ABC TV explores Triple Care Farm

We’ve received a fantastic response to last night’s Triple Care Farm story that featured on ABC TV’s ‘7.30’ program.

The segment, ‘A Farm With A Difference’, aired just hours after the official launch of the 'Triple Care Farm: A Safe Place for Change' at NSW Parliament House. The report explores the success of our Southern Highlands program for young people experiencing problems with substance abuse and mental illness.

ABC TV reporter Natasha Johnson spoke with 19-year-old Mat, who started using drugs and binge-drinking at age 13. Last year the young man sank so low that he tried to kill himself:

“I was feeling really depressed. I felt like my life, my whole life had no meaning,” he told ‘7.30’. “I did not have nothing to show for it. I felt like I shouldn't be here.”

Mat is one of 100 young people per year who participate in an intensive three-month residential rehabilitation program at Triple Care Farm. With the support of a coordinated team of specialists, he is learning to take care of himself and get his life back on track.

The story clearly struck a chord with our supporters. Here are a few of the positive responses we received about the Triple Care Farm report launch and resulting coverage:

“Great to see such positive exposure for Triple Care Farm and also to see debate around treatment of drug and alcohol/mental health.”

“It was good to see the program about the Farm tonight. It would be wonderful if more such institutions could be developed.”

“I want you to know how privileged I feel to be supporting, albeit in a minor way, your work in advocating for young persons with combined psychiatric and substance abuse issues.”

“I was able to see the program and what good your people are doing down at the farm.”

“What a wonderful story... Mission Australia has grabbed my heart strings. Please keep me updated.”

“I found the program very interesting, but I’m sure it didn’t show how much hard work goes into the program. The sad reality of life in Australia is that the resources available for treatment of these involved and difficult problems are just totally insufficient to meet the needs.”

For a behind-the-scenes look at this country haven for young people and to hear mental health expert Professor Patrick McGorry’s views on existing services, visit www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2011/s3267996.htm A transcript of the story is also available.

To learn more about this innovative program, download the ‘Triple Care Farm: A Safe Place For Change’ report.

'Triple Care Farm: A Safe Place for Change' launched

Australia needs more residential drug and alcohol rehab services for young people and existing programs need to offer complementary mental health care to be more effective, according to a new Mission Australia report released today.

Launched by Australia’s pre-eminent youth mental health expert, Professor Patrick McGorry, at an event hosted by Pru Goward, the Minister for Family and Community Services, 'Triple Care Farm: A Safe Place for Change' explores the successful service model that supports young people experiencing problems with substance abuse and mental illness.

The report into Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm – a residential program in the NSW Southern Highlands for young people aged 16 to 24 years – says the service dramatically reduces alcohol and drug use, homelessness, and improves employment and training opportunities by addressing addiction and mental illness at the same time.

The former Australian of the Year and Executive Director of Orygen Youth Health told guests at the launch at NSW Parliament House “it was a national disgrace that so few of these services were available”, and added there was a need for new thinking and new systems for supporting young people with mental health and drug and alcohol problems.

“When you look at the facts contained in this report,” he said. “you see the power of the holistic approach.”

According to the report:

• Almost one-in-ten (88 per cent) used at least one drug chronically when starting at Triple Care Farm (TCF). Six months after leaving, almost half (45 per cent) were abstaining from drug use, while 52 per cent were abstaining from alcohol.
• Approx four-in-five (79 per cent) used cannabis at chronic levels when arriving at TCF. Six months after leaving, only 4 per cent reported chronic cannabis use.
• Of 160 former TCF clients surveyed, 91 per cent were unemployed when entering TCF. Six months after leaving, almost half (43 per cent) had some form of paid employment. More than one-third (36 per cent) were in training.
• 31 per cent of the 160 surveyed were homeless at time of TCF intake. Six months after leaving, only one person in this group reported being homeless.

At the launch Ms Goward said she had visited Triple Care Farm, which is in her electorate, several times:

“Going to a Triple Care Farm graduation is like going to a revival meeting – you leave with a great sense of belief.

“Often with teenagers we think it’s just a stage they’re going through, but we can forget they are so vulnerable… Seventy per cent of Triple Care Farm students had experienced family breakdown.”

She added that the sense of trust Triple Care Farm instils should be replicated in all other services for young people.

Transformation in action

A current Triple Care Farm student told guests at the launch, including representatives from the Macquarie Group Foundation, Sir David Martin Foundation, Friends in Giving and Key Foundation, how the program is transforming her life:

“Before I was admitted to Triple Care Farm, I was constantly putting myself into situations that were not safe for me – physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. I was so caught up in drug-taking and that lifestyle that there was no chance for me to take a breath and really think about what I was doing… I felt trapped and caught on a merry-go-round.

