December 2015
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The IWC is non-government, community run and charitable.
 
Wish IWC clients Alison Foody and little Russell Sim the very best today (1 December) as the baby boy goes in for his latest operation.

The mum-of-six and baby Russell, as well as the rest of the family, are being helped through a challenging time through the commitment of the IWC Child and Family Support team and our range of services.

It is just one example of how the IWC's integrated health, wellbeing and family services can transform lives and empower individuals and families.

To read the full story, go to the IWC Facebook page, and you also can see a news story from WIN by clicking here

Pictured are IWC Child and Family Support team member James Chapman, IWC Director Cheri Yavu Kama Harathunian, Alison Foody and baby Russell.
IWC Stage 2 is approved by Bundaberg council

The IWC has gained Development Approval through Bundaberg Regional Council for Stage 2 of our Health and Wellbeing Centre.

This has been hailed in the media, quite correctly, as a boost to regional health services. Our client base continues to grow, and the services we will be able to add or grow through this additional facility will provide further integration of whole-of-person, accessible, free or low-cost services for all.

Also importantly, there will be direct and measurable benefits to the region's health services, and financial and social environment.

In fact, the $14.8 million project will have a direct cost benefit to the community of
$43.5 million during the life of the construction, generate almost direct 200 jobs during that 18-month period and through those, create almost 620 flow-on jobs.

There also will be an additional 46 permanent jobs created within the IWC operations, which statistics show will generate around 230 indirect jobs in our regions.

This is a huge boost to an area with very high levels of unemployment, and as shown through our delivery of Stage 1, these jobs will stay local (in Stage 1 we were able to ensure that 95 per cent of the construction and fitting out work was delivered by local businesses).


Come along on 16 December to check out a great IDEA
The IWC is to deliver an innovative service designed to save Indigenous people from going blind.

On 16 December, the IWC will host a "meet and greet" for the IDEAS mobile facility.

IDEAS stands for Indigenous Diabetes Eyes and Screening, and the IWC has been selected because it is the primary Aboriginal Medical Service in the Bundaberg and Wide Bay / Burnett region.

This health initiative was assisted through consultation with the Primary Healthcare Networks (PHN) and will go a long way towards further helping the vulnerable and disadvantaged in our communities.

It will involve IWC health staff undertaking retinal eye testing which will lead, as appropriate, to follow-up specialist Ophthalmology and Optometrist services delivered through the IDEAS facility, which will visit us every two months.

The IDEAS Bus will visit the IWC on 16 December 2015 for a meet and greet. All are welcome to come and inspect the cutting edge facilities of the mobile facility from 8.30am. Read the full story on the IWC website.

Roll up to the Bundaberg Pageant of Lights this Thursday 3 December from 6pm to 9pm, where the IWC will have a decorated float which will Celebrate our Community! Find the details on our Facebook page or the Bundaberg Regional Council website.
IWC presentation on LTU applauded
IWC Chaplain and Director Cheri Yavu Kama Harathunian received a rousing round of applause when she presented a confronting perspective on long-term unemployment at a national conference this month.

The presentation was title "The Cultural Nuances of Long-Term Unemployment Experiences in an Aboriginal Community - Beating the System.

It was presented in Melbourne at the Australian Long-Term Unemployment (LTU) Conference on 9-10 November, which was held by the Australian and Ne ... w Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMHA).
 
This month, the IWC will present to the 2015 Australian STOP Domestic Violence Conference being held by ANZMHA in Canberra.
Meditate for success in your life

The regular Thursday meditation sessions established by IWC Chaplain Aunty Cheri continue to build in popularity.

 

Everyone is welcome, and they are free to all. The sessions start at 11.55am promptly and run for just over half an hour.

 

Share this information with your friends, family and anyone who will benefit from these free sessions.

 

There will be a break over Christmas, so please check with reception on 1300 492 492 if you want to join in the coming weeks.
Listen to our professionals on ABC Wide Bay
If you didn't catch all of the IWC Medical Monday segments that have been running over the past month on ABC Wide Bay, you can check them out through these links.

Our professionals, including Dr Michael McLean, Dr Helen Lockey (pictured)  and Dental Practice Manager Samantha Hawes, are interviewed by respected journalist Scott Lamond on the issues of chronic disease.

Go straight to the four first interviews via these links:


 

Smoking Ceremony held on Stage 2 site
An Indigenous Smoking Ceremony was held this month on the Stage 2 site.

A Smoking Ceremony is a most significant ancient ceremony performed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

It involves smoldering native plants to produce smoke which has cleansing properties and the ability to heal human experiences of the past that occurred in the area.

A Smoking Ceremony was also held prior to the start of work on Stage 1 of the IWC Health and Wellbeing Centre, which was completed in September 2014.


 We have had a good response to our 2015 IWC Street Art Event, and will announce the winners - each of whom win $500 for creating their artwork for the IWC - within days. It will be followed by an art event involving the three winners.
East Bundaberg Rotary donates to IWC
Our thanks to East Bundaberg Rotary, which has donated $100 to the IWC.

The money was raised from a book swap it held in September as part of Rotary International Literacy Month.

The donation was presented to IWC's Jacinda Warner, pictured left,  at the Health & Wellbeing Centre in Bundaberg.

As well as its range of health and wellbeing services, the IWC delivers Child and Family Support, a Families' Wellbeing program and Indigenous Engagement and Participation.


Need a last-minute Christmas present? Think IWC support
Why not buy a supporter shirt or IWC cap for  your friends or family this Christmas?
 
They are available from the Bundaberg or Gayndah offices.
 
Shirts cost $40 for adults' sizes and $30 for kids', and the caps are $20. Call 1300 492 492.

The Last Word
We thank all of our clients for a successful, and transformational, 2015 and look forward to working with and for you in the New Year.

Please check with our friendly team around appointments over the festive season.

184 Barolin St, Bundaberg, Queensland 4670