Mission Australia

Common Ground Sydney supportive housing initiative opens doors

2011-11-15T10:42:00.001+11:00

Sydney’s landmark supportive housing initiative – Common Ground Sydney – was opened today by the Federal Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness, Senator Mark Arbib, the NSW Minister for Community Services, Pru Goward and the NSW Minister for Finance and Services, Greg Pearce.

The $33 million Camperdown development aims to reduce homelessness and tackle Sydney’s affordable housing crisis.

Common Ground Sydney (CGS) offers a range of housing options for both homeless people and those on low incomes, complemented by a suite of on-site support services, in a purpose-built building.

Based on the successful Common Ground model in New York, which also now operates in Melbourne and Adelaide (Common Ground projects in Brisbane and Hobart are under construction), the development focuses on long-term solutions to homelessness rather than just offering a bed for the night.

MA Housing’s CEO, Andrew McAnulty, said the Common Ground model had a long track record of success and its approach was proven to reduce homelessness.

“The Common Ground model shows that providing homeless people with safe, secure, long-term accommodation and access to support services in the same location gives them the best chance of getting their lives back on track,” said Mr McAnulty.

“Data from Common Ground New York shows that between 2005 and 2007, this approach helped reduce homelessness by 87 per cent in the Times Square area, and by 43 per cent in the surrounding 230 blocks of West Midtown. We aim to emulate that sort of success here.”

Common Ground Sydney will house 104 units, as well as space to accommodate key social services. Fifty-two are set aside for chronically homeless people, 10 units are for general social housing tenants and 42 are for affordable housing tenants.

Affordable housing tenants are generally employed people on low incomes who are not eligible for public housing.

Common Ground Sydney will assist previously homeless tenants to make the transition to long-term accommodation by providing tailored services such as mental health, counselling, vocational training, fitness classes, living skills and financial management.

A social enterprise (a business that also provides social outcomes) will also be developed on-site to provide learning, training and employment opportunities.

Jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, MA Housing will manage the building and provide tenancy management services to residents.

A range of support services will be provided by the ‘Inner City Coalition’, which comprises Haymarket Foundation, Salvation Army, Wesley Mission, The Society for Vincent de Paul and lead agency Mission Australia.

“This is the biggest single initiative in the area of supportive housing that Sydney’s seen for many years,” said Mr McAnulty.

“It’s a huge undertaking and both the NSW and Australian Governments together with the Common Ground Alliance should be congratulated for getting behind the project and supporting it so significantly.

“Grocon must also be recognised for its enormous contribution to the project having undertaken its construction at cost.”

“Now that Common Ground Sydney is officially open our people are looking forward to helping residents settle into their new homes and getting the building running at full capacity,” said Mr McAnulty.

Media enquiries
Paul Andrews
P: 02 9219 2080
M: 0409 665 495

To view photos from today’s opening visit our Facebook page

Mission Australia’s Danielle shares her story in White Ribbon Woman’s Day

2011-11-14T10:14:00.001+11:00

In this week’s White Ribbon issue of Woman’s Day, Danielle Guttridge – Mission Australia Case Manager for Brighter Futures in Cootamundra – tells how she turned her life around after suffering years of domestic violence.

Two-and-a-half years ago, Danielle escaped an abusive relationship with her three children and nothing more than the clothes on their backs.

The young mum ended up staying in a relative’s empty home in Cootamundra, which is where she self-referred to Brighter Futures.

This early intervention service provides support for families who have children aged eight or under and are facing issues such as domestic violence, parental drug and alcohol abuse, mental health issues or learning difficulties.

Brighter Futures helped Danielle to find secure accommodation, provided her daughters with school uniforms and placed her youngest child in childcare. They also assisted her to enrol in further education so she could study a Certificate IV in Community Services.

After volunteering with Mission Australia, she worked in administration with us and then applied for a position with Brighter Futures in July 2011, and kicked off her new career.

In this week Woman’s Day, Danielle speaks of her remarkable transformation from a life of abuse to becoming a successful career woman who now helps others who are escaping domestic violence.

“I’m living proof you can escape an abusive relationship and restore your life,” she tells Woman’s Day. “I just wish I’d had the courage to pick up the girls and leave earlier. Thankfully I finally did.

“No man has the right to make you feel ugly, worthless or ashamed. No man has the right to hit you, ridicule or enslave you. No-one does.”

To read more about Danielle’s inspiring journey pick up a copy of this week’s Woman’s Day. The issue also features strong woman such as Melissa Doyle, Giaan Rooney, Carrie Bickmore, Chris Bath and Sandra Sully speaking out in support of White Ribbon Day – which aims to stop violence towards women.

To support White Ribbon Day on November 25, visit myoath.com.au.

You can also read more about Danielle’s amazing journey in the Summer 2011 issue of Transformations - Mission Australia's quarterly newsletter.

WA youth express themselves in photos

2011-11-10T16:41:00.000+11:00

Photo entitled 'Shelter'

With Mission Australia’s help, a group of young West Australians have used photography to express themselves, with the results appearing in a new exhibition at the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries.

The Me In My World exhibition is the result of Mission Australia Community Services in Bunbury asking 30 young people, aged from eight to 25, to use photography to convey how they see themselves within their local community.

Local Mission Australia Team Leader Robyn Calcutt said the exhibition, which has been held every year since 2008, provided a way for the young people from our FACE and Navig8 programs to reflect on who they are and often provided opportunities for therapeutic interventions.

FACE, which stands for Family Alcohol and Community Education, works with 10 to 15 years olds with a family member or carer who misuse drugs and or alcohol.

Navig8, provides transitional support for young people aged 14 to 25 who are in or have recently left Department for Child Protection (DCP) state care, and helps provide pathways to independence.

Using a camera donated by Harvey Norman, Mission Australia case workers helped the young people to create visual statements.

‘‘It has been a pleasure to work with our young people and help them to represent their ideas visually,’’ Ms Calcutt told The South Western Times.

‘‘We are looking forward to the opportunities that the Photovoice Exhibition will provide in showcasing the photographic results of their ideas to the community.

‘‘We have noticed that those who have participated have not only experienced the initial excitement that this project creates for them, but those who have ongoing involvement have increased personal ownership and creativity in how they express and perceive themselves in their local communities.’’

The exhibition runs until 9 December at the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries, 64 Wittenoom Street, Bunbury. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, and entry is free.

To view a selection of the Me In My World photos, visit facebook.com/missionaust

Rebels with a cause

2011-11-10T14:15:00.002+11:00

Eight new RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels recently spent a day out in the field getting to know more about Mission Australia’s work in Victoria.

Held on 28 October, Rebels With A Cause Day saw Eddie Aholele, Nic Stirzaher and Cadeyrn Neville spend the morning taking part in Walkfest in Dandenong.

People of all abilities and nationalities participated in this 1 kilometre walk from the Pop-Up-Park, which was constructed by Mission Australia’s Urban Renewal social enterprise, to Hemmings Park.

Players even manned the My Future Community Garden stall that had been set up in the Pop-Up Park to encourage locals to get involved in the communal patch.

Meanwhile, Mitch Inman and James King spent time with Mission Australia’s Maroondah Employment Solutions (ES) team. They began the day with a visit to our local National Green Jobs Corps project on the Mullum Mullum Creek Cultural Heritage Trail, which runs through Ringwood.

The players were shown the heritage orchard that was recently planted by NGJC participants and enjoyed lunch in an area that the young men are transforming into a landscaped picnic area, which will be completed in time for the summer school holidays.

“It was great to see the young men on this program exchanging stories with the players, who in turn told them about their experiences as professional sportsmen who are fulfilling their potential,” said Steve Shankie, Mission Australia’s Social Enterprise Coordinator for the Mullum Mullum project.

“There was good interaction between them, and wonderful to see the young players take such an interest.”

Later in the day the players met local job seekers and gained an insight into the work our ES teams are doing in the local community.

In Frankston, Lloyd Johansson, Paul Alo Emile and Isaiah ‘Izzy’ Moses visited an Urban Renewal worksite in Frankston.

Trainees took time out from working on a landscaping project at the Milpara Community Hub to show the players around and play a quick game of touch football. One triple try-scorer made such an impression that the Rebels told the trainee he should sign up with them!

“The trainees got a great deal from it and for the rest of the day were on top of the world onsite,” said Urban Renewal Manager Chris Hawken. “They were even the envy of the other trades at the job.”

The RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels selected Mission Australia as a charity partner at the beginning of the 2011 Super Rugby season. Throughout the year they have been supporting young people by supporting youth programs such as Charcoal Lane and Urban Renewal.

Rebels With A Cause Day 2011 was a great success and Mission Australia thanks the Rebels for their fantastic support throughout the year.

Featherweight packs a double whammy

2011-11-09T15:22:00.005+11:00

A trainee demonstrates the

filling process at yesterday’s

Featherweight launch.

Ever wondered where old mattresses go when they die? If they’re lucky they end up at Mission Australia's new Featherweight recycling enterprise in Bellambi where they’re reborn as punching bags.

One of a growing number of Mission Australia social enterprises based in the Illawarra that aims to tackle the two issues of waste and local unemployment, Featherweight was officially launched on Tuesday at an on-site ceremony.

Among the guests at yesterday’s launch were representatives from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), Disability Employment Services, Mission Australia Community Services as well as local Job Services Australia providers.

Guests were treated to a demonstration of how cotton stripped from old mattresses and clothes from our Big Heart op shops are used to fill punching bags, goalpost pads and sports equipment. The filling machine, constructed by the Illawarra’s own JME Engineering, is believed to be the only one of its type.

The finished punching bags and padded equipment is then packed off to Spartan Sports, based in nearby Warilla.

Featherweight builds on the success of Soft Landing, a social enterprise that strips mattresses of all their useful, recyclable parts such as timber and metal.

It received Australian Government funding via the Innovation Fund, which is a component of Job Services Australia.

The business targets employing local job seekers who are Aboriginal or who have a disability. Over a two-year period the Featherweight team will comprise 11 trainees, 10 casual staff and also provide 40 work-experience positions.

Featherweight’s green contribution
In the next three years, Featherweight is expected to divert 985,680kg of product from landfill and into punching bags, and will recycle more than 677,680kg of steel. This equates to 1,663,440 kg of product diverted from landfill.

Media coverage - Albert & Logan News: Award for Super effort

2011-11-09T10:38:00.001+11:00

9 November 2011

SUPER A-Mart Warehouse at Woodridge has been rewarded for its efforts providing job opportunities to local job-seekers, reports today’s Albert and Logan News.

The warehouse took out the first local Mission Australia's Employer Award, which was open to all local employers who used Mission Australia's Employment Solutions.

Working with the organisation, Super A-Mart provided 14 local job-seekers with steady employment and training opportunities over the past year.

Warehouse manager Ji Petrovic said he was pleased to give local job-seekers a chance at employment. "The store is dedicated to helping local job-seekers turn their lives around," he said.

Business Manager at Mission Employment Solutions Woodridge, Robert Kennard, said Super A-Mart had shown a real interest in helping local job-seekers find work.

Super A-Mart Woodridge is now in the running for the Mission Australia Employer National Award, with the winner being announced on 22 November.

If you are a business who would like to give the gift of employment, please visit the
Mission Australia Employment Solutions website.

Going the extra mile for Australians in need

2011-11-08T14:38:00.002+11:00

Phillip and Kalliopi Kazanis

Last month husband and wife team Phillip and Kalliopi Kazanis took their love of walking to the next level as they took on 50km of The Great North Walk in a single day to raise funds for Mission Australia.

Originally the trip was planned as a personal physical challenge but the philanthropic couple decided it would be a great opportunity to support a charity:

“While we quite often donate directly to charities we thought this time we’d like to use our own personal challenge to support a charity we believe in,” said Kalliopi.

The pair was thrilled when they exceeded their fundraising goal of $1,000, which will go directly to helping families experiencing disadvantage in the lead up to Christmas.

Their motivation for fundraising came from when they were living in Hornsby several years ago. Walking home from the local shops they would often pass a local gentleman experiencing homelessness.

When they could they would stop and speak briefly with him, sharing some of the food they had bought. But one day they found he was no longer in his usual spot.

“We’ve often wondered about what happened to him and where he had ended up and this makes us even more appreciative of the work that Mission Australia carries out every day for so many Australians.”

The couple’s challenge was no small feat. Established in 1988, the Great North Walk began as a bicentennial project and is now managed by the NSW Lands Department and stretches from Sydney to Newcastle. The track spans over 250km and crosses pubic roads, national parks, state forests and private farms.

Kalliopi explained that preparation was the key: “We walked each leg of the 50km as training, so when we finally did it, we had gone through all the parts individually.

We also trained at the gym when we could. We do a lot of walking but this is far and away the biggest challenge we’ve set ourselves.”

Mission Australia would like to congratulate Phillip and Kalliopi and thank them both for their support. You can still make a donation to the Kazanis family by going to their fundraising page.

You can also help us to support Australian families in need by donating to the Mission Australia Christmas Appeal.

NEIS helps Dang grow fruitful business

2011-11-07T11:41:00.001+11:00

Dang, Mission Australia Business

Manager Jillian and DEEWR Contract

Manager Rob Hudson.

There’s a world of difference between running a seafood restaurant in bustling Bangkok and growing tropical fruit and vegetables in Humpty Doo, 40 kilometres south-east of Darwin.

Just ask Phatchathorn Khammathit, or Dang, as she prefers to be called.

“When I arrived I did not speak English and there was no transportation,” Dang explained. “I got casual jobs at the nearby farms picking mangoes, pawpaws, jackfruit and dragon fruit.

The work was seasonal but I learned to pick and pack the fruit. During the past six years I have learned all facets of operating a farm.”

Dang discovered there was a gap in the market: ‘There is always a short supply of the highest-quality chillies and eggplant varieties. This is true all year round, but especially during the Dry Season when it is too cold in capital cities down south to grow the fruit and vegetables. Buyers will pay the higher price if the produce is of the highest quality.’

With help from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations’ New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) program, operated in Darwin by Mission Australia, Dang has started her own small business.

“Historically, I had operated a small business enterprise in my native Thailand. Hence I had an overall understanding of running a small business. But I still had trouble with the small business course because I cannot read English. So an interpreter was arranged for me and, with her help, I passed the course.”

“I now rent a small farm and have started supplying the market with the best-quality fruit and vegetables. My primary objective is to achieve self-sufficiency with income earned from operating a successful business.”

Dang is one of over 6,000 job seekers in Australia each year who are assisted by the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme to help establish viable small businesses. NEIS involves completing a three-month accredited training course in small business. During this time, the job seeker prepares a business plan.

Once approved, the job seeker is able to start their own business. Support is provided by professional consultants, who offer guidance with marketing, finance and government regulations.

Importantly, the job seeker continues to receive their income support for the first 12 months while the business is being established.

Start your own business
Each year Mission Australia helps hundreds of Australian job seekers like Dang to start their own businesses. To learn more visit our Employment Solutions website.

Rossmore Community Preschool celebrates new look

2011-11-04T13:55:00.002+11:00

Mission Australia’s Rossmore Community Preschool in Sydney’s south-west officially revealed its renovations to the local community at a mid-week celebration.

Mission Australia State Director Leonie Green was joined at the opening ceremony by James Toomey, who is Mission Australia’s Acting Executive Leader Community Services, and the Member for Camden, Chris Patterson.

The renovations were officially opened by Rossmore Community Preschool’s Service Manager, Sheryl Amann, who cut a mini-Rossmore cake made by a preschooler’s parent (pictured).

The renovations include a new playground area and playroom, a new disability access ramp, a nappy change facility that includes a hydraulic lift.

Ms Annan said the renovations will mean the preschool will have better facilities for its students with a disability.

“At Rossmore, we have a target of 20 per cent of our enrolment being students with a disability, as well as a further 10 per cent with special needs. So these renovations are really important to us in that they will better cater for these kids.”

“It is also in line with the NSW Government’s Preschool growth program, which aims to have all children, particularly those with disabilities, have access to a preschool program.” She added that the new playground area will also ensure that children can easily access the natural environment.

“Having access to the natural environment is really important,” she said. “Children aged up to five are at their most important stage of development and their learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, is critical in shaping their future health, learning and social ability.”

These renovations have also allowed the preschool to increase their enrolment capacity from 25 children to 40 children per day.

