June 2025
TCG Community Update June 2025
June Update
“Wooooahhhhh we’re half way thereeeee” - John Bon Jovi
Half way through 2025, welcome to winter! This edition has a little bit of everything, snaps from Leanne’s home visits, adventures with Robert and Ellie, and some fantastic community events that shouldn’t be missed!
Do you have something you would like shared with our community? Submit requests for this newsletter by emailing Saskia via info@thecompaniongroup.org
Contents:
Where in the world is Leanne?
Surfs up with Robert
Ahoy Ellie!
Introducing our newest DSW: Abbey
National Blood Donor Week
Geelong Brick Show
The Big Freeze
On Country Tours
Where in the world is Leanne?
Leanne has one of the best jobs in our opinion, as an intake coordinator her role is to travel around Geelong, have cups of tea, catch up with our clients, meet families, pets (and prized motorbikes), and most importantly, chat about how we can best support you.
Thanks to everyone who recently welcomed Leanne into your home and gave us an opportunity to gain some valuable feedback about our services. If you haven’t been visited by Leanne yet, don’t worry! She will be in contact when you’re close to your service agreement expiry to book in a meeting.
Surfs up with Robert
Even with the chilly autumn weather rolling in, Robert didn’t let the cold keep him from getting out on the water. He headed down to Ocean Grove Beach in mid-May for a surf, making the most of the quieter waves and fresh sea air. Thanks to Kerri, his support worker, for snapping these great photos and being there to support him on the day.
Ahoy Ellie!
In April, Ellie had a fantastic time at the Lions sailing event at the Geelong Yacht Club. With a big smile on her face, she sat happily at the back of the boat, soaking up the experience and repeatedly saying how much fun she was having. One of the highlights for Ellie was getting the chance to steer the boat, something she was thrilled about. She’s already talking about how much she’d love to go back next year. A big thanks to her support worker, Maya, for capturing the moment with some lovely photos.
Meet our newest DSW: Abbey!
Welcome Abbey to the team! She will be commencing with us from the 16th of June, and we’re so excited to have her on board. We asked Abbey a few questions so you can get know her first:
What’s your favourite thing about being a support worker?
I have always leaned towards a career that includes helping others, as I believe it’s very rewarding and fulfilling.
What qualifications and experience do you have?
I started my journey with people as a casual support worker for just under a year in 2021 and really enjoyed this type of one-on-one care. In addition to this, I then started working 5 days a week at a special needs school called Hamlyn Views and have been there since.
I’ve had training and experience in anaphylaxis, seizure management, asthma management, general CPR and first aid, peg feeding, hoisting and personal care, medication administration and mealtime assistance etc. I’ve worked with a range of disabilities, behaviours and people, and I’ve loved working alongside all of them!
I’m looking forward to continue working towards the goal of positive impact and growth as an individual.
What are your interests and hobbies?
I spend most of my spare time in the outdoors & exploring in nature . Hiking, camping, fishing and swimming are all my favourite hobbies. I’m also super interested in photography, crafts such as scrapbooking/painting and reading.
Get in touch with your Service Coordinator today if you feel Abbey will be a good fit for you or someone you know.
National Blood Donor Week
National Blood Donor Week runs from Monday 9th of June to Sunday 15th of June, centred around 14 June, which is World Blood Donor Day. This is a time when Lifeblood, and all of Australia, celebrates our incredible blood donors. We welcome all donors to come celebrate with us, whether this will be your first or your 50th donation.
With recent changes to eligibility criteria, more people than ever can donate! Individuals who lived or visited the UK between 1980-1996, as well as those on certain medications are all eligible to give. Plus, anyone with a new tattoo can donate blood one week after getting their ink*.
Enjoy meeting fellow donors and sharing a snack whilst making a tangible difference in our community.
To book a blood or plasma donation, please visit lifeblood.com.au, download the Donate Blood app or call 13 14 95. We look forward to celebrating with you at the Geelong Donor Centre!
*Tattoos must be done at an Australian Licensed Premises.
Geelong Brick Show
Playwell Events are heading to Geelong in 2025 with their awesome LEGO exhibition. This event will be held at the Geelong West Town Hall. There will be over 40 tables of custom-built LEGO models on display. With themes ranging from Star Wars, Architecture & Marvel to a huge City layout, there will be something for everyone. They'll have their ever-popular play tables where the kids can get creative and build themselves, as well as several other interactive displays. There will also be opportunities to purchase LEGO sets & parts on the day from their vendors.
When: Saturday 7 June 2025 - Sunday 8 June 2025
Where: Geelong West Town Hall - 153 Pakington St, Geelong Vic 3218
Cost: $10 each (adults and kids), or $45 for a family of 5
The Big Freeze
The Big Freeze Geelong is an annual event, this year being staged at the St Mary's Football Ground.
Local Geelong celebrities and sportspeople will slide into the freezing water in costumes, raising money and awareness for the Fight MND Foundation.
Please support them by donating to fund vital research, effective treatments and ultimately a cure for MND. Thank you so much for your support!
When: 01 June 2025, 12:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Where: St Mary's Football Club Wadawurrung Country, Anthony Costa Oval Geelong
Cost: Free
Accessibility:
Catering and/or dining
Change room facilities
First Aid available
Parking available
Toilets available
Undercover areas
Wheelchair accessible
On Country Tours
Join us for National Reconciliation Week, a chance for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, Cultures and achievements, and how we can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia. This year’s theme - Bridging Now to Next - calls on us to step forward together, guided by past lessons.
Led by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, these facilitated On Country tours will take you through Geelong's Heritage Sites, Art and Cultural Landmarks with Storytelling and Truth Telling.
The tours are free and will include light refreshments. Bookings are essential, sign up for one tour per person only as spots are limited.
Geelong Tours:
Meet at Wadawurrung Corporation Geelong office (86 Mercer Street, Geelong), then we will walk Johnstone Park, Djilang City, Corio Bay Wangim Walk and Geelong Wool Museum.
Buckley Falls Tours:
Start at Wurriki Nyal civic precinct (137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong) then a bus will be provided to drive to Buckley Falls and Moorabool River/Dogs Rock. Finish at Wurriki Nyal civic precinct.
When:
19 June 2025, 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
30 June 2025, 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
07 July 2025, 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
16 July 2025, 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Where: Wurriki Nyal Wadawurrung Country, 137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong
Cost: Free
The Companion Group, PO Box 4246, Geelong, Australia
