Community Flower Studio Inc.

07/09/2024

RUOK? Day is Thurs 12th Sept. Ask RUOK? Any Day! Check out our Well-being Kits to reach out to your loved ones. Available at our RUOK? Pop-up Stalls on Sat 14th Sept. Check the 1st two comments. Online orders welcomed.

05/09/2024

We are hosting an RUOK? Pop-Up stall on Sat 14/9 (9 am - 1 pm) outside Little Giant Roasters Willoughby We are offering Well-being Kits. Watch this SPACE!

A conversation could change a life.

03/09/2024

Reduce rubbish in the red bin and fertilise your garden with home-made compost! Hit 2 birds with 1 stone! Win-win for people and Planet Earth!👍👍👍

Always wanted to compost but unsure where to start? 🌱 Our new six-month program offers one-on-one expert guidance, monthly support visits, and advice on how transform your food and garden waste into valuable compost.

Program Highlights:
🌿 Compost Bin Set-Up: We'll install your compost bin in your garden with you.
🌿 Monthly Support Visits: Get expert advice and troubleshooting.
🌿 Comprehensive Education: Learn all about successful composting!
Apply by 3 October. Let's create a greener, more sustainable community together! 🌿💚

https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/home-compost-initiative

02/09/2024

Last chance to register to this Sat's Career Development Workshop on JOB INTERVIEWS!

Prepare for your job interview - Employment Workshop Part B

23/08/2024

Good afternoon Laugher Yoga friends, the 2024 Spring Program will start on Tues 10 Sept to coincide with RUOK? Week! This is the most updated link to register to the new program (10th Sept to 3rd Dec). We are meeting at the same venue (Craft Room, Dougherty Community Centre, 7 Victor St, Chatswood) at 4 - 5 pm. Bring your friends and 'double' the laughter - 好事成雙! Hoho, hahaha! 😂😁🤣
Feel free to share the link and the photo with your circle of friends. At our first class, I'll bring some refreshments to celebrate RUOK? Week and the beginning of SPRING! Another GOOD news is Community Flower Studio (and me) is one of the finalists to this year's Mental Health Matters Awards - Community Initiate. A big thank you to Connie who nominated CFS and the winner will be announced on Fri 27/9 at the award ceremony. Getting to the list of finalists is already feeling like 'winning an Olympic Gold Medal'! to me. Let's CELEBRATE!!! 🏅😁🏆
各位朋友午安，，2024 年春季課程將於 9 月 10 日星期二開始，與 RUOK? 週配合！這是註冊新計劃的最新連結（9 月 10 日至 12 月 3 日）。
https://communityflowerstudio.org/laughter-yoga-program/
我們將於下午 4 點至 5 點在同一地點（Craft Room, Dougherty Community Centre, 7 Victor St, Chatswood）見面。帶上你的朋友，讓笑聲加倍 - 好事成雙！呵呵，哈哈哈！ 😂😁🤣

請隨時與您的朋友分享連結和照片。在我們的第一堂課上，我會帶一些茶點來慶祝 RUOK?週 和春天的開始！另一個好消息是 Community Flower Studio（和我）是今年 Mental Health Matters Award (心理健康關注問題獎) - 'Community Initiative' 社區發起活動的決賽入圍者之一。非常感謝 Connie 提名 CFS，獲獎者名單將於 27/9 星期五的頒獎典禮上公佈。進入決賽名單就已經感覺像是「贏得奧運金牌」了！讓我們齊來慶祝吧！ 🏅😁🏆[3:05 pm, 23/08/2024] Bibi: Good afternoon Laugher Yoga friends, the 2024 Spring Program will start on Tues 10 Sept to coincide with RUOK? Week! This is the most updated link to register to the new program (10th Sept to 3rd Dec). We are meeting at the same venue (Craft Room, Dougherty Community Centre, 7 Victor St, Chatswood) at 4 - 5 pm. Bring your friends and 'double' the laughter - 好事成雙! Hoho, hahaha! 😂😁🤣
[3:05 pm, 23/08/2024] Bibi: Please feel free to share the link and the photo with your circle of friends. At our first class, I'll bring some refreshments to celebrate RUOK? Week and the beginning of SPRING! Another GOOD news is Community Flower Studio (and me) is one of the finalists to this year's Mental Health Matters Awards - Community Initiate. A big thank you to Connie who nominated CFS and the winner will be announced on Fri 27/9 at the award ceremony. Getting to the list of finalists is already feeling like 'winning an Olympic Gold Medal'! to me. Let's CELEBRATE!!! 🏅😁🏆

