2 Connection and Confidence in the Digital Age – It Starts at VLCRC The world’s changing fast, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre (VLCRC), we’re proud to offer programs that help you build confidence, stay safe online, and feel connected to your community. Our one-on-one digital literacy sessions are designed for all skill levels, whether you're just getting started with a device or want to brush up on your tech know-how. As part of these sessions, VLCRC is expanding the national Act Now, Stay Secure campaign by delivering practical, accessible cyber safety education. These tailored workshops empower older Australians, culturally diverse communities, and people experiencing digital exclusion to recognise scams, stay safe online, and feel more confident in the digital world. If you’re struggling with rising energy bills, our Charge Up program offers free, one-on-one support to help you understand your energy usage, identify rebates or concessions, and find practical ways to save. But it’s not just about digital skills, VLCRC is also about connection. Our Coffee & Chat sessions on Thursday mornings offer a warm, welcoming space to connect with others, with a rotating lineup of weekly themes from health and wellbeing to legal support. While you're here, grab a barista made drink from our on-site coffee cart, Bean Waiting for You, the perfect way to start your day. On Thursday afternoons, we also offer free Qigong, a gentle movement class that promotes balance, clarity, and relaxation. If you’re passionate about helping others, consider joining our Digital Mentor Volunteer Training, a rewarding way to support your community and grow your own skills. Whether you want to learn something new, stay active, or simply meet others in a friendly, inclusive space, VLCRC is here for you. To book a session or learn more, visit www.varsitylakes. org.au or call (07) 5593 7006. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated. see advert front page Swell Sculpture Festival Returns to Currumbin The iconic Swell Sculpture Festival returns to Currumbin Beach transforming the stunning coastal strip into a vibrant open-air gallery from 12 to 21 September. The festival will showcase more than 60 large-scale contemporary sculptures by artists from Australia and around the world. Now in its 23rd year, Swell has become one of Queensland’s most anticipated cultural events—and the best part is, it’s completely free to attend. Set against the backdrop of rolling surf and golden sand, Swell invites visitors to immerse themselves in thought-provoking and often playful artworks, each one telling its own story. Beyond the beach, the festival extends into Wallace Nicoll Park with a dynamic program of live music, comedy, artist talks, and creative workshops as part of the Swell Fringe. Throughout the week, twilight guided walks provide deeper insight into the meaning and craftsmanship behind each sculpture, while hands-on masterclasses—such as clay modelling and paint-and-sip sessions—offer the chance to get creative yourself. Families will also find plenty to enjoy, with a dedicated Swell Kids area offering interactive workshops and storytelling sessions designed to inspire young imaginations. The festival’s smaller-scale exhibitions, including the “Swell Smalls Gallery,” give visitors an opportunity to explore art in more intimate formats, and even purchase a piece to take home. Currumbin’s location makes it easy to access via public transport, with parking available at nearby Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and a convenient park-and-ride shuttle running during festival hours. The entire beachfront pathway is wheelchair and pram-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. From sunrise strolls to sunset viewings, the Swell Sculpture Festival offers a unique blend of creativity, community, and connection. It’s more than just an art event—it’s a celebration of the Gold Coast’s natural beauty and cultural heart. Whether you’re there to admire, reflect, learn, or simply wander, Swell invites you to see the world—and the beach—through a new lens. In 2025, don’t just go to the beach. Go to Swell. Let the art move you. | www.swellsculpture.com.au
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