Hunter Region

Helping Newcastle Youth Accomodation Services

In 2011, Companion Credit Union provided a foundation grant to support a professional development program for Newcastle Youth Accomodation Services Limited (NYASL) caseworkers and an ongoing living skills program for youth.

As part of this, NYASL was able to bring to Australia, renowned trainer on strengths based practice, Stephen de Groot, to implement the professional development program. This training was very well received, and caseworkers viewed this as an amazing training opportunity.

Their feedback was given to the New South Wales’ Department of Family and Community Service’s who have agreed to fund up to $20,000 for Mr. De Groot to come back in May and train those who work in the homelessness sector across the state. This is a fantastic outcome from Companion’s partnership with NYASL, as we have been able to shape the way people are working with young people in this sector.

As part of the Living Skills program for youth, Raymond Terrace Branch Manager Ruth McCarry facilitated a ‘Money Matters’ workshop for youth supported by NYASL.

The presentation included talking about basics like shelter and food, being able to afford education and other crucial requirements as well as saving and goal setting. We have received fantastic feedback from NYASL about this workshop with many of the youth commenting that Ruth made it easy for them to understand and how helpful the workshop was. If your organisation is interested in a Money Matters workshop please contact us.

Posted on April 27, 2012 Community Hunter Region - NSW Leave a Comment

Investing in the Hunter

We’re happy to announce we have just launched our brand new branch in Cessnock and upgraded our Glendale branch in the Hunter Region. Both branches featuring state-of-the-art-technology that will better support the needs of the growing Hunter region and the demand for credit union services.

Hunter Community Climate Challenge

The Hunter Climate Challenge saw over 400 Hunter Valley households participate in cutting their carbon footprint.

The Challenge commenced with measuring the current household carbon footprint, and then worked through weekly challenges to reduce electricity, water, petrol and waste consumption.

The winner of the 12 week long challenge was Tully Vorobioff and his family, with a special mention to Alison Ludriks for her efforts throughout the challenge.

Posted on December 5, 2011 Community Hunter Region - NSW Leave a Comment

Help Variety’s Vision for Life

You can donate at any Companion Credit Union Branch towards Variety’s Vision for Life. This is for the purchase of a virtual telemedicine device for Maitland Hospital. Telemedicine means that no matter where the best surgeon is they can operate on you locally at Maitland hospital using the virtual technology.

Posted on December 5, 2011 Community Events Hunter Region - NSW Leave a Comment

Supporting Newcastle Youth

Newcastle Youth Accommodation Services Ltd (NYASL) provides an early prevention, transitional program to assist local youth from troubled homes within the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie community to gain essential livings skills to be self-sufficient, whilst receiving support from caseworkers.

This month we have provided a Foundation grant of $19,000 to NYASL for three professional development programs for approximately 300 caseworkers as well as further development of their ongoing ‘Living Skills’ program provided to the youth.

The Living Skills program assists young people to successfully transition from supported care to independent living. The workshops cover organisational skills, decision making, financial accountability and goal setting around education and employment.

For more information visit their website.

Posted on September 27, 2011 Community Hunter Region - NSW Leave a Comment

Riding for the Disabled Sponsorship

Our community partnership with Riding for the Disabled in Raymond Terrace & Lower Hunter, NSW is going strong with Companion Credit Union (http://www.companion.com.au/aspx/home.aspx) being recognised in the centre’s newsletter for our fundraising efforts.

Our partnership with the Centre kicked off with a $5,000 Foundation Grant in late 2010 for horse related matters for their 17 horses providing therapeutic riding services to people with a range of disabilities from across the Hunter.

They were recently able to purchase 10 specialist riding helmets with the $656 provided by Companion through our Casual for Community fundraising days and the Life Member Movie night fundraising from late last year. It is great to see these funds being put to good use in purchasing important equipment.

Thank you to everyone who assisted in raising the funds over the Casual Days for Riding for the Disabled in Raymond Terrace & Lower Hunter. It is very much appreciated by the people who benefit from the support.

Posted on July 29, 2011 Community Hunter Region - NSW Leave a Comment

Companion supports a Vision for Life

During 2011 Companion is partnering with Variety’s Vision for Life to raise funds for a much-needed telemedicine system for the Hunter Region based in the paediatric department at Maitland Hospital.

