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A Meal to Remember: Love Blooms at Yangebup Community Eats – October 2024

John had been navigating the deep sorrow of losing his wife for over a year. He turned to online dating in search of comfort, but each experience left him feeling empty. His prayers for companionship and the hope of meeting a kind Christian woman seemed unanswered – until his daughter introduced him to Yangebup Community Eats.

Encouraged by her suggestion, John decided to attend. The warm meals and welcoming atmosphere drew him in, but it was the sense of community that kept him coming back. On 11 August 2023, as he sat down for dinner, something unexpected happened. A woman, Lorraine, sat across from him. Their conversation started casually but soon deepened when John realised that Lorraine, too, was a Christian. They shared an understanding of scripture, and, to John’s surprise, both had experienced the profound loss of a spouse.

At the end of the evening, he nervously asked her if she’d like to meet for coffee sometime. After a brief pause, she agreed. Their coffee date turned into many more, with conversations that stretched late into the night, often until the café staff had to remind them it was closing time.

For Lorraine, meeting John was an unexpected twist of fate. Looking back, she marvelled at the series of events that led her to that moment. Her church’s Connect Group had been scheduled to serve the meal that evening, but she wasn’t sure she could attend due to her daughter’s birthday plans that weekend. It was only when those plans fell through that she found himself free to help at Yangebup Community Eats. She is so grateful she sat down across from John. Their conversation sparked a connection that is still flourishing today, 14 months later. “There is something to be said for the old-fashioned way of meeting people” says Lorraine.

What started as a simple meal at Yangebup Family Centre’s Community Eats turned into something far more – a love story built on faith, shared experiences, and the belief that life’s most unexpected moments can lead to beautiful new beginnings.

Read more of the highlights from 2023-2024 in our Annual Report

Cockburn Community Unite for Marissa Verma – June 2024

In a powerful display of community spirit, over 100 people gathered last week to support Marissa Verma, a well-known Cockburn local, at a heartwarming Morning Tea held at Yangebup Family Centre.
Marissa’s kindness, passion for helping others, and dedication to sharing Noongar culture through her love of food have always inspired the Cockburn Community.

She founded the family-owned and operated business Bindi Bindi Dreaming in 2000, offering a range of cultural education workshops, cultural learning journeys and bush tucker programs in schools, many within the Cockburn community.

Over the past year, Marissa has bravely battled an aggressive infection, Necrotising Fasciitis, which initially left her in a three-month coma and required over 30 surgeries. To save her life, doctors had to amputate her hands below her elbows. Despite these challenges, Marissa’s incredible strength and determination have helped her overcome the infection, and she is now on a long journey to recovery.

To raise well needed funds to support Marissa’s recovery Yangebup Family Centre held a fundraising Morning Tea last week. The event was a huge success with over 100 community members coming together in support of Marissa. The morning commenced with an Acknowledgement to Country by Aunty Lynn Coomer, followed by an opening address by Deputy Mayor Chontelle Stone. Attendees showed their support by writing heartfelt messages on paper butterflies. Everyone enjoyed a delicious bush tucker morning tea, while children delighted in making their own paper butterflies. The event also featured a raffle and a sale of Noongar-inspired ingredients, including dried saltbush, lilly pilly jam, and lemon myrtle playdough, with all proceeds going to Marissa’s GoFundMe. Marissa’s beautiful smile filled the room with light and there was an outpouring of love and support.

“It was an honour to celebrate my wonderful friend Marissa Verma at the Yangebup Family Centre fundraising morning tea.” said Chontelle Stone, City of Cockburn Deputy Mayor. “Marissa has influenced so many through her sharing of culture and knowledge, so it was heartwarming to see everyone coming down to support her as she continues her recovery journey. Thanks to everyone involved in this special event.”

“A big heartfelt thank you to everyone for attending and to the wonderful team, both staff and members at YFC for their amazing support in hosting this event and putting on the yummiest morning tea. Truly appreciated and a wonderful day and I felt much love from all that came to support me and my family.” said Marissa Verma.

With thanks to the generosity of our community, we managed to raise just over $3332 for Marissa. Read more about Marissa’s ordeal and remarkable journey of recovery here Marissa’s GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/bindi-bindi-reborn

Community Mosaic Project – November 2023

We have been having so much creative fun bringing the Mosaic Community art project to life!

Thank you to the City of Cockburn for supporting the project and Leisa from Healing India Creative Arts for facilitating and inspiring.

People attending the Centre in July voted on the project options with a birdbath receiving the most votes.

We have had a fantastic group of volunteers attending to plan and create the design and bring it to life with tiles. The birdbath represents our local lakes with the bulrush or “yanget” on the base and three turtles represented in the basin.

The official opening was held on the 20 November with special guests and community members attending to celebrate the addition to our outdoor area.

NAIDOC Play Session – July 2023

On Monday 10 July the Yangebup Family Centre and Connecting Community for Kids provided a NAIDOC School Holiday Play session with around 70 people attending.

Families enjoyed a special dreamtime story and children’s Acknowledgement to Country from Fran and Sylvia, followed by Aboriginal themed arts and crafts.

Morning tea was a delicious spread of bush tucker inspired food including kangaroo sausage rolls, lemon myrtle chicken wraps, dips and cakes with native herbs and spices including pepper berry, bush tomato, river mint, native thyme and wattleseed.

Thank you to our volunteers and staff for your assistance in providing another amazing community event!

We would like to acknowledge all of the amazing winners for their wonderful contributions to the community. Congratulations to Serena Gamble, Serene Anderson, James Wild (not pictured) who were also recognised.

L-r: Cr Phoebe Corke, Tracy Pearson (Chair YFC), Serena Gamble, Mayor Logan Howlett, Samantha Williams (YFC Manager), Deputy Mayor Tom Widenbar and Serene Anderson.

VIP Celebration – November 2022

The VIP Celebration held on Saturday 5 November was a wonderful way to celebrate 30 years for the Centre and the people who make it such a special part of our community.

