Fortnightly News 22/1/2021

Club Re-opens

Welcome back to 2021, we hope to have all of our activities going by early February.

Saturday Bridge

Saturday Bridge will recommence on Saturday 6 February starting at 1pm.

Book Fair Help

Let’s hope this year brings better times for the Club. As most members know we were unable to hold our Book Fair in 2020. We are hoping to hold one later this year to give the Club’s finances a much needed boost.

Donations of books, DVDs, CDs etc keep rolling in so we will have plenty of stock.

We do need more helpers to process the donations. At present we have two groups who sort, clean, categorise and pack the books etc. namely on Wednesday and Friday mornings.

We are also starting a Monday afternoon group from 1.45 pm to 3.45 pm. If you are interested in helping at any of these times please come along any Monday afternoon and talk to Judy about how you would like to help. We can find a job that fits your interests and physical capability.

The WOW Art Group

The Watercolour on Wednesday Art Group has an exhibition of members’ paintings in the foyer and the Anne Murray Room.

Check In CBR App

The Check In CBR app is a contactless, secure and convenient way for members to sign into the Woden Seniors Club.

The app helps protect the community by assisting with faster contact tracing. The app enables individuals to check-in to venues and have this data stored securely with ACT Health in the event contact tracing is needed due to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community.

Use of the app will help the ACT Health contact tracing team quickly identify and assist anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency non-essential businesses and undertakings are required by law to ask for the first name and phone number of people who attend their venue. Use of this app enables businesses to comply with these laws.

Download the App

5 step process to download and use the app:

(Internet connection and compatible phone or tablet device required)

1. Download the Check In CBR App from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Register your details (required for the first time only).
3. At participating venues, open the app, select ‘Check In Now’ and hover your smartphone over the displayed QR code.
4. Add in any additional people – those who are with you without their own device or app.
5. When the check-in is complete, show venue staff the app successful check in screen.

Fortnightly News 11/12/2020

Club Closing Times for the Festive Season

The Club will close at 4pm on Friday 18 December 2020 and re-open on Monday 18 January 2021. Activity groups can continue to use the Club through this period by arrangement with the front office.

On behalf of the Management Committee I would like to wish you a happy and safe festive season.

Audited Financial Statements

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on meetings we will not be holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM) this year. We need a quorum of 40 and the maximum we can have in our rooms is 26 people. There are copies of our audited financial statements for members to peruse in the front office.

Fortnightly News 27/11/2020

Please Do Not Enter the Club if:

• You are feeling unwell or developing cold or flu like symptoms (including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath); or
• You have been in close contact with someone with these symptoms or is a confirmed COVID-19 case; or
• You or someone you have been in close contact with has recently returned from interstate or overseas.

Club Closing Times for the Festive Season

The Club will close at 4pm on Friday 18 December 2020 and re-open on Monday 18 January 2021. Activity groups can continue to use the Club through this period by arrangement with the front office.

Audited Financial Statements

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on meetings we will not be holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM) this year. We need a quorum of 40 and the maximum we can have in our rooms is 26 people. There are copies of our audited financial statements for members to peruse in the front office.

Access to the Club

The usual access point to the Club has been moved to the northern part of Corinna Street. Transport Canberra have upgraded the access point with bitumen to cross both gutters. Transport Canberra neglected to let us know that the road adjacent to the Club was being upgraded. When it became clear to them that we needed access to the Club they agreed to put in the temporary access point. Corinna Street will be closed for about 9 weeks.

For those having problems finding their way into the Club, via the temporary entrance due to road closures in Corinna street, here is a mud map that may or may not help.

Basically if heading from Hindmarsh down Melrose turn right at the lights into Corinna Street, (or left if coming from Launceston street) Go down the divided Road of Corinna Street till you reach the T intersection into Furzer Street.

Turn into Furzer then directly back into the other side of the divided Road of Corinna Street. The normal way is blocked off, but there is a temporary entrance on your left not far past the closed off road. There are some orange cones to mark the entrance and some fencing. There is a bit of a bump and it is easier if you then turn left into the old exit road from the club and this will bring you up to the normal driveway into the club. When you leave the club, just go out the normal exit, but follow the temporary entrance/exit onto Corinna Street. You will have to turn left onto Corinna Street to reach Mellrose.

Hope this helps,

Check In CBR App

The Check In CBR app is a contactless, secure and convenient way for members to sign into the Woden Seniors Club.

