ISA News and Events January 2021 Edition

PRESIDENT'S WELCOME

Dear All,

2020 was an extremely challenging year globally and here, at the Irish Support Agency, we were able to support the Irish diaspora affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. Many of our community faced financial hardship, concerns relating to their VISAs, difficulties with returning to Ireland and travel exemptions, housing and accommodation issues and so much more.

Yet, there were some key learnings from the year.

In difficult times, the community rallies. We had an outstanding response to our Covid 19 appeal, and it has been truly heartwarming to receive such support from the Irish community groups and businesses as well as the vast number of people who contributed personally, during what is an uncertain time for us all. Please be assured the monies raised have been and continue to be directed to those most in need and have helped house, feed and support a vast array of people through very difficult circumstances.

While we encounter all sorts of restrictions, we are able to stay engaged electronically more than ever before. Apart, but stronger together. 2020 saw the launch of The Irish 30, a series of free informative online mental health and wellbeing webinars led by Irish born volunteers, experts in their respective fields.
Our baile as baile initiative opened up a new realm of possibilities with a host of online events from baking, storytelling to meditation! Our seniors also got involved with our Irish music sessions. There are so many possibilities to what we can achieve online and we look forward to exploring this more in 2021.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Warm Regards,
Donna
ISA President

DECEMBER AGM 2020

The Annual General Meeting of the Irish Support Agency took place on the 21st December in the Gaelic Club. Donna McKiernan delivered the President's Report outlining the work of the agency in the preceding year. All office bearers and committee members were returned for the coming year. Thank you to Tony Kenny and Patrick McCarron who officiated in the elections of Officers.

BAILE AS BAILE (Home away from home)

baile as baile is an initiative of the Irish Support Agency being run in partnership with members of the Irish Australian community of NSW. The phrase, meaning ‘home away from home’, aims to support and strengthen the Irish community by offering a range of activities where people can safely connect with others.

The initiative was a result of an understanding that for many, this time of year would be particularly difficult. The aim was to broaden horizons and to expose people to new friendship groups and activities. Throughout December and January, we have had an ardent response to our series of events, holding a total of 52 online and in-person events!

Something for everyone

There was a huge variety of community events on offer and almost all of them were free!
From online and in-person meditation, macramé, online storytelling to pilates, personal growth workshop, outdoor yoga, children’s arts and crafts, online baking, baby massage, coastal walks, stand up paddleboarding, online Christmas carols, trivia nights, and trad night, we had it all!

Thank you to all of the volunteers, representatives and attendees for making this initiative a great success. We could not have done it without you. It is amazing what you can achieve through difficult times when we pull together. Ní neart go cur le chéile indeed. We hope that the sentiment and endeavour of this initiative will continue throughout 2021 as we seek new opportunities to support each other. It was truly wonderful to see the community coming together after a very difficult year.

SENIORS CHRISTMAS LUNCH

We were delighted to have had the opportunity to convene for our annual Christmas Senior’s lunch on Wed 16th December. Thank you to Penrith Gaels Cultural and Sporting Association for their generous grant and sponsorship of this special lunch, which is an annual highlight for many of our Seniors. We were extended sincere welcomes by John Grieve, Club Chairman and Adrienne Hickey, Deputy Consul Ireland, Sydney who had her first opportunity to meet with many of our lovely Seniors. We had an absolute ball in terms of reconnecting, craic and banter and were musically accompanied across the afternoon by the lovely and accomplished duo Rebecca Harkin and her recent fiancé Kurt Russell. Congratulations to the pair. Thank you to all at Penrith Gaels for looking after us so well.

CHRISTMAS DAY MASS

We had a full congregation for our 11am Christmas Day Mass in St Brigids, Coogee led by Bishop Terry Brady. Thank you to everyone who participated and assisted, especially our readers, musician, and Eucharistic minister. We have been invited back next year by the parish - perhaps we can make this an ongoing annual event!

NOLLAIG NA MBAN

On January 6th we held the inaugural Nollaig na mBán in association with The Prankqueans and The Gaelic Club.

The Prankqueans are a group of incredibly talented women from across Ireland and Australia. Taken from the famous ‘Finnegan’s Wake’, the Prankqueans are musicians, poets, writers, and actors who collaborate on culturally rich performances. It was a pleasure to work with them on this project and we look forward to making this an annual event in Sydney.

We miss these faces!

We are missing our regular catch ups with our seniors at Cara Club and Silver Surfers but we must consider the best interests of our members at this time. 

