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Get creative this summer with BCR Art Sparks - a hands-on art and ceramics program for young people with an NDIS plan. Think art, clay, imagination and loads of fun! It will be on every Monday during the School Holidays from 10am to 2pm in the BCR Communities Creative Space at 18 Sanctuary Point Road. Make new friends, try a range of different art techniques and take home your amazing creations. Spaces are limited so make sure you book your spot by phoning 1300 222 748 or emailing info@BCRcommunities.com

Christmas cheer is arriving early for some Bay and Basin families, thanks to the generosity of Basin Shores Community Association residents. For the past three weeks, residents have been leaving donations at their community centre to create beautifully assembled Christmas hampers. These hampers, packed with festive goodies and essential items, will be distributed by BCR Communities, to families in need. The project reflects the power of community spirit and kindness. Resident and former florist Sue Irvine, who took the lead in assembling the hampers, described the experience as a "labour of love." “I put my hand up to create the hampers because I was a florist for 30 years, and I still have cellophane, ribbon, and all the bits and bobs to make them special,” Sue said. “I made up little stories for each one—there’s one that will be perfect for a single mum with a baby girl, and another for a family that includes breakfast items, snacks, sweet treats for the kids, meal ingredients, and even pampering goodies for mum and dad.” Chairperson of the Basin Shores Community Association Executive Committee, John Di-Masi, highlighted the significance of this year’s donation. “We support a different charity each year, and this year, we really wanted to give to a local organisation that makes a big impact in our area,” John said. “BCR Communities is a Bay and Basin not-for-profit, so it felt like the perfect choice.” “All these hampers show what we can achieve when we come together as a community,” he added. “We hope they bring a little extra joy and comfort to families this Christmas.” The donation comes at a critical time, as many families in the region are grappling with the pressures of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Heather Marciano, CEO of BCR Communities, emphasised just how vital this support is for struggling families. “We are thankful to the Basin Shores Community Association for choosing us as this year’s recipient,” Heather said. “The cost-of-living crisis has put many local families in stressful situations. Rising rents, increased grocery prices, and higher energy bills mean that for some, a joyful Christmas is looking very uncertain this year.” Heather also highlighted the emotional and practical value of the hampers. “These hampers aren’t just about providing food or essentials—they remind families that their community cares about them,” she said. “For some, receiving this kind of support at Christmas can take a real weight off their shoulders.” Heather encouraged others to consider how they can contribute during the festive season, highlighting the power of small acts of kindness. “Whether it’s a hamper, a donation, or simply checking in with a neighbour, every gesture strengthens our community,” she said. The hampers, along with other donations of presents, food, and essential items, will be distributed to families through the BCR Communities network.

Last night, BCR Communities celebrated International Volunteer Day with our amazing team of volunteers at the Sanctuary Point Youth and Community Centre. It was an evening filled with fun, laughter, and heartfelt appreciation for the people who have always been the backbone of our organisation. We enjoyed a delicious woodfired BBQ dinner, played Singo Bingo , a lively twist on traditional bingo that had everyone singing along and laughing. The festivities continued with music trivia and entertainment by our own talented Pirates Band. Thank you to our lovely volunteer Renata, who generously baked one of her famous Black Forest cakes. This was the grand prize for the music trivia competition, and the winning team were thrilled with their prize. The night was a reminder of just how fortunate we are to have such dedicated and passionate people at BCR Communities. Our volunteers truly are the heart of everything we do. To each and every one of our volunteers: thank you for your time, energy, and unwavering commitment to our community. You are the reason BCR Communities thrives, and we couldn’t do it without you. As the year draws to a close, we look forward to another year of working together to make a difference. Wishing all our volunteers and their families a joyful holiday season and a very Merry Christmas!

BCR Communities is calling on the generous hearts of Bay and Basin residents to help combat rising food insecurity in our region. According to Roh Holland from the BCR Community Services team, the local not-for-profit has seen a staggering 56% increase in requests for emergency food relief over the past 12 months alone. “BCR has been responding to the local community for over 30 years but we’ve never seen the need for emergency food relief as high as it is right now – it has stretched our resources to the limit,” Roh said. “The rising cost of living is putting additional strain on families, especially single parent families, older people, and individuals already doing it tough.” BCR Communities has been a lifeline for many, providing essential items like fresh produce, pantry staples, and meal ingredients to those in need. But with cupboards running low, the organisation is reaching out to the community to help restock. “We’re particularly in need of non-perishable items such as rice, pasta, canned goods, cereal, pasta sauces, snacks, tinned fruit and long-life milk – basically the ingredients to make a meal” Roh said. “We also need other items like soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, sanitary items, toilet paper and even pet food.” Food donations can be dropped off at the BCR Youth & Community Centre in Sanctuary Point, Monday to Friday. Local schools, businesses, and community groups are also encouraged to host food drives to bolster the cause. “We were very grateful to the community members and local businesses who have already generously donated to our Christmas food hampers, Roh said, like Plough and Harrow who have donated baked goods all year, and the residents of the Basin Shores Estate who donated a large hamper of items to BCR from their own Christmas donation drive. Their kindness really made a difference to a lot of families over the holiday period.” To learn more or find out how to help, phone 1300 222 748 or email info@bcrcommunities.com

