Saltwater Kitchen making its mark in Darwin

Mission Australia’s Saltwater Kitchen social enterprise has plenty on its plate, with more requests for catering coming in each week.

Based in Darwin, this commercial catering business provides practical training and work experience to disadvantaged jobseekers. Now in its second year of operation, the business is thriving, and recently catered for a 130-person event at the Darwin Museum.

Saltwater Kitchen currently employs 18 trainees, who are all undertaking or have just completed their Certificate II in Hospitality.

“Some of our trainees have never had a job let alone knowing what responsibilities having a job entails,” said Enterprise Development Manager, John Vreeling.

“The program is a real success and you can see it in our participants. Many commence with little or no self confidence and at the end of the 26 weeks you can really see a positive change.”

Trainees are employed for a period of approximately 26 weeks. During this time they rotate work locations between any of the three local primary school canteens and Saltwater Kitchen. During this time they are mentored and supported by our Canteen Managers – one of whom is a former trainee of the program – and Saltwater Kitchen’s resident Head Chef, Leigh Harding.

Saltwater Kitchen is operated by Mission Australia as part of the Changing Places Innovation Fund, which is delivered by the Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations.

Photo:  from left, John Vreeling (Enterprise Development Manager) with trainees Dwayne Wilson and Sarah-Jane Walkington at the Darwin Museum function earlier this month.

Community barbecues offer insight into long-grasser life

Two supported accommodation facilities for homeless people in Darwin’s north are today hosting community barbecues as part of National Homeless Persons’ Week.

Operated by Mission Australia, the facilities at Rapid Creek and Wanguri provide much-needed accommodation for single men like Doug. According to the 2006 Census, the NT’s rate of homelessness is four times the national average

Having slept without a roof over his head for almost 20 years, Doug now appreciates a bed, daily shower and being able to have “a decent feed” - something most Australians take for granted.

The 67-year-old has been a ‘long grasser’ in Darwin’s suburbs for the most part of 20 years. In that time he’s lost contact with his family and on several occasions ended up in the critical unit at the hospital.

Doug ended up sleeping rough with his only possessions in the trailer of his bike due to a spiral of unfortunate events. Born in Scotland, he moved to Australia with his parents in the 1940s and spent his early years on Kangaroo Island, SA.

He has worked as a shearer, stockman and a tradesman in welding and engineering. Arthritis and a heart attack, however, forced him to leave the workforce and go on a disability pension.

“Unaffordable rent has put me where I am today,” Doug said. “There is no way a person living alone on a pension can afford to rent.

“I reckon I have slept on every park bench from Rapid Creek to Mindil. I have slept for more than 10 years on concrete, have built humpies in the bush and found buildings where I felt safe and dry. But up here it is the wet that is the killer.”

Doug needs to take a cocktail of medication for his heart disease and arthritis.

“I rattle when I walk, but when you are sleeping out you can’t manage your drugs properly; you don’t have a fridge or can keep track of things. I just ended up chucking them away, which makes matters worse.”

Four weeks ago Doug was invited to join the Mission Australia single men’s supported accommodation program. He now shares a house in Rapid Creek with a mixed bunch of men, of varying ages, education levels and circumstances.

“We have a good crew here, everyone pulls his own weight. We support each other and this house gives us a chance to get our lives sorted out,” he said. “Some people don’t want to leave the long grass, but for those who do there are few options.”

It’s one of two supported accommodation facilities Mission Australia operates in Darwin’s north – and both are funded by the Australian and Northern Territory governments under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness.

The program assists single men to re-establish themselves in the community and make the transition to longer-term accommodation. They are given assistance with living skills, employment and a range of community services.

For Doug, this has meant getting his papers in order so he can get some identification, sorting out his medical condition and getting glasses so he can read. He has also re-established contact with a sister he hasn’t seen in 40 years and is now helping other long grassers by cooking them meals and making sure they’re okay.