The app helps protect the community by assisting with faster contact tracing. The app enables individuals to check-in to venues and have this data stored securely with ACT Health in the event contact tracing is needed due to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community.

Use of the app will help the ACT Health contact tracing team quickly identify and assist anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency non-essential businesses and undertakings are required by law to ask for the first name and phone number of people who attend their venue. Use of this app enables businesses to comply with these laws.

Download the App

5 step process to download and use the app:

(Internet connection and compatible phone or tablet device required)

1. Download the Check In CBR App from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Register your details (required for the first time only).
3. At participating venues, open the app, select ‘Check In Now’ and hover your smartphone over the displayed QR code.
4. Add in any additional people – those who are with you without their own device or app.
5. When the check-in is complete, show venue staff the app successful check in screen.

Free one-on-one digital learning sessions for seniors

Woden Seniors is no longer offering iPad or computer classes, however the Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT has recently received funding to fill this gap.

The ACT Government has funded COTA ACT to offer free one-on-one digital learning sessions to seniors. The Seniors Pop-up Technology Hub will be a place where seniors can come and ask questions in a relaxed way and learn about how to get online and become confident with using new technology. The learning sessions are designed to assist seniors with staying in touch with their community, family and friends, such as through email, social media, and video calls eg Zoom or Facetime, and be a resource for finding information online.

If you would like to know more about the free computer literacy workshops run by COTA ACT, call the COTA ACT office on 6282 3777 or email Events@cotaact.org.au

Fortnightly News 13/11/2020

Club Closing Times for the Festive Season

The Club will close at 4pm on Friday 18 December 2020 and re-open on Monday 18 January 2021. Activity groups can continue to use the Club through this period by arrangement with the front office.

Audited Financial Statements

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on meetings we will not be holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM) this year. We need a quorum of 40 and the maximum we can have in our rooms is 26 people. There however copies of our audited financial statements for members to peruse in the front office.

Access to the Club

The usual access point to the Club has been moved to the northern part of Corinna Street. Transport Canberra have upgraded the access point with bitumen to cross both gutters. Transport Canberra neglected to let us know that the road adjacent to the Club was being upgraded. When it became clear to them that we needed access to the Club they agreed to put in the temporary access point. Corinna Street will be closed for about 9 weeks.

For those having problems finding their way into the Club, via the temporary entrance due to road closures in Corinna street, here is a mud map that may or may not help.

Basically if heading from Hindmarsh down Melrose turn right at the lights into Corinna Street, (or left if coming from Launceston street) Go down the divided Road of Corinna Street till you reach the T intersection into Furzer Street.

Turn into Furzer then directly back into the other side of the divided Road of Corinna Street. The normal way is blocked off, but there is a temporary entrance on your left not far past the closed off road. There are some orange cones to mark the entrance and some fencing. There is a bit of a bump and it is easier if you then turn left into the old exit road from the club and this will bring you up to the normal driveway into the club. When you leave the club, just go out the normal exit, but follow the temporary entrance/exit onto Corinna Street. You will have to turn left onto Corinna Street to reach Mellrose.

Hope this helps,

Read More

Fortnightly News 23/10/2020

Access to the Club

The usual access point to the Club has been moved to the northern part of Corinna Street. Transport Canberra have upgraded the access point with bitumen to cross both gutters. Transport Canberra neglected to let us know that the road adjacent to the Club was being upgraded. When it became clear to them that we needed access to the Club they agreed to put in the temporary access point. The road will be closed for about 9 weeks.

For those having problems finding their way into the Club, via the temporary entrance due to road closures in Corinna street, here is a mud map that may or may not help.

Basically if heading from Hindmarsh down Melrose turn right at the lights into Corinna Street, (or left if coming from Launceston street) Go down the divided Road of Corinna Street till you reach the T intersection into Furzer Street.

Turn into Furzer then directly back into the other side of the divided Road of Corinna Street. The normal way is blocked off, but there is a temporary entrance on your left not far past the closed off road. There are some orange cones to mark the entrance and some fencing. There is a bit of a bump and it is easier if you then turn left into the old exit road from the club and this will bring you up to the normal driveway into the club. When you leave the club, just go out the normal exit, but follow the temporary entrance/exit onto Corinna Street. You will have to turn left onto Corinna Street to reach Mellrose.