“I realised I needed help. I’ve been a Triple Care Farm since early June. I immediately felt comforted by the environment and the location. At my admission myself and my family were treated with respect, and no question was too silly to ask. I feel as though I can make the changes I need to make with no judgement or pressure. I’m starting to see there are other options for me and I’m excited to explore them at Triple Care Farm.”

Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said the reason for such success is simple: it supports the young people in its care with both their drug/alcohol problems and their mental health issues at the same time.

“Despite this, most services continue to offer young people with drug and alcohol problems help with either their addiction or their mental health, not both. What we provide at Triple Care Farm – and what this new report shows is a far more effective approach – is combining both drug/alcohol rehab and mental health services. For young people, addiction and mental illness are very often related. They need to be managed together, not separately.

“The fragmentation that occurs between some services offering drug/alcohol rehab while others focus on mental illness increases the chances of young people not getting the help they need,” Mr Hall added.

“Meanwhile, Triple Care Farm can only take 100 enrolments each year and yet receives more than 6,000 inquiries from around Australia. That level of demand clearly indicates a national shortage… There aren’t enough services for this vulnerable group and what exists often isn’t effective.”

Triple Care Farm will feature on ABC TV’s 7.30 program tonight. If you are unable to view the program tonight, you could try ABC’s website at a more convenient time.

Further reading:

• 'Joint drug and mental illness treatment showing signs of success' on ABC Radio’s AM
• 'Another doorway opens for at-risk youth'
• Download the 'Triple Care Farm: A Safe Place For Change' report.

Media Release: Sea change needed in Australia's approach to youth drug/alcohol rehabilitation - report

Australia needs more residential drug and alcohol rehab services for young people and existing programs need to offer complementary mental health care in order to be more effective, according to a new report launched today by the community service organisation, Mission Australia.

The report into Mission Australia's Triple Care Farm - a residential program in the NSW Southern Highlands for young people (16-24 years) with substance abuse issues - says the service dramatically reduces alcohol and drug use, homelessness, and improves employment and training opportunities by addressing addiction and mental illness at the same time.

According to Mission Australia's CEO, Toby Hall, one-in-four young people experience a mental health condition over any 12 month period. Among this group, approximately half suffer from a substance use disorder.

"Despite this, most services continue to offer young people with drug and alcohol problems help with either their addiction or their mental health, not both," said Mr Hall.

"What we provide at Triple Care Farm - and what this new report shows is a far more effective approach - is combining both drug/alcohol rehab and mental health services. For young people, addiction and mental illness are very often related. They need to be managed together, not separately.

"The fragmentation that occurs between some services offering drug/alcohol rehab while others focus on mental illness increases the chances of young people not getting the help they need.

"Meanwhile, Triple Care Farm can only take 100 enrolments each year and yet receives more than 6000 inquiries from around Australia. That level of demand clearly indicates a national shortage.

"In short, there aren't enough services for this vulnerable group and what exists often isn't effective."

According to Mr Hall, the report, Triple Care Farm: A Safe Place for Change - which will be launched by Australia's pre-eminent youth mental health expert, Professor Patrick McGorry, at NSW Parliament House today - provides a blueprint for the provision of drug/alcohol rehabilitation and mental health services to young people.

"The young people who arrive at Triple Care Farm are usually the most challenging cases. More than 90% are unemployed, 70% have mental health issues, close to 70% have criminal histories, almost 50% are homeless, 79% are chronic cannabis users, 46% are chronic alcohol users. They've usually been through program after program but with no effect.

"But at Triple Care Farm, because of our different approach, we've produced some remarkable results. They're even more astounding when you consider this group are wrestling with the biggest problems."

According to the Triple Care Farm report:

Almost one-in-ten (88 per cent) used at least one drug chronically when starting at TCF. Six months after leaving the service almost half (45 per cent) were abstaining from drug use, while more than half (52 per cent) were abstaining from alcohol.

Approx four-in-five (79 per cent) used cannabis at chronic levels when arriving at TCF. Six months after leaving, only 4 per cent reported chronic cannabis use.

Of 160 former TCF clients surveyed for the report, 91 per cent were unemployed when entering TCF. Six months after leaving, almost half (43 per cent) had some form of paid employment. More than one-third (36 per cent) were in training.

31 per cent of the 160 surveyed were homeless at time of TCF intake. Six months after leaving, only one person in this group reported being homeless.

The proportion of young people in independent housing increased from under one-in-ten (9 per cent) at intake to one quarter (25 per cent) six months after leaving TCF.

"The reason for Triple Care Farm's success is simple: it supports the young people in its care with both their drug/alcohol problems and their mental health issues at the same time.

"Triple Care Farm's program has three parts: residential (residents learn how to undertake straightforward domestic responsibilities including cooking, cleaning and doing laundry); therapeutic (residents are supported with the medical, psychological and behavioural issues associated with addiction and mental illness); and education and learning (residents are supported with skills to find a job).

