Media coverage - Hobart Mercury: Fund for grandparent carers

The State Government is lending a hand to grandparents, aunties, uncles and others who take on the role of primary carers for nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Children's Minister Michelle O'Byme said there was a long tradition in Tasmania of relatives permanently caring for children, typically after extremely tragic or stressful events such as the death or illness of a parent.

The $259,000 yearly program delivered by Gateway Services providers Baptcare and Mission Australia supports grandparents and others when they first assume responsibility for children.

Support includes advice to carers on services, group activities, as well as financial help to buy items including clothing and furniture.

"This practical support will remove some financial worry and make it easier for new carers to focus on a child's emotional needs at a time of significant adjustment," Ms O'Byme said.

This article was originally published in The Hobart Mercury on the 13 July 2011

Media Release: North West community benefits from new Mission Australia office

One of Tasmania’s leading community services organisations, Mission Australia, is officially opening its new office in Burnie to assist those living in North West Tasmania. The new centre offers a variety of community programs including Family Support, Disability Support, Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programs, Integrated Family Support Services, Gateway Services and Local Area Coordinators.

Mission Australia State Director Noel Mundy said the new office wouldassist in providing much needed services for those living in the region.

“Mission Australia aims to work with communities across the State to assist in building resilience and equipping individuals to play an active role in their local community,” Mr Mundy said.

“The Gateway Service, run by Mission Australia under contract to the State Government, promotes the wellbeing and safety of Tasmanian children, young people and their families. “It also provides the North West community with a visible entry and referral point in the community for vulnerable families and other professionals to access family and disability support services.

“By contacting the Gateway Service people can receive high quality information, referral, and assistance by specialist services for individual or family support.

“Since July 2010 through to March 31 this year, 564 families have come through the Gateway Service seeking assistance and 555 individuals sought disability support services since July 2011.”

Mr Mundy said in addition, Mission Australia’s Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program provides training to increase skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing and maths. “The aim of this program is to help remove one of the major barriers to employment, assisting participants to pursue a positive and independent future.”

The new office will employ up to 10 staff and is located at 1/40 Cattley Street, Burnie.

For further information or to organise an interview: Lucinda Bray, Font Public Relations, 0438 280 486

Media Release: Tasmanians invited to the ultimate taste test

Tasmanians are invited to put their tastebuds to the ultimate test, all in the name of raising much needed funds for Mission Australia’s Chigwell House.

Mission Australia is hosting a secret five-course degustation including matched wines, where guests will be asked to guess the key ingredients in each dish as well as the type and origin of each wine.

Mission Australia’s State Director Noel Mundy said the beneficiary of the evening was Chigwell House, which provides a range of community and accommodation services, including low-cost housing for those considered at risk of homelessness.

“Mission Australia’s Centre, Chigwell House provides a range of programs that help clients address personal issues and enable them to secure and maintain stable housing,” Mr Mundy said.

“Programs offered at the Centre include Parents Staying Connected, Integrated Family Support Service, Youth Beat, Youth Connections and a Community Garden.

“Other services offered include a free Child Health Nurse, a volunteer solicitor, Centrelink appointments and cooking lessons for all community members.”

Mr Mundy said the evening’s secret five-course menu was created by renowned Tasmanian chef Paul Foreman,

“Paul will be treating guests to a secret five-course dinner using local and seasonal produce to enliven diners’ senses,” he said.

The Ultimate Taste Test will be held on Wednesday, 25 May at Cooleys Hotel. Tickets are $120 which includes five courses with paired wines.

For more information about the Ultimate Taste Test evening please contact Erica Loring on (03) 6234 3240 or email loringe@missionaustralia.com.au.

Mission Australia acknowledges the generous contribution of Cooleys, Brown Brothers, Bream Creek Vineyard, Treasury Estate and Big Bargain Bottle Shop.

For further information or to organise an interview please contact Lucinda Bray, Font Public Relations, 0438 280 486

Youth Beat service planned for SA

Last year Mission Australia’s National Survey of Young Australians identified alcohol and drugs as the second top issue facing Australia today. And the significant level of concern about crime, safety and violence reported by young people last year was often linked to alcohol.

To help protect vulnerable young people who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Mission Australia operates Youth Beat mobile outreach services in the Northern Territory and Tasmania.

Run by trained youth workers, Youth Beat provides young people affected by drink or drugs with support and transport to overnight care, reducing risk to their safety and demands on local police.

This mobile outreach service has been so successful in Tasmania and the NT that Mission Australia is now trying to provide a similar after-hours assistance service for young people in Adelaide. The Youth Beat Adelaide service will transport young people to appropriate overnight care such as sobering-up centres or stay houses run by other community organisations.

