Call to protect vulnerable boarding house residents

A report by the NSW Ombudsman Bruce Barbour has revealed vulnerable residents in State Government-licensed boarding houses suffer abuse by staff and other residents and are denied basic rights such as access to money, family and phones.

'More than board and lodging: the need for boarding house reform', tabled in NSW Parliament yesterday, shows the level of care for boarding house residents is inferior to that received by people in housing run or funded by the government.

It calls for reforms to improve boarding house standards, monitoring and enforcement, as well as legislative change to protect residents' rights.

“What is evident from our work,” says the report, “is that there are fundamental flaws and inadequacies in the existing legislation and requirements for licensed boarding houses, and that these problems can adversely affect the safety, health, welfare and rights of residents.

“Concurrently, the capacity of licensed boarding houses is declining, and there are concerns that vulnerable people are entering unlicensed boarding houses, where there are fewer safeguards and no regulations.”

According to the report, there are an estimated 455 boarding houses in New South Wales, accommodating over 5,000 residents. Of these, 31 are licensed boarding houses, with capacity to accommodate 687 people.

Residents are typically reliant on income support, and pay between 75 and 100 percent of their benefits to the boarding house for accommodation, food, and consumables such as toiletries and cigarettes.

A familiar story
Mission Australia caseworkers from our Rawson Project, which provides support to people at risk of homelessness in Sydney’s inner-west, are all too familiar with the hardships vulnerable boarding house residents experience. One is currently helping a boarding house resident to find long-term accommodation and leave the $155-a-week room in Croydon that requires them to share a bathroom with 20 others.

This person lived in private rental properties for years but was evicted after the landlord wanted to renovate and found he couldn’t afford anything else.

He is also working to help a family move into a three-bedroom house in western Sydney. The grandmother, her adult daughter and grandchild - all with limited English skills - are currently sharing one room.

Our services has been finding that because boarding house residents spend most, if not all, of their income on rent they don’t have much left for food, and are relying on programs such as Foodbank.

Further reading:

• Boarders dying with no dignity


• Shocking abuse and neglect revealed in boarding houses across NSW

Media coverage - Western Advocate: Getting homeless men off the winter streets

There are 30 fewer people sleeping rough in Bathurst tonight, thanks to a new program being run by Mission Australia.

The Central West Homelessness Action Plan (HAP) targets single adult men who are homeless – or at risk of being homeless – in Bathurst and Orange.

“The program was implemented in response to the significant number of single men presenting to services who were in need of support,” Mission Australia’s service manager for the Central West Luke Butcher said.

“It targets single men over the age of 18 who are either homeless and sleeping rough, or people who are in need of support to maintain accommodation.”

Team leader Darren Hunter said the plan had already assisted 30 people.

“We have put a roof over these people’s heads and, in addition, we have found long-term accommodation for seven men in Bathurst and Orange,” he said.

Among those who have been assisted is a man who has been sleeping in Machattie Park for five years.

“We have also helped a number of people who have been sleeping in their cars, one for five years,” Mr Hunter said.

“There are people sleeping out throughout Bathurst, not just in the CBD, and there are also people couch surfing each night.”

Mr Hunter said homelessness is a significant problem in Bathurst.

“If you walk through Hyde Park in Sydney you expect to see homeless people on the park benches, dressed in tattered clothing, and with three stripey bags or a shopping trolley.

“When you come to the Central West, just because you don’t have the visual reminder doesn’t mean the problem doesn’t exist.

“The number of homeless is yet to be clarified, but we are maintaining a database now that should give us reliable figures in six to 12 months.

“The leading causes of homelessness are financial management, debt, domestic violence, mental health issues, drug and alcohol problems, and a tight rental market.

“There is a growing number of people from Sydney looking for accommodation in this area and first home buyers moving into the market are reducing the number of houses available.

“We have also had a number of victims of domestic violence seek assistance.
“Traditionally, men are usually seen as the perpetrators of domestic violence, but this isn’t always the case.”

The HAP program aims to break the cycle of homelessness.

“The program breaks new ground in providing a range of support services as well as brokerage money to fund such things as medical appointments,” Mr Butcher said.

People can self access the service by calling in to 161 Rankin Street, or phoning (02) 6331 5603.

Above photo: Pictured at the Mission Australia office opening are Darren Hunter, Carol McManus and Luke Butcher. Courtesy of The Western Advocate.

This article was originally posted in The Western Advocate

Craigie passes on smart gambling message

Mission Australia has teamed up with former NRL player Owen Craigie to present a series of two-day workshops aimed to help NSW Aboriginal health and community workers fight problem gambling.

The former Rabbitohs and Knights player is delivering a series of 20 intensive workshops with Mission Australia’s Training Coordinator Sheree Drylie as part of Gambling Smart Project, which is funded by the NSW Government through the Responsible Gambling Fund.

