Media coverage - West Australian: Call to give kids drug/alcohol lessons

The WA head of Mission Australia wants more comprehensive drug education in primary schools as children as young as 10 dabble in alcohol and cannabis.

Acting State Director Carmen Acosta said better programs and delivered at a younger age could help the small number of children vulnerable to such drugs in primary school. It would have the more widespread benefit of fortifying students against peer pressure in high school.

Ms Acosta said young people were growing up faster but drug education in primary school appeared ad hoc and in some cases absent or ineffective.

Some children relied on inaccurate information from the internet.

"There is most certainly evidence to show children are dabbling as young as 10," she said.

"The biggest risk time is the first year of high school. We need to fortify them with appropriate information before that."

Ms Acosta said the impact of cannabis and alcohol should not be underestimated. About 80 per cent of people using Mission Australia counselling and rehabilitation had cannabis and alcohol problems.

This compared with only 30 per cent in 1999.

Heroin and amphetamines were bigger problems back then, accounting for half their clients, she said.

"Violence fuelled by alcohol and binge drinking is extremely concerning among young people," Ms Acosta said.

"We are seeing many more young people coming to us concerned about their alcohol use than we have ever seen previously."

Ms Acosta said most children would never have problems with drugs and alcohol but would benefit from getting accurate and age-appropriate information in primary school.

Story originally published in The West Australian on 15 August 2011

Media Release: Government must change policy on unaccompanied refugee children

Mission Australia has called on the Australian Government to allow unaccompanied refugee children seeking asylum to stay in the country and is encouraging the leaders of the country’s churches and welfare agencies to raise their voices in public support.

Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said most fair-minded people would be uncomfortable with the prospect of deporting unaccompanied minors.

“Whatever their political beliefs, I believe the broader Australian population is not supportive of turning unaccompanied children away,” Mr Hall said.

“It’s morally wrong and the government needs to change its policy.

“Malaysia, Nauru or anywhere else, it doesn’t matter. Sending unaccompanied children away from our shores, to an uncertain future, is against our shared values. It’s not what Australia’s about.

“Gradually we’re seeing a range of voices speak up against the policy. Last week Western Australia’s Premier, Colin Barnett, registered his opposition. This morning, Father Frank Brennan did the same.

“We need more leading Australians – particularly from our churches and welfare agencies – to speak out in similar terms.”

Earlier this week, Mission Australia announced its support of Melbourne’s Crossway Baptist church’s offer to accommodate and care for unaccompanied refugee children – at no cost to taxpayers.

“Mission Australia is proud to back Crossway Baptist Church in its efforts. We’d be happy to work in similar ways with other reputable organisations.

“If the government were to agree to Crossway’s offer, Mission Australia would use its expertise as one of the country’s largest providers of homelessness and youth services to support the church with developing policies and procedures to ensure the care of these children is delivered at the highest standards and with cultural sensitivity.

“When the government was first elected in 2007 it promised a humane and even-handed approach to refugees. It promised community-led care of refugee children.

“We’re calling on them to stick to those principles,” said Mr Hall.

Media contact: Paul Andrews (02) 9219 2080

Supporting Crossway’s offer to care for refugee children

Mission Australia has thrown its support behind a Melbourne church's offer to accommodate and care for unaccompanied refugee children to avoid them being deported to Malaysia.

Melbourne’s Crossway Baptist Church has called on the Australian Government to allow unaccompanied refugee children seeking asylum to stay in the country and has offered care and accommodation to the minors at no cost to taxpayers.

In support of Crossway, Mission Australia has committed itself to assisting the church in supplying best-practice and culturally appropriate care.

Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said “The plight of these vulnerable children is on the minds of most fair-minded people. Mission Australia is proud to back Crossway Baptist Church in its efforts.

“If the government were to agree to Crossway’s offer, Mission Australia would use its expertise to support the church with developing policies and procedures to ensure the care of these children is delivered at the highest standards and with cultural sensitivity.”

Kids now get into the zoo for free

Great news for Victorian kids and families! The Victorian Coalition Government has just announced that it’s giving children free entry to three outstanding zoos – Healesville Sanctuary, Werribee Zoo and Melbourne Zoo.

