Mission Australia

Together we can tackle housing shortage: MA Housing chief

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:44:00 +0000

MA Housing Chief Executive
Andrew McAnulty

MA Housing Chief Executive Andrew McAnulty writes in today’s Sydney Morning Herald that with a shortage of dwellings predicted to reach 600,000 by 2030, the time has come for large-scale co-operation:

Australia has a shortage of about 215,000 dwellings, which means there are many more households than there are homes for them. On present trends, the number is expected to grow to more than 600,000 by 2030.

Those were the sobering findings of the annual State of Supply Report released by the National Housing Supply Council before Christmas.

And with the greatest shortages among affordable purchase and rental options for households on low to moderate incomes and subsidised rental housing for low income earners, it's the most vulnerable who are hurting most.

The projected shortage will be extremely difficult to overcome. It would entrench disadvantage in many communities and reduce the standard of living of many citizens.

But it is not impossible to address. Australia has about 335,000 homes owned and managed by state governments with an estimated asset value approaching $82 billion.

Since the global economic downturn, Australian governments have spent billions on social housing - addressing a shortage that has grown worse over decades - but it hasn't been enough to meet demand.

There's no point kidding ourselves that the public sector alone can fund the maintenance and upgrade of these homes, along with meeting the pressing need to substantially increase supply.

The not-for-profit housing sector has demonstrated overseas, and is quickly proving in Australia, that investment via a housing association has the potential to provide locally accountable, well managed, sustainably funded housing that spreads government investment further, produces more homes and delivers improved services to customers.

As for how it works, one need only look to Britain for an example. By borrowing against its properties, Britain's community housing sector has raised additional funds in excess of £40 billion ($59 billion) for the delivery of social housing, affordable housing and urban renewal - without any financial default.

The value of this low-risk investment to the private sector is further accentuated at a time like this, when we have seen huge banking losses suffered during the global financial crisis.

In Australia, the transfer of existing public housing from state and territory governments to community housing providers for redevelopment has begun slowly. But it could begin in earnest within the next two years.

For example, MA Housing - a separate organisation established by Mission Australia in 2008 to provide social and affordable rental housing to low and moderate income individuals and families - now owns and manages 1000 homes, mostly awarded in a competitive tender that was part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan in NSW.

But our long-term vision is to own 10,000 homes by borrowing against our properties and using capital and planning support from government and partnerships with the private sector.

All it would take is boldness by state and territory governments to unleash the capacity of this and other not-for-profit housing associations to achieve similar levels of growth around the country.

That doesn't mean simply opening a door for the community housing sector and stepping out of the frame. The sort of investment needed will require partnerships between governments, community housing associations, developers, builders and banks of a size rarely seen in Australia.

Before coming to Australia, I was deeply involved in the regeneration of one of London's worst housing projects, the Stonebridge Estate in the city's north-west. Plagued by substandard housing, high unemployment, crime and poor health and education services, it was used in the early seasons of the British police drama, The Bill, as the backdrop for that program's infamous Jasmine Allen Estate.

The urban renewal of Stonebridge was a $1.3 billion project that successfully delivered more than 1200 affordable dwellings along with 900 private homes, health, retail and sports facilities and open space.

And it was only by developing those partnerships that we were able to deliver such a monumental project. It's the sort of approach we need more of in Australia.

Results such as Stonebridge will also require ''layers of funding'' - a mix of annual capital grants with money from the wider business community, creative land deals and sustainable levels of debt and equity - and local government needs to play its part. We can no longer afford knee-jerk negative responses to the prospect of affordable housing projects.

Finally, proposed national registration standards for community housing providers can't happen quickly enough. Present regulations vary from state to state and are often unnecessarily paternalistic and restrictive.

With Australia facing a housing shortage the size of a city in less than 20 years, more of the same will not cut it. The most vulnerable Australians need their governments to show a new willingness to tackle the issue and some visionary leadership.

Andrew McAnulty is Chief Executive of MA Housing and Chair of the NSW Government's Affordable Housing Taskforce.

Support Andrew at the CEO CookOff!
Andrew will be donning an apron on Monday as part of the CEO CookOff to help raise funds for Mission Australia. A joint initiative of OzHarvest and Qantas, this Sydney event will bring together 30 celebrity chefs and CEOs to raise awareness around food security and homelessness.