23/08/2024

I am well aware of the huge volume of imported flowers. The Community Flower Studio Inc. is proud to source our flowers from local growers as far as possible (except for winter when local produces are low). I did my Cert 3 Floristry course at TAFE in 2014. One of the assignments was to explore the packing methods and transportation options for fresh flowers from Kenya and Ethiopia to 'fly' to Australia. I'm aware of the huge amount of fresh flowers (not so fresh because they are kept at 2-4 degree Celsius) imported from Europe and Africa. Pre-Covid, I hosted a few Flower Market Tour for friends. One of the wholesalers did a brief talk about the imported flowers and the very strict restrictions on the pesticides used on this products. What is new to me is 'how poor these flower farm workers are paid! Very sad and ugly! 🙁 Siu Wen Cheng It is very unfortunate as you described. These import produces may be 'cheaper' on the surface, but the environmental costs (to the future generations) are very expensive! 🙁
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-22/the-true-cost-of-rose-foreign-correspondent/104236124

Send a message to learn more

22/08/2024

This is an excerpt from this link: https://www.kyds.org.au/resources/having-better-conversations-with-males-around-mental-health/

"My encouragement to anyone who is looking to help a male friend, family member, student, colleague, or otherwise, and is having difficulty getting that person to open up, is to simply engage that person in something they enjoy. Once a person is in a state of near flow in a particular activity, the positive chemicals in the brain begin to take precedence over the stress and adrenaline that can come up when sharing difficult topics in a world where men have been raised to avoid being emotional. From there, the conversation can open up much more easily. And if it doesn’t, that’s still a win – those two fundamental human needs of purpose and connection are still being met."

There are some fundamental differences between the way males and females tend to communicate. Females will tend to face each other directly and bond over intimate conversation, engaging in open body language and expressive facial gestures. Males, by contrast, will prefer engaging in an activity and....

21/08/2024

Bibi will share some tips on how to beat the interview nerves. She has ample experiences both as an interviewer and an interviewee! All are welcome, 15 to 39 + . Though the original plan is targeting youth, we decided to open to all age groups. The tips will be useful whether it is the first job interview or the 101th. 😁👌 Councillor Robert Samuel - Willoughby SECNA StreetWork Michelle Chuawiwat KYDS Youth Counselling Auroraz Soulful Gifts Little Giant Roasters Willoughby
Register online here:
https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-employment-workshop-part-a?_gl=1*1ikx2cg*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MTgwODA2ODEuQ2p3S0NBand5SnF6QmhCYUVpd0FXRFJKVk4ydXlHcmdtTnlmb0QxTmpuMWcxTjJ6V3E3OHNKbENtb3VJWS1hbklneVNvUmZVX3d1MGt4b0NlMVFRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTk5ODY1NTc3LjE3MjI4NDgyNzU.*_ga*Nzg5NzY5NTQxLjE3MTI4MDA1NTQ.*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*MTcyMjg0ODI3NC43LjEuMTcyMjg0ODI4Ni40OC4wLjA.