Jan Langley and Maggie Di Re were presented with Life Membership for their significant contribution to the Centre and the community over the past 30 years. Jan was a part of the Centre from the very beginning. She was President of the Yangebup Progress Association for many years and Chairperson of the YFC for 2 years and a member of the committee for many more. Maggie attended the Yangebup Family Centre in 1994 with her newborn and became a member of the CWA. She first joined the YFC committee in 2000 and served as Chairperson for 5 years. Jan and Maggie are regular attendees at the Community Eats evenings and are true Community Champions who have supported the Centre and the Community for a very long time.

The Special Recognition Award recognises committee and staff who have been with the Centre for more than 10 years. Together Ann Gerlach, Julie Taylor, Debbie White and Jo McGillivray have been with the Centre for over 57 years. They are the backbone of the YFC family and provide familiar faces for our community. They each bring their unique strengths to our Centre, and we are all so much richer for being able to share their passion, creativity, and commitment.

The Community Champion award recognises supporters of the Centre who have not been in a formal position as a committee or staff member but have gone above and beyond in their support of the Centre. Peter Wright started volunteering at the Centre 30 years ago when his kids were attending programs and his wife Lyn was the Chairperson. In his current capacity as Just Wright Maintenance he has been with us for 17 years and even though he retired last year he is still helping out with maintenance. Marie has been a regular member and volunteer for the Centre over the past 30 years. She first attended with her daughter and then more recently with her granddaughter. She is a wonderful connector and contributor to our Community. She has assisted the Centre with bread collection and events like our Open Day. At the City of Cockburn Awards last month Marie was recognised for over 15 years of volunteering with Neighbourhood Community Watch and the Yangebup Progress Association.

The Recognition Award recognises committee and staff who have been with the Centre for more than 5 years. Maria Quaggan, Tracy Pearson, Sam Williams and Charmaine Fatin were presented with awards for their outstanding contributions to the Centre.

The event was also an opportunity to celebrate previous and current volunteers, staff, committee members and partners. Special thanks to Cr Philip Eva JP for assisting with all of the presentations.

Thanks to everyone who attended or contributed to the event and helped us celebrate 30 years!

Celebrating 30 years – August 2022

Rain, HAIL or Shine we celebrated in style!

We celebrated 30 years on Saturday 13 August with special guests, old friends, new friends and our community.
The official presentations commenced with beautiful words delivered by Aunty Neta Knapp and a lovely birthday gift to celebrate our 30 years titled “Colours of our Land”.

Our special guests Josh Wilson MP, David Scaife MLA, Mayor Logan Howlett and Linkwest CEO Jane Chilcott shared in our celebrations with Chairperson Maria Quaggan, and staff Samantha Williams and Joanne McGillivray.
We were also joined by Deputy Mayor Tom Widenbar, Cr Philip Eva, Councillor Chontelle Stone, and Marissa Verma from Bindi Bindi Dreaming. We were delighted to see many of the original staff members from 1992 attending the day! It is so wonderful to see them still connected to each other and the Centre.

Our Open Day was also a great opportunity to thank David Scaife MLA for supporting our Centre. We officially unveiled the plaque and opened the new outdoor nature playground and renovated bathrooms! We greatly appreciate the support we receive from David and the State Government through the Department of Communities with $150 000 provided towards these projects. The Centre is now looking well prepared for the next 30 years!

While the weather was disappointing we were overwhelmed with the support we received from our community with over 850 people attending despite the rain and hail!
Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated with us, sharing stories, donating cakes, volunteering their time and enjoying our special day.

We are very lucky to be supported by a fabulous network of volunteers who help make events like our Open Day a wonderful success! Thanks to everyone who contributed to our event including our Community Groups – Yangebup

Progress Association, Beeliar Community Voice Inc. and Neighbourhood Watch Cockburn and volunteers who donated cakes, made coffees, cooked sausages and made everyone feel welcome!

Purple Bench unveiling – Nov 2021

On the 25 November, to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women we unveiled our Purple Bench, honouring victims of domestic homicide.  It also marked the commencement of the “16 Days in WA – Stop the Violence” campaign for 2021.

The Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing’s Purple Bench project has seen many benches installed across WA.

Thank you to the His Worship the Mayor Logan Howlett for opening the ceremony and to Belle Stevens and Veronica McDonald for courageously sharing their stories.

The ceremony was followed by a lovely afternoon tea with cupcakes and hand dipped strawberries provided by Veronica and her new business.

Thank you to Bunnings Warehouse Bibra Lake for the donation of plants, Robert from National Industrial Engravers who generously donated the engraved memoriam plaque and to Linkwest and the Loftus Community Centre who provided a grant for project.

In Nova Scotia, Canada purple benches are located in public parks to honour the memory of women murdered by their partners and to provide help numbers for people experiencing Domestic and Family Violence. They are known as Barb’s Benches and were launched in 2015 to mark the 25-year anniversary of the murder of Barb Baillie by her husband.

Purple is associated worldwide with the Domestic and Family Violence awareness movement.

The first Purple Bench in WA launched in May 2018 in Fremantle, it was launched by the Hon. Simone McGurk, Minister for Child Protection; Women’s Interests; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Community Services and Dr Brad Pettit, Mayor of Fremantle, with the support of the Women’s Council.

The Purple Bench Project is fantastic place-based commitment.

Changing public perception of violence against women and children in particular requires a commitment from all levels of government and the community at large. The Purple Bench acts as a stark reminder that as a society we can make a difference, with both little and large steps.

The presence of the Purple Bench in a location where events have been held to raise public awareness provide the opportunity for this important issue to remain visible as well as providing a physical place to reflect about the important work achieved to date and how we can work throughout the next generations to bring an end to domestic and family violence.

