AUTUMN 2021
Over the past few months there have been positive signs of life returning to normal, with a consistent increase in clients using the service and the number of trips increasing back close to pre-pandemic levels.
The number of people attending social events has increased substantially which is great to see people re-engaging with their community groups. Unfortunately, in late May/early June, Victoria was back into lockdown for a couple of weeks. I understand the lockdowns can cause a lot of stress for people with a significant disruption to their lives.
At times during a lockdown SPDL may need to advise clients we are unable to deliver a service due to a shortage of volunteers or government restrictions. A reminder to us all is to remain courteous and respectful when speaking to everyone in our community especially during these stressful times.
There are two things to remember in life,
“Take care of your thoughts when you are alone”.
“Take care of your words when you are with people”.
Highlights of 2021
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) tender update
Some good news! SPDL was successful in the CHSP tender process to receive funding to deliver services into the City of Melbourne. This increase in services will start gradually in July and steadily increase over the 2021-22 financial year. A key outcome of this tender will be the ability to offer return trips to the Alfred Hospital which was the main request from clients in the client survey on how we could improve services.
Part of the new funding will assist in the lease of a 5th vehicle, which will be a Honda Odyssey. SPDL will be in contact with clients with more information about this expansion of services in early July.
Grants update
SPDL was successful in receiving a grant from the Community Bank Windsor to support the translation of our brochures and booklets into a number of languages.
The Community Bank have been great supporters of SPDL over recent years and we were very appreciative to receive the grant funding.
The booklets are now available in Greek, Polish and Russian. If you would like a copy of the translated booklet, please give us a call on 9646 6362.
Links Lunch (Bettys Bus Trip)
We have been fortunate to have been able to conduct a couple of lunch trips for the months of April and May which have been well received. People have enjoyed lunch at Molinos at Brighton Beach and the Kooringal Golf Club.
The trips are on the 2nd Tuesday of the month and if you would like to attend please give us a call on 9646 6362 and ask for Linda Davey.
New fleet member
In early April SPDL purchased a new Honda Odyssey to replace the vehicle sold late last year. Feedback from clients and drivers alike is that the new model is very comfortable, and everyone is very happy with the new vehicle.
Volunteer update
Volunteers make our communities stronger, especially during times of need, crisis, or isolation and the pandemic has proved that volunteering is essential and an important part of our community response.
Volunteer meeting
Volunteering involves a high degree of responsibility and therefore volunteers are adequately inducted, supervised, and supported. Post COVID, a meeting was organised for volunteers across all programs.
The key points of discussion at the meeting was an update on the changes to My Aged Care system, volunteer and organisational rights and responsibilities, improved volunteer recruitment process and most importantly OH&S essentials and COVID guidelines.
Outlook
SPDL is looking forward to an increase in service activity with clients re-connecting with their community events and programs. We look forward to seeing you all on a regular basis.
National Volunteer Week 2021
Every year South Port DayLinks celebrates National Volunteer week (NVW) to acknowledge the generous contribution of our volunteers. It is Australia’s largest celebration to recognise the significant contribution of volunteers and this year’s theme acknowledges the importance of recognising, reconnecting, and reimaging volunteering during uncertain times.
The National volunteer week 2021 was from 17-23 May and we celebrated the significant contribution of our volunteers by organising an afternoon tea. A presentation of awards was organised for our long-standing volunteers of 2020 who were awarded certificates of continuous service virtually at the 2020 Annual General Meeting.
Many volunteers attended the event and it was greatly appreciated. Beris Campbell, a founding member of SPDL was invited as the guest of honour to acknowledge John Jacobs with the
‘Beris Campbell OAM Award for 25 Years of Continuous Service’.
Leaving a bequest to SPDL
Leaving a bequest in your Will is one of the most valuable ways that you can assist South Port Day Links. Bequests greatly assist SPDL to meet the ever-increasing demands for our services.
Your Gift will enable us to:
maintain a modern, clean, and safe fleet of vehicles on the road
provide important services to pets and their owners
assist with client related small gardening projects and
provide companion visits to people on their own.
SPDL would appreciate knowing of your kind intentions so we can thank you appropriately for your generosity. Additionally, once aware of your plans, we are able to discuss how your gift may be used to maximum benefit or how we may form a fitting memorial to your kindness.
Types of bequests
Your solicitor or trustee company will advise you about the different types of bequests and which may suit you best.
Some of the types you may consider are:
A specific dollar amount
Residue – Whole, which means that after your allocated bequests have been distributed, the residue will be left to South Port Day Links.
Residue – Percentage, which means the same as residue – whole, except you wish to bequeath a percentage of the remaining estate.
Specific item - If you wish to leave a specific item instead, for example, property or shares.
How to word your bequest
The wording below is suggested to help ensure that your wishes are carried out.
I _____________________________ of ___________________________
(name) (address)
Give and bequeath free of all duties and taxes payable at my death (if any)
(Please insert the appropriate statement listed below)
The sum of $_______________________
(insert number) % of my estate
The residue of my estate (or [insert number] % of the residue of my estate)
to South Port Day Links (ABN 82 957 361 749) for the use and purposes of the said organisation. The official receipt of the organisation shall be a full and sufficient discharge of my bequest.
Click on the button below for the print version of NewsLink Autumn 2021.