The $10.7 million initiative, expected to give free entry to 266,000 children, was welcomed by Paul Bird, Mission Australia’s State Director, who said it was important that the wonderful learning and discovery experiences at zoos were accessible to all Victorians.

“Mission Australia applauds the government for this initiative as it will enable more families to enjoy the many experience and wonders offered by Zoos Victoria,” Mr Bird said.

Mission Australia’s 2010 National Youth Survey found the number of Victorians taking part in arts and cultural activities had dropped significantly since 2008, highlighting the need to encourage activities that engage children and their families to build their relationships and life skills.
The initiative will grant children under 16 years of age free entry on Victorian public holidays and school holidays plus weekends from 1 July – which in time for the winter school break.

The Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Chris Ryan, said the subsidy would reduce the cost from $12.60 to zero and a family ticket would be reduced from $58 to $50.80.

Every year since 2008, Mission Australia Family Day at the Zoo, in partnership with Zoos Victoria and MetLink and V/Line, has given free entry and free public transport to Victorian children from across the state - including migrants and refugees.

Last December, more than 100 volunteers from Mission Australia, Vline and Metlink helped many first-time public transport users find their way to and from the event, as well as navigate their way around the zoo.

Further information:

• Melbourne Zoo opens doors to 3,000 children and families from across Victoria
• Adelaide kids enjoy a day at the zoo

Media Release: Help needed for kids from disadvantaged families to make successful transition to school

Disadvantaged families with complex needs require a range of supports to assist their children make a successful transition to school according to a new report.

The report, Facilitating children’s transition to school from families with complex support needs – a joint publication between Charles Sturt University, University of Western Sydney, Mission Australia and the NSW Department of Human Services – says transition to school programs and third parties acting as mediators between families and schools are among the keys to getting children from disadvantaged families off to a successful start in education.

According to Mission Australia spokesperson, Paul Andrews, families with complex support needs are less likely to have positive relationship and engagement with schools because of cultural and language differences, poverty, unemployment, dislocation, violence, illness or disability and this can impact on their child’s transition to school.

“For families with complex support needs the transition to school for their child can be a time of great difficulty and vulnerability but it’s also an opportunity to get things right,” according to Mr Andrews.

“There is compelling international evidence that the early years of a person’s life establish the foundations for adulthood. If there is upheaval during this time – particularly during the transition from preschool to school – there is a greater chance a person will experience difficulties, including poverty, unemployment and engaging in criminal behaviour, in later years.

“This report worked with 44 families across NSW – more than half from non-metro areas – to understand what they needed for their kids to start school as successfully as possible.

“They identified supports including establishing ‘transition to school’ programs, providing information for families about schools and enrolment, and professionals acting as links between families and schools.

“Other supports identified by families as helpful include services that can adapt as family needs change and continuity of support.

“In terms of continuity, many early childhood programs cease as children begin school – despite it being a time of great anxiety and uncertainty within these families. Having programs continue while the transition takes place is extremely important.

“The main concerns for the families participating in the report regard their children’s behaviour at school, family engagement with school and the financial pressures of having children at school. Parents were also keen to have an ongoing relationship with their child’s school but were unsure how to go about doing that.

“If services and supports can address those challenges then we’re well on our way to giving kids from struggling families the best start to their education possible,” said Mr Andrews.


The report, Facilitating children’s transition to school from families with complex support needs, is available to download at missionaustralia.com.au/downloads/19-social-policy-reports

Media coverage - Liverpool Leader: Horningsea Park early learning centre has highest rank in care

Mission Australia’s Horningsea Park Early Learning Service has passed a test with flying colours.

The centre has received a high quality accreditation ranking - the highest possible - from the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

The centre was rigorously tested on 33 principals in seven categories by a council official during a recent day visit.

The categories included staff relationships with children and peers, partnership with families, programming and evaluation, children’s experience and learning, protective care and safety, health, nutrition and wellbeing, and managing to support quality.

All seven categories were ranked as high quality, the highest of four bands.

The Horningsea Park service was registered in April 2009 after taking over from an ABC Learning Centre.

Centre director Ruth Brennan said staff had worked hard to improve the care for children.

“We are very proud of this achievement,” she said.

Story originally published 7 June 2011 in the Liverpool Leader.

