Government Media Release: 70 jobs in Warwick region Indigenous Employment project

Up to 70 Indigenous jobseekers from Warwick, Stanthorpe, Goondiwindi, St George and Dirranbandi will be part of an employment project thanks to the Australian Government’s Indigenous Employment Program.

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Mark Arbib said the Warwick Employment Service Area Industry project, delivered by Mission Australia, showed a commitment to boosting the skills of jobseekers so they could find meaningful employment in the local area.

“The project comprises pre-vocational training, industry-specific training, job placement and post-placement support for the participants and employers,” Senator Arbib said.

“Mission Australia will assess each participant and work with them to draw up an individual action plan outlining the steps the participants needs to take to move into a job. Once employed, participants will receive ongoing assistance for the first six months.

“Some of the key industries in the Warwick Region include transport and logistics, retail, wholesale, horticulture and primary production, food processing, aged care, hospitality and government.

“Industry-specific training will be given to participants based on what skills local employers have identified they need.

“This training can include things like licences and tickets for transport vehicles, forklift and machinery operation or short courses in retail, business administration or hospitality.

“The important thing with this project is that we are showing our commitment to getting Indigenous Australians skilled and employed in a meaningful way, not just providing training for training’s sake.”

Senator Arbib said the project was a result of more than $675,000 from the Indigenous Employment Program and would employ two mentors and a project coordinator with Mission Australia.

“This project follows on from the success of a 2009 Mission Australian Indigenous Employment Project in St George, which saw more than 97 per cent of project participants placed into employment,” Senator Arbib said.

“Thanks to this partnership we are able to continue to build job and training opportunities in regional and remote Queensland for Indigenous Australians.”

Senator Arbib said Treasury predicted 500,000 jobs would be created over the next two years and it was critical that Indigenous Australians had the support and training they needed to take up employment.

“Indigenous employment is not a short-term issue. Over the next four years the Australian Government has committed almost $650 million to the Indigenous Employment Program and $50 million to the Indigenous Youth Careers Pathway Program,” Senator Arbib said.

“This is part of the Australian Government’s target to create more than 100,000 jobs for Indigenous Australians by 2018.”

This media release was issued by Senator Mark Arbib on 17 August 2011

Government Media Release: Minister Calls on Local Government to strengthen Indigenous Employment

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Mark Arbib today opened the National Roundtable on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment in Local Government and urged representatives to employ more Indigenous people.

Representatives of local government organisations from around Australia gathered for the two-day roundtable at Redfern Town Hall to discuss how they could contribute to closing the gap on Indigenous employment.

“The Gillard Government is committed to working in partnership with local governments which are well placed to employ Indigenous Australians, especially in remote and regional areas,” Senator Arbib said.

“This roundtable, convened by the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government, is a great way to share ideas and plan partnerships to increase recruitment and retention of Indigenous workers.

“The Centre of Excellence has identified that local councils are facing a crisis in long-term workforce planning due to an ageing workforce and the drain of skills from the regions which has been compounded by demand from the mining boom.

“The solution is right in front of us – investment in local Indigenous communities and individuals who can provide those skills in the long term.”

Senator Arbib announced in April new funding of $4.8 million over three years to support mentoring programs for Indigenous Shire Council employees working in the Northern Territory and urged councils to become involved with school-based traineeships in their communities.

“The Government has also committed $50.7 million to provide 6400 school-based traineeships for year 11 and 12 students. The program provides assistance to young Indigenous Australians as they move from school to work,” Senator Arbib said.

“Local Councils can take advantage of the program and work with school-based trainees in their area. In addition, Councils can use Government programs and services, such as Job Services Australia, to provide job-readiness training, literacy and numeracy skills and ongoing mentoring for their Indigenous employees.

“There are also a raft of programs available to assist local governments in employing and retaining Iocal Indigenous job seekers, as part of the Government’s goal of creating more than 100,000 jobs for Indigenous Australians by 2018.

“The Government is committed to working with all levels of Government, the corporate and community sectors and Indigenous communities and people to reach the target and close the gap on Indigenous employment.”