Mission Australia’s Housing Support Initiatives Manager, Ian Murdoch JP said that National Homeless Persons’ Week highlighted the challenges that people like Doug have had to deal with.

“While the accommodation we provide is essential, it’s the work we do to help people get back on their feet as independent members of the community that’s really crucial,” he said.

“We will be holding barbecues at our single men’s supported accommodation houses and would love to have the local community visit and learn about our support programs.”

NT Urban Questers top Triple J charts

Jack and Sam Weaver, who were runners-up in Mission Australia’s 2011 NT Urban Quest, are at the top of the 2011 Triple JJJ Unearthed High punk charts with their Skarlett bandmates..

Their entry, ‘Hey Georgia’, is also at number three on the national competition’s overall chart.

In April Jack, aged 14, and Sam, 17, were named equal runners-up with Peter Rautoka, at the Urban Quest Finals Concert in Darwin. By taking part the brothers helped to raise funds for Mission Australia’s youth homeless services across the Top End.

The teenagers from Wagaman narrowly missed taking out the Urban Quest Finals Concert performing ‘Hey Georgia’.

Winners of the 2011 Triple JJJ Unearthed High competition score a concert with The Living End at their school and recording time at Triple J Studios in Sydney.

If you’d like to support the Weaver brothers, who did their bit to support young homeless people in the Territory, vote for Skarlett at Triplejunearthed.com/Artists/View.aspx?artistid=38846

Further reading:
Urban Quest 2011

Media Release: Debut performer wins Urban Quest

It may have been his first-ever live performance on the big stage, but that didn’t stop Tevita Moala from singing his way to Urban Quest success over the weekend.

The 16-year-old Darwin High School student outperformed 10 other finalists to win the Mission Australia talent competition at the Darwin Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.

The singing pianist brought many in the sold-out crowd to tears with his rendition of John Legend’s I won’t complain.

The young Kiwi national introduced the gospel song as a dedication to a friend in New Zealand who has muscular dystrophy.

Guest judge Deni Hines described Moala’s touching performance as better than that of John Legend’s.

“I want it on CD, ‘cause I’d buy it now,” the soul songstress said.

An overwhelmed Moala was lost for words at the win, scoring for himself 12 months mentoring from Music NT, cash and studio recording time.

“My friend Jeanie entered me in the competition, so if it weren’t for her I wouldn’t be here now,” Moala said.

“I was really nervous - this is the first time I’ve done something like this - but I just felt the music and am so happy.”

The Michael Buble and Temptations fan will now put his winnings to work as he pursues his musical dreams.

Jack and Sam Weaver and Peter Rautoka were equal runners-up in the competition, which raised funds for youth homeless across the Top End.

Australian pop idol Mark Holden awarded all three acts a “touchdown”, as well as 13-year-old Shiane Hawke with her collaboration of Amazing Grace and Duffy’s Mercy.

Beatboxer Kane Bishop was awarded Best Composition of the night.

Mission Australia Operations Manager Brad McIver said the night was a huge success and lifted the profile of youth homelessness.

“The money raised will support us to develop new accommodation for homeless youth in the NT and expand our current services and programs,” Mr McIver said.

“Every little bit helps and if we can make a difference in one of the 5,000 homeless Territory kids lives, then that’s what this event was all about.”

Urban Quest will become an annual fundraiser on the Mission Australia NT calendar.

For more information and interviews contact Domonique Young on 8941 9169 / 0433 447 255 or email domonique@creativeterritory.com.

View recent coverage of Urban Quest here

Media Release: Tough call at Urban Quest semi-finals

Eleven acts are through to the Urban Quest Finals Concert on Saturday night after the judges struggled to choose just 10.

Former Australian Idol judge Mark Holden delivered three touchdowns through the 20 performances, including opening rock duo Jack and Sam Weaver. More than 1000 people turned out to support the young performers , aged between 11 and 18, at Casuarina Square.