To get behind Andrew’s fundraising efforts please visit his CEO CookOff page.

To learn more about the work being done to overcome the housing shortfall, download the 2011 MA Housing Annual Report.

Common Ground Sydney supportive housing initiative opens doors

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:42:00 +0000

Sydney’s landmark supportive housing initiative – Common Ground Sydney – was opened today by the Federal Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness, Senator Mark Arbib, the NSW Minister for Community Services, Pru Goward and the NSW Minister for Finance and Services, Greg Pearce.

The $33 million Camperdown development aims to reduce homelessness and tackle Sydney’s affordable housing crisis.

Common Ground Sydney (CGS) offers a range of housing options for both homeless people and those on low incomes, complemented by a suite of on-site support services, in a purpose-built building.

Based on the successful Common Ground model in New York, which also now operates in Melbourne and Adelaide (Common Ground projects in Brisbane and Hobart are under construction), the development focuses on long-term solutions to homelessness rather than just offering a bed for the night.

MA Housing’s CEO, Andrew McAnulty, said the Common Ground model had a long track record of success and its approach was proven to reduce homelessness.

“The Common Ground model shows that providing homeless people with safe, secure, long-term accommodation and access to support services in the same location gives them the best chance of getting their lives back on track,” said Mr McAnulty.

“Data from Common Ground New York shows that between 2005 and 2007, this approach helped reduce homelessness by 87 per cent in the Times Square area, and by 43 per cent in the surrounding 230 blocks of West Midtown. We aim to emulate that sort of success here.”

Common Ground Sydney will house 104 units, as well as space to accommodate key social services. Fifty-two are set aside for chronically homeless people, 10 units are for general social housing tenants and 42 are for affordable housing tenants.

Affordable housing tenants are generally employed people on low incomes who are not eligible for public housing.

Common Ground Sydney will assist previously homeless tenants to make the transition to long-term accommodation by providing tailored services such as mental health, counselling, vocational training, fitness classes, living skills and financial management.

A social enterprise (a business that also provides social outcomes) will also be developed on-site to provide learning, training and employment opportunities.

Jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, MA Housing will manage the building and provide tenancy management services to residents.

A range of support services will be provided by the ‘Inner City Coalition’, which comprises Haymarket Foundation, Salvation Army, Wesley Mission, The Society for Vincent de Paul and lead agency Mission Australia.

“This is the biggest single initiative in the area of supportive housing that Sydney’s seen for many years,” said Mr McAnulty.

“It’s a huge undertaking and both the NSW and Australian Governments together with the Common Ground Alliance should be congratulated for getting behind the project and supporting it so significantly.

“Grocon must also be recognised for its enormous contribution to the project having undertaken its construction at cost.”

“Now that Common Ground Sydney is officially open our people are looking forward to helping residents settle into their new homes and getting the building running at full capacity,” said Mr McAnulty.

Media enquiries
Paul Andrews
P: 02 9219 2080
M: 0409 665 495

To view photos from today’s opening visit our Facebook page

Mission Australia’s Danielle shares her story in White Ribbon Woman’s Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 23:14:00 +0000

In this week’s White Ribbon issue of Woman’s Day, Danielle Guttridge – Mission Australia Case Manager for Brighter Futures in Cootamundra – tells how she turned her life around after suffering years of domestic violence.

Two-and-a-half years ago, Danielle escaped an abusive relationship with her three children and nothing more than the clothes on their backs.

The young mum ended up staying in a relative’s empty home in Cootamundra, which is where she self-referred to Brighter Futures.

This early intervention service provides support for families who have children aged eight or under and are facing issues such as domestic violence, parental drug and alcohol abuse, mental health issues or learning difficulties.

Brighter Futures helped Danielle to find secure accommodation, provided her daughters with school uniforms and placed her youngest child in childcare. They also assisted her to enrol in further education so she could study a Certificate IV in Community Services.

After volunteering with Mission Australia, she worked in administration with us and then applied for a position with Brighter Futures in July 2011, and kicked off her new career.

In this week Woman’s Day, Danielle speaks of her remarkable transformation from a life of abuse to becoming a successful career woman who now helps others who are escaping domestic violence.

