From the Grow 2 Be Team…
This has been a fantastic year of achievements, marked by the creation of new partnerships and the strengthening of existing ones. We are truly blessed to have received unwavering support from our families as we navigated a very busy and rewarding year. A heartfelt thank you also goes to our dedicated support staff, whose hard work has made this term truly exceptional!
Intentions and Aspirations …
As we celebrate the end of 2025, we look forward to what 2026 has in store and we are working at having an even more successful year. With plans to expand our animal care opportunities, introduce new work experience opportunities, enhance creativity with our gym and wellbeing days, we are excited to offer our participants a wider range of enriching activities. Reflecting on the past year, our hope is to fill the upcoming year with even more fun, growth, and fulfilling experiences!
Wellness Mondays …
During our Wellness Mondays, we focus on the holistic develop-ment of our participants. Our day begins with a Gratitude session—where we reflect on what we are thankful for, set short-term per-sonal goals, create vision boards, or engage in other wellness activi-ties. This is followed by a trip to Casey Arc in Narre Warren, where we work on elevating our physical fitness through activities like swimming, gym sessions, and developing personalized fitness plans with trainers. We also enjoy community outings such as playing bas-ketball, footy, or taking walks around the lake.
These activities foster an active start to the week, helping to prepare our minds and bodies for the week ahead, and promoting physical strength and mental focus.
Bowling …
Every Thursday afternoon, our crew heads to the Narre Warren 10-pin bowling arcade to show off their skills. Bowling offers a perfect mix of fun, fitness, and friendship and helps improve coordination, balance, and focus while encouraging teamwork, communication, and confidence. It’s a great way to stay active, build social connections, and enjoy some good-natured competition in a supportive, inclusive environment. Everyone gets involved, cheering each other on and building confidence along the way. Great fun, exercise, and mateship!
Arts and Crafts …
Our participants have greatly enjoyed expressing their creativity through art and craft activities, including market preparation, diamond art, and paint-by-numbers. The skills they are developing include fine motor skills, attention to detail, patience, creativity, and self-expression. These activities not only foster artistic growth but also enhance their confidence and ability to focus.
Out and About Fridays & Holiday Programs …
Each Friday and during the holidays, we get out and about in our commu-nity — going to movies, exhibitions, and other exciting experiences and excursions. Together, we’ve spent time discussing where we’d like to go throughout the year and have already begun planning some fantastic activities. We have enjoyed some super fun outings, including trips to the movies, laser tag, escape rooms, the Queen Victoria Markets, Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice-Creamery and the Maru Wildlife Sanctuary to name but a few!
What makes Out and About Fridays and our Holiday Programs so special is that our participants choose and plan what we do. This gives everyone the opportunity to re-search, price, and discuss options, helping to build communication, decision-making, and critical thinking skills. Recreation and community connection play such an im-portant role in living a fulfilling life. By planning our Fridays together, participants not only explore new places and experiences but also learn to collaborate, consider oth-ers’ interests, and embrace the joy of being part of the community.
Halloween Party …
Participants really enjoy the Halloween celebrations and it’s a day everyone looks forward to, especially the games and dress-ups. It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to express their creativity, have fun, and celebrate together in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Christmas Party …
To wrap up the year, we always celebrate with our End of Year Christmas Party — a fun-filled day of games, laughter, and festive cheer! It’s a wonderful time for everyone to come together, reflect on the year that was, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to all the exciting opportunities that await us in the new year. We are looking forward to a prosperous and happy 2026.
Cert II in Hospitality …
This year, several participants have enthusiastically pursued further study by by enrolling in a Certificate II in Hospitality. Through this program, they have learned to communicate effectively with customers, deliver excellent customer service, and prioritize OHS safety.
As a result, they have developed a wide range of valuable skills that will benefit them in their future endeavours—not only in the Hospitality industry, but also in any industry they pursue.
Work Experience at Officer Bakehouse …
Meagan has spent the entire year completing work experience at the Bakehouse, with Shania joining in Term 3.
Completing their assigned tasks, they have learned and developed valuable insights and important hospitality skills related to work health and safety, food preparation, customer interaction, hygiene, safety procedures, and barista techniques.
Work Experience at Johnny Boys Pizza, Keysborough …
At Johnny Boys Pizza, our participants have been gaining valuable skills in OHS, operating machinery, best practices in the work environment, and customer service. Supporting their development in these skills has been very rewarding, and they have grown significantly throughout their experience. Their typical day includes restocking supplies, folding boxes, making dough, grating cheese, and creating delicious pizzas – and loving every moment of it.
