Graceades Cottage - Events

High Tea was served to Mothers and Daughters at "The Historic OAK'S" at Oakhurst 21st February 2015. Graceades Community Cottage has been working in partnership with community organisations. Rainbow of Cultures Mothers and Daughters Connect workshops to connect Mothers and Daughters of all ages the programs such as jewellery making and pamper sessions had everyone talking and sharing stories about cultures, how times have changed over the years for women this proved to show great connection between mothers and daughters.

Funding for workshops and High Tea was provided by NSW Government Community Relations Commission Multicultural Advantage Grants Program.

The High Tea was a huge success mothers and daughters had spent valuable time prior to the event planning what they will be wearing etc. The High Tea attendance numbers were 107 all enjoyed themselves they drank tea from antique tea cups and silver cutlery and ate desserts such as scones, jam and cream, macaroons, cakes, gourmet sandwiches and pastries.

Friday afternoon 30 Year Celebration Carnival went off with a "BANG". Over 350 people rocked up and enjoyed ice-cream, fairly floss, cakes, hot chocolates, cappuccinos, rides, show bags, face painting, rainbow slide and more. Aunty Edna Welcomed all to Draug Country. Federal MP Ed Husic, State MP Richard Amery, Blacktown Mayor Len Robinson, Housing NSW representative Allan Cropper along with Graceades Manager Patricia and Ivanka cut the Birthday cake with the help of a young local. Thanks to the Community for making it a GREAT DAY and thanks to all our helpers…COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITH OUT YOU!

SBS' Struggle Street has opened up a new world of people to Graceades Community Cottage, Bidwill. Since the airing of the documentary on Wednesday night, our staff have received phone calls and emails from people all over Australia, people who have offered many kind words and gestures.

The kind words show the work we perform is appreciated by the wider community. It's a wonderful feeling to be thanked and praised for our small contribution. It is a sentiment of encouragement to our little Cottage to know that the people of Australia support us.

Phone calls and emails received have included messages to thank us, heartfelt kind words, sharing stories and donations of goods and services. As a Community Cottage we receive funding from FaCS and we apply for grants to continue to run a variety of programmes, for our community. The amazing donations which have been offered from the broader community will be put towards purchasing new equipment for the gym, resources such as arts/craft items etc all will be donated back to the community and will make a difference for those who visit Graceades.

Many donations have already been received, and daily we are receiving calls and emails from people who would like to donate what they can. We are happy to accept any items, which can be delivered to our office or alternatively we can arrange to pick up larger items, if you wish to donate your time or service please contact our office via email or phone, and if you would like to donate a monetary value please visit our website where you can donate via the PayPal account or please inquire for direct deposit details.

Management and staff of Graceades Community Cottage, Bidwill, would like to thank each and every one of you for your encouragement, support and wishes, we truly appreciate all the kind gestures and generosity, please know that this all has a positive impact for our community. We are blessed to have the opportunity to make a difference, and with Australia supporting us, we can reach for the stars.

Thank you Management and Staff of Graceades Community Cottage, Bidwill

Ivanka – Thanks you

I am truly moved by the response of the people of Australia, never in my mind did I think that I would be receiving calls and emails from people who I've never met thanking me. All the tears I have shed are happy tears and I am sorry when I have cried on phone. ( I know its hard to understand what I'm trying to say especially when I'm a blubbering mess) what I was trying to say was thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to call, email and visit. It's such a beautiful kind act. I have been blessed with many kind words of support and donations.

Australia I am so overwhelmed by your generosity .... You are all amazing!