The youngest finalist Kaiyah Chadwick, who’s in Year 6 at Marrara Christian College, wowed the audience with her rendition of ‘Hallelujah’ without backing music, while beatboxer Kane Bishop reverberated through the crowd.

Mark Holden will now work with the young singers in mentoring workshops to polish their performances ahead of the big night.

“It’s fantastic being up here,” Mark Holden said.

“But what I really looking forward to working with each of the finalists and improving their performance.”

Organised by Mission Australia, Urban Quest hopes to raise awareness of youth homelessness in the Top End and expand homeless accommodation services.

In the Territory, up to 5,000 people are homeless and more than a quarter are young people aged between 12 and 18 years.

The Urban Quest Finals Concert, which includes a performance by Deni Hines, starts at 7pm at the Darwin Entertainment Centre this Saturday, 2 April.

Tickets cost $17.50 per person or $50 per family of four, with all proceeds supporting Mission Australia to develop homeless services for young Territorians.

The 11 Urban Quest Finalists are:

• Kaiyah Chadwich, 11, Leanyer
• Peter Rautoke, 17, Palmerston
• Casey Glennon, 16, Malak
• Shaine Hawke, 13, Stuart Park
• Gabrielle Wright, 16, Palmerston
• Jianynne Anastacio, 16, Katherine
• Tevita Moala, 16, Darwin
• Kane Bishop, 15, Darwin
• Leighton Kay-Mick, 13, Karama
• John Micairan, 18 Palmerston & Floyd McDonald, 18, Karama
• Sam and Jack Weaver, 17 and 14, Wagaman

For more on each of the performers visit facebook.com/MissionAust. To purchase tickets to the Urban Quest Finals Concert visit www.darwinentertainment.com.au.

For interviews and images, please contact Domonique on 8941 9169 or email Domonique@creativeterritory.com

NT Youth impress at Urban Quest - live and by Skype

The search for talented Territorians is heating up, with the early Urban Quest heats unearthing plenty of amazing hip hop artists, singers and guitarists.

Last week’s heats at Darwin High School, Sanderson Middle School, Palmerston Library and Katherine High School attracted around 50 contestants aged from 10 to 19. One keen singer who was unable to attend the Katherine heat in person, due to local flooding, managed to Skype her performance – a first for Urban Quest!

Urban Quest not only gives locals the chance to display their talents, but it also generates funds for Mission Australia to develop accommodation for homeless young Territorians.

There’s been plenty of local interest in this year’s Urban Quest. The Palmerston heats were covered on Stepping Out With Katie Woolf (a local TV segment), view the video at our Youtube channel, and also by Hot 100 FM's Amanda Pernechele.

The next heats take place this Saturday, 19 March, at Malak Theatre, Palmerston Library and Brown's Mart Theatre at 2pm.  Entrants can now register on the day.

Hot 100 FM's Amanda will then join Mark Holden on the semi-finals judging panel on 29 March at Casuarina Square.

All Urban Quest entrants go in the running to win cash, studio recording time, mentoring and iPods.

Ten acts will then experience a workshop with Mark ahead of the big finals night at the Darwin Entertainment Centre on 2 April at 7pm. Deni Hines will perform on the night and also join Amanda and Mark in the judges’ box to choose the NT Urban Quest winner.

You can keep up to date with Urban Quest at facebook.com/missonaust

Long grassers help out Queenslanders with Out Of The Rain

A group of Darwin “long grassers” (people who sleep out in the city’s parks) have been so moved by the plight of their fellow Australians affected by the Queensland floods that they are hosting a special fundraiser this Sunday.

‘Out of the Rain’ is a performance initiated by participants of Bricks Without Straw – a homelessness project of The Salvation Army NT.

The initial idea came from Ned, a veteran long grasser and active participant in the project.

“We should remind the rest of Darwin that when we were down and out after Cyclone Tracy, who came to help us?” he said. “Therefore we should also lend a hand to those who need our help in Queensland.”