HOSTING OUR “BIGGEST MORNING TEA” EVENT AT THE KOO WEE RUP MEN’S SHED …
Bridget and Samual worked super hard at the Koo Wee Rup Men’s Shed, who partnered with us to host Our Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser for the Cancer Council. The event was a huge success, with 42 people from the local community and Regional Health Services coming together to support this worthy cause. There were games, raffles, and plenty of delicious food — all enjoyed in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Hosting an event like this within the community provides so many benefits — it strengthens community connections, encourages teamwork, and builds confidence in social and organisational skills. It also promotes awareness for important causes, gives participants a sense of pride and purpose, and showcases what can be achieved when people come together for something meaningful.
PARTICIPATING IN THE COUNCIL RUN “FUN DAY EVENT” IN KOO WEE RUP …
Taking part in a community fun day run by the Cardinia Shire Council provides a wonderful opportunity for connection, inclusion, and personal growth. Participants can enjoy meeting new people, engaging in local activities, and feeling part of the wider community—as they did when we attended the Fun Day Out with the KWR Men’s Shed, where we were in charge of the sausage sizzle.
It’s also a great way to build social skills, confidence, and independence while developing a sense of belonging and pride in contributing to community life. Events like these encourage teamwork, communication, and resilience — all while having fun and celebrating the vibrant spirit of Cardinia!
Weekly Lakeside Cooking …
Participants have been taking part in our cooking program, where they learn valua-ble life skills both in and out of the kitchen. Together, they draw up shopping lists, shop for ingredients, and compare prices using the Coles app — helping them devel-op budgeting and decision-making skills.
In the kitchen, participants focus on meal preparation, food safety, teamwork, and following recipes step-by-step. The program encourages independence, confidence, and healthy eating — and of course, everyone enjoys tasting their delicious crea-tions at the end!
Barista Course 1 Day Workshop …
Bridget showed interest to attend a Barista Course at Brand New Day, where she learnt the skills to make delicious espresso coffee. The skills she developed included grinding and tamping coffee, texturing milk, using the espresso machine, and preparing a range of hot beverages. She also learnt about hygiene, customer service, and how to work safely and efficiently in a café environment. Bridget showed great focus and enthusiasm throughout the course and was proud to put her new skills into practice!
Cake Decorating Workshop …
Grace, Marzia, Sally and Paul had the opportunity to get creative in a hands-on cake decorating workshop over 6 weeks. Working together, they learned new skills such as piping, spreading icing evenly, and adding finishing touches with flair! The activity encouraged teamwork, creativity, patience, and fine motor skills — and best of all, everyone got to enjoy a sweet treat at the end!
Market Prep and Selling Their Items at the Emerald Market …
Our participants have been busy creating a range of handmade items to sell at the market, showcasing their skills and creativity. From crafting pens, key rings, and coasters to painting beautiful terracotta pots, everyone has contributed something unique and special.
They’ve also learnt how to plan and set up a market stall at the KWR Men’s Shed as well as attending the Emerald Market to sell their wares — displaying their creations proudly and engaging with the community. This experience helps build confidence, communication, money-handling, and teamwork skills, while giving participants the satisfaction of seeing their hard work appreciated by others.
Gardening Work Experience at Koo Wee Rup Men’s Shed …
Patrick has truly enjoyed his work experience at the Koo Wee Rup Men’s Shed, where he takes guidance from Billy, who is teaching him essential skills such as determining the right time to plant various vegetables, how to plant them, watering, and caring for the plants. The skills he is developing go beyond gardening; he is also learning valuable social skills, including respectful interactions and effective communication with people of different age groups.
Retail Work Experience in the Koo Wee Rup Christmas Shop …
Marzia and Paul have enjoyed their retail work experience at the Christmas Shop in Koo Wee Rup. Trudi and Jim have taken them under their wing, providing guidance and support to help them through this experience to learn and develop important retail skills such as greeting customers, managing stock, restocking, wiping down shelves, and creating a welcoming environment for shoppers. This hands-on experience is designed to be supportive and accessible, building self-confidence and practical skills to benefit them in future employment.
Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House Charity in Clayton …
We’ve recently entered into a partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charity, where our volunteering alternates between preparing meals and making snacks and treats that are frozen and kept at the venue for the families of patients staying at the nearby Monash Hospital. We are excited to further develop our cooking skills while fostering empathy and compassion. It is so important for everyone to remain mindful of those facing difficult times, and sometimes we can lose sight of how fortunate we are.