Having experienced the detrimental effects of gambling personally, Owen feels strongly about helping to educate frontline workers about the warning signs of problem gambling:

"It's always good to try and get people in the early stages of gambling because the long-term effects are family break downs, divorces, mental abuse and even suicide,” said Owen.

"A lot of people take their lives each year, which is related to problem gambling. So suicide is probably a major factor there and we just trying to steer people in the right direction so we can help save lives."

He said gambling had become a major issue around the country, not just in rural NSW: “Our program is out there reaching people that have got problems. We're not trying to tell them to stop gambling, just be smart about it.”

This month Owen and Sheree will run two-day workshops at the Awabakal Newcastle Aboriginal Co-Operative in Hamilton (6 to 7 June) and Lismore Workers Sports Club (15 to 16 June). A further 12 workshops will be held throughout NSW in the second half of 2011.

These two-day workshops will cover a range of issues associated with gambling such as forms of gambling activity, signs and symptoms of problem gambling, risk and protective factors, impacts on health and relationships, types of therapeutic interventions and treatment programs, the role of gambling counsellors, assessments and where to find help.

Participants will receive a certificate and resource manual, and food and beverages will be supplied.

To find out more call Sheree Drylie or Owen Craigie on (02) 40334941 or email drylies@missionaustralia.com.au If you or someone you know needs support to overcome a gambling addiction visit www.triplerservices.com.au.

Further reading:

• ‘Online gambling causing real problems’ - ABC.net.au
• Previous MA news - gambling

Media Release: Mission Australia to hold free families week community event at Miller Square

Mission Australia’s Miller Pathways will hold a free Community Fun Day to encourage families in the 2168 area to celebrate National Families Week 2011.

The Miller Families Week community event will be held at Miller Square, Lady Woodward Crescent, Miller from 11am – 2pm on Friday 20th May 2011.

Lucy Reggio, Community Development Project Officer for Miller Pathways says the Families Day aims to provide fun, safe family activities and information to the community.

“The Day aims to highlight the importance of families and provide information on how to best support children and provide parents or carers with information on how to access assistance if needed,” Ms Reggio said.

Highlights of the event will include a speech from our Mayor Wendy Waller; mobile play centre; free give away prizes and show bags, face painting; free sausage sizzle; local school performances; local singing groups; a roaming entertainer; stalls providing information on local family and children’s services and lots more.

Each year, National Families Week celebrates families’ contribution and role in our society and this year it is being held from 15-21 May, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Families on 15 May. Hundreds of community groups, businesses and government departments register local events around the country.

The central aim of National Families Week 2011 is to celebrate the vital role that families play. This year’s theme is 'STICKING TOGETHER: families in good and tough times’.

“Mission Australia is encouraging everyone to think about the things that make their family strong in both the good and the hard times, whatever their circumstances, Ms Reggio said. “Let’s all take the time to explore ways we can support each other – in our families and communities – through all the ups and downs of daily life.”

Media contact: Leanne Budd 0457 505 342

Indigenous Employment Program provides independence and confidence

Nine graduates from a Mission Australia Employment Solutions pre-employment program in the Hunter Valley were recognised this week, at a ceremony to mark the completion of the course.

The graduates have just finished the pre-vocational element of Mission Australia’s Indigenous Employment Program (IEP), which offers indigenous Australians who are looking for work the opportunity to secure a job in the health care or social assistance industries.

The overall objective of IEP is to increase Indigenous Australians employment outcomes and participation in economic activities, contributing to the government's commitment to halving the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment outcomes.

Upper Hunter Mission Australia Business Manager Maree Spokes said the aim was to help participants find a job and develop a career path in positions like nursing, aged and disability care work, residential support work or in the childcare industry.

“We provide four weeks of pre-employment training, which includes a five-day job readiness component and three weeks of industry specific pre-vocational training, as well as first aid training,” Ms Spokes said.

“We are now working with local employers and Mission Australia’s Australian Apprenticeship Centres to line up employment positions for our program participants.”

At Monday’s graduation, the participants were presented with certificates and cut a cake to celebrate the occasion.

Participant Julie Miles said before joining the program she had little motivation, but since completing the course she has gained independence and confidence.

MA Housing celebrates transfer of 494 homes

MA Housing staff and Board members have celebrated the new ownership of 494 homes officially transferred as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan (NBESP) Stage 2.

To mark the milestone, new MA Housing Director Evelyn Horton took on her first official responsibility in cutting the cake at the MA Housing Board meeting on Wednesday.

“It’s a significant week for MA Housing,” said MA Housing CEO Andrew McAnulty. “Thanks to the NSW and Australian governments MA Housing will have the capacity to leverage these new assets to produce even more housing. Together, we are starting to address the affordable housing challenge.”

