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Welcome to PALS
SENIORS SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
PALS is a Positive Ageing Program aimed at promoting healthy,
active ageing and social inclusion.
The program provides older members of our community
with information on social activities and healthy living.
Any older adult who lives, works or visits Monash can participate.
You can subscribe to receive the PALS Program either
electronically or via mail. Simply register your details by:
phone: 9518 3552 or Email: pals@monash.vic.gov.au
How to book:
Please read through the program and choose any events and activities that you would like to participate in.
If you are viewing the program electronically via your computer or smart device,
please click on the TryBooking reference number which is quoted at the end of the event description
or go to https://www.trybooking.com and quote the reference number to make a booking.
Please note many of the events have a cap on the number of participants.
If you do not have access to a computer or smart device you can make a
booking by calling Customer Service on 9518 3555 or email PALS@monash.vic.gov.au
If you require a hard copy of the PALS Booklet to be posted to you please email pals@monash.vic.gov.au with your address details.
Social Inclusion City of Monash
Information about PALS Program 2023
Good afternoon Positive Ageing Network Forum members,
Happy New Year! This email is to give you an overview of the PALS program for 2023.
Since arriving in my new role I have worked with the team to review the Positive Ageing Lifestyles program. We have developed a criteria and themes to help guide what we will include to ensure it meets the aim of the program. Dates to submit information about activities is included in the table below.
You will have received the 2023 dates for the Positive Ageing Network Forum meetings where we will discuss each Edition of the PALS program and activities you may want to include.
Overview of PALS
The aim of our Positive Ageing Lifestyle program is to promote healthy, active ageing and social inclusion for older adults who live, work or visit Monash.
This year our program will offer older members of our community information on social activities and healthy living through four editions – Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. Our Spring Edition will include the annual Seniors Festival program.
Each edition will deliver activities by the Social Inclusion team to include:
- Movies in Monash – a film will be screened at the Clayton Community Centre Theatre.
- Monash PALS Choir – After a successful Monash Seniors Festival event a Choir will be hosted by Jen and Tez at various locations.
- PALS Day Trips – is a new program in our community buses. Buses pick up from two locations and visit a range of nearby and local attractions, including interesting and historical locations, parks, galleries, gardens, cultural and culinary experiences, scenic drives and more.
- Monash Café Connect – the popular Café Connect program return for 2023 offers residents the opportunity to meet new friends over lunch.
- Information sessions – at our Positive Ageing Activity Centers at Glen Waverley and Oakleigh.
The following criteria has been developed to help guide what we will include in PALS:
- Is aligned to the themes planned for the PALS edition.
- An activity to increase membership.
- Information and programs to promote independence, health and wellbeing and social inclusion to include:
- Access to services
-
- Financial literacy
- Access to technology and digital literacy
- Life-long learning opportunities
- Volunteering
- Ageism and discrimination
- Health and Wellbeing
- Social connection
- Transport services
The following is a guide to the themes we are promoting in each edition and the date to submit information about your activity.
| Edition | Theme | Due date |
| Autumn
March, April, May |
World Hearing Day – 3 March
International Women’s Day – 8 March Harmony Week – 13-21 March Diversity Week – 20-26 March Active April Heart Health Awareness Week – 1-5 May Road Safety Week – 15-22 May Neighbourhood House Week – 8-12 May National Volunteer Week – 15-21 May Reconciliation Week – 27 May – 3 Jun |
Friday 6 January |
| Winter
June, July, August
|
Incontinence Week 20-26 June
Men’s Health Week 12-18 June NAIDOC Week – 3-10 July International Friendship day – 30 July National Stroke Awareness Week – 7-13 August |
Wednesday 5 April |
| Spring
September, October, November |
Dementia Awareness Month – September
Carer’s Week – 4-8 September Women’s Health Week – 4-8 September Seniors Festival – October Community Safety Month – October World Sight Day – 12 October |
Wednesday 5 July |
| Summer
December, January, February |
Chinese New Year
Clayton Festival Australia Day – 26 January Safer Internet Day – 8 February Midsummer Festival – February |
Wednesday 25 September |
I look forward to working with you.
