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BCR Communities offers Flexible Respite across the Shoalhaven, giving carers the chance to rest, recharge, or take care of personal commitments while their loved one enjoys meaningful social connection, companionship, and support from a trained care worker. Whether it’s a walk, a coffee, or a friendly chat, our respite services help reduce isolation, support wellbeing, and give carers peace of mind. For Joanne Zamai, caring for her mum Joan has always felt like a natural extension of their close and loving bond. At 85, Joan Marshall is living with Alzheimer’s and lives alone in her home in St Georges Basin. While her other children and grandchildren live further afield, it’s Joanne – just 15 minutes’ drive away – who has become Joan’s main source of support, comfort, and connection. “Mum doesn’t really talk to other people much – it’s just me. I speak to her or visit her nearly every day.” For a long time, Joanne took it all on herself, determined to be the one who supported her mum emotionally and practically. Accepting outside help, even in a small way, didn’t come easy. “It’s hard to ask someone else to care for your mum – to spend time with her, talk to her. That felt like my role,” Joanne said. “There was quite a bit of guilt, I felt like I should be able to do it all myself.” But as time went on, and travel plans to visit her son in the UK and daughter in Queensland approached, the weight of being Joan’s only regular social contact started to feel heavier for Joanne. “It hit me that if I was away, Mum probably wouldn’t have anyone to talk to at all,” Joanne said. “Even when I’m here, it’s a lot of the same conversations. I felt she needed more than just me.” That’s when Joanne turned to Flexible Respite  through BCR Communities – a service designed to provide carers with short breaks while offering meaningful connection, support, and engagement for their loved one. For Joan, it means one-and-a-half hours a week with a BCR care worker. While it may seem modest, the impact has been felt deeply by both mother and daughter. “Now Mum can have a coffee, go for a walk, and just talk to someone different. And that conversation gives her something new to think about. I think it’s really good for her.” Flexible Respite is tailored around each client’s needs and interests – it could be a chat over morning tea, a stroll in the park, or a visit to the shops – all while giving carers time to rest, recharge, or simply get things done. Joanne’s instinct to widen her mother’s social world is well supported by research: older adults who regularly speak with a variety of people have been shown to experience slower cognitive decline and better mental wellbeing. A 2021 study in the Journal of Gerontology  found that having multiple, diverse conversations each day significantly boosted cognitive performance. “Talking to someone else gives Mum a fresh perspective,” Joanne said. “She might remember something new, or just feel more mentally stimulated. It also means I can take care of what I need to do knowing someone is there for her.” For Joanne, there is also the peace of mind of knowing that when she is away from home, a trained and experienced care worker will be keeping an eye on her mother’s overall wellbeing. “I can now go away and know someone will notice if she’s not herself or if she has not been eating properly. It’s more than just a social visit – it’s a safety net.” If you’re a carer who could use a break - whether for an hour or a whole day -Flexible Respite can help you recharge while giving your loved one new experiences, social connection, and professional support. Call BCR Communities on 1300 222 748  or email info@BCRcommunities.com  to find out how Flexible Respite could work for you.

The Journey of a Mentor Greg Woods knows what it takes to turn a nervous first-time driver into a confident, independent young adult. After more than 40 years in education, including 21 years as a school principal, Greg put his teaching skills to the ultimate test when he taught his grandson to drive from scratch. “When we started, he hadn’t even turned on a car before,” Greg recalls. “It was a big responsibility, but we took it step by step.” He guided his grandson through every gear change and road rule until he was ready for his test. “Now he’s 19, on his green Ps, and driving himself to university. I was so proud when he got his license.” Learning from Challenges Even when his grandson didn’t pass the first time—going just 2km over the limit in a school zone—Greg turned it into a learning experience. “You just need to stay calm and try again,” he says. “If you’re relaxed, your learner will be too.” This approach not only helped his grandson but also shaped Greg's philosophy as a mentor. That experience inspired Greg to share his patience beyond his family. When he saw an ad for BCR’s Ls to Ps Driver Mentoring Program, he knew he could make a difference for young people without someone to help them at home. Making a Difference Now, as a volunteer mentor, Greg helps young drivers like Julia (pictured) build confidence behind the wheel. He is also mentoring a young man who lives with his grandfather, who doesn’t drive or own a car. Greg’s support is essential for reaching the necessary hours of supervised driving. “Where we live, a licence isn’t just handy—it’s essential. Public transport won’t get you to a job or apprenticeship.” The Importance of Volunteering Volunteering has always been second nature to Greg and his wife. They’ve been scout leaders, kids’ sports coaches, Sydney Olympics volunteers, and even served on the Keep Australia Beautiful Council. “Volunteering has always been integral to Australian society,” he says. “I hope the next generations keep that spirit alive.” A Two-Way Street And while he’s the one giving his time, Greg insists he is learning just as much in return. “Spending time with young people is the best. They see the world differently, and they teach you things you’d never expect—like how to fix your phone in five seconds flat!” The Impact of Mentoring Mentoring young drivers has far-reaching effects. It not only helps them gain the skills they need but also fosters a sense of community. Greg’s involvement in the program highlights the importance of support systems for young people navigating the challenges of gaining independence. Building Confidence on the Road Confidence is key when learning to drive. Greg emphasizes that creating a relaxed environment is crucial. “If you’re calm, your learner will feel at ease,” he explains. This principle is vital for anyone teaching a new driver. The Role of Patience Patience is another essential quality for mentors. Greg’s experience has taught him that every learner progresses at their own pace. “You have to be prepared for setbacks,” he notes. “It’s all part of the learning journey.” Conclusion Greg Woods exemplifies the spirit of community and mentorship. His dedication to helping young drivers not only transforms their skills behind the wheel but also enriches his own life. By sharing his knowledge and experience, he is shaping the next generation of confident, independent drivers. In the end, it’s about more than just passing a driving test. It’s about building relationships, fostering independence, and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to succeed.