The 494 homes are part of 37 NBESP projects that were officially transferred from the NSW Government on 18 April, just under half of the total number of homes won by MA Housing in a competitive tender in 2010. In Sydney, the new homes are located at Chester Hill, Padstow, Revesby, Yagoona, Blackett, Blackheath, Blacktown, Blaxland, Cambridge Park, Kingswood, Lalor Park, Lethbridge Park, Mt Druitt, Seven Hills, Shalvey, St Marys, Werrington and Willmot.

On the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, MA Housing has also received properties in Coffs Harbour, Forster, Kempsey, Laurieton and Taree.

These 37 projects will house a variety of tenants, including families and elderly people from the central Housing NSW social housing waiting list. MA Housing aims to provide 1,200 social and affordable homes by 30 June 2011 and will continue to work in partnership with Housing NSW and private sector partners to increase the overall stock of affordable homes in the state.

In April 2010 the National Housing Supply Council reported that there was a 178,000 gap between housing demand and supply, which is predicted to grow to over 500,000 by 2020. MA Housing was established in April 2009 to help address the supply of affordable housing and to provide low income individuals and families with pathways away from homelessness.

Still caring after 75 years

Colin Shipway has enjoyed a long connection with Mission Australia, starting out as a volunteer with the Sydney City Mission – one of our founding organisations – back in 1936.

Seventy-five years later, Colin is still passionate about helping people to transform their lives. At a recent event held at the Country Women’s Association in Bowral, NSW, to thank our long-term supporters, Colin reminded guests that while the society has changed, compassion was still very much alive in modern Australia.

Here is an extract of what he shared with his fellow supporters and local Mission Australia staff from Big Heart Enterprises and Triple Care Farm – the Sir David Martin Foundation-supported residential program for young people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues:

“Let’s start at the beginning. In 1860 a young British migrant, Benjamin Short, left England for Australia. In his homeland he had taken part in gospel meetings held by the London City Mission… In 1862 he established the Sydney City Mission, which had the motto of ‘Need, not creed’.

“In 1936, I became a volunteer worker at the Paddington branch of Sydney City Mission… which is where I met my wife. After bible college training, I was invited to join the staff as a City Missionary. I served in Chippendale, Glebe, Waterloo, Newtown and Surry Hills and later in the office.

“In 1949 I was commissioned to set up a youth department and children’s and youth camping program. Sydney City Mission had property near Bowral adjoining the Mount Gibraltar Children’s Home, complete with huts built during the war by the Royal Australian Air Force.

“My wife Rosemary and I as well as staff and volunteers ran camps in Mount Gibraltar for 16 years – and I estimated that 3,000 young people from Sydney benefited from these programs. They enjoyed pictures and campfires, sang, played sport, caught yabbies, swam and went on bus trips. On one occasion when I was climbing with a group of boys, one little fellow grabbed my hand, looked up to me and said: “Gee, I wish you were my dad - and I melted on the spot...

“In the 1960s I was brought into City Mission office to set up a family counselling service and attend to the admission of children into our homes at Cronulla, Woodford and here at Bowral.

At first these homes were for malnourished children or those who needed a holiday in the country, but then more children were coming from broken homes… As society changed, long-time care of children in homes was seen to be inappropriate, so the homes closed and we worked to support child to stay with their own families.

“I was involved with Sydney City Mission for 39 years, working as a City Missionary for 32 - I’m now in my 90th year… I’m happy to say that today all around Australia lives are continuing to be transformed by the ever-increasing work of Mission Australia.”

Thank you, Colin, for your inspiring example and tireless support of children and families in need.

Mission Australia is always looking for volunteers. Find out how you can use your time and talents to help transform lives - missionaustralia.com.au/volunteer-at-mission-australia

MA Housing welcomes new Coffs Harbour tenants

Residents of MA Housing’s three new developments in Coffs Harbour, NSW, were officially welcomed into their new homes at a ceremony last week.

The 33 modern homes have been built as part of the Australian Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan and will be owned and managed by MA Housing.

The Sawtell Road event began with a welcome to country from Aunty Elaine Turnbull.

Residents, including elderly people and singles, enjoyed a celebratory barbecue on site with MA Housing CEO Andrew McAnulty, Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Keith Rhodes and Housing NSW Area Director Phil Webber.

The barbecue provided the perfect opportunity for residents to get to know each other and speak to MA Housing staff, including Housing Manager Karina Orton.

Before the residents moved into their new affordable homes, Ms Orton spent considerable time with them, seeking to understand their requirements and preferences.

“Our staff do a lot of preparation work to ensure we factor in individual household needs and wants when positioning them within developments,” she said at the barbecue last Wednesday.

“For example, we do our best to make sure that those people who need extra privacy aren't going to have balconies facing their yards, or people who thrive on social interaction are placed where they’ll get more opportunities to interact with their neighbours.”

Mr McAnulty said the new developments were a significant contribution to the creation of more homes for people on low incomes in regional NSW.
“NSW has a significant affordable housing challenge. Thanks to the NSW and Australian governments these homes – and others being built around the state – are an important step in overcoming the issue,” he said.

