 6 and 7pm.
Bendigo Health executive director New Bendigo Hospital David Walker said that involvement of the community in the planning and development of the New Bendigo Hospital is essential to ensure that the project delivers the best possible facilities and services for Bendigo and regional communities.
“Early planning for this project included community consultation as part of an overall communication process, to provide a perspective different to that of staff on the project team,” he said.
The purpose of the informal community information sessions is to provide an information and discussion forum for local community members and interest groups and to provide a structure for community views to be communicated.
“We are planning for a new, state of the art hospital, to meet the region’s future health needs. Constructive dialogue with the community is an important part of the process.
“An online forum has been developed to allow those who are not able to attend the sessions to contribute their ideas.
“Staff and community consultations will enrich the planning process,” he said.
Community members can also obtain up-to-date information about the project by visiting the New Bendigo Hospital website http://www.newbendigohospital.org.au, via email newbendigohospital@bendigohealth.org.au or call 1300 NBH BGO/ 1300 624 246.

PAG Craft Group shows off their Decorated Teapots.

Bendigo PAG teapot decoration020611_009119
On Thursday June 2, at the Bendigo Library, Hargreaves Street Bendigo, members of the City of Greater Bendigo Planned Activity Craft Group met to celebrate their decorated tea-pot display that has been in the Bendigo library for two weeks.
While the teapots have been on display there have been activities in the library for children designed around these lovely teapots.
The teapots were decorated over a three week period and were used to adorn the tables at a recent Biggest Morning Tea which raised over $380 to support cancer research.
Joyce OEHM proudly shows off her Decorated Teapot which she had worked on over a period of three weeks and was one of many that were used to adorn the tables at a recent Biggest Morning Tea which raised over $380 to support cancer research.
Joyce is a member of the City of Greater Bendigo Planned Activity Craft Group.
Decorated Teapots on show 

The Craft Group meets every Thursday and has been operating for about two years. 
The City of Greater Bendigo’s Planned Activity Groups (PAG)  provide a planned program of activities that enhance the skills needed for basic daily living, provide support and interaction with others and respite for their carers.
By attending a PAG session the clients have an opportunity to participate in small friendly groups and take part in a range of activities and outings.
In Bendigo there are 16 PAG groups including the Craft Group who meet across 6 days of the week.  Groups include men’s, ladies, craft, mixed groups, dementia specific and people with all types of interests.  In the last financial year more than 750 PAG sessions were held in Greater Bendigo.
Members agree that the group is invaluable, with one lady saying it gave her a “reason to get of bed in the morning” and another stating that the co ordinators are a ‘lifeline’ for her.
 Bendigo PAG teapot decoration020611_009108
Left to Right.
Betty Ellis(seated), Norma Emmers, Annie French, Joyce Oehm, Kathleen Humbert.
For further information about joining a PAG group please phone 5447 2248 or contact Commonwealth Carelink on 1800 052 222.

An arts opportunity for children in Bendigo.

I just got this email from Rohan at the CoGB and thought I’d pass it on to others in our area – great fun for kids!
I am pleased to announce these two opportunities for local children. The first is an animation workshop with the creator of Hidden Creatures and the second opportunity is “Everyone’s a (young) critic” where children are asked to review local arts events.
The Hidden Creatures Animation Workshop with Paul Fletcher will be held in Bendigo on Saturday 25 June. There are 12 places available in this free workshop and to enter children aged 10 to 12 are asked to draw and describe their own unique creature. Entries close on Wednesday 15 June and successful applicants will be advised on Friday 17 June.
· Information and application form – Animation Workshop
“Everyone’s a (young) critic” encourages children 12 and under to review an arts event (for example an exhibition or live performance) that they attend in June. Selected reviews will be published on Child Friendly City website and in the City’s arts e-bulletin. As a further incentive, there will be prizes including vouchers to The Capital and Bendigo Art Gallery awarded for the best reviews.
· Information and application form – “Everyone’s a (young) critic”
For information and application forms for either of these opportunities go to www.childfriendlycity.com.au or contact me and I will be happy to email the details out to you.
(the
Rohan Phillips
Arts Officer | Community and Cultural Development | City of Greater Bendigo
http://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/
(p) 03 – 5434 6478
(f) 03 – 5434 6199