Media Contact: media@deewr.gov.au
Non-media queries: 1300 363 079

Wilcannia kids keep language alive in song

A group of high school students in Wilcannia, NSW, is helping to keep a local language alive for a new generation with the help of Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI).

Thirty children from Wilcannia Central School have written and recorded ‘Barkindji Song’, in the local language as part of our CYI visiting music program.

Local Elder Murray Butcher had been taught Barkindji by his grandmother. In recent years he has continued his grandmother Elsie’s work to bring the language back into the community.

“Some kids speak the language, but by recording the song it’s helping to put the language out there again,” said CYI Tutor Michael Hanlon.

It was one of two songs the children wrote over four days when CYI visited last August, the other being ‘By The Bridge’, sung in English. When CYI returned in May, they recorded both tracks in a mini studio set up in the school’s science lab over three days. ‘By The Bridge’ is receiving local radio airplay.

“They are great songs and there are some really strong singers and musos among them,” said Michael. “It’s a fantastic community and they should be very proud of these kids.”

Mission Australia’s CYI program has visited Wilcannia twice in the past year and will return in August for another music session. So far the program has been successful in boosting attendance at the school.

Based in Sydney, CYI develops young people’s creativity through visual arts and music through two core programs - CYI's two core programs are Sounds of the Street (SOTS) and Artworks!

CYI also aims to enhance self-expression, esteem and communication skills and provide positive learning experiences for young people.

Download and listen to ‘By The Bridge’ and ‘Barkindji Song’ by clicking the links below:

‘Barkindji Song’
www.missionpromotion.com/audio/wilcannia-kids-barkindji.mp3

‘By The Bridge’
hwww.missionpromotion.com/audio/wilcannia-kids-by-the-bridge.mp3

Further reading:
‘Unsung Heroes – Stories from Dubbo’ DVD launch

NAIDOC Week at the MAC

Community and unity were at the core of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations at Sydney’s MAC, writes the centre’s Aboriginal Community Development Worker Barry Duncan.

Kangaroo, crocodile and emu were on the menu while Aboriginal musicians Tim Gray and Vince and Michael West entertained 80 NAIDOC Week guests in glorious sunshine on the Mission Australia Centre (MAC) forecourt.

Robert ‘Sonny’ Edwards set the tone for the day when he welcomed participants to the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation and trusted they would enjoy themselves and help in celebrating a diverse and beautiful culture.

Sonny then called on Mission Australia Operations Manager Lesley Butt to help him launch the celebrations by raising the Aboriginal Flag, which represents strength and unity to so many Aboriginal people and communities.

Mission Australia Centre Manager Diana Jazic reiterated Sonny's sentiment along with acknowledging visitors and staff contributions to the day. She said she hoped everyone would enjoy themselves and, in particular, view the amazing artwork of James Simon, an Indigenous artist from Redfern who uses a vibrant and visually stunning technique.

A traditional smoking ceremony led into dance performances by Terry Olson, one of the state’s most sought-after performers.

But more was to come when former MAC resident Tim Gray delighted the captive audience with some of the skills he acquired while studying an Advanced Diploma in music at Eora College, Redfern.

“If it had not been for this centre and its supportive staff I would still be walking the road of aimlessness and homelessness,” Tim said.

Tim has become one of many Indigenous success stories to emerge from one of many Mission Australia programs.

Koori Radio Station 93.7 Live and Deadly also conducted interviews on the day, with guests including Missionbeat Service Manager Daniel Petsalis, who praised the service’s Indigenous staff member Albert Torrens.

But the true highlight of the day was a superb bushtucker feed of kangaroo, emu and crocodile prepared by staff and visitors. It was heartily consumed by all, with many coming back for seconds, thirds and even fourths. Not bad considering it was the first taste of these delicacies for some.

Charcoal Lane marks NAIDOC Week and its second birthday

Mission Australia’s Charcoal Lane, Melbourne's unique Australian and native cuisine restaurant, is marking NAIDOC Week by celebrating its two year anniversary of helping young Indigenous people get a start in hospitality.