Mission Australia currently operates the state’s only youth sobering-up service, located at Hindmarsh.

Mission Australia Acting State Director Phillip Leslie told today’s City Messenger that Youth Beat staff could help calm young people and diffuse potentially violent situations.

“Typically, the call is for more police and more CCTV to help stop anti-social behaviour but commonly, problems treated with common sense and respect can be solved,” he said.

Having a Youth Beat bus in Adelaide will also reduce pressure on local accident and emergency services, divert young people away from the justice system and help them to reconnect with their families and offer safe options.

The Adelaide service will most operate on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with potential stops including Hindley Street, Rundle Mall and the central bus and train stations.

Youth Beat Adelaide is a little closer to hitting the road following a Mission Australia black-tie fundraiser held last weekend by Mr David and Mrs Janet Rice.

The fundraiser at a property in the Adelaide Hills included a performance by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. The money raised from this event will go towards the purchase and fit-out of the Youth Beat vehicle, which Mission Australia hopes to have up and running by the middle of 2011.

These funds are in addition to those raised by our generous FebFast supporters. To help fund Mission Australia’s Youth Beat bus in Adelaide call Jill MacDonald, our SA Corporate Relationships Manager, on (08) 8218 2828.

You can also help a young person who is battling drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness or other personal challenges to change their life by donating to Mission Australia’s Youth Appeal.

Further reading:

• Past Youth Beat stories
• Youth Beat Fact Sheet
• Mission Australia Youth Services

FebFast - ban booze for a month and help our youth

Feeling worse for wear after the silly season? Why not take part in FebFast and support Mission Australia’s services for young people with serious drug and alcohol issues.

FebFast asks Australians to take a break from the booze during the shortest month. Imagine what 28 alcohol-free days could do for your health and wallet, not to mention waistline - 60 per cent of past FebFast participants lost weight!

By taking part this February you’ll also set a positive example for young Australians. According to the 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, nearly one in 10 young people aged 14 to 19 drink at levels that put them at risk of long-term alcohol-related harm.

In Mission Australia’s National Survey of Young Australians 2010, participants also identified drugs and alcohol as the second-most important issue in Australia today.

Fittingly, any money you raise during FebFast will go towards three Mission Australia services that help young people to overcome drug and alcohol issues.

By forgoing alcohol for four weeks you will contribute to:

• The ongoing management of our Drug and Alcohol Youth Service (DAYS) Residential Rehabilitation program in Western Australia;
• An after-hours mobile support service to operate from the Hindmarsh Centre, which is South Australia’s only youth-specific non-medical sobering-up facility up for young people;
• Maintaining Mission Australia’s Youth Beat bus in Tasmania. Your support will also enable our youth workers to reach out to young people in the Glenorchy area.
• And if you do feel the need to toast a special event (like Valentine’s Day) in February, you can buy a date-stamped ‘Time Out Certificate’ for $25, which gives you a 24-hour break from your FebFast.
• So why not do your body, bank balance and young Australians a favour this February and sign up at www.febfast.com.au. Your $25 ($10 concession) registration fee will kick-start your fundraising.

Once registered, you can build a personalised FebFast page where you can direct your family and friends.

Take a month off the booze this February and make a healthy start to 2011!

Media Release: Christmas comes early for Tasmanian family in the form of a restored car

Christmas came early today for a family who were the victims of car theft, when they were handed the keys to a restored 1996 Ford Falcon EF Station Wagon by seven young Tasmanians at a graduation ceremony for Mission Australia’s U-Turn automotive training course.

U-Turn is a ‘best practice’ diversionary program for young people who have been involved in, or who are at risk of becoming involved in, motor vehicle theft.

The core component of the program is a structured ten-week automotive training course in car maintenance and body work, delivered in a workshop environment.

Mission Australia’s U-Turn Manager Kathryn Cranny, said the family who had recently had their car stolen were very excited about the prospect of receiving the car and regaining transport for their family, including a new born baby.

“During the 10-week course, the U-Turn participants undertook panel beating on the privately donated car, completed an engine service, replaced the gear box, resprayed the bumper bars and the front panel, and finished off with a new set of alloy wheels,” Ms Cranny said.

“The opportunity for participants to repair a vehicle for presentation to a victim of vehicle theft is one of the most important components of the U-Turn program.”

Graduates were presented with certificates by Scott Bacon MP and the Acting Assistant Commissioner Stephen Bonde.

