Activus Newsletter 2021-May /June

Out & About Newsletter May/June 2021 Edition Message from the Assistant GM I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the many many people that have completed the “Have Your Say” Survey. Welcome everyone to the May/June edition The surveys main purpose is to gauge just how important of Activus News. This time of the year sees community transport is to the community. What would the end of autumn and the beginning of happen if it wasn’t available? It’s apparent from your winter. A time to unpack the woollies, throw feedback that you really value the service. The survey an extra blanket on the bed and keep will remain open until the end of April, if you would warm. But that doesn’t mean you should like to have your say, ask your driver for a survey – it stay at home. We have some amazing trips doesn’t take long to complete – just 4 questions. planned in our social calendar so make sure you check them out and get booking! Don’t forget our wonderful community partners – Home Modification Solutions and Sutherland We’ve listened to all your feedback – thankyou Food Services for anyone looking for trusted keep it coming – and have added some fab new and exciting and professional tradesmen or a delicious meal destinations. Some of these may require a bit of walking or delivered to your door with a side of company. may take up the whole day in the case of scenic drives so make sure you plan for that. All of our trips include a lovely That’s about it from me – if you would like to drop destination for lunch, so there’s something for everyone. me a line about what you think of the newsletter, or if there’s something you would like to see included Just a reminder too that we have new shopping destinations – I’d love to hear from you. Happy reading. and we go more often. By popular demand we have included Figtree Grove and Rockdale Plaza so check out the shopping Stephanie McCamley calendar inside. You have a choice of a GoShuttle or a shopping bus. The only difference is that the shopping bus has a Transport Assistant on-board while the GoShuttle has two drop off times and two return times – giving you more choice with how long you would like to stay at the shopping centre.

Convoy to Cronulla Thank you to the team of photographers – Andrew Jens, Adam Lawdor, Paul English and Drone Operator Jake who Our Convoy to Cronulla which was held on the 13th March provided us with these wonderful shots. Keep your eye was a huge success. Thanks must go to Steve Lurman of out on our website for more photos and mini movies. Motorcycle escorts who headed up the convoy with his team of American Styled Highway police which lead us To Engadine Rotary Club – who fed us a delicious BBQ at the through the Shire and onto Don Lucas reserve at Cronulla. end of the convoy – you’re the best! And finally to the staff, volunteers and pets who were the drivers, passengers and The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Mayor Steve support crew – you outdid yourselves again – without you we Simpson and Activus Ambassadors – Associate Professor couldn’t have had such an amazing day. Thank you to all! Peter Gonski and Cheryl Koenig OAM, Chair of Activus Mr Graham Ware and General Manager, Greg Stanger.

Important Dates May & June 2021 9th May Mothers Day 17th–23rd May National Volunteer Week 26th May National Sorry Day Companion Card 6th June Queens Birthday A carer travelling with you, may be entitled to either free entry or a discount entry rate at some participating venues on presentation of a valid companion card. Companion cards are issued free however eligibility criteria applies. To find out more or to apply: Website: www.nswcompanioncard.org.au Email: [email protected] Hotline: 1800 893 044 Mail: Send a letter or email to request a form to: Companion Card, PO Box 20637 World Square, NSW 2002 NSW Seniors Card Discounts and Deals Start looking and see everywhere you can save! Seniors Cards open up a world of special offers – from local shopping and dining, to travel, entertainment and events, professional, personal, health, home, auto or financial services and heaps more. To make sure you’re getting all the savings you deserve grab a copy of the Seniors Card Directory from any Australia Post Outlet, MP offices, Service NSW centres or online at: www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au/discounts/discount-directory Important Customer Message For all customers with a mobile phone – please carry these with you and have them switched on so that we can contact you. On occasion we may need to call customers to let them know that we are running late or running early or for any other reason. We have your mobile number onboard the vehicle so PLEASE carry your mobile with you so that we can make contact with you. It saves both you and Activus staff a lot of angst if we can get a message to you. Example: your pick up time is 10am and you go outside to wait for the driver. Our driver is running 15 minutes late (it can happen, although not often). This could mean you are potentially waiting outside for us for 30 minutes! In some cases it could be raining or very hot and there is nowhere to sit. If you take your mobile with you we can give you quick call to let you know how long we will be. So just a reminder – carry your mobile phone with you, have it switched on, have it turned up nice and loud and we’ll call you if we need to advise you of any changes to your pick up times.