Part of the community:
Rossmore Community Preschool is situated on the same grounds as Rossmore Public School and is on the fringe of four city council areas including Camden, Liverpool, Penrith and Campbelltown. It is an important part of the local part of the community, having begun in 1983, with Mission Australia taking over the operation in 1997.

Rossmore prides itself on working in partnership with families to build on their children’s strengths, support their areas of need and prepare them for their next educational setting. Parents are offered educational programs about child development and other areas of interest throughout the year.

Funding for the renovations was possible thanks to a range of NSW Government programs – the Preschool Growth Program, the Community Building Partnership Program.

Find out more:
Learn more about this community service and download a fact sheet at the Rossmore Community Preschool page.

Watch CYI students share their stories

2011-11-03T16:03:00.001+11:00

CYI student

How do you do your homework if you’re worried about finding a bed? And where do you go when your parents kick you out?

These are questions too many young Australians are forced to answer. But with the help of Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives, young people have been finding their own path to a better future, through music and art.

Based in Sydney’s Surry Hills, CYI provides free creative programs for young people who are facing challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, family breakdown and unemployment.

Two CYI programs – Artworks and Sounds Of The Street - help young people to develop their creativity, self-expression and communication skills through visual arts and music.

Last month our wonderful supporters who spent the night in Sydney’s Centennial Parklands as part of HRX Sleepout raised more than $100,000 for services to help people find a way out of homelessness - including Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI).

HRX Sleepout was a huge success, with films and rugby screened as well as music from the likes of Hayley Warner and Mission Australia Ambassador Paul Costa, who slept out overnight.

A highlight of the night was a performance by 10 CYI past and present CYI students - watch the video below:

Mission Australia - Sleepout - Stories From The Street from Brent Pearson on Vimeo.

In this video, sponsored by HRX and first shown to our supporters sleeping out in Centennial Parklands - Nate, Kyle and Hayley - three young people who got their lives back on track thanks to CYI, share their moving stories with us.

Outpost begins!
Good luck to CYI Artworks student Roley, who is participating in an exclusive street art workshop to be held on Cockatoo Island this month as part of Outpost.

Running from 4 November to 11 December, Outpost is the largest street art festival ever held in Australia, and will feature some of the best contemporary artists from this country and overseas.

Only 20 young artists in New South Wales have been given the opportunity to participate in the workshop with visiting Outpost artists Miso and Beastman.

Roley will not only work with the artists over two days, but will also have the opportunity to exhibit his artwork as part of the festival.

Media coverage - The Goulburn Post: Helping out with the kids a grand idea

2011-11-03T15:13:00.002+11:00

2 November 2011

More and more grandparents are sacrificing their retirement to take care of their grandkids as divorce and family breakdown take an increasing toll on the community, writes David Butler in The Goulburn Post.

While most grandparents love their grandkids and are happy to take them in, the constant challenge of looking after kids can be stressful at a time of life where retirees are looking to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.

Mission Australia's local support group for grandparents caring for their grandkids is helping to ease the strain by providing a regular opportunity for grandparents to catch up and share their own parenting challenges, and find support from those in a similar situation.

The group is still in its early stages and is keen to hear from more grandparents who have suddenly found themselves the primary carers of their grandkids.

Group members Trish Anderson and John O'Connor have been caring for their 11-year-old grandson for most of his life, and told the Post that they found a lot of support within the group.

"Having a group allows you to share information and helps you to break the isolation," Mrs Anderson said. "People are thrust into this situation suddenly and they're not aware of the help that's out there and available to them."

Mr O'Connor added that the information available within the group was an asset for all grandparent carers. "This group gives for the ladies in particular a chance to get together in a closed group and talk about the problems they're having, as well as providing us with information on all the support that's available," he said.

Mrs Anderson and fellow group member Mel Salmon shared a laugh about returning to a parenting role again. "You've got to learn the names of all the dinosaurs again and all of the Wiggles' songs," she said.

The grandparents' group meets fortnightly at the Mission Australia Community Services building, located at 142 Sloane Street. Those interested in joining the group are invited to contact Natalie Pearman on (04) 8860 9726 or John O'Connor on (04) 0844 0093.

Do you need support?

Shoalhaven region - New South Wales
Mission Australia provides support through its Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, which is run by Mission Australia in Nowra in partnership with the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

For more information call (02) 4824 4000.

Tasmania
Mission Australia also operated two grandparent support services in Tasmania, delivered by our Gateway Services. The Tasmanian services also provide support to grandparents and other relatives, such as aunts and uncles, who have assumed the role of primary carers of their grandchildren or related children.

For more information call (03) 6282 2700 (South East) or (03) 6420 6800 (North West).

Melbourne’s City2Sea needs you!

2011-11-03T09:51:00.000+11:00

On Sunday 13 November, the same team who developed Sydney’s City2Surf will bring you a new 14km fun run for Melbourne.

The Sunday Age City2Sea, presented by Westpac, will see more than 10,000 people take over the streets of Melbourne in a physical challenge that raises money for charities all over Australia.

Registrations are open to run, walk or hot-shoe shuffle your way through the scenic streets of Melbourne, finishing down at the lovely Port Phillip Bay.

If you’re in or around Melbourne that weekend, invite a friend and spend some quality time together, or use the day as a personal challenge in preparation for summer.

Register today!

New this year
City2Sea is generously making a donation to each volunteer’s charity of choice. That means by volunteering on the day and supporting a charity you love, you will also ensure more dollars are going to where they are needed.

So, if you don’t like running, why not get a group of friends together and volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to support Mission Australia if you aren’t up to the 14km challenge. It’s also a fantastic chance to spend time with friends and be part of a Melbourne celebration.

Get your friends together and email the Mission Australia Community Fundraising team so we can get as many volunteers as possible on the day!

How to get involved

Further reading
City2Sea is just one of several running events that Mission Australia supporters have taken part in this year. Read about these events - and if you live outside of Melbourne, start planning for the 2012 marathon season.

Roma House adventure program recognised with award

2011-11-02T10:53:00.000+11:00

Julie Attwood MP presents Julia Clifford,
Kathryn Haisty, Tetera Tama and Amanda
Smith from Roma House with their award.

An innovative Mission Australia "bush therapy" program offering outdoor adventures to people who are homeless or struggling with disadvantage has taken out a major prize at the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Awards.

Mission Australia's Adventure Based Learning program, which is run out of Roma House was recognised for encouraging participation in outdoor recreation.

The program's Wild Earth Adventures aims to help Roma House residents to set life goals, build self-esteem and reconnect with nature through single and multi-day group activities, including kayaking, high ropes, camping and hiking.

Mission Australia Queensland State Director Penny Gillespie said it was great to see the program recognised at the prestigious awards ceremony.

"This is a program that is changing people's lives," Ms Gillespie said. "It allows the participants to challenge themselves physically and mentally, to do things many of them never would have contemplated in their lives.

"This year, groups have taken part in kayaking trips to Fraser Island and along the Noosa River, mountain hikes in the Scenic Rim and high-ropes courses.

Being away from the issues they are facing on the city streets, in a drug and alcohol-free environment, allows them to explore new ways to overcome the challenges they are dealing with and feel good about what they can achieve.

"The trips have proven to be a great experience for the clients and staff, as an innovative approach to bush therapy. Many of the participants have now taken part in multiple adventures, and see them as a great chance to get outdoors, develop new skills and make lasting friendships.

"This is a wonderful example of how thinking outside the box can lead to great result for people who are struggling.

"Our staff have shown great innovation and also commitment in developing the program to help give participants a better chance at transforming their lives."

The annual awards, run by the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Association aim to recognise excellence and innovation in the outdoor recreation sector. This year's final awards night was held at the Greek Club in Brisbane last Friday night.

The Encouraging Participation in outdoor recreation prize was also jointly awarded to DETOUR Youth Program (Parkour), UnitingCare Community Townsville.

Roma House’s Adventure Based Coordinator, Amanda Smith, said that the team had just finished planning its 2012 calendar, and next year will offer sailing expeditions along with equine therapy, surfing, rock climbing and abseiling, canoeing, bush walking and semi remote camping.

To learn more about Roma House’s adventure-based learning programs, view the following short video:

For more information or to support this project please contact Amanda at SmithAma@missionaustralia.com.au or call (07) 3839 1826.

Further reading:
‘Our Wild Earth Adventuerers return’

Avoid being taken for a ride this Melbourne Cup

2011-11-01T09:44:00.001+11:00

The Melbourne Cup – commonly know as the ‘race that stops a nation’ – is one of the most loved fixtures on the Australian events calendar.

But while there is fun to be had in a flutter, it is important to keep in mind a few tips to avoid the empty wallet and low mood that can result in a gambling hangover the morning after the Cup.

Mission Australia’s Nowra Gambling Counsellor, Greg Isles, is encouraging people to keep a cool head when gambling on this year’s Cup and says:

“It can be easy to lose track of how much we bet and easier still to be tempted to keep the party going by playing the pokies after the race. That’s a quick path to a gambling hangover. The number one rule is to only bet what you can afford to lose."

“Pre-selecting your bets and filling betting slips out at home before heading to the venue is a sensible way to manage the temptation to over-spend. Similarly, not taking ATM or credit cards with you to the event is another way to safeguard yourself.

“Don’t bet on every race and only take the cash you need to pay for the day’s entertainment including: drinks and lunch, transport and the pre-determined amount you have chosen to wager.”

Mr Isles also says that mixing drinking and gambling can be risky, as it lowers inhibitions, so punters should set themselves an alcohol limit.

Mr Isles goes on to say that ultimately, it is about remembering that when gambling, you should be viewing it as entertainment – meaning that an occasional win is an added bonus but you should not be relying on the winnings.

“Most people can gamble responsibly and enjoy events such as the Melbourne Cup without any problem. However, our gambling counselling services often see an increase in gambling among clients at this time of the year.”

“We ask people at this time of year to keep an eye out for friends and family who might be showing the warning signs of having a gambling problem. The earlier someone gets help, the better the outcome.

“A preoccupation with gambling is an obvious sign that an individual is getting in to the danger zone, in addition to spending more money than planned on the day.

“Becoming anxious or zoned out while gambling is another warning sign, as is showing symptoms of a gambling hangover: feeling sick, depressed and regretful.

“When people start chasing their losses it is clear that gambling has become an issue and this is when people need to seek help – if not sooner.”

Help if you need it:

For help with gambling problems in Nowra call your local Mission Australia RGF-Funded (Responsible Gambling Fund) Counselling Service for free counselling on (02) 4422 0455.

Mission Australia now runs gambling counselling services in the ACT. We also offer gambling support in Campbelltown, Wollongong, Campsie, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Griffith, Campsie, Moss Vale, Newcastle and Wagga Wagga.

If you or someone you know needs support to overcome a gambling addiction you can also visit our Triple R Services website.

Melbourne Cup 2010 – the facts:

Tabcorp customers wagered $110 million on the 150th running of the Emirates Melbourne Cup.
NSW TAB punters wagered $58.0 million on the Melbourne Cup ($56.0 million in 2009) through the tote and $73.5 million on the entire Flemington 10-race meeting ($72.1 million in 2009).
Victorian TAB tote customers wagered $40.2 million on the Melbourne Cup ($40.1 million in 2009) and $70 million on the entire Flemington 10-race meeting ($70.8 million in 2009).
The community also spent almost $12 million on fixed odds Melbourne Cup betting through TAB Fixed Odds (up 58 per cent on previous year) and online betting.

Media coverage - madison: madison takes to the road with Missionbeat

2011-10-31T14:28:00.001+11:00

Daniel Strickland
Manager of Missionbeat

20 October 2011

Alexandra Carlton of madison magazine recently spent a wintry evening with Daniel Strickland, the Manager of Mission Australia's Missionbeat service, which patrols the streets of Sydney supporting the inner-city’s homeless population.

As Daniel explains in the article – which is featured in this month’s issue of madison – this vital service is sometimes the only lifeline that rough sleepers have.

“Social isolation is one of the hardest things to deal with when you’re homeless,” he said.. “People ignore you or make no eye contact.

“We’re here to do what we can to assist people who need us from point of crisis to point of safety. But sometimes a simple “Hi, how are you?” is the best we can do.” You can read the article on the madison website, or pick up a copy of the magazine.

You can also learn more about how Missionbeat reaches out people living on Sydney’s streets by viewing Pearls - a short documentary by Central Coast film-maker and Tropfest NY 2008, Jason van Genderen.

Pearls is “told by the voices and experiences of Sydney's homeless”. Watch video below:

Pearls from jasonvangenderen on Vimeo.

Follow the Charcoal Lane story through film

2011-10-31T12:05:00.000+11:00

This week, our partners at Citi Australia, are presenting a series of short videos about Charcoal Lane – Mission Australia’s social enterprise restaurant in Melbourne.

Charcoal Lane enables Aboriginal and disadvantaged young people to gain experience in a supported, real work environment while building personal skills and gaining accredited education in hospitality.

Located in an grand old bluestone building at 136 Gertrude Street, Charcoal Lane specialises in modern cuisine infused with native flavours. Over the past two years it has built up a reputation for fine food, and even featured in the Age Good Food Guide 2011.

Two trainees – James and Marley – feature in today’s video. If you’re a regular visitor to the Mission Australia website or the Mission Australia Facebook page you’ll be familiar with Marley’s story. Throughout the year her dedication was recognised with several awards.

She began by winning the Apprenticeships Plus Monthly Apprentice/Trainee Award for March and was later a finalist in the Koorie Student of the Year in the Victorian Training Awards for “outstanding achievement”, particularly during Charcoal Lane’s Taste of Reconciliation Lunch on Melbourne’s Sandridge Bridge.

Marley topped off the year by winning the Employability Award at Mission Australia’s inaugural Social Enterprise Awards. During 2011 Marley became something of a spokesperson for the Fitzroy restaurant, talking about her training experiences in local newspapers and on Aboriginal TV station NITV.

"I wanted to connect with the Indigenous side of it all, to be able to pass on my knowledge about our culture and food to others," she said. “Without the support of Charcoal Lane I wouldn’t have the same confidence that I do now. I’ve been able to meet some really great people who have inspired me to have careers just like them.

‎To view the first video (Part 1), which will be posted today at 12.30pm, simply “like” facebook.com/citiaustralia. It will also be posted on our Facebook wall – facebook.com/missionaust

The series of video vignettes exploring the work being done at this special restaurant will unfold over the next few weeks to coincide with this months’ Presidents Cup, the prestigious international golfing tournament that Citi is a global partner of.

For the past two years Mission Australia has been one of Citi’s key community partners, working with us to establish a Financial Education, Counselling and Community Hub in south west Sydney as well as supporting Charcoal Lane, so we were thrilled to be chosen as Citi’s charity partner for the 2011 Presidents Cup.

Racers near the finish line

2011-10-28T16:23:00.001+11:00

The 21 Race to Survive teams have wrapped up their third day of challenges on the Sunshine Coast.

Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia is a challenge of stamina, strength, speed and strategy – ultimately with the goal of raising $250,000 for a range of Mission Australia services across the country. The 21 racing teams will wind up the challenge on Saturday.

Over the past three days the teams have kayaked, hiked, cycled and run through the depths of thick native forest.

Along the way, their fundraising efforts were captured by the media, and featured on both the WIN Sunshine Coast and Seven Sunshine Coast nightly news bulletins.

Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia is a challenge of stamina, strength, speed and strategy – ultimately with the goal of raising $250,000 for a range of Mission Australia services across the country. The 21 racing teams will wind up the challenge on Saturday.

For those who weren't part of the Race to Survive fun this week on the Sunshine Coast, here are a couple short clips:

Day 1 - Video

Day 2 - Video

Thanks again to all the amazing racers, as well as the friends and family who have supported them, for making such a huge effort for Mission Australia services.

Have a restful weekend!

Media Coverage - The Courier Mail: State of inaction keeps kids in poverty

2011-10-28T14:11:00.000+11:00

Penny Gillespie, Mission Australia’s
State Director Queensland

28 October 2011

In a country acknowledged for its economic management after emerging relatively unscathed from the global financial crisis, it is a shocking indictment that there are still so many children living in poverty, writes Penny Gillespie, Mission Australia’s State Director Queensland, in today’s Courier Mail.

With all the prosperity in our nation, surely this should not be the case, but the reality is thousands of Australian - and Queensland - children are homeless or going without basic essentials. Thousands more are at risk of such circumstances.

More than 84,000 Australian children under 18 in the company of a parent or guardian sought help from a specialist homelessness service in 2009-10.

