Sounds of the Street CD launch

‘Holiday From Yourself’, the latest compilation CD from Mission Australia’s Sounds of the Street (SOTS) studio in Surry Hills, Sydney, will be launched on the afternoon of Friday 11 February – and you’re invited!

Every year the studio releases a CD of original music written and recorded by students of the Sounds of the Street program run through Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI).

This year’s double CD contains 31 songs from the 2010 graduating students and covers a wide range of musical styles. There’s a healthy mix of hip hop, soul and R’n’B plus some cranking heavy rock tunes and two great atmospheric tracks.

‘Holiday From Yourself’ also includes two excellent group tracks - ‘Pretty Grim’ and ‘STFU’ - written in collaboration with Australian hip hop artist Ozi Battla Production. The musicianship is, as always, outstanding.

SOTS students bring a wide range of life experience and skills to the course, with many facing significant life challenges and hardships. One common thread in all these young lives is the passion for creating original and honest music. In this way, music can act as a ‘holiday from yourself’, providing a break from the grind of daily life and offering hope and the chance for positive change in the lives of young people.

‘Holiday from Yourself’ will be officially released at CYI, 19 Denham Street, Surry Hills, at 12.30pm. Copies of the CD will be available at the launch and students will be performing live songs from the CD, backed by a band of local professional musicians. There will also be a free sausage sizzle!

If you are interested in attending please email cyi@missionaustralia.com.au or call Terry on (02) 9356 8897. Your RSVP is important as it will help the SOTS team to plan catering.

Many thanks to Albert Music, the major supporter of SOTS. Also thanks to the other supporters of CYI - Australian Stockbrokers Foundation, Sir David Martin Foundation and Gwynvill Group.

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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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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AGL volunteers lend a hand at MAC Christmas party

Clients of the Mission Australia Centre (MAC) in Surry Hills have enjoyed a Christmas party complete with a traditional hot lunch and karaoke thanks to volunteers from AGL.

Thirteen volunteers from AGL organised and served food, welcomed guests and entertained the crowd with a carol. One really got into the spirit by donning a red suit and beard to hand out lollies and offer photos with Santa.

This is the eighth year that AGL has funded, organised and staffed the MAC Client Christmas Party.

After being welcomed by Mission Australia Chief Operating Officer, Leisa Hart, and joining in prayer with Meffan Kaiwai, MAC Team Leader, guests tucked into turkey and pudding.

One MAC resident who has turned his life around at centre said that this Christmas would be one to remember for all the right reasons: “Coming here has really picked me up. It’s a special Christmas, and a sober Christmas… The meditation classes here [at the MAC] have been unbelievable and have helped me to change and see the world differently.”

Another guest, who attends the innovative Catalyst Clemente educational program at the MAC, thanked the centre’s staff for their dedication and care: “We couldn’t love it any better!”

The Mission Australia Centre provides crisis accommodation for homeless men and “wrap-around” programs and services for men and women that address issues such as health, literacy, and self-esteem.

Further Reading... 

• Christmas cheer at the Mission Australia Centre - 29 December 2009
• AGL and Mission Australia brighten the day for struggling families  - 16 Dec 2008
• Mission Australia helping families cut energy bills to prevent poverty spiral   - 15 Oct 2008

Media Release: Free Family Event to Unlock People’s Untapped Potential

The American Express Festival of Potential at Darling Harbour

29 November 2010 - On Friday 3 and Saturday 4 December, between 8am and 8pm, Darling Harbour’s Palm Grove will come alive with energy and laughter as Sydneysiders are invited to explore their potential and help disadvantaged young people at the American Express Festival of Potential.

Young and old are invited to come on down and learn a new skill at the Festival, such as learning to dance like a Hip-Hop star with The Sydney Dance Company, clown around with the Sydney Trapeze School, take part in a world drumming workshop with Drum Beats or unleash their inner artist by painting and sketching at workshops hosted by professional artists from the Mind Gallery.

Pieces of art created by the public will be turned into a communal piece of art titled: ‘heART of Potential’, which will grow and adapt as the public make their creative contributions. American Express has enlisted the help of acclaimed artist Leo Robba to oversee the work. For every person who makes an artistic contribution to the ‘heART of Potential’, American Express will donate $25 (up to a maximum of $50,000) to Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives, (CYI) service, which offers marginalised young people the opportunity to express themselves, build self esteem and gain professional qualifications through art and music.

