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

NEW SUSTAINABLE LIVING GUIDE LAUNCHED TO CELEBRATE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY


The City of Greater Bendigo has launched a new online sustainable living guide to celebrate World Environment Day on Sunday June 5.
World Environment Day is the annual United Nations event to promote worldwide awareness of environmental issues and encourages us all to take action.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe said he encouraged all residents to log onto www.bendigo.vic.gov.au  to access the new comprehensive guide on how to live a more sustainable life.
“The guide has been designed to help residents take action to live more sustainably at home and in the community and is packed with ideas, tips and inspiration.
“It demonstrates that small, easy changes can have positive impacts on the environment and your health and wellbeing as well as saving you some money.
“The new guide has been produced in conjunction with the Natural Strategies Group, a small organization that develops and assists organizations with online environmental information.
“It’s a wonderful up to date resource full of simple actions we can all take to help reduce our impact on the planet and includes images and links to related resources,” said Cr Fyffe.
Topics covered in the guide included transport, house, food, products, waste, community, garden and work.
Each topic has a range of specific actions, which includes information about the issues being addressed and how the suggested action helps create a more sustainable future for us all.  
“This new initiative is a great resource for our community and builds on other sustainability initiatives being undertaken by City of Greater Bendigo and other community organizations” said Cr Fyffe.  
The sustainable living guide can be accessed at:
http://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Environment/Sustainable_Living_Guide