Computer Classes Now Available on the Coast

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Brisbane, QLD. February 12, 2019 –  Co.As.It. Community Services announces its Computer and Technology Classes for over 65’s set to roll out on the Gold Coast commencing Friday 22 February. These FREE weekly lessons cover learning how to Skype, how to use FaceBook and how to set up a Smartphone among many other tips, will be held at the South Coast Office at 34 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island.  The classes run between 3.00pm and 4.30pm every Friday and bookings are essential due to limited availability.

“The classes are a great way to learn and they are very social” says Alex Favali the Co.As.It. Community Support Officer who delivers the weekly lessons. For further information and bookings, email gcrecetion@coasit.asn.au or by call 07 5617 9500, yet another great initiative by Co.As.It. Community Services.

About Co.As.It. Community Services, headquartered in Brisbane, is a peak body within the Aged Care and Community Services industry. It has won a number of industry awards for high quality service delivery and excellence in care.

Stunning Trip to Stanthorpe

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Our industrious facilitator Emanuela Febo took our “social outings” group to Stanthorpe on the 14th December for a 2 day trip. Our clients had been up early that morning as they had been instructed to do and had placed their baggage on the bus by 6.30 am so that the bus could start the trip on time.

Along the way everyone was so happy thinking of picking their own cherries with memories of fruit picking being shared amongst the group. After a pit stop for morning tea they proceeded for the final destination – Stanthorpe!

About 11.30 they arrived at the International Club at Stanthorpe where they met up with Fortunato and Frank the two musicians that were playing traditional Italian music and also met some Italian migrants.  Bottles of red and white wine were soon placed on the tables as well as some antipasto followed by a large buffet of food.  Most clients’ appetite had increased dramatically through the pure and fresh air of the country side.  Typical Italian sweets were then served with fresh brewed coffee while Father Christmas came to each table giving everyone a Christmas present.

Then it was time to dance! The band played crowd favourites such as the tarantella, cha-cha-cha and other traditional Italian dances.  To finish the day everyone headed off to the local pizzeria at night.

Next morning after breakfast they were off to the cherry farm.  What a surprise to see the fruit trees full of cherries followed by free cherry picking and eating at the same time at no charge.

This was followed by a visit to the winery for wine tasting.  Soon it was midday and once again time to eat.  This time at another restaurant – there were cannelloni, arancini  hot ham and chicken, vegetables and salads. Finally came the sweets,  gelato cassata and coffee.

Glasses were charged and good wishes were exchanged  for a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

With sunset approaching it was time to start the return to Brisbane .  Their big smiles said it all!  Yes  they were two wonderful days in Stanthorpe.

 

International Women’s Day 2019

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Co.As.It. Community Services is hosting the annual International Women’s Day on the 9th March with a Harmony and Delights Morning Tea. Join us at Victoria Park Golf Complex in Herston to share a fun day that includes generous delicacies, Prosecco and Bellini cocktails and a fabulous event to acknowledge this year’s theme #Balanceforbetter!

Hosted by the effervescent Rosanna Natoli from Channel Seven you will spend a memorable day with friends celebrating women’s achievements whilst contributing to a great cause. Join in for excellent chances to win a swag of wonderful raffle prizes… all of this is included for only $65!

To purchase your ticket contact Co.As.It. Community Services on 07 3624 6100 or via the Eventbrite link. Co.As.It. Community Services is a charitable organisation providing optimum care in the aged care sector. Proceeds from the event go towards our self-funded Dementia and Carer Support Program. Don’t miss your chance to be part of what has been described as an event not to be missed…

Excellent value and a fabulous way to celebrate friendship, life and good food!

The link is:  here

 

CLIENT LUNCHEON TO CELEBRATE 40 YRS

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Co.As.It. Community Services reached a 40 year milestone in 2018, providing aged care and community services in Queensland since 1978.  Celebrating this anniversary, a Christmas themed luncheon was shared with over 400 clients at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club in Chermside. The event was held on Saturday 1st December in the Blue Room and the free event was a huge success.

Dina Ranieri, Co.As.It. CEO says: “I am honoured to witness this amazing milestone and be a testament to the positive impact our organisation has made on the South East Queensland community.”

The lunch was attended by clients, staff and committee members who were treated to a three course luncheon, live music and a documentary video on the history of Co.As.It. that included an interview with the founder, Fiorenza Jones. The event featured a lucky table prize of the delicious Italian Christmas cake “panettone” for one guest from each table.

