Belconnen local, Rachel Murphy has been teaching belly dance to young women in the area for over ten years.  She is passionate about dance, promoting a healthy body image and developing opportunities for young people to come together and dance.

Last year, Murphy, a regular hirer of theatre @ bcs in Belconnen Community Centre approached the Belconnen Community Service's (BCS) Community Development program with her idea to present a showcase of local dance talent as part of National Youth Week.  BCS agreed to support the project with free use of facilities and some marketing and technical support.  With no actual budget and only six weeks lead time, Rachel presented a one hour program of dance over two nights to packed houses.  Over one hundred young dancers participated and many more volunteers, teachers and helpers were also involved in the project.

This year, Own the Floor returns to theatre @ bcs with a small budget through a National Youth Week Seeding grant.

Murphy says: "It's great to have some funding this year.  It means we can make a backdrop, hire some extra lights and make the production more professional.  It's great experience for the dancers to be able to present their work outside of the dance studio and the higher standard of production will make the experience all the more beneficial for them."

Own the Floor 2012 will be compeered by Anna Kaufmann, National Youth Week ACT Young Member and Ross Caldwell the Federal Government member.

Some of the acts on the program such as  Dynamic Studios and Isistars appeared in last year’s program.  A new addition is Wassa Wassa, a West African style drumming and dancing group from Red Hill Primary School that recently wowed crowds with their performance at Limelight at the Canberra Theatre.  Also owning the floor will be the entire cast of Ickle Pickle’s new production of Sinbad the Sailor.  Ickle Pickle regularly present popular school holiday shows in theatre @ bcs.

Own the Floor promises to be another uplifting and energizing program bringing dancers and audiences together to celebrate National Youth Week in Belconnen.

This exciting event will be held at theatre@bcs Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court Belconnen

April 20-21, 2012 from 7:30pm

Entry: Free for under 25s, 26 and over, $10

62640271 0437074828

RELEASE DATE: Monday, 6 February 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Unique partnership brings big benefits for people with disability

Most people who are looking for information about services and supports would agree that there is much to gain when government and community work together.

For people with disability who live in the ACT, the idea for such a partnership has become a reality with the establishment of a new venture called the DISH@oatley.

The DISH, Disability Information and Support Hub is a unique collaboration between Belconnen Community Services, Woden Community Services, House with No Steps and the ACT Government through Disability ACT.

"We have been dreaming and talking about the potential for something like this in the disability sector for quite a while, said Dira Horne, chief executive officer of Belconnen Community Services, one of the partners in the venture.

"It's a fantastic that we have been able to turn an idea and a commitment into a tangible entity that will genuinely assist people with disability in Canberra."

The DISH@Oatley brings together shared expertise, skills and knowledge and a consolidation of resources into one accessible space in Belconnen.

"Each of the partners share a vision in the way they work. This is, to strengthen the capacity of people with disability, their families and carers to maximise their control over their own lives.

"Providing people with the tools, strategies and the information that suits their circumstance, are vital when working with people with disability. This is what can assist them in achieving the best life they can."

"At The DISH@Oatley, we work with people with disability so that they ‘know what they need to know', to work towards their goals.

"This is particularly important at key transition points in their lives, such as young people who are leaving school, or away from their family home".

"It was this kind of thinking that brought together like-minded organisations to set up the exciting concept, which has evolved into The Dish@Oatley", said Dira.

ACT Minister for Community Services Joy Burch will officially open the DISH@oatley

On Tuesday 7th February 2012, 11.00am at 62 Oatley Court, Belconnen

Media contact: Sifu Kahonde Communications and Media Coordinator 0409 746 493 or email

Release Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SNAP! An exhibition of film photography by young people

Belconnen Community Service (BCS) invites members of the Belconnen community to view the SNAP! exhibition. Participants have been learning about film photography during weekly workshops at the West Belconnen Child and Family Centre during semester two 2011. Each participant was loaned a film camera that had been donated by a member of the community. This exhibition is the culmination of their work. It includes colour photography, visual journals and black and white photograms or cameraless photos.

The participants are from a highly visually literate generation. They have embraced the opportunity to work with old fashioned film technology. Many of them have also chosen timeless themes and subjects for their work. Following are some excerpts from their artists’ statements.

“I love taking pictures because they capture the moments of the good and the bad. They also give me a great feeling about 2011”

“I liked experimenting, taking pictures of moving objects and reflections in water.”

“It’s like a puzzle of life.”

“It was great learning about the techniques behind photography and working in the darkroom, but the best part was taking the photos themselves.”

“My pictures are based on the country because I feel safe and love being there”

“The thing I love about photography is that you can take pictures of whatever you want and through your pictures express yourself.”

The exhibition will be opened by Dr Martyn Jolly (Head of Photography and Media Arts, ANU School of Art) Thursday December 15th 4:30pm. SNAP! will run until Jan 13th. Gallery@bcs is open Monday to Friday: 9am – 4:30pm

Media contact: Simone Penkethman, Community Engagement Officer, Belconnen Community Service, 62640271, 0437074828

Release Date: Tuesday, November 08 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BELCONNEN COMMUNITY SERVICE GETS A NEW LOOK

On Tuesday 22nd November 2011 Belconnen Community Service will launch a new image and website at its AGM. “This is an opportunity for our various stakeholders to join us as we celebrate our achievements over the last year” said CEO Dira Horne. “We welcome all participants and stakeholders to come together and celebrate with us”.

Dr Chris Bourke, MLA, will officially launch the new website and image of Belconnen Community Service.

The event will be held at the Belconnen Community Theatre, Swanson Court from 6:00pm. Please join us for the AGM, Image launch and refreshments after.

Belconnen Community Service Inc. (BCS) is a not-for-profit community organisation. It provides high quality integrated and inclusive services to families, children and young people in the Belconnen Region. We are committed to ongoing relationships with our community, the government and other community partners that enhance our capacity to realise our vision of a connected, active and strong community. For further information about the event and to RSVP please call 6264 0200.

Media enquiries: Communication and Media Coordinator 0409 746 493 or email