Hope this helps,

Bridge

All Bridge classes will be resumed from 3rd November 2020

Tuesday 10.00 am – 12.45 pm

Thursday 1.15 pm – 4.15 pm

Saturday 1.00 pm – 4.30 pm

Mahjong & Scrabble

Two more activites have resumed,

Mahjong – Wednesday 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm

Scrabble – Monday 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm

New members and beginners are welcome.

Check In CBR App

The Check In CBR app is a contactless, secure and convenient way for members to sign into the Woden Seniors Club.

The app helps protect the community by assisting with faster contact tracing. The app enables individuals to check-in to venues and have this data stored securely with ACT Health in the event contact tracing is needed due to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community.

Use of the app will help the ACT Health contact tracing team quickly identify and assist anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency non-essential businesses and undertakings are required by law to ask for the first name and phone number of people who attend their venue. Use of this app enables businesses to comply with these laws.

Download the App

5 step process to download and use the app:

(Internet connection and compatible phone or tablet device required)

1. Download the Check In CBR App from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Register your details (required for the first time only).
3. At participating venues, open the app, select ‘Check In Now’ and hover your smartphone over the displayed QR code.
4. Add in any additional people – those who are with you without their own device or app.
5. When the check-in is complete, show venue staff the app successful check in screen.

Free one-on-one digital learning sessions for seniors

Woden Seniors is no longer offering iPad or computer classes, however the Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT has recently received funding to fill this gap.

The ACT Government has funded COTA ACT to offer free one-on-one digital learning sessions to seniors. The Seniors Pop-up Technology Hub will be a place where seniors can come and ask questions in a relaxed way and learn about how to get online and become confident with using new technology. The learning sessions are designed to assist seniors with staying in touch with their community, family and friends, such as through email, social media, and video calls eg Zoom or Facetime, and be a resource for finding information online.

If you would like to know more about the free computer literacy workshops run by COTA ACT, call the COTA ACT office on 6282 3777 or email Events

Please Do Not Enter the Club if:

• You are feeling unwell and developing cold or flu like symptoms (including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath); or
• You have been in close contact with someone with these symptoms or is a confirmed COVID-19 case; or
• You or someone you have been in close contact with has recently returned from interstate or overseas.

Fortnightly News 9/10/2020

Access to the Club

The usual access point to the Club has been moved to the northern part of Corinna Street. Transport Canberra have upgraded the access point with bitumen to cross both gutters. Transport Canberra neglected to let us know that the road adjacent to the Club was being upgraded. When it became clear to them that we needed access to the Club they agreed to put in the temporary access point. The road will be closed for about 9 weeks.

Mahjong & Scrabble

Two more activites have resumed,

Mahjong – Wednesday 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm

Scrabble – Monday 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm

New members and beginners are welcome.

Check In CBR App

The Check In CBR app is a contactless, secure and convenient way for members to sign into the Woden Seniors Club.

The app helps protect the community by assisting with faster contact tracing. The app enables individuals to check-in to venues and have this data stored securely with ACT Health in the event contact tracing is needed due to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community.

Use of the app will help the ACT Health contact tracing team quickly identify and assist anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency non-essential businesses and undertakings are required by law to ask for the first name and phone number of people who attend their venue. Use of this app enables businesses to comply with these laws.

Download the App

5 step process to download and use the app:

(Internet connection and compatible phone or tablet device required)

1. Download the Check In CBR App from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Register your details (required for the first time only).
3. At participating venues, open the app, select ‘Check In Now’ and hover your smartphone over the displayed QR code.
4. Add in any additional people – those who are with you without their own device or app.
5. When the check-in is complete, show venue staff the app successful check in screen.

Free wellbeing calls

Wellbeing Calls are available to anyone who is feeling lonely or isolated. A friendly chat with an Australian Red Cross Volunteer is just a phone call away.

To register to receive ‘check in calls’ Call (02) 6234 7630 between 8am and 4pm Monday – Friday

Free one-on-one digital learning sessions for senior

Woden Seniors is no longer offering iPad or computer classes, however the Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT has recently received funding to fill this gap.

The ACT Government has funded COTA ACT to offer free one-on-one digital learning sessions to seniors. The Seniors Pop-up Technology Hub will be a place where seniors can come and ask questions in a relaxed way and learn about how to get online and become confident with using new technology. The learning sessions are designed to assist seniors with staying in touch with their community, family and friends, such as through email, social media, and video calls eg Zoom or Facetime, and be a resource for finding information online.