Since opening in July 2009, Charcoal Lane has served almost 30,000 diners and hosted over 100 events, including the successful Taste of Reconciliation Bridge Lunch in March as part of the Melbourne International Food and Wine Festival. Charcoal Lane has quickly become recognised as one of Melbourne’s best dining experiences and scored 14/20 in The Age’s prestigious Good Food Guide 2011.

The fine dining restaurant provides hospitality training and personal development for Aboriginal and disadvantaged young people in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and the William Angliss Institute of TAFE.

Yet a more telling sign of success, according to Head Chef Richard Wills, is that students have graduated from the award-winning training program and moving into full-time employment.

“Having left home myself at the age of 14 I know how hard it can be to get a foothold in a good kitchen. This is a fantastic opportunity for these young people to build some really useful skills and get a head start in a great industry” Wills says.

One of these students is Marley Kennedy (pictured bottom left), who is graduating with a Certificate III in Hospitality.

“Without the support of Charcoal Lane I wouldn’t have the same confidence that I do now. I’ve been able to meet some really great people who have inspired me to have careers just like them,” Marley said.

Marley has been nominated for Koori Student of the Year in the Victorian Training Awards and is now hoping for an opportunity to work in a resort in Uluru where she can combine cooking food and travel – two things she loves.


Further reading:

• Taste of Reconciliation dinner
• 'Fantastic food and spirit of a fair go come together' at Charcoal Lane

St George duo go the extra mile for job seekers

Petra Stride and Michael Wilson from our Employment Solutions site in St George, Queensland, have been awarded Mission Australia’s first annual Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Award for their commitment to local job seekers.

The Mission Australia Reconciliation Action Plan was developed to improve employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Mission Australia Employment Solutions is a key driver of the plan, helping job seekers source quality jobs that match their capabilities and long-term goals through employment assistance and training.

Petra and Michael have endured three floods in 12 months – but always put their clients above themselves.

Mission Australia Employment Solutions St George Office Business Manager Harry Liaubon said the award was well-deserved.

“We’re extremely proud of Petra and Michael,” he said. “They constantly go above and beyond to give their clients the best quality of service and achieve the best outcomes.”

“They share a caseload of over 100 clients – and two-thirds are of Aboriginal heritage. The trust and relationships that Petra and Michael have built with the local people are an essential part of providing employment opportunities in the community.

“Thanks to Petra and Michael, Mission Australia Employment Solutions is the employer service provider of choice for Aboriginal people in the community,” he added.

This is not the first time the pair has been recognised. Last year, the Mission Australia Employment Solutions St George office was awarded the St George NAIDOC Business of the Year Award by the local Aboriginal community.

To find out how the organisation can help you to find a job or hire employees, visit employmentsolutions.com.au

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

With its origins reaching back to the 1920s, NAIDOC Week represents a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Aboriginal Australians in various fields.

NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Aboriginal communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. Wherever you live, you can take part in NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Mission Australia is passionate about creating a fairer Australia for all. So it’s not just during NAIDOC week that we speak up. We are focused on running programs and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders 52 weeks of every year.

This week we will see a range of activities take place across the nation and I encourage all of our supporters and partners to get behind this important week by participating in a local event.

Mission Australia continues to improve its services and programs to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who are experiencing disadvantage – starting with our second Reconciliation Action Plan report recently receiving very positive feedback from Reconciliation Action Australia.

Cafe One in Brisbane is going strong, the new Aherlkeme Village in Alice Springs, our post-release programs, our Aboriginal driver education program, cultural revisitation programs, men’s cultural groups and our St George Employment Solutions team, recently recognised with a local Business of the Year Award for helping to break down barriers to employment for local Aboriginal people.

Importantly, communities across Australia are proactively engaged with Mission Australia through Steve Cochrane, our National Aboriginal Adviser.

We don’t pretend it’s going to be easy: it ‘s going to be a lot of hard work over long period of time to get things right, but at our heart is the passion to help people to look after themselves in the long-term, and we can help give them the capacity to do that.

