Albany Inc

About Albany Inc

SCROLL DOWN TO PROJECTS for the latest photos from Kare Kits Campaign 2024 and WA Women's Hall of Fame Exhibition

SCROLLDOWN to view recent club photos

Would you like to find out more about our club or attend our next meeting? Then let’s have a coffee & chat.

Phone our Membership Convenor : Rosalind 0429447776   Or sialbany@siseap.org

  MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT

Gillian Robertson

Gill first joined SI Albany in January 2012, paused her membership for a few years, but still helped with a few catering events held at Hawthorn House, Living Waters Church and St. Ives. To her delight, she was able to rejoin the Club in 2020.

Gill has participated in many projects over the years, including the recent Albany Womens Centre Kare Kits - Project by Soroptimist Albany box drive visiting a few generous people and organisations, project-led the inaugural WA Women's Hall of Fame in Albany, and the bread tag and bottle cap collection which became “bigger than we ever imagined” and eventually had to stop due to loss of processors up in Perth – it was extremely labour intensive and many of our Soroptimists became experts at sorting! Help and support for Solaris Cancer Care was also organised during the Covid19 epidemic which was gratefully received by that organisation at the time.

Nowadays the Club supports the newly established Albany Wellness Hub of Cancer Council of WA in Grey Street, Albany.

Gill enjoys the easy friendship and camaraderie of our local, distant and International Soroptimist members, welcoming a few visitors to her home during a previous Regional Council meeting and has put her administration skills to good use in supporting and representing SI Albany.

Carol Thomas - Member for six years
I have always had a commitment to my community as I believe that a happy and vibrant community is the result of the involvement and interest of its members. Over the years I have been active in my children’s activities as a parent support, committee member, costume maker, coach and mum’s taxi.
As they grew and moved into adulthood, and I retired from paid work I still wanted to be involved in my community in ways that interested and fulfilled me.
I attended several Soroptimist International Albany events over time and liked what I saw and heard. I like the focus on women and girls, the national and international reach that Soroptimists have and the practical approach the organisation has in what it does. Ground roots, hands on, working with and alongside is the approach that speaks to me.
I’m privileged to have been a member for some 6 years and have had a lot of fun being part of SI Albany.

 Pam and Jan Leaman

Members for 42 years

Why we joined

Late in 1981, Miss Barbara Wight moved to Albany. An active Soroptimist, she was disappointed that there was not a club in Albany. Not content to accept that, she contacted some local ladies and, with their help, sought out women who might be interested in a Service Club. A meeting was held at the Esplanade Hotel in November and the decision made to proceed with the formation of a club.

The Extension Officer at the time was Stella Giles and, with her guidance, the first meeting was arranged for January 1982 at the Esplanade Hotel. From there Soroptimist International of Albany was a going concern, gradually proceeding to the Charter Dinner which was presided over by President Barbara Wight. It was held on Saturday, April 1982, at the Esplanade Hotel at a cost of $20.

Over the past 42 years Pam and Jan have continued their participation in SI Albany as office bearers and hands on with projects and fundraising

Would you like to find out more about our club or attend our next meeting? Then let’s have a coffee & chat.

Phone Rosalind 0429447776

Or sialbany@siswp.org

Or message the top of this page 

Kerry Oakley

My husband Barry and I came to Albany over 32 years ago when we purchased the Amity Tavern on Albany Highway which we worked until we sold and retired. Unfortunately, the Amity Tavern is no longer around.... which is end of an era for sure.

As Barry has belonged to Surf Life Saving most of his life ....it was a no brainer that we would join Albany Surf Life Saving Club since we were in town and still to this day we Volunteer there. I was lucky to have the Life Membership bestowed on me in the year 2009.

My other Volunteering positions have been for Albany Agricultural Society where I was the Shearing Co-ordinator for our Shows over number of years. In that role it was up to me to get sponsorship, sheep, shearers etc to make sure we had 2 days of Show Shearing happening.

I was lucky enough to Host King Charles (Prince Charles) at the time when he and Camilla visited Albany....it actually was his Birthday 14th November. So my claim to fame with my new best friend King Charles (Prince Charles) that not only were we on television but made the front Page of The Countryman that was distributed throughout WA....it amused family members who were Farmers....as what does she know about Shearing....

Since Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Great Southern Albany was formed, I have been from the beginning a Volunteer plus the President. It is such a rewarding role Volunteering and seeing those "Smiles on Dials“ as our Surfers are given an opportunity to surf at Middleton Beach in a safe environment.

