SAINT JOHN’S TOC H CAIRNS BRANCH

 Toc H was started in 1915 by an Australian Padre during World War 1.  It was initially a club for soldiers on leave. It provided basic comfort and refuge for  thousands of young men far from home in Poperinghe,  Belgium. The club building was named Talbot House.

The signalmen’s abbreviation for this was “Toc H“.   After the war these young men sought to keep alive the spirit of  Toc H.   A spirit which  was characterised by fellowship and unselfish service So the worldwide movement was born. Toc H is a community based movement concerned  with putting Christian values into practice.

 Cairns Toc H was started on 5th February, 1943 during World War 2 under the stewardship of Reg & Norma Morris. It was established at the Grand Hotel opposite the original Cairns Railway Station.   This was renamed Talbot House.   It had 119 beds and was open for the use of soldiers for the duration of the war.    In 1950 Toc H in Cairns was disbanded but was later reformed on May 10th 1992  at St. John’s Anglican Church.  From the very start the branch was orientated towards activities for youth in our city and in that year donated $300. towards the building of the Cairns P.C.Y.C.  The branch now offers three comprehensive programs for youth in Cairns.

COMMUNITY AWARDS SCHEME

This scheme runs for approximately 15 months and is open to year 10 students. The participants are expected to find ways to solve a social issue through report presentations. All work is marked at James Cook University Cairns Campus.  Marita Cheng  &  Dean Venables, from St Mary’s College, completed the course at the end of 2005. They were awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Australia Toc H.  We plan to run this programme again this year.

THE CONFIDENCE TRAINING PROGRAM

Held over a weekend in August, this program is open to year 7, 8, & 9 students. It covers topics such as “What Is confidence?” and “ What is self esteem?”  “Having confidence in others & motivation”.   Guest speakers present each topic with practical exercises undertaken by all participants to further their knowledge. Last year we had 20 young people participate in the course and envisage taking up to 20 each year

It is also planned to make it a one day event so youth from other areas can participate.

NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

The National Youth Leadership Program is open to Years 10 & 11 students. Applications open in September and close in November. The branch pays all costs. In January this year we sent five students from Cairns and the Tablelands to the course held in Canberra. The successful applicants were Michael Tin, Oliver Baumeister, Jonathan Hofmeister, Aimee Hedges and Sean Fox. The course will be held at Mt. Tambourine in January 2009.  The program covers the whole twelve months with successful applicants hosting “The Mayors Breakfast,” Trivia Fun Night and co-host our presentation night held yearly on the 12th December.