Kind regards,
Terry
Team Leader Age Friendly Monash
City of Monash
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Gambling Help Online
Website: https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
Free online counselling services by trained staff, including live counselling and email support.
Website click link for services: Victoria | Gambling Help Online
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES USEFUL CONTACTS
Monash Health – COVID-19 Screening Clinic 1800 675 398
Web: www.monashhealth.org/patients-visitors/coronavirus#screening-clinics
Web: Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Monash Health
Check website for further instructions before attending the clinic.
Refugee Health & Wellbeing Clinic Monash Health
Dandenong 9792 8100
Health clinic for asylum seeker and refugee patients who require non-urgent medical care.
Carers Victoria 1800 514 845
Web: www.carersvictoria.org.au
Provides advice or assistance to carers.
Disability Information Helpline 1800 643 787
Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun: 9am-7pm, Not available public holidays.
Working for Victoria initiative
Web: www.vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria
BUSINESS
Links for more information for businesses, Australian Government:
and search for the information you need.
Web: www.aus.gov.au/whatsapp and then follow the instructions.
Victorian Government:
Web: www.business.gov.au
and search for the information you need
Web: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/business-sector-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
City of Monash
Web: www.monash.vic.gov.au/business-resident-support
Web: www.monash.vic.gov.au/Hardship-Policy
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COMMUNITY SERVICES CONTACTS
Help is Available
There are a variety of services available in our community
to help you and your family manage this challenging time.
Web: www.monash.vic.gov.au/community-information
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MONASH COUNCIL SERVICES
Monash Customer Service 9518 3555
Email: mail@monash.vic.gov.au
Webchat: www.monash.vic.gov.au
Monash Waste Transfer Station 7.30am-3pm (7 days)
Monash Youth Services 9518 3900 (Remote Access)
Email: YRCR@monash.vic.gov.au
Monash Community Support 9518 3555
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MONASH HEALTH SERVICES
Emergency Number 000 Police. Fire. Ambulance
Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398
Nurse on Call 1300 606 024 (24 hours)
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Family Support Services
Maternal and Child Health Advisory Line 13 22 29 (24 hours)
MCH App free from app stores for child health tips and advice on your phone.
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1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
National sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service.
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Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 (24 hours)
Free phone & online counselling for kids, teens, young adults, parents and carers
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DirectLine 1800 888 236 (24 Hours)
Alcohol and drug counselling and referral.
Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hours)
Crisis support and suicide prevention.
Elder Abuse Helpline 1300 368 821
Parentline 13 22 89 (8am-midnight)
Counselling and support for parents and carers every day of the year, including public holidays.
Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 22 4636
Mental health support services.
Headspace 1800 650 890
Youth mental health service for 12-25 year old.
Suicide Support Line 1300 651 251
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
Telephone & online counselling service for men.
Wavecare Counselling 9560 6722
Telehealth consultation & counselling available for referred clients.
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IMPORTANT COMMUNITY CONTACTS
Help is Available
There are a variety of services available in our community
to help you and your family manage this challenging time.
Web: www.monash.vic.gov.au/community-information
MONASH COUNCIL SERVICES
Monash Customer Service 9518 3555
Email: mail@monash.vic.gov.au
Webchat: www.monash.vic.gov.au
Monash Waste Transfer Station 7.30am-3pm (7 days)
Monash Youth Services 9518 3900 (Remote Access)
Email: YRCR@monash.vic.gov.au
Monash Community Support 9518 3555
MONASH HEALTH SERVICES
Emergency Number 000 Police. Fire. Ambulance
Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398
Nurse on Call : 1300 606 024 (24 hours)
FINANCIAL HELP
Australian Taxation Office 13 28 65
Web: www.ato.gov.au
Centrelink
Web: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
Money Smart 1300 300 630
Eastern Financial Counselling Service (Anglicare) 9896 6322
Email: efcp@anglicare.org.au
National Debt Help Line www.ndh.org.au
Red Cross Corona Virus (COVID-19) EXTREME HARDSHIP SUPPORT PROGRAM 1800 855 240
Web : https://www.redcross.org.au/vicrelief
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Monash Oakleigh Community Support And Information Service
Trained volunteers provide a free confidential and impartial service.