City of Cockburn Inspirational Volunteer Awards – Nov 2021

Congratulations to Maggie Zentner who placed second for the City of Cockburn Volunteer of the Year.  Maggie is the President of the local residents’ group, Yangebup Progress Association (YPA), and the coordinator of the central ward Neighbourhood Watch Association.
Maggie is an active volunteer at the Yangebup Family Centre (YFC), Cooby Cares, The Lions Club, St John of God Murdoch, and helps her fellow residents quarterly by organising a collection of recyclables such as aerosols, printer cartridges and batteries that she delivers to the City of Cockburn council offices.
Maggie is a volunteer chef for the Cultural Cooking program which runs monthly at the Yangebup Family Centre. She contributes her time, love of food, her cultural heritage and her welcoming, bright, and bubbly persona to this wonderful volunteer group. She brings her knowledge and skills from her Italian ethnicity to share with fellow members of Cultural Cooking.
Maggie has volunteered her time to help with the Community Eats program held monthly at the YFC.
In addition, Maggie regularly volunteers to pick up unsold bread from a nearby bakery and delivers it to the YFC on a Monday evening. The bread is then available for those who need it to collect from the Centre the next day.
Maggie donates her time to put hampers together for Cooby Cares and puts her hand up to gift wrap at Christmas time for the Lions Club. Maggie also volunteers on a ward at the St John of God hospital in Murdoch.
Maggie regularly puts the call out to her fellow Yangebup neighbours via our ‘What’s up Yangebup’ FB group page, if anyone has any special recycling. She then collects and take to the council buildings.

As President of the Yangebup Progress Association Maggie helps to ensure that local residents have a voice and a way of coming together to discuss important issues and resolve concerns. Most recently Maggie has helped to secure funding to upgrade local play areas.
Maggie has been at the forefront of terrific free events for the community, particularly in her role as President of the Yangebup Progress Association. Her particular interest is running events for our community, making them accessible to everyone and inclusive. Almost 95% of the events are free of charge, have free entertainment, and are fun!
After an Annual Movie Night event that Maggie and the YPA organised, a grandmother approached Maggie. She mentioned how amazing it was that she could bring all her grandkids to a movie night and have such an amazing time. As she could not afford to take the kids out to the regular movies or big events. This is a great example of what keeps Maggie so motivated to give back to her community. She has a wonderful passion for volunteering and community.

Congratulations to Maggie and all of the Award recipients.

We would also like to acknowledge our other nominees Maria Quaggan, Tracy Pearson and Mitchell Crook for their valuable contributions to volunteering.

Yangebup Family Centre Highlights 2020-2021 – Oct 2021

Click here to view the Highlights Video

Click here to see our full Annual Report

The world is experiencing unprecedented challenges and social isolation is more pronounced than ever before with people unable to travel or receive visits from loved ones. The Centre continues to support the community through these challenging times by focusing on mental health and wellbeing, reducing social isolation, and providing support for vulnerable people.

The Empowering Communities program enables the YFC to continue our great work and to develop new programs. Over the past 12 months we have provided over 57 activities, with over 520 sessions and more than 38 000 participant interactions.

Our Cultural Cooking Program empowers local community members to be volunteer chefs and demonstrate a dish from their culture before connecting over lunch. The program was runner up in the City of Cockburn Volunteer Awards for Organisation of the Year 2020.

We are supported by amazing volunteers who give their time in many different ways to support the Centre. We have a dedicated team of over 80 volunteers. The volunteers assist us with governance, management, program delivery, administration, social media management and marketing, grant applications, problem solving, capacity building, input into program design, fundraising, events, and community initiatives. It is estimated that the financial contribution of these volunteers is in excess of $150 000 per annum (80 volunteers @ $45/hr x 70hrs/week).

The Dads and Kids Pizza Night was one of the first events to be hosted with numbers limited to 64 people. The event sold out quickly and was a huge success promoting R U OK Day and mental health. More events followed in November with a Celebration for Miss Jo’s 10 years at FYC and a Multicultural Feast. We welcomed His Worship the Mayor Logan Howlett, Deputy Mayor Lara Kirkwood and Councillors Philip Eva and Chontelle Stone to the feast where we were entertained by the Cockburn Chinese Community Association Perth South Dance Group. Our local representatives are great supporters of our Centre.

Sustainability is a key ingredient to longevity for all organisations. The benefits are vast, from the environmental impact, the cost savings and community stewardship. Through hard work and dedication to the improvements we obtained funding from Federal, State and Local governments to complete the project. Federal funding through the Community Energy Efficiency Program with the support of Josh Wilson MP has seen solar panels installed and with additional funding from the City of Cockburn lighting upgraded to LED. The Department of Communities replaced the ceiling, fans and insulation.

Future projects are planned thanks to the election commitment of $150 000 provided by Member for Cockburn David Scaife MLA and the Department of Communities.

In an exciting step, the board, staff, and community came together to create a new brand and logo. Yangebup Family Centre’s programs and events continue to evolve to meet the changing needs and demographics of the members. We also refreshed our technology, replacing old computers and printers, ensuring the staff have up-to-date equipment as they continue to focus on the children, families and other members using the Centre. The new fixtures and fittings have provided a much-needed face lift to welcome all visitors.

Our partnerships have thrived with many of our most successful programs supported by and growing from co-design and collaboration.

The committee have also worked hard to provide support and governance, participating in child safe education modules, and actively contributing on social media and in physical groups.

Most recently we have installed a Purple Bench outside the Centre and we are planning a launch event for the 25 November on the International Elimination of Violence against Women Day and the commencement of the 16 Days in WA initiative.

In 2022 the Yangebup Family Centre will celebrate 30 years of bringing positive change to the City of Cockburn by empowering people to take an active role in their community.

We thank you for your continued support.

Funding for Nature Play – September 2021

Local Government Minister Hon. John Carey, David Scaife MLA and Josh Wilson MP attended the Centre recently to announce that the McGowan Government would be providing $150 000 in funding to carry out major improvement works at the Yangebup Family Centre Inc. The funding will go towards redeveloping the outdoor play area, renovating bathroom areas and installing electronic signage.

The State Government is also providing $430,000 in grants to improve parks and playgrounds in the City of Cockburn. The grants will be used to deliver improvements to a number of parks across the community including new shade sails, seating and fencing, a new nature play area at Tapper Reserve in Atwell and redevelopment works of the Minori Gardens playground.

We greatly appreciate Minister Carey presenting the funding on behalf of the Minister for Communities Hon. Simone McGurk MLA and continuing to support Neighbourhood Centres like the YFC. As grassroots organisations we provide a place for people to belong and the funding provided for these upgrades will ensure we can provide a welcoming environment for our community for many years to come.