When 24-year-old Paige Bannister signed up for a free ‘Training Taster Program’ with BCR Communities, she wasn’t expecting it to lead to a new career in only 12 weeks. Having worked in hospitality, customer service and childcare, the Sanctuary Point local thought the program, run through Kiama Community College, would be a simple stepping stone to the next stage of her working life. “I wanted to join the program to learn new skills, improve my resume, and hopefully meet some new friends,” Paige said. While the course provided her with the workplace skills she wanted, Paige was especially inspired by the part of the course that involved working on the new BCR Youth Collective Pods. “I found working on the Youth Collective really interesting. I loved the idea of being involved with creating a space that will bring the community, and particularly young people together,” Paige said. “Growing up, I didn’t really spend much time in Sanctuary Point, I would go to Nowra or Huskisson. It would have been great to have a place like the Youth Collective to meet up with friends.” When Paige completed the course and said she wanted to continue working for the community, the BCR team - already impressed by her enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism - encouraged Paige to apply for a paid role with BCR in aged care. “I am really looking forward to working for BCR, doing more training in aged care, and meeting and getting to know the clients,” Paige said. “I love knowing that I will be helping people in my community to keep living in their own homes.” If you would like to learn more about the BCR Youth Collective or career opportunities with BCR Communities, please phone 1300 222 748 or visit BCRcommunities.com .

The BCR Wellness Centre was transformed into an enchanted garden as we hosted a high tea during Carers Week to honour a special group of amazing carers. Carers selflessly giving their time, energy, and love to support others, so it was such a privilege for our team to turn the tables and care for and pamper our carers for a morning. Treats and surprises included beautifully prepared pamper gift bags, lucky door prizes, and a delicious high tea. It was a lovely atmosphere with lots of laughter and chatting as carers connected with each other and shared their stories. A big thank you to Carers NSW for their generous sponsorship, which made this event possible. And a round of applause for our Lifestyle Coordinator, Leonie Way, whose creativity and attention to detail turned our Wellness Centre into an enchanted garden and ensured every guest felt celebrated, valued and cared for. BCR Communities holds a free carer support group once a month at our Day Respite Cottage, 16 Sanctuary Point Road.  It is a relaxed and friendly environment where everybody has the opportunity to share their experiences, discuss challenges and support others.  All carers are welcome!

Join our Board - BCR Communities is welcoming expressions of interest from passionate, community-minded individuals who share our values. We are seeking candidates with at least five years of management/Board experience in one or more of the following:  • Leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector  • Legal skills, qualifications and experience  • Finance / Treasurer skills, qualifications and experience  • Clinical governance experience in the aged care sector  • Human Resource skills, qualifications and experience  If you would like to make a real difference in your local community, please consider joining BCR Communities as a General Member or Non-Executive Director. To apply go to https://www.bcrcommunities.com/job-board

Yesterday was the official opening of a very special gift to the Sanctuary Point community created by a group of children from Sanctuary Point Public School. A pocket park featuring three large Blackbutt poles, beautifully painted by the students, as well as park seating and landscaped garden beds, now forms a vibrant entranceway to welcome visitors to the Sanctuary Point shopping hub. Students from years 4-6, worked with Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Marilyn Smart, to come up with design ideas relating to family, community, country and the natural world. They wanted the poles to signify that the park is a gathering place where everyone is welcome. It’s been a truly collaborative project between the primary school, not-for-profit organisation BCR Communities which has overseen the project, and Bendigo Bank which has generously funded the materials and installation. Vincentia High School has also been a part of the project with students assisting to complete the artwork in the final stages. BCR Community Project Officer, Cita Daidone, said the kids loved working on the project; and looked forward to their art time with Aunty Marilyn at the Sanctuary Point Youth & Community Centre. “Each student chose a different motif or emblem to work on and they also decided on their own colours and patterns to execute the design,” Cita said. “The children wanted the three poles to represent family – mother, father and child. The actual designs on the pole were based around the natural environment of Sanctuary Point.” “Moths were chosen to be the main subject of the designs because while they are creatures of movement and flight, we can also associate them with rest, twilight and solitude.” “It has been fabulous to witness the student’s commitment and enthusiasm for this project over the last several months. They are all very excited to have been a part of this wonderful gift for their community.”

We are celebrating today at BCR! A huge congratulations to our incredible Senior Care Manager, Debbie Calderon, for winning the Outstanding Employee category at the Shoalhaven Business Awards! Debbie is very deserving of this award - her kindness, empathy, and dedication shine through in everything she does and her positive attitude, innovative approach to problem-solving, and professionalism truly set her apart. We are so proud of you, Debbie! #shoalhavenbusinessawards2024   #outstandingemployee   #bcrcommunities

Today, on Aged Care Employee Day, we celebrate and honour the incredible dedication and hard work of our aged care team at BCR Communities. Your empathy, enthusiasm, commitment, professionalism and tireless efforts ensure that our clients receive the best care and support every day. You all make a significant difference in the lives of so many people in our communities, and we are immensely grateful for everything you do. A big thank you to our aged care team, our wonderful volunteers and everyone who supports them behind the scenes at BCR - you are all so valued and appreciated!   #ACED2024  #Thanksforcaring  #BCRcommunities

Congratulations to our CEO, Heather Marciano, who was announced as a finalist last night in the Outstanding Business Leader category for the Illawarra Business Awards. The team at BCR Communities is thrilled at this acknowledgement for Heather who lives our values of integrity, empathy and inclusion; is intelligent, strategic and calm in any situation; and leads with confidence, enthusiasm and kindness. We will all have our fingers crossed for her on the big night!

It’s a gold star for BCR! ⭐ After a rigorous audit, we have received our Performance Report from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and are excited to share that we have been assessed as Compliant against every Aged Care Standard for our HCP, STRC and CHSP aged care services. We are so proud of our Aged Care, People & Culture and Administration teams, this result is testament to their hard work, professionalism, empathy and the personalised care they give to our clients. A big thank you to everyone involved who worked so hard for this fantastic result. 😊 . Well done team!