Those unable to attend the Festival can still participate by logging on to Facebook - www.facebook.com/americanepressaustralia and posting a photo, image or video, which will be incorporated in a digital version of the ‘heART of Potential’.

The ‘heART of Potential’ will be exhibited as a digital 3D animated artwork at Mission Australia’s ARTWORKS! from 7-10 December at The Muse, 695-731 Harris Street, Ultimo. The exhibition features artwork in a range of mediums from painting and sculpture to photography by graduating CYI students.

Corrina Davison, Vice President of Brand, Loyalty and Rewards at American Express said, “After the success of last year’s Festival, we are delighted to be helping Sydneysiders unlock their potential and raising money to help Mission Australia continue to reach people through their Creative Youth Initiatives. This year is set to be even bigger and better with something for everyone, whatever your passion might be.”

Mission Australia Operation Manager for Youth Services Evelyne Tadros said, “Through our partnership with American Express we hope to raise as much money as possible to help young people who are disadvantaged to fulfil their potential through creative outlets such as music and art. Why not come down, have some fun and raise money for a very worthwhile cause.”

• WHAT: American Express Festival of Potential
• WHEN: Friday 3 and Saturday 4 December, 2010
• WHERE: Palm Grove, Darling Harbour
• TIME: 8am-8pm
• COST: Free
• WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/americanexpressaustralia

For more information please contact:
Lara Wilson:  lara@zing.net.au, 0450 846 805 or Trisha Routledge: trisha@zing.net.au, 0416 981 280


Available for interview in the lead up to the event:

• Leo Robba: Festival of Potential ambassador and artist
• Evelyne Tadros: Mission Australia, NSW Operations Managers
• Corrina Davidson: VP of Brand Loyalty and Rewards, American Express

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.

Connect with us on www.facebook.com/americanexpress, www.twitter.com/americanexpress and www.youtube.com/americanexpress.

American Express and Mission Australia help young people reach their potential

Mission Australia is once again partnering with American Express to present the Festival of Potential, a celebration that is designed to encourage people to explore their creative potential while raising money for Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives.

This free outdoor event at the Palm Grove, in Sydney’s Darling Harbour all day on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 December, encourages people to pick up a brush and put paint to canvas. Professional artists and CYI students will be there to guide participants and for every canvas painted, American Express will donate $25 to Mission Australia (up to $50,000).

Each painting will then be photographed to be part of a digital collage in the shape of a heart – representing Mission Australia’s logo and public generosity. This communal artwork will be unveiled on a big screen at the 7 December opening of Artworks!, the annual exhibition of work by Creative Youth Initiatives students. This year’s exhibition, ‘Serendipitous Illusions’, runs at The Muse Gallery, 695-731 Harris St, Ultimo, until Friday 10 December at 1pm.

Find out more about the Festival of Potential at facebook.com/americanexpressaustralia or visit missionaustralia.com.au/festivalofpotential

To view the Festival of Potential flyer click the image below...

Know an inspirational NSW volunteer? Annual award nominations now open!

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Award recognises the outstanding efforts of the 2.4 million volunteers in NSW and promotes the importance of volunteering to the community, and this year the Award is proudly supported by Westpac.

Nominations are now open for the:

• 2010 NSW Volunteer of the Year (with special Awards for Youth and Senior of the Year)
• 2010 NSW Volunteer Team of the Year
• 2010 NSW Employee Volunteer of the Year

Nominate online or download a nomination form from www.nswvolunteerawards.com before midnight Thursday, 30 September!

Read more Mission Australia Volunteering news here.

Creative Youth Initiatives: Staff discuss art and music programs in new video

Jane and Liz from Mission Australia's Creative Youth Initiatives have recently been interviewed about about how art and music tuition can inspire and build confidence with young clients.

Established in 1993, Sydney's Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI), is a unique service that provides free creative programs for young people aged 16 - 25 who are facing many and varied challenges in their lives, such as homelessness, mental health issues or family breakdown.



The programs develop their creativity through visual arts and music as well their self expression, esteem, communication skills and provide positive learning experiences and educational qualifications.

