May 2025
Dear friends of SpringDale and friends I have yet to meet,
Over the last few years, I have listened to my body better than I used to do. I now, realise when I start to get stressed trying to finish a task, report or project, I need to take a breath and try to finish, whatever it is, quickly. At these times, you may hear me saying “Come on Anne you can do it!” Then work out how to make sure I don’t get stressed next time. One of the hardest parts of this, is observing and realising what is happening.
This can take a few tries, but eventually, setting up the systems to make it easier to achieve the things needed to be finished, in the time I have. It’s also important to share the load, to trust people to do a great job and then to monitor the results to ensure the outcomes have the desired results.
Monitoring is something I am still working on. Like most tasks, you usually get better, the more you exercise that muscle or practice that task.
I have found that setting up a comprehensive plan can also help. Having checklists is a great way to monitor progress and if people want to help, the checklist can help to allow them to decide what role to play. Especially when it’s a big task with lots of opportunities for people to help.
We also need to be thinking strategically and long term. SpringDale has had a strategic plan that has helped us to navigate through the last 5 years and we will start a new strategic planning cycle in the next few months. If you have any ideas that you would like to share so we can develop the best plan to help us over the next 5 years, please let us know. Perhaps you could answer these questions – What have you appreciated us doing? What have you not like us doing? What do you think we should be doing? And please drop these answers into the SpringDale office, post to SpringDale 17-21 High Street, Drysdale, 3222, or contact us via the website.
Thanks so much for your support again. So many people see what we are doing and offer to help if they can. As we approach Neighbourhood House and Volunteer weeks, this month, please know that we appreciate all the support we receive under both of these headings.
Looking forward to seeing you at SpringDale when you can fit us into your busy life.
Yours kindly,
Anne Brackley OAM
Chief Enthusiasm Officer & Coordinator
SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre Inc.