Toby Hall
CEO Mission Australia

Further reading:

• New Aboriginal health clinic opens in Goulburn
• Taste of Reconciliation Dinner

Queensland Reds tackle Indigenous youth unemployment with Mission Australia

Mission Australia is thrilled to announce an innovative 18-month partnership with the Queensland Reds, which will see the two organisations work together to tackle Indigenous unemployment in south Brisbane.

The Indigenous Employment Project (IEP) will see Mission Australia Employment Solutions and Queensland Reds work with 35 Indigenous youths from south Brisbane to create positive long-term educational and employment benefits.

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the initiative is an Australian-first, and one Mission Australia is hoping can be rolled out throughout the country in the coming years.

Mission Australia Employment Solutions General Manager for Queensland Phil Schultz said the participants are looking forward to starting the project.

“We have 25 Indigenous youths eager to meet with the Queensland Reds and start working towards long-term employment,” Mr Schultz said.

“In south Brisbane alone, Mission Australia has over 200 Indigenous people registered as active job seekers. We see the IEP as a step in the right direction towards tackling Indigenous youth unemployment.”

As part of the IEP, participants will learn about motivation, goal-setting, employer expectations, nutrition, fitness, healthy lifestyles and career planning through ongoing contact with Mission Australia and the Queensland Reds.

Queensland Reds players will act as mentors for the participants over the 18 month project – and will be available weekly to offer guidance, support and motivation.

Queensland Reds Hooker Saia Faingaa said he was looking forward to working with the youths involved in the project.

“I know I speak for a lot of the boys when I say that I’m really excited to be able to work as a mentor and confidant to these indigenous youths,” Saia said.

“We’re keen to show the participants that there are opportunities out there for indigenous youths, and that there are organisations out there such as Mission Australia who have the programs in place to assist them with their education and employment goals.”

New Aboriginal health clinic opens in Goulburn

Mission Australia’s Goulburn office is now hosting a free monthly clinic that aims to meet the health needs of local Aboriginal people.

Operated in conjunction with the Southern General Practice Network’s (SGPN) ‘Closing the Gap’ program, the clinic was officially launched on Tuesday, attracting 68 Aboriginal families.

It is the first health service in the area specifically for Aboriginal people.

At the launch Mission Australia’s Director Community Services NSW/ACT, Leonie Green, welcomed the SGPN teams and local families to our Community Services office on Sloane St

“Mission Australia is thrilled to be part of a fantastic opportunity for the community and we’re very proud to be supporting such a valuable service,” said Ms Green.

After the official launch, a number of local Aboriginal families took the opportunity to have their first check-up with the podiatrist, enjoy lunch and meet Mission Australia staff.

The new podiatry and diabetes clinic will operate every third Tuesday of each month from 9am to 5pm, providing patients with access to diabetes educators, Aboriginal health workers, podiatrists and registered nurses.

Mission Australia’s Service Operations Manager Southern NSW Community Services, Cheryl O’Donnell, said she looked forward to seeing improvements in the general health and wellbeing of Goulburn’s Aboriginal community.

“It will also assist in developing the relationship between Mission Australia and the wider Aboriginal community in the area,” she added.

Referrals are not needed to attend the clinic and transportation can be organised if required.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call Violet Sheridan on (02) 4821 0436.

Mission Australia’s Goulburn office – at 8/142 Sloane St - also operates the EarlyStart Diagnosis Support and Brighter Futures programs.

For more information on Mission Australia’s Goulburn Community Services, please contact Cheryl O’Donnell on (02) 4824 4002.

New light, new day as PM opens village

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has officially opened a new accommodation village for homeless Indigenous people in Alice Springs, which will be managed by Mission Australia.

The Aherlkeme Village will offer transitional housing and help homeless people move into more permanent housing by giving them the skills to access and hold a tenancy in either the public or private market.

Aherlkeme, meaning ‘new light, new day’, is designed to help break the cycle of homelessness and reduce over crowding in town camps. It will provide 75 supported accommodation places, in 29 units of one to four bedrooms.