“Housing NSW should be commended for the design and quality of these new homes.”
Mr McAnulty also announced that our next development in Coffs Harbour, which is being developed by local firm Seaheat, was now progressing on site and would produce another 14 new homes by the end of the year.

Photo: MA Housing Receptionist Kath Holohan (centre) with two Coffs Harbour tenants.

Further reading:

• ‘Rental squeeze hits hard as cheaper housing dries up’ - The Sydney Morning Herald
• MA Housing’s website - mahousing.com.au
• Latest MA Housing news

The heart of real fairness

With so much talk of late about who in our society deserves what, Mission Australia’s NSW Chaplain Jenny Bluhdorn is reminded of a thought-provoking parable that centres on fairness:

Australians pride themselves on giving everyone a fair go. I’m told that some languages don’t even have a word for ‘fair’ – but for us, fairness is bottom-line morality.

Most would say fairness is about everyone being treated equally. But there are situations where it is unfair to treat people equally. For example, a juvenile isn’t given the same punishment as an adult in the legal system and people with mobility issues get to park in prime positions at shopping centres.

In these situations, it would be unfair to treat everyone the same. In fact, we filter actions around fairness more than we might think - like when we gauge who to offer our seat to on the train. We assess the needs of the person and work out how fair it is for them to receive “special” treatment.

And this is true too for Mission Australia. We are always looking out for people or groups who need their disadvantages addressed. The idea of evening up the playing field is nothing new, as the following story (Matthew 20, 1-15) told by Jesus demonstrates.

The setting is a village with a central marketplace where local labourers picked up work. Close to the village was a vineyard owned by a relatively wealthy man. At harvest time he would hire all of the village’s available workers to pick his grapes before they spoiled. As time was of the essence, the farmer knew he needed to treat the workers well. And the labourers knew if they didn’t work today, their family didn’t eat tomorrow.

One sunrise at harvest time, the vineyard owner went to the marketplace to hire workers. He employed the men for the “fair wage” of a denarius – a silver coin - for the day and they headed off for to work.

By mid-morning, he returned looking for more harvesters. He told the new batch he’d pay them what is right. He repeated the process at noon and mid-afternoon, assuring each set of workers they would be paid what was right.

Late in the day he returned to find more workers to complete the job. At the marketplace he found men hanging around but not trying too hard to find work. He asked, “Why are you here when there’s work out there!” They replied that no-one had hired them. Although he was exasperated by their attitude, the landowner employed them for the last hour’s work.

As darkness fell, the men gathered to receive their pay. Everyone expected those put on last would receive an hour’s pay, those starting at noon would receive half a denarius, and the labourers who had toiled all day would take home a full denarius.

Here’s where the story takes an unexpected turn. Those who worked an hour received a full day’s pay, which made the early starters think they’d get more than one denarius. However, they too received one silver coin, which caused a lot of grumbling around what was fair.

The landowner patiently pointed out that he was giving everyone a fair day’s pay. Finally, he asked them, “Are you envious because I am generous?”

Many of us would side with the workers, feeling they should be rewarded for their diligence.
But this parable was never meant to be a welfare template. At the time he told the story, Jesus was denouncing the exclusivity of the religious order of his day. He was saying God’s love was available to all who wanted to engage with Him, not just those who thought they’d earned it.

So in that context, the focus is more on the farmer’s heart, rather than rewarding hard work.
This vineyard owner saw and met the needs of the families of those workers. In doing so, he went beyond any legal obligation, paying the agreed wage. He also went beyond any basic moral obligation by going back and hiring the last of the workers.

What he did was not done out of obligation, but out of generosity, compassion and a heart that truly has the welfare of others as a priority. No-one would have criticised him if he’d paid them pro rata, and this is what makes the gift more valuable… it came with no obligation or sense of legal duty. It really was given from a generous heart.

No-one can argue that this wasn’t a compassionate and a good man. And that compassionate commitment to seeing needs met is a brilliant foundation for bringing the disadvantaged of our society onto a level playing field.

For me, when the needs of disadvantaged people are beginning to be met because of the efforts of compassionate and good-hearted people, it indicates a society heading in the right direction.

Related news

An OECD report released this week found that Australia is among the most economically unequal nations. On the positive side, it also found that Australians are among the most likely to volunteer, donate to charity or help a stranger.  

Read more analysis of the OECD report by The Age's Dan Harrison here.

Media coverage - Sydney Morning Herald: Juvenile detainee findings a ‘damning indictment’

A government reporting revealing that half the young people in NSW juvenile detention facilities were abused as children, and nearly 40 per cent of the girls were sexually abused, is a "damning indictment of approach to juvenile justice," said Mission Australia's State Director Leonie Green in today's Sydney Morning Herald.

