SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY AND PROVIDING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO REACH THEIR POTENTIAL

The recent Seniors Expo auspiced by Rushworth Community House and held at the local Senior Citizens Club has received high praise from attendees.

Bendigo-based lawyer Joe Edmonds addresses the Expo

The Expo was the first of a series of  seniors events to be organised by the Community House over the coming year. The events are designed to give our older residents an overview of the many services that are available to them - often at little or no cost - through government agencies, benevolent groups, professional societies and other local & regional providers.

Last months meeting was hosted by Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre lawyer, Joe Edmonds, who visited Rushworth at the invitation of your Community House.

In an address which covered a broad range of topics, Mr. Edmonds was able to reassure his audience that advancing years are not necessarily a barrier to the exercise of one’s legal rights. However, he stressed the need for certain key documents - such as a Will and Powers of Attorney - to be established and regularly updated while the person concerned was legally able to do so.

 

Worthwhile futures for RCH Front Desk volunteers

Vale Betty Morris

On a sad note, we regret to inform readers of the death of long-term Rushworth Community House member, Mrs. Betty Morris.

A lady of enviable vitality, indomitable spirit and great humor, Betty passed away suddenly last week following a brief illness.

We extend our sincere sympathies to Gillian, Len and family on their loss.

In response to questions from the audience, Mr. Edmonds also discussed the various Will types that seniors can setup to guarantee that their wishes are respected during their latter years. He also canvassed the benefits and traps associated with reverse mortgages that can be used to ease financial burdens that may arise as we age.

Anyone who missed the session can obtain brochures & legal service contact details from the Community House.

Depending on individual circumstances, Waranga seniors can obtain legal assistance from Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre personnel either locally or in nearby centres, and many of their services are free.

Planned future seniors seminars will be publicised through local media, and will cover topics such as social services, community health and the huge range of organised activities that seniors can enjoy.

(Above) Volunteers Coordinator, Diane Bundy (left), guides new front desk recruit Kristine Holm through the intricacies of managing the front desk.

Personnel training and development is a key part of every modern business, and Rushworth Community House prides itself on the quality of instruction given to all new staff and volunteers.

This is especially true of personnel who will be managing the front desk; their knowledge and demeanour are vital as a first point of contact between the House and people who avail themselves of its many services.

Volunteers Coordinator Diane Bundy is one of several senior RCH personnel who guide new “front-deskers” through the maze of tasks to be mastered, gradually building both their understanding of procedures and confidence levels as they assume increasing levels of responsibility.

“Training times vary from four to six weeks, depending on a new volunteer’s existing skills base and level of prior experience”, Diane said recently.

 

“There’s a variety of important office duties to be learned, including driver and training course bookings, records maintenance and Community House security.

“Front desk volunteers acquire valuable  computers skills, working with several popular Microsoft Office software packages.

“Telephone answering techniques, together with phone-system control, are also honed as part of our training schedule”, Diane added.

Best of all, the knowledge and skills gained while running the Community House Front Desk have enabled several of our former volunteers to secure paid employment in the wider community, and that’s really terrific.”

“Our front desk does indeed open some worthwhile doors”, Diane added proudly.