Bay Islands Community Services
INC

Serving the Southern Moreton Bay Islands of Karragarra, Lamb, Macleay and Russell Islands

ABN 50 269 503 941

Endorsed as a deductible gift recipient 1st July 2000

Classification: Public benevolent institution

The organisation

Bay Islands Community Services Inc, (B.I.C.S), was established in 1995. It is a not-for profit organisation and a registered charity providing a service to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands of Karragarra, Lamb, Macleay and Russell Islands. Until 2001 the organization was self funded but did receive emergency assistance funding from the Federal Government. In 2001, the organization received funding from the State Government Department of Communities, to employ a full time and a part time worker and to assist with operating costs.

In October 2005, Bay Islands Community Services Inc became part of the Career Employment Australia group (CEA) and is managed by CEA while retaining it's own identity and Bay Island focus. The organisation is mainly staffed by volunteers who are able to participate in a range of activities and training opportunities.

Volunteers are always welcome to join the organisation and are covered by all relevant insurances.

An 'Op Shop" operates on both Macleay and Russell Islands, offering a range of items at low prices. Annual membership is $5.50, renewable each July. Membership entitles the member to voting privileges and a range of discounts.

Services

Emergency Assistance and Food Vouchers.
Counselling for families, couples and individuals. The worker is available on Russell Island Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday and Wednesdays on Macleay.
Assistance with Domestic Violence issues Appointments are required.
Household Budgeting - Financial Counselling
E-Tax: Free assistance with Tax Returns and Baby Bonus claims for Low Income Earners.
Assistance with CentreLink
Commissioner for Declarations
Photocopying: A3 and A4 size.
Laminating: A3, A4 and Business Cards. (Russell Island only)
Computer and Internet Access.
Sending and Receiving Facsimilies
Document Shredding
Document Printing from Disk or CD
MediCare Easy Claim Booth. ( Macleay Island only)
Optometrist ( Eyes on Wheels) By appointment
Child Health Nurse. ( Visits monthly to Russell and Macleay Islands from Redland Health Service)
Podiatrist. Visits monthly to Russell and Macleay Islands. Appointment required
Legal outreach service (Macleay Island) appointments required
Boystown outreach service (Macleay Island)
Work for the Dole: Projects and individual placements.
Host for Community Corrections and Juvenile Justice placements

Activities

Family Leisure and Activities Group (F.L.A.G.) is based on Macleay Island. Most activities are held at the community centre on Macleay Island. Families and young people can enjoy a range of activities as well as participating in a wide variety of events which are provided in partnership with Redland Shire Council and several other service providers and organisations.

All individuals who work for this organisation and who are involved with young people are required to apply for a suitability check by the Commission for Children and Young People and to hold a 'Blue Card'. Applications can be made through the community centre and are free for volunteers.

Social Activities

Russell Island

Russell Island Craft group. (Mondays 10.00am)
Dance and Drama classes

Macleay Island

The Macleay Island Playgroup Community Centre every Wednesday at 9.00 - 11.30am except during school holidays.
Line Dancing Monday 5.15 - 7.15pm
Fighting Fit classes Tues and Thurs 10.30 - 11.30am
Macleay Island Martial Arts Tues and Thurs 4.15 - 6.45pm
GKR Karate classes Wednesday 4.15 - 6.45pm
Inter-Island Quiz Challenge. (annual)

Other special events are held throughout the year.