Over the years I have also Volunteered at other Clubs in Albany when an extra pair of hands are needed. I feel that becoming part of Soroptimists International Albany was a good direction as we are helping women and girls from all walks of life as well as the broader Community, who would of thought 2 years on that I would also end up being Co-President of SI Albany alongside Deb Symes.

 

Janet McArtney (alias J2 as there are 2 Janets in our club, all born the same year)

Hi, I have been with Albany Soroptimists for 9 years. My association first started over 24 years ago when I answered a sponsorship from Albany Soroptimists to a ‘Women Going Places Conference’ in Albany. I was chosen, went to a fabulous conference and then asked to their meeting to tell them all about it. Of course, they asked if I would join and I said, “Yes, when my daughter leaves home” as life was hectic with a toddler, an elderly mother and a brother with a disability.

For years(24yrs) I followed the amazing work of the Albany Soroptimists via Facebook and other media. Then Rebecca left home for Uni in March 9 yrs ago, mum went into care and my brother gained enough funding so….. I rocked to a meeting in April and said, “Here I am, I said I would come when my daughter left home”. Yes, a bit of a laugh and amazement from all, but true.

Also… I brought an idea of the Albany Womens Centre Kare Kits - Project by Soroptimist Albany whereby Soroptimists are involved a community-based donation drive where schools, chemists and business act as Collection Points for the community to donate essential toiletries to the women and children at the Albany Women’s Centre/Refuge. It’s been a huge success and now its 8th year and has just kicked off with 60 Donation Points in Albany, Mt Barker and Denmark where the community digs deep every year to show their support for the women and children affected by family violence community,

I love that Albany Soroptimist took on board my AWCKK idea and recognised my Facebook and other computer skills so I can feel so useful. The projects I have been involved in are too many to list, worthwhile and enjoyable.

I love that I am helping local and international women. Keep watching these posts and you will learn more from our amazing, funny (and yes, a little quirky) Albany Soroptimists.

Would you like to find out more about our club or attend our next meeting? Then let’s have a coffee & chat.

Bronwyn O’Shannessy

Member for 18 years

I had been living in Albany for four years when I was encouraged to join SI Albany and I was inducted in January 2006. It is a great organisation to be involved with. I have taken on various positions in the club, currently treasurer after several years as secretary (second stint), not forgetting taking on president on two occasions. I spent over five years as the region ICT liaison, with a lot of input to the SIWA website and Facebook. I find there is always someone new to meet via our guest speakers at meetings and our club participates in a range of events. Until recently I enjoyed meeting other Soroptimists at region meetings and conferences. Now I participate virtually at meetings.

Outside Soroptimism my volunteering has been as a Justice of the Peace, where I do a stint at the signing centre once a month. To a lesser degree I am also involved with South Coast Lions, as a Lions partner. I also have a soft spot for Apex when my husband was involved, many years ago. Volunteering is very rewarding

 

Trish Travers

Member for 14 years

I joined the Soroptimist International Albany Club after being a guest speaker in my past work role. I like working on our local projects like the Albany Women's Centre Kare Kits (toiletry packs for the women's refuge) & Multi Sensory Time Kits (for people with dementia).

When I have been travelling in Australia & overseas, I have contacted & met with many Soroptimist Sisters for a coffee.

I like to meet with like-minded women across Australia & overseas.

CLUB PHOTO 22 OCTOBER 2024

Recognising Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Back: Jan L, Joy, Bron L, Kay, Helen   Middle:  Gill, Rhonda, Janet McA, Carol  Front: Deb [co-president], Bron O, Rosalind, Kerry [co-president]

PURPLE BRA DAY 27 AUGUST 2024

CLUB PHOTO APRIL 2024

NOVEMBER  DINNER MEETING - 28 NOVEMBER 2023

Back: Jan L (Membership/Extension), Deb (Joint President), Nadene (prospective member), Helen, Bron O (Treasurer), Lorraine, Bron L (Secretary)

Front: Kerry (Joint President), Gill, Rhonda, Pam, Carol (Programme/UN), Rosalind, Janet (Publicity)

Missing: Jacque & Trish

 

WA WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME EXHIBITION 2024

 

 History

Soroptimist International of Albany started in 1982. However, much has been achieved in fellowship, friendship and service.

Late in 1981, Miss Barbara Wight moved to Albany. An active Soroptimist, she was disappointed that there was not a club in Albany. Not content to accept that, she contacted some local ladies and, with their help, sought out women who might be interested in a Service Club. A meeting was held at the Esplanade Hotel in November and the decision made to proceed with the formation of a club.