Even more startling, 82 per cent of couples with children and 67 per cent of sole-parent families were turned away from services because of the system's lack of capacity.

Any parent with schoolchildren need only think of their child's year group and it's likely there will be at least one student experiencing homelessness or at risk of doing so.

As a parent, I am horrified by this statistic. I doubt you will find a Queenslander who doesn't agree with the sentiment that no child should go without. Yet somehow, so many do.

As we celebrate National Children's Week this week, now is the time to respond to kids living in poverty and give them the best chance at a happy and healthy childhood.

Mission Australia works with some of the most vulnerable kids in our communities, helping them when they are in crisis or when their families are struggling.

Go to Courier Mail website for the full article.

Further reading:

Homeless children left in the cold by patchwork reform

Read this article on the Courier mail website

Let’s celebrate grandparents

2011-10-28T10:09:00.001+11:00

The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that there are 14,000 grandparents caring for children in this country.

It’s thought many more grandparents are not included in official statistics because they are unaware of where to turn for financial, practical and emotional support.

On Sunday 30 October, the NSW Government will officially recognise this amazing contribution through the inaugural Grandparents Day.

As part of this initiative, a wide range of Grandparents Day activities and events will be held across New South Wales.

As we approach this inaugural day, we’d like to highlight Mission Australia’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program in the Shoalhaven region in NSW.

This program includes a range of initiatives to assist grandparent-headed families to develop their parenting skills, confidence and self-esteem, while developing a support network with others in a similar situation.

Leonie Green, NSW State Director, Community Services, said the program provides educational workshops that assist grandparents to deal with the real complexities of parenting the second time round.

“Grandparents who raise grandchildren make a huge difference to the lives of these children. These grandparents deserve the community’s acknowledgement and its support,” said Leonie.

Earlier this year Mission Australia also opened two new Grandparent Services in Tasmania delivered by our Gateway Services. The Tasmanian services also provide support to grandparents and other relatives, such as aunts and uncles, who have assumed the role of primary carers of their grandchildren or related children.

For more information about the program in New South Wales call (02) 4422 0455.

For more information about the programs in Tasmania please call (03) 6282 2700 (South East) and (03) 6420 6800 (North West).

Grandparents Day will now be held every year on the last Sunday in October. For more information, visit www.adhc.nsw.gov.au. Mission Australia’s Research and Social Policy Unit (RSPU) is currently working on a research project into grandparents who care for their grandchildren.

Further reading:
The ‘Grandparents raising grandchildren NSW’ website is a resource for grandparents, relatives and kinship carers that provides information on services, networks, tips, stories and support services.

Family and Community Services New South Wales has set up a Grandparents Day web page that includes events and certificates and greeting cards that can be downloaded to show your appreciation for grandparents.

The Australian Government has this week released a new online resource to help out-of-home carers.

Life-changing uni course recognised at CAN Awards

2011-10-27T15:25:00.001+11:00

Media Release, 27 October 2011

A groundbreaking university course for people struggling with homelessness, mental illness and long-term unemployment has received a major gong at this year’s Community Action Network (CAN) Awards, celebrating the work and achievements of the people of inner-Brisbane.

Catalyst-Clemente – a joint project between Mission Australia and the Australia Catholic University in Brisbane – has been recognised for providing an Outstanding Educational Environment.

Mission Australia State Director Penny Gillespie said everyone involved in the Catalyst-Clemente program was very proud to have their work recognised with a CAN Award.

“The Catalyst-Clemente program is about giving people an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is sensitive to their individual circumstances,” Ms Gillespie said.

“Catalyst-Clemente students are often dealing with extremely complex issues such as homelessness, addiction, poverty and physical and mental health conditions.

“It’s a huge achievement for people struggling with these challenges to be able to apply themselves to a university subject. It’s even better to know the positive impact that participation is having.”

Ms Gillespie said the program provides accredited university courses in humanities subjects such as literature and Australian history as a step towards overcoming poverty and other serious challenges. The courses are conducted in a supportive setting that allows the students to reach their full potential.

“The fact is, we don’t all fit into a specific mould and “the system” doesn’t work for everyone,” Ms Gillespie said. But at Mission, we believe it shouldn’t be the case that those who “don’t fit” should miss out.

“This program provides an opportunity for people who were isolated from society to again engage in their community; to learn and to grow so they can make a contribution.

“Rather than another band-aid solution that is just about treating a problem – this actually helps empower people to overcome their issues altogether or stop them from being a barrier to living a positive and productive life.”

Ms Gillespie said the award comes at a pertinent time for the Catalyst-Clemente program.

“This program is funded entirely by community and philanthropic donations, and sadly those funds are running out,” Ms Gillespie said.

“At this stage, we will be unable to fund the program in Brisbane beyond June next year. We’re hopeful that the business community or government will recognise the benefits of this program – and the kind of difference it can make in the lives of people who are struggling in our society.

“It is not an expensive program to run, but it’s a truly worthwhile investment in the lives of Queenslanders who would otherwise be left behind.”

The Community Action Network (CAN) Awards are held at the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre every year. For more information about the awards contact (07) 3358 5600.

For more information about the Catalyst-Clemente program in Queensland, contact Mission Australia on (07) 3847 8411.

Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – (07) 3394 8114

Homeless children left in the cold by patchwork reform

2011-10-27T10:30:00.000+11:00

One of the country’s largest providers of accommodation and support services for homeless people says Australia’s homeless children are being let down by a patchwork approach to their welfare and a lack of consistent support.

Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said that two years after the launch of the Federal Government’s White Paper on tackling homelessness, The Road Home, which promised a “specific focus on their needs”, too little was being done to address the plight of homeless children.

“The White Paper called for a specific focus on the needs of Australia’s homeless children but there hasn’t been enough action,” said Mr Hall.

“While the national homelessness strategy has resulted in a considerable injection of funds and positive activity in a range of areas, the most vulnerable members of the homeless population – children who are homeless – have largely been overlooked.

“There have been no clear national targets set for reducing the number of homeless children, no consistent national framework to address their needs and not enough in the way of increased resources.

“Across Australia’s homelessness system there is little consistency in the supports available to children and families. What might be offered to a child in one service isn’t necessarily available in another. Quality is also inconsistent. It truly is luck of the draw.

“For example, while some specialist homelessness services employ a Children’s Worker, the majority do not. At present, resources and funding are not adequate to address children’s needs in a consistent and systematic way.”

In 2009-10 more than 84,000 children (under 18) accessed a specialist homelessness service with a parent or guardian – equivalent to one in 60 Australian children and one in every 38 Australian children four years or younger.

These figures are likely to underestimate the number of homeless children as it only counts those who’ve accessed or tried to access a service.

Despite the demand, 82 per cent of couples with children and 67 per cent of sole parent families were turned away because of the system’s lack of capacity.

Mission Australia along with Hanover Welfare Services, the Social Policy Research Centre, the Australian Centre for Child Protection and the Institute of Child Protection Studies have today published a snapshot report on the plight of homeless children, Seen and heard: putting children on the homelessness agenda.

Drawing on research, including among frontline staff across 107 specialist homelessness services, it states that homeless children and families encounter three main challenges: accessing services, exiting the homelessness system, and dealing with the effects of homelessness on children.

“The first challenge homeless children and families face is getting the support they need. The rates at which children with an accompanying parent or parents are turned away from services speak volumes for the system’s inability to meet demand,” said Mr Hall.

“But once they’re in the system it’s incredibly challenging to get out. Many find themselves trapped and unable to access public housing or the private rental market, especially in capital cities.

“Finally, the impact of homelessness – and the homelessness system – on children is especially worrying. We know that homelessness among children can lead to developmental delays and poor health, and puts an enormous strain on the parent/child relationship.

“The frequency with which homeless children and their parents have to move because of the short-term availability of most crisis support leads to enormous disruption and impacts terribly on a child’s education.”

Mission Australia is calling on federal and state/territory governments to immediately pursue a range of actions to assist homeless children, including:

State and territory governments to prioritise housing support for homeless families, especially those with pre-school and school-aged children.
A national framework to address the needs of homeless children to guarantee consistency and quality of care.
Specific national targets to be set for reducing the number of homeless children.
Additional resources to ensure that all children entering the homelessness system are properly assessed in order to receive the most appropriate support.
Dedicated children’s workers to be introduced at all specialist homeless services that work with children.
Expansion of existing programs that have proved effective for homeless children and their families – for example, the Household Organisational Management Expenses (HOME) program, a national initiative that assists families with personal or financial challenges to maintain their tenancy or home ownership.
Continued efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing.

“There’s no doubt that we’ve seen more done in the area of homelessness in this country over the last few years than we’ve seen in a generation,” said Mr Hall.

“More funding and a real commitment to a range of serious issues: an increase in social and affordable housing, more assistance for rough sleepers, more preventative services to ‘turn off the tap’ and stop people becoming homeless.

“We also acknowledge that some states – South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Victoria – have made a start in addressing specific services to children.

“But New South Wales, Queensland, the ACT and the NT are lagging behind. It just confirms our point about national consistency. We can’t have patchwork action – it needs to be national.

“And while some of the White Paper’s broader efforts will have a positive impact on homeless children and families, what are missing are the specific and focussed initiatives on this very vulnerable client group. Surely they should be our first priority?” said Mr Hall.

Media contact: Paul Andrews on 0409 665 495 or (02) 9219 2080

Download Seen and heard: putting children on the homelessness agenda

Media coverage - The Bairnsdale Advertiser: Outstanding local employers

2011-10-26T16:36:00.000+11:00

Kim and Mark Ashwood were thrilled to win
a Mission Australia Employment Award.

24 October 2011

A local concreting firm has been named as the Bairnsdale winner of Mission Australia Employment Solutions' inaugural Employer Awards.

The Bairnsdale Advertiser reported on Monday that the awards are aimed at recognising businesses for their role in transforming lives by giving someone a job.

M and K Ashwood won the award in recognition of its employment record particularly in terms of hiring Indigenous job seekers.

Open to all employers that use Mission Australia Employment Solutions and that have placed a Mission Australia job seeker in the last 12 months, M and K Ashwood emerged as the winner from an outstanding field of entries.

M and K Ashwood now goes into the running for the national award, which will be announced on November 22.

The national winner will be recognised at a gala dinner in Sydney and will receive a $5000 prize to be used for business development. Mission Australia Employment Solutions' East Gippsland Business Manager, Karen Jones, said M and K Ashwood had made an outstanding contribution to the community and regional economy through its commitment to local jobs.

"It was a tough field, but M and K Ashwood stood out for its dedication in helping local job seekers turn their lives around," Ms Jones said.

"Giving someone a job provides financial security and self-confidence; it also produces a tremendously positive ripple effect for families and the broader community.

"Each one of our winning employers has sent out hundreds of ripples by giving often struggling job seekers an opportunity. It's wonderful that we can recognise them for that.

"Demonstrating the ability to think long-term and employ local job seekers in order to grow your business and support the community despite the challenges takes a lot of commitment. Congratulations to the winners," Ms Jones said.

If you are a business who would like to give the gift of employment, please visit the Mission Australia Employment Solutions pages.

Is there a better approach to remote Aboriginal communities?

2011-10-26T14:44:00.000+11:00

Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall

It’s perhaps the most commonly asked question I hear – “what can be done to help Aboriginal Australians?” And as we all know, there’s no easy answer. I think, like Noel Pearson, the solution is in increased self-determination for Aboriginal communities.

Everyone wants to do the right thing – governments, community agencies, businesses – but if anything we’re going backwards. As evidence, a recent Department of Finance Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure provides depressing reading.

It said that despite the Australian Government spending $3.5 billion on programs designed to assist Aboriginal Australians each year it had resulted in “dismally poor returns.” It also states that across a host of key social and economic indicators Aboriginal Australians were in no better position than they were in 1970. Forty years, tens of billions of dollars later, and little or no progress to report.

Jesus wept.

Australia grew on the back of smart communities that identified their own needs and objectives and then set out to achieve them. They didn’t wait for government. They got together and built the church, the school, the clinic. They planned and delivered on creating a community. Self-determination at its best.

Aboriginal communities survived pretty well on their own for tens of thousands of years using the same thought processes. However, in many Aboriginal communities the freedoms and opportunities associated with self-determination have been deferred to government over decades. And yet governments have, on the whole, failed miserably in managing these responsibilities.

So how do we give power back to these communities that have been starved of the opportunity to set their own course and where the individual skills needed to lead people in these endeavours have been blunted by years of welfare dependency? New Zealand might give us some ideas on how to achieve it.

The NZ Local Government Act of 2002 introduced a series of reforms to bring more community consultation and input into local decision-making. Communities were engaged in prioritising local needs and the actions required to address them. Slowly but surely the Act’s reforms – including the development of Long-Term Council Community Plans with input from local individuals and organisations – is giving people back their voice.

The same community development model is used by most NGOs. When they enter a community, agencies first seek to learn about local issues before helping people start on a journey of self-determination. This always starts with an end goal for which the community has responsibility for over the long-term.
If we want to see change in Aboriginal communities we need to create a model that is guided by sound community development principles, including:

Understanding the community;
Taking the community through a process to determine its future;
Helping the community fund and deliver that future; and
Handing total authority back to the community.

This approach will need long-term funding commitments – funding of programs for 15-20 years, not the one to three year contracts we currently see in place. With long-term government funding, corporate investment will follow.

In some places I suggest what’s needed is little other than government getting out of people’s way. But in other places there’s no question more significant support is needed.

Organisations like Mission Australia, World Vision, Oxfam, Plan International, Anglicare and Uniting Care – along with Indigenous agencies – are well placed to provide that support.

We cannot provide the answers. But what we can do is guide communities in finding the answers to their problems. Our job is to provide the catalyst for change and help deliver self determination through good governance and long-term planning. That planning must include NGOs getting out of the way when our job is done, not putting down roots and assuming the ‘dead hand’ role that governments and bureaucracies currently play.

Every dollar that is spent on delivering programs in Aboriginal communities should be directed by them, not governments. But to achieve this, radical change is needed. The various failed approaches to Aboriginal welfare and development that governments have taken for more than 40 years must be jettisoned for policies that champion communities and which return decision-making to their ranks.

This blog by Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall appeared on the Centre for Social Impact website on Monday 24 October.

The 2011 Race to Survive off to a flying start

2011-10-26T12:11:00.000+11:00

Two racers take a break after their
gruelling challenge this morning.

Accor and Mission Australia officially launched Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia last night at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort race headquarters.

Local Aboriginal spokeswoman Beverley Hand formally welcomed the group of 82 Accor racers to the region, helping establish a sense of place by sharing her heritage and stories of the local landscape.

“I hope this gives some perspective to competitors who will race around my landscape and experience the Sunshine Coast’s terrain firsthand over the next few days,” Beverley told racers.

Beverley added that the history of the region’s Aboriginal people was in many ways itself a tale of a survival.

“In my culture it’s all about the collective – not individuals. Everyone had to participate. And the same applies to you this week as you strive to survive and raise money and awareness for Mission Australia.”

Accor’s Regional General Manager for Queensland, Neil Scanlan, also drew a comparison:

“Similarly at Accor we are a collective group of employees, this time working together to give back to the less fortunate. Teamwork and giving back to the society we live in is what this week is all about.

“Accor and Mission Australia align perfectly – from the way we think to our attitude regarding fundraising, time invested, and the efforts we’re willing to go to in order to give back to the communities we live in.”

Many thanks to all the 21 Race to Survive teams who have raffled, auctioned, drank, dressed up, and pursued friends and family to raise money for Mission Australia.

More personal achievements will follow this week as the teams challenge themselves physically and mentally over three days of triathlon-style activities. This morning’s challenge is included a climb up Emu Mountaiin, which is nine kilometres north of Coolum. Following their Emu hike, racers mounted their bikes for a seven-kilometre ride that finished up at the Maroochy River, which they kayaked along for eight kilometres. And all before lunch!

You can learn more about the Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia by watching
this video.

Media Release: Day of adventure for local kids to celebrate Children’s Week 2011

2011-10-25T11:36:00.000+11:00

A group of local children and their families will be treated to a day of adventure and fun as part of celebrations put on by Mission Australia’s Communities for Children team during National Children’s Week.

Around 40 children and their parents from the Inala-Ipswich region will be embarking on a road trip to Robelle Domain Park at Springfield Lakes, for a day of face painting, games and water play at the new community parklands.