We have instigated a new outreach program for our seniors whereby the Committee / Staff are reaching out by telephone to offer social support during what is undoubtedly a difficult time. This allows us the opportunity to make sure they are adequately supported in their home environments but also to offer a chat to those who may feel isolated. If you know of some one who might benefit from this program, please ask them to give us a call.  

CARA CLUB

In November, we were delighted to welcome back members of the Cara Club for the first time since March. It was so wonderful to see everyone again and we look forward to seeing what opportunities 2021 will bring. We discussed all aspects of COVID safety at the first reunion meeting and developed a specific COVID safety plan in the aftermath. As we all now fully understand, the Covid 19 situation is extremely changeable so we will update you all should our gatherings be affected in any way. We would encourage you or a nominee to register a contact email address and follow us on social media so we can relay messages to you in a timely manner.

FOND FAREWELL

We were recently (and belatedly) able to say a fond farewell to Liz Kenny (front right) who joined the Irish Support Agency committee back in 2006! Liz has been with the committee in many capacities, including President from 2012-2015. Liz is known for her warmth and empathy and she will be a big loss to the committee. We thank her so much for all her hard work, especially with our Seniors and wish herself and Tony (our BBQ maestro and also ex ISA Committee) all the best in the days ahead. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.

CONGRATULATIONS AND FAREWELL

We are delighted to announce the safe arrival of baby Lily, on the 2nd January to Elske and John. Both Mum & bub are doing well and adjusting to life as a family of four. It was fantastic for us to share a last hoorah before her departure and we very much look forward to meeting the little one at some of the upcoming Cara Club meetings as restrictions lift. We are all so appreciative of the commitment and empathy Elske has brought to the role of Outreach Worker with the ISA and we very much look forward to having her onboard as an ISA volunteer!

THE IRISH 30

For our final Irish 30 webinar of the year, we were joined by Lochlann Scott from Helplink Mental Health. Lochlann joined us to explore how we can look after our mental health as we approached a very different festive period. Helplink is a valuable resource, the service is available for all Irish citizens living abroad or returning home from living abroad, who are in need of some culturally sensitive, emotional support from trained, qualified, insured and Garda vetted Irish based Counsellors.
All of our Irish 30 sessions can be watched back online, go to www.youtube.com for our full video library

SAMARITANS INTERNATIONAL HELPLINE

Samaritans provides a 24-hour freephone helpline service to Irish people living in Australia following a new partnership between Samaritans and the Government of Ireland's Emigrant Support Programme.
Anyone suffering from emotional distress, or who needs a listening ear, can call Samaritans in Ireland anonymously 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on the number below.
No matter what someone’s reason for calling is, Samaritans offers a space to explore how they are feeling, in their own time and their own way.
Callers may join a short queue when all volunteers are on calls but will be transferred to a volunteer free of charge. Samaritan’s Freephone number for Australia: 1800570699 (No dialling code is necessary).

FRIDAY PILATES

Paddy Coary, who hails from Coalisland, is offering free community Pilates every Friday at 1.15pm in the Gaelic Club, Surry Hills.
Pilates Mat Classes are structured in a way that all participants can benefit regardless of age, physical ability, or prior pilates experience.
Please bring your own mat, water and towel.
Classes will run until the 5th March.

TECHNOLOGY DONATIONS

If you have an old device with internet capabilities - smartphone, tablet, laptop, notebook- that you no longer use, please consider donating it so that we can facilitate training for our seniors, who do not as yet appreciate the benefits of digital connectivity. 2020 has shown us that there are huge benefits and opportunities to online communication and we want to share this with our seniors. If you have a device to donate, please email us your details- project@irishsupportagency.org.au.

FINANCIAL WELLBEING SERIES: THE IRISH 30

For our next Irish 30 session, we will begin a new series on financial wellbeing which will cover topics such as budgeting, saving, planning and protection for the future. The series has been developed to examine the life cycle on one’s relationship with finance and to explain and understand how we can all manage better. Our first guest presenter is Ciaran Davis, who has over 20 years’ experience in the financial sector. Join us on zoom on Monday 1st February at 7pm.

NEW MONTHLY BOOK CLUB

We held our first monthly book club hosted by Rebecca Harkin on Wednesday 9th December at 6pm. It was a lovely evening of chat and joviality and we look forward to catching up at our next meeting and discussing our next read. The next meeting is 17th February at 6pm. Please contact the office if you wish to participate or email project@irishsupportagency.org.au

SINCERE THANKS

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the generous efforts of The Bacon Bros who donated the proceeds of their sales of fabulous Irish Fayre on the 12th December 2020. Check them out at 30 Burrows Road, St Peters on Saturdays and 50 O'Dea Avenue, Waterloo on Sundays from 8am -12.30pm. Cheers lads!