The $8.3 million village is part of a government plan to transform areas of Alice Springs and its town camps so they are safe, healthy places to live.

Mission Australia will manage the village, as well as providing case management and tenancy support services.

Through these services, tenants will develop:

• Knowledge and skills to maintain a safe and healthy home
• Skills to resolve conflicts and manage visitors
• An understanding of tenancy rights and responsibilities
• Greater responsibility in their homes and neighbourhoods
• An understanding of how to access support services once they leave the village

Ms Gillard opened the Aherlkeme Village today, with Mission Australia's Northern Territory director Phillip Leslie. Aherlkeme is about 5km from the township of Alice Springs.

Image: Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the new Aherlkeme Village with Mission Australia's Northern Territory director Phillip Leslie (centre) and staff from Mission Australia's Alice Springs office.

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 coverage - The Punch: Have you even met an Aboriginal person?

When my parents arrived in the 1950s as ’10 pound Poms’, Australia was a brave new world. Their street in Melbourne’s Glen Waverley bustled with fellow European migrants eager to create a life for their families.

But while our neighbourhood was a snapshot of multicultural Europe there wasn’t a lot of mixing. My parents socialised with others from the old country while their Italian and Greek neighbours went to their own churches and started their own small businesses.

The ‘poms’ and ‘wogs’ in the street lived together quite happily, but separately.

The walls only started to come down when their kids – my generation – began attending school with the children of other migrant families.

Or when parents like mine began venturing into the local restaurants run by their Southern European neighbours.

During National Reconciliation Week, I’ve been thinking about the parallels between their experiences and the way Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians relate to each other.

It seems to me that the vast bulk of non-Aboriginal Australians are living quite happily, but separately, from the first Australians – much the same way as the different European groups did in suburban Melbourne all those years ago.

It leads me to ask, why are the majority of Australians not engaging with Aboriginal people? Is it disinterest? Is it apprehension or fear? Is it lack of opportunity? Is it all the above?

If it’s disinterest, would knowing that Aboriginals lag behind non-Aboriginal Australians across almost every important social indicator – health, housing, employment, imprisonment, education – motivate us?

If apprehension or fear, does this reflect our own insecurities or guilt? That we don’t know what to say and are afraid of causing offence?

And as for lack of opportunity?

I’ve heard it said that more than 80% of non-Aboriginal Australians have never even met an Aboriginal person.

If that’s true it would suggest an almost insurmountable gulf in terms of opportunities for genuine reconciliation between the two groups.

How can we expect reconciliation to take place if our experiences and beliefs are formed from media reports and hearsay from others, rather than a genuine engagement?

The numbers don’t lie.

Alarmingly, more than half of Australians believe the relationship between the two communities is poor.

Close to 75 per cent of Aboriginal Australians believe they hold high levels of prejudice toward non-Aboriginals Australians. It’s a little over 70 per cent going the other way.

What a depressing situation.

In my view the path to genuine reconciliation runs through Australia’s workplaces.

Aboriginal employment not only means greater prosperity for individuals and communities but an opportunity for both non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal alike to really see each other, face-to-face, and the potential for prejudice and misunderstanding to be overcome.

But getting more Aboriginal Australians into work requires a concerted commitment from government, businesses and the community service sector.

For Australia’s business that means the purchasing – where possible – of products and services from Aboriginal suppliers; providing opportunities for Aboriginal trainees and apprentices; and hiring Aboriginal employees.

For governments and community organisations, that means making sure that Aboriginal Australians have the skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities provided.

There’s no doubt people are making an effort.

We’ve recently seen Andrew Forrest’s Aboriginal Employment Covenant bear some fruit but so far the obstacles to progress have proven hard to overcome.

But dare I say Australian business could do more.

This week Mission Australia hosted a dinner for more than 250 leaders from Victoria’s business and Aboriginal communities to discuss practical measures to address poverty and disadvantage among Aboriginals.

It’s early days but I’m hopeful we’ll see some real progress from the discussions that took place.

