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With more families in the Bay & Basin feeling the pressure of rising grocery costs, BCR Communities is responding with a new Pocket Pantry designed to provide affordable food and practical support. Officially opening on the 4 th  of May at the BCR Youth and Community Centre in Sanctuary Point, the pantry will be open to local community members and will operate every Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 1pm, offering low-cost groceries in a safe and welcoming space. Recent research shows that more than one in three people across the Shoalhaven have experienced food insecurity in the past year, highlighting just how widespread the issue has become and why there is a growing need for direct, local support. Stocked with everyday essentials such as eggs, cheese, bread, canned goods and cereal, the pantry will also include ready-made meals and a selection of treats. Importantly, a range of gluten-free and dairy-free options will be available, ensuring people with dietary requirements can access suitable and affordable food. The initiative is supported through the Financial Wellbeing and Capability - Emergency Relief Grant from the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services, helping BCR deliver targeted support to our community. Leading the program is BCR Communities’ new Emergency Relief and Capacity Building Officer, Renee Cubbo, who brings to the role a strong background in community services. “I’m very excited to be part of BCR Communities and to help bring the Pocket Pantry to life,” Renee said. “We’re seeing more and more people struggling with the rising cost of living, and food is often where the pressure is felt first,” “Having somewhere local to access low-cost, nutritious food can ease that burden and help people feel more secure.” Renee also highlighted the strong connection between food security and mental health. “When people don’t have reliable access to healthy food, it can lead to stress, anxiety and a sense of instability,” she said. “We know people experiencing poor mental health are more likely to struggle with food insecurity, so being able to offer support in this way can make a big difference.” In addition to the Pocket Pantry, emergency food relief is available Monday to Thursday at the BCR Youth & Community Centre in Sanctuary Point from 9.30am to 3pm.

Second chances matter - for people and for the planet. At the BCR 2nd Chance Op Shop in the Youth & Community Centre in Sanctuary Point, pre-loved items find new homes while local young people gain valuable skills, confidence and work experience in a welcoming, community-focused environment. The shop offers low-cost fashion, shoes, accessories and small household treasures like books and games, helping families stretch their budgets while giving good-quality items a second life. Every purchase supports sustainability and keeps clothing and goods out of landfill. Through the initiative, participants from the BCR Youth Collective gain experience in customer service, merchandising, pricing, stock rotation and point-of-sale processes. Working alongside volunteers and staff, they learn what it takes to run a welcoming, community-focused retail space. BCR Youth & Community Services Team Leader Karen Chambers says the shop provides a safe and encouraging place for young people to develop skills that can support future employment. “The 2nd Chance Op Shop gives young people the chance to learn by doing,” Karen said. “Each shift brings new learning opportunities, from greeting customers and styling displays to working as part of a team and problem-solving in a busy retail environment.” “This is about helping young people see their potential. When they gain confidence and practical skills in a real setting, it opens doors and helps them imagine new possibilities for their future.” While the intention is to open the 2nd Chance Op Shop each Monday from 10am to midday, operating times may vary depending on volunteer availability so visitors are encouraged to check for updates on the BCR Communities Facebook page. Due to the op shop’s limited space, BCR is putting on hold accepting general clothing or household donations. However, quality formal and business attire is welcomed to support youth-focused Smart Start Styling Sessions. Community members are encouraged to stop by to discover affordable finds, support local youth and experience the welcoming atmosphere.

Everyone has that one piece of clothing they can’t quite let go of. For 16-year-old Sol, it was her favourite pair of jeans - comfortable, familiar and worn constantly. When a hole appeared, Sol was ready to say goodbye, until a needle, some thread and a dash of creative inspiration changed their future. Sol was one of a group of young people who recently took part in a Youth Collective Textile Art Workshop at the BCR Youth and Community Centre in Sanctuary Point. Rather than discarding damaged or forgotten clothing, participants were invited to bring items from home and learn how to transform them through fabric printing and embroidery. The workshop was facilitated by BCR Community Program Officer Cita Daidone, who brings decades of experience as an art teacher and a strong belief in creativity as a tool for confidence and self-expression. “What we wear often tells a story about who we are,” Cita said. “This workshop was about giving young people the chance to explore their identity, build confidence and realise they can re-imagine something instead of throwing it away.” Through guided activities, participants learned how to embellish, repair and restore clothing - turning holes, stains and worn patches into creative features. For Sol, a simple embroidery flourish meant her much-loved jeans could be worn again. “I’m excited to wear them again,” Sol said. “I haven’t really done printing on fabric or embroidery before, and I’ve liked it a lot because it’s really creative.” Funded by the Office of Regional Youth, the workshop reflects a growing focus on providing young people in regional areas with meaningful opportunities to build confidence, skills and employment pathways close to home. “A spark of an idea can turn into something much bigger,” Cita said. “It might lead to selling handmade pieces at a market stall or online but just as importantly, it creates that moment of realising, ‘I can actually do this’ which is priceless.” Beyond the creative process, the workshop also opened conversations about sustainability. With thousands of clothing items discarded each year, participants were encouraged to think differently about fashion, consumption and waste. The workshop reflects BCR Communities’ ongoing commitment to creativity, sustainability and empowering young people to see new possibilities – not just in their clothing, but in their skills and confidence.

