QBE Big Dry brings in big funds for Triple Care Farm

QBE staff, customers and suppliers who came together as part of this year’s QBE Big Dry have raised more than $60,000 for Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm – our residential program for young people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues.

The QBE Big Dry, now in its nineteenth year, ended last week at an event held at the international insurance group’s Sydney headquarters.

Among the guests were QBE CEO Frank O’Halloran, Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall, NSW Waratahs team member and Mission Australia supporter Drew Mitchell, as well as Nicholle Sullivan, Supervising Psychologist at Triple Care Farm.

Former Triple Care Farm student Jason also took time out of his studies to attend. He eloquently reassured event guests that their efforts were all for a worthwhile cause. The 22-year-old was referred to the Southern Highlands program last year when he was struggling with alcohol dependence, depression and problem gambling.

Jason flourished during his three-month stay at Triple Care Farm and was awarded a scholarship at the 2010 graduation ceremony. Now studying a Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedics), he said he is eager to give back to the community.

“I really believe in that place – in the structure of it,” he said. “Without the staff there Triple Care Farm would just be a bunch of buildings in the bush. The combination of the place and the people there make it really worthwhile.

“I am happy to speak at any event about Triple Care Farm because they helped me so much,” he said. “I would do anything for them because they’ve done wonders for me – Triple Care Farm changed my life around.”

Mission Australia sincerely thanks QBE for its ongoing and very generous support as well as everyone who participated to raise funds for Triple Care Farm.

For every dollar donated to Mission Australia from The Big Dry, QBE also donated 50 cents to Create Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to empower children and young people placed in out-of-home care through direct service provision and systemic advocacy.

Find out more about Triple Care Farm here

HSBC Waratahs 'spot' Mission Australia clients at training day

As part of the partnership between Mission Australia and the Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA) Foundation, homeless men from various community services in Sydney were recently given the rare opportunity to join the HSBC Waratahs at their gym for a workout session.

Mission Australia’s homeless services in Sydney run weekly exercise programs to help clients with their rehabilitation and development.

The Mission Australia clients that attended the Waratah's gym session were understandably thrilled to workout at a first-class training facility with the advice of professional sportsmen and trainers.

The Waratahs players provided coaching for the clients in weight training techniques and the correct use of equipment, while encouraging and 'spotting' them throughout their workout.

After the gym session, clients and players were provided a lunch courtesy of Kim Terakes from aussiebarbie.com.au

Many thanks to RUPA, the HSBC Waratahs and Kim Terakes for helping to coordinate a fun and inspiring experience for the clients.

For more about past events arranged by RUPA, click here