If you would like to know more about the free computer literacy workshops run by COTA ACT, call the COTA ACT office on 6282 3777 or email Events

Tax help for seniors

Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT has a Tax Help Volunteer again this year.

You can book an appointment for Tuesday, from 10.00am or any Wednesday afternoon at the COTA ACT office in Wisdom Street, Hughes on 6282 3777.

Tax Help is a free and confidential service to help people on a low income (around $60,000 or less) with simple tax affairs to complete their tax return online with myTax. It is available from July to October.

Volunteers can help you lodge your tax return or amend online or claim a refund of franking credits.

Club Activities

These activities have already started,

Choir Practice (Monday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Line Dancing (Monday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Seated Exercise (Monday 12.00 – 1.30 pm)

Friendship Group (Monday 1.30 – 3.30 pm)

YMCA Gentle Exercise (Tuesday 9.30 – 10.30 am)

YMCA Ever Active (Wednesday 8.30 – 9.30 am)

Water Colour Painting (Wednesday 9.30 – 11.30 am)

Table Tennis (Wednesday & Friday 9.30 – 12.30 pm)

Stitchers (Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Craft Group (Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Tai Chi & Gentle Exercise (Thursday 2.00 -3.15 pm)

Painting and Drawing (Friday 1.30 – 3.30 pm)

These are activities where we can easily maintain a 1.5metre distance from each other. It is also essential that we maintain good hand hygiene and cough or sneeze into our elbows. There should be no communal refreshment breaks and members should bring their own drink bottles and snacks.

Each group leader will have to ensure that any commonly used areas such as tables and chairs are cleaned with the disinfectant wipes provided before and after the activity. Group leaders will be provided with a checklist of what must be done.

All groups must include each person’s full name and telephone number in the activity book to enable contact tracing in the event that there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. Please bring the correct money for each activity to minimise handling of cash.

The Management Committee will continuously review activities and wellbeing over the coming months to ensure that we reduce the risk of infection by COVID-19.

Please Do Not Enter the Club if:

• You are feeling unwell and developing cold or flu like symptoms (including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath); or
• You have been in close contact with someone with these symptoms or is a confirmed COVID-19 case; or
• You or someone you have been in close contact with has recently returned from interstate or overseas.

Fortnightly News 25/9/2020

Access to the Club

The usual access point to the Club has been moved to the northern part of Corinna Street. Transport Canberra neglected to let us know that the road adjacent to the Club was being upgraded. When it became clear to them that we needed access to the Club they agreed to put in the temporary access point. The road will be closed for about 9 weeks.

GARDEN CLUB

The garden club is starting up again after the Winter recess. If you are interested to come along and join in on most Monday and Friday mornings, please leave your name and best contact details with Polly.

We will be having a working bee on Friday 2nd October, starting at 9.30am to focus on weeding the garden beds. If you could spare a couple of hours, that would be great. Please bring your garden tools and a cup or mug for a drink.

Seniors Art Class: Floriography – the language of flowers

When: 10.00am – 12.00pm, Tuesdays from 6 October – 8 December 2020

Where: The Hunting Lodge, Tuggeranong Arts Centre

Cost: Free. Morning tea and materials will be provided.

Explore floriography – the Victorian-era language of flowers. With contemporary textile artist Carol Cooke, you will learn embroidery skills and techniques, and use them to complete a work with floral tributes – and secret messages!

This class for seniors (55 years and over) is suitable for beginners, or people with stitching and embroidery skills. Instead of using purchased patterns, you will design your piece, with layers of images, words and meaning.

Priority will be given to participants who live in the Woden and Tuggeranong regions, and assistance with the costs of travel will be available for some participants in those areas. If you do not have your own transport and need assistance to attend this class, please advise when you register. Numbers are limited and bookings essential.

To register: email Jacqui at Woden.Arts

Free wellbeing calls

Wellbeing Calls are available to anyone who is feeling lonely or isolated. A friendly chat with an Australian Red Cross Volunteer is just a phone call away.

To register to receive ‘check in calls’ Call (02) 6234 7630 between 8am and 4pm Monday – Friday

Free one-on-one digital learning sessions for senior

Woden Seniors is no longer offering iPad or computer classes, however the Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT has recently received funding to fill this gap.