The Extension Officer at the time was Stella Giles and, with her guidance, the first meeting was arranged for 12th January 1982 at the Esplanade Hotel. From there Soroptimist International of Albany was a going concern, gradually proceeding to the Charter Dinner which was presided over by President Barbara Wight. It was held on Saturday, 24th April 1982, at the Esplanade Hotel at a cost of $20.

The President’s Jewel was designed to reflect the history and beauty of Albany and its surrounds. The centerpiece of whales’ tooth scrimshaw depicts the Brig “Amity” and surrounding it, in sterling silver filigree, are some of the wildflowers of the Albany Region.

Friendship links have been established with SI Birkenhead (Great Britain), Lae (Papua New Guinea) and more recently SI Edmonton, SI Kisumu and SI Tynemouth, Whitley Bay & District. Unfortunately links are no longer maintained with Hachinohe (Japan), Albany – New York (USA), Elk Grove (USA), Benoni (South Africa), Brazilia (Brazil) and Albany – Oregon (USA). 

Projects

Albany Women's Centre Kare Kits 2024

Update from 6 July 2024

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou.

To everyone who made this year Albany Women’s Centre Kare Kit Donation Drive a huge success for 2024. Times are a little tougher this year, but everyone dug deep into their hearts to help.

63 Collection Boxes were distributed around Albany, Mt Barker and Denmark to businesses, community groups and schools, 18 more than last year. 175 women and children’s Kare Kit drawstring bags were made up with essential toiletries. Also, there were numerous boxes of clothing and school stationary, lunch boxes, water bottles and school bags.

The Soroptimists members and Albany Women’s Centre staff who packed the Kare Kits was overwhelmed with the generosity of the community as need to help women and children affected by family violence continues.

Soroptimist International of Albany Inc., Western Australia

Soroptimist International of Western Australia

Check out our Facebook page for more photos and thank you message

www.facebook.com/AlbanyWomensCentreKareKits

History

Albany Women’s Centre (AWC) is a local Women’s Refuge and Support service that is ran by Anglicare WA. AnglicareWA has been providing a service at AWC since 1996. Their work has been directed by a commitment to social justice and a well-developed understanding of the issues faced by women and children affected by Family and Domestic Violence (FDV). AWC provides crisis accommodation and support services for women and children managing and surviving family violence. Services include 24 hour on call support for safe, secure crisis accommodation; case management support; outreach services; support groups; advocacy and community education.

You can donate all year around at Anglicare WA, Collie Street.   

 

MULTI SENSORY TIME KITS

New banner November 2022

The five kits

Albany Soroptimists invested a number of years in this project and are excited about helping people who are living with dementia or other neurological disorders. Multi-Sensory Time Kits help people to recall memories through the senses. The Kits were designed under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist.   The kits assist to encourage happy memories and discussion, using five different themes.

The Shearing Shed   The Beach   The Kitchen   The Dairy   The Garden

This project was developed by the Soroptimist International Club of Albany Inc and was made possible by support from The Department of Communities and City of Albany Community Development Funding.   This project is now winding down, as we have limited kits left. More information

https://www.multisensorytime.com.au/

Background

People with memory issues nearly always remember past experiences. Tapping into these memories, reminds them of happier and more productive times and stimulates more memories of past experiences. One of our Soroptimist International members, Rosalind Sawyer (a retired Occupational Therapist), understood the need to have a full multi-sensory experience in order to achieve the best outcome. We use all our senses to understand the world we live in - sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell as well as our sense of wellbeing or happiness, and movement. We have produced these kits containing resources necessary for the experience, as we realise that people often do not have the time to find them. They are simple items and we have put them together in one box, for ease of use. They can be used by many groups, such as aged care, those with neurological disorders, mental health agencies and with children. This is the culmination of the project initiated by Rosalind’s enthusiasm. A small committee was formed in 2018. They worked with AtoZ Visual, a local film maker and photographer, to produce three kits in the series as a pilot study. This was helped by a grant from the Brandenberg Trust through the City of Albany Compassionate Communities Project. The pilot proved such a success, the Albany Soroptimists and Soroptimist International WA gave support to expand the project to include more topics/themes.    These 5 kits have been designed to help people who are having difficulties with memory loss and recall.    The aim is to help encourage happy memories and to encourage discussion with other people.

Each kit has a different theme. There are between 1 and 4 short, themed films to show. Each film is about 10-20 minutes long.   To be used together with the films, we have included several items that are commonly linked with the theme, for users to see, touch or smell.    The films make use of natural sounds and when used with our themed objects can stimulate many senses.   The more senses that are included, the greater and more satisfactory is the experience.