"While the level of drug use among young Australians has stabilised in recent years, it clearly remains an issue for many thousands of young people and their parents. The number of calls Triple Care Farm receives each year attests to that.

"Illicit drug use is also occurring at a younger age: one in four 14-19 year olds has used an illicit drug in past year, one-in-20 in the past week. And there's a higher rate of suicide and accidental overdose among young users.

"There's no question we need more services like Triple Care Farm and existing youth rehab service providers really need to consider adopting its model because the results speak for themselves," said Mr Hall.

Launch of Triple Care Farm: A Safe Place for Change

• 2pm, Tuesday 12 July
• NSW Parliament Theatrette, Macquarie St
• Special guests: Professor Patrick McGorry, Executive Director of Orygen Youth Health
• The Hon Pru Goward, NSW Minister for Family and Community Services
• Media contact: Paul Andrews (02) 9219 2080 or 0409 665 495

Minister launches our new southern base in SA

Mission Australia’s new southern headquarters in Old Reynella, SA, was officially launched on Wednesday by the Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers and the Minister Assisting the Premier in Social Inclusion, Grace Portolesi, and the City of Onkaparinga Mayor, Lorraine Rosenberg.

Mission Australia State Director Phillip Leslie said the move to 165 Old South Road was an extremely positive one, offering opportunities to work with local communities in the “often-forgotten” corners of the state’s south.

Mission Australia has provided services to young people, families and communities in the southern region since 1999. The move will allow an improvement of existing services and the introduction of some new, locally relevant, initiatives.

Among the services and programs currently offered -- and soon to be augmented by other locally relevant initiatives -- are Reconnect, which supports young people at risk of homelessness; the Southern Outreach Team, who assist young people to stay in school and with drug, alcohol and mental health issues; and a Parent Education Program, supporting young mothers and fathers to overcome parenting challenges.

“With a cluster of community and support services based in the Noarlunga area, Mission Australia sees this move as an important contribution to making services accessible across the entire southern region,” Mr Leslie said.

“Given Mission Australia’s recent Youth Survey findings -- where young people highlighted stress and family conflict as a major concern -- it is important to Mission Australia that these services remain available and increase in this rapidly expanding region.

“We have begun the process of engaging the community in conversation about the needs, capacity and opportunities in the region in order to identify the gaps in services.

“Mission Australia intends to increase its presence all the way down to Victor Harbor and touch upon the significant and currently unmet needs of more isolated communities.”

Former Idol shares experiences and music at CYI

Students from Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives were recently treated to a visit from singer Hayley Warner, the 2009 Australian Idol runner-up.

Earlier this month the 19-year old Sydney singer, who built up a strong following for her high-energy performances on Idol, took the time to chat to CYI students, hang out and hear their music.

Based in Sydney’s Surry Hills, CYI is a unique service that provides free creative programs for young people aged 16 to 25 who are facing challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, family breakdown, unemployment and poor educational experiences. The Sounds of the Street (SOTS) and Artworks! programs help develop the young person’s creativity through visual arts and music.

Hayley talked to the students about the ups and downs she has experienced along the way, and spoke of the inner-strength and resolve required to realise her dreams.
CYI students and staff were also treated to a beautiful performance by Hayley, who also spent time in the music studios giving advice. She was introduced to the service through her work as Social Services Partner for Telstra, a longstanding Mission Australia partner.

“It was an amazing opportunity for the students to hear another young person’s experience and the confidence for them to follow their dreams,” said Sera Harris, CYI Service Manager. “She was truly inspiring and we hope to see her in February when we launch the next Sounds of the Street (SOTS) CD.

SOTS is a 20-week TAFE-accredited course that gives students the opportunity to compose, perform and record their own music and learn an instrument. At the end of the program the students’ music is professionally mixed and mastered onto a CD and students perform their music at the annual CD launch.

Later in the day, Hayley also revealed that she was inspired by the visit: “Had a really inspiring time this morning hanging out and chatting to Mission Australia kids,” she Tweeted yesterday afternoon. “Epic stories of overcoming situations.”

Pathways to Prevention turns 10!

This week our Pathways to Prevention program celebrated a decade of providing support to children and families in the Inala and Carole Park areas of Brisbane.

This partnership between Mission Australia, Griffith University and Education Queensland aims to promote positive parenting, healthy family relationships and enhance children's experience of school.

Representatives from Griffith, including Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Mazerolle, Prof Sidney Dekker and Prof Ross Homel AO, were joined by Queensland’s Minister for Community Services, Karen Struthers, and Mission Australia staff and supporters attended the 10-year anniversary event. More than 125 local children and their families also celebrated the milestone.

Prof Homel, who played an instrumental role in developing Pathways to Prevention, shared highlights from his 10-year involvement with the early intervention program, which has touched the lives of 4,200 individuals from 1,129 families from the local community so far.

The 250 guests enjoyed a Sing and Grow Music Group guitar session featuring local Aboriginal children, as well as dance presentations by local children and women from the Samoan and Vietnamese communities.