Over 60 meal choices Easy to order Frozen or hot delivery Safe, trained and trustworthy volunteers Affordable and easy payments Regular well-being checks Nutritious and delicious Dine & Discover NSW Apply online now using your MyService NSW Account. What you’ll need: The NSW Government has launched Dine & Discover • A MyServiceNSW Account NSW to encourage the community to get out and about • Proof of identity documents such as your NSW driver and support dining, arts and tourism businesses. licence, Medicare card, Australian passport. Note: NSW residents aged 18 and over can apply The names on your documents must match. for 4 x $25 vouchers, worth $100 in total. • A mobile device (iOS or Android) to download the latest version of the Service NSW app and use the vouchers. • 2 x $25 Dine NSW Vouchers to be used for dining in at restaurants, cafés, bars, wineries, pubs or clubs. OR If you do not have a MyServiceNSW Account or you’re unable to apply online, you can call 13 77 88 or visit a Service • 2 x $25 Discover NSW Vouchers to be used for NSW Centre with your proof of identity documents. entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues.

SHOPPING & GOSHUTTLE SCHEDULE SHOPPING BUS SERVICE $10 Bus Shopping service has a Transport Assistant on-board. MONDAYS TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS FRIDAYS NO SERVICE Figtree Grove Southgate Southgate Southgate FORTNIGHTLY WEEKLY WEEKLY WEEKLY East and West East East West $10 Go–shuttles don’t have a Transport Assistant on-board. Customers must be able to board vehicle unassisted. MONDAYS TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS FRIDAYS NO SERVICE Rockdale Plaza NO SERVICE Menai Market Place Menai Market Place FORTNIGHTLY WEEKLY WEEKLY West East East and West

MAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS Shopping at Bunnings Bellambi & lunch at Thirroul Beach Pavillion East Group: Monday 3rd May West Group: Wednesday 5th May Come along to Bunnings Bellambi for all your home DIY and gardening needs! Following shopping we will head to Thirroul Beach Pavillion to enjoy lunch by the sea. Historic talk at Carss Park Museum & lunch at Kogarah Clubhouse East Group: Thursday 6th & Thursday 20th May West Group: Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 19th May Carss Cottage houses the Kogarah Historical Society’s collection of historical artefacts and photographs, come along on this tour and learn about the history of the cottage. Tour cost: $5.00 Lunch to follow at Kogarah Clubhouse. Scenic Drive & lunch at Austral Bowling Club East & West Group: Friday 7th & 14th May Kickstart your weekend with a scenic drive out to Austral Bowling Club to enjoy lunch including all of your favourite pub classic meals! Tour around the historic Coal Loader & lunch at the Coal Loader café West Group: Tuesday 11th May East Group: Thursday 13th May East & West Group: Wednesday 26th May Located on the Waverton waterfront, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Historic Coal loader and learn about the North Sydney sustainability programs that the platform delivers before enjoying lunch at the Coal Loader Café. Tour cost: Free! Lunch $20 (choose from 4 options) Science Space Fairy Meadow & lunch at Towradgi Beach Hotel East Group: Tuesday 18th May West Group: Monday 17th May Enjoy an immersive tour of the Universe, a liquid nitrogen show and then explore the exhibits at Science Space followed by lunch at Towradgi Beach Hotel. Invoiced Event - $34 (Includes Ticket & Subsidised bus fare) Eastern Suburbs Tour & Lunch At Maroubra Seals East Group: Monday 24th May West Group: Monday 31st May Start the week off right with a tour of the Eastern Suburbs where you will get the full experience! Take in the beaches, back streets & then lunch at the ever popular Maroubra Seals where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while overlooking the pacific ocean! Milperra Golf Driving Range or Flower Power Milperra, Lunch At The Mill East & West Group: Tuesday 25th & Thursday 27th May We have something for everyone today! Kick start your morning shopping at Flower Power Milperra or hit a few balls across the road at Milperra Golf driving range. Work up an appetite at either of these activities then onto lunch at the Mill Milperra. Scenic Drive & lunch at Coledale RSL East & West Group: Friday 21st & 28th May Sit back and take in the stunning ocean views on this scenic drive down the coast as we make our way to Coledale RSL for lunch with a view! Lots of tasty lunch options available from My Little Bistro. Cost for subsidised customers is $20 for bus fare. Meals and beverages at your own cost.