Improved Sustainability – July 2021

The Centre is currently undergoing a much needed facelift to improve sustainability thanks to financial support from three levels of government.  The Department of Communities is replacing the ceilings, fans and insulation.  Federal funding through the Community Energy Efficiency Program with the support of Josh Wilson MP has seen solar panels installed and with some additional funds from the City of Cockburn, all lighting upgraded to LED.

By replacing the current fluorescent lighting at the Centre with energy efficient LED lighting in addition to installing solar panels we are making ‘healthy energy choices’ and with the new ceiling and insulation our heating and cooling will also be more efficient.

We are looking forward to reduced energy costs and a reduction in carbon emissions without compromising the quality of lighting.

Want to know more about what you can do to be more sustainable and save money? The City of Cockburn has information on Sustainable Living and What You Can Do

A Brand New Look – July 2021

Over the last few months we have been working with our community and  graphic designer, Nathon Webber, to create our brand. Our brand is a reflection of our ongoing vision to inspire, grow and strengthen by empowering individuals in taking an active role in our community.

Our logo has been created to visually communicate who we are and what we do.  It is representative of the safety and support we aim to provide to individuals and families as the diversity and connection of an active community.

Our visual identity embraces our values of family, connection, integrity, respect, caring, learning and empowering.

We are in the process of updating documents, social media and the Centre with our new brand.

City of Cockburn Volunteer Awards – Nov 2020

A wonderful evening celebrating volunteering in the City of Cockburn. Thank you City of Cockburn for recognising the YFC Cultural Cooking program and the fabulous volunteers who make this program so successful. Special thanks to our volunteers who were nominated for Volunteer of the Year – Anna Agnew and Huey Teoh. Congratulations to Cooby Cares who were very deserved winners.Thank you to the City of Cockburn staff, Mayor Logan Howlett, Councillor Lara Kirkwood, Cr Philip Eva JP, Councillor Chontelle Stone for your support and Cr Phoebe Corke for a wonderful presentation.
The event included a moving introduction by Marie Taylor and lots of Hawaiian inspired entertainment.

Multicultural Feast – Nov 2020

Well done to all the cultural volunteer chefs this year at the Yangebup Family Centre. An incredible display of multicultural diversity and joy of cooking. This is about sharing dishes we grew up with, or we may still be around, at family gatherings etc. It is about sharing love and sharing a piece of the world with each other.

A big thank you to Bunnings Warehouse Australia at Bibra Lake for donating these lovely pots of ‘Seablite’ to all our Cultural Cooking volunteers at the Multicultural Feast. Thank you to everyone who brought along a cultural dish to share. It was a special day.

And a what a joyful Multicultural Feast it was! Thank you City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett and his wonderful wife Pat, Deputy Mayor Lara Kirkwood, David Scaife, Linkwest representative Mihaela Nicolescu, Cr Philip Eva, Councillor Chontelle Stone for being our very special and supportive guests.

Big thank you to Aunty Neta Knapp for the Welcome to Country. Thank you Cockburn Chinese Community Association Perth South Dance Group for a beautiful performance and to Lora Bikic and Robert Bruce for the guitar performance.

Celebrating Miss Jo’s 10 years at YFC  – Nov 2020

On Friday 6 November we celebrated Miss Jo and her 10 years at the Yangebup Family Centre.

Anna Agnew, long time centre member and committee member provided the following speech;

Congratulations Jo on your 10 years at the centre. I know it will have gone by in a flash! So many children, families, activities and projects have come through the family centre doors and you have been a consistent, reassuring and welcoming face to so many people.
I first met Jo when I came to playgroup with my 1 year old son, he’s now 6! I was new to the area and looking for an excuse to get out of the house. Little did I know then how important Jo and the Family Centre would become to myself and my family. Jo made playgroup fun for the kids and so easy for the parents – making tea, coffee and milo’s for us all. Organising playdough, painting, cutting and gluing and lots of glitter activities to keep the kids happy and entertained. Encouraging parents to get to know one another and sharing advice or being a shoulder to cry on when things all felt a bit too much or sleep had evaded us for the week! Jo is always ready to give baby cuddles when new additions are bought along. She organises memorable end of term parties and Santa visits at Christmas – where all the children cry and the mum’s end up sat on Santa’s knee instead!

Jo, you have become an important part of so many families lives – here is what a few of them also had to say…

• Playgroup was always stress free and gave you warm fuzzy feelings. Jo is always smiling and caring.
• Miss Jo has always been a smiling, happy, approachable face at the centre. She makes my kids feel important and worthy of her time. Congratulations and thank you for the way you have touched our family’s lives and countless others.
• The kids absolutely adore Miss Jo. She’s gentle, caring and always makes time for them. She keeps them enthralled during story time and gets them up on their feet and dancing when she sings. Her laugh is infectious and her energy is always positive and bubbly.
• Miss Jo is ace and my girls just love her. She has a loving personality and a fantastic sense of humour.
• No one can make a milo like Miss Jo! My girls love her and we all miss going to playgroup. I still sing playgroup songs when I wake the kids up in the morning.

I think it’s fair to say that you, Jo are a great friend to us all and we love you very much.  Congratulations!

Chairperson’s Report 2020 – Vision to InspireFinancial year 2020 will be remembered for the pandemic that stopped countries, supply chains, economies and health systems worldwide. Despite this, Yangebup Family Centre has a lot to celebrate and be grateful for this year.  Whilst COVID-19 change many aspects of our lives in the latter half of the financial year, I would like to acknowledge some highlights from the first part of the year.

The Empowering Communities program commenced on July 1st, providing much sought after funding and support, enabling YFC to continue the great work and develop new programs.
Yangebup Family Centre were nominated and received the honour of Finalist in the Linkwest Carmen Lawrence Award for Community Building which recognised centres and individuals that demonstrated effective community development practices, to contribute meaningfully to a stronger, healthier, more inclusive local community.

Long-term board member, volunteer and advocate for the Yangebup Family Centre, Ann Gerlach was named Inspirational Volunteer of the Year by the City of Cockburn. Ann was described as helping to shape an award-winning cultural hub where people can embrace diversity and belonging. We sincerely appreciate the contribution that Ann has and continues to make.