Communities for Children Service Manager Jenny Chaves said the outing is about ensuring local kids have “a right to play” – which is the key theme of this year’s National Children’s Week.

“Everyday, we work with children and families that are doing it tough,” Ms Chaves said.

“Many kids don’t have access to some of the basics in life, and for some their family situation can be difficult.

“At Mission Australia, we want all kids to have a healthy and happy childhood.

“As the nation celebrates Children’s Week, we want to provide a fun activity for our local families focused on the right of children to play.

“Robelle Domain Park is a great new community space, with great play equipment, water fountains and parkland where the kids can run around and just enjoy being children.

“We’ve charted a coach and will be taking the kids and their parents out to the park for a morning of fun and laughter.

“Everyone is bringing along a plate – it’ll be a great day for sharing and playing together as we celebrate the children in our community.”

Mission Australia’s Communities for Children program is a federally funded initiative through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, focusing on early intervention and prevention.

Through this initiative, Mission Australia coordinates programs and services across schools, early childhood centres, playgroups and service providers, to connect families, schools and communities together.

NB: PHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT ROBELLE DOMAIN PARK, SPRINGFIELD LAKES - BETWEEN 10AM AND 1PM.

Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 3394 8114

Thanking star employers from Bankstown to Beaudesert

2011-10-24T14:46:00.000+11:00

After receiving 776 employer nominations for the inaugural Mission Australia Employer Awards, our Employment Solutions sites are now busy announcing the local award winner in each region/site at local events.

From Bankstown to Beaudesert, Mission Australia received a fantastic response to the new awards, which are a celebration of the support given by Australian businesses in giving unemployed people a “fair go.”

Earlier this month 18 of the 22 local employers nominated in the Canterbury/Bankstown area of Sydney attended a three course lunch at the Bankstown Sports Club.

The local award winner for Punchbowl in that region was extra special to Mission Australia, being a former Mission Australia client.

Tony Boustany, came to our Employment Solutions site in Punchbowl looking for work, and now owns and manages a successful website design company.

While looking for work Tony completed a TAFE course in website design and then successfully completed the Mission Australia-operated NEIS program.

Tony’s business is growing each day and he has been working with Mission Australia Employment Solutions for his recruitment needs – employing several candidates from the Canterbury/Bankstown region.

On the same day, Lyndall Whittall, Regional Manager, joined other team members from the Penrith Employment Solutions site to present the Penrith Local Employer Award to the winner, Crafty Chef.

“We presented the management team with a certificate, a hamper of goodies and an invitation to a celebratory lunch.

“The team were absolutely thrilled to have won the award,” said Lyndall.

In some of our other smaller Employment Solutions “(ES) regions, such as Nepean, Windamere, Riverland, Eden, Ulladulla, Albury, Yass, Merimbula, our ES Business Managers and Regional Managers visited their local employer winner at their workplace to congratulate them and take them out for a celebratory meal.

Media Coverage- SBS: All bets are off – Owen Craigie’s transformation

2011-10-24T10:52:00.000+11:00

Three years ago, former Newcastle Knights NRL star Owen Craigie realised he was addicted to gambling. After losing hundreds of dollars a day for years, he has confronted his demons.

Owen now works for Mission Australia in Newcastle as a Education and Training Coordinator, running Gambling Smart workshops to assist Aboriginal community and health workers better identify gambling issues within their community, and among their clients.

SBS’s most recent Living Black program looked at Owen’s journey from problem gambler to community educator.

Watch ‘All Bets Are Off’ on Living Black

Related news:
‘Kicking problem gambling in Canberra’

Brisbane Roar players help out at Café One

2011-10-21T10:39:00.000+11:00

Brisbane Roar players Erik Paartalu and Shane Stefanutto took some time out from training this week to lend a hand at Café One on Wickham as part of National Anti-Poverty Week.

This vital Mission Australia service for disadvantaged members of the community in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley provides a safe and supportive environment where people can come to get a healthy, affordable meal.

The players got behind the counter with Mission Australia Queensland State Director Penny Gillespie (pictured here with Erik and Shane) to help out with the busy lunch rush.

Shane said it was important for the players to come and meet people who are doing it tough, and hopefully put a smile on some faces.

He got straight to work making cappuccinos to order, while Erik was dishing up rogan josh for the customers.

The diners at Cafe One were so pleased to see them - and some even gave the players a few tips for Friday night’s game against Gold Coast United at Suncorp Stadium.

Penny Gillespie said it was great to have the players help out at Café One during Anti-Poverty Week.

"More than 10 per cent of Queenslanders are living below the poverty line, so services like Café One are essential for individuals and families that might otherwise go without," she said.

"It's really great that the players have taken time out during Anti-Poverty Week to highlight the plight of people in our community who are struggling.

"Shane and Erik are role models in our community and by taking the time out of their lives to help out at Café One, these players are setting a great example to young people in particular about the need to reach out to others so that no one is left behind.

"Mission Australia is proud to have partnered up with the Hyundai A-League Champions the Brisbane Roar as their exclusive Charity Partner and official Community Partner.

"We're very pleased that the Brisbane Roar is serious about making a difference off the field."

Further reading:
‘Teaming up with the Brisbane Roar’

Media Coverage - Herald Sun: Bubble wrap off: kids go back to nature

2011-10-20T10:37:00.000+11:00

Media coverage: Herald Sun, 20 October 2011

There’s a great piece in today’s Herald Sun about Mission Australia Early Learning Services attempt to reconnect children with nature after years of “sanitised play”.

The Herald Sun reports that a generation of over-protective parents are so worried about their children getting dirty, tripping on pebbles or falling out of trees, they have developed "bio-phobia" - a fear of nature's risks.

"There's a lot of irrational fear about what could happen to children," said Mission Australia Early Learning Services National Manager Marie Howard.

"And a lot of these children are living in flats or apartments, or McMansions with very small backyards, and their parents don't let them play outside.

"Children aged up to five are at their most important stage of development. Their learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, is critical in shaping their future health, learning and social ability."

Ms Howard said nature-based play let children engage in spontaneity, risk-taking, exploration and discovery.

Thanks to a generous $640,000 grant from The Abbott Foundation, Mission Australia is naturalising seven Early Learning Centres around Australia, which formerly belonged to ABC Learning.

Trees, grass, vegetable gardens and wooden play equipment are sprouting, and AstroTurf and plastic playgrounds are being ripped up at a growing number of centres, replacing plastic climbing frames, synthetic toys and blue-carpeted walls.

Mission Australia’s newly completed Springvale South centre now incorporates vegetable gardens, a digging patch, two sandpits, wooden mobile play equipment, a stage, trees and bushes. The other centres will be finished by mid 2012.

Read the story in today’s Herald Sun.

Meagre dole payment doesn't just hurt the unemployed: Toby Hall

2011-10-20T10:08:00.000+11:00

You know that something is wrong with the dole when even conservative economists come out publicly to say the amount is obscenely low.

On both sides of the political spectrum, from bone-dry, hard-headed economists to the small ‘l’ liberal left, there is furious agreement that unemployed Australians are barely scraping by.

The inadequacy of the Newstart Allowance has a number of ramifications – for individual recipients and for the broader community.

First and foremost, it makes living extremely difficult for the 547,000 Australians who are in receipt of the payment, particularly those living in the major capitals like Sydney.

Professor Peter Whiteford from the Social Policy Research Centre says a single Newstart recipient in Sydney is likely left with around $16.50 a day after paying rent – taking in to account the average cost of rent in the city – to cover everything: food, clothing, transport, etc.

Imagine yourself trying to live on $16.50 a day?

Secondly, it creates an incentive for job seekers to attempt to get around the system, either by working under the table to augment their meagre allowance or by seeking to move across to the Disability Support Pension which offers a significantly higher payment and where the onus to look for work is less.

That’s certainly our experience as one of the biggest providers of employment services in the country.

The ballooning numbers of people on the Disability Support Pension who shouldn’t be there – the financial burden of such a development plus the human cost of their disengagement from the workforce – is something we all have to bear.

But addressing the adequacy of the Newstart allowance is just one piece of the complex puzzle that is Australia’s income support system.

We can’t hope to address it unless we tackle the system as whole, and that includes providing job seekers with the right balance between obligations and incentives to get them into work and keep them there.

One of the chief recommendations of the McClure Report into welfare reform – which is still the template for reform in this area – back in the late 90s was the need to simplify Australia’s complex income support system.

It recommended a single income support payment complemented by a participation supplement and a needs-based ‘add on’ payment according to individual or family circumstances – such as a need for childcare to attend work or for someone reliant on public transport.

By doing so we’d not only remove the complexity, but given that the Disability Support Pension offers recipients around $130 per week more than those on Newstart, we’d also remove the incentive to avoid work.

A simpler income support structure would be more responsive to individual needs, circumstances and aspirations. It would also allow for a clear and complementary system of targeted payments to encourage and enable participation in the labour force.

Now, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out why the discussion about a single income support system seems to have dropped off the government’s radar in its consideration of welfare reform.

Times are tight. Eleven years ago it was estimated that introducing such measures would cost $500 million. God knows what it would be today? But the longer we leave it, the more expensive it becomes.

Say what you like about their motives but even at a time of economic austerity the British Government has found close to $5bn dollars to overhaul its welfare system including the provision of a single income payment that does away with multiple benefits that are difficult and expensive to manage. So why can’t we?

But ultimately the case for broader action is about getting more people into work.

To that end we believe the government also needs to tighten obligations for job seekers to stay in touch with the workforce.

From our experience there are still a significant minority of job seekers who are working harder at avoiding their obligations than they are at looking for a job.

But in response the government and businesses must make greater efforts to assist people into a job.

For a start, having underinvested in this area for years, neither seems to be truly serious about the issue of training.

Their approach to plugging skills gaps has been characterised by the worst sort of short-termism – too reliant on the knee-jerk response of drafting skilled migrants than on committing resources to train the army of unskilled Australian unemployed.

And training for unemployed people must match up with real work opportunities.

People rightfully criticised Work for the Dole in its original guise because it provided little in the way of training for a job in the real world.

I don’t know of too many jobs painting rocks in the 21st century.

A simplified income support system, the removal of disincentives and targeted payments to help people into a job, tighter work obligations and more training – all are big reforms, but it’s what we need if we’re going to break the back of joblessness in this country and tap the contribution of the hundreds of thousands of Australians languishing on the unemployment scrap heap.

This opinion piece by Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall appeared in today’s National Times.

Bid on a holiday and help Accor raise funds

2011-10-20T09:42:00.000+11:00

Some of our good friends at Accor are running a brilliant online auction to raise funds for Mission Australia.

As part of their participation in Accor’s Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia. The Giants are just one of more than 20 teams with a fundraising target of $10,000 each.

Proceeds will support a range of Mission Australia services across the country including Café One in Brisbane, Missionbeat in Sydney and Youth Beat in Adelaide.

Prizes include a trip to Hong Kong with airfares from Sydney and accommodation, resort accommodation in Bali and Phuket, and a great holiday to the Gold Coast (ex Sydney or Melbourne).

Click here to go to the auction page.

Accor – Australia’s largest hotel group – has been a partner of Mission Australia for a number of years. Next week almost 100 employees from Accor Hotels across the country will take place in the Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast.

Taking place from 26 to 29 October, Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia is a challenge of stamina, strength, speed and strategy that includes mountain hiking, kayaking, cycling and swimming – ultimately with the goal of raising $250,000 for a range of Mission Australia services across the country.

For more information and to donate to any of the Accor teams, visit www.fundraiseonline.com.

Learn more about the Race to Survive
You can learn more about the Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia by watching this video.

Learn to live with teens at free Sydney information night

2011-10-20T08:22:00.000+11:00

On Thursday night Clifton Adolescent and Family Solutions and Youth Connections, in partnership with Hornsby Council, the GP Network and the Hills Schools Industry Partnership, are presenting a free parent information night for parents living with teenagers.

The Positive Conversations with Your Teenager session is part of a series of Spring presentations to families living in Sydney’s North West.

The speaker is Greg Powell, MPsyc (Clin), MTeach (Hons), BA (Psyc), MAPS, a child and adolescent psychologist and former primary school teacher who is highly experienced in working with parents and young people. He will offer parents of teenagers information and insight on communication and relationships.

The session runs from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at Brooklyn Community Centre, 2-4 Dangar Road, on Thursday 20 October.

Upcoming sessions:
As part of the free parent information series, Greg Powell will deliver ‘Positive conversations with your teenagers’ and ‘Strategies for stress’ sessions while Michael Reed, a consultant psychologist and clinical social worker, will talk about ‘Relationships, risk and resilience’,

Tuesday 25 October – ‘Positive conversations with your teenager’ at Galston
Wednesday 26 October – ‘Positive conversations with your teenager’ at Hornsby
Thursday 17 November – Relationships, risk and resilience’ at Galston at Brooklyn
Tuesday 29 November – ‘Strategies for stress’ at Galston
Wednesday 30 November – ‘Strategies for stress’ at Hornsby
Thursday 8 December – ‘Strategies for stress’ at Brooklyn

Bookings are essential. Please call Nicola Hensler, Manager, Clifton Adolescent and Family Support (CAFS) on 9482 1366 or email cafs@missionaustralia.com.au

Further reading:
Last year Mission Australia’s National Survey of Young Australians asked young people what their top concerns were. Of our 50,000 respondents, 27.8 per cent indicated family conflict was of major concern and it was the second top issue. Coping with stress was the third ranked issue of concern with 27.3 per cent of respondents indicating it was a major concern, up from 18.7 per cent in 2009.

Townsville gets behind local Race to Survive fundraisers

2011-10-19T13:12:00.000+11:00

Media coverage: 19 October2011, Townsville Sun.

More than 100 Townsville residents donned their finest frocks and masks at a recent masquerade ball staged in support of the Townsville Warriors, who will be participating in this month's Race to Survive: Mission Australia Challenge.

Over $6,000 was raised towards Mission Australia's dynamic three-day event, which is aiming to raise a total of $250,000 to help transform the lives of disadvantaged Australians.

From 26-28 October, Accor hotel teams from across the country will participate in a three-day adventure challenge and aim to raise $250,000 for Mission Australia services across the country. The inaugural Accor Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia will help Mission Australia transform the lives of disadvantaged Australians.

Townsville residents are encouraged to support the Warriors as they prepare to race through a course that involves swimming, mountain biking, kayaking, running and camping overnight.

For more information and to donate to any of the Accor teams, visit www.fundraiseonline.com.

You can learn more about the Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia by watching this video.

Family and Carer Mental Health Program celebrates Carers Week

2011-10-18T10:13:00.000+11:00

This week is Carers Week and in northern New South Wales Mission Australia is celebrating with events and activities from Tweed Heads down to Port Macquarie.

Carers are people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail aged.

There are currently over 2.6 million unpaid family carers in Australia, more than 770,000 of whom are primary carers - the people who provide the most care. Mission Australia’s Family and Carer Mental Health program specifically supports carers of people with a mental illness living on the North Coast.

In the lead-up to Carers Week, Mission Australia donated around $400 worth of books each to both the Port Macquarie and the Kempsey libraries to help inform people in those communities about mental illness.

Kellie Russell, a Carer Support worker for the Family and Carer Mental Health Program, said she made the decision to donate books on mental illness to Kempsey Library because she believed that carers – the very people who are caring for someone with a mental illness – should be able to have access to information on mental illness.

“In my job as a Carer Support Worker, I had access to a lot of great books on mental illness,” Ms Russel said. “And while I noticed that while Kempsey Library had some great books on this subject, they could probably do with a few more.”

“By donating these books and thereby ensuring Kempsey Library has a larger range of information on mental ill health, carers of people with a mental illness will be able to readily access books about mental illness – as well as people in the community with an interest in mental health.”

Here are a few of the activities our Family and Carer Mental Health Program are hosting or taking part in throughout Carer’s Week:

Today, Tuesday 18 October, there’ll be a Carers Information Stand at Heritage Park Lismore.
On Wednesday 19 October from 10am there’s a Pampering Day for Carers at Cavanbah Hall, Coffs Harbour from 10am onwards, supported by Mission Australia, the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres (CRCC) and Carers NSW.
On 24 October at Urunga Foreshores from 10am on we’re hosting a Get-Together Barbecue for carers and families and friends of people living with a mental illness.
In Port Macquarie and Lismore, Mission Australia is donating books on mental illness to local libraries so carers can freely access information.