It was a night of celebration, pride, and a few happy dances as BCR Communities took home two of the top honours at the 2025 Shoalhaven Business Awards. On Friday night, BCR Communities was named Outstanding Community Organisation, a recognition that celebrates the heart and soul of our work - our people. This award belongs to every staff member and volunteer who brings care, compassion, and connection to our communities in the Shoalhaven. Whether you’re out in the community or working behind the scenes, this win is a reflection of the incredible impact you make every single day, supporting people to live happy, healthy, and connected lives. But the excitement didn’t stop there... As the night continued, BCR CEO Heather Marciano was awarded Outstanding Business Leader (Over 20 Employees) . While Heather may have been surprised, her team certainly wasn’t. To us, Heather’s leadership is the glue that holds it all together - she is inspiring, kind, hardworking, and supportive. Heather leads with her values, encouraging big ideas and championing community-led care, all while staying calm and solutions-focused in times of challenge. Heather’s leadership style is hands-on and humble. She’s just as likely to be seen painting a wall or setting up tables as she is in a strategic planning meeting. Her win is a testament to her unwavering belief in BCR’s mission and in every person who is a part of it. These awards are more than just framed certificates - they are a celebration of the entire BCR community. They reflect the professionalism, care, and dedication that each team member brings to their role, making a real difference in the lives of the people we support. And there’s more to come! These wins have also secured BCR Communities a place as a finalist in the Illawarra Business Awards, so Heather might need to find another fancy frock very soon.

Finished high school and wondering what comes next?If you have an NDIS plan, the BCR School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program is the place to start learning the skills you need to transition from your school life into your working life. NDIS HISTORY School Leaver Employment Supports YOUR PATHWAY TO INDEPENDENCE At BCR Communities we’re on a mission to empower young people with an NDIS plan by providing an energetic, vibrant environment where you can gain real skills, confidence, and hands-on experience that will transform your future. Your journey towards greater independence and success starts here! ARE YOU READY TO UNLOCK YOUR INDEPENDENCE? The team at BCR Communities is here to support you every step of the way, whether you’re looking for valuable work experience or aiming to build essential life skills. Let’s achieve your NDIS goals together. Contact us today and get your career underway. Why choose BCR Communities? Tailored Support At BCR Communities, every program is crafted with you in mind. Whether you want to build life skills or boost your employability, our programs are designed to align with your NDIS goals, so you’re always moving forward - on your terms! Hands-On Learning We blend practical, hands-on training with meaningful, real-world projects, so you don’t just learn skills - you master them! Gain experience that will set you apart while contributing to exciting community initiatives. From the moment you join, you'll be part of something bigger. Pathways to Employment Ready to take on the world? We offer real employment opportunities through our BCR Communities Social Enterprise. You’ll gain skills in lawn maintenance, horticulture, landscaping, and more - all while helping build a greener, healthier community. We’re here to launch your career and help you create a sustainable future Inclusive, friendly environment We’ve created a space where everyone feels at home. Surrounded by peers and guided by an expert team, you’ll be stepping into a supportive, fun, and inclusive atmosphere designed just for youth. Our focus is you - your goals, your growth, and your journey. Engaging, Year-Round Activities From woodworking to gardening, music, radio production, cooking, and more, we keep things exciting all year long! And with our weatherproof outdoor space, you can count on these activities to be running, rain or shine. Contact BCR today to find out more about our SLES program SUBMIT THANK YOU, WE'LL BE IN TOUCH.

Whether your goal is getting a job, living independently, learning new skills, socialising and making friends or just having fun, BCR Communities is your local NDIS provider. We take the time to really understand your interests, dreams and goals before tailoring a support plan that is just for you. NDIS HISTORY NDIS Supports NDIS Supports Community Participation NDIS Work, Life & Training NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports

BCR JOB BOARD Can’t find what you’re looking for today? FILL IN THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM BELOW AND WE WILL INFORM YOU OF FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES! Preferred general location What type of work are you looking for? SUBMIT Thank you, we'll be in touch.