They were supported in terms of produce by Shay ‘The (wonderful) Irish Butcher’ and the team at Taste Ireland, both of whom also generously contributed to the creation of beautiful hampers we distributed to some of our most vulnerable before Christmas.

The Grand Hotel also hosted their New Year’s Day ‘Bringing in the Irish New Year’ event and kindly donated the proceeds from the entry fee.

Caroline McKenna has been a wonderful advocate of the baile as baile initiative and also donated the proceeds of her raffle from the Christmas Eve Eve dinner at The Grand Hotel on 23rd December. Thank you all, your kindness is truly appreciated.

BRIGID 2021

The Prankqueans return with their celebrated Brigid program after great success in 2020.
In association with Consulate General of Ireland, Sydney,
this promises to be another wonderful evening. The program features Cliona Mullins, Aine de Paor, Rosie McDonald, Jacqui McPhee, Anne Casey and many more.

Sunday 31st January at 7pm in the Gaelic Club and Sunday 7th March at 2.30pm in Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, NSW 2170. Tickets can be purchased here - https://brigid2021.eventbrite.com/

SYDNEY ST PATRICK'S DAY 2021

Save the date! All going to plan, Sydney St Patrick’s Day Committee will be hosting an event on Sunday 21st March 2021!

The committee is focused on working hard and of course will be operating under the NSW Health guidelines. If you would to participate in any capacity, (committee, performer, musician etc) please contact us on secretary@sydneystpatricksday.com.au.

Seniors' Christmas Lunch 2020

We had a fabulous day yesterday for our Senior's Christmas Lunch in Penrith Gaels Cultural and Sporting Association. Thank you to John Grieve, Chairman, for generously sponsoring this special lunch. We were also joined by Adrienne Hickey, Deputy Consul General of Ireland, Sydney.

Everyone had an absolute ball and we were musically accompanied by the lovely Rebecca and Kurt. Our seniors look forward to this every year and it is great to see people coming together again, Tír na nÓg and Cara Club had a great turnout.

baile as baile || home away from home

baile as baile is an initiative of the Irish Support Agency in partnership with members of the Irish Australian community of NSW. The phrase, meaning ‘home away from home’, aims to support and strengthen the Irish community by offering a range of activities and events where people can safely connect.

Over the coming months, baile as baile will offer a vibrant and inclusive program of events to meet the needs and interests of our diverse community and will feature both online and face to face interactions in locations across Sydney.

Each event will be led by a host who has kindly volunteered their time to allow people to share a new experience or learn new skills. There will also be opportunities to explore, to socialise and establish new connections. 

2020 has provided us with an awareness of the importance of kinship amongst our peers and community. Now more than ever, it is time to reach out, to participate and share experiences and I would encourage you all to get involved as much as possible. 

We’re in this together, in our home away from home.

Go to www.baileasbaile.com.au for our full calendar of events and more information.

Sydney St Patrick's Day explores The Rocks

The ISA team were delighted to be able to host a stall at the Irish Markets as part of the Sydney St Patrick’s Day explores The Rocks event last weekend. It was great to see so many people out and about despite the inclement weather, enjoying the day and taking the opportunity to reconnect with friends, old and new.

Thank you to all who came to visit us to get a better understanding of what we do, those who donated or purchased one of our warm and snuggly sweatshirts or those who took the opportunity to become ISA members. We very much look forward to welcoming you to the ISA family.

World Mental Health Day

October 10th marks World Mental Health Day.

The past year has brought many challenges for us all, as we adapt to life in the midst of COVID-19.

It's more important than ever to take time for yourself and check-in with family and friends as we navigate through the coming months.

If you're in need of support, remember that help is close at hand.

Beyond Blue is a great resource or alternatively ring our team for a confidential discussion

R U OK?

