Biala Ringwood chairperson Dennis Johnston with co-ordinator Cheryl Emerson and day convenor Liz Coles.
By Andrew Humphries
When Dennis Johnston retired in 2014 and was looking for something to keep him occupied, he stumbled across Biala Ringwood.
“I was listening to the radio one day and an advertisement came on about Biala needing volunteers,” Dennis says.
“I thought ‘wow, this seems something worth getting involved with’.”
Eleven years later, Dennis is Biala Ringwood’s chairperson, and proudly outlines the valuable role it plays in the childcare sector.
An outreach program of Ringwood Uniting Church, Biala Ringwood offers respite care for families of children with additional needs.
Every Thursday from 9am, Biala Ringwood becomes a hive of activity as a team of up to 15 dedicated volunteers provide a safe space for children and their families.
The Thursday program is focused on the individual child, offering activities designed to stimulate their development, and encourage socialisation with other children and carers, while also supporting parents and guardians.
Biala Ringwood began in 1980 and, 45 years later, is still very much in demand.
One of the keys to its success, says Dennis, is the commitment of its volunteers, one who has been with Biala since its inception, and some who have been there for up to 30 years.
A number of volunteers are members of the Ringwood Uniting Church.
“These are selfless volunteers with a real passion for people and an understanding of what their role requires,” says Dennis, who is also a volunteer.
“There is a great satisfaction as a volunteer in seeing these children grow over the years, and the transformation that takes place from when they come in to Biala and, a few years later, head off to school is remarkable.
“Some of these kids come here with serious disadvantages, but they are very determined and they learn to cope, and just seeing that happen is wonderful.
“I have heard Biala Ringwood described as being like ‘one big cuddle’ and, to me, that sums up what we’re about.
“It gives you an idea of the atmosphere in the room here and dedication of our volunteers.”
As the face of Biala, it’s co-ordinator Cheryl Emerson who best represents that “one big cuddle”.
Joan Impey plays with one of the children at Biala Ringwood.
“We simply couldn’t get by without her,” Dennis says.
“I had a meeting with her recently and I reinforced the fact that we wouldn’t be able to offer what we do now without her.
“When Covid-19 emerged Cheryl would travel out to people’s homes with toys for the children and to check on how families were coping.
“Many of these families felt isolated during that period trying to look after their children, so we thought Cheryl’s work was particularly important.
“That work didn’t stop once we emerged from Covid-19, though, and Cheryl continues to perform this pastoral care role on Mondays, when she calls or visits families.”
Dennis says the program wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Ringwood Uniting Church congregation.
“Biala Ringwood grew from a decision by congregation members in 1980 that there were enough families from within the congregation that could use some assistance and respite as they coped with children with disadvantages,” he says.
“It was really a grassroots movement, and I know that the current congregation values the work of Biala immensely.
“Biala, in turn, is very appreciative of that support from the congregation.”
As it approaches its 50th anniversary, Dennis hopes Biala Ringwood can continue providing a vital service to children and their families for many years to come.
“Forty-five years after we began, there is still a real need for what Biala Ringwood offers,” he says.
Volunteers are always welcome, and anyone interested should contact Dennis by email at denjohnst@gmail.com