Herald journalist Adele Horin wrote that the Justice Health and Juvenile Justice report painted a bleak picture of young people in the state's juvenile prisons. It reveals that nearly one-third of the girls have been pregnant, with the average age of first having sex 13.1 years for Aboriginal youngsters and 13.6 for non-Aborigines.

Thirteen was also the average age the detainees reported first being drunk.

The 2009 NSW Young People in Custody Health Survey also states that more than 27 per cent of incarcerated young people (and 40 per cent of young women) had a history of foster or kinship care.

Ms Green said the current approach to juvenile justice relied too heavily on locking up young people and not enough on diversion programs.

"When you look at the population of juveniles in custody, how can anyone believe that detention is an appropriate response?" she asked.

"These young detainees are a product of years of violence and neglect, and many have intellectual disabilities."

According to today's Herald, between the last health study in 2003 and the 2009 survey, the proportion of incarcerated youngsters who are Aboriginal rose from 41.7 per cent to 47.8 per cent, while they represent 4 per cent of the state's adolescent population.

Read Adele Horin's article here 

Visit Mission Australia's Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island resources page for our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the latest indigenous news, current affairs and policy updates.

Caring for the carers in Port Macquarie

Did you know there over 2.6 million unpaid family carers in Australia, more than 770,000 of whom are primary carers?

To address this growing need, Mission Australia has commenced a new program to assist mental health carers on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

The Eight Stage Healing Process for Mental Health Carers, which started in Port Macquarie on Monday, is a 10-week course of two hours per session held once a week.

The course, presented by staff from the Mission Australia's Family and Carer Mental Health Program, is designed for family, carers and friends of people with a mental health condition, who would like to attend a group program that can assist them to work through their own healing process.

The course does this by introducing participants to new ways of coping and defining the caring role, and is based on the idea that it is possible for family and friends to care for a loved one without losing sight of their own needs.

Created by Julie Tallard Johnson The Eight Stage Healing Process works with the notion that healing oneself assists with healing family relationships.

The carer healing process is a lifelong journey and the Eight Stage program is a catalyst for that process.

A carer who has attended the course said: "There are many brave people, carers, out there, no one is an island, and if others can make it through their difficult time I can too when those situations arrive."

Other positive feedback includes: “Eight Stages is very worthwhile. It’s essential for all carers of anyone with a mental illness” and “Thank you so much, your information and help relieves stress and makes us more effective carers”.

If you would like to attend please contact Claudia Richardson, Family and Carer Mental Health Program Education and Training Coordinator, on (02) 6584 4147 or 0408 265 039.

You can also find out more about our Family and Carer Mental Health Program here, including contacts in northern NSW.

* ABS (2009) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers.

Bargain hunt then catch a starlit flick in Cootamundra

Bargain hunters and film lovers can make a day of it when Mission Australia hosts two community fundraisers in the space of 12 hours to support its Cootamundra OOSH (Out Of School Hours Care) service in south-western NSW.

A car boot sale will be held from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 26 March at AFL Hall, Clark Oval, Cootamundra. There’ll also be cake stalls, silent auctions, a jumping castle, chocolate wheel and barbecue.

It costs $20 per car to take part and interested sellers can contact Ian Hoy on (02) 6942 7715 to take part.

Later that evening, the oval will host an outdoor movie night, with ‘Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian’ screening under the stars. Gates open at 7.45pm, an hour before the film starts, and guests are asked to bring blankets, pillows and chairs. Tickets cost $5 per child, $10 for adults and $25 for a family. This is an alcohol-free event.

Cootamundra OOSH provides a valuable service to the local community, offering after-school and vacation care and a range of supervised, age-appropriate activities that encourage children to interact. Many of the children have parents who work in Wagga, which is approximately an hour’s drive from the town.

“With many locals taking on work in other townships due to the years of drought in the area, the availability of an OOSH program has meant the difference between employment and unemployment,” said Mission Australia Acting Operations Manager Southern NSW Community Services, Cheryl O’Donnell.

“It really plays a vital role in the community, which is why we’re asking both locals and people from further afield who want to experience a real country event, to get behind it.”

Location details:


View Larger Map

Grandparent support group launched in Goulburn

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

For this reason, Mission Australia – in partnership with the Council of the Ageing and Grandparents Relative and Kinship Carers Alliance – has launched a weekly support group for grandparents in the Goulburn area who permanently look after their grandchildren.

The group of about 20 grandparents – mostly grandmothers – will meet on a weekly basis in Mission Australia’s Goulburn Community Services office with Mission Australia staff providing information they require and arranging guest speakers.

Mission Australia’s Southern NSW Operations Manager, Cheryl O’Donnell, said the grandparents who attended last Friday’s launch barbecue and information session at Mission Australia’s Goulburn office were relieved to find local support.

“One of the ladies who attended had recently taken on the carer role of her grandchild,” Ms O’Donnell said. “It was pure chance that she saw the notice in the newspaper. It happens to so many older people and they just have no idea where to go for support.