The Pathways Choir, made up of 40 Mission Australia staff and clients, also sang ‘The Pathways Song’, which was composed by former staff member Sue-Ann Swindon.

During the official ceremony, philanthropist John Barnes – Pathways to Prevention’s most significant supporter through The John Barnes Foundation – spoke of the importance of the program and his involvement over the past 10 years.

Ms Struthers also congratulated Mission Australia and Griffith University on the “positive impact they have had on Queensland families”.

Mission Australia Service Manager Cherie Lamb said the celebration was a fantastic reminder of just how far the program has come in 10 years: “It’s so heartening to see this program, which started off as a small seed of an idea many years ago, grow into something that makes a difference to so many people in this community.

“The festival atmosphere of this celebration, with the music, laughter and face-painting, says it all – Pathways really is something that locals hold very dear and love being a part of.

“With the ongoing support of our partners, Government and the local community, Pathways can only get better.”

Yesterday Mission Australia’s Executive Leader - Community Services, Lincoln Hopper, presented Ms Lamb with a certificate and flowers as a thank you for her incredible contribution to the Pathways program and the local community over the past 10 years.

Further reading:

• ‘Brisbane kids follow in big footsteps’
• Pathways to Prevention Project: The First Five Years 1999 - 2004 

Above image (L to R): Prof Ross Homel, Cherie Lamb, Lincoln Hopper, Karen Struthers, Penny Gillespie and John Barnes celebrating 10 years of Pathways to Prevention.

How do young Australians view the world?

Almost a month after it was launched, more than 1,100 young people have completed Mission Australia’s 10th National Survey of Young Australians online.

Schools and educational institutions are also helping us to capture the views of young Australians. So far 40 schools have also requested 17,000 hard copies to distribute to their students. We’ve also received over 30 requests for school/organisation reports, which give an indication of what their students or local young people value, issues that concern them and their feelings about the future.

Our 2010 survey revealed that body image was one of the main concerns for young people, closely followed by family conflict and school or study issues.

This year’s survey is asking participants to indicate their main three issues of concern, rather than ranking the whole range of issues in order of the most to least concerning. We’re also trying to find out who or where young people turn to for support to deal with specific concerns.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people – particularly those too young to vote – to be heard by governments, youth agencies and community service organisations like Mission Australia.

Mission Australia’s Research and Social Policy Unit can compile a report for any school or organisation that provides 200 or more responses. However, institutions that are in interested in receiving a unique report need to contact us before handing out the survey so we can make plans to collate your data.

If you would like multiple copies of the 2011 National Survey of Young Australians please contact Aimee Tyson at youthsurvey@missionaustralia.com.au or on (02) 9219 2022.

Mission Australia aims capture the views of more than 50,000 young people aged from 11 to 24 by 1 July 2011 – and we need the community’s help to make it happen. If you, your class, youth group or someone you know, would like to take part in the National Survey of Young Australians please visit MAYouthSurvey.com.au.

Further Reading

• The Age, 3 May 2011: Fighting the drop-out factor
• National Survey webpage
  
• Coverage of the 2010 National Survey of Young Australians

Youth Survey: a great chance to listen and learn

Mission Australia has had a fantastic early response to its 10th National Survey of Young Australians, with hundreds of young people already lodging their completed surveys online – the first of an estimated 50,000 we expect to receive by 1 July.

We’ve also had plenty of interest from peak bodies, government, not-for-profit and educational institutions keen to spread the word about the largest survey of its kind by distributing it through their networks and adding the Youth Survey link to their websites.

While any young person aged from 11 to 24 can complete the survey online, Mission Australia is also urging schools and educational institutions to get involved.

We can send out printed copies to organisations that are interested in getting a “temperature check” on what young people value, their issues of concern, who they go to for advice and support, what activities they are involved in and how they feel about the future.

Our 2010 survey revealed that body image was one of the main concerns for young people, closely followed by family conflict and school or study issues. Yesterday youth in Geraldton, WA, provided 720 ABC Perth with a taste of what the big issues for 2011 might be - listen to it here.

Mission Australia can also arrange to compile a tailored report for any school or organisation that provides 200 or more responses. These reports, which will be available later in 2011, contain valuable local data that can help them to plan future activities.

However, schools or organisations that are in interested in receiving a unique report on the concerns, values and thoughts of local young people need to contact us before handing out the survey so we can make plans to collate your data.

If you would like multiple copies of the 2011 National Survey of Young Australians please contact Aimee Tyson at youthsurvey@missionaustralia.com.au or on (02) 9219 2022.

To complete our online survey or find out more, visit MAYouthSurvey.com.au

Media Release: Youth of Australia wanted for national survey

National Youth Week – 1-10 April

To coincide with National Youth Week, Mission Australia is calling on young people to help highlight important issues in their lives by having their say in the charity’s 2011 National Survey of Young Australians – the nation’s largest annual report on the views, concerns and values of young people between the ages of 11-24.