Virtually all Australians can think of an Aboriginal person who sets an example for others in sport; half can nominate an example in the arts, politics and government and community service.

However, less than 5% can think of an Aboriginal person who sets an example in business.

I dream of a time when that figure – and those revealing the deep levels of mistrust and prejudice that still exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians – can be reversed.

And we can all make a contribution to that process – not just in National Reconciliation Week – but throughout the year.

Even if it’s just starting a conversation about it with your friends and family and refusing to let the issue be forgotten or marginalised.

And faced with the chasm of understanding that exists between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians your participation is needed now more than ever.

Paul Bird is Mission Australia's State Director for Victoria. This article was published in The Punch on 31 May 2011

Further reading:

• MA Aboriginal resources page
• Previous MA news - Reconciliation

Taste of Reconciliation dinner

Mission Australia kicked off Reconciliation Week last Wednesday, with our second annual Taste of Reconciliation dinner, held at the Sofitel Melbourne.

The night provided a chance for Melbourne's business community to celebrate Aboriginal culture, discuss ways to provide real opportunities for Aboriginal Australians and sample the native flavours of Charcoal Lane – our social enterprise restaurant in Fitzroy.

The event, held on the eve of Reconciliation Week was a huge success, attracting over 250 attendees including Elders and members of Victoria's Aboriginal community and leaders from government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors.

Throughout the evening guests heard from Hon Minister Jeanette Powell, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Stephen Roberts, Chief Country Officer and CEO Institutional Clients Group, Citi Australia and New Zealand, who provided keynote speeches.

In addition, Rueben Berg from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria coordinated a 'Thought Leaders' panel, which included a speech from Toby Hall, CEO of Mission Australia.

Guests were also entertained during the event by the music of James Williams, CEO of 3KnD Radio – Melbourne’s first Indigenous radio station.

Mission Australia would like to thank the Victoria Government (Aboriginal Affairs Victoria), Reconciliation Australia, Sofitel Melbourne, Accor, Citi and Red Letter Management.

Mission Australia encourages all its supporters, staff and volunteers to participate in this important week by taking part in activities in your community or simply reflecting on what this week is all about.

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.

Further reading:

• Previous MA news - Charcoal Lane
• Previous MA news - Reconciliation

Reconciliation Week

Today is National Sorry Day, which heralds the start of Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme is recognition.

Reconciliation Australia wants us to think about what it means to feel recognised, and how valuable that is for our self-esteem and our ability to recognise the best in others.

Recognition is important to all of us, of course. It is crucial for Indigenous Australians, whose existence and rights as traditional owners have been overlooked in history – and who continue to struggle for justice and equality today.

As the first Australian charity to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan, this is a topic close to our heart as an organisation and this vital national conversation will help us create a fairer Australia for all.

The theme of recognition is also timely. The Federal Government recently established a panel to consider amending the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within it, and we may all have the chance to vote in a referendum on this issue in the near future.

Mission Australia kicked off Reconciliation Week last night with our second annual Taste of Reconciliation dinner, held at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. The night provided a chance for Melbourne's business community to celebrate Aboriginal culture, discuss ways to provide real opportunities for Aboriginal Australians and sample the native flavours of Charcoal Lane - our social enterprise restaurant in Fitzroy.

Mission Australia encourages all its supporters, staff and volunteers to participate in this important week by taking part in activities in your community or simply reflecting on what this week is all about.

Further reading:

• Previous MA news - Charcoal Lane
• Previous MA news - Reconciliation
  

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.

Mission Australia wins PwC Transparency Award

Mission Australia’s high standard of reporting and public accountability was recognised with a prestigious PwC Transparency Award (in the greater than $20m revenue category) at an event in Sydney last night.

It is the first time Mission Australia has won the award for the quality and transparency of reporting in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector.

CEO Toby Hall, said the award was welcome recognition for the organisation’s long-term efforts in this area.

“Over the last few years there’s been a debate in Australia – and rightfully so – about the need for the NFP sector to increase its levels of transparency and accountability,” Mr Hall said. “Mission Australia has been fully committed to that process, across the organisation but in particular through its reporting. This award is very welcome recognition of that commitment.