“In fact, a number of grandparents in the group said they received children with only the clothes they had on, and the biggest issue they faced was how to deal with the trauma that comes with these children.

“The majority find themselves caring for their grandchildren unexpectedly. Often it’s because of parental substance abuse, parental incarceration, mental health issues, child neglect or abuse, domestic violence or the death of a parent.

Ms O’Donnell added that taking such a hands-on role late in life can be a major emotional and financial strain.

“As almost two-thirds of grandparent families rely on a government pension, benefit or allowance as their main source of income, many find themselves tapping into their lifetime assets and savings as they attempt to support their grandchildren,” she said.

“We know many grandparent-carer families go under the radar and are not included in official statistics. That means government policies aimed at supporting grandparent-carers are lagging behind, and subsequently, so are the number of services available.”

One service that has been particularly effective in providing support is the 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 in Nowra (NSW).

Operating since 2004, it helps around 50 grandparents who between them care for approximately 40 grandchildren at any one time.

“We know the program works from the research we’ve undertaken with grandparents who are part of the program. It’s been invaluable in providing them with guidance in raising their grandchildren, helping them deal with stress, addressing legal difficulties and giving them access to a social network of other people in the same situation,” said Ms O’Donnell.

“We think rolling out programs similar to this in other areas around the country would be extremely beneficial, particularly for providing grandparent-carers with the social and legal support they so often need. But there’s room for more action in this area.”

Media Release: MA's Shell Cove childcare centre achieves highest possible accreditation

Mission Australia’s Shell Cove Early Learning Service (ELS) childcare centre has received a ‘high quality’ accreditation ranking – the highest possible – by the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC).

The accreditation is the national standard that defines the quality of child care.

The centre was tested in 33 principle areas within seven quality categories. They included: staff relationships with children and peers, partnerships with families, programming and evaluation, children’s experiences and learning, protective care and safety, health, nutrition and wellbeing and managing to support quality.

Mission Australia’s Shell Cove ELS achieved ‘high quality’ in every category.

Shell Cove Centre Director Carissa Roberts says: “Mission Australia’s ELS has worked hard to enhance the quality and care provided for children in our Shell Cove long day care centre since taking over from ABC Learning in mid-2009.

“Achieving the ‘high quality’ ranking reflects the work we have put in to ensuring that we are offering not only the best possible care for the children at our centre, but also the best possible environment in which they can develop and learn.
“We are very proud of this achievement.”

Ms Roberts says that, on top of the high quality ranking, there are other exciting developments in store for the centre.

"Over the coming months there will be even more enhancements at our Shell Cove ELS, one of which will be the renovation of our outdoor learning area – made possible by a generous donation from the Abbott Foundation.

“We are currently collecting input from families and the community regarding the renovation before the upgrade takes place over the coming months.

“In addition, after receiving a $400 grant from NSW Health as part of its ‘Munch and Move’ program, we are about to improve and increase our vegetable patch. Expanding our vegetable patch will extend this already popular component of our centre.

“The children just love the hands-on involvement in nurturing and cultivating the produce – which is then used in the daily preparation of the children’s meals.”

Mission Australia’s Shell Cove ELS has an enrolment of 360 children per week and its occupancy rate is 76 per cent. For more information about Mission Australia Early Learning Service, visit: www.missionaustralia.com.au/early-learning-services.

Media contact: Sally Popplestone, mob: 0415 547 626

Children take a break in Toukley

Ninety-five children from Mission Australia’s Brighter Futures program enjoyed their very first holiday this month, spending a week on camp in Toukley, New South Wales.

Two buses transported children from Albury, Griffith, Wagga, Cootamundra, Harden, Young, Yass, Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Nowra and Ulladulla to the Central Coast camp where they were treated to a huge variety of activities.

The children enjoyed team activities such as fishing, canoeing, swimming, snorkelling, quad-bike riding, archery, rope-climbing, craft activities and obstacle courses. They also experienced the thrill of the camp’s flying fox and high swings.

One young boy conquered his fear of heights, bravely using the flying fox and taking part in a rope climb.

“He was about to go on the giant swing and wanted us to watch that he could do it,” said Cheryl O’Donnell, Acting Service Operations Manager, Southern NSW Community Services.

“Seeing the excitement and that look of accomplishment on his face, plus the fact that someone he knew witnessed his effort, was enough on its own to say we had done the right thing to put this camp adventure together for these children.”

Another child with autism who had never spent time away from home delighted staff and his family by lasting four full days at the camp.

“It was the first time we had put together something of this size and nature,” said Ms O’Donnnell. “I went up to visit with another senior manager and we were very impressed. It was so fantastic to see so many children having the time of their lives at this camp and staff really enjoyed being involved with this.

“Although they were exhausted by end of week, each staff member said they would jump at doing it again as it was so good to see these children having so much fun. We also received a lot of phone calls from parents thanking us and saying how much the children enjoyed the camp.”

