• The Theosophical Order of Service
  
• The McIntyre Centre (an initiative of the TOS)

Last year the Theosophical Order of Service (TOS) celebrated its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1908 by the then president of the TOS, Annie Besant, the TOS strives to put Theosophical principles into practice in the areas of human and animal welfare, the environment, the arts and healing.

The TOS in Sydney continues its program of monthly Saturday afternoon talks on spiritual and social service topics (see Lodge programme page). We also raise money for a variety of charities such as Exodus Foundation in Australia, the Pakistan Education Fund for home schooling in that country and the Olcott School for underprivileged children in Adyar, India.

Please note that the business meeting formerly held Wednesday evening at the beginning of each month has been moved to 12.15 pm on the 4th Saturday of each month, just before the Saturday afternoon presentation. All are welcome to attend.

Richard Larkin
President, TOS Sydney

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McIntyre Centre for Senior Citizens Incorporated

What is the Centre?

The McIntyre Centre Inc., is a residential centre at 36 Centennial Avenue, Lane Cove, NSW for individuals or couples who can demonstrate that they meet the following criteria. People who are:
1. In need of accommodation; and
2. without sufficient assets to enable them to purchase or rent suitable accommodation; and
3. able to live independently; and
4. aged 55 or over; and
5. is now, or will be, eligible to receive the Australian Aged Pension, or its equivalent.

The Centre is intended to provide reasonably priced accommodation where people can live with dignity even though they have not been in a position, throughout their life, to accumulate the funds needed to buy or rent accommodation in Sydney.

The Management Committee energetically seeks to manage the Centre with a view to maintaining a respectful environment. This means we wish to encourage residents who are appreciative of the diversity of human cultures, religions and philosophies. We welcome members’ contributions towards the volunteer culture of the Centre.

Type of units available

The Centre is made up of 12 units in total. Six units are at ground level and six at 1st floor level, accessed by stairs. There are six studio units and six one bedroom units. When a resident from a one bedroom unit leaves we ask all existing residents, in order of the date of their arrival at the Centre, if they would like to take up the option of moving into the larger unit. This means that initial entry is into one of the studio units.
Studio units are made up of a little hall leading into a kitchenette, a bed/sitting room area with built in wardrobe and a small bathroom with shower, toilet and hand basin.
One bedroom units have the same facilities as Studio units, plus a small separate bedroom.

All units also have a rear garden access or balcony and a small external storage space.

'Common Use' Areas

The 'common use' areas in the Centre include a laundry with washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities, a bathroom with full length bath and a separate toilet. There is also a garden with clothes lines and a deck with outdoor furniture and shade cloth which is for the use of residents and guests.

Responsibility of the Management Committee

The Centre is managed by a volunteer group of people who make up the Management Committee, some members of the Committee are residents at the Centre and, should they wish to, all residents are invited to attend the bimonthly meetings.
The Committee is responsible for:
1. Upkeep of all the common areas including lawns and gardens
2. Cleaning and maintenance of the building, all common areas of the property plus maintenance of all fixtures, fittings and equipment provided in units by the Management Committee, eg stoves
3. All the responsibilities of an Incorporated Association as set out by the NSW Dept of Fair Trading.

Responsibility of the Residents

Residents are responsible for:
1. The cleaning of their own unit;
2. Notification of maintenance needed to fittings and equipment provided by the Management Committee; and
3. Abiding by those rules and regulations that may from time to time be set out by the Management Committee to ensure the smooth running of the Centre.
4. Not disturbing other resident’s privacy, not causing unreasonable disturbance to other residents or their guests and not hindering the Management Committee in meeting both its legal responsibilities and its Duty of Care to all residents.

Accommodation Costs

Each resident pays a monthly 'Maintenance Levy" for their unit. This is the only payment made other than a $5.00 annual membership fee for membership of The McIntyre Centre Inc. Currently the amount of the Maintenance Levy is calculated as a percentage of the Australian Aged Pension or Income.

One person in a studio unit— 15%
One person in a 1 bedroom unit—18%
Married couple, combined pensioners—12%

Most residents pay this levy by Direct Debit into the McIntyre Centre Bank Account.

Procedure for application for accommodation at The McIntyre Centre

All inquiries are to be directed to The Secretary, The McIntyre Centre, 36 Centennial Avenue, Lane Cove, NSW 2066.

Those expressing interest will be sent an Application Form. Receipt of a completed Application Form will be acknowledged in writing or by phone. Referees will be contacted as necessary.

Members support the McIntyre Centre

The members of The McIntyre Centre believe the Centre is a very special place which has provided “a happy home amongst friends” for many people, since its inception by the Theosophical Order Of Service in 1956, with the present building complete in 1968. The Management Committee strives to sustain the originating inspiration of the founding members, which was to support the Centre’s residents in creating a friendly community atmosphere where privacy is respected and people without great financial means, may live in dignity.

If you would like to support the work of The McIntyre Centre Inc., you might consider becoming a member.

How do I apply?

For information or an application form, please contact:

The Secretary, The McIntyre Centre,
36 Centennial Avenue
Lane Cove, NSW 2066

A member of the Committee will contact you as soon as possible,
or if you prefer we write  to you, please send a stamped self addressed envelope.

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