Members, volunteers, guests and local MP’s came together to celebrate the official launch of the new kitchen. Thanks to Sam and her teams’ tireless pursuit of additional funding streams to make improvements, the upgrade kick started growth in one of the most successful programs this year.

The global pandemic saw us rapidly revisit our business model to ensure we continued to provide valuable services and opportunities for connection to the community and our members. I wish to thank our whole team for acting so quickly.  The way that YFC was able to respond to the changing conditions, including social restrictions was outstanding. The team developed innovative new ways to maintain inclusion, deliver programs and engage with the community.

Through social media the team helped to minimise isolation and provide information that was both essential and compelling to assist our members through this difficult time. From the regular phone calls and buddy systems put in place to keep contact with the senior groups, to the YouTube videos for the Playgroup members, the dedication of the staff and volunteers in the new world was incredible to see. In particular the WhatsApp and Facebook groups created robust online communities, connecting people who share, respect and empower each other.

By May the centre had developed a comprehensive recovery roadmap. Plans were in place to keep all visitor and participants safe as the centre progressively reopened its doors to programs, workshops and courses that would help lead the community out of lock down.

It is with great pride that today we see the centre thriving and the community stronger than ever thanks to the tenacity, creativity and level of care demonstrated by Sam, her team and the volunteers at YFC.

Over the course of the year we also welcomed new board members who bring great ideas and skills that augment the Management Committee’s capabilities.

Fulfilling our vision to inspire, grow and strengthen community has undoubtedly been a challenge this year but by living our shared values of Connection, Integrity, Respect, Caring, Learning and Empowering can wholeheartedly say that we have achieved those goals.

Maria Quaggan, YFC Chairperson

Annual Report 2020

Committee 2020-2021

Chairperson – Maria Quaggan
Deputy Chair – Kym Maloney
Secretary – Laura Thompson
Treasurer – Tracy Pearson
Committee Members – Ann Gerlach, Veronica Kilrain,  Helen Redmond, Jacinta Rebola-Thompson, Rosie Miller, Kelly Hutton

Pizza provides avenue for men to connect – September 2020

As part of R U OK? Day, Yangebup Family Centre is urging dads, granddads, uncles or other significant male figures with young children in their lives to join in a special event that promotes connection and wellbeing in the community.

The Dads and Kids Pizza Night will be held on Friday 11 September from 5-7pm and will include a range of activities including construction and science activities, a giant Jenga game, a photo booth and face painting, as well as resources, information and support material.

Samantha Williams, Yangebup Family Centre Manager, says as a cultural hub of the community, the Centre wanted to provide an opportunity to support and encourage dads to network with other fathers in a relaxed environment, while spending quality, fun time with their children.

“The pizza night we are organising is a great opportunity for dads and grandads to meet other men with young children in their lives, within their local community,” she says. “Parenting can be challenging at times, and we want to get across the message that locals can find support and also ask ‘Are you OK?’ at our local centre.

“This event is very typical of the activities we promote throughout the year where everyone is welcome. We try to create participatory opportunities based around people’s interests and this has seen people form strong bonds and friendships within our community.

The Pizza Night will be held on Friday 11 September 2020 at 5:00pm at Yangebup Family Centre, which is located at 11 Dunraven Drive, Yangebup.

Jane Chilcott, CEO of peak body Linkwest, said that people who attend their local Neighbourhood or Community Resource Centre tend to be happier, more optimistic and have stronger friendships.
“Sound friendships are connected to emotional wellbeing, which is why our Centres play such an important part in the community, something we’ve seen particularly this year during the COVID crisis, where Centres have continued to provide services,” she says.

R U OK? Day inspires and empowers people to meaningfully connect with others around them and start a conversation with anyone who may be struggling with life. The day will be marked on 10 September 2020.

May Packs to 100 Families – May 2020

This year we are celebrating May differently by sending out packs to 100 families and encouraging you to use the pack to connect with those who may not have internet, social media or other ways to connect. For those who do not receive a pack we have a few available for collection from the centre.

This pack has been put together to celebrate Neighbourhood Centre Week and all the activities that normally happen in May. It is an opportunity to take a little time to send messages to friends and family and spend time with your child.

A very big thank you to our volunteers, Ann Gerlach, who put the card kits together and Kylie Young, who put all the packs together!

Ann Gerlach Inspirational Volunteer of the Year – November 2019

Congratulations to Ann Gerlach who received the Mayor’s Award for over 10 years of volunteering in the City of Cockburn and was also the winner of the Overall Inspirational Volunteer of the Year Award at the City of Cockburn Volunteer Awards on Sunday 10 November.

Ann Gerlach has been an active volunteer at the Yangebup Family Centre (YFC) for the past ten years and has made an outstanding contribution to volunteering at the centre and in the Cockburn community in a wide variety of roles over the past 15 years.

The YFC is a community managed not-for-profit organisation that promotes connection and wellbeing in the local community. Ann has been the only member of the committee who has remained a member for the past 10 years providing consistency, knowledge and stability for the organisation. Over this time, she has helped shape the strategic direction of the centre to become a cultural hub where everyone can embrace diversity and belonging. The YFC has developed over the last 10 years to become a leader in the Neighbourhood House network having won multiple awards from Linkwest and was a finalist in the Community Service Excellence Awards last year. The centre has increased programs offered, engagement with community, CaLD membership and overall membership.

In addition to her role on the management committee she has also provided weekly paper craft classes for the past 10 years. These classes provide an opportunity for local members of the community to develop social connections while enjoying craft activities. Ann has organised for over 2000 combat cards to be created and sent to Australian troops serving overseas so that they can write messages and post them to loved ones at home. She has also helped support other events like ‘Hearts for Christchurch’ and she provided 180 crochet poppies for the RSL display at Kings Park.

Ann holds a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and worked for many years in pure research before moving to tertiary institutions with science communication and outreach before moving into Environmental education and research for local government. She currently works as a desert survival instructor and venomous snake trainer. When she isn’t working, she regularly volunteers her time in the community.