View Creative Youth Initiatives or any other Mission Australia video at our Youtube channel: youtube.com/missionaust

Great news for Families and Children services as HART Sport pledge over $30,000 in donations

Mission Australia has teamed up with HART Sport to raise over $30,000 for Mission Australia's Families and Children services.

For each order in September HART Sport will make a donation to Mission Australia, pledging to donate a minimum of $30,000.

"This is a huge first for HART Sport. It will be our first charity donation to directly fund programs that make a difference in communities across Australia." said Greg Harten, Managing Director for HART Sport.

"The idea comes after feedback from our staff. Hopefully with the support of our customers we can raise more than $30,000."

HART Sport would like to help the 110 Mission Australia family services that were able to transform the lives of 28,451 individuals and 7,749 families through the provision of 50,228 service incidences.

So if you're in the market for some sporting gear, you can support MA services at the same time.  Check out www.hartsport.com.au for more information.

Six-week course connects job seekers with hospitality industry

Fourteen job seekers in Pialba, Queensland recently graduated from a specialised training course developed by Mission Australia Employment Solutions and Better Development & Training.

The students, who trained in front-of-house and back-of-house hospitality skills for six weeks, now have the skills and practical experience necessary to obtain full-time jobs in the hospitality industry.

Regional Manager for Mission Australia Employment Solutions Mitch Ryder said he is excited for the students that have graduated.

“All students have shown great dedication and commitment to completing this training course,” Mr Ryder said.

“Mission Australia Employment Solutions aims to assist job seekers source quality jobs through employment assistance and training, and we hope this training course has provided all graduates with the skills and confidence necessary to take the next step into employment.

“As the hospitality and tourism industry is one of the key employers in the region, I’m sure the students will be in a great position to capitalise on their newfound skills and find employment.”

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Mission Australia Employment Solutions national contact phone numbers:

• Mission Australia Employment Solutions - 13 11 24
• Mission Australia Apprenticeship Solutions (Australian Apprenticeships Centres) - 1300 626 227
• Mission Australia Australian Apprenticeships Access Program - 1 300 626 227

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Creative Youth Initiatives fundraise over $2,000 in overnight Winter Sleepout

Sydney's Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) team are back at work and reflecting on their 15-hour Winter Sleepout late last week.

Since the first Winter Sleepout in 1988, thousands of people have registered to give up their warm beds in the height of winter for one night to fundraise for homeless services.

This year the CYI team decided to arrange their own overnight sleepout at their Surry Hills workshop - with enough fun and games for the team to (mostly) make it through the night without a wink of sleep.

The Creative Youth Initiatives' art and music studio, with access to piano, guitars, electric drums, and facilities for painting, was ideal for the team to remain preoccupied while staving off the slumber.  View photos from the night here.

Games, drinks and food were organised through the night, while an office was turned into a 'chill out' zone where the team could retreat for some well-deserved down-time.

The team managed a tremendous effort, with almost $2,200 funds raised, granting them pole position in Winter Sleepout's leader board of group fundraisers.

At the ground level, CYI provides free creative programs for young people aged 16 - 25 who are facing varied challenges in their lives, such as homelessness, mental health issues or family breakdown, and have been reflecting on their Winter Sleepout experience.

Team member Melissa Fenyo said "Winter Sleepout is there to raise awareness of what it must be like to be homeless...but there is nothing trivial about not having a home."

"For many being homeless means sleeping on the streets, in parks or bus shelters - exposed to the elements.

"Many young people who are homeless would be couch surfing, never quite sure how long it will take before they outstay their welcome.

"Then there are the homeless who are in boarding housing or caravan parks with no lease to give them long term security and not knowing when they might get booted out. No ongoing stability and security can exarcebate any mental health issues and make life even tougher.

"The CYI winter sleepout was an opportunity for staff to appreciate their work place, their homes, raise awareness in the general community and also to develop a greater understanding and deeper empathy for many homeless young people who access their services. Lack of sleep made life the next day very difficult.. whatever goes up must come down.

"Being homeless would often mean not having a good nights sleep, making it hard to stay focused and motivated. The Winter Sleep out is a fantastic Mission Australia initiative and one which CYI will continue to be involved with.