Telemedicine is a leading technology that enables the lives of children in regional centres across Australia to be saved as well as improving their recovery, without having to transport them to a capital city. Each telemedicine system costs around $25,000 and offers the priceless ability of saving a child’s life.

On Friday 13 May Companion held a Community Golf Day, teaming up with local businesses and supporters to raise funds for Vision for Life. More than $4,200 was raised on the day, thanks to contributions from locals, Companion’s generous members and participating businesses.

If you would like to make a donation towards the telemedicine system please visit your local Personal Financial Centre or call us on 13 25 85.

Posted on June 28, 2011 Community Hunter Region - NSW Leave a Comment

Making light of a dark situation

4Funerals In May the Cessnock/Kurri Kurri/Singleton Palliative Care arranged the production ’4 Funerals in one day’ by Molly Carlile to be performed in the local region to promote community education and development to nurture ill and grieving people.

Due to support from the local community, including a $500 donation from Companion, the performance was free for anyone who wished to attend. This was a great outcome as the objective was to promote palliative care philosophy by allowing people to talk about death and grief and encourage community support.

The performance was highly spoken of and the staff from Companion who attended the performance have said it was a very positive experience.

Posted on May 23, 2011 Community Hunter Region - NSW Leave a Comment

Companion’s partnership with NHRL

Companion Credit Union has signed a partnership with the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League (NHRL) for the impending 2011 season, involving financial contribution to the League’s overall running costs for the year.

State Manager of Companion, Chris Blight said he was proud to put the credit union’s support behind a local organisation as deeply embedded in the community as NHRL, creating a sense of belonging for the players and their families as well as fans and supporters.

“As a mutually owned organisation, Companion has its members’ best interests at heart and is constantly looking for ways to support local organisations dedicated to the communities in which we live and work,” said Mr Blight.

The NHRL was formed in 2007 and consists of nearly 1,000 players, representing approximately 35 clubs within the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region from Swansea to Tea Gardens and Gloucester to Wangi.

To read more see the Bush Telegraph website.

Posted on March 15, 2011 Community Hunter Region - NSW Leave a Comment

Local businesses tee off for charity

Maitland Hospital's Golf Team, from L-R: Dr Gus Elder, Margaret Sanger, Michael Holden & Peter McDonald

On Friday 13 May Companion partnered with Variety’s Vision for Life to hold a Charity Golf Day to raise funds for a much-needed telemedicine system for the Hunter region based at Maitland Hospital.

Telemedicine is a leading technology that enables the lives of children in regional centres across Australia to be saved as well as improving their recovery, without
having to transport them to a capital city. Each telemedicine system costs around $25,000 and offers the priceless ability of saving a child’s life.

The golf day was thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated, with over $4,000 raised for the telemedicine system. A big thank you to our kind sponsors; Allianz, QBE LMI, Genworth Financial, Maitland City Council, OAMPS Insurance Brokers, Focus on Safety, Newcastle Rugby League, Eastwoods Wealth Management and Pacific Smiles Dental, as well as local businesses who donated prizes for the day.

If you would like to make a donation towards the telemedicine system please visit your local Personal Financial Centre , visit the donation page on the website or call us on 13 25 85.

Posted on February 23, 2011 Community Hunter Region - NSW Riverina Region - NSW 2 Comments

Companion staff recognised internationally

Cas Scott and WOCCU President & CEO, Pete Crear

Cas Scott, Direct Marketing Manager, was recognised internationally at the recent World Credit Union Conference held in Las Vegas.

In 2009 Cas won the Australian Emerging Leader Award which recognises emerging credit union leaders with a scholarship to attend a conference of their choice. Cas elected to attend the 2010 World Credit Union Conference, where she went on to win the World Credit Unions Young Persons Award. As a result she will attend the 2011 World Credit Union Conference in Scotland.

Congratulations Cas in winning your award!

Posted on November 24, 2010 Community Hunter Region - NSW Riverina Region - NSW 1 Comment

Laying the foundation for strong community support

L-R: Robert Keogh, Gary Green, Chris Doogan, Peter Gogarty and Ray O'Brien presenting the cheque to RDANSW's Malcolm Storey (centre)

The opportunity to raise and distribute funds directly to the communities in which it operates has prompted Companion Credit Union to establish a locally focused support fund through its parent company Community CPS Australia.