For the past three years Ann has provided a series of workshops to promote Plastic Free July at the centre. Through these workshops she has shared her experiences and passion for sustainability. She has provided multiple workshops on how to make your own bees wax wraps, boomerang bags, cutlery wraps, produce bags and much, much more.  A community member who attended the Bees Wax wraps workshop went on to start her own small business selling wraps.  More than 250 Boomerang Bags have been created for the community. These are used to collect bread from the centre which is available every Tuesday and then go on to be reused by community members, replacing plastic bags.

Last year following the series of Plastic Free July workshops some of the participants were keen to continue sewing together. Ann has inspired others to volunteer their time to create this community led initiative. The Social Sewing group was formed and they now regularly sew at the centre and there is a FB group with over 70 members. They recently provided Boomerang Bags to Linkwest, the peak body for Neighbourhood Centres to use at their Conference in October this year.

Ann volunteers to provide educational experiences for children attending the centre by bringing lizards to programs and events, promoting awareness and care of reptiles. She is also very willing to share her gardening knowledge and bush tucker skills. Most recently providing lemon myrtle from her garden and making lilly pilly chutney from the fruit growing at the centre for our NAIDOC week celebrations.

She has been instrumental in raising money through charity events for many not-for-profit organisations. On the 3 August 2019 she held an event at the centre to support ‘Homestead for Youth’ raising $1500. In addition to charity events she has also participated in other activities such as the World’s Greatest Shave and raised $3000 in 2015.

In addition Ann has volunteered for the City of Cockburn by removing lost snakes from residential areas for the past 15 years. She was on the School Board of the South Lake Primary School from 2013-2017 including 4 years as Chair and successfully sort funding and created the community garden at the school.

Ann is a community champion who uses her skills, knowledge and interests to volunteer in the community and to inspire others to be connected and more involved in the City of Cockburn.

Congratulations Ann, you are a very deserving winner! Unfortunately Ann was unable to attend the evening due to a late change in flight times.  Jacinta, Anna, Sam and Jo had the great privilege of accepting the awards on her behalf and we will be celebrating with Ann when she returns to Perth.

Launch Event – August 2019

On Monday 26 August the Yangebup Family Centre welcomed the Hon Pierre Yang MLC, Member for South Metropolitan Region, Mayor Logan Howlett and his wife Pat, and Ms Katharine Longley representing Josh Wilson MP, Federal Member for Fremantle together with partners, supporters, community group representatives, volunteers, staff and committee to celebrate the commencement of the Empowering Communities Program and the official launch of the new kitchen.

After 27 years the old kitchen was looking tired, outdated and was no longer meeting the needs of our community. Through the joint support of Mr Josh Wilson and the Department of Communities we were able to upgrade our kitchen facilities. The new facilities will help us to support our community and provide programs that build capacity.

Since opening our doors in 1992 we have touched the lives of over 12 000 families with the financial support of the State Government. With the commencement of the Empowering Communities Program funding on the 1 July we look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for social connection and community building into the future.

The kitchen will be put to excellent use, with a range of new cooking related programs in the pipeline, including the recently introduced Cultural Cooking Program with volunteer chefs receiving Certificates of Appreciation from Hon Pierre Yang MLC on the day.

YFC Manager, Samantha Williams said “Through the Empowering Communities Program we will provide a sense of place, encourage people to have strong social networks and to connect with their community. This helps to keep them healthy, it reduces things like social isolation and domestic violence, and it enables people to have that sense of purpose in their community, to roll up their sleeves, to make a contribution.”

One example is the Social Sewing group which started around 12 months ago.  Following a Plastic Free July workshop we had a conversation with participants who had made connections and wanted more opportunities to sew together.  We now offer regular social sewing sessions and we have a Social Sewing Facebook group with over 70 members.  Over the last month the group has been making Boomerang Bags for Linkwest to use as Delegate bags for the Linkwest Conference in October. These bags were presented to Linkwest at the event.

We would like to thank and acknowledge the State Government through the Department of Communities for providing funding for the kitchen upgrade and for supporting the Yangebup Family Centre through the Empowering Communities Program and the support of Mr Josh Wilson MP and the Federal Government through the Stronger Communities Program for funding the new kitchen.

NAIDOC Week Celebration – July 2019

An uplifting occasion celebrating the theme of 2019 NAIDOC “Voice. Treaty. Truth.” took place on 11 July at YFC. The ‘Welcome to Country’ was expressed by Neta Knapp, acknowledging Whadjuk Noongar people; Neta also presented message sticks to YFC Manager, Samantha Williams and City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett.

The community artwork was unveiled, created in November 2018 at our Intergenerational Open Day, with Neta Knapp and community members. It was a joyful moment and celebrated by Madjitil Moorna and the Koorlong team, a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who sing in language to build understanding, hope and joy. The choir sang beautifully and presented some interactive activities where children were encouraged to sing along and play a range of small percussion instruments. All who attended enjoyed a variety of bush tucker inspired food.

STEM For Girls – May 2019

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). It’s an acronym that was coined to address the current and future shortage of skilled workers in high-tech fields. Thanks to funding from the City of Cockburn through the Cockburn Creates initiative and the support of community member, Sharon Tourtouris, the STEM for Girls workshops were provided by Engineering for Kids Australia at the Yangebup Family Centre and Meerilinga Cockburn from January – June 2019.

The STEM for Girls program engaged girls in STEM activities to ignite their natural curiosities and abilities in safe learning space where girls were encouraged and challenged, free from the barriers that co gender learning environments create.

Engineering for Kids Australia (EFK) provided an exciting curriculum that invited girls to have fun while they used their knowledge of engineering and science to design, create, and improve solutions to engineering problems.

Women tend to be under-represented in STEM education and training in most countries around the world, and Australia is no exception. In Australia only 28% of all qualified STEM workers are female. The early engagement and education of girls in STEM has been proven to counteract the underrepresentation of females in STEM employment later in life.

STEM for Girls program seeks to break gender stereotypes and engage parents and girls in STEM activities from an early age. The STEM for girls program has helped to build self confidence in the participants and empowered them to pursue STEM as an extracurricular activity and/or career.