Information on community welfare, federal, state and local government services is available.
Referrals are made where necessary. Free tax assistance is offered by appointment to:
low income earners, pensioners and those receiving benefits.
Emergency relief (food and clothing) is available to those in need, living in the Oakleigh Clayton area.
Type
- Support services > Other Contact Kathleen Hosie 9568 4533
Email: admin@mocsis.org.au
Location: 25 Downing Street, Oakleigh 3166
Foodbank Victoria International Students Pop up store
Foodbank Victoria provides free and culturally diverse food and pantry items to
international Students in need of food relief, via their International Student Pop-Up Store.
For further information and how to access the support, visit:
https:/www.foodbank.org.au/students/?state=vic or
https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/news-updates/free-groceries-for-all-international-students
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Family Wellbeing Services
Mental health support via Partners in Wellbeing program[/vc_column_text]
Victorian government funded Partners in Wellbeing program, provides mental health support to Victorians
aged 16 years and over whose mental health has been impacted by the coronavirus Pandemic.
This includes temporary visas holders and international students.
The program also provides support around bills, vouchers and advocacy.
www.partnersinwellbeing.org.au or call 1300 375 330
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NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: MORE SUPPORT FOR VICTORIANS IN NEED
Media contact: Rania Spooner 0436 019 993 | rania.spooner@minstaff.vic.gov.au
Monday, 7 June 2021
The Victorian Government is making sure no Victorian is left behind, providing a dedicated boost to hardship payments and
emergency food relief for our state’s most vulnerable.
The Government today announced an additional $30 million package to ensure this critical help – including food and financial support
is made available to communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
More support will be delivered to Victorians struggling to put a meal on the table with a $4.5 million boost to expand the capacity of community food relief organisations – building on the more than $31 million of additional relief delivered since February 2020.
This includes supporting new partnerships between food relief organisations and local restaurants, cafes and hospitality businesses
enabling them to rapidly purchase raw produce and prepared meals for Victorians in need.
Not only will this help our most vulnerable Victorians, it’ll also support local businesses and local workers.
The package also expands Foodbank Victoria’s mobile food van service across the state, reaching vulnerable groups
such as casual workers and students, as well as extending Foodbank’s pop-up international student supermarket in
the Melbourne CBD until December 2021.
Ensuring multicultural Victorians can continue to access culturally appropriate emergency support and vital public health information, the package delivers $12.1 million to expand the critical work of the CALD Communities Taskforce.
This includes a $5 million funding boost to the Priority Response to Multicultural Communities grants program,
which helps local organisations deliver emergency relief, including culturally appropriate food.
More than $7 million will ensure culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians have the information they need to stay safe,
with targeted communications, translation and direct engagement, including support for organisations at a local level.
The Extreme Hardship Support Program has also been extended, ensuring continued assistance for Victorians
who are not eligible for income support from the Commonwealth Government.
This includes help for Victorians who are often most at-risk from the pandemic, including temporary and
undocumented migrants and those on temporary and provisional visas, with a $13.5 million boost to
emergency financial assistance, information, referrals and complex casework support.
This builds on the more than $49 million the Victorian Government has announced in dedicated
support to our state’s multicultural and multifaith communities during the pandemic.
Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“We’re helping put food on the table for Victorians in need – who, until we have widespread vaccine coverage, will continue
to be disproportionally impacted by this pandemic.”
Media contact: Rania Spooner 0436 019 993 | rania.spooner@minstaff.vic.gov.au
Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence
“Victoria’s diverse communities have shown enormous strength and heart throughout the pandemic and
we’re making sure they have the support and information they need, when they need it.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley
“No Victorian should be left behind as we fight this pandemic – we’re ensuring we all make it through together.”