There’ll also be a Carers Award Ceremony in Ballina, a lunch for carers at the Tweed Heads Ivory Tavern, a Centrelink Carers Day at South Tweed and the Lismore Carers Support Group lunch.

Find our more information about our North Coast program, including contact details, visit our Family and Carer Mental Health Program page.

Holiday makers’ lost property finds new home with the homeless

2011-10-18T10:00:00.000+11:00

Lost property left behind in a number of Cairns hotels and holiday apartments is being put to good use, through a joint partnership between Accor Hotels and leading charity Mission Australia.

Property left unclaimed for more than six months, along with items the hotel group intends to update or replace, is being donated to the local Mission Australia Going Places team for local homeless people to use when they secure permanent accommodation.

Going Places Service Manager Natalie Musumeci said the items donated are helping disadvantaged locals to get a fresh start in life.

“As we celebrate Anti-Poverty Week, this program is a great example of what can be done in our local community to help people facing serious hardship,” Ms Musumeci said.

“The people who we help at Going Places have often been homeless for a long time and have very few possessions. So when we are able to help them find stable accommodation, they usually have very little to furnish their home with.

“Accor hotels in Cairns have donated pots, pans, old TVs, chairs and tables that are no longer suitable for use in their properties, to help our clients start their new lives.

“Lost property such as clothing that holiday-goers have long forgotten is also now being put to good use by members of community who might otherwise go without.

“This is a wonderful contribution from Accor that is helping individuals and families who are doing it tough in the Cairns region.”

Accor’s Regional General Manager for Queensland, Neil Scanlan said Accor is committed to giving back to the local community and our partnership with Mission Australia helps us to do this.

“Accor have been a partner of Mission Australia for a number of years and we admire the important and life-changing work the charity carries out to assist thousands of Australians in need each and every year.

“Our Cairns hotels are very much part of their local communities and are happy to lend a hand in any way they can to help improve the lives of those less fortunate. By donating pre-loved hotel wares, furniture and lost property it is just one small way we can give something back to the communities in which we operate”.

Mission Australia’s Going Places program is aimed at providing people who are living rough in the Cairns community with the support and assistance they need to find secure accommodation and to make the positive changes in their lives that will allow them to stay off the streets.

In most cases, the circumstances that have led to their homelessness are complex and people need a range of support services to help them address issues including unemployment, poverty, mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse and family breakdown.

Since last November, the Queensland Government funded program has assisted almost 150 people who were experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including 40 families.

From 26-29 October, Accor hotel teams from across the country will participate in a three-day adventure challenge and aim to raise $250,000 for Mission Australia services across the country. The inaugural Accor Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia will help Mission Australia transform the lives of disadvantaged Australians. For more information and to donate to the teams, visit www.fundraiseonline.com.

-Ends-

Note to Editor:
Accor Hotels in Cairns include: Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade Palm Cove, Novotel Palm Cove Resort, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Mercure Cairns Harbourside, All Seasons Cairns, All Seasons Cairns Colonial Club and Coral Coast Palm Cove Accor Vacation Club Apartments.

Media Contacts:
Mission Australia – Nicola Hazell (07) 3394 8114/ 0467 783 421
Accor – Ginni Ryan (02) 9280 9874/ 0417 200 556

What are you doing for Anti-Poverty Week?

2011-10-17T12:01:00.000+11:00

Poverty and severe hardship affect more than a million Australians. Anti-Poverty Week, which began yesterday, aims to strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty.

Noel Mundy, Mission Australia’s State Director for Tasmania and Victoria, is one of the State Co-Chairs of the National Facilitating Group of Anti-Poverty Week. On Sunday he hosted a launch event at Mission Australia Centre Chigwell House in Hobart that included a free barbecue, face painting, a jumping castle and many more family-friendly activities.

In Western Australia, Mission Australia’s team in Port Hedland is hosting a wine and cheese supper to screen the award winning documentary More 4 Me, which documents what people can’t live without in the poorest and richest parts of our world.

Scott Vawser, WA Chaplain and Youth Support Worker said although he had seen the documentary five times it still had a powerful impact on him.

“Each time I feel more convicted and challenged about my engagement with the poor and those far less privileged than myself,” he said.

“I love the way the film shows people ‘just like me’ and shows how extremely luxurious my way of life is in comparison to so many. Mission Australia staff who have already seen the documentary have commented on how inspired they were to continue their work.”

Anti-Poverty Week was established in Australia as an expansion of the United Nation’s annual International Anti-Poverty Day on 17 October. It is designed to encourage research, discussion and action to address issues related to poverty.

In line with our mission to see a fairer Australia, Mission Australia has been a key supporter of Anti-poverty Week through activities, advocacy and donations.

Last year, more than 450 activities were organised for Anti-Poverty Week, a 12 per cent increase from the previous year - and we want to help increase that again this year!

For more information about Anti-Poverty Week, activities in your area and resources, visit the Anti-Poverty Week website. http://www.antipovertyweek.org.au/

Mission Australia welcomes onshore processing

2011-10-14T16:58:00.000+11:00

National community service organisation, Mission Australia, has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that it will move towards the onshore processing of asylum seeker claims.

“While there might be some disagreement about how the government arrived at this position, we welcome the fact that it’s become the destination,” said Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall.

“Onshore processing of asylum seeker claims - along with allowing individuals and families to live in the community and make a contribution - has been the solution all along, I’m just glad it’s finally here.

“People seeking asylum have fled persecution in their homelands because of their race, religion, political beliefs or ethnicity.

“As a country, we should be doing our best to support vulnerable people, not turn them away. It’s our responsibility both as human beings and as a member of the international community.

“We particularly welcome the government’s announcement that it will speed up processing and grant bridging visas to allow asylum seekers to work and participate in the community.”

Mission Australia has been a vocal critic of plans to deport asylum seekers to Malaysia and other destinations for off-shore processing – particularly unaccompanied minors.

“We offered, in conjunction with the Melbourne based Baptcare, to care for asylum seeker children in the community, rather than sending them to Malaysia,” said Mr Hall.

“However, with the government’s announcement that all asylum seeker claims will be processed in Australia – men, women and children – we believe this is a far better outcome for everyone.”

Stars come out to support HRX Sleepout

2011-10-14T13:52:00.000+11:00

Country music talent Paul Costa, is one of the many acts who’ll play at HRX Winter Sleepout this Saturday to help raise funds for Mission Australia’s services for homeless youth.

Named Victorian Male Vocalist at the 2008 Victorian and National Country Music Awards, Paul already has four Golden Guitar nominations under his belt. Apart from being a talented performer and songwriter, the Central Coast artist also has a strong social conscience and is a huge supporter of the work being carried our by our dedicated frontline staff.

He was inspired to support Mission Australia after attending one of our events in Goulburn and learning more about the issues facing rural communities - particularly homelessness in rural communities.

Since seeing first-hand the great work being done by our Goulburn team, he’s now an ambassador for our work – and recently penned a song called Shine for us.

Paul (pictured centre after a recent visit to our National Office in Sydney) will be playing at HRX Sleepout at 6pm on Saturday. HRX Sleepout guests will also be treated to performances by Swayze, The Hips and the CYI Band.

Australian Idol runner-up 2009 Hayley Warner – another great supporter of Mission Australia – will also make an appearance as will Home and Away stars Rebecca Breeds and Luke Mitchell.

Plus, the giant screen will show the first Rugby World Cup Semi-Final and films.

Find out more at http://www.hrxsleepout.com.au/

Media Release: Mass Sleepout to raise funds for Sydney’s youth homeless

2011-10-14T11:40:00.000+11:00

HRX Sleepout in Centennial Park, Saturday 15 October 2011

The HRX sleepout will be taking place in Centennial Park this Saturday to raise funds for Mission Australia’s youth homelessness services.

Last year, the event raised $70,000 when around 300 participants slept under the stars. This year, the aim is to host a crowd of more than 1000 in order to raise $150,000.

Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness Mark Arbib will be among those sleeping out on Saturday.

“Mission Australia and HRX are to be congratulated for raising funds to help provide housing and support to young Australians who are homeless, to help turn their lives around,” Minister Arbib said.

“It is deeply disturbing how many young Australians end up homeless and often through no fault of their own.

“Australians and Australian companies are strongly encouraged to help raise funding to end homelessness for young people.”

Daniel Strickland, service manager of Mission Australia’s iconic homeless outreach service, Missionbeat said:

“On any given night in Australia, 105,000 men, women and children are homeless – and of this figure a worrying 44,000 are under the age of 25.”

“Youth homelessness is becoming increasingly evident in Sydney, with many young people finding themselves in vulnerable situations because of changes in their personal circumstances – most commonly due to family breakdown.

“Last year, Mission Australia worked with 18,736 young people in need, helping them to transform their lives.”

HRX Chairman Katrina Leslie said the support for last year’s inaugural HRX Sleepout last year was astounding, saying:

“We think this demonstrates that Sydneysiders are in touch with, and care about, what’s happening in the community. They want to help combat the problem of youth homelessness.

“We are really looking forward to this year’s event – knowing that aside from the enjoyable night promised – the funds raised will have a direct impact on reducing youth homelessness.”

The secure HRX Sleepout venue is a great way for individuals and families to experience a unique night sleeping under the stars. And to help enjoy the night, there is a vast array of entertainment arranged including:
•    Outdoor cinema – screening movies: Invictus, Grown Ups;
•    Live music – performances from Sydney band, Swayze, The Hips, CYI band;
•    Giant screen showing Rugby World Cup semi-final;
•    Children’s activities – jumping castle, face painting, balloon sculpture;
•    Workshops – Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) – music and art; Drumbeat – African drum circle;
•    Guest appearances – Australian Idol runner up 2009 Hayley Warner, Home & Away stars Rebecca Breeds and Luke Mitchell; and
•    Food stands – BBQ, seafood, cheese, bakery, coffee, dessert & confectionery.

Registered sleepout participants raise funds by organising sponsorship from family and friends. Participants are allowed to bring a tent or sleep under the stars – whichever they prefer.

To find out more about the HRX Sleepout or to register, please visit: www.hrxsleepout.com.au

- ends -

Media contact: Sally Popplestone Mob: 0415 547 626.

Background information:

• All money raised will go to Mission Australia’s youth services – Creative Youth Initiatives, Lemongrove Lodge, and Macarthur Youth Connections. Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) provides creative programs for young people aged 16-25 who are facing challenges including homelessness. Lemongrove Lodge provides secure accommodation and outreach programs for at-risk young people aged 16-21, providing assistance in areas including housing, living skills, family reconciliation, health, mental health, drug and alcohol issues. Macarthur Youth Connections provides medium to long-term accommodation to at-risk young women who require help with a range of complex issues relating to health and social development.

• The HRX Sleepout is part of Mission Australia’s Winter Sleepout – a campaign which has been raising awareness about homelessness for over 20 years. The first sleepout was held in 1988 in Sydney’s Martin Place.

Letter to the Editor from Toby Hall, CEO, Mission Australia

2011-10-14T10:10:00.000+11:00

In response to an opinion piece by Gary Johns in the Australian yesterday, Mission Australia has sent the letter below to the editor of the Australian newspaper.

Dear Editor

In his inimitably one-eyed, caustic and cynical style, Gary Johns unsurprisingly misrepresents the debate around homeless numbers in Australia.

That homeless agencies can’t disagree with the ABS for reasons other than money and naked self-interest says volumes about Johns’ take on the world.

If homeless numbers are officially half what has previously been claimed, why is it that homeless services across the board – prevention, crisis accommodation and housing – don’t have the capacity to cope with demand?

Why is it that 60% of people who need help from government-funded homeless shelters are turned away each day?

Many of the chief contributing factors to homelessness, such as family conflict, mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse – issues which Johns conveniently overlooks – are on the rise.

Why is he happy to trust the word of statisticians in an office in Belconnen and not those working on the frontline of the problem?

Johns claims this issue has revealed the “dark corner” of the welfare sector. What fantasy.

The only darkness revealed here is within Johns’ heart. That someone who once held senior public office would hold the view that ‘homelessness can’t be prevented so why would you bother trying to stop it?’ would send a chill down the backbones of most fair-minded Australians.

Toby Hall is the Chief Executive Officer of Mission Australia

Media Release: Ten year old celebrates his birthday by helping others

2011-10-12T15:44:00.000+11:00

While most ten year old boys can’t wait to open the mountains of birthday presents they might receive from their friends, one young man has reminded us all about the joy of giving.

When planning his tenth birthday party, Year 5 Brookfield State School student Mitchell Lake decided to ask his friends not to bring a gift, but to bring a donation for the charity Mission Australia instead.

Mitchell said he had plenty of presents from his family, and wanted to do something to help others.

“While I have a house to live in, I know there are people with nowhere to live. So I asked the kids that I invited to my party to bring a donation instead of a present, to help people who are homeless,” Mitchell said.

Yesterday, Mitchell presented Mission Australia Queensland State Director Penny Gillespie with $534 in donations raised at his birthday party, to go towards helping people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in Queensland.

“When I heard that a young man was coming in to donate his birthday money I was very impressed,” Ms Gillespie said.

“But I couldn’t believe it when I heard his story, and he presented us with more than $500 for people in need.

“Mitchell is obviously a very special and generous young man.

“The funds he raised will go towards people in our community who are struggling with homelessness, to help provide them with the support they need to improve their lives for the future.

“Mitchell’s selflessness and compassion are inspiring. His significant contribution will help make a real difference in the lives of disadvantaged Queenslanders – something he can be very proud of.”

Ms Gillespie presented Mitchell with a Certificate of Appreciation for his generous contribution.

But when asked to pose for a photo, Mitchell said “why is this worth a photo and a story? Isn’t this what lots of people do?”

Incredibly, he seemed shocked to hear that in fact what he was doing was very special and that not everyone was as generous as him.

Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 3394 8114

Giving the Treasurer our two cents worth

2011-10-12T15:13:00.000+11:00

IF words like tax and forum make your eyes glaze o….zzzzzzzz. Well wake up! Last week’s Tax Forum at Parliament House in Canberra was a unique opportunity to help disadvantaged Australians, which is why we were excited to be a part of it.

Mission Australia was represented at the forum by our general manager of Social Advocacy and Public Affairs, Eleri Morgan-Thomas. Eleri was allocated a seat next to Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan for one of the sessions, in a room of more than 180 participants.

Not only does this reflect well on our standing with the federal government, but the entire two-day forum offered us good opportunities to speak and be heard on two issues we care about strongly: getting job-seekers into work, and housing affordability.

Policy shifts in both of these areas could make a real difference to the lives of many of our clients and people at risk of homelessness, which is why we are advocating for change.

The Treasurer’s announcement at the end of the forum that the tax-free threshold would be lifted to $21,000 was one we support, in principle, as it will help remove the disincentive many people face in returning to or entering the workforce. This boost in the threshold goes beyond the rise from $6,000 to $18,200 planned for next July.

As Mr Swan said in his closing remarks to the summit; “It would mean better rewards for work, which would mean more Australians in work”.

The Government is yet to set a timeline for lifting the threshold to $21,000, but the announcement was a significant step.

There are also existing tax mechanisms that we believe are making it hard for many Australians to afford buy, or even rent, a home.

Long-term structural problems in the rental market mean there will continue to be a chronic shortage of affordable housing. We’d still like to see further discussion around ways to create an affordable rental market. At the moment governments rely on subsidies through negative gearing and capital gains tax exemptions to fund investment in rental housing. But it’s really poorly targeted and as we all know, there are not enough homes to rent, and the rents are too high.

At the forum, Eleri proposed shifting some of the government investment into housing away from negative gearing and into a social investment bond and the National Rental Affordability Scheme, NRAS. We think social investment bonds are a sensible way to get institutional investment in housing. Housing associations, like MA Housing, are well positioned to turn those investment funds into well managed, well targeted affordable housing.

”I came away from the Forum having learned a lot about tax and who our potential partners are in making a case to government,” Eleri said.

“It is those sort of insights that really help us, at Mission Australia, to think big. I am reminded again that sometimes the biggest impact we can have, is to change the system.”

Accor staff racing to make a difference

2011-10-12T13:22:00.000+11:00

Almost 100 employees from Accor Hotels across the country are two weeks away from the inaugural Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia.

This three-day event from 26 to 29 October will be held at Novotel Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast.

Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia is a challenge of stamina, strength, speed and strategy – ultimately with the goal of raising $250,000 for a range of Mission Australia services across the country.