Brighter Futures is a voluntary, targeted program that helps families to build resilience while promoting healthy development in children. This early intervention program is one of Mission Australia’s 107 services that are designed to build strong families and healthy, happy children.

A proud day for Triple Care Farm graduates

Friends, family, staff and supporters gathered at Triple Care Farm last Thursday to celebrate the remarkable journey made by the 2010 graduates of the program.

End-of-year ceremonies at Mission Australia’s unique rehabilitation program are always special, and this year was no exception with the graduates sharing their experiences through music, song and speech.

The ceremony began with a graduate reading out a poem about how Triple Care Farm had transformed his life. Youth Worker Lindsay Martin then joined graduates in the Triple Care Farm Band to perform Neil Young’s ‘Heart of Gold’ and closed the event with Rolling Stones classic ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’, with Service Manager Gabriella Holmes joining in on tambourine.

Located in the Southern Highlands of NSW, Triple Care Farm is regarded as one of the nation’s most successful residential programs for young people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues.

As Ms Holmes told guests, in 2010 Triple Care Farm received around 6,180 enquiries about its services. This year 101 young people took part in the residential program with a further 90 participating in the aftercare program.

An amazing 100 per cent of participants from Semester 1 are now in stable accommodation. Fifty per cent are in employment and training, while the other half is involved in further education.

After receiving his certificate from Lady Martin of the Board of the Sir David Martin Foundation, a young graduate told guests how staff and volunteers at Triple Care Farm helped him to get his life back on track:

“Before I came to Triple Care Farm I was drinking, taking drugs. I lost my licence and my friends; I lost my girlfriend… basically everything. I felt so down.”

While on the farm, he obtained a bobcat licence, learnt woodwork skills and rebuilt his self-esteem. The young man is now working full-time, has attained a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, rents his own place and hopes to attend university in 2011. Importantly, he is also rebuilding friendships.

“Triple Care Farm has given me a new lease on life. I’m a different person,” he told supporters.

The father of another graduate gave a heartfelt thanks to the remarkably dedicated staff and volunteers who make Triple Care Farm the special place it is.

During the ceremony, Mission Australia Chairman Ewen Crouch thanked the many service clubs, businesses and trusts and foundations that had supported Triple Care Farm in 2010, including The Property Foundation, The Coca Cola Foundation, Illawarra Grammar School and the Nelson Foundation.

Key supporters, including representatives of the Jamberoo Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Walton Construction and Kiama Rotary, then each presented scholarships to graduates. The Bowral Branch of the CWA also presented the Mrs Margaret Chambers OAM Scholarship in recognition of Mrs Chamber’s 40 years of service.

There was more cause to celebration when Bruce Odling of Friends in Giving presented Triple Care Farm with a cheque for over $50,000, raised from the group’s annual ball. “By contributing to society, you get so much more out of it,” he told graduates.

Matt Brown, the Member for Kiama and a regular visitor to Triple Care Farm, also presented a $10,000 grant for a gym upgrade on behalf of the NSW Government.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a lunch expertly prepared by the Jamberoo Country Women’s Association and Moss Vale Lions Club.

Mission Australia congratulates all the Triple Care Farm graduates and wishes them the very best for the future.

Above photo (L to R): Mission Australia Chairman Ewen Crouch and Triple Care Farm Service Manager Gabriella Holmes

Shell Cove MAELS staff help out western families at Christmas

Staff and families at Mission Australia’s Early Learning Service (MAELS) centre at Shell Cove, NSW, have opened their hearts to children in the state’s central west by contributing presents to a giving tree.

Centre Director Carissa Roberts said she was overwhelmed by the generous response to the “giving tree” Christmas Appeal, which will help families who access our Cootamundra OOSH (Out of School Hours) program.

For the past six years this program has catered for local families who have to travel up to an hour away to work as the result of the region’s long-lasting drought. In the past 12 months alone the Cootamundra OOSH program has worked with 202 families.

The Shell Cove MAELS team set up its “giving tree” in the centre’s foyer. In recent weeks generous staff and local families have taken gift tags from the tree marked with the names of boys or girls and bought appropriate presents to place under it.

On Monday these gifts were passed on to Bill Dibley, Southern NSW/ACT Community Services Operations Manager, and Cheryl O’Donnell, the OOSH Service Manager, to give to families who access the Cootamundra after-school care program.

Read about a special Christmas for country kids in the Weekly

The December issue of The Australian Women's Weekly contains a powerful feature on how Mission Australia helped a young single mum and her five kids transform their lives.

The article tells the story of Cindy Blundell, 28, a single mum of five young children from the south-western NSW town of Harden. Cindy came into Mission Australia's contact through our Brighter Futures program - which we provide in partnership with the NSW Government - several years ago. At the time Cindy was a victim of domestic violence and her family life was in upheaval.