The ACT Government has funded COTA ACT to offer free one-on-one digital learning sessions to seniors. The Seniors Pop-up Technology Hub will be a place where senior Canberrans can come and ask questions in a relaxed way and learn about how to get online and become confident with using technology. The learning sessions are designed to assist seniors with staying in touch with their community, family and friends, such as through email, social media, and video calls eg Zoom or Facetime, and be a resource for finding information online.

If you would like to know more about the free computer literacy workshops run by COTA ACT, call the COTA ACT office on 6282 3777 or email Events

Tax help for seniors

Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT has a Tax Help Volunteer again this year.

You can book an appointment for Tuesday, from 10.00am or any Wednesday afternoon at the COTA ACT office in Wisdom Street, Hughes on 6282 3777.

Tax Help is a free and confidential service to help people on a low income (around $60,000 or less) with simple tax affairs to complete their tax return online with myTax. It is available from July to October.

Volunteers can help you lodge your tax return or amendment online or claim a refund of franking credits.

Club Activities

These activities have already started,

Choir Practice (Monday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Line Dancing (Monday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Seated Exercise (Monday 12.00 – 1.30 pm)

Friendship Group (Monday 1.30 – 3.30 pm)

YMCA Gentle Exercise (Tuesday 9.30 – 10.30 am)

YMCA Ever Active (Wednesday 8.30 – 9.30 am)

Water Colour Painting (Wednesday 9.30 – 11.30 am)

Table Tennis (Wednesday & Friday 9.30 – 12.30 pm)

Stitchers (Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Craft Group (Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Tai Chi & Gentle Exercise (Thursday 2.00 -3.15 pm)

Painting and Drawing (Friday 1.30 – 3.30 pm)

These are activities where we can easily maintain a 1.5metre distance from each other. It is also essential that we maintain good hand hygiene and cough or sneeze into our elbows. There should be no communal refreshment breaks and members should bring their own drink bottles and snacks.

Each group leader will have to ensure that any commonly used areas such as tables and chairs are cleaned with the disinfectant wipes provided before and after the activity. Group leaders will be provided with a checklist of what must be done.

All groups must include each person’s full name and telephone number in the activity book to enable contact tracing in the event that there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. Please bring the correct money for each activity to minimise handling of cash.

The Management Committee will continuously review activities and wellbeing over the coming months to ensure that we reduce the risk of infection by COVID-19.

Please Do Not Enter the Club if:

• You are feeling unwell and developing cold or flu like symptoms (including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath); or
• You have been in close contact with someone with these symptoms or is a confirmed COVID-19 case; or
• You or someone you have been in close contact with has recently returned from interstate or overseas.

Fortnightly News 10/9/2020

VALE – Sue Schreiner

Sue Schreiner passed away on 1 September 2020 from Pancreatic cancer. Sue had been a member of the Club’s Management Committee for a number of years. Sue brought her legal expertise and helped with our insurance policies, land lease and development of rules under our constitution. More importantly, Sue brought her social conscience to the table and helped steer us in a different direction on a number of issues.

Club Activity Vouchers – Cashless Payments

Woden Seniors is trying to reduce the handling of cash during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have introduced a voucher system for you to pay your activity fee with effect from 1 August 2020. Vouchers are available in denominations of $3; $5 and $6.50 from the front counter. You can purchase these with an EFTPOS transaction.

Cashless is quicker, easier and safer but for some people cash may be their only option and that’s ok.

Free wellbeing calls

Wellbeing Calls are available to anyone who is feeling lonely or isolated. A friendly chat with an Australian Red Cross Volunteer is just a phone call away.

To register to receive ‘check in calls’ Call (02) 6234 7630 between 8am and 4pm Monday – Friday

Free one-on-one digital learning sessions for senior

Woden Seniors is no longer offering iPad or computer classes, however the Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT has recently received funding to fill this gap.

The ACT Government has funded COTA ACT to offer free one-on-one digital learning sessions to seniors. The Seniors Pop-up Technology Hub will be a place where senior Canberrans can come and ask questions in a relaxed way and learn about how to get online and become confident with using technology. The learning sessions are designed to assist seniors with staying in touch with their community, family and friends, such as through email, social media, and video calls eg Zoom or Facetime, and be a resource for finding information online.

If you would like to know more about the free computer literacy workshops run by COTA ACT, call the COTA ACT office on 6282 3777 or email Events

Tax help for seniors

Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT has a Tax Help Volunteer again this year.