Out of the Rain will be held on the 30 January at the Filipino Community Centre on Amy Johnson Avenue, Karama from 6pm. It will feature guest performances by professional and community artists, including Tracy Bunn, Phil O’Brien, Yuliana Pascoe, Sean Hutton, Reggae Dave Asera and many more. Presentations will also be made by long grassers such as ‘Trevor the Rubbish Warrior’ and The Bricks Without Straw Drumming Ensemble.

Paintings and artworks will also be auctioned on the night. Food and drinks will be available to buy, however the event is alcohol-free. Entry is free.

Organisers still need meat, bread and other food such as curries and rice, as well as volunteers to help cook, clean and drive.

All funds donated will go to The Salvation Army’s Queensland Flood Relief Fund. Businesses and other organisations are encouraged to initiate simple fundraising activities and present the proceeds on the night of the concert.

For more information please contact Major Peter Wood at The Salvation Army Regional Headquarters on (08) 8944 6000 or Project Coordinator Betchay Mondragon Williams on 0447 340 241.

Saltwater Kitchen welcomes new head chef and trainees

Mission Australia’s Saltwater Kitchen has welcomed a new Head Chef, Leigh Harding, who is sharing 30 years’ worth of culinary knowledge with the Darwin social enterprises’s latest intake of trainees.

The catering business supplies fresh, healthy food to school students, local businesses and government departments while providing practical training and work experience to local disadvantaged job seekers.

Head chef Leigh has worked in the hospitality industry for three decades, including six years teaching Commercial Cookery at Charles Darwin University. He also has experience delivering training to remote Aboriginal communities.

The 17 new trainee recruits began their pre-employment training this week in preparation for the start of the school year next Tuesday.

“We’ve got a great crew on board this year,” said Mission Australia Enterprise Development Manager Lawson Broad. “The trainees are all looking forward to putting their new skills into action next week.”

Saltwater Kitchen currently caters for Sanderson Middle School, Rosebery Middle School, Rosebery Primary School and Millner Primary School and recently moved into Nightcliff Middle School. The training kitchen at Nightcliff has proved to be the ideal base for Saltwater Kitchen’s high-quality catering business.

Mission Australia has also recruited three more Canteen Managers to Saltwater Kitchen, given the growing numbers of schools the social enterprise is catering to.

Saltwater Kitchen is operated by Mission Australia as part of the Changing Places Innovation Fund, which is deliverd by the Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations.

Spirit of adventure

Cally Faithful describes herself as fun-loving and adventurous. Not just for parachuting solo, but also for moving to Darwin to become Mission Australia’s Northern Territory Chaplain.

Cally is passionate about serving God. This passion has seen her pursue chaplaincy work in Melbourne hospitals before feeling the call to move north. When Cally saw the advertisement for the position of NT Chaplain her “heart did a flip” and she felt called to go.

The focus of Cally’s role as a Chaplain is to build positive relationships with Mission Australia staff and encourage the expression of our values. This means regular one-on-one conversations with our employees; visiting services across Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs; leading reflections at staff meetings and writing regular inspirational pieces for the Territory team.

Developing relationships with such a great team with flexibility and autonomy is a highlight of the job. Such flexibility allows Cally to be available to those who need her at the drop of a hat, enabling genuine relationships to be built.

During her year in the Northern Territory Cally has seen the need for reconciliation for Aboriginal people as well as changes in attitudes. Through our Reconciliation Action Plan, she believes Mission Australia can be advocates for change in the community and engage with the government, police and justice bodies.

Cally continues to be inspired by what the NT team is doing in the community and feels blessed to be able to support and encourage them in the work that they do.

Cally is one of Mission Australia’s 14 full-time Chaplains who work across the nation – five in New South Wales, three in Queensland, two in Western Australia and one each in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. They are joined by three volunteer Chaplains.  For more information please visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/about-mission-australia/chaplaincy