Launched on 9 November 2010, the Hunter Region fund of the Community CPS Foundation will provide clear means to positively impact the local community by providing much-needed support for local causes.

Community CPS Chief Executive Officer, Robert Keogh, presented the fund’s first grant – a $5000 donation that will enable Riding for the Disabled Association NSW Raymond Terrace and Lower Hunter to buy a specialist horse. Riding for the Disabled (RDA) NSW provides people with a disability with the opportunity to ride and enjoy all the activities connected to horse riding.

“Companion Credit Union has long been a passionate supporter of, and contributor to, initiatives that make a real and tangible difference to the Hunter Valley community,” said State Manager, Chris Blight.

A cheque for $30,000 was also presented to Camp Quality off the back of a successful community partnership. The funds consisted of a Foundation grant, member and public donations and proceeds from staff fundraisers in NSW. This will see 35 kids given the opportunity to attend Camp Quality’s Recreational Program, where cancer takes a back seat so kids can be kids again.

Community CPS will allocate a percentage of its net profit after tax to the Foundation, with further fundraising to be achieved through the commitment of the business and wider communities.

“Through this Foundation we can help change lives, even in small ways, and to us that’s an absolute privilege. We’re strongly committed to making a difference,” Mr Blight said.

Posted on November 15, 2010 Community Hunter Region - NSW Leave a Comment

Companion Joins Fight Against Cancer

Greg Davis presenting the $5,000 cheque to members of the Relay for Life Committee

Companion Credit Union has joined the fight against cancer by supporting the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Relay For Life 2010 with a $5,000 Gold Sponsorship.
The funds were presented to members of the Relay for Life Committee by Companion’s Greg Davis at the Launch on 9 September.

Companion are now attempting to double their contribution to $10,000 through fundraising, casual days, raffles and donations to the Companion team.

Relay for Life is an overnight, community event where teams of 10-15 participate in a relay-style walk or run to raise funds for Cancer Council. Now in its 10th year the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie relay is striving to raise $150,000 in total. So far the funds raised are in excess of $120,000!

To make a donation to the Companion team please see the team webpage and join us in the fight against cancer!

Posted on October 11, 2010 Community Hunter Region - NSW Leave a Comment

Companion Finds Laughter Really Is The Best Medicine

Teagan, Amanda & Melinda from Companion with some of the Camp Quality kids at the NSW Junior Camp

Staff from Companion Credit Union joined in the fun at the Camp Quality NSW Junior Camp on 6 October in Sydney.

Along with over 80 Camp Quality kids and helpers, Companion’s Amanda, Melinda and Teagan learnt the Hula and Haka, enjoyed face painting, played the very messy masterchef relay and finished the day with a massive water fight.

The Camp Quality Junior Camp is an opportunity for young children living with cancer to find independence away from the family. There is no cost to families as the camps are fully funded by Camp Quality through donations from community partners.

Companion Credit Union through its parent organisation Community CPS Australia are National Partners with Camp Quality. In 2010 the Community CPS Foundation donated $100,000 toward funding Junior Camps across Australia, as well as staff striving to raise an additional $105,000 to fully fund these camps.

For more information on Companion’s community initiatives visit the website.

Posted on October 11, 2010 Community Hunter Region - NSW 4 Comments

Congrats to our Signed Bulldogs Jersey Winner

Glendale Branch Manager Karen Cook with signed jersey winner Troy

Congratulations to Troy Scotman from Swansea, NSW who was drawn as the winner of the signed official Canterbury Bulldogs Jersey on 5 October 2010.

Troy entered the raffle by making a donation to the Community CPS Foundation Camp Quality appeal to fund Junior Camps across Australia.

Troy will be presented with his jersey over the coming weeks. The NSW Junior Camp is being held from 4-8 October in Sydney to bring laughter to kids living with cancer.

For more information on Companion’s community involvement visit our Community page.

Posted on October 5, 2010 Community Hunter Region - NSW Riverina Region - NSW Leave a Comment

We're Listening