“There’s no question that the public is increasingly cynical about charities and the NFP sector’s use of grants and donations. To combat that it’s our responsibility to provide evidence we are prudent and responsible managers of the funds we receive from governments, corporate partners and the donating public,” he added.

“The NFP sector contributes $43 billion to the country’s GDP, it’s only right and proper that across the board we lift our efforts. Without greater transparency it’s the NFP sector itself – and ultimately the causes and issues it represents – that will ultimately be the losers. If the public doubts the accountability of charities, they’ll donate less.”

This year the awards were expanded to encourage participation by a wider breadth of organisations. Camp Quality won the PwC Transparency Award in the category for organisations with between a $5m to $20m revenue category.

Spokesperson for the Jury, Rupert Myer, who is Chairman of The Myer Family Company Ltd said Mission Australia‘s very comprehensive annual report embodies a high regard for transparency and full disclosure on programs and activities.

“The usefulness of information presented, especially considering the difficulty of explaining such a complex organisation to a wide range of stakeholders, made them the worthy winner of this year‘s PwC Transparency Award in the category for organisations with greater than $20m revenue,” he said.

After receiving the award from Graham Meyer, CEO for the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Mr Hall encouraged other NFPs to create Reconciliation Action Plans to help increase opportunities for Aboriginal Australians.

The Jury was presented with a shortlist containing three worthy and diverse finalists in each category – and the final decisions were very close.

Oxfam and Opportunity International were the runners-up in their respective categories, while Plan International won the Most Improved Award.

Now in their fourth year, the PwC Transparency Awards are undertaken in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (the Institute) and the Centre for Social Impact (CSI)

Last night the CSI’s Peter Shergold said the need for strong disclosure was becoming increasingly important:

“As NFPs focus increasingly on measuring the social impact of their activities, and as new forms of social enterprise develop, the need for a strong disclosure regime becomes more vital,” he said.

“Government funders, philanthropists and social investors now expect that the financial performance, governance arrangements and risk management strategy of NFPs will be reported in a transparent manner.”

Above photo (L to R):  Mr Shergold, Mr Meyer, Mr Hall, Tim Morris-Smith (CFO for MA), Rick Millen (PwC Foundation) and Mr Myer

Find out more about the awards here.

You can view Mission Australia’s Annual Report 2010 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.

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.

Charcoal Lane Trainee wins Apprenticeships Plus Award

Congratulations to Charcoal Lane’s Marley Kennedy on winning the Apprenticeships Plus Monthly Apprentice/Trainee Award for March.

The trainee was recognised by Charcoal Lane’s partnered training provider for “outstanding achievement”, particularly during Charcoal Lane’s Taste of Reconciliation Lunch Bridge Lunch early in March – an open-air dining experience on Melbourne’s Sandridge Bridge that showcased the restaurant’s modern native menu and promoted reconciliation.

The Certificate III Hospitality trainee arrived at Sandridge Bridge early on the Sunday to help set up the event for 150 guests after working a late shift at Charcoal Lane the night before. During the lunch she impressed Aboriginal elders and other diners with her knowledge and hospitality skills, and stayed on to clean up.

It was a long and hot day, with many of the usual “hospitality frustrations”, but Marley played a real leadership role in keeping her colleagues cheery and positive until the end.

In recent months Marley has been something of a spokesperson for Charcoal Lane and Apprenticeships Plus, being interviewed in The Melbourne Times and on Indigenous TV station NITV to encourage other young Aboriginal people to reach their potential.

In the newspaper article Marley spoke of the positive impact Charcoal Lane has had on her life:

"I wanted to connect with the Indigenous side of it all, to be able to pass on my knowledge about our culture and food to others," she said. "I feel like I'm embracing a positive outlook. I have cousins up in Albury who look at me and see that if I can do it, they can do it.”

Charcoal Lane Program Coordinator Stephanie Simson said Marley was a very worthy recipient of the Monthly Apprenticeship/Trainee award.