In launching the 2011 survey, Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said it gave young people a voice across a range of issues with the information being used to help community groups and governments plan and develop youth services.

“Mission Australia’s annual youth survey is a ‘temperature check’ on what young people are feeling, what issues concern them, what they think are the main challenges facing the nation and how optimistic they are about the future,” said Mr Hall.

“Responses to the survey help governments, youth agencies and ourselves improve and develop programs and strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves.”

Last year’s survey tested the views of more than 50,000 young people – its biggest group since the survey began in 2002 – between the ages of 11-24 (98 per cent aged 11-19).

When asked to rank their personal concerns from 15 issues body image was ranked most frequently in the top three by 31.1 per cent of respondents, followed by family conflict at 27.8 per cent and coping with stress at 27.3 per cent.

Body image was the leading issue of concern for 11-14 and 15-19 year olds and for females. Almost one-in-two 20-24 year olds considered it a major concern.

“Young people’s concerns can be quite volatile – moving around from year to year – and they differ between age groups so it’s important we conduct this survey annually, with as many participants as possible, to obtain an accurate picture.

“The range of concerns – from stress to depression, suicide and body image – also suggest young people are facing increased challenges as they make the transition from adolescence to adulthood,” said Mr Hall.

Mission Australia’s 2011 National Survey of Young Australians can be completed online at www.mayouthsurvey.com.au. It is also available at all Mission Australia services, secondary schools, TAFE facilities and libraries nationwide.

The survey closes on Friday, 1 July with the results to be published later in the year.

Further Reading

• National Survey webpage
  
• Coverage of the 2010 National Survey of Young Australians

Media Release: Groundbreaking new youth homeless services launched in south-west Sydney

The NSW Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, will today launch a groundbreaking new Mission Australia service to help young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Sydney’s south-west.

Mission Australia’s Canterbury-Bankstown Youth Accommodation Service (CBYS) will offer tailored and specialised care to around 125 young people each year – including young parents with children – many from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Funded by the Department of Community Services, Mission Australia’s CBYS is designed around the needs of young people – whatever their background, culture, language and stage of homelessness.

Traditionally, homeless services – including those for young people – have offered ‘one size fits all’ support that struggled to address the diverse reasons behind an individual’s homelessness and the length of time they’d spent without a home.

Services have also been one-dimensional – that is, only offering one type of support, eg: early intervention (eg: helping a young person avoid homelessness by addressing family conflict), crisis accommodation or transitional housing.

According to Mission Australia’s Irene Drivilas, CBYS provides a new approach to youth homeless support because it offers continuity of care regardless of a person’s circumstances.

“CBYS offers bespoke care according to what fits the young person best,” said Ms Drivilas.

“Young people will enter and exit CBYS at any point – there is no fixed path.

“While we might work with one person to maintain their existing tenancy and avoid becoming homeless, another may be provided with accommodation for 18 months, while another receives post-crisis support where they have been homeless and now needs help to make sure they don’t finish up there again.

“We’re also not constrained by where a young person lives. Care can be provided in the range of accommodation we offer or, if they’re at risk of homelessness, even in the young person’s home.

“It’s all about flexibility – it’s not about making people fit into a system. Young people can move through the service’s different accommodation and support options as needed.”

The NSW Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, said the NSW Government was providing $928,000 in annual funding for the service.

“I am very pleased to be able to open this new service for young people,” Ms Burney said.

“Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) services such as these address the fact that homelessness is a complex problem and the people confronting it typically have a range of issues to overcome.”

Mission Australia’s CBYS offers:

• A range of accommodation including: an intensive (24/7) supported crisis shelter for young people (16-21 years); four properties offering transitional housing for young people beginning the path towards independent living; and 10 properties offering affordable housing for young people needing long-term semi-independent housing (two of which are designated for young women who are pregnant and/or parenting).
• A youth outreach support program including a designated Adolescent and Family Early Intervention Counsellor. The outreach program will focus on homelessness prevention among 16-25 year olds by providing advice and case management.
• An Education Support Worker to work closely with case managers to link young people to education, training and employment opportunities.

“Canterbury-Bankstown is an incredibly diverse area – culturally, linguistically and economically. Close to 36 per cent of people in Bankstown and 47 per cent in Canterbury were born overseas,” said Ms Drivilas.

“Disadvantage is also common. Canterbury and Bankstown LGAs are the third and fourth most disadvantaged areas within Sydney; youth unemployment is close to 30 per cent; and the median weekly family income in both LGAs is lower than the national average.

“There’s also a shortage of affordable one or two bedroom apartments with increasing numbers of young people, particularly those from non-English speaking backgrounds, drifting into homelessness.