Further reading:

• Getting back to nature
• ‘Families need adventure playgrounds and cities need families’
• Previous MA news - Early Learning Services

Media Release: MA welcomes budget focus on disadvantaged areas

Mission Australia has welcomed the Gillard Government’s budget focus on addressing disadvantage in particular areas around the country and helping people in those locations find jobs and better participate in the community.

Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said the organisation also supported the budget’s aim of helping more long-term unemployed people back into work.

“We think it strikes the right balance between incentives and increased resources for jobseekers and Disability Support Pension (DSP) recipients who have a reasonable capacity to work with measures that emphasise people’s reciprocal obligations – obligations we think are in line with community expectations,” said Mr Hall.

“There’s nothing in the government’s welfare-to-work changes that we think are particularly onerous. Our experience is that disadvantaged job seekers can respond positively to more rigorously applied compliance measures – if applied consistently and fairly. They provide a measure of order that may be lacking in their lives.

“In terms of DSP recipients who have a reasonable capacity to work, we think the budget changes are sensible and balanced.

“We have to get over the idea that reforming the DSP is an attack on disabled people – it’s not.

“There is no question that the majority of people in receipt of DSP are genuinely disabled and require significant levels of support.

“However, successive governments and a failing welfare system have allowed thousands of people without serious disabilities to move from the dole to receiving DSP where they are not engaged in looking for work. This is despite the fact they might have a capacity for employment and their issues could be overcome with intensive support.

“This group has genuine barriers to employment that they need support in overcoming. But they can be overcome – so let’s do it.

“One observation about the welfare package is that the government is placing a significant emphasis on Centrelink and its ability to help the sometimes vulnerable people the government is seeking to return to the workforce.

“We hope that buried in the detail is more funding to build Centrelink’s capacity to understand the often complex issues around these people.

“And while recognising the very substantial investment in mental health we think $201m over five years to help states/territories better coordinate and provide mental health services related to accommodation and admission/discharge from hospital isn’t enough. We also need more than just co-ordination – we need real housing.

“But overall a fair budget – a positive budget – for the people we help,” said Mr Hall.

Toby Hall is available for comment

Media inquiries: Paul Andrews 0409 665 495

Media Release: Qualified support for government's trial proposal for teen mums

Mission Australia has offered its qualified support to the Federal Government’s trial proposal aimed at engaging teenage mothers in education and training and avoiding welfare dependency.

Mission Australia – one of the largest providers of community and employment services to disadvantaged individuals and families in the country – said it strongly supported the concept of providing young parents with skills and education for future employability but that its compulsory nature, including the impact of withdrawing parenting payment from those who refused to participate, would need to be closely monitored.

Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said at first glance the government’s proposal for a pilot scheme in 10 disadvantaged areas around the country deserved to be supported.

“Getting in early and making sure teenage mums are kept in touch with education and training to avoid entrenched welfare dependency in later life should be warmly welcomed,” said Mr Hall.

“We know from our experience how difficult it is help sole parents – or anyone – into work when they have no skills and when they’ve been disengaged from the workforce for years.

“And it’s not just the ‘hard’ skills that are needed for particular industries. It’s the ‘soft’ skills – the ins and outs of participating in the workforce: turning up for work on time, being responsible for your actions, dressing appropriately – that you and I might take for granted and which the young people participating in the program will need help with.

“However, there’s no question that the best results are achieved from programs like this when people participate voluntarily. We run several similar initiatives to those proposed – and have done so for many years – and they’re successful because people want to be there.

“Compulsory participation, by its very nature, fails to promote personal responsibility among those taking part and that’s the crucial part of changing behaviour long-term.

“The support provided for teen mums engaged in the program will also need to be much more than just a Centrelink ‘participation plan’ as described in media reports.

“We don’t have a lot of faith in Centrelink’s ability to understand and appreciate the complex issues around the young people who might be in this situation. We’d expect there to be a range of other supports available – including parenting and living skills – if the trial is to be a success.

“We’re also waiting to see what the government is suggesting for those parents who do have their income suspended. We’d be alarmed if they – and particularly their children – were made more vulnerable or placed in any danger as a result of a withdrawal of income support.