The teams of Accor employees will go head-to-head in a gruelling race that includes mountain hiking, kayaking, cycling and swimming.

Accor – Australia’s largest hotel group – has been a partner of Mission Australia for a number of years.

“Hotels are very much part of their local communities and across Australia our teams work with Mission Australia to improve the lives of those less fortunate,” said Simon McGrath, Vice President Accor Australia.

“We selected Queensland to host Race to Survive because it has had to withstand so many hardships this year: from natural disasters through to declines in tourism business as a result of the high Australian dollar.

“We wanted to give back to the Queensland community. It should be an inspiring event for all those participating,” said Mr McGrath.

Mission Australia’s own CEO Toby Hall will take part in the final day of the race. Toby and the entire Mission Australia team would like to extend a sincere thank you to all Accor staff for their amazing effort.

If you’d like to support an Accor team in your area to raise much-needed funds for Mission Australia visit www.fundraiseonline.com.au.

You can learn more about the Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia by watching this video.

Meet Gary. And meet Toby (Fisher).

2011-10-11T12:05:00.000+11:00

Toby caught our eye recently when we noticed a project he had created for his university course – a television commercial for Mission Australia!

“The idea was basically that everyone else was giving short term solutions to a wider problem, but that Mission Australia had some long term solutions to offer,” Toby told us.

Toby was assigned “Mission Australia” and his task was to show an audience what made us different. Using a stop-motion technique, and a character named Gary, Toby found a way to tell our story. Other students were given other charities to advertise.

For his Bachelor of Business degree at UTS, Toby majored in advertising and communications and this project was for a subject called Advertising Strategies.

Toby has since graduated and he has told us that he is now working as a trainee with Universal McCann. We wish him well.

Click here to watch Toby's video.

If you like it, you can send a message to Toby at tjfisher88@gmail.com.

‘Open Your Mind’ – Mental Health Week in Whyalla

2011-10-11T10:18:00.000+11:00

Mission Australia – supported by other agencies - is holding an activities day in Whyalla to celebrate Mental Health Week.

The ‘Open Your Mind’ family fun day will be held at Civic Park on Thursday October 13 from 10.30am to 2pm and will feature a variety of events plus a healthy barbecue.

As well, there will be outdoor activities and low-impact exercises, such as a Heart Foundation community walk around the park, body balance classes, free massages, stress ball making, as well as complimentary vouchers.

Professionals will be attending the event to provide a host of information. People who have experienced mental illness will also be sharing their personal stories.

Mental illness is a general term that refers to a group of illnesses affecting the mind. People may experience episodes of mental illness that come and go throughout their lifetime. While some people may experience mental illness once and are able to fully recover, others may endure it for their entire life.

Mental illness can dramatically alter the lives of an individual as well as their families. A person trying to cope with mental illness may experience discrimination and isolation within their community.

Mental Health Week seeks to bring the issues of mental health to the forefront of people’s minds. This year’s theme ‘Open Your Mind’ asks individuals, family members or community members to think about how they can reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

“One in every five of us will have a mental health problem in our lives,” said Ms Mary-Ann Koerner, Mission Australia Whyalla Team Leader. “But the stigma of mental illness deters many people from seeking assistance.”

Mission Australia is the lead agency, along with Personal Helpers and Mentors Programme, Eyre Futures, Centacare, Uniting Care Wesley Port Adelaide, Joan Gibbons Neighborhood Centre, Day 2 Day Living, Community Mental Health, Community Health – Foodies, Whyalla City Council, Be Active, Life Without Barriers, CAMHS, University of South Australia, Mental Health Coalition SA and Beyond Blue, holding this event to celebrate Mental Health Week this year.

“A committee comprising of a range of interested parties wanted to hold one major event this year and we have been working tirelessly to ensure its success,” said Ms Koerner.

“Mental Health Week presents a great opportunity for community members to seek out information.”

To coincide, Community Mental Health is also auspicing an art competition for local school children, with considerable monetary prizes to be awarded. Dr Dinesh will also be guest speaker at Joan Gibbons House at 10am on Wednesday 12 October.

Media contact: Mary-Ann Koerner at Mission Australia on 0428 725 584 or KoernerM@missionaustralia.com.au

HRX Sleepout volunteers needed 15 – 16 October 2011

2011-10-11T09:07:00.000+11:00

Are you a barista in the making? Or do you have some great traffic directing abilities? Mission Australia has some volunteering positions at the HRX Sleepout and we need your help.

Mission Australia Coffee Cart
We need experienced coffee slingers and some people to take orders and help the “baristas” do their stuff. If you sign up for a barista position, you must have had some experience pulling coffee on a commercial coffee machine. The shifts we need to cover are:

Saturday 15 October
1:30 – 2:00 pm (2 people to help set up)
2:00 – 4:00 pm (1 coffee maker and 2 helpers)
4:00 – 6:00 pm (1 coffee maker and 2 helpers)
6:00 – 8:00 pm (1 coffee maker and 2 helpers)
8:00 – 10:00 pm (1 coffee maker and 2 helpers)

Sunday 16 October
6:00 – 6:30 am (2 people to help set up)
6:30 – 8:00 am (1 coffee maker and 2 helpers)
8:00 – 9:30 am (1 coffee maker and 2 helpers)

Mission Australia information tent
We will need some staff to man the information tent to talk about our services during the night and morning.

General
We will need some staff for general volunteering duties on the day including helping people to find their way around and to sell glow sticks.

Set up and clean up
We will need a contingent of volunteers to help set up on Saturday morning and clean up on Sunday morning. As the saying goes “Many hands make light work”. Set up will commence from 9am on Saturday 15 October and cleanup will commence at 10am on Sunday 16 October.

If you can help out, please contact us at wintersleepout@missionaustralia.com.au.

Mission Australia Educates on Problem Gambling

2011-10-11T07:47:00.000+11:00

Mission Australia is running a two-day ‘Gambling Smart’ workshop in Mt Druitt on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 October to assist Aboriginal community and health workers better identify gambling issues within their community, and among their clients.

The interactive and informative workshop is free and is being held from 9:30am to 4pm each day at the Marrinweejali Aboriginal Co-op, 79-81 Jersey Road, Blackett.

This workshop is part of a program which will be rolled out across 20 New South Wales communities over the next 12 months, and is funded by Communities NSW through the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.

Gambling Smart workshop presenter Owen Craigie is well known for his career in rugby league, having captained the South Sydney Rabbitohs and played with the West Tigers, Newcastle Knights, and in the English Super League.

Having experienced the detrimental effects of problem gambling personally, Craigie felt strongly about helping educate frontline workers about the warning signs.

“If those working closely with problem gamblers can detect the warning signs early on, there is a better chance the person can be assisted in turning things around before their life spirals out of control,” says Craigie.

“Problem gambling is often a closely guarded secret. However, there are detectable warning signs including: poorly explained absences from home or work, a defensive attitude, or even signs of depression.”

“If we can equip community and health workers with information about the warning signs then we can potentially assist people earlier rather than later.”

Craigie said that the workshop will cover a range of issues associated with problem gambling.

“We will look at the different types and forms of gambling, the signs and symptoms of problem gambling, risk and protective factors, impacts on health and relationships, the types of interventions and treatment programs, gambling counselling and where to find help,” Craigie said.

Participants that complete the full two-day course will receive a certificate of participation, and lunch and refreshments will also be provided. For more information, contact Owen on (02) 4033 4941.

Media contact: Sally Popplestone Mobile: 0415 547 626

Media Release: Free Mind Field music event for Perth youth

2011-10-10T11:08:00.000+11:00

To raise awareness of Mental Health Week, Mission Australia will present Mind Field, a free all-ages event on Friday 14 October in Wellington Square Park.

The day will be coordinated by the Drug and Alcohol Youth Service (DAYS), an integrated program run by Mission Australia and the State Government’s Next Step Youth Service.

The main attraction on the day will be live performances from original local bands Hurricane Fighter Plane, Lucy Peach and Burgers of Beef. Along with the live music, there will be stands providing information about mental health services available in Western Australia.

A free sausage sizzle lunch and cool drinks will also be served, with the Minister for Mental Health, Helen Morton MLC wielding the barbecue tongs.

Mission Australia’s Acting State Director Carmen Acosta said Mind Field will highlight treatment options available for young people dealing with issues such as mental illness, homelessness and substance misuse.

“Mind Field is all about providing young people with a great day out, but at the same time helping them navigate their way through the myriad of services available for issues they may be facing,” Ms Acosta said.

“Mission Australia’s Wattle House, On Track, Jacaranda House and South East Metro Community Drug Service teams will be there on the day, along with representatives from the WA Government’s Mental Health Commission, Headspace, Youthlink and other agencies.”

Where: Wellington Square Park, East Perth
When: Friday 14 October 2011
Time: 1am to 3pm
11:50am - live music begins
12:30pm - free sausage sizzle
Free soft drinks and water served throughout the day

Media Contact:
Jo Ann Blizzard
Ph: 08 9388 0944
M: 0416 038 787

Santana’s sleeping under the stars for a good cause

2011-10-10T10:44:00.000+11:00

Santana, National Projects Manager at Mission Australia’s national office, and her husband went along to the 2010 HRX Sleepout to enjoy a night out under the stars, some good food and to get reacquainted with old friends. Here, she tells us why she couldn’t resist the chance to do it all again.

“Last year we had the pleasure of attending the HRX Sleepout for Mission Australia. My husband and I packed up the tent (just for emergencies) our inflatable mattress and some snacks.

“Unfortunately our two dogs had to stay home. Although curled comfortably on their favourite lounge chairs, I think they were enjoying the luxury of home.

“On the night we were a little apprehensive, it was quite chilly and threatened to rain, so we wondered how we’d get along in our resolve not to use the tent! We managed to stick to our guns until the wee hours of the morning when we finally succumbed to the rain and headed inside the tent.

“Before the rain we enjoyed everything the night had to offer, we watched a movie, saw a live band and had a good chat to the Missionbeat crew at the Missionbeat van. We ate lots of great food and the atmosphere on the night was lovely, smiles all around.

“We invited our friends along – a couple and their two young boys – and the whole family loved it. It was such a great excuse to sit down and really spend some quality time with them. It’s not often we get to do that. We also got to introduce them to the amazing people we work with at Mission Australia.

“We will definitely be sleeping out again this year and we’re hoping to spend the entire night out in the open (although we might still put the tent in the car, just in case…).”

Join Santana and hundreds more this weekend in Sydney’s Centennial Park for the 2011 HRX Sleepout to help raise funds for homeless services. They’ll be music, with karaoke, live performances by Mission Australia Ambassador Paul Costa plus Hayley Warner, Swayze and Ol’ 55, Rockpile, Paul McCann and the Creative Youth Initiatives Band.

There’ll also be an outdoor cinema screening films and the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup live at 7pm, and karaoke!

To register and learn more visit visit http://www.hrxsleepout.com.au/

Local business recognised nationally for hard work

2011-10-07T10:58:00.000+11:00

Media release, 7 October 2011

A family owned and operated business in the Riverland has been nominated for ‘Best New Business’ in the National New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) Association Business Awards to be announced in November.

NEIS is a self-employment program funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) that helps eligible unemployed people become self-supporting through establishing and running their own sustainable business.

Knightsgrove Engineering is an engineering, maintenance and fabrication business based in Renmark. It recently won a major assignment in New South Wales installing new equipment and modifying a processing line for Batlow Apples and is expecting further work from this source.

Steve Knight directs business operations - offering basic handyman services as well as on-site breakdown maintenance - while his wife Jackie handles administration.

The Knights established the business under the NEIS banner after many years of financial instability and concern for their family’s economic future.

“Having our own business was something we had always thought about but didn’t think possible due to the demands of having a young family,” said Ms Knight.

As a result of increasing economic decline in the Riverland, Steve Knight found himself unemployed in June 2010.

“Business confidence in the area was low, but suddenly starting our own seemed like the only option as jobs were very scarce and we did not want to move.”

Russell Vincent, from Mission Australia, was assigned as the Knights’ NEIS mentor.

“Russell provided us with the guidance and support that we needed to get Knightsgrove Engineering started and our life back on track,” said Ms Knight.

“Mission Australia NEIS gave us the knowledge and tools to help us realise our strengths and weaknesses as well identify the needs of our potential customers – thus we have been able to address the shortfall of services not covered by our competitors.

“We recognise the need for flexibility in business and in our dealings with current and potential customers.

“NEIS has taught us that the only limits to succeeding are the limits one places on one self,” she said.

Knightsgrove Engineering is leading the way in business confidence in a recovering Riverland economic climate. The winner of the ‘Best New Business’ category will receive $1500.

Contact: Renae Sullivan, Rann Communication, on (08) 8211 7771 or renae@rann.com.au

MA Housing’s 750th tenant feels right at home

2011-10-07T10:13:00.000+11:00

MA Housing has celebrated placing its 750th tenant into a home with a special welcome barbecue at Kingswood in western Sydney.

The tenant, Bev Smith, was guest of honour at the event last Friday, which was held at the new 65-home development MA Housing took over management of in May.

The former Guildford resident told The Penrith City Star that she couldn’t have wished for a nicer place to live
“I feel blessed to be here,” Miss Smith said. "I haven't been this happy and I've just turned 60:”

Joining Ms Smith at the welcome barbecue were her neighbours, MA Housing staff, Steve Randall from the local Aboriginal Lands Council, who delivered a warm Welcome to Country, and Lindsay MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer David Bradbury.

Mr Bradbury told guests that the housing development was a great example of Federal stimulus money being used as it created both jobs and long-term housing.

MA Housing CEO Andrew McAnulty said the new Kingswood homes were built for people over 55 in need of stable accommodation.

“There's a mixture here of people who were previously homeless and public housing tenants who had to move," Mr McAnulty said.

All the new homes have floor-access showers and solar-powered hot water and they are designed to create a safe community for the tenants.

An unexpected bonus for Ms Smith was finding out that her cousin, who she hadn’t seen in 15 years, lives nearby.

"I think I was meant to be here,” Ms Smith (pictured with Mr Bradbury and Mr McAnulty) said. “I have never been this happy.”

To learn more about MA Housing go to www.mahousing.com.au

Further reading:

‘New Kingswood housing units’– Penrith City Star
‘Supportive model to tackle housing in Sydney’

ELS Director joins Early Childhood Australia’s National Board of Directors

2011-10-06T15:36:00.000+11:00

Marie Howard, our National Director of Early Learning Services, has been appointed to the National Board of Directors of Early Childhood Australia (ECA) for a three-year term.

Marie has been a member of the Victorian branch of ECA – the national umbrella organisation for children's services – for the past three years in the role of Honorary Treasurer.

The ECA’s mission is to advocate, ensuring quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to eight years.

This week Marie will be sworn in as an official board member at the annual ECA National Council Meeting in Hobart.

Sitting on the National Board of Directors, Marie’s role will include providing governance and long-term planning of the organisation, implementation of the organisation's strategic plan and ensuring ECA fulfils its mission to advocate for young children.

“I’m extremely excited about the appointment. It will be a fantastic opportunity to work with others in the sector and to influence policy on issues affecting children.

“It’s also a great way to increase awareness of our Early Learning Services and to profile the services Mission Australia ELS can provide,” said Marie.

Mission Australia operates 29 Early Learning Centres in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Our centres provide high-quality learning and care for children aged six weeks to six years of age, and seek to connect young children with the natural world and their communities.

Find out more about our Early Learning Services at http://www.maearlylearning.com.au/ or watch the new ELS video, which was posted this week.

How fair are unemployment benefits?

2011-10-06T12:51:00.000+11:00

Media Coverage: ABC TV 7.30, 5 October 2011

The ABC reported there was consensus at this week’s Canberra tax forum on an unexpected issue. Experts from business and welfare groups all agreed that the unemployment benefit, or Newstart Allowance, is too low.

They say it's penalising the jobless, making it harder for people to get work and condemning the long-term unemployed to poverty. This came on the same day that one of Australia's top investment bankers called on the Government to take more tax from the rich.

Today’s Sydney Morning Herald report on the tax summit said that Newstart unemployment benefit shrank so much relative to living costs that the cheapest capital city accommodation took all but $16.50 a day.

Peter Whiteford, of the social policy research centre at the University of NSW, told the summit the cheapest one-bedroom accommodation in the Sydney region could be found at Wyong, on the Central Coast. The Melbourne equivalent would be Melton South on the city’s north-western fringe.

Read The Sydney Morning Herald article or watch Stephen Long’s report for 7.30.