“Given these factors – and the reality that there’s no one single cause of youth homelessness and young people will have a range of reasons for seeking our help – we needed to provide a service that was able to cope with that diversity and not just meet the needs of one group.

“We’re particularly proud of the fact that we’re able to help young parents – singles and couples – and their children.

“Families are one of the groups most frequently turned away from homeless services because of a lack of appropriate accommodation and traditionally these clients would not be able to access a youth service. In a couple’s case the parents would have been split up – mum and child in one service, father in another. At CBYS we have the accommodation mix to keep the young family unit together.

“This is a unique service for south western Sydney and one of the first programs of its type in the country. It represents a new way of addressing the serious issue of youth homelessness and we’re very optimistic it will be a success,” said Ms Drivilas.

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

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.

The Fury unleashes potential in Northern Queensland

The North Queensland Fury’s first home game of the season was one to remember, with Mission Australia’s partners in tackling disadvantage beating favourites Sydney FC by 2-1.

Saturday night’s thrilling victory at Townsville’s Dairy Farmers Stadium was also a win for Mission Australia, with our distinctive red heart logo being seen by thousands of football fans across the nation.

As The Fury’s official charity of choice, our branding appears on both the team’s home and away strips. This really is a tremendous way to spread the word about Mission Australia, given that up to a million people a week watch their games live and via television coverage.

Among those cheering for The Fury was Prins Ralston, Mission Australia’s Executive Leader, who worked hard in the lead up to the new A-League season to forge our three-year partnership with the club.

“The Fury thought highly of us and for them the differentiation was the special care we took with the people we work with, especially in the youth area,” he said. “So they thought we would be a good fit.

“From our point of view, the fact that soccer is the highest youth participation game in Australia is very significant. David Williams, The Fury’s very talented young striker, is also such a fantastic role model for young Aboriginal people that it makes great sense for us to join forces with the team.”

Mission Australia and The Fury will run a range of programs that will engage youth in northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, including courses in sports administration and coaching that students will come out of with qualifications and work experience.”

We will also run joint programs through the Queensland and Northern Territory men’s and women’s correctional systems to better prepare Aboriginal people for life after release.

“There are a lot of exciting things in the pipeline,” said Prins. "For example, we’re looking at working together to run after-school ‘homework clubs’ in Townsville, Cairns and Darwin initially, with hopes to extend it westwards.”

Prins is confident that many fundraising opportunities will arise from the partnership over the next three years, such as the Fury playing a Mission Australia “team of choice” made up of sponsored players.

Mission Australia is also honoured to be the charity of choice when the Socceroos play World Cup quarter-finalists Paraguay on October 9 at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The Fury play Melbourne Victory this Sunday at 3pm.

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Media Release: NQ Fury FC announce 3-year partnership with Mission Australia

North Queensland Fury FC are delighted to announce an innovative three-year partnership with Mission Australia, which will see the two organisations work together to address Aboriginal disadvantage in North Queensland and the Northern Territory.

View the photo album from today's launch here: http://fb.me/BhCxNyYV

Mission Australia is one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit providers of community and employment services, with a strong history of engagement with Aboriginal communities.

This unique partnership, the first of its kind in Australian sporting history, will see Mission Australia use the power of sport via the vehicle of North Queensland Fury FC, to connect with and motivate individuals and communities.

NQ Fury FC Chief Executive Officer Rabieh Krayem and Mission Australia Employment Solutions’ Executive Leader Dr Prins Ralston said the partnership aimed to improve health, education, training and job prospects among Aboriginal people, especially young people.

Fury coaches, players and administrative staff would work with Mission to design and deliver programs in areas such as youth mentoring, release programs in gaols, as well certificate level courses in coaching and sports administration.

The partnership aimed in the first year to engage up to 150 people, including 60 prisoners, with a target of 30 employment outcomes.

To help promote this partnership, the Mission Australia corporate logo will be displayed on the front of the Fury’s playing shirts (home and away) and will enjoy strong branding at Fury home fixtures. Mission Australia will also be the Fury’s “charity of choice” during this period.

“This is a landmark day for North Queensland Fury FC and sport in general,” Mr Krayem said.

“This partnership provides much needed funds into our club and helps our sustainability, but just as importantly it is an active demonstration of our commitment to make a difference in the community.

“The partnership benefits strongly from Mission’s deep knowledge and experience and the Fury’s potential influence across Northern Australia.”

Dr Prins Ralston said Mission Australia was excited about the partnership and the opportunities it presented to improve Aboriginal welfare at the grassroots level.

“All around the world, sport is used in communities suffering disadvantage to motivate, build skills and transform people’s lives.

“Football is a great way for people to engage in a safe, non-threatening team environment, and offers plenty of opportunities to build meaningful support programs that are attractive and fun.