A STEM for Girls Facebook group was created and now has more than 250 members.  Following the conclusion of the STEM for Girls program, EFKs will be providing STEM classes at the Yangebup Family Centre and Cockburn Meerilinga in Term 3 2019.

Chinese New Year Celebration – February 2019

A wonderful Chinese New Year celebration was held at the Yangebup Family Centre on Thursday 7 February. It was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with the Cockburn Chinese Community Association (CCCA) who provided traditional music and dancing.

CCCA member Jess Jiang was very happy to support the event “Thanks so much for giving the opportunity to show more people about our amazing Chinese Culture”

Community members from the Connecting Community for Kids (CCK) Action Team provided decorations, food and traditional items to help us celebrate.  We had a fabulous turn out with over 150 people attending in red or traditional clothing to participate in a variety of activities including making chinese lanterns and lion dancing.

Tracy Pearson, YFC Treasurer and CCK member, really enjoyed being involved in the event,  “A fantastic morning at the centre and such a treat to experience beautiful dancing and hear traditional instruments. Thank you so much to the performers and happy new year to all.”

Intergenerational Open Day – November 2018

The Intergenerational Open Day, held on the 12 November 2018, celebrated the multifaceted layers which support the modern day family.  As part of WA Seniors Week the Yangebup Family Centre invited grandparents and the extended family members to enjoy a diverse range of activities. We had something for everyone. Health and wellbeing was discussed by the many stallholders present as well as opportunities to try low impact Chair Yoga classes and fitness sessions designed to suit all ages. Cultural awareness was a hands on experience with Aboriginal Artist Netta Knapp involving all to create an artwork for the centre. Children were able to participate in a reptile awareness presentation as well as explore the centre’s many child friendly amenities including the new bike track.

Aboriginal Artist Neta Knapp was inspired by the Yangebup area and involved all participants to become artists for the day.  With great enthusiasm and a fantastic sense of humour Neta, or Aunty Jenny as she fondly prefers to be called, encouraged all to take part in forming the foundation of the artwork which will grace Yangebup Family Centre walls.  The artwork celebrates the cultural diversity of Yangebup and the all-inclusive and generous approach Yangebup Family Centre extends to all families and people living the area.

Thank you to all who celebrated Intergenerational Open Day 2018, Aboriginal Legal Service WA, Agate Naturally, Bush Wisdom Survival, Child and Adolescent Health Service , Connecting Community for Kids, Neighbourhood Watch Cockburn, Helping Minds, Recoyle Fitness, Silver Chain, Home Instead Senior Care
WonderDust Creations, Yoga Seashells and a big thank you to
the community who celebrated the event with us.

Intergenerational Open Day 2018

YFC Outdoor Project – August 2018

The YFC Outdoor Project implemented a co-design process involving local community members, groups and businesses to plan for and implement a revitalisation of the centre’s outdoor space. The overall aim was a rejuvenated space that would benefit all of our members and community groups. The grant from the City of Cockburn allowed us to commence the planning of the project with funds of $3 603 provided under the Sustainability grants category for Stronger Communities.

Together we identified five zones;

Bike Track and Native Garden
Donated by WA Premix and Cockburn Cement in partnership with WA Natives in Rockingham.
Shade
A weeping peppermint tree planted in the play area creating natural shade.
Garden Beds
Bunnings donated planters and seedlings.
Storage
A shed was built in the play area to store outdoor equipment.
Nature play area
This area will be Stage 2 of the project which will commence once funds have been raised.

Thank you for supporting our project
Apace WA, City of Cockburn,  Cockburn Cement, Bunnings Spearwood, Flatout Concrete, WA Premix Bibra Lake, Chicken Treat Yangebup, Jason’s Painting Services, Freedom Life Church, WA Natives, Hon Fran Logan MLA, Cr Chontelle Sands, Cr Philip Eva
Nathan Abreu, Chiara & David Clarson, Ashlee Ricciardi, Maggie Zetner, Helen & Steve Redmond, Jason Prestney, Kevin & Marie Brand, Anna Cooper, Andrew & Anna Agnew, Jenna & Darren Rosier, Enzo Ricciardi, Catherine Abreu, Marissa D’Andrea, Ilsa Chapman, Sean McGillivray, Steve Djamil, Josh Webber, Greg Hudson, Charmaine & Kiara Fatin, Wendy Maher.

YFC Outdoor Project Case Study

Finalist in the 2018 Community Services Excellence Awards – May 2018

The Yangebup Family Centre was honoured to be a Finalist in the 2018 Community Services Excellence Awards. The awards recognise the positive difference organisations are making to the lives of individuals, families or communities through collaborative, innovative and creative programs or services.
Community Services Minister Simone McGurk announced the finalists in the 19th Community Services Excellence Awards. Ms McGurk said, “The range of projects and activities contained within these nominations is inspiring and great news for thousands of Western Australians who rely on the sector for so much guidance, support and life-affirming opportunities.”
There are eight categories, that recognise individual achievements. The Yangebup Family Centre is a finalist in Category 1 – Small organisation.
The 2018 Community Services Excellence Awards are presented by WACOSS in partnership with the Department of Communities.

Yangebup Family Centre Finalist in the 2018 Community Services Excellence Awards – April 2018
The Yangebup Family Centre is honoured and excited to be a Finalist in the 2018 Community Services Excellence Awards. The awards recognise the positive difference organisations are making to the lives of individuals, families or communities through collaborative, innovative and creative programs or services.

Community Services Minister Simone McGurk announced the finalists in the 19th Community Services Excellence Awards.  Ms McGurk said, “The range of projects and activities contained within these nominations is inspiring and great news for thousands of Western Australians who rely on the sector for so much guidance, support and life-affirming opportunities.”

A total of 31 outstanding organisations and individuals in Western Australia’s community services sector have been announced as finalists in the 2018 Community Services Excellence Awards.
Finalists in the biennial awards included family, legal, advocacy, Aboriginal, mental health, and youth organisations, which had made a significant contribution in the community services sector. There are eight categories, including two new categories that recognise individual achievements.