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20/08/2024

Bushwalk of the Month is this Sun (25/8). We are going to check out Bradley's Head and walk all the way to Balmoral Beach if weather permits. We'll stop at Clifton Gardens for brunch. Details can be found out here:

Bushwalk Bradleys Head to Cliffton Gardens to Balmoral Beach 25 August 2024 10:00 AM2 hrs 30 Minutes or 4 hrs (to Balmoral Beach) This coastal path is part of theContinue reading "CFS Bushwalk of August 2024"

18/08/2024

The PowerPoint slides for last Sat's Career Development Workshop Part A is now available on our website:

Hidden Job Market A recruiter usually looks at a resume for just 8 seconds. Resume Templates for Australia https://www.resume-now.com An example of resume to avoid. An example of a clearContinue reading "CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP PART A"

14/08/2024

Finally, the Ministers for Mental Health from all the Australian States and Territories are meeting this Fri to discuss how to solve/fix the service gaps!!! It took these highly paid politicians 4 months (Bondi Junction Tragedy happened on Sat 13 April 2024) to come together. Oh well LATE IS BETTER THAN NEVER! I hope those attending the Fri meeting have read this document put together by Mental Health Australia! https://mhaustralia.org/our-work/statement-priorities-health-and-mental-health-ministers-meeting
StreetWork SECNA Councillor Robert Samuel - Willoughby Auroraz Soulful Gifts KYDS Youth Counselling

Mental Health Australia has been joined by 80 mental health organisations across the country calling for Health and Mental Health Ministers to take serious action at the Ministers’ meeting on 16 August. In this joint Statement of Priorities, the mental health sector has outlined priority actions a...

13/08/2024

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13/08/2024

What a great quote: “You don't have to be good at art, for the arts to be good for you.” Dr Christina Davies https://www.goodartsgoodmentalhealth.com.au/

Check out this link and take the 5-day Arts Challenge! I have been sharing my very humble start in my artistic journey with ALL my friends.
When I was just 6 yr old, my art teacher at my primary school told me 'Yak, you drawing is nothing close to the thing you are to draw!!!' That's the end of my artistic journey thinking that 'I AM NO GOOD AT ART!'

It was during an episode of a relapse (facing mental health challenges), I reduced my working hours and enrolled in a course 'Mixed-Media Arts' at Mosman Community College. I discovered my HIDDEN TALENTS! 🤣😁😂

YOU ABSOLUTELY DON'T HAVE TO BE GOOD AT ART, FOR THE ARTS TO BE GOOD FOR YOU!

Welcome to Good Arts, Good Mental Health. You don't have to be good at art, for the arts to be good for you. Do the art that makes you feel good. Try for two hours per week. It could make a difference to your mental health.

12/08/2024

Member of Community Flower Studio Ms Teresa Lam, an experienced Professional Recruitment Consultant, is facilitating a Career Development Workshop this Sat (1:30 - 4 pm) at Dougherty Community Centre. CFS young members Thea and Anthony, former Recruitment Consultant Les and Dr Bibiana Chan will also attend. We can share insights on any questions on job-seeking. Hope to see you too. 😊

When I returned to the workforce after taking a 5-year break, I applied for 50+ part-time jobs, attended 6 job interviews in 6 months with no luck. I changed my strategy to apply for a full-time job. In my first application for a full-time job, I was offered a job interview. Towards the end of the 20 min interview, I was offered the job on the spot! WHY? Join me at this Sat's Career Development Workshop to hear the rest of my story and how I completed my PhD at the Faculty of Medicine, UNSW. Light refreshment provided.
Parents attending with young people (15 - 25 yr) are welcome. DM Bibiana for more information.

Send a message to learn more

09/08/2024

Daffodils are in season! Spring has arrived early. Drop by to Community Flower Studio Inc.'s Daffodils Pop-up Stall to admire the their beauty and PERFUME! Find me outside Little Giant Roasters Willoughby (525, Willoughby Rd, Willoughby) and grab a Petal-it-forward Bunch to make someone's Day! 😁💖🤗

08/08/2024

Join us this Saturday for CFS's 'Spring After Winter' Daffodil Pop-up Stall outside Little Giant Roasters in Willoughby! Enjoy FREE 'Petal-it-Forward' bunches to brighten your day and spread some joy.