“We see the work of Mission Australia and the community ethos of the Fury as a terrific natural fit and we are looking forward to building a lasting relationship and delivering lasting legacies,” Dr Ralston said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard joined MA Employment Solutions’ Executive Leader Dr Prins Ralston and Fury CEO Rabieh Krayem for the radio announcement in Townsville this morning. Top photo left to right: Rabieh Krayem, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Tony Mooney and Prins Ralston.

Note to Editors: 
NQ Fury FC will email to media some images from today’s Media Call at approximately 2pm this afternoon.

Media contact:
Rebecca Trbojevich | Corporate Communications Manager
North Queensland Fury FC 43-47 Dalrymple Road
P: 07 4758 0101 M: 0413 855 608
www.nqfury.com.au

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From rockers to hip-hoppers: Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) celebrates the launch of Still Spinning

Great music, great food, great weather – a perfect combination for Creative Youth Initiatives’ Youth Week event to mark the launch of their new album Still Spinning.

The compilation album is the 20th release from CYI’s Sounds of the Street (SOTS), showcasing music from the program’s 17 year history.

Over 210 people attended the event on Wednesday, which paid tribute to the grass roots beginnings of SOTS, and insight into the future direction of the service.

Mission Australia Centre’s garage was converted into a funky performance space for the event, with a professional stage and PA system, while the generous staff from Albert Music held a BBQ for guests.

Past and present students performed original music throughout the day, with MC duties handled by one of Australia’s most popular hip hop artists, Ozi Batla, front man for The Herd and part of the Elefant Traks crew.

Mission Australia’s NSW State Director of Community Services, Leonie Green, opened the event citing the dedication of the CYI team, and announced the launch of the Regeneration program, which will look at a new sustainable model for CYI.

Mission Australia’s Executive Leader of Community Services, Lincoln Hopper, shared his thoughts about working on the front line over the past 18 years, and how CYI has left an enduring influence on the young people it has helped to transform.

CYI founder Phill Nunn detailed how in 1993, while working with young homeless people in Kings Cross, he realised the potential for music to be a powerful tool for young people to express themselves, ultimately leading to CYI’s conception.

CYI’s talented music tutors Liz Martin and Michael Hanlon shared their initial expectations of the program, their thoughts and student outcomes, while the student performers provided a raw and heartfelt snapshot into their experiences.

The carving of a marvellous cake in the shape of a vinyl record player marked the end of an exhilarating day.

17 years on and 20 albums later, SOTS is still spinning. CYI has matured into a innovative, relevant and unique service for young people at risk.

Acting Service Manager of CYI, Irene Drivilas, reflects on SOTS: “life is an ongoing process of change, as it is with CYI which will keep spinning - continuing to creatively grow and flourish”.

Creative Youth Initiatives to launch their 20th album

Tomorrow Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) are set to launch their latest album Still Spinning - the 20th album release since the service commenced some 17 years ago.

Still Spinning features a group of very inspiring young entertainers, who will be performing the music from the album at tomorrow's event.

Irene Drivilas, the CYI Acting Service Manager, said the music is "challenging, highly original and ultimately uplifting."

Watch this space tomorrow for news and photos from the launch.

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CYI's core program Sounds of the Street (SOTS) is a 20 week TAFE accredited music course.

Students learn to compose, perform and record their own music. In addition, they also have the opportunity to learn an instrument and students perform at each annual launch.

At the end of the program the students’ music is professionally mixed and mastered onto a CD. For a copy of a past album please email editor@missionaustralia.com.au

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Media Release: Head Game: new Sounds of the Street Album

There’s everything from hip hop tirades to sweet lament amongst the eclectic tracks on the new Sounds of Street double-album, Head Game, out this week, which features the work of 18 young musicians and song writers confronted by issues from homelessness, to mental illness, abuse and addiction.

Head Game was launched at an all-ages concert at FraserStudios, Chippendale last Friday, with MC Mr Percival and live performances from the musicians featured on the album.

All the musicians on Head Game are graduates of the Sounds of the Street course at Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) – a service that aims to support 16 to 25 year olds facing many and varied challenges in their personal lives to build self esteem and communication skills, offer them positive learning experiences and provide opportunities to gain formal music qualifications.

Students are tutored by professional musicians during the intensive six month TAFE accredited program before they record the tracks in the recording studio at CYI.

“These young people may be dealing with a few life issues but they get it all out via music - perhaps it's a hip hop tirade on the injustices of life as a young person dealing with substance abuse, or a sweetly sung lament on loves lost and remembered, or a billowing gothic industrial epic on what it's like to really live on the streets,” said Michael Hanlon, one of the course Coordinators and musicians who contributed to the album.

“Head Game doesn't hold back and nor should it. It’s a snapshot of the young and struggling but at its heart it’s a glorious and uplifting album.”

One of the students, Angie, who got involved in Sounds of the Street when she was suffering from depression and anxiety after a family breakdown said she could barely describe how much the program meant to her.

“Being here has given me back happiness in my life – CYI has kept us all from falling further into an awful place and has made us see that we do have good things to look forward to and that we can have a happy life,” said Angie.