"CYI staff would like to thank everyone who donated to our winter sleepout. We are proud to say we have raised $2,195 and are still open to take donations until the end of August."

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View the photo album from the event at the link below.  Updates were provided througout the night by the team on Twitter and Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/MissionAust?v=photos&ref=sgm#!/album.php?aid=247652&id=17311508507

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"Homeless person's theatre company" to premiere new show

Milk Crate Theatre, Australia’s only theatre company solely dedicated to people from homeless and disadvantaged backgrounds is preparing for their upcoming show, Intersection.

The new show, opening in August, will rove between three cities with the finale held in Sydney's Taylor Square.

"It is a collision of epic Greek tragedy, interactive dialogue and city tour of homeless hotspots" according to Katy Coote from Milk Crate Theatre.

"It will involve up to 40 homeless and disadvantaged participants including the Sydney Street Choir performing alongside professional actors."

The new show deals with "the moments where your life changes course - by tracking the intersection between two people, James and Sally, who meet one night at a crisis shelter."

"Ultimately, it is a story about connection, the power of reaching out when things are tough, and how we can be stronger together than if we’re alone.

"We have offered our community performers an opportunity to choose between two levels of commitment and intensity: the Shadows Group – open to anyone in transition, homeless, formerly homeless or disadvantaged. Rehearsals will be for 2 hrs per week for 2 weeks then 5 hrs per week for 5 weeks leading up to the performances; and the Figures Group - open to existing Milk Crate Theatre members and upon completion of a 2-day intensive acting workshop. Rehearsals will be for 10 hrs per week for 11 weeks leading up to the performances. This group will include a pilot education accreditation in partnership with TAFE NSW Outreach."

Mission Australia homeless services like Missionbeat and The Michael Project have been long-term supporters of Milk Crate Theatre, for it's ability to help homeless and disadvantaged people build communication skills and confidence through public performance.

For tickets sales and more information, click on the graphic below or visit www.milkcratetheatre.com

To read Mission Australia's past Milk Crate Theatre news, click here

Mission Australia releases new report: 'Insights into the concerns of young Australians'

'Insights into the concerns of young Australians: Making sense of the numbers' is a new report released today by Mission Australia's Research & Social Policy unit.

In 2009 Mission Australia conducted its eighth annual National Survey of Young Australians, the largest of it's kind in Australia.

The survey asked young people aged 11 to 24 years about what they value, their concerns, where they go for advice and support and who they admire.

The new report sheds light on what the 48,000 young Australians surveyed are most concerned about.  To provide a snapshot, these issues were provided by respondents as their greatest concern:

• Drugs (26.8% of respondents)
• Suicide (26.3%)
• Body image (25.5%)
• Family conflict (24.1%)
• Bullying/emotional abuse (23.4%)
• Alcohol (23.0%)
• Physical/sexual abuse (22.7%)
• Personal safety (22.2%)
• Coping with stress (18.7%)
• Depression (18.7%)
• School or study problems (17.3%)
• The environment (16.7%)
• Self harm (13.3%)
• Discrimination (11.7%)
• Sexuality - relationships, health, identity (11.4%)

The new report helps to 'make sense of the numbers' and delves into analysis of these key concerns.

Click here to view the report online or download a PDF version from this link

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The 2010 National Survey of Young Australians has almost come to a close.  Northern Territorians are still able to have their say until the 30th July - Click here to participate in the 2010 survey

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MA supporters favour practical measures in dealing with problem gambling - Online Poll

Since the release of the Productivity Commission's Report into Gambling we can now identify that approximately 100,000 'problem gamblers' are providing around 40 per cent of all poker machine revenue in Australia - a deeply concerning fact when considering the wider implications on gamblers, their families and friends.

Since June we have been polling MA supporters on our Homepage, asking:

"In dealing with problem gambling, which of these strategies do you agree with most?"

The response options were the Productivity Commission recommendations deemed 'most urgent' by our CEO.

It's interesting to see that supporters strongly favour practical measures, similar to the strategies used to deal with binge drinking (click image to enlarge):

As reported by SMH in June:

"The Productivity Commission estimated that about 600,000 Australians - or 4 per cent of the population - play the games at least once a week. About 15 per cent of those players, or 100,000 people, are considered "problem gamblers", the report said. They account for about 40 per cent of total spending on the machines."

