The IOE Eco Action Group is a new program which gives participants opportunities to contribute to a safer, greener and more sustainable community while raising awareness of the environmental issues which are confronting all of us today.

IOE’s Beau Deurwaarder is passionate about the environment, sustainability, climate change and the future of our planet. He is also the driving force and organiser of the Eco Action program.

The Eco Action Group meets monthly. The inaugural activity, held last Sunday (8th Sept), was to the Belgrave Lake Platypus Festival, for an afternoon of tree planting and environmental education. Despite the inclement weather, the day was a great success. Local councillor, Mike Clarke was one of the many locals who attended the event and personally gave participants a hand with the tree planting (see photo).

Activities planned for the next few months are; a visit to the Environmental Film Festival and participation in youth based workshops and activities; trip to an organic store for lunch and to check out the reusable product options available followed by a visit to the Tecoma Twilight Ethical market; a day making beeswax wraps and other sustainable products which reduce waste and landfill.

Participation in the #Global Climate Strike on Friday 20 September is also an event on the calendar. We will be creating banners and placards then, all who want to attend, will travel to the city to join with the Hills Community For Climate Action group, as we Strike For The Climate with thousands of other young activists and concerned citizens. Families and friends are most welcome to join our group for this protest, just contact Beau to register your interest.

This is just the first stage of our environmental action project and it is anticipated that the Eco Action program will continue in 2020 and will hopefully link in with other IOE services.

For more information about the Eco Action Group or to express interest in joining us for the #Global Climate Strike, please contact Beau Deurwaarder at beau.deurwaarder@ioe.org.au

For the past 18 months a group of young adults has been working hard on a Certificate1 in Work Education course which has been running weekly at the adult services site at Boronia, as part of IOE’s Prep4Work work readiness program

This week their hard work came to fruition with ten proud young men and women receiving their certificates of graduation from Heidi Faber, the course facilitator.

The focus of the course, run by Access Skills Training, was on providing participants with the skills to start their journey to employment. Writing resumes, learning about rights and responsibilities in the workplace, personal presentation and appearance, work ethics and work attitude were some of the topics covered during the course.

IOE program worker, Kerryn, has been supporting the group throughout the course. She says the training has produced some real positives with group members becoming much more confident in speaking up for themselves, taking initiatives and applying themselves to tasks. With the skills they have learned, a number participants are already starting on the road to employment.

Congratulations to Ally, Jack, Corey, Carly, Melanie, Morgan, Lee, Lucas, Kimberley and Siobhan.

The Prep4Work program is interested in partnering with local businesses or organisations or hearing from anyone who may be able to provide possible employment or work experience opportunities. Please contact IOE on 03 9758 5522 or email linda.hull@ioe.org.au

Keeping active has been proven to benefit not only physical health but also emotional health and overall well-being.

That’s why Interchange Outer East is continuing to be pro-active by providing ever-increasing opportunities for children, adults, parents and carers to participate in regular exercise activities.

Our Sport for Fun program has been running for a number of years now. It has been so successful that we now have sessions for different age groups operating from three separate venues across the outer east. Sport for Fun is inclusive, fun and affordable. It is all about having fun in a totally non-competitive environment and is a great way for children ( 8 +) , teens and adults to play a bit of sport, socialise and stay active. Check out the flyer for session venues, days, times and costs and registration.

Why let the kids and teens have all the fun. This past year we have introduced a whole lot of new ways carers and parents can also get active.

Fancy a game of table tennis or badminton? Come along to our Carer Social Sport program for a hit, a cuppa and a chat every Thursday from 10am-12pm at Insportz in Lewis Rd, Wantirna South. It’s very casual, it’s free and there is no need to register – just come along when you can. View the flyer and share it with your friends and other carers.

From July to September we are running an inaugural Active Carers program at Aquanation in Ringwood, especially for carers. Why not give Pilates a go each Monday from 1pm-2pm. It’s a great low impact way to exercise your body, strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility and posture.  Or maybe Aqua Aerobics is more/also your thing. Come along and join a session every Wednesday from 12.30pm-1.30pm. Supported by the warm water, you will hardly even realise you are exercising and doing yourself so much good. Cost for each Active Carers session is $5. Book your spot at https://www.trybooking.com/BDMTY Download and share the flyer.

The most recent addition to our fitness programs is Friday Social Sport, held every Friday 5pm-6pm at Croydon Indoor Sports Centre in Canterbury Rd, Kilsyth. Every family member (12+) is welcome to get involved. No coaching or support is provided and cost is just $5. Friday Social Sport is all about getting active and having fun while playing a bit of casual soccer, netball, cricket or whatever takes our fancy on the night! Contact IOE 97585522 ioe@ioe.org.au to let us know you are coming.

So … lots of ways to stay active, get fit, be social, have fun and improve your physical and mental health. Get involved!!