“But on balance Mission Australia is inclined to support this proposal. Practical programs like this are what’s needed to break the back of welfare dependency,” said Mr Hall.

Toby Hall is available for comment

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

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

Media Release: Mission Australia launches new education program for young mums

A new program that breaks the barriers preventing young mums from completing a mainstream education is now accepting enrolments in the Greater Dandenong region.

The Aim’n High program, a joint collaboration between Mission Australia, Hallam Senior Secondary College and South East Local Learning and Employment Network, will give young mothers aged 16 to 19 access to high quality childcare in a supportive learning environment.

Aim'n High also provides intensive case management and parenting education, with plans to include visits from the Maternal and Child Health Service to ensure the mums get all the support they need to meet the demands of parenthood and study.

Mission Australia Manager of Child and Family Services Melinda Chapman said many young mothers needed help in completing their education.

"We saw Mission Australia's Early Learning Services as an opportunity to combine our services and offer childcare while assisting those mums with their studies," she said.

Up to 20 students in the program will study VCE level English and Human Development, taught by teachers from Hallam Secondary College, in a four-day week. Homework can be completed in the afternoon, helping to confine workload within school hours.

"It's challenging to be a first-time mum, regardless of facing the demands of study as well. This Program will make a significant difference to young mothers' education outcomes and to address issues such as disadvantage and disengagement," Melinda said.

"We hope to see our students eventually return to mainstream study at a school or go on to TAFE or vocational training."

National Director of Mission Australia Early Learning Services Marie Howard said: "We are very excited to offer this unique service to young mums. It's extra support and easy access to education and quality childcare, in a comfortable and safe environment."

The Program will run at Mission Australia's Early Learning Service at Doveton.  Find location details for this service (including maps) at this link.

Aim'n High is now taking enrolments. For more information call the South East Youth Connections Program on 1800 335 106.

To coordinate an interview with Melinda Chapman or for photo opportunities, contact:

• Sigrid Rynehart, Mission Australia on (03) 8615 2226 / 0428 865 335 or ryneharts@missionaustralia.com.au
• Emily Lehmann, Fenton Communications on (03) 9600 0006 / 0421 852 501 or emilyl@fenton.com.au

Rooby Roo on the move in western Sydney

Rooby Roo the Reading Kangaroo is busy hopping about western Sydney to promote the Paint The Town REaD program.

Paint the Town REaD encourages communities to support the development of local children’s early literacy skills from birth, so are prepared to learn how to read and write at school. This development mainly occurs through talking, singing, reading and drawing with children.

The community initiative was started 14 years ago by Rhonda Brain, a teacher from Parkes, New South Wales, who realised a growing number of children were entering kindergarten with delayed language development.

“Rooby is a great way to engage the very young and the young at heart,” said Julie Jasprizza-Laus, Mission Australia Team Leader - Families NSW Projects. “She’s spreading the word that reading, singing talking and rhyming is fun. Rooby shows parents and children how big hugs and great books are the best start in life for all children.

“The word is getting out there. During one of Rooby’s recent visit at Bidwill Playgroup, two brothers aged two and four were reading. One became distracted and the other said ‘What are you doing? This will help you!’ It’s really rewarding to see children get so excited about reading.”

Yesterday Rooby helped launched the new play facilities at Mt Druitt Communities for Children (C4C) – a program for local families managed by Mission Australia.

Tomorrow (Friday 11 March) at 11am she will appear in the children’s story tent at the International Women’s Day celebrations in Dawson Mall, Mt Druitt, to promote Paint Mt Druitt REaD.

On 14 March Rooby will appear at Giggles Playgroup at Lethbridge Public School, Lethbridge Park, from 10am; on 22 March she’ll be at Noumea Playgroup at Noumea Public School, Shalvey, from 8.30am, then on 24 March Rooby will be at Willmot Public School, Wilmot, from 8.30am.

These appearances are in preparation for Ruby’s big National Book Day gig on 2 April at Dawson Mall, Mt Druitt from 10.30am.

MA Early Learning Centres celebrate Australia Day

Children and staff at Mission Australia’s Early Learning Services (MAELS) centres have been celebrating Australia Day through song, flag-inspired clothes, Dreamtime stories and traditional tucker.