Don't miss our new Mini-Pot series, featuring adorable white bunny pots with String of Hearts and String of Pearls plants. Only $18 each! While bunnies are often linked with Easter, they also symbolize the arrival of spring after winter. This limited-edition collection celebrates the return of spring, so hop on over and welcome the new season with us! 🐰💐🌞
Check out these links on our Online Shop. DM me if you have any questions.
https://communityflowerstudio.org/product/mini-pot-string-of-hearts/

https://communityflowerstudio.org/product/string-of-pearls/

06/08/2024

The August e-Newsletter is LIVE!

SPRING AFTER WINTER Daffodils flowers symbolize new beginnings, rebirth and the arrival of spring. The ancient Greeks associated the flower with self-love, while in Victorian England, daffodils were given asContinue reading "Newsletter August 2024"

04/08/2024

Team Community Flower Studio Inc. has put a lot of time and effort to plan these 2 workshops, including 2 young CFS members who faced a lot of challenges in finding meaningful employment. We follow a co-design and co-production model - "There are no programs about us without us!" Thank you for Teresa Lam 's mentoring, these 2 young people gained insights and confidence in where next for their career. Come and hear their stories. 👍😊

03/08/2024

31/07/2024

Aa true champion!

The 30-year-old gold medallist vows to sink a generous portion of her HK$6m reward into launching a charity, with the rest to be spent on presents for friends, family and coaches

31/07/2024

Yay, just 3 more sleeps before these Mindfulness Botanical Painting Workshops offered at this year's Social Enterprise Festival! Come along and pick up some useful 'tools' for your Well-being Toolbox'😂😂🤣!

17/07/2024

What a great meeting to discuss a very important topic! I reconnected with some service providers even before I founded the Community Flower Studio Inc. I hope to collaborate with others passionate about mental wellbeing for the whole community. Learnt a new statement by World Health Organisation (WHO, 2022), 'Promoting and protecting mental health is...critical to a well-functioning society. It fosters social capital and solidarity, which are essential during times of crisis.' This spells out exactly what the Community Flower Studio strives to achieve. 😊💪💐

Great to partner with the incredible Liz Lovell and her team from Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney today in hosting a Mental Health Forum at the Dougherty Community Centre.

The event brought together an incredible array of service providers and agencies, all dedicated to enhancing social cohesion and mental health within our community.

Key discussions focused on addressing the needs of specific audiences, strengthening connections, identifying new opportunities for collaboration, and addressing service gaps. The insights and ideas shared today make us hopeful for a brighter future for the Willoughby community.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and contributed!

There have been some key takeouts for Willoughby City Council and I’m certain we can implement some positive improvements in our focus on mental health and wellbeing across so many community groups, generations, and cultures.

Together, we will continue to make strides towards a stronger, healthier, more resilient community. 💪

16/07/2024

I'm very pleased to share the news about the success of CFS in securing a Wayahead Grant for Mental Health Month. This will fund 100 'Petal-it-Forward' bunches to be given to the first 50 individuals visiting our pop-up stall on Sat 12/10. Each individual will receive 2 bunches: one to keep and one to 'petal-it-forward'. A similar campaign was launched in New York by the Society of American Florists in 2015. Councillor Robert Samuel - Willoughby SECNA Little Giant Roasters Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor Christina Chun Abbey Pantano Auroraz Soulful Gifts Goods 4 Good Salvage Specialty Coffee https://safnow.org/petalitforward/

Watch this space for details closer to the date! :-) 😊💐🤗

Discover the power of Petal It Forward. Join thousands of floral industry members in spreading joy through the gift of flowers.

15/07/2024

In Australia, Sea Holly (Eryngium) is a popular 'blue Native'. One of CFS' favourite flowers for our Native Bouquets.

13/07/2024

Keep the FIRE 🔥 Burning. Bibi creatd this single stem Red Leucadendron to symbolise the fire. It also resembles the Olympic torch for Great Sportsmanship! Green & Gold (the National Flower Wattle is in season early), Aussie Oi, Oi, Oi!