JUNE CALENDAR OF EVENTS Museum of Fire & lunch at Panthers East Group: Tuesday 1st & Friday 4th June West Group: Thursday 3rd & Friday 11th Take a guided tour of the Museums extensive collection of items, many of which are listed on the State Heritage Register, as it celebrates the heroic history of the Firefighters and Fire services in Australia. Following the tour we will have lunch at Penrith Panthers. Tour cost is $10 Scenic drive to Badgerys Creek Airport & lunch at Wallacia Hotel East Group: Tuesday 8th June West Group: Wednesday 2nd June East & West Groups: Monday 7th June Come along for a scenic drive of Badgerys Creek before a tour of the Western Sydney Airport Experience Centre where you can step into the Airport Control room and see the airport come to life! Lunch at Wallacia Hotel. Scenic drive & lunch at Collegians Balgownie East Group: Wednesday 16th June West Group: Thursday 24th June East & West Groups: Tuesday 15th & Friday 25th June Enjoy the ride on this scenic drive taking in the spectacular views of the Illawarra as we make our way to Collegians Balgownie for Lunch. Lunch specials from just $9.90! Camden Tour East Group: Thursday 10th & Wednesday 23rd June West Group: Thursday 17th & Wednesday 30th June NOT TO BE MISSED! We kick the day off with morning tea at Curry Park Camden then enjoy a scenic drive of the area as we make our way to Burragorang Lookout to take in the spectacular views. For lunch we head to the Oaks Hotel before making our way south through Picton to enjoy the country side as we make our way home. Wollongong Town Hall Concert Music in the morning – Cole Porter & Friends East & West Group: Monday 21st June Concerts are Back! Hear your favourite melodies from not only Porter, but Gershwin, Kern, Berlin and more! Along with cheeky stories of old Hollywood and the celebrities involved in the making of these classic tunes. Lunch at City Diggers Bistro & Café – Lunch specials from $15. Invoiced Event. Free Movie Day At Club Menai East & West Group: Monday 28th June What better way to spend a cold winter’s morning than with a free movie at Club Menai. Showing “Somethings Gotta Give” on their big screen, grab yourself a soft drink and choose one of 3 lunch options for only $12! A Chance To Update Your Winter Wardrobe & Home Ikea Tempe – Friday 18th June Birkenhead Point – Tuesday 22nd June DFO Homebush – TUESDAY 29th June What a great excuse as it starts to get colder to update your wardrobe & home. Come along to one of our shopping days at the above locations and shop till you drop in stores ranging from clothing, shoes, homewares, food and much more! Cost for subsidised customers is $20 for bus fare. Meals and beverages at your own cost.

20 Questions with Activus Driver, Peter 1. How long have you been Volunteering with Activus? 11. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? 15 years plus To drive a road train 2. What is the one thing you cannot resist 12. What are three words you’d use to describe Activus Transport? Trip down to the farm Professional, Caring & Trustworthy 3. What is your greatest fear? 13. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Being incapacitated Help out family and friends 4. Where is your favourite place to be? 14. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass Home with family the time? Potter in my shed 5. Where is the best place you’ve travelled to and why? Western Australia.. great drives 15. What is something you learned in the last week? Life can throw up challenges 6. What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had? Pumping out roadside toilets 16. What’s your favourite indoor/outdoor activity? Caravanning & television 7. What would you do if you weren’t doing this? Run away to the circus 17. What is the first concert you attended? Crash Craddock at Sydney Stadium 8. Any favourite line from a movie? “Go ahead, make my day” 18. What music is on your iPhone/Android phone? Country, Rock & Roll 9. Tell us something that might surprise us about you. I like to write stories 19. What chore do you absolutely hate doing? Washing cars 10. If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor? 20. If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? John Wayne My Mum. Activus Volunteers are priceless! Volunteers are the cornerstone of Activus. We salute every single volunteer for the wonderful work they do and we rely heavily on their commitment and dedication. Without them, we simply could not meet the needs of our community. We thank them for helping to enrich the lives of our customers. As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to • Make a difference • Meet new people • Gain new skills • Help others • Become a valued team member • Give back to the community We are always on the lookout for more volunteers, so if you think you’ve got what it takes – don’t hesitate to call us and speak to Kylie on 8555 0000.