Olive Way2021-10-15T13:44:43+11:00
The Olive Way is a place of welcome for all who want to use it. We first opened our doors in 2007 responding to a vision and desire to open our doors and offer hospitality beyond Sunday mornings.
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Olive Way Operations Coordinator

Position available: Olive Way Operations Coordinator

The Brunswick Uniting Church is seeking an Operations Coordinator for its Olive Way program.

The Olive Way is a ministry of Brunswick Uniting Church and provides hospitality, a safe place where people can meet and chat, and a number of enrichment activities. It operates on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 1,30 pm from the church property at 212 Sydney Road Brunswick.

We are seeking a person to provide hands-on, daily leadership and coordination of the Olive Way and contribute to the longer-term development of the program. A key aspect of the position is support and training of volunteers who carry out many of the tasks within the Olive Way. The Olive Way Operations Coordinator will also need to facilitate the inclusion of guests who come from a diverse range of backgrounds. The position reports to the Pastor Olive Way.

This is a 13 hours per week position spread over the three days. The salary level is Social and Community Services Worker Level 3. The position commences on 1 January 2022 and concludes on 31 December 2024. There will be a 3 month probationary period.

See details of the Position Description here. Applications close on 31 October 2021.
For further enquiries contact Peter Blair on buc.oliveway@gmail.com

Olive Way offers a take away meal during lockdown – NEW 20/8
During lockdowns we will be offering hot take away meals on Tuesdays at 12pm

  • for take away meals please enter via Merri St and observe social distancing, check ins and face masks
  • in non-lockdown periods enter via Sydney Rd

Olive Way remains closed – NEW 28/7
Sometimes there are no good options. This is the dilemma we face as we emerge from lockdown 5.0. With a very uncertain situation regarding the virus, we find ourselves in a bit of a bind when it comes to opening up Olive Way.  We don’t want to start up and then find that we have to close again.  We are also seeking clarification from our Synod regarding re-opening

It isn’t a particularly joyous decision to keep us closed. I have missed the usual chats, banter, and friendship of our guests and the wonderful collegiality of our volunteers over this past lockdown. Life is just a bit less interesting without the warm and often exciting environment of Olive Way. 

 So, with a heavy heart its looking like we’ll be closed until the 10th of August. Nonetheless I will use this time to gear us up to a grand re-opening on that date when we can warmly welcome people back. Stay tuned and hold tight folks.

Olive Way opens during 2021
Whilst we were closed for most of 2020 we have been able to open up Olive Way in 2021 using the hall to allow for social distancing. This has allowed us to open for two days, Tuesdays for a hot meal (12pm) and Wednesdays for fresh sandwiches  and fruit (from 10-1:30pm).

Peter Blair, Olive Way Pastor

When we return…
We are gathering in the main Hall with entry from Sydney Rd.  We are also now open on Tuesdays from 11:30 to offer a pre-packaged hot meal.  Lunch is also served at the Salvos on Wednesdays.

Throughout 2020 …
the Olive Way community of care continued to be offered in beautiful and creative ways.  Peter Blair, our Olive Way Pastor and regular volunteers maintained contact with people by phone and email.

You can find out more here:

Anyone interested in providing innovative ideas, being a conversation partner, or providing support in other ways can contact Peter Blair peteblair75@gmail.com or Richard Arnold richarn50@gmail.com

**The Olive Arts Collective reopened on Wednesday 3rd February and is continuing fortnightly on Zoom on Thursdays.

** Please note that all other related programs described below remain closed and will recommence at a date to be advised.

Community Kitchen

A pre-packaged lunch is provided on Tuesdays from 11:30am. Our cook Peter provides a delicious home style 2 course meal.

Olive Arts Collective

An art group operates on Wednesdays. The congregation supports local artists throughout the year providing a welcome space and resources to explore their artistic gifts. Olive Arts on Zoom meets fortnightly on Thursdays.  Arts Access offers an NDIS funded program Tuesdays. The artists’ work is exhibited at various times during the year.

Music Lessons

Olive Way volunteers offer music lessons to anyone who is interested. It’s wonderful to see and hear people enjoying playing the piano for the first time or returning to the keyboard after many years.

Writing Workshop

Note – this program is not yet being offered.  A Writing Workshop on Tuesdays gives participants an opportunity to learn how to write and tell their own stories and to shape their imagination.

SROC

Note – this program is not yet being offered.  SROC is our very own Sydney Rd. Opera Company.  Olive Way participants work with professional actor Damian to share stories and draw on their life experiences to create performances. In 2016 we enjoyed ‘If the Shoe Fits’ and ‘Love and Food in Brunswick’.

Dance Classes

Note – this program is not yet being offered.  Dance classes are offered on Thursdays, 10:30 in the Main Hall.  Freedom through movement is offered by Tonia Beggs.  All ages and abilities welcome.  Bring clothes you can move in and join us to experience the joy of dance.  Contact Tonia, 0417 135 830 or Leanne, 0449 912 092.

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