“Marley is doing fabulously and is looking at a work experience placement at the Mercure Hotel in the city,“ said Stephanie.

“Apprenticeships Plus employs more than 500 apprentices and trainees, so she had plenty of competition. We’re very proud of her!”

Charcoal Lane trainees and apprentices are part of an integrated program that includes personal skills development and accredited education (Certificate II and III in Hospitality),
with the aim of transiting to sustainable employment.

Specialising in modern cuisine infused with native flavours, the restaurant has built up a reputation for quality since opening in July 2009 and featured in The Age Good Food Guide 2010.

Charcoal Lane is at 136 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, and opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 10.30pm. To book call (03) 9418 3400 or email eat@charcoallane.com.au

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.

Goverment Media Release: New sobering up shelter opened in Katherine

The Federal Minister for Indigenous Health and Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon today officially opened a new sobering-up shelter in Katherine today.

The construction of the new $1.5 million facility in Giles Street has been funded by the Australian Government, with the Northern Territory Government providing ongoing operational funds.

“The new Yarrlalah Shelter replaces and upgrades an outdated facility in Katherine and will offer rehabilitation and treatment services to up to eighteen people.

“We know that excessive alcohol consumption is closely associated with a broad range of health, social and economic problems in all populations and has a particularly harmful impact on Aboriginal Australians, their families and communities.

“This upgraded facility will continue to be a valuable asset to the community because it will continue to operate as a safe place for people heavily influenced by alcohol who would otherwise remain on the streets, at risk of being harmed or of causing harm to others,” Mr Snowdon said.

Named Yarrlalah after consultation with Dagaman, Wardaman and Jawoyn people, the facility’s new accommodation, cooking and living areas, will encourage clients to return to a healthy lifestyle. The name Yarrlalah translates to feeling good and being safe and reflects the purpose of the facility.

Health Minister Kon Vatskalis said the NT Government will fund Mission Australia to run the facility.

“Mission Australia will help provide improved access towards rehabilitation and treatment services, which can help clients address substance misuse and other health issues.

“I am confident that this service will continue to support the valuable work being undertaken in the Katherine region to improve the treatment of alcohol misuse. It will also help reduce anti-social behaviour in the community.”

Mr Snowdon said the Australian Government is also providing $1.6 million for the construction of a new sobering-up shelter in Tennant Creek, with the NT Government providing operational funds.

The Australian Government is committed to working with the Northern Territory Government to Closing the Gap In Indigenous health outcomes by providing better access to a range of health and emergency and community services, particularly in remote and regional areas.

In 2010-11, the Australian Government is providing more than $16.3 million across the NT for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment.

Media contacts:

• Alice Plate 0400 045 999 (Snowdon)
• Maria Billias 0401 119 746 (Vatskalis)

Media Release issued by Warren Snowdon MP, Federal Member for Lingiari and Minister for Indigenous Health, and Kon Vatskalis MLA, Northern Territory Minister for Health

Media coverage - Scone Advocate: New program for indigenous seekers

A new employment program involving the health and child care industries has recently been launched in Scone, Muswellbrook and Singleton.

The program offers indigenous residents looking for work, a career in the fields of health and childcare and provides ongoing support to the employee in their position.

Launched by Mission Australia Employment Solutions, the Indigenous Employment Program is a joint initiative with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

About 40 Indigenous community members living in the Upper Hunter will be assisted in seeking positions in nursing, aged and disability care, residential support, administration and child care positions, as well as receiving pre-vocational training to improve their job readiness.

Mission Australia Employment Solutions regional manager Jodie Gilliland said with so many job opportunities currently available in these fields and demand expected to increase over the next five years this program provides a great opportunity for local businesses to find the right job-ready employees.

After completing their pre-vocational training, including obtaining their First Aid certificate and a Statement in Attainment in Community Health, participants will move on to receive further qualifications through completing traineeships.

"We're keen to hear from local employers who are interested in partnering with us and benefiting from finding job-ready employees who are raring to go."

Story courtesy of The Scone Advocate

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.