With statistics like these our CEO Toby Hall has called on State and Federal Governments to swiftly implement the recommendations of the Report.

Click here and have your say today!

Unsung heroes of the Indigenous community honoured at NAIDOC Awards

The 2010 NAIDOC Awards recently paid tribute to the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have endeavoured to improve their communities.

As the highlight of the 53rd NAIDOC Week, the Awards were presented in Melbourne by Deborah Mailman and Ernie Dingo.

1,100 guests attended the event including the Federal and State Ministers for Indigenous Affairs, Hon. Jenny Macklin and Hon. Richard Wynne.

The event showcased some of Australia's finest talent, with musicians Dan Sultan, Archie Roach, Dave Arden and Leah Flanagan performing on the night, along with a photography exhibition by Wayne Quilliam, 2009 NAIDOC Aboriginal Artist of the Year.

Two distinguished Aboriginal Australians were paid tribute at the event - the prominent equal rights campaigner Chicka Dixon and singer Ruby Hunter.  Archie Roach, who's been Ruby's partner since their teenage years, performed a moving song to celebrate her life.

According to NAIDOC Committee co-chairs Anne Martin and Ben Mitchell "Once again, the committee received many nominations from across Australia. Selecting award winners was a challenging but inspiring task.

"The quality of nominations was so high that the committee had to choose two winners for the Male Elder of the Year Award.

"The committee awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to Vince Coulthard for his eminent leadership in Indigenous affairs, his dedication to promoting his culture and his contribution to the struggle for native title rights in South Australia."

For more information about the life work of Vince Coulthard, please visit his website:  www.vincecoulthard.com

NAIDOC provides more information about the Award winners at their website:
www.naidoc.org.au/NAIDOC-media-releases...

Who's got The Ultimate Job?

Mission Australia is thrilled to be the charity partner in Drake International's new competition to find 'the ultimate job'.

'The Ultimate Job' competition was launched last Wednesday at Melbourne's Charcoal Lane restaurant with Premier John Brumby, Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall and a panel of celebrity judges.

The panel included Mal Walden (Network Ten), Peter Blunden (Herald Sun), Bernie Brookes (Myer), Eddie McGuire (Austereo), Andrew Swallow (AFL), Linda Brown (Swinburne University), Russel Howcroft (George Patterson Y & R) and The Victorian Government.

Following the launch, Sydney will follow in August and eventually all major cities of the world including New York and London.  Throughout the campaign Drake International is generously raising funds for Mission Australia.

The competition details are provided below, or visit www.theultimatejob.com.au

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How The Ultimate Job Competition works:
(Information provided by Drake International)

Each capital city of Australia will be picking it's own Ultimate Job. Each campaign runs for 3 months.

1. Companies submit their applications
2. The Expert Panel from each city chooses their Top 10 jobs. (Note: If Companies have representatives on the panel, they can not vote for their own Companies.)
3. Drake will place candidates in all positions advertised throughout the competition.
4. Each Company that makes the Top 10 shortlist will be able to compile a video (Up to 5 minutes) of their Ultimate Job.
5. The public votes via text/SMS on their favourite job from the Top 10 list, with the winning Company being decided by the highest number of votes from the public.
6. A Gala Evening will announce the winning Company of The Ultimate JobT campaign for Melbourne, and there will also be a winning Employee (Placed into The Ultimate Job), who will be rewarded with a host of prizes including: A Myer Wardrobe and Fosters Grange Fridge, filled with Fosters Grange wines.

Further Points

• The Expert judges (listed above) will choose the top 10 jobs out of a list of real/vacant jobs that are submitted by Companies.
• On www.theultimatejob.com.au  Companies will have their logo and 200 words or less, to advertise their vacant positions to the public. The public can apply for all positions advertised, as these are real jobs.
• Mission Australia will receive revenue raised by public texting,  for The Ultimate Job, 30% of job placement fees, and all monies raised from the Gala Event.
• Companies with vacant jobs will be encouraged, through multiple sources to submit their applications to be short listed for The Ultimate Job.
• All Company applications, are real jobs that the public can apply for. Some companies are actually creating jobs specifically for this competition.
• The Ultimate Job will be announced at a Gala Event with the Top 10 companies in attendance (October 5 2010). All jobs will be introduced, No. 10 right down to the winner. The celebrities participating in the judging will be in attendance.
• The winning job applicant will be showcased on the Gala Evening.

