Photos: Supplied.
BY JAN NARY
Communities have changed over the years. There seem to be more of us, but ironically it’s sometimes harder to make connections, particularly for women who may have been out of social and work networks or may be new to the neighbourhood.
The Redlands Centre for Women (RCW) started 15 years ago as a charity distributing Pink Pamper Packs to women in need throughout the community. Since then it has grown to an organisation with 122 members and a vast active contact base.
“We’ve had 20 new members since December,” says Liz Manricks, president of RCW. “Some of them are new here and don’t know anyone or they’ve just retired or they may be feeling isolated at home. This is a very warm and welcoming group – and we’re very big on hugging!”
The activities offer something for everyone.
“We usually get about 40 women along to our Monday morning coffee gatherings, in fact there are so many of us we had to move from the local coffee shops to the RSL!” Liz says.
“We have a book club, a walking club, a dinner club and a travel group and we have guest-speaking nights on a wide range of topics. Some of the women knit baby layettes for local newborns and new mothers get their own pamper packs. We have weekly craft meetings for ladies with challenges, the Diversity Group, who come along with their carers; even making something as simple as a card can be a real achievement.
“We also have outings to putt-putt, trivia days, show and movie outings, craft groups and lots of morning teas – always one for International Women’s Day in March! We do things to connect women, to get them out of the house and out of isolation, to give them a sense of belonging to a community.”
For more information, call 0407 949 762, or email [email protected].