You can book an appointment for Tuesday, from 10.00am or any Wednesday afternoon at the COTA ACT office in Wisdom Street, Hughes on 6282 3777.

Tax Help is a free and confidential service to help people on a low income (around $60,000 or less) with simple tax affairs to complete their tax return online with myTax. It is available from July to October.

Volunteers can help you lodge your tax return or amendment online or claim a refund of franking credits.

Club Activities

These activities have already started,

Choir Practice (Monday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Line Dancing (Monday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Seated Exercise (Monday 12.00 – 1.30 pm)

Friendship Group (Monday 1.30 – 3.30 pm)

YMCA Gentle Exercise (Tuesday 9.30 – 10.30 am)

YMCA Ever Active (Wednesday 8.30 – 9.30 am)

Water Colour Painting (Wednesday 9.30 – 11.30 am)

Table Tennis (Wednesday & Friday 9.30 – 12.30 pm)

Stitchers (Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Craft Group (Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Tai Chi & Gentle Exercise (Thursday 2.00 -3.15 pm)

Painting and Drawing (Friday 1.30 – 3.30 pm)

These are activities where we can easily maintain a 1.5metre distance from each other. It is also essential that we maintain good hand hygiene and cough or sneeze into our elbows. There should be no communal refreshment breaks and members should bring their own drink bottles and snacks.

Each group leader will have to ensure that any commonly used areas such as tables and chairs are cleaned with the disinfectant wipes provided before and after the activity. Group leaders will be provided with a checklist of what must be done.

All groups must include each person’s full name and telephone number in the activity book to enable contact tracing in the event that there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. Please bring the correct money for each activity to minimise handling of cash.

The Management Committee will continuously review activities and wellbeing over the coming months to ensure that we reduce the risk of infection by COVID-19.

Please Do Not Enter the Club if:

• You are feeling unwell and developing cold or flu like symptoms (including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath); or
• You have been in close contact with someone with these symptoms or is a confirmed COVID-19 case; or
• You or someone you have been in close contact with has recently returned from interstate or overseas.

Fortnightly News 28/8/2020

Club Activity Vouchers – Cashless Payments

Woden Seniors is trying to reduce the handling of cash during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have introduced a voucher system for you to pay your activity fee with effect from 1 August 2020. Vouchers are available in denominations of $3; $5 and $6.50 from the front counter. You can purchase these with an EFTPOS transaction.

Cashless is quicker, easier and safer but for some people cash may be their only option and that’s ok.

Free wellbeing calls

Wellbeing Calls are available to anyone who is feeling lonely or isolated. A friendly chat with an Australian Red Cross Volunteer is just a phone call away.

To register to receive ‘check in calls’ Call (02) 6234 7630 between 8am and 4pm Monday – Friday

Connect in Canberra

Connect in Canberra brings together information from across Government and the community in a range of areas including:

• Community Services and Support;
• Supporting our Neighbours and Communities;
• Online safety and help getting connected;
• Health and Wellbeing;
• Activities Hub;
• Kids’ Corner;
• What’s On; and
• Community Activity Packs.

For more information visit https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/connect-in-canberra

Iris Willetts

The family of the late Iris Willetts has made a donation of $1,000 to the Woden Seniors on her behalf. She was a very special lady who found such a lot enjoyment here at the Woden Seniors. At 82 she had sold her home in England and moved to Australia to be near her 3 children. She took up residence with Paul, her youngest son who resides in Holder but then bought a town house in Weston. Not being one to sit idle, one of the first things she did was join the Woden Seniors where she tried out several activities including Folk Dancing, Exercise Classes and the Choir; and the Choir was very glad to have her as it turned out that she was a brilliant pianist who could sight read anything! (Although she didn’t let on straight away that she could play!) The Folk Dancing, etc – didn’t last long but she became an essential part of the Choir and together with Dorothy Rafferty was our repetiteur until 2007. As well as her Choir commitment she also used to play with a church group at both Morling Lodge and Mirringani Nursing home and was in demand at various concerts. Unfortunately she developed macula degeneration and was forced to give up her regular musical activities.

Iris always said how much she loved Australia and how it had given her so much enjoyment to have wonderful friends and activities that she had found through her connection with the Seniors Club. At 90 she became “a dinky-die Aussie” (i.e. she was naturalised) and she passed away in January at 101 and 37 days. Her funeral was on 7th Feb 2020. A beautiful soul and a true friend who is sadly missed by all who knew her (especially me!). Gail Giuliano

Free one-on-one digital learning sessions for senior

Woden Seniors is no longer offering iPad or computer classes, however the Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT has recently received funding to fill this gap.