Achievement Awards were also presented at the graduation ceremony including the Hazell Bros Most Outstanding Graduate which went to Malcolm, while Toby received the Encouragement Award for Aptitude and Achievement. Zack received the RACT Safety Awareness Award, Robert received the Excellence Award for Consistent Effort while Daniel received the Go Kart Gold Tyre Award.

The U-Turn workshop is located in Moonah with a supported accommodation service available to enable young people from other parts of the State to participate in the program. The program is delivered by Mission Australia, under contract to Tasmania Police, and is funded by the State Government.

Mission Australia has almost 280 services across every state and territory in Australia and has five offices in Tasmania, located in Burnie, Launceston, Hobart, Moonah and Devonport.

For more information: Lucinda Bray, Font Public Relations, 0438 280 486

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Three U-Turn clients were recently featured in our 'MATV' series of videos - view below or visit our channel at youtube.com/missionaust

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Anti-Poverty Week launched in Hobart

Anti-Poverty Week – 17-23 October

The Hobart community of Glenorchy yesterday did its bit to raise awareness about disadvantage at an Anti-Poverty Week barbecue held at the Mission Australia Centre, Chigwell House.

Mission Australia staff, volunteers and members of the local community launched the week in fine festive style.

According to Family Liaison Officer Shelley Moore approximately 100 people attended - some that we provide services to as well as those from the broader community.

“It was one of the best events we’ve ever held,” said Shelley.

“It had a really nice feel to it. We had a jumping castle, lolly-guessing competitions food activities and music.”

Parents Staying Connected participants provided face-painting for the local children and staff from another Mission Australia service, Youth Connections, conducted a drum-beat session.

The event was launched by Anti-Poverty Week patron Bernadette Black, a Tasmanian author who is an advocate for young parents.

"I was a 16-year old-mum when I had my first child and I was really quite close to that poverty line," she said.

Ms Black emphasised that poverty can strike anyone. "For most of us in Australia now - with the pressures being so hard - it can be an unplanned pregnancy, a death of a loved one, it can be something that you know can happen to any of us that can get us to this poverty line when we need all the help and support of the community.”

Tasmanian Association of Community Houses representative John Hooper said it was important to highlight the services and support networks available to struggling Tasmanians.

"We're trying to support communities to assist themselves and lift them out of the situation they're in," he told The Mercury.

Mission Australia Centre, Chigwell House functions as a neighbourhood ‘hub’ offering support to families and young people in the Glenorchy City Council area of north-east Hobart. The centre offers a unique blend of community programs designed to transform the lives of young parents and teenagers in the local area. It also comprises 14 social housing units for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Shane turns his life around

Shane*, who had been diagnosed with ADHD, had little interest in school. By the age of 14, he had disengaged from mainstream education and was getting himself in trouble with the police.

He first heard about the innovative U-Turn automotive training course from a local police officer. U-Turn is a diversionary program for young people who have been involved in, or who are at risk of becoming involved in, motor vehicle theft.

The core component of the program is a structured 10-week automotive training course in car maintenance and body work, delivered in a workshop environment.

Earlier this year, Shane joined U-Turn for the last five weeks of Course 25. The teenager did so well in that time that he ended up winning the Most Outstanding Graduate Award. This award is sponsored by Hazell Brothers, a large Tasmanian construction firm.

Shane has since managed to secure permanent employment with Hazell Brothers. However, he still attends U-Turn three afternoons a week to improve his literacy and numeracy skills.

As his confidence grows, he is increasingly in a better position to manage the effects of ADHD and connect with the community.

This young man is continuing to do well and is a great example of how giving rewards for work well done and opportunities can break negative cycles.

“I’ve learn about spray-painting, mechanics and panel-beating, he says. “U-Turn is good – it keeps you out of trouble. It’s stopped me doing a lot of things I used to do. It’s helped me. They’re good people who help you all the time.”

*Name has been changed.

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Three U-Turn clients were recently featured in our 'MATV' series of videos - view below or visit our channel at youtube.com/missionaust

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Building MA Housing brick by brick

“Mission Australia Housing (MA Housing) has a big picture vision for urban regeneration and transformation; a vision for healthy, well-functioning and integrated communities,” said Andrew McAnulty, the MA Housing Chief Executive Officer.

“As part of delivering this vision, we now operate in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, with plans to commence services in South Australia and, ideally, the Northern Territory by the end of 2010.”

For an organisation in its first year of operation, MA Housing has chalked up an impressive list of achievements.

“On 1 March, we took our 108th home into management. We have many more homes in the pipeline, including: six to be developed in Kingswood, 104 homes in Camperdown (to go on-site in June 2010) and 100 homes in various well-located sites around NSW.

“In February, we submitted an expression of interest for the stock transfer of social housing and the development of further affordable housing in NSW, and we are currently reviewing a significant opportunity in the Northern Territory,” said Andrew.