The Yangebup Family Centre is a finalist in Category 1 – Small organisation. The Yangebup Family Centre is a community managed not-for-profit organisation that promotes connection and wellbeing in the local community. The centre is a cultural hub where children, families, individuals and seniors can embrace diversity and belonging. We build capacity through our flourishing community groups, collaborative partnerships and strong relationships with residents and stakeholders for over 25 years.

YFC Manager, Samantha Williams was very excited to be a Finalist “We are very proud of our achievements and the difference we make in providing a cultural hub and a safe inclusive environment for our culturally diverse community to share and support each other where everyone is welcome.”

The winners will be announced on May 2 at the 2018 Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) conference, of which the State Government is a Platinum sponsor.
In 2017-18, the State Government is providing $755,832 to WACOSS for sector support activities.  The 2018 Community Services Excellence Awards are presented by WACOSS in partnership with the Department of Communities.

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Cockburn – February 2018

The Yangebup Family Centre hosted a Chinese New Year celebration as part of the Connecting Community for Kids Celebrate Culture Cockburn Action Team initiative.  The festival was an opportunity for the whole community to come together and experience Chinese culture and traditions.

Over one hundred people came along to enjoy spring rolls, traditional love letter crepes and to find their luck in a fortune cookie. Children were busy making paper Chinese lanterns, crafting Chinese animal signs from playdough, dressing in cultural attire and learning how to use chopsticks. A few kids braved the Chinese lion and loved banging the drums and cymbals. Attendees were able to discover their own animal sign and learn of the character traits. Each family was handed a red envelope of lucky money (gold foil covered chocolate) as they departed to signify good fortune and positive wishes for the Lunar New Year.

Huey Teoh, Action Team Community Champion and regular attendee at Yangebup Family Centre was so pleased to see so many people enjoying the atmosphere, “I was very excited to have the opportunity to share my Chinese culture with others in my community.”

Samantha Williams, Centre Manager at Yangebup Family Centre added “it was great to see so many people come along to celebrate Chinese New Year and learn about the traditions.”

The Celebrate Culture Cockburn Action Team is one of eight volunteer groups working with Connecting Community for Kids to implement projects in Cockburn and Kwinana. The goal of the Action Team is to promote and celebrate the vibrant cultures in the Cockburn community and provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Yangebup Family Centre receives top honours – September 2017

The Yangebup Family Centre has been recognised for its hard work taking out two awards at the 2017 Linkwest Conference for Inclusion and Sustainability.

The awards honour the work undertaken by Linkwest member Centres and the positive difference they have made within their communities over the past 24 months. The winners of the Linkwest Awesomeness Awards 2017 were announced at a celebration lunch, held on the final day of the Belonging conference.

The Inclusion Award is given to the Centre that has made an outstanding contribution to supporting diversity and fostering inclusion.
The Yangebup Family Centre has actively sought greater engagement with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse members of our community.  In partnership with the City of Cockburn, the Centre has established and successfully run the Women of the World program, a community support group for women who have moved to Perth from interstate and overseas.  The program has led to a range of successful events and programs, and as a result, many linkages and friendships have been formed, and the confidence of participants has blossomed.
The Sustainability Award recognises the Centre that has demonstrated commitment to the development of initiatives that improve the short and long term sustainability of their organisation.
The Yangebup Family Centre has shown that a clear shared vision, planning for meaningful outcomes and galvanising the community, makes for a vibrant Centre. With a vision for diversity, Yangebup has encouraged new members from its community by arranging thoughtful events and providing a warm welcome to all. The Centre’s Suq Al‘usra Family Market, and Harmony Day were two major events.  This year the Centre also celebrates 25 years of serving the Yangebup and surrounding communities.
Treasurer, Samara Jelinek, was also a finalist for the Volunteer of the Year award recognising her outstanding voluntary contribution that has made a positive impact on the Centre and our community.

Yangebup Family Centre celebrates 25 years in the Community – August 2017

There was a break in the weather just in time for a special Community Open Day held to celebrate the Yangebup Family Centres 25th Anniversary.
Special guests including Hon Simone McGurk (Minister for Communities), Hon Dr Carmen Lawrence (former Premier), Hon Fran Logan (Minister and Member for Cockburn) and Mayor Logan Howlett (City of Cockburn) mixed with locals, past members, committee members, staff, partners and volunteers for a day of celebration.
The Leeming Area Band Clarinet Ensemble and Choir4kids provided entertainment.  There were a host of activities for the kids including henna, face painting, reptile handling, karaoke and a bouncy castle. A wide range of community stalls provided local information which included Neighbourhood Watch, resident associations, Little Athletics, Girls Brigade, City of Cockburn Family and Support services, Connecting Communities for Kids and centre groups like Crafternoon Tea and our seniors group, the Yangebup Leisure Group.
A special presentation was held with Minister McGurk and Dr Lawrence presenting awards of recognition to past members of the Yangebup Family Centre.  Minister McGurk said “Centres like this really are the pulse of the local community and, from a State Government point of view, we recognise that and we want to do all that we can to continue to support centres like this. “
The Yangebup Family Centre welcomed Dr Lawrence back to the centre after originally opening the centre on the 14 August 1992 as part of a government initiative to invest in a program that would be good for the long term.  Dr Lawrence said ” They work extremely well. The education of children, play opportunities, the connection of parents, the reduction of isolation, the place for people to come and do other things. These were all our goals and I’ve seen them realised in spades.  That small investment all those years ago, and frankly the small investment today still on a recurrent basis, produces outcomes that I think we should never underestimate. “
Over the years the programs provided at the Yangebup Family Centre have changed as the community has evolved.  From Tai Chi to Facebook for Beginners, from the Country Women’s Association to Women of the World.  The centre currently provides a home to 14 regular groups and a wide range of workshops with around 500 families attending regularly.  Dr Lawrence added,” This is not about service delivery, this is about community building community participation.”
Yangebup Family Centre Manager, Samantha Williams said, “The Yangebup Family Centre is a cultural hub where everyone is welcome. Today’s celebrations are a true reflection of our commitment to supporting the local community, and we want to ensure that the Yangebup Family Centre continues to provide a place for community, where everyone can belong.”

Watch Hon Dr Carmen Lawrence speak at the YFC Open Day

https://youtu.be/5ZSVeH6A3yQ