The ACT Government has funded COTA ACT to offer free one-on-one digital learning sessions to seniors. The Seniors Pop-up Technology Hub will be a place where senior Canberrans can come and ask questions in a relaxed way and learn about how to get online and become confident with using technology. The learning sessions are designed to assist seniors with staying in touch with their community, family and friends, such as through email, social media, and video calls eg Zoom or Facetime, and be a resource for finding information online.

If you would like to know more about the free computer literacy workshops run by COTA ACT, call the COTA ACT office on 6282 3777 or email Events

Tax help for seniors

Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT has a Tax Help Volunteer again this year.

You can book an appointment for Tuesday, from 10.00am or any Wednesday afternoon at the COTA ACT office in Wisdom Street, Hughes on 6282 3777.

Tax Help is a free and confidential service to help people on a low income (around $60,000 or less) with simple tax affairs to complete their tax return online with myTax. It is available from July to October.

Volunteers can help you lodge your tax return or amendment online or claim a refund of franking credits.

Club Activities

These activities have already started,

Choir Practice (Monday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Line Dancing (Monday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Seated Exercise (Monday 12.00 – 1.30 pm)

Friendship Group (Monday 1.30 – 3.30 pm)

YMCA Gentle Exercise (Tuesday 9.30 – 10.30 am)

YMCA Ever Active (Wednesday 8.30 – 9.30 am)

Water Colour Painting (Wednesday 9.30 – 11.30 am)

Table Tennis (Wednesday & Friday 9.30 – 12.30 pm)

Stitchers (Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Craft Group (Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Tai Chi & Gentle Exercise (Thursday 2.00 -3.15 pm)

Painting and Drawing (Friday 1.30 – 3.30 pm)

These are activities where we can easily maintain a 1.5metre distance from each other. It is also essential that we maintain good hand hygiene and cough or sneeze into our elbows. There should be no communal refreshment breaks and members should bring their own drink bottles and snacks.

Each group leader will have to ensure that any commonly used areas such as tables and chairs are cleaned with the disinfectant wipes provided before and after the activity. Group leaders will be provided with a checklist of what must be done.

All groups must include each person’s full name and telephone number in the activity book to enable contact tracing in the event that there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. Please bring the correct money for each activity to minimise handling of cash.

The Management Committee will continuously review activities and wellbeing over the coming months to ensure that we reduce the risk of infection by COVID-19.

Please Do Not Enter the Club if:

• You are feeling unwell and developing cold or flu like symptoms (including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath); or
• You have been in close contact with someone with these symptoms or is a confirmed COVID-19 case; or
• You or someone you have been in close contact with has recently returned from interstate or overseas.

Car Parking

We have entered into a contract with Wilson Parking to manage our car park. The annual parking fee for members will remain the same. Wilson Parking uses number plate recognition to identify cars that should not be in our car park. They will issue a fine to vehicles that should not be in the car park. They will tow vehicles away that are repeat offenders. It is essential that we have the current registration number of the car you will be bringing to the Club car park on our system. You can check by looking at your blue parking ticket.

If a Club member does receive a parking fine whilst participating in a Club activity please bring it to the office and we will have it waived.

As you may be aware local workers have used the car park while the Club has been closed.

Fortnightly News 14/8/2020

Club Activity Vouchers – Cashless Payments

Woden Seniors is trying to reduce the handling of cash during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have introduced a voucher system for you to pay your activity fee with effect from 1 August 2020. Vouchers are available in denominations of $3; $5 and $6.50 from the front counter. You can purchase these with an EFTPOS transaction.

Cashless is quicker, easier and safer but for some people cash may be their only option and that’s ok.

Free wellbeing calls

Wellbeing Calls are available to anyone who is feeling lonely or isolated. A friendly chat with an Australian Red Cross Volunteer is just a phone call away.

To register to receive ‘check in calls’ Call (02) 6234 7630 between 8am and 4pm Monday – Friday

Connect in Canberra

Connect in Canberra brings together information from across Government and the community in a range of areas including:

• Community Services and Support;
• Supporting our Neighbours and Communities;
• Online safety and help getting connected;
• Health and Wellbeing;
• Activities Hub;
• Kids’ Corner;
• What’s On; and
• Community Activity Packs.