“We are in partnerships to provide 36 additional homes in Tasmania and a substantial project in Victoria, together with a range of further tenders and bids for funding,” said Andrew.

“The strength of the Mission Australia family has meant that we are also engaged in discussing opportunities with Government and other partners in South Australia and Western Australia, and we will shortly be taking forward discussions in Queensland.”

Andrew is well versed in the intricacies of delivering affordable housing. Prior to moving to Australia, he spent more than 15 years with three diverse housing associations in the UK, together with the multi-award winning Stonebridge Housing Action Trust, one of London’s largest single site regeneration schemes.

“It is incredibly exciting to be at Mission Australia Housing. I believe that we will succeed in creating something special if we focus on providing a very good quality customer focused service for our residents, whilst also linking into the strength of the services offered by Mission Australia,” said Andrew.

“With the continued support of Mission Australia, local, state and federal Governments, MA Housing intends to become a landlord of choice, providing a customer-orientated service and a range of housing solutions for those in housing need.”

Media Release: Two victims of car theft handed the keys to restored vehicles

Two Tasmanian victims of car theft were today handed the keys to a rebuilt Toyota Corolla and Daihatsu Applause, by a group of young Tasmanians graduating from Mission Australia’s U-Turn automotive training course.

U-Turn is a best practice diversionary program for young people who have been involved in, or who are at risk of becoming involved in, motor vehicle theft. The core component of the program is a structured ten-week automotive training course in car maintenance and body work, delivered in a workshop environment.

Mission Australia’s State Director Noel Mundy said both victims of crime had recently had their cars stolen and burnt out.

“Both recipients are very excited about their new cars, with one having found it difficult without transport to attend work and study commitments and the other recovering from illness without the convenience of her vehicle,” Mr Mundy said.

“During the 10-week course, the U-Turn participants repaired numerous dents on the car, completed an engine service, undertook minor repairs and finished off with a thorough car detailing.

“The opportunity for participants to repair a vehicle for presentation to a victim of vehicle theft is one of the most important components of the U-Turn program.”

Graduates were presented with certificates by the Minister for Police and Emergency Management Jim Cox and the Acting Deputy Commissioner of Tasmania Police, Scott Tilyard.

Achievement Awards were also presented at the graduation ceremony with one student receiving the Hazell Bros Most Outstanding Graduate Award as well as the Silver Tyre Award for the Most Consistent Driver, and another student receiving the Encouragement Award for Consistent Effort.

The cars were generously donated by the general public with other sponsors including RACT, Hazell Bros, Castrol, Spectrum, the Matt Goggin Foundation, Bocchino Motors, Glenorchy City Council and Loctec.

The U-Turn workshop is located in Moonah, and a supported accommodation service is also available to enable young people from other parts of the State to participate in the program. The program is delivered by Mission Australia, under contract to Tasmania Police, and is funded by the State Government.

In last year’s budget, the State Government announced additional funding for U-Turn to enable two part-time youth workers to be appointed as dedicated post-course support workers. The State Government has also committed ongoing funding for the program until June 2010.

Mission Australia has almost 280 services across every state and territory in Australia and has five offices in Tasmania, located in Burnie, Launceston, Hobart, Moonah and Devonport.

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• Media Contact:  Lucinda Bray, Font Public Relations, 0438 280 486 
• Download the UTurn brochure - or visit the UTurn website for service information.

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Media Release: State and Territory governments must set targets to reduce numbers of young people in detention

One of Australia’s leading providers of services to disadvantaged young people has called on state and territory governments to set targets to reduce the number of juveniles in custody and increase alternative justice or ‘diversionary’ programs to achieve their aims.

On the eve of the National Juvenile Justice Summit in Melbourne (Thurs-Fri, 25-26 February), Mission Australia said almost all state and territory governments currently had the wrong policy settings for effectively tackling juvenile offending.

Mission Australia’s spokesperson, Anne Hampshire, said research and experience had proven the best approach to reducing juvenile offending was not putting young people in custody but providing them with access to programs that addressed the issues at the heart of their behaviour, eg: family stress, poor literacy/numeracy, lack of skills, unemployment and substance abuse.

Such programs are not only more successful but significantly cheaper to run.

“There’s a real lack of consistency across states and territories when it comes to tackling the issue of juvenile justice,” said Ms Hampshire.

“Victoria leads the country and both the Tasmanian and NSW governments have recently engaged in reviews of their approaches, but elsewhere it appears governments seem happy to lock young people up in increasing numbers – despite all evidence showing it doesn’t work.