In Melbourne, our Cranbourne East and Eumemmerring centres explored Aboriginal culture and heritage through stories and “hand painting”. Children also dressed in green and gold and played Aussie games. At our Doveton centre, children enjoyed a special Australia Day afternoon tea with their families and staff.

Our three MAELS centres in Adelaide joined in the fun the day before Australia Day. At Redwood Park children made powder paint hand prints and Aussie T-shirts with fabric paint. The menu took on an Aussie flavour, with damper, a sausage sizzle and lamingtons.

Children at our Elizabeth Vale centre came dressed in the colours of the Australian and Aboriginal flags and later made their own flags for outdoor display. Lunch was a picnic of Vegemite sandwiches and pavlova.

At our Osborne centre, children make lamingtons and Vegemite sandwiches for afternoon tea, and teamed up to create a large Australian flag from newspaper and natural beach materials. Preschoolers learned Australian songs and painted bark; toddlers watched a short DVD about a corroboree, while the nursery children helped staff decorate their room with Australian and Aboriginal flags.

Children and staff at our Mannering Park centre, on the southern shores of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales, donned yellow, green and “Aussie-themed” clothes as part of their Australia Day activities and also enjoyed painting flags and bark.

Further down the NSW coast, our MAELS Shell Cove centre community last week hosted an Australia Day bake stall to raise funds for people affected by the Queensland floods. Children, who were dressed in red, white and blue, participated in Australian music craft and story activities and enjoyed lamingtons for afternoon tea.

These celebrations demonstrate Mission Australia’s Early Learning Services’ inclusive and family-focused approach to childcare, and highlight our belief that children and families play a unique role in Australian communities.

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.

Supporting children and families affected by the floods

The recent floods around the nation, and particularly in south-east Queensland, have had an emotional impact on Australians of all ages – including children. Early Childhood Australia has compiled a range of useful information and advice for parents and carers of children affected by the floods.

This not only includes children living in flood-affected areas, but also those who have been indirectly affected as a result of graphic imagery in newspapers and on television.

Their latest online issue of ‘ECA WebWatch’ addresses issues such as talking with children about grief and loss; dealing with emotional distress; recognising how children display grief and ways parents can support their children in the aftermath of a crisis.

You can read ECA’s compilation of useful online articles at this link.

Mission Australia’s New Year Appeal launched today

At this time of fresh starts, Mission Australia is asking generous people across the nation to help disadvantaged Australians find their way in 2011.

Launched on Friday 7 January, Mission Australia’s New Year Appeal aims to raise funds that will assist people experiencing tough times to find a way out of homelessness and disadvantage.

The New Year Appeal highlights how specific Mission Australia services help people strengthen family relationships, escape homelessness, and prepare youth for a successful transition into adulthood.

The profiled services include Chigwell House, which is a family accommodation and support service centre in Tasmania; Mission Australia’s innovative Nightspot service for young homeless people in south-eastern Queensland; and Youth Connections in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.

To find out how you can help an Australian in need to find their way in 2011, please visit our New Year Appeal page at www.missionaustralia.com.au/new-year-appeal

Media Release: Melbourne Zoo opens doors to 3,000 children and their families from across Victoria

More than three thousand Victorians will experience the zoo for the first time today at Melbourne Zoo as part of a pre-Christmas event that enables social inclusion, education and fun.

The Mission Australia Family Day at the Zoo, in partnership with Zoos Victoria and MetLink and V/Line, gives free entry and free public transport to Victorian children from across the state, including migrants and refugees.

Mission Australia Victoria State Director said: “Many of us take the opportunity to visit Melbourne’s world-leading arts and recreation venues for granted, but this is the first chance many of our family guests will have to experience the excitement and wonder of a zoo.

“Our latest National Youth Survey found the number of Victorians taking part in arts and cultural activities has dropped significantly since 2008, highlighting the need to encourage activities which engage children and their families to build their relationships and life skills,” he said.

As part of its programs, Mission Australia has supported many of these families to overcome the challenges that have prevented them from participating in community activities and taking public transport in the past.

“All families have been provided with free travel on metropolitan and regional networks for the day, which will boost their confidence on public transport in the future.

“We thank Metlink and V/Line for their support,” said Mr Bird.