“I’m living proof you can escape an abusive relationship and restore your life,” she tells Woman’s Day. “I just wish I’d had the courage to pick up the girls and leave earlier. Thankfully I finally did.

“No man has the right to make you feel ugly, worthless or ashamed. No man has the right to hit you, ridicule or enslave you. No-one does.”

To read more about Danielle’s inspiring journey pick up a copy of this week’s Woman’s Day. The issue also features strong woman such as Melissa Doyle, Giaan Rooney, Carrie Bickmore, Chris Bath and Sandra Sully speaking out in support of White Ribbon Day – which aims to stop violence towards women.

To support White Ribbon Day on November 25, visit myoath.com.au.

You can also read more about Danielle’s amazing journey in the Summer 2011 issue of Transformations - Mission Australia's quarterly newsletter.

WA youth express themselves in photos

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:41:00 +0000

Photo entitled 'Shelter'

With Mission Australia’s help, a group of young West Australians have used photography to express themselves, with the results appearing in a new exhibition at the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries.

The Me In My World exhibition is the result of Mission Australia Community Services in Bunbury asking 30 young people, aged from eight to 25, to use photography to convey how they see themselves within their local community.

Local Mission Australia Team Leader Robyn Calcutt said the exhibition, which has been held every year since 2008, provided a way for the young people from our FACE and Navig8 programs to reflect on who they are and often provided opportunities for therapeutic interventions.

FACE, which stands for Family Alcohol and Community Education, works with 10 to 15 years olds with a family member or carer who misuse drugs and or alcohol.

Navig8, provides transitional support for young people aged 14 to 25 who are in or have recently left Department for Child Protection (DCP) state care, and helps provide pathways to independence.

Using a camera donated by Harvey Norman, Mission Australia case workers helped the young people to create visual statements.

‘‘It has been a pleasure to work with our young people and help them to represent their ideas visually,’’ Ms Calcutt told The South Western Times.

‘‘We are looking forward to the opportunities that the Photovoice Exhibition will provide in showcasing the photographic results of their ideas to the community.

‘‘We have noticed that those who have participated have not only experienced the initial excitement that this project creates for them, but those who have ongoing involvement have increased personal ownership and creativity in how they express and perceive themselves in their local communities.’’

The exhibition runs until 9 December at the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries, 64 Wittenoom Street, Bunbury. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, and entry is free.

To view a selection of the Me In My World photos, visit facebook.com/missionaust

Rebels with a cause

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:15:00 +0000

Eight new RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels recently spent a day out in the field getting to know more about Mission Australia’s work in Victoria.

Held on 28 October, Rebels With A Cause Day saw Eddie Aholele, Nic Stirzaher and Cadeyrn Neville spend the morning taking part in Walkfest in Dandenong.

People of all abilities and nationalities participated in this 1 kilometre walk from the Pop-Up-Park, which was constructed by Mission Australia’s Urban Renewal social enterprise, to Hemmings Park.

Players even manned the My Future Community Garden stall that had been set up in the Pop-Up Park to encourage locals to get involved in the communal patch.

Meanwhile, Mitch Inman and James King spent time with Mission Australia’s Maroondah Employment Solutions (ES) team. They began the day with a visit to our local National Green Jobs Corps project on the Mullum Mullum Creek Cultural Heritage Trail, which runs through Ringwood.

The players were shown the heritage orchard that was recently planted by NGJC participants and enjoyed lunch in an area that the young men are transforming into a landscaped picnic area, which will be completed in time for the summer school holidays.

“It was great to see the young men on this program exchanging stories with the players, who in turn told them about their experiences as professional sportsmen who are fulfilling their potential,” said Steve Shankie, Mission Australia’s Social Enterprise Coordinator for the Mullum Mullum project.

“There was good interaction between them, and wonderful to see the young players take such an interest.”

Later in the day the players met local job seekers and gained an insight into the work our ES teams are doing in the local community.

In Frankston, Lloyd Johansson, Paul Alo Emile and Isaiah ‘Izzy’ Moses visited an Urban Renewal worksite in Frankston.

Trainees took time out from working on a landscaping project at the Milpara Community Hub to show the players around and play a quick game of touch football. One triple try-scorer made such an impression that the Rebels told the trainee he should sign up with them!

“The trainees got a great deal from it