You can check out the competition website here, or follow us on Twitter here.

Thank you for supporting 'The 1234 Project' - 12,340 socks on their way to homeless clients

Mission Australia would like to thank everyone who got involved in the recent 1234 Project on Facebook. The campaign has successfully ensured the delivery of 12,340 socks to homeless people across Australia.

'The 1234 Project' was launched on Facebook on the 11th June. The simple concept involved 1234 donating a pair of socks to a Mission Australia client each time a Facebook supporter 'Liked' the 1234 Project page, with the target set on 12,340 pairs of socks.

As many homeless people only own one pair, socks are usually one of the most heavily-damaged and highly-valued articles of clothing they own - so it is fantastic that our supporters have been able to help provide our clients a new pair this winter.

Stay tuned to see what's been achieved - we will keep our Facebook page updated with photos and news updates about the socks reaching their destinations around the country...

...simply go to www.facebook.com/MissionAust and click  

Mission Australia kicks off training for City2Surf

Mission Australia's preparation for the 2010 City2Surf is officially underway with the Sydney Roosters hosting the first training session at Moore Park last Thursday.

For the third year in a row, clients from Mission Australia's homeless mens services in Sydney will participate in the event.

This year the team's training schedule is designed by Sydney Roosters forward Jason Baitieri, and facilitated by the Michael Project's Recreation Officer, Adam Bowden.

The Roosters will host fortnightly training sessions for the weeks leading up to the City2Surf, which should provide an interesting training project for 'coach' Jason Baitieri:

“I had a fantastic time helping the guys out and passing on my knowledge that I have gained through my years playing rugby league. I am looking forward to seeing the progress over the coming weeks leading up to City2Surf”

As part of their Community Engagement Program, Sydney Roosters work with charities like Mission Australia to encourage players to take responsibility for community engagement in addition to playing commitments.

NAIDOC Week to celebrate unsung heroes

Next week is NAIDOC week. It's an opportunity for all Australians to acknowledge and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Everyday Mission Australia staff seek ways to contribute to transforming the lives of the people we help, and NAIDOC week provides the perfect opportunity for us to organise and participate in a range of activities to support our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This year's theme is Unsung Heroes - Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way to recognise the substantial contributions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities' quiet achievers.

Over time these people have set enduring examples that inspire and lead others to set a new direction for the future.

Recently the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said "In communities across Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are showing the strong leadership that's essential for real and lasting change.

"Not only are they making a difference in their communities, they are invaluable role models for new generations."

We encourage everyone to take part in NAIDOC Week and celebrate some of Australia's unsung heroes.  To learn more about local events, or for ideas on celebrating NAIDOC Week please visit www.naidoc.org.au

Sydney youth service to host Winter Sleepout - with a creative edge

Mission Australia's Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) team are getting prepared for their inaugural 'Art-and-Music-athon', a 15-hour creative drive hosted at their headquarters in Sydney's Surry Hills.

The event is set to kick off at 6pm, Thursday 22nd July, to run through the night to 9am the following day.

CYI's creative team will perform at the event and are each fundraising through CYI's Everyday Hero page to help achieve the fundraising target of $4000.  Supporters contribute to the event by making a donation to individual team members.

The 'Art-and-Music-athon' is a fundraiser for the Winter Sleepout appeal, which in turn strengthens ground-level services such as CYI, or neighbouring services Mission Australia Centre or Missionbeat.

CYI Service Manager, Irene Drivilas, is getting excited about hosting the new event in the wake of the successful album launch of Still Spinning.

"The night will be a buzz of creative inspiration as participants add their expressive flavour and style to musical and artistic activities, games, teasers, energisers and dares; all under the direction of the dynamic CYI team."

With the challenge run overnight, participants will be aided by regular breaks, ‘Down Time' rooms, and food & beverages.

Check out the event site for details, all are welcome!  www.everydayhero.com.au/creative_youth_initiatives