“There are around 630 young Australians locked up every day (2007/08 figures which exclude NSW). Both the numbers (up by 17%) and the rate (up from 1.7 to 2.0 per 1000) at which young people are placed in custody has increased.

“Putting young offenders in custody is not only expensive but ineffective – most of those released will re-offend. Detention also intensifies the need for greater levels of support post-release.

“And when you look at the population of juveniles in custody, almost half report some form of serious abuse in their past, including violence and neglect. Do we really think detaining a young person with that sort of background is an appropriate response to their problem?

“These are hardly good outcomes, particularly when you consider it can cost in excess of $150,000 to keep a young person in custody for 12 months.

“From Mission Australia’s own experience, programs to divert young people away from detention can cost as little as $3200 per individual. In one of our NSW juvenile justice initiatives, 65% of participants had not re-offended a year after leaving the program.

“In a similar Victorian program we run, only six of the 188 young participants received further summons or charges after exiting.

“If governments were genuine about tackling this problem they would commit themselves to reducing the number of young people – particularly minority groups – in detention and setting targets that can be monitored,” said Ms Hampshire.

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

U-Turn, a new direction: Three graduates discuss their transformation in new video

Three graduates of Mission Australia's U-Turn program recently discussed their experiences and transformations in Mission Australia's latest short film release U-Turn, a new direction.

The U-Turn program aims to curb the thrill-seeking behaviour that pushes young people into motor vehicle theft.  Students are able to fulfill their interests in racing and mechanics in a safe, legal and fun environment.

The core component of the program is the automotive training course in car maintenance and body work, delivered at the facility's workshop. Students are provided with additional support where required including supported accommodation, personal development, employment assistance, road safety education, recreational activities (such as go-karting) and post-course support.

U-Turn follows the best practice model and business plan for the Young Recidivist Car Theft Offender Program, as specified by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council. For more information visit http://www.uturntas.com.au or http://www.carsafe.com.au

View U-Turn, a new direction or any other Mission Australia video at our Youtube channel: youtube.com/missionaust 

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Seven's Sunrise covers recent UTurn graduation

In a recent post we reported on the latest graduation ceremony at the U-Turn service in Tasmania - a highly successful youth program.

U-Turn aims to break the cycle of motor vehicle theft by engaging participants in 'hands on' mechanical training while addressing life-skills and personal development issues. Please visit the U-Turn website for more information.

Seven's Sunrise program also provided coverage of the event - the clip can be viewed here:

U-Turn graduates donate restored car to victims of car theft

A Moonah family, who’ve had three cars stolen in the past four years, were today handed the keys to a rebuilt `95 Hyundai Excel by six young Tasmanians graduating from Mission Australia’s U-Turn automotive training course.

U-Turn is a ‘best practice’ diversionary program for young people who have been involved in, or who are at risk of becoming involved in, motor vehicle theft. The core component of the program is a structured ten-week automotive training course in car maintenance and body work, delivered in a workshop environment.

Mission Australia’s Community Services Operations Manager Lucy O’Flaherty said the victim, who received the car on behalf of her family, said the car had gone some way in restoring her faith in young people and the community.

“During the 10-week course, the U-Turn participants repaired numerous dents on the RACT donated car, completed an engine service, undertook a full service, a test run and finished off with a complete re-spray,” Ms O’Flaherty said.

“The opportunity for participants to repair a vehicle for presentation to a victim of vehicle theft is one of the most important components of the U-Turn program.”

Graduates were presented with certificates by the Minister for Infrastructure Mr Graeme Sturges MHA and Tasmania Police Commander Steve Bond.

Achievement Awards were also presented at the graduation including the Hazell Bros Most Outstanding Graduate, the RACT Safety Awareness Award, the Encouragement Award for Effort and the Most Improved for Attitude and Enthusiasm.

The U-Turn workshop is located in Moonah with a supported accommodation service available to enable young people from other parts of the State to participate in the program. The program is delivered by Mission Australia, under contract to Tasmania Police, and is funded by the State Government.


In last year’s budget, the State Government announced additional funding for the appointment of two part-time youth workers as dedicated post course support workers. The State Government has also committed ongoing funding for the program until June 2010.

Mission Australia has almost 280 services across every state and territory in Australia and has five offices in Tasmania, located in Burnie, Launceston, Hobart, Moonah and Devonport.



For more information about this event: Lucinda Bray, Font Public Relations, 0438 280 486

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What is U-Turn?

U-Turn aims to break the cycle of motor vehicle theft by engaging participants in 'hands on' mechanical training while addressing life-skills and personal development issues.

Download the UTurn brochure - or visit the UTurn website for more service information.

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