At Grow 2 Be, we want our participants to be mindful of others and to show compassion for their situations. Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House gives our participants the opportunity to think about others, and the skills they are developing include teamwork, food preparation, empathy, compassion, and understanding the importance of helping others in need.
Work Experience at Degani’s in Koo Wee Rup …
Bridget has started her work experience at Degani’s in Koo Wee Rup, where she’s been putting into practice everything she learned at the Men’s Shed café. She is serving customers politely, she clear tables efficiently, and work as part of a busy team. Bridget is will soon be learning how to take orders, and she is currently developing her communication skills, growing in confidence, and gaining valuable hands-on experience in a real café environment — all with her signature smile and positive attitude!
Photography Workshops …
Photography is a fun and creative experience that teaches participants to take beautiful and meaningful photos. Participants have learnt how to take a creative photo using their phones – framing interesting subjects, using leading lines, etc. They developed skills such as observation, creativity, and attention to detail, encouraging patience, confidence, and self-expression. Everyone sees the same subject but interprets this differently. At the end of the year, we have created a photo book of the photo’s taken throughout the year.
Pottery Workshops …
Participants are encouraged to explore their artistic side during our pottery workshops – delivered by Anna, our favourite artist. Participants have learnt how to shape clay, use pottery tools, and create their own unique pieces like bowls, cups, and sculptures. They have developed skills such as hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, patience, and attention to detail, encouraging self-expression, concentration, and confidence as participants bring their ideas to life. It’s a rewarding way to learn new skills, relax, and create beautiful, tangible art.
Woodwork Workshops …
During their woodwork workshops, participants have learnt how to safely use tools, measure and cut wood, and assemble their own projects such as small boxes, ladders, toys or decorative items. They have developed skills like fine motor control, problem-solving, attention to detail, while encouraging self-confidence, independence, and a sense of achievement as they make a functional and beautiful item.
Metalwork Workshops …
This year, participants started metalwork, which they have found to be an exciting and hands-on experience. During these workshops, participants have learnt how to safely handle tools, cut, shape weld, and assemble metal pieces to create their own unique projects such as sculptures, or decorative items. They have developed their fine motor skills, precision, problem-solving, patience, confidence and self-expression as they bring their ideas to life.
Baking Workshops …
Baking is a delicious and enjoyable experience where participants have learnt essential baking skills in a fun way, such as measuring ingredients, mixing, kneading, and decorating. They have developed skills like attention to detail, patience, coordination, and the importance of following instructions. Baking also promotes confidence, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment as participants enjoy sharing their homemade creations.
Certificate II in Animal Care …
Rian is studying Certificate II in Animal Care this year, learning how to look after animals like dogs, cats, and small pets in a fun and rewarding way. He has learnt important skills such as feeding animals, cleaning their living spaces, and understanding how to handle animals safely and gently. He has also learnt how to observe animals to see how they are feeling and what they need. This course has helped build his confidence, developed his responsibility, and caring skills, and is great for anyone who loves animals.
Volunteering at Locky’s Legacy …
Working with animals is an exciting and rewarding experience where our participants continue to learn how to care for and observe animals. Surrounded by nature, they assist with feeding, cleaning, and nurturing animals while developing patience, gentle handling and observation skills. They are learning about respecting animals and their environment, animal safety, and working as part of a team towards a common goal. This experience helps develop a deeper understanding of nature and conservation, strengthening our participants’ empathy, responsibility, and appreciation for animals.
Volunteering at Jabulani Sanctuary …
Working with horses is a wonderful and enriching experience for our participants. They have learnt how to care for the chickens by cleaning out the chicken coop, adding fresh hay to their space, feeding and grooming the horses, and sweeping the stables. Through these activities, participants have developed skills such as responsibility, gentle animal handling, and teamwork. The volunteer program at Jabulani also emphasises safety around horses to ensure everyone feels confident and secure. This promote personal growth, builds confidence, and fosters a sense of achievement, while enjoying time outdoors and forming connections with domestic animals.
Jabulani Sanctuary Equine Counselling …
Participating in equine counselling is a positive and uplifting experience that helps people connect with horses in a safe and supportive environment. This offers many benefits, including improved emotional well-being, increased confidence, reduced stress, promotes personal growth, patience, and trust, helping individuals build a stronger sense of self and develop a deeper connection with animals.
Participants will develop important skills such as gentle handling, understanding horse behaviour, and practicing safety around horses. Equine counselling is a wonderful way to improve both mental and emotional health while enjoying the companionship of these amazing animals.
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