One of Co.As.It. Clients John Lind wrote of the event:

“We were amazed by your love and care shown to us yesterday. Obviously Saturday was but a sample of all that has happened over the last 40 years and certainly shown to us in the last few months for Joe, and the last 13-14 months for myself. Your staff have always been kind considerate, willing to help and thorough in all their help towards us.”

Co.As.It. reaches its 40 year milestone

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40th Gala Evening COASIT Queensland

40th Gala Evening COASIT Queensland

 

Co.As.It. Community Services celebrated its 40th year of delivering services to the South East Queensland community with a Gala Dinner at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 27th October 2018.

The services go beyond delivering aged care and social support to include the teaching of the Italian language and culture at the Italian Language Centre in Newmarket.

Over 340 guests attended the memorable event including team members and committee members past and present, sponsors, volunteers and VIP guests.

Dina Ranieri, Co.As.It. CEO says: “I am honoured to witness this amazing milestone and be a testament to the positive impact our organisation has made on the South East Queensland community.”

To commemorate the occasion an historical booklet was created capturing the progression over the years, and a documentary was launched on the night featuring an interview with the founder,  Fiorenza Jones. Members of the committee past and present also contributed to the documentary telling the story of the past 40 years.

During the event a slideshow looped hunderds of images that showcased client social outings, forums, classes, celebrations and festivals, past and present.

The president of the committee, Nereo Brezzi hosted VIP’s the Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe, Italian Consul for Queensland and Northern Territory, Dott. Ludovico Carlo Camussi, Jacinta Webb representing Hon. Grace Grace (Minister for Industrial Relations), Councillor Krista Adams, Councillor Vicki Howard, Councillor Norm Wyndham, the Italian Ambassador Hon. Francesco Giacobbe, and President of the Com.It.Es for Queensland and Northern Territory, Mariangela Stagnitti.

Guests were hosted by the charismatic Damien Anthony Rossi and the lovely Naomi Price. They enjoyed a sumptuous 4 course meal, wines and liqueur. The live music was provided by the talented De Bellis Band from Sydney, the lead singer Claudia Migliaccio was a finalist on The Voice the same year as Naomi Price.

Co.As.It. Community Services Inc. is a peak body within the aged care and community services industry which has won recognition for high quality services delivery and excellence in care.  Constant research, planning and improvement ensures that Co.As.It. programs and services are relevant, responsive and meet the diverse needs of its clients, especially those from CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) backgrounds.  The net proceeds from this event go towards the Dementia Carer Support Program for the CALD community. For more information please contact 07 3262 5755.

Italian Cinema at Chermside Library

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Movies at the Chermside Library

As part of the CISS program, Co.As.It. is holding monthly movie matinees at the Chermside Library (375 Hamilton Road Chermside).  The events are free and open to everyone interested in making new friends, catching up with old ones or simply enjoying few hours with some of Italy’s finest movies. The program may also be useful for those who are interested in improving their skills in Italian, as the brief talks about the movies and the movies themselves – are entirely in Italian.

Aug 14 – Un Americano a Roma (1954)

Sep 24 – Nuovo cinema paradiso (1988)

Oct 30 – Malena (2000)

Nov 26 – Sapore di mare (1983)

Gala Dinner Celebrating 40 Years

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Co.As.It. Community Services is Celebrating 40 Years of operation from 1978 – 2018. According to our founder Cav. Uff. Fiorenza Jones OAM, Co. As. It. represents the vision and hard work of an extraordinary person.  Join us at our prestigious Gala Dinner to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre using the stunning Southbank Parklands as the backdrop. Here we acknowledge our passion to service the Italian and wider community in the city of Brisbane.

Gala Dinner to Celebrate 40 Years of Community Services

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Co.As.It. Community Services is Celebrating 40 Years of operation from 1978 – 2018. Join

us at our prestigious Gala Dinner to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Entertainment

Centre using the stunning Southbank Parklands as the backdrop. Here we acknowledge our

passion to care for the Italian and wider community in South East Queensland.

Reflecting on our extensive history …. 40 years is truly something to celebrate.

 

Women’s Day 2018 Celebrations

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Thanks to all who guests celebrated International Women’s Day on Saturday 10 March with a fabulous Morning Tea Event at Victoria Park.
The event was a great way to celebrate women and their many efforts in our community. The celebration was hosted by Channel 7 Presenter and Journalist, Rosanna Natoli. Each guest enjoyed a fashion parade, with a live runway show sponsored by Petrol Boutique – Paddington, raffle prizes and a lovely ‘girl’s day out’.