More than 100 volunteers from Mission Australia, Vline and Metlink will help many first-time public transport users find their way to and from the event, as well as navigate their way around the zoo.

Melbourne Zoo Director Kevin Tanner said: “We welcome the opportunity to encourage families to connect with amazing animals from Australia and around the world and find out how they can play a part in saving wildlife.”

Highlights also include face painting, music performances and chalk art, which start from 10am.

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Event details

• What: Mission Australia and Zoos Victoria Family Day at the Zoo
• Where: Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Avenue, Parkville.
• When: 10AM to 3PM on Wednesday, 22 December
  12.15PM – Media opportunities
• Who: More than 3,000 migrants, refugees and Victorian children and their families visiting Melbourne Zoo for the first time.

Interview and photo opportunities:

• Mission Australia’s Victorian State Director, Paul Bird
• Zoos Victoria CEO, Jenny Gray
• Families attending
• Children feeding the giraffes

Media contacts:

• Rachael Nightingale on (03) 9600 0006 / 0449 881 980 or rachael@fenton.com.au
• Emily Lehmann on (03) 9600 0006 / 0421 852 501 or emilyl@fenton.com.au

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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.

BHP volunteers help us prepare for Christmas Lunch In The Park

Thirteen Perth volunteers, including BHP employees, Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and local media personalities, have made a good start on the 2,000 gifts that need to be wrapped to distribute at Mission Australia’s 35th Christmas Lunch In The Park.

The volunteers folded and taped paper and curled ribbons in the Old Gasworks Building in Perth on Monday afternoon. Other generous people will work throughout this week to complete the wrapping in time for the iconic Christmas Day celebration.

After 35 years, Mission Australia’s Christmas Lunch In The Park is something of a Perth institution. Held at Wellington Square Park, East Perth, it provides disadvantaged and isolated members of the community with companionship and a place to celebrate the festive season.

BHP volunteers Neil Blom (pictured with Mission Australia’s WA Events and Volunteer Coordinator Sandy Wilson), Belinda Truman, Rebecca Samulski, Viet Nguyen, Gemma Kinslow and Jodee Anderson were among those who rolled up their sleeves to wrap presents for Mission Australia on Monday.

You can view our wonderful gift-wrapping volunteers in action at the following link:
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/video...

Mission Australia now has plenty of gifts to give to children on Christmas Day but is still keen to receive donated gifts that are suitable for adults. Toiletries, towels, sunglasses or backpacks would be most welcome.

If you would like to donate gifts for Mission Australia’s Christmas Lunch in the Park 2010 please call (08) 9225 0400 or visit www.missionpromotion.com/clip

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.

Lightning Ridge Big Day Out

Mission Australia’s recent Big Day Out for Lightning Ridge children had all the right ingredients – music, art, food and games.

The brainchild of Heather Landini, from our Brighter Futures early intervention program for families, and supported by The Department of Education and Training, 26 September was all about kids.

The event at Ella Nagy Hall got off to an early start. Volunteers from The Men’s Shed helped to erect the shades while McKillop Rural Community Services took care of the jumping castle. The Outback Division of General Practice also provided nutritional advice and fresh fruit and vegetables.

The day was supported by Walgett Shire and Safe Families and included a visit from Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives team members – Jane Gillings and Liz Martin – who led the children in art and musical activities.

A big drawcard was the award-winning singer and entertainer Jonny Huckle who, along with Wombat Wiggle, was a huge hit with students from Lightning Ridge Central School, Little Diggers Child Care Centre, the Lightning Ridge Pre School and families from Goodooga and Collarenebri.

The day buzzed along as staff from The Neighbourhood Centre created a circus mural; the local ambulance service gave demonstrations; the Safe Families team handed out the show bags and the Yawarra Meamei Women’s Group provided tea and coffee, free books and games. The Aboriginal Higher Education even made the trip up from the University of Newcastle.

Mission Australia’s Far West team pulled together to make the Big Day Out a big success. Many thanks to Giselle Beaumont of Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) Lightning Ridge; Kate Wallace of Youth Connections Walgett; Greg Smith of Brighter Futures Coonamble; Richard Bevis of HASI Coonamble, and Carolyn Eves and Karla Stanton, both of HASI Coonabarabran for their hard work.