There’s more to say after R U OK? Thursday 10 September is R U OK? Day – and a reminder that on every day of the year we should support people who may be struggling. But there’s more to say after R U OK? If someone says they’re not OK make time to listen, encourage action and check-in. To help people keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK we’re encouraging everyone to learn what to say after R U OK? To spread this message, we’ll be sharing information and resources that guide you through what to say after R U OK? If you need immediate crisis or emotional support you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or [If have local support service include the details here]. R U OK? is a national charity dedicated to inspiring all of us to have regular, meaningful conversations to support anyone struggling with life’s ups and downs. You can learn what to say after R U OK? at www.ruok.org.au

The Science of Sleep

Don’t miss out on our next Health and Wellbeing Event which will be covering all aspects of sleep and why it is important for our wellbeing. We are delighted to be joined by Kellie Hamill, an expert on sleep, nutrition and their impact on our Mental Health.

Topics covered include -How can we get better sleep? Is it quality or quantity? Is there a better time to fall asleep and wake up? What are some unhelpful sleep/ lifestyle habits that impact sleep?
Tips for people struggling with sleep during Covid 19.

Full details of the session can be found on the following link https://www.irishsupportagency.org.au/the-irish-30

John Hume 18 January 1937 - 3 August 2020 RIP

“I never thought in terms of being a leader. I thought very simply in terms of helping people.”

“I want to see Ireland as an example to men and women everywhere of what can be achieved by living for ideals, rather than fighting for them, and by viewing each and every person as worthy of respect and honour. I want to see an Ireland of partnership where we wage war on want and poverty, where we reach out to the marginalised and dispossessed, where we build together a future that can be as great as our dreams allow.”

John Hume
- Northern Irish Peace Process Architect
- Nobel Laureate

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Travel Alert

Important Update for anyone travelling via UAE eg Dubai and Abu Dhabi
effective 1 August

Inquiry into the Working Holiday Maker program

The Australian government is seeking submissions from the public on the Working Holiday Maker VISA and importantly the impact of COVID-19 on the program. The closing date for submissions is 24th July. If you have been adversely affected by having to return home, or being unable to undertake or complete your regional work, this presents a real opportunity to have your voice heard. The terms of reference and contact details can be found here

Terms of Reference Submissions

International travellers flying into NSW will have to pay $3000

International travellers flying into NSW will have to pay $3000 for their two-week quarantine from midnight on Saturday, July 18. The new charges mean that a family of two adults and two children over three will have to pay $5000 for their 14 day stay in a designated quarantine hotel.

NSW to charge returned international travellers for hotel quarantine

Important Update for Dual Citizens and Permanent Residents

Important Information -COVID-19 and the border

Leaving Australia -Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents

If you are an Australian citizen or a permanent resident you cannot leave Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions unless you have an exemption.
You can apply online

but you must meet at least one of the following:

your travel is as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of aid
your travel is essential for the conduct of critical industries and business (including export and import industries)
you are travelling to receive urgent medical treatment that is not available in Australia
you are travelling on urgent and unavoidable personal business
you are travelling on compassionate or humanitarian grounds
your travel is in the national interest.
You must provide evidence to support your claims

https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/leaving-australia

Your job search with John Corrigan

The Irish 30 continues its series of  webinars with a fresh new approach. On the first Monday of every month the team of experts will be introducing a new topic which has the potential to positively impact your mental health and well-being. Accessed through a link on the Irish Support Agency's website, it starts at 7pm and will last 30 minutes with an opportunity for Q&A . You can join using the link below.  

Kicking off the new format on Monday 6th July at 7pm will be Your job search with John Corrigan

Register

Blooms Day 16 June

Bloomsday is an annual celebration of the life and work of Ireland’s most famous author, James Joyce. Every year the events of his best-known novel, Ulysses, are recreated in their exact locations, and literary events are held around the world. Bloomsday celebrates Thursday 16 June 1904, the day depicted in Ulysses. The day is named after Leopold Bloom, the central character in Ulysses.
We would love to hear from you wherever you are in the world and find about your special plans for Bloomsday.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Webinar

Our next Mental Health and Wellbeing webinar will be held on Monday 15th June 6 pm and can be viewed live on our website https://www.irishsupportagency.org.au/the-irish-30 or accessed later via The Irish Support Agencys YouTube channel

Staying connected during physical distancing can be challenging but not impossible. In this webinar we will explore the impact that social connections have on our wellbeing, the importance of different types of connections and ways to remain connected during COVID-19. We will also outline the role that ISA plays in connecting our Irish community in NSW

Irish Support Agency launch new ' You Tube' Channel

In a world which is digitalising rapidly and where the COVID-19 crisis has amplified the need to communicate online, The Irish Support Agency is launching our own channel on YouTube. This new communication platform will be used for a variety of messages and informative videos about what is happening within the Irish/Australian community.
You can check out the site at the link below

Irish Support Agency You Tube Channel

All our new Mental Health and Wellbeing Webinars are available on our You Tube channel

This week’s webinar discusses Mental Resilience with Ronan Mac Domhnaill

Wish you were Here

Troubadour Presents along with the Irish Embassy & Consulate are excited to present 'Wish You Were Here',

a free online concert & fundraising initiative raising much-needed funds for Irish Support Agencies in Australia during the covid-19 pandemic.