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Advance copies of Head Game are available from Creative Youth Initiatives.  Phone 02 9356 8897 or email cyi@missionaustralia.com.au.

Media contact: Patrick Flynn, (02) 9641 5031 or 0407 411 256

Further reading:

• Past CYI news
• CYI Sounds of the Street - program information

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Celebrity chef cooks up a storm today for a good cause

Ben O’Donoghue, one of Australia’s most talented and well-loved celebrity chefs, TV presenters and cook book authors, will be cooking up a storm this Thursday, 15 October 2009, at Mission Australia’s Cafe One on Wickham to mark Anti-Poverty Week and the launch of his Australia Day Barbeque competition to help raise funds for Mission Australia.

Clients and friends of Cafe One on Wickham will enjoy a sample from Ben’s new cook book – Ben's Barbeque - from 11.30am.

Cafe One on Wickham provides low cost meals and coffee – as well as a range of individual support services – to homeless and seriously disadvantaged people. The cafe provides a sense of belonging to the lives of these people and is a place for them to reconnect with society.

Ben said he is thrilled to be launching the competition, a partnership with Mission Australia and Clayton Utz to help Australia’s vulnerable.

“I love cooking for people, and I can’t think of a better way to mark the launch of the competition and Anti-Poverty Week 2009 than by serving up a barbeque for some worthy Australians,” Ben said.

“I’m looking forward to sitting down over a steak sandwich, and listening to some of the stories of Cafe One’s customers and sharing a few of my own cooking secrets.”

Ben is offering Mission Australia supporters, the chance to snap up his cook book – BEN’S BARBEQUE - at the low price of $25, with all proceeds going to support Mission Australia’s Cafe One on Wickham.

Mission Australia and Ben are offering one lucky person, who purchases the book through the Mission Australia website, the chance to win an Australia Day barbeque in their own backyard for 10 people – cooked and catered for by Ben himself – along with two cases of wine from Penfolds and their very own Barbeques Galore barbeque.

Ben hopes the competition will encourage people to support Mission Australia.

“I admire the work Mission Australia does, and the commitment with which they support our country’s most disadvantaged – so I feel privileged to be helping raise some well-deserved funds for the organisation.”

Ben O’Donoghue cook book launch at Cafe One
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2009
Time: 11.30am
Where: Cafe One - 56/256 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley

Vision and interview opportunities with Ben O’Donoghue available for further information contact Melissa Tucker, Rowland – (07) 3229 4499, 0413 980 229 or Melissa.Tucker@rowland.com.au

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Café One on Wickham is a space for the entire community to interact. The Cafe not only provides approximately 20,000 meals each year, it also offers homeless and disengaged people with the assistance and support they need to make sustainable changes in their lives.

Café One on Wickham offers:
• Direct support to around 5,000 people through counselling, advocacy and connection to other specialised services
• Free legal and health advice to more than 650 people each year from visiting services
• Information about housing options
• A micro credit system
• A space to connect with others and avoid social isolation
• A meeting point for community groups
• Access to the Catalyst Program (a program conducted in partnership with Australian Catholic University to provide university education to disadvantaged Australians).

The café costs approximately $430,000 a year to run and relies entirely on the support of the community and local businesses.

Mission Australia's Charcoal Lane restaurant now taking orders

It’s not often that you associate an up-and-coming restaurant with a community service organisation, but that’s exactly what makes Mission Australia’s Charcoal Lane restaurant so distinctive.

You can sense that Charcoal Lane is special as soon as you walk through its door. Created within a beautiful heritage building in Melbourne’s up-and-coming Fitzroy district, the restaurant features delicately hand painted ceiling panels.

The menu is equally unique – a fusion of modern Australian food and native flavours.

Charcoal Lane was made possible through a partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS). It provides the opportunity for Aboriginal and disadvantaged young people to transform their lives through traineeships and apprenticeships within the restaurant.

The heritage building in which Charcoal Lane is located originally housed VAHS from 1973 until 1992. VAHS is not just a health service. As well as offering access to a wide range of services and programs it has always been a place where people gather, share stories and pass on wisdom.

Many of the people who visited VAHS also frequently congregated at the back of a briquette factory in Fitzroy/Collingwood colloquially known as ‘Charcoal Lane’ – the inspiration for our restaurant’s name.

People came to Charcoal Lane to enjoy each other’s company, to share a drink and a story away from the public eye. One of those people, Archie Roach, recently released a song of the same name in remembrance of the people and times of the Lane.

The new Charcoal Lane has a wonderfully appetising menu, which showcases the restaurant’s native influences.

We hope that Charcoal Lane will continue to be a meeting place for the community in the future and encourage you to experience the food first-hand.

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For bookings or enquiries call: (03) 9418 3400 or visit  www.charcoallane.com.au/contact/booking

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