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BCR Communities is a community-led, not for profit organisation which has been serving the Shoalhaven and Illawarra for over 30 years. Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers support our communities through our quality Aged Care, NDIS and Community Services including our Community Radio Station. BCR Communities Building Connected Resourceful Communities Explore our services Chat Chat COMMUNITY COMMUNITY AGED CARE NDIS Your community. BCR Communities is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation which has been serving the Shoalhaven and Illawarra for over 30 years. We believe in thriving communities living happy, healthy, meaningful and productive lives. Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers support our communities through our quality Aged Care, NDIS and Community Services including our Community Radio Station – Bay & Basin 92.7FM. To find a service, get involved or discover more, please get in touch here . ALL STAGES We are for all ages and stages From creative classes for kids through to social groups for seniors, we are supporting our communities through every life stage. PEOPLE FIRST We put people first As a community-led, not-for-profit organisation, our mission is to partner with our communities to provide person-centred services for all. TRUELY LOCAL We are truly local BCR Communities was created for locals by locals and nobody understands the communities of the Shoalhaven and Illawarra better than we do. RESPONSIVE We are responsive to the needs of our communities For over 30 years, we have been building brighter, more connected and resourceful communities through our services and supports. INCLUSIVE We are inclusive We welcome and celebrate every person. The diversity of our organisation reflects the diversity of our communities. LISTENING We listen to you Understanding your values and what’s important to you helps us to support you to live a happy and healthy life. Are you looking for rewarding work that makes a difference? Whether you have experience in a caring or support role or are looking for new and fulfilling work, if you share our core values of inclusion, integrity, empathy and encouraging wellness, get in touch here . Keep up to date with our latest news BCR 2nd Chance Op Shop Supports Youth & Community BCR Pocket Pantry Opens in Sanctuary Point BCR Youth Collective Textile Art Workshop Empowers Young People Bailey’s Woodworking Journey with NDIS Work, Life & Training Program Uncovering the Bay and Basin: Short History Podcasts from Jervis Bay and St Georges Basin BCR Communities’ Scott King Tops National Fundraising Leaderboard with UNO Marathon “Working at BCR Communities is truly rewarding. I love connecting with people, supporting them, and knowing that the work I do is helping my community. The atmosphere here feels like family—everyone from the clients and participants to the staff and volunteers, is so friendly and welcoming. It’s actually a pleasure to come to work every day..” KENDALL 1/1 © 2023 by BCR Communities. Privacy Policy

Join BCR Communities’ NDIS Summer Holiday Program based in the BCR Tongarra Centre in Albion Park, with exciting day trips, social activities and adventures designed for young people across the Illawarra. NDIS SUMMER HOLIDAYS HISTORY Are you ready to make memories this summer? Get ready for a summer packed with fun, friends and new adventures! Our BCR Communities NDIS Summer Holiday Program based in Albion Park, is all about giving young people the chance to get out and explore, try new things, build confidence and connect with others in a supportive, relaxed environment. From outdoor adventures and animal encounters to gaming, mini golf, swimming and sweet-treat road trips, every outing has been designed to be inclusive, exciting and full of good vibes. Pick your favourites, book your spot and get ready for an unforgettable summer! NDIS Activities Program for January 2026 Albion Park Frequently asked questions NDIS Summer Holidays Program How do I book an activity? To secure your spot on any of our social activities, simply give our friendly BCR Communities team a call on 1300 222 748 or email info@BCRcommunities.com and we can discuss the next steps with you. Numbers are limited for each outing, so we recommend booking early to avoid missing out. If an activity fills up, we can pop you on our waiting list and contact you if a place becomes available. Where do the activities leave from? All activities leave from and return to, our BCR Tongarra Centre at 108a Tongarra Street, Albion Park. The entry is via the Albion Park Showground carpark. What is I need help getting to and from the BCR Tongarra Centre? Please let us know if you need support with transport as pick-up and drop-off from home may be able to be arranged. What is the cost for the activities? The cost for each activity has been listed in the calendar. You are welcome to bring extra money if you would like to buy snacks, drinks, lunch or souvenirs. How long do the activities go for? Most activities run from 9am to 3pm, although this can change slightly depending on how far we’re travelling, traffic, or the type of activity planned. What should I bring? To make sure you’re comfortable on the day, please remember to bring the essentials: a hat, water bottle and sunscreen to keep sun-safe, or a jumper or umbrella depending on the weather. Don't forget your lunch and snacks, or money to buy your lunch when we are out. Who can take part in the Summer Holiday Program? Our Summer Holiday Program is designed for young people with an NDIS plan who benefit from low to medium levels of support. This helps us create a safe, positive and well-supported environment where everyone can join in, feel comfortable and enjoy the activities to the fullest. SUBMIT THANK YOU, WE'LL BE IN TOUCH. Contact BCR today to find out more about our NDIS Summer Holidays Program