There are almost 18,000 Irish temporary visa holders in Australia, and many of them are unable to access Australian Government assistance of any kind, leaving them in financial crisis. Returning to Ireland is not a straightforward option for those who have lost their livelihoods as a result of the pandemic, and many will be seeking urgent support just to cover basic expenses

FEATURING (in alphabetical order)..

CHRIS KAVANAGH
DAMIEN DEMPSEY
DANNY O’REILLY (The Coronas)
DECLAN O’ROURKE
ELEANOR MCEVOY
JOHN SPILLANE
LUKA BLOOM
LUNASA
MARY BLACK
MICK FLANNERY
MICK MCHUGH
MUNDY
PADDY MCHUGH
PANTI BLISS
PAUL BRADY
PAULINE SCANLON
SHANE HOWARD
THE 2 JOHNNIES
ULAID

RSVP HERE

See you on Facebook Live on 23 May -please donate generously if you can.

Funds will be shared equally with the four Irish Support Agencies in Australia – Claddagh Association (Western Australia), Irish Australian Support Association of Queensland, Irish Australian Support and Resource Bureau (Victoria) and Irish Support Agency NSW Inc.

Irish 30

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Important News
We are excited to announce the launch of our new mental health and wellbeing initiative commencing the 18 May at 6 pm.
Promoting the mental health and wellbeing of our community has been a priority for the ISA for many years. The ISA and our skilled volunteers have been helping us address the critical issue of mental health and wellbeing during this challenging time. We are launching 'The Irish 30' on 18 May'; this is a series of free weekly wellbeing webinars designed to promote the mental health and wellbeing of the Irish Community in Australia during the Covid 19 challenge.

Irish 30

Coronavirus Covid 19 - Appeal

The effects of the Covid 19 pandemic have been felt far and wide. We want to assure you that the ISA continues on our mission to support vulnerable Irish citizens living in NSW who are struggling. As the economic crisis escalates, we are experiencing a significant increase in requests for support from young individuals and families. These individuals fall outside of the Government assistance and stimulus packages. Many of whom are struggling to fund their very basic needs. We are calling on you, the Irish diaspora, to donate what you can. With this recent increase in demand, the Agency anticipates requests for emergency support will exceed $500,000 in the months ahead. Now more than ever, it is critical that Irish citizens who are in crisis and living in NSW can access our programs to support their financial, mental and physical wellbeing, social inclusion and sense of connection in our community. Any financial support you can assist with is greatly appreciated.
History shows that Irish people are extraordinarily generous, resilient and optimistic and we will not let the current crisis dim that light.
All donations exceeding $2 are tax deductible.
DONATE

Early Access to Superannuation

The Australian Government is allowing individuals affected by the Coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21. 

TEMPORARY EARLY ACCESS TO SUPERANNUATION 

While superannuation helps people save for retirement, the Australian Government recognises that for those significantly financially affected by the Coronavirus, accessing some of their superannuation today may outweigh the benefits of maintaining those savings until retirement.

Eligibility Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents

To apply for early release you must satisfy any one or more of the following requirements:

• you are unemployed; or

• you are eligible to receive a job seeker payment, youth allowance for jobseekers, parenting payment (which includes the single and partnered payments), special benefit or farm household allowance; or

• on or after 1 January 2020:  you were made redundant; or  your working hours were reduced by 20 per cent or more; or  if you are a sole trader — your business was suspended or there was a reduction in your turnover of 20 per cent or more.

Temporary visa holders  To apply for early release you must satisfy any one or more of the following requirements:

Student visa holders (Subclasses 500, 570-576):

 • you have held your student visa for 12 months or more; and 

• you are unable to meet your immediate living expenses. 

Temporary skilled work visa holders (Subclasses 457 and 482)

• on or after 1 January 2020, you had your working hours reduced to zero by your employer; and 

• you are still employed by that employer. 

All other temporary visa holders (including Working Holiday Maker visa holders and other working visas) 

• you are unable to meet your immediate living expenses

Full details of the scheme are detailed in the link below

Australian Government Fact Sheet Early Access to superannuation