Welcome to the Q1 2021 edition of the Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre newsletter.

We hope everyone had a great Christmas and a positive start to the new year. We hit the ground running in 2021 with our regular service providers and activity groups returning to the centre to begin a new year, commencing planning for our 2021 projects, events, and resources, and putting the finishing touches on our International Women's Day event, before hosting it in March.

We have some big plans for 2021, including:

We have recently adopted the Queensland Government's Check In Qld app throughout the centre. This is the same check-in app mandated for use within all Queensland hospitality venues from 1 May 2021. All external entry doors feature a QR code which can be scanned using the app. This reduces the need for centre visitors to complete the laborious paper sign-in process. We suggest downloading the app and registering your details prior to visiting the centre. Please click here for more information and to download the Check in Qld app to your smart device.

We look forward to working with you and the wider community throughout the next year.

On Friday 11 March Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre hosted an International Women’s Day event in collaboration with Soroptimist International’s Beenleigh branch and Linda Hannah from Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre’s Women’s Social Group.

We were fortunate enough to hear from some excellent speakers, including Christine Johnstone (Soroptimist International), Dr Mary Crawford, Mandy Clements (QLD Country Women’s Association), and Phoenix Tulimaiau (Beenleigh State High School). We also heard from Student Leadership Coordinator Steph Sudmalis (Beenleigh State High School) who spoke on behalf of Madina Abdul Khaliq who had prepared an excellent speech but unfortunately fell ill on the day.

The morning was topped off with a delicious morning tea prepared by Soroptimist International and featuring delicious cupcakes, brownies and mini-cheesecakes kindly donated by Busy Making Cupcakes.

Community empowerment shines at Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre, with the volunteers of the Beenleigh Community Garden working tirelessly to create a beautiful oasis in the heart of Beenleigh. What was first an empty plot of green space is now slowly becoming a haven for growth and renewal. Over the past three months, volunteers have revitalised the narrow plot by building garden beds, workstations, retaining walls, as well as erecting a shed, laying weed-matting, sleepers, an agriculture pipe, and conditioning the soil to be ready for planting. 

There’s something calming about getting our hands dirty – literally – and just being around nature. It’s a way for us to take a break from the world and take some time to simply be. Studies have shown gardening improves our physical and emotional status when we feel we have diminished control over their own lives. Within the Beenleigh Community Garden volunteers become responsible for the growth of our garden, and by continuing our work to enhance our urban environment, we show the possibility of all things, big or small, and perhaps foster hope and happiness for those who need it the most. 

We have also started arrangements to have the Beenleigh Scouts Group involved in the garden as a way to earn badges through community work. Since 1942, the group has had a continuous and flourishing relationship with the Beenleigh community, and we are excited to build our own relationship with them as a way to both utilise the skills of the scouts in the garden and to give them rewarding experiences to contribute towards their community badges. Connecting with nature is an essential aspect that contributes towards a child's social, physical, spiritual, and emotional development, and we hope to encourage a life-long love of gardening and connecting with the world around them. 

We plan to utilise all areas of our little green space by growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, and installing seats, statues, and maybe even a bird bath, and we can't wait to share it with the community. While the past year has been incredibly stressful for many people, we have been working away like busy bees to bring the community a sense of calm and a peaceful little garden in the heart of Beenleigh. We hope to see you all there soon! If you'd like to join us, please visit the Beenleigh Community Garden webpage and become a member today!

- Claire Fitzpatrick (Beenleigh Community Garden Steering Committee)

The Public Trustee of Queensland are not currently offering their free will making and affordable Enduring Power of Attorney services at Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre each Tuesday due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. The services are currently being offered by telephone.

If you wish to book a phone appointment please call 1300 360 044.

Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Fridays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.