Our first Celebrate Social Enterprise Awards a hit!

2011-10-05T15:17:00.000+11:00

On Monday night Mission Australia hosted our inaugural Celebrate Social Enterprise Awards at Melbourne Aquarium.

This event celebrated and acknowledged the dedication and hard work of past and present trainees of Mission Australia’s Victorian Social Enterprise programs.

The awards brought together Melbourne’s business community and government representatives as well as Mission Australia staff, trainees and their family and friends.

This night was as much about celebrating the commitment of taking part in a Mission Australia Victoria Social Enterprise program as it was about the individual winners.

Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall was spot on when he told guests that: “Life’s not always about winning, it’s about taking part”.

Awards were presented to eight trainees who participated in Mission Australia social enterprises.

Unique, however, was the Shane Church Memorial Award, which was presented to Sean Westall in honour of an Urban Renewal participant who passed away. This award was symbolic of who Shane was in life - a driven, hard-working, honest person who was talented and always gave 100 per cent.

”All trainees, regardless of being nominated or winning an award, were ecstatic,” said Chris Hawken, Urban Renewal Manager. “This event certainly does wonders to their self-esteem and self-worth”.

Trainees Imogen McGrail-Walsh of Charcoal Lane, Mission Australia’s social enterprise restaurant in Fitzroy, and Mamadee Kamara of Urban Renewal’s Pop-Up Park project each told guests about their personal experiences working for social enterprises.

They each spoke highly of their peers and the program while Imogen highlighted the barbecues Charcoal Lane hosts for the broader community as she enjoys giving back to others through food. Friends and families beamed with pride as Imogen and Mamadee shared their heart-warming stories with guests.

Mission Australia would like to extend it’s gratitude to Middletons for supporting of this event. Without their commitment this night would not have been the celebration it was.

Congratulations to our Celebrate Social Enterprise Awards winners:

Career Encouragement Award,- Spencer Holmes (Charcoal Lane)
Career Pathway Award - Drew Taylor (Urban Renewal)
Employability Award - Marley Kennedy (Charcoal Lane)
Leadership Award - Fahrid Taniwal (Urban Renewal/ Pop-Up Park)
Transitions Award - Alexandrea Smedley (Greener Futures)
Heart Award - Denice Hudson (Charcoal Lane)
Outstanding Acheivement Award - Mamadee Kamara (Urban Renewal/ Pop Up Park)
Shane Church Memorial Award - Sean Westell (Urban Renewal)

Support your local op shop in Buy Nothing New Month

2011-10-05T11:14:00.001+11:00

October is Buy Nothing New Month – a time to reassess what we really need, think about where the stuff we buy comes from, where it goes when we’re done with it and what our alternatives are.

It doesn’t mean you have to give up shopping altogether, but instead it’s the perfect time to check out your local op shop. They have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and many sell seconds or clothes that are in mint condition.

Op shopping not only saves you money and helps to reduce landfill, but it also gives you the chance to support some really worthy causes.

Mission Australia operates eight Big Heart op shops in New South Wales, in the Illawarra, south-western Sydney, Nowra and Goulburn. Each store provides high-quality, low-cost clothing and furnishings to the public.

All money raised from the sale of clothing and other items is directed towards Mission Australia's non-funded community programs. Excess clothing is distributed, through Mission Australia services, to homeless, disadvantaged and people in need.

All Big Heart stores are committed to environmental sustainability and responsibly recycle 100 per cent of the clothing and goods donated to us.

Find a store here, or shop online at the Big Heart eBay store.

Learn more about Buy Nothing New Month:

At the official website, which features this video on reducing landfill.
ABC’s 7.30 program featured this report about shoppers turning to second-hand goods, both on the internet and in op-shops.

SMILES for youth starts Mental Health Month

2011-10-05T08:21:00.000+11:00

Mission Australia is kicking off Mental Health Month with a new program to help young people on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales cope with family mental health issues.

Known as the SMILES (Simplifying Mental Illness + Life Enhancement Skills) program, this partnership between Mission Australia Family and Carer Mental Health Program and the Kempsey Community Mental Health Service helps young people to gain skills and build support networks that enable them to deal with a mother, father or sibling who has schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety.

Children and young people who have a parent with a mental illness are frequently isolated from their peers as they assume responsibility as the care-giver. For this reason, an important aim of SMILES is to reduce this feeling of isolation and establish support networks.

SMILES is also designed to help youth increase their ability to cope at home as well as explore their creativity and increase self-esteem.

Some of the SMILES activities include age-appropriate education about mental illness and life skills, as well as interactive exercises such as problem-solving, artwork and music sessions. The program also teaches young people relaxation techniques.

On Wednesday 5 October, we are running a SMILES session for children aged eight to 12.
The next SMILES session, on Thursday 6 October, is for 13 to 18-year-olds.

Both programs run from 9am to 3pm at the Crescent Head Community Hall (at the Rotunda in Baker Drive). Meals will be provided and transport can be arranged, but it is essential to call Mission Australia if you require it.

Places are still available for both sessions.

For more information please contact Claudia Richardson, Education and Training Coordinator, or Kelly Russell, Young Carers Coordinator, at Mission Australia’s Family and Carer Mental Health Program on (02) 6584 4147. Or call the Kempsey Community Mental Health Service on (02) 6562 0256 and leave your name and number.

Teaming up with the Brisbane Roar

2011-09-30T13:59:00.000+10:00

Mission Australia is honoured to be named the exclusive Charity Partner and official Community Partner of Hyundai A-League Champions the Brisbane Roar.

Mission Australia will also be the principle partner of the Brisbane Roar Youth Team, which will this season proudly wear the Mission Australia logo across the front of its playing strip.

The Roar promotes itself as a healthy, family-oriented sporting club, so it is closely aligned with our values and commitment to creating strong communities. It has an unrivalled association with junior sport involving both boys and girls right across Queensland.

“The Roar is serious about making a difference off the field, and we think the relationship with Mission Australia is a natural fit for us,” said Michael Bowers, Acting CEO Brisbane Roar.

“We have a young roster with an average age of 24. We want our players to understand their responsibility as role models, and be aware of their huge potential to influence and mentor young people in particular."

“Mission Australia will help guide our players and show them how they can make a difference in our community.”

Mission Australia also has a partnership with the Queensland Reds Rugby Union team, and we work together on a successful Indigenous Employment Program (IEP) program in Brisbane.

40th birthday drives David over the edge!

2011-09-29T13:15:00.000+10:00

While most people are content to enjoy their 40th birthday with a glass of champagne, David Cumming will celebrate in a slightly different way… by jumping off the top of the AMP Building in Sydney.

The West Chatswood father is one of 200 fundraisers making the 26 story-descent in October to raise funds for the Sir David Martin Foundation as part of Abseil for Youth, sponsored by the AMP.

David was motivated to sign up to the annual challenge when he heard about Triple Care Farm, the Foundation’s major fundraising project, on the ABC’s 7.30 earlier this year.

“I was really touched by the stories of the young people the farm had helped. Most who arrived were not only unemployed, but had a combination of severe mental health, drug or alcohol issues.

“The beauty of Triple Care Farm was that six months after their treatment, the vast majority of young people had really turned their lives around. No one deserves to be written-off – these kids want to change, and Mission Australia and Sir David Martin Foundation really help make it happen.”

2011 has been a year of change for David. He left his marketing agency role earlier this year to work in the charity sector: “Approaching 40 has made me consider what’s important in life, and to look for the small changes that can make a difference.”

You can help David achieve his goal of raising $2,000 by donating on his fundraising page.

Urban Descent will be held –on 21 and 22 October from 8am at the AMP Building, Circular Quay. Among the brave fundraisers taking the plunge with David are Jonathan Pease of Australia’s Next Top Model fame, Rachel Corbett from Triple M’s The Grill Team and Stevie Nicholson from Hi-5.

For further information contact Fran Wallace on (02) 9219-2039 or f.wallace@sdmf.org.au, or visit www.sdmf.org.au/abseil.

Media Coverage - Manly Daily: Deadly trip for Kempsey teens

2011-09-29T07:49:00.001+10:00

A group of Aboriginal teenagers from Mission Australia’s Leadership and Cultural Development Program have returned home after a three-day Sydney trip that saw them visit the real ‘Summer Bay’ and glam up for the 2011 Deadly Awards.

The group of 20 from Kempsey, on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, soaked up the sun at the Home and Away outdoor setting at Palm Beach. News of their visit on Tuesday even made it into The Manly Daily.

Mariah Smith, 16, said she was delighted to see the TV soap environment in real life.

“It was heaps exciting,” she told The Manly Daily. “I’m a big Home and Away fan.”

The Palm Beach trip was part of a three-day trip, which also included a night tour of the city and a visit to Luna Park with unlimited rides. The “culture camp” was topped off by a night at the 17th annual Deadly Awards, which celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements in entertainment, music, sport and the community.

Dressed in their red-carpet best, the Kempsey teenagers spent the night at the Opera House amongst the likes of Jessica Mauboy, Deborah Mailman, Jonathon Thurston and Troy Cassar-Daley.

Our staff members also attended, and were delighted when the Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment winner, Brian Dowd from Black on Track Employment, acknowledged Mission Australia’s work in is his acceptance speech.

Mission Australia’s Leadership and Cultural Development Program aims to improve school attendance and retention rates of Aboriginal youth. The Sydney “culture camp” was one of many activities that participants take part in as a reward for good school attendance and behaviour. The program also provides mentoring and tutoring to help young people with their schooling.

Mariah is in Year 11 at Kempsey’s Melville High and is studying industrial technology, English, Aboriginal studies, maths, geography and childcare vocational education.

She told The Manly Daily she’s thinking about becoming a dentist when she leaves school and said the program motivated her to keep going with school, even when times got tough.

“At school, they help you. I know I’ve got help there and I can use it,” she said.

Photo: Simon Cocksedge from The Manly Daily

Fun school holiday activities in Queensland

2011-09-28T15:38:00.000+10:00

Mission Australia in Queensland is hosting a range of fun school holiday activities this week for families, children and young people.

Tomorrow, 28 September, our Project Circuit Breaker team in North Brisbane will join forces with other community groups to hold a school holiday skate comp for young people in the region.

BMX riders, skate boarders, scooter riders and inline bladers are all invited to come along and show their skills at the Deagon Skate Park (corner of Kempster and Board Streets, Deagon) from 10am until 6pm.

Activities include sumo wrestling, games, a barbecue and live performances from Trizzy, Last Level, Majestic and Esplanade.

There will also be representatives from a range of community organisations for young people seeking support or advice.

The event has been organised to provide a fun activity for young people and a safe place for them to meet and enjoy themselves:

Family fun days in Inala and Cairns

Also tomorrow, 28 September, Mission Australia’s Pathways to Prevention and Communities for Children (CfC) services at Inala, in Brisbane’s south-west, are hosting a free Family Fun Day with the generous support of Johnson & Johnson.

The free day is designed to give all local kids a chance to have a fun day out with their family this school holidays.

There’ll be free face painting, a jumping castle, a free sausage sizzle and stacks of fun activities for the kids. The Family Fun Day will be held at 37 Kulgun Circuit, Inala, from 10am to 1pm. Families are encouraged to RSVP to (07) 3278 9130 or 3372 7105.

Pathways to Prevention program is an early intervention crime prevention program that aims to help young children stay involved with school and avoid negative pathways in life.

Our Communities for Children program, which is federally funded, coordinates services across schools, early childhood centres, playgroups and service providers, to connect families, schools and communities together.

Then on Friday, 30 September from 10am to 3pm, our CfC program in Cairns is hosting a Country Fair Free Family Fun Day at Sugarworld Parklands, Hambledon Drive, Edmonton.

The day will include free face painting, jumping castles, live music, entertainment and even a mobile native zoo. For more information about the Country Fair contact (07) 4051 6560.

Affordable housing in Camperdown

2011-09-28T10:51:00.001+10:00

Media coverage: The Inner-West Courier, 27 September 2011

Finding affordable housing in Sydney is possible - even if you’re homeless. This is the idea behind Common Ground Sydney, a large residential development at Camperdown.

MA Housing CEO Andrew McAnulty and project manager Thanh Quach, of construction group Grocon, took the Courier for a tour of the site last Wednesday.

“There’s a massive shortage of affordable housing,” Mr McAnulty said in relation to the Darlington protesters of September 16. “Common Ground shows affordable housing can be delivered in the city, not just out west.”

Grocon has built the development at cost as part of its corporate social responsibility program, Mr Quach said.

He added: “All the apartments are below-market prices.”

“The rent will be 25 per cent of the tenant’s income.”

The site houses modest 32sq m apartments, which are balanced with common areas on each level.

Tenants would be a mixture of low-income earners and the homeless - with an aim toward long-term, stable accommodation for those who are sleeping rough.

The first residents are scheduled to move in by late October.

Building stats

It has 88 studio, 12 one bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments
Balcony balustrades have a ‘‘slit’’ design to allow extra airflow toward apartments
It has two consultation rooms containing health diagnostic equipment and footbaths

If you know someone who is in need of low-cost rental housing, please encourage them to contact MA Housing for more information.

Contact Adi, Brad or Sarah on the MA Housing hotline, 1800 269 672 or visit www.mahousing.com.au for more information.

Further reading:
‘MA Housing opens waiting list for ground-breaking housing project’

CYI student to show off art at Outpost festival

2011-09-28T08:01:00.000+10:00

Great news from our Creative Youth Initiatives program in Sydney’s inner-city! Seventeen-year-old Roley, who is participating in CYI’s Artworks! program, has won a place in an exclusive street art workshop to be held on Cockatoo Island later in the year.

The Outpost Project, which runs from 4 November to 11 December, will be the largest street art festival ever held in Australia, and promises to feature some of the best contemporary artists from this country and overseas.

Only 20 young artists in New South Wales have been given the opportunity to participate in the workshop with visiting Outpost artists Miso and Beastman.

Roley (pictured at a legal graffiti wall) will not only work with the artists over two days, but will also have the opportunity to exhibit his artwork as part of the festival.

“Since I started CYI, the tutors have shown me how to do oil paintings and drawings,” Roley said. “I’ve learnt a lot of different techniques and branched out from just graffiti.

“The tutors helped me with entering the competition and getting all my photos together and writing a really good reference for me. I couldn’t have done it without them.’”

CYI would love to give all of its 14 Artworks! students the chance to participate in the upcoming Outpost workshops, which each cost $35 per person to attend. If you or your organisation would like to help CYI to achieve this, please call (02) 9356 8897 or email cyi@missionaustralia.com.au

Artworks! is a TAFE- accredited visual arts program, which provides materials, skilled one-on-one and group tuition, and a safe place in which to explore creativity for young people who are facing many and varied challenges in their lives. Artworks! runs three days a week for six months, with intake for the two semesters occurring in February and July.

A fresh start for Katherine youth

2011-09-27T11:22:00.000+10:00

Mission Australia is giving young people in Katherine a fresh approach to food with through a new community garden project.

The project aims to reconnect youth from the Northern Territory town and surrounding communities with nature and sustainable food production.

“The project provides a positive environment of learning and alternative recreational activities for local youth,” said Mission Australia Youth Services Coordinator Ruth Cardier.”

“We created the garden in Mission Australia’s Katherine office car park. We turned a space that was a weed infested wasteland into a vibrant vegie patch.

“There are over 50 youth aged 10 to 16 years who have participated in the project so far. They come in small groups of five to eight a few times a week.”

The community garden started five months ago in collaboration with the Katherine’s Department of Health (DOH) and Katherine High School.

DOH nutritionist Kate Robertson has taught the teenagers in the project ways of living healthy and how to cook food using produce from the garden.

Katherine High School is helping the participants make the step from community garden project to the school’s Horticultural Program by providing space for Mission Australia to extend their program onto the grounds of the high school.

“We are really trying to help more youth re-engage with high school and getting them interested in gardening is just another way,” said Ms Cardier.

“The young people love watering the plants and enjoy planting and eating the garden produce.
“We had our first vegie harvest of eggplants recently, which we cooked up, under the guidance of Kate, in an eggplant and pasta dish.”

Young people in the project are from Katherine, Kalano, Binjari and Rockhole communities.
The Community Garden is growing corn, silverbeet, tomatoes, peas, beans, squash, watermelons, a variety of herbs and lots more.

“We incorporated the ideas from the young people of what they would like us to grow.”