The Details
Event: International Women’s Day Morning Tea
Time and Date: Saturday 10 March 2018, 10.30am – 2.30pm
Where: Victoria Park Golf Complex, Herston Road, HERSTON
Tickets: $65

Community Concert – Alfio, Music, Prizes and Panettone

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Co.As.It. Community Services was excited to celebrate its 11th Community Concert on Saturday 25 November at the Old Museum at Bowen Hills.
This year, over 300 guests welcomed international performer Alfio to the stage for a mesmerizing solo performance accompanied by incredible vocals, comedy, and classic piano ballads. Held under the patronage of the Italian Consulate for Queensland and Northern Territory, the event also featured a special Broadway performance from Vavachi Entertainment, with soprano Gabrielle Jack and tenor Roger Davy giving new life to all-time favourites from musicals like Phantom of the Opera and Cats.

From left: Co.As.It. Director Dina Ranieri, Hon. Teresa Gambaro, Italian Consul for Qld and NT Dott. Ludovico Carlo Camussi, President of Com.It.Es. Mariangela Stagnitti, Co.As.It. President Cav. Nereo Brezzi.

Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon, TV personality Damien Anthony Rossi, welcomed distinguished guests including Italian Consul for Qld and NT, Dott. Ludovico Carlo Camussi, President of Com.It.Es Mariangela Stagnitti and Hon Teresa Gambaro. After a stellar first act from Vavachi entertainment, the live show continued with the main act for the afternoon, all the way from New York, Emmy nominee Alfio. Amongst applause and laughter, the guests sung along to much loved Italian classics, with Alfio’s unique talent shining through every performance. During intermission audience members were treated to an array of Italian traditional sweets and biscuits, generously donated by Gerbino’s Pasticceria.

 

 

 

 

 

Alfio later returned to the stage for the final act of his performance, followed by the much anticipated drawing of the raffle. Our generous raffle sponsors this year included, Touring Abruzzo by Luciana Masci, Basile Imports, KM Smith Funeral Director, Councillor Norm Wyndham and Dendy Cinemas. Six lucky winners walked away with gourmet gift hampers and vouchers.
The event concluded under the historic entry doors of the Old Museum with traditional panettone and a glass of prosecco, generously donated by Italiquore Brands Internationale.

 

 

 

 

 

Each year Co.As.It. is excited to give something back to its community members, bringing forth a joyous start to the festive season. We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support, and all Co.As.It. staff who contributed to a successful event.

If you would like to know more about our sponsors, please click on the links below:

  • Italiquore Brands Internationale. Website: http://italiquore.com.au/
  • Gerbino’s Pasticceria. Website: http://www.gerbinos.com.au/
  • Touring Abruzzo by Luciana Masci – For 13 years now Luciana Masci, director of Touring Abruzzo has been sharing her passion for Italy with many wonderful guests.

    For those who dream of taking a trip to Italy and seeing all that ‘The Boot’ of Europe has to offer, there are Italy tours to suit everyone at Touring Abruzzo. Our small group tours of Italy stand out from the rest for their authentic, locally-connected guides and insider knowledge as well as the many experiences and locations we visit. For your next Italy trip, consider these undiscovered gems of central and southern Italy – Abruzzo, Puglia, Basilicata, Marche and Molise regions.
    It is truly the ITALY YOU HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR…Learn more about Touring Abruzzo’s range of tour departures, private tours and heritage/genealogy services: www.touringabruzzo.com.　

  • K.M. Smith Funeral Directors – We think of Everything. K.M. Smith is and always has been a 100% Australian family owned firm providing a caring, traditional, and surprisingly affordable funeral service built upon strong family values. We have served Queensland families in their hour of need for 6 generations. Website: http://www.kmsmith.com.au/

  • Councillor for McDowall Ward, Norm Wyndham. Website: http://www.normwyndham.org/
  • Basile Imports – Choose the Best, We Do. Basile Imports has built its reputation on this company motto to become a successful importer of Italian fine food and wine in Australia.
    Website: http://www.basile.com.au
  • Dendy Cinemas, Portside. Website: https://www.dendy.com.au/cinemas/portside
  • Flora Di Lizio – very generous community member