For more information visit https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/connect-in-canberra

All Memberships Extended by Three Months

The Management Committee has agreed to extend everyone’s membership by three months.

2020 Book Fair

The Book Fair has been postponed to a date to be decided as a result of the restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. As it now appears the restrictions will not be relaxed sufficiently for some time, it is most unlikely that we will be able to hold a Book Fair this year. We are however still welcoming donations of books, DVDs, games, vinyl records etc in the hope that one day we will be able to have a Book Fair.

Club Activities

These activities have already started,

Choir Practice (Monday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Line Dancing (Monday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Seated Exercise (Monday 12.00 – 1.30 pm)

Friendship Group (Monday 1.30 – 2.30 pm)

YMCA Gentle Exercise (Tuesday 9.30 – 10.30 am)

YMCA Ever Active (Wednesday 8.30 – 9.30 am)

Water Colour Painting (Wednesday 9.30 – 11.30 am)

Table Tennis (Wednesday & Friday 9.30 – 12.30 pm)

Play Reading Group (Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Stitchers (Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Craft Group (Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 pm)

Tai Chi & Gentle Exercise (Thursday 2.00 -3.15 pm)

Painting and Drawing (Friday 1.30 – 3.30 pm)

These are activities where we can easily maintain a 1.5metre distance from each other. It is also essential that we maintain good hand hygiene and cough or sneeze into our elbows. There should be no communal refreshment breaks and members should bring their own drink bottles and snacks.

Each group leader will have to ensure that any commonly used areas such as tables and chairs are cleaned with the disinfectant wipes provided before and after the activity. Group leaders will be provided with a checklist of what must be done.

All groups must include each person’s full name and telephone number in the activity book to enable contact tracing in the event that there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. Please bring the correct money for each activity to minimise handling of cash.

The Management Committee will continuously review activities and wellbeing over the coming months to ensure that we reduce the risk of infection by COVID-19.

Please Do Not Enter the Club if:

• You are feeling unwell and developing cold or flu like symptoms (including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath); or
• You have been in close contact with someone with these symptoms or is a confirmed COVID-19 case; or
• You or someone you have been in close contact with has recently returned from interstate or overseas.

Car Parking

We have entered into a contract with Wilson Parking to manage our car park. The annual parking fee for members will remain the same. Wilson Parking uses number plate recognition to identify cars that should not be in our car park. They will issue a fine to vehicles that should not be in the car park. They will tow vehicles away that are repeat offenders. It is essential that we have the current registration number of the car you will be bringing to the Club car park on our system. You can check by looking at your blue parking ticket.

If a Club member does receive a parking fine whilst participating in a Club activity please bring it to the office and we will have it waived.

As you may be aware local workers have used the car park while the Club has been closed.

Membership and Parking Permit Renewals

As previously advised, to compensate for the closure of the Club due to the Covid-19 restrictions earlier this year, Club memberships and parking permits have been extended by 3 months. Expiry dates on parking permits do not need to be changed. All permits issued prior to 1 July 2020 will be regarded as being valid for 3 months longer than printed on the permit. Please remember to display your parking permit when using the carpark.

Prior to your new membership expiry date you will receive by mail or email a membership renewal reminder letter and renewal application form. Or you can also obtain a renewal form from the office at any time. Membership number, expiry date and instructions for renewal are included on the renewal form.

After completing the renewal form you:

• may bring it to the office and pay by EFTPOS or cheque or cash (exact amount preferred); or
• if you have the facilities, scan or photograph it and return it as an email attachment and pay by direct bank deposit. Your membership number and the Club’s bank account details are printed on the renewal form and reminder letter. Please ensure that you include your membership number in the payee “Description” section of the bank’s online form. This is essential to enable us to correctly identify the membership to which the payment applies. If you require a parking permit (and/or receipt) you may collect it from the office next time you are in the Club; or
• mail it to the office (address is on the form) and pay by cheque. Please write your membership number and name on the reverse side of the cheque. If you require a parking permit (and/or receipt) you may collect it from the office next time you are in the Club.

Membership and parking permit fees are: $10 for membership for 1 year; $30 for membership and a parking permit for 1 year; $30 for membership for 3 years; and $90 for membership and a parking permit for 3 years. Preferred methods of payment to minimise the handling of cash in these times are EFTPOS, direct bank deposit, cheque and exact amount in cash.