Community
Connector
“Community is not just the geographical place
where you live; it is a way of relating, of living
together, interconnected. Strong connected
communities embrace isolated individuals and
provide a safe environment which encourages
diversity. They foster a sense of acceptance
and belonging for the individual and
interdependence within the group. Effective
communities nurture personal growth and
self-awareness whilst remaining focused on
the common good.”
Fiona Crain is known as
‘The Community Connector’.
She has an unique ability to bring people
together and create a sense of community;
connecting and creating partnerships with
sometimes the most unlikely people and
businesses. A visionary who thinks outside
of the square, Fiona is a creative problem
solver who is deeply committed to social
justice and change. An excellent
motivational speaker and outstanding negotiator, she gives voice to the voiceless and engages community to come
together and find solutions. She believes total life transformation is
possible, and to that end works tirelessly in her volunteer role as
co-founding Director of Foundation 180.
Starting Over
The bargain centre for furniture, bedding,
whitegoods and electricals. Located at Unit 1/4
Craftsman Ave, Berkley Vale (next to Bid
It has been evidenced over time that the Central
Jungle Tender Centre). This is the cheapest
Coast community is both charitable and caring.
place on the Coast for you to buy quality household
Our community is quite adept at rallying together
items. Most items are ticketed. I have seen lounges
to support families facing life threatening medical
from $25 and dining suites from $30. You can grab
conditions, a homeless mum and kids, or following
a bargain and in doing so help to provide services
devastating natural events such as bush fires.
and goods to someone less fortunate. Donations of
Does this make us a “strong connected
quality goods are always welcome. Contact John
community”? I would say it gives us a solid platform Kisiel 0418 134 655.
from which to work, however, given the definition
Starting Over takes its name from the work they do
above I would say we still have a way to go. Are
with homeless clients. In four months of trading they
we truly interdependent? Or are we each driven by
have fitted out 25 homes with cutlery, crockery,
our own needs and wants, blinkered to the wider
community we are part of? I encourage you to take furniture, bedding and whitegoods at no cost to
assist them in ‘Starting Over’. WOW! That’s literally
a moment to reflect on how you connect with your
thousands of dollars of household items.
community.
www.ccos.com.au Open 7 days 10 am to 3 pm.
In this and future issues of SALT I will be shining
the spotlight on local businesses and not for profits. Central Coast Bid Jungle
Phone - 02 4388 3434
It will be immediately obvious that NFPs and
Website - www.bidjungle.com.au
charities do great work in caring for, and building
Address - 2 Craftsman Avenue, Berkeley Vale 2261
local community. It may however, be less apparent
Open: Mon- Thurs for receiving & collecting goods.
the role local businesses play. Local small and
Fri collecting goods only. Sat & Sun for bidding.
medium enterprises (SME’s) not only provide
employment and training opportunities,but many
Entering the jungle is an experience in itself. There are
are also strong supporters of community events and literally thousands of items up for silent auction every
weekend. Entry is free and there is no
fundraisers. Let’s keep our dollars local and give a
pressure to bid. If you are new they recommend you ask
hand to OUR local businesses and charities.
Central Coast Outreach Services (CCOS)
CCOS is a local charity doing fantastic work in our
community. This financial year they will pass the
$3,000,000 mark of goods and services they have
given to those in need. They rely solely on
volunteers and receive no financial support from the
State or Federal Government. Their work is funded
by the kind donations from local clubs, small
businesses and individuals. They operate a number
of services to the homeless, aged and frail,
disadvantaged and youth. Here are two of the
projects.
The Guiding Light.
A TRUE bargain centre with pricing to match think
old school Op Shop. On offer is a great selection of
quality clothing, footwear, jewellery and
electrical items. There are no ticketed prices you are
asked to make a reasonable donation. Funds raised
cover the rent for the premises and support the
food program for the needy. Find them at Shop 3,
The Entrance Arcade, 68 The Entrance Rd, The
Entrance. Hours Monday to Friday 10am - 7Ц6