Last month the SSH was pleased to receive an Innovative Community Grant from UnitingCare NSW/ACT (the Board of the Uniting Church responsible for the work of community services, chaplaincy, social justice and advocacy). The grant enables us to do two things: stage an art exhibition in May 2015 in partnership with The Factory Community Centre in Waterloo (the exhibition will be entitled Community Wellbeing); and host an end-of-year party on December 6 to say “thank you” to our wonderful volunteers.
The art exhibition at the Orchard Gallery will include drawings, paintings, photographs and prints, sculptures and installations. There will be opportunity for spoken word and musical performance. The theme invites artists to reflect on what it means for a community to be healthy and strong. What resources and services are needed? What facilities? What are the qualities that make for stimulating and caring life together? More information will be provided in coming months.
The SSH is a social enterprise and a labour of love. An average monthly issue comprises 35 articles plus 30 photographs, illustrations and other graphics. This year has seen our editorial committee expanded from four to eight members (as well as a dynamic online team) and 40 volunteer writers and photographers “celebrating the lives of the diverse people of South Sydney, inviting discussion on issues of concern and interest, adding encouragement to possibilities for community”.
Significant articles in 2014 have included public housing stories in relation to the Millers Point sell-off, the University of Sydney’s expansion plans, refugee policy and protests, profiles on local non-profit organisations, climate change and renewable energy, the excellence of the South Sydney football team and resilience of the South Sydney community, regular film, theatre and music reviews.
Peter Ince of the Food Distribution Network in Botany has provided content for our regular Veggie column. A Mental Health Matters segment was initiated with the expertise of local health professionals Anne Camac and Laura Buzo. The Faith column has included material from multi-faith perspectives (affirming the wisdom of many religious traditions and the value of respectful dialogue, understanding and cooperation).
More than 40 volunteers have ensured the distribution of 22,000 print copies per month to homes and businesses, cafés, pubs, libraries and community centres from Zetland to Woolloomooloo.
The UnitingCare grant recognises the importance and value of our volunteers, and will enable us to hold a celebratory event atop the Weave Youth & Community Services building in Waterloo – yes, up on the roof! Jenna Murphy and Zana Rose, who host a weekly open-mic night at the Woolpack Hotel in Redfern, will host a special “Sunset Session” to close the event (there will be other musical performances too!). We are thrilled that our end-of-year party will be held at Weave, one of South Sydney’s most inspiring organisations. All volunteers and friends, including members of the South Sydney Uniting Church (our publishers), are invited to join us on Saturday December 6, from 5-8pm. The award-winning Weave building is located at 1B Elizabeth Street, on the corner of Elizabeth and Allen streets, beside the Fernside Skate Park. We look forward to seeing you there!
The SSH is grateful for the ongoing support of our publisher without whom we could not survive. The paper, in turn, inspires the membership and ministry of the congregation.
We remain committed to: informing people that they are part of a dynamic, active and caring community; encouraging local politicians and businesses to support local concerns; affirming the cultural priorities of Aboriginal locals and empowering their leaders; raising the profile of community and welfare groups and their good works; maintaining a diversity of opinions and perspectives in the public domain; acknowledging the creativity and artistry of local arts professionals and aspiring artists; mentoring tertiary students in journalism and community work; celebrating the possibility of social and ecological justice; cherishing a public theology and spirituality; insisting that speaking up, speaking out, challenging injustice and fighting for equality are possible!