Through Brighter Futures Cindy was able to get her life back on track - so much so she no longer needs our help.

The Australian Women's Weekly were so moved by Cindy's story they visited Harden in October and put on a massive pre-Christmas lunch for her, her five kids, and the town's State Emergency Service volunteers - a group that Cindy now plays a pivotal role with.

The December issue of The Australian Women's Weekly is in stores now.

MA staff and clients help launch Keep Them Safe report

Mission Australia staff and clients made a big impact at last week’s launch of the Keep Them Safe annual report at NSW Parliament, entertaining guests and engaging in panel discussions about programs designed to support families.

A talented team from Mission Australia’s South West Youth Peer Education (SWYPE) program opened and closed the event with a song.

The team performed two songs before meeting Premier Kristina Keneally and the Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney.

According to Mission Australia’s Acting Manager Southern NSW Cheryl O’Donnell, the SWYPE team – vocalist Keri Palemani, Jonathan Pita, Nia Ahmu and SWYPE Performing Arts Co-ordinator Sanjay Hona – did the program proud:

“They have the most outstanding voices and musical talent and held the 80-plus audience captivated while performing the songs,” said Cheryl. “They are a credit to the program.”

Cheryl was among the community services representatives who took part in a panel discussion about Keep Them Safe initiative - the Government’s plan to improve the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people in NSW.

Keep Them Safe was published in March 2009 following the Honourable James Wood’s Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services, and came into effect in January 2010.

Cheryl was joined on the panel by Inspector Gary Groves, Manager of the Police Child Wellbeing Unit; Angie Weir, Manager of the Dubbo Family Referral Unit and Craig Smith, Principal of Woniora Road School in Sydney’s Hurstville.

Panel members were asked how Keep Them Safe had changed their day-to-day work; how they are working differently with Government agencies and non-government organisations; and to give an example of someone that has been assisted through the program.

“We were very positive about better communications and being able to work jointly with the police, education and health services in order to provide the best outcomes for families,” Cheryl said.

“I gave an example of a family we assisted on the Brighter Futures program and relayed feedback we received from a mother, saying it was something that would stay with our staff forever. The mother told us: ‘I would have been lost without you. You saved me and my boys’ and ‘I wish I'd met you years ago’.

“At the end,” Cheryl added, “Justice Woods remarked that he was overwhelmed by the way our programs have assisted families above expectations.”

At the launch, the Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, announced the rollout of two new services as part of Keep Them Safe Plan: Whole Family Teams to help parents with drug, alcohol or mental health issues in Lismore, Newcastle, Wyong and Nowra; and new Family Referral Services programs in Tamworth and Wollongong.

To access the Keep Them Safe annual report, visit  www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au

Above photo (from left): Mission Australia’s SWYPE performers with the Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney.

Further reading...

• Mission Australia community services in NSW
• Musical reaches out to youth
• A brighter future for the people of Kempsey
• No pain, no gain camp creates future leaders

MA Housing welcomes its Wauchope tenants

MA Housing hosted a 'welcome' event on Monday for residents of its new housing development in the Wauchope area.

MA Housing – part of Mission Australia – has recently taken handover of 27 newly built homes in Wauchope and Laurieton with another 28 to follow in Port Macquarie designed to provide quality housing for individuals and families.

The homes have been built as part of the Australian Government’s Nation Building economic stimulus plan and will be owned and managed by MA Housing.

MA Housing’s CEO, Andrew McAnulty, said the new homes were a significant contribution to creating more affordable housing in regional NSW.

“Australia has an affordable housing challenge. These homes – and others being built around the state thanks to the NSW and Federal governments – are an important step to overcoming the issue,” Mr McAnulty said.

“Housing NSW should be commended for the design and quality of these new homes.

“MA Housing’s vision around these homes is to make a long-term and positive difference in the area. By providing good quality homes, more secure homes, more affordable homes we’re helping build stronger communities.”

Kathy Cox OAM, who has been a Wauchope resident for almost three decades, was among the new tenants who joined in the celebrations.

“We haven’t been living in the project long, so it’s still new. But it seems really well set up,” Ms Cox told The Wauchope Gazette. “The layout means there is good privacy and security. The peace and quiet is fabulous, especially for those of us who haven’t had it.

“I like the layout. I’m in a cluster of five other houses, which means you have a good chance for both privacy and to develop good neighbourly relations.

“I couldn’t be happier,” she added. “You just have to talk to the tenants here to know how much they appreciate the security… MA Housing has done a really good thing.”

Above photo: Denise Bartlett, Gail George, Francis Brazil, Sharon Kent, Angela Roberts, Kathy Cox, Thelma Campbell, Michael Wong, Andrew McAnulty, Geoff Carney and Kelly Innes.  Photo courtesy of The Wauchope Gazette.

Further reading...

• MA Housing welcomes new residents
  
• A helping hand into a home
  
• 1,043 reasons for MA Housing to celebrate