ABC Radio Media Coverage: Expert rubbishes AFL’s pokies warning

2011-09-26T13:30:00.000+10:00

Media coverage: ABC Radio’s AM, 26 September 2011

A leading gambling researcher has dismissed the AFL's concerns over the Federal Government's planned restrictions on poker machines, labelling claims they could hurt AFL clubs as "beyond belief".

AFL club presidents will meet today to discuss their concerns about bringing in mandatory pre-commitment technology on poker machines.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has labelled it a "footy tax" which will "hit football clubs right between the eyes", and the AFL has joined the NRL and Clubs Australia in saying that the new rules will slash the profits that clubs rely on.

Dr Charles Livingstone of Monash University has done a study of the AFL and poker machine revenue and says pokies are worth $30 million a year to Victorian clubs. He told AM that pre-commitment technology would not cause the clubs to lose all of that $30 million income from poker machines.

Hear Dr Livingstone on AM.

Related coverage:

Cheryl’s dedication recognised with a Wurreker Award

2011-09-26T13:11:00.000+10:00

Mission Australia Program Coordinator - Indigenous Programs Cheryl Siely has been recognised for her work in the Gippsland region with a Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) Wurreker Award.

On behalf of Mission Australia, Cheryl was presented with the ACE (Adult Community Education) Award on Thursday night at a ceremony held at the Aborigines Advancement League in Melbourne.

Cheryl joined Mission Australia more than five years ago. She manages the L2P (‘L Plates to P Plates’) program, which involves 62 volunteer mentors working with 65 learner drivers, and the Aboriginal Driver Education Program (ADEP) in Bairnsdale.

ADEP provides road safety training, assistance and resources primarily to Aboriginal people aged over 17 who live in the East Gippsland and Wellington Shire areas, while L2P involves volunteer mentors who help learner drivers without access to a car or supervising driver to build the 120 hours required for their P plates.

Cheryl, who is from the Gunai Kurnai people, says she was thrilled that Mission Australia was honoured with the award.

“I love working in the Koorie community, so to be recognised is fantastic,” she said. “In a region with limited public transport, gaining a licence is vital for young people’s mobility. And programs such as L2P program take some weight off families struggling to cope.

“Importantly, helping young people to get their licences puts them on the pathway to employment and educational studies. It also helps us to engage with local youth and offer them access to other services.”

Our Victorian State Chaplain, Digby Hannah, who attended the awards with Cheryl, said the award couldn’t have gone to a more deserving person: “Cheryl works so hard for the community, and has the respect of so many people – including the many loyal volunteers she manages.”

Mission Australia’s Victorian Events Coordinator Sigrid Rynehart, who also joined Cheryl at the ceremony, agreed:

“It's an amazing award for Cheryl because she has been nominated and recognised by the people she works with every day and those who have seen the positive benefits that the programs, as well as Cheryl's natural skills and abilities to motivate, have made on the community,” Sigrid said.

“Cheryl is the only Mission Australia Community Services employee based in Gippsland, but she has great support from the Employment Solutions teams in Sale and Bairnsdale. She is such a legend and we are so proud of her!”

With L2P’s funding scheduled to end in February 2012, Cheryl said it was more important than ever for the community to get behind the program and develop an extensive network of mentors to work with as many young people as possible.

The VAEAI Wurreker Awards are held annually to recognise and celebrate achievements made by individuals, organisations and training providers.

Norm's Blog: Day Four Part Two - Earn San Francisco.

2011-09-23T15:00:00.000+10:00

It was great to finish up the official part of the study tour at Earn who have their offices in the Financial District of the city’s CBD, and to meet back up with Ben Mangan (pictured) who’s inspirational work was in many ways the beginning of this whole journey.

From their website:

“EARN's ultimate vision is that millions of well-informed, low-wage American families will achieve financial success through proven strategies, fair public policy, and their own hard work.”

It was great to be able to tour the offices and training facilities at EARN and see the way that that vision is being worked towards, in a tangible and thoughtful way. The placement of the EARN office in the financial district is a deliberate positioning and reflects the aims and actions of this dynamic organisation.

In my meeting with Ben I was able to see the space EARN uses for Financial Coaching, an idea we are trialling as a mentoring phase in our Citi funded Financial Education program in western Sydney, based out of the Campbelltown Community Hub. It was great to get a more intimate insight into how that program is run at EARN.

EARN also has a very informative website with some great success stories.

These are a few of my favourites:

Norm's Blog: Day Four - Opportunity Fund, San Jose.

2011-09-23T13:57:00.000+10:00

San Jose, is about and hours train ride from San Francisco on the CalTrain. Riding the train was a great opportunity to see more of the northern California and is was another beautiful day. I keep being told that this THE best few weeks of the year to visit this part of the world and it is hard for me to argue.

Opportunity Fund is a not for profit organisation that specialises in micro-finance, providing small business loans and matched savings programs to low income families and brokering loans for community housing developments.

Ingrid Holguin the Individual Development Account Program Manager was my host at Opportunity Fund and you can see me pictured with some of her team.

Individual Development Accounts or IDA’s are a matched savings account designed to help low individuals save to build their personal assets, a home or small business an education. With a minimum deposit of $20 a month expected from participants in the program, their savings are matched 2:1 so for ever $1 they contribute the program contributes $2 up to a capped amount. These savings can then be access to pay for education, the set up of a business or even the deposit for a home.

My meeting with the IDA team was a great opportunity learn more about IDA’s and the way the team markets and requites participants for their program. It was also great to exchange ideas around the provision of effective financial education and how this part of the IDA programs helps to build the success of the program.

Opportunity Fund has a great website with a wealth of information about all of their different programs. The meet our clients tab has a whole lot of stories that are really inspirational to read.

http://www.opportunityfund.org/

Queensland Reds join job seekers on mural project

2011-09-23T10:03:00.000+10:00

Queensland Reds players recently joined a group of young Aboriginal job seekers to paint a community mural at the Mission Australia Employment Solutions office in Stones Corner, Brisbane.

The young job seekers are participants in the Mission Australia and Queensland Reds Indigenous Employment Program, helping to provide opportunities for young Aboriginal Queenslanders that will lead to secure, sustainable employment.

Mission Australia Indigenous Employment Co-Ordinator Vili Faingaa said the mural painting was about helping to build the confidence of the young job seekers and providing an opportunity for them to work with other job seekers as well as the Reds players.

"Last Friday's mural painting was a chance for the job seekers to engage with players, talk about their personal situations, and to create a piece of community art that represents their story together," Vili said.

"Professional artist Stephen Hogarth worked with the young people and the players to create an artwork that the whole community can enjoy."

The Mission Australia-Queensland Reds Indigenous Employment Program is currently working with 33 young people to help them become engaged in the workforce, with several of the participants already finding employment within the first few months of the program.

Through the program, unemployed job seekers are assisted by Mission Australia mentors to identify their career and employment goals and work towards achieving them.

The Reds players also work with the job seekers as they undertake training or start new jobs, to encourage them and help them overcome any challenges in their new jobs.

Norm's Blog: Day Three Part Two - The City and County of San Francisco, Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector.

2011-09-22T14:51:00.000+10:00

This afternoon I was off to San Francisco’s City Hall, an very impressive building as you can see in the photo, to meet with some members of the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector who run a number of financial inclusion programs as part of the work it does administering the funds the city gets in tax’s from its residents.

The Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector pioneered a program called “Bank on San Francisco” aimed a encouraging members of the community who didn’t have bank accounts to take up the a free or low fee bank account to avoid having to use check cashers and pay day lenders at an estimated cost of $40 million a year.

This program has since been adopted by many cities across America.

On the back of that success the Cites Office of Financial Empowerment was Launched in 2009 and has since gone on to pioneer an number of new unique initiatives:

The Kindergarten to College (K2C) program. Which aims to open a collage savings account for every child when they enter the San Franciscan school system, with an opening deposit of $50. As well as match the savings deposited in to that account dollar for dollar up to the first $100.
The CurrenC SF, a new initiative aimed at supporting employers in San Francisco to move from paper check based payroll systems to EFT. Again with the aim of reducing the fees often associated with having to issue and cash or clear a paper check, for both employers and employees.
The 211, San Francisco Financial Advice Line, a two-day telephone hotline connecting San Francisco families to free, real-time, financial crisis and money management information from seasoned financial experts. SF Financial Advice Line will also provide referrals to free or low-cost counseling services from a network of culturally competent non-profit agencies.

Norm's Blog: Day Three Part One - United Way Spark Point Oakland.

2011-09-22T14:26:00.000+10:00

This morning’s site visit was some way out of San Francisco city so it involved my first experience of the amazing public transport system here. Cheap, clean, fast and super convenient - riding the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) was a great way to start to the day.

The United Way Spark Point is a community hub that is attached to a public housing redevelopment in Oakland.

I met with a group of great people who work for a number of different organisation but work as a team in the spark point centre with the goal of engaging members of the community in a number of the services they offer.

Those services range from employment support through financial education, access to low-fee banking products, matched savings programs, tax help and community education.

Pictured here is Lloyd Williams from the workforce collaborative who works as a career advocate in the program.

It’s clear to see how a community can benefit from access to a community hub like this one that is part of the facility where they live and there are some great success stories that have come from the program.

Life-changing learning program in the news

2011-09-22T11:36:00.001+10:00

Media coverage:
6.30 with George Negus, 21 September 2011

AM on ABC Radio, 22 September 2011

George Negus introduced last night’s feature on the innovative Catalyst-Clemente university program for marginalised people by saying, “Given untapped talent even half a chance and you’ll be surprised at what they can achieve.”

The Catalyst-Clemente program provides accredited university courses in humanities subjects as a step towards overcoming poverty and other serious challenges.

Last night’s story aired on the eve of the release of the Addressing Social Disadvantage report into the learning program.

The 6.30 with George Negus story focused on two Catalyst-Clemente students - Amanda and Luke. After working in the Antarctic 14 years ago, Amanda developed post-traumatic stress disorder and retreated from the world

Luke, 27, was also isolated before beginning Catalyst-Clemente. Now brimming with confidence, he hopes to one day move into politics.

Mission Australia’s Queensland Director, Penny Gillespie, also spoke about the impact that the program makes to the lives of people who have lived on the margins of society.

Mission Australia is just one of the community agencies that deliver Catalyst-Clemente. We currently require support to ensure this life-changing program can help more people like Luke and Amanda.

Watch the Catalyst-Clemente report on 6.30 with George Negus.

Catalyst-Clemente also featured on this morning’s edition of AM on ABC Radio. Hear Naomi Woodley’s report.

Catalyst-Clemente study finds learning turns lives around

2011-09-22T08:03:00.001+10:00

A groundbreaking university course for people struggling with homelessness, mental illness and long-term unemployment has resulted in improved health, housing, financial and social outlooks among participants according to the new Addressing Multiple Disadvantage study.

The Catalyst-Clemente program provides accredited university courses in humanities subjects such as literature and Australian history as a step towards overcoming poverty and other serious challenges.

Modelled on a successful initiative in the United States, the program is based on the belief that poverty is more than just a lack of access to material goods – it’s also about social exclusion.

Subsequently, the way out of poverty is also about engaging them in activities that lead to social interaction, learning and community participation.

New study findings
According to the Addressing Multiple Disadvantage study, a survey of participants two weeks into the 12-week Catalyst-Clemente semester picked up an improved satisfaction with life across a range of categories which grew, often significantly, by the end:

66% were satisfied with their life shortly after starting the program, 76% by the end.
51% were satisfied with their health after starting the program, 65% by the end.
60% were feeling part of the community after starting the program, 76% by the end.
12% were satisfied with their financial situation after starting the program, 27% by the end.
24% were satisfied with their housing situation after starting the program, 36% by the end.

Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said Catalyst-Clemente had been an outstanding success.
“Catalyst-Clemente students are often dealing with extremely complex issues,” said Mr Hall.

“From the study we know 79% have experienced homelessness (with 44% sleeping rough); 87% are on government pensions or benefits; almost half have had to ask an agency for food/clothes/accommodation/money in the past 12 months; and a similar number are wrestling with physical and mental health conditions.

“It’s a huge achievement for people struggling with these challenges to be able to apply themselves to a university subject. It’s even better to know the positive impact that participation is having.”
Associate Professor Peter Howard, ACU’s National Leader of Catalyst-Clemente, said the course’s impact on the students was immediate and profound.

“This university program is transformational in nature in that it brings about new learning opportunities and new futures for people. Catalyst-Clemente is only possible through the collaboration and the will of organisations to look for new educational pathways for people experiencing multiple disadvantage,” said Professor Howard.

Long-lasting impacts
According to Dr John Falzon, Chief Executive Officer of the St Vincent De Paul Society, the most significant benefit of the program was its potential to turn lives around.

“Catalyst-Clemente is having a real and hopefully long-lasting impact on people’s lives – bringing them back into contact with the community and improving their image of themselves and their relationships with family and friends.

“If someone’s interacting more broadly with the community, all the other factors important to successful participation are made more likely for each individual – getting a job, finding a stable home or receiving counselling – and the results of our study attest to that fact.”

The Addressing Multiple Disadvantage study was funded through an Australian Research Council grant and involved academic partners from Australian Catholic University, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, and the University of Western Australia, in collaboration with Mission Australia and the National Council of St Vincent de Paul.

Download the Addressing Multiple Disadvantage Catalyst-Clemente study.

Mission Australia media contact:
Paul Andrews on (02) 9219 0280 or 0409 665 495

More news about Catalyst-Clemente:

Norm's Blog: Day Two: Part two - Juma Ventures

2011-09-21T16:07:00.001+10:00

This afternoon I meet with Nick Hutchinson, the Chief Development Officer at Juma Ventures.
They do a great job on their website explaining what they do, here is just a snippet:

Juma Ventures is an innovative and award-winning youth development program that combines employment in social enterprises, college preparation, and financial and intellectual asset building to create a safe, supportive community where under-resourced youth can achieve their dreams of a college education”

Juma offers three core program components, coordinated through a case management framework. Together, these components provide youth with a unique set of comprehensive services, enabling them to develop their capacity for success in school, employment, community, and adulthood.

The key components of the Juma program model are:

College Services
Asset Building and Financial Literacy
Employment

Juma currently operates seven social enterprise programs in three cities, employing more than 160 youth annually. Today, you will find Juma youth selling concessions (snack foods) at AT&T and Candlestick Parks in San Francisco, Oracle Arena and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, and Qualcomm Stadium and PETCO Park in San Diego. Since 1993, Juma has served more than 2,500 teens who have earned in excess of $1.4 million in wages to fund their college educations and successfully transition into a productive adulthood.

Have a look at their website for more information. http://www.jumaventures.org/about/

As part of my visit I was able to sit in on one of the academic coaching sessions which included a financial literacy section. I have also been invited to a Baseball game tomorrow night to see young people working at the stadium and hear some of their stories.

Catalyst-Clemente to feature on 6.30 with George Negus tonight

2011-09-21T15:36:00.000+10:00

Tonight’s 6.30 with George Negus on Channel 10 will feature a report on Catalyst-Clemente, – a university course designed for people struggling with homelessness, mental illness and long-term unemployment.

Delivered by community agencies - including Mission Australia - in partnership with universities, business and members of the community, Catalyst-Clemente is based on the idea that learning and community participation can help people to overcome poverty and social isolation.

Students study one subject at a time across 12 weeks in a community setting. On completing four subjects, students receive a Certificate of Liberal Arts from a university, which can provide a pathway for entry into further undergraduate study.

Addressing Multiple Disadvantage, a new research snapshot that reports on this educational initiative and its impact on students, will be released tomorrow, 22 September 2011.

More news about Catalyst-Clemente:

Norm's Blog: Day Two: Part one - Consumer Credit Counselling Service, San Francisco.

2011-09-21T15:00:00.000+10:00

The first of my site visits was today, Tuesday over here, in a very sunny and warm San Francisco.

Today I went to meet Rashad Burroughs, (pictured with me) the Program Services Manager, of Housing Education Program - a division of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco (CCCSSF).

CCCSSF deliver over the phone financial counseling to people from all over the United States along with face to face sessions in San Francisco, and a number of community financial education workshops.

I meet with Rashad and a number of his team who were very gracious in answering my questions about the social, political and legislative context of what they do in terms of counseling and financial education.

There was lots to digest from what I learnt here in order to distill some key points we can use in our work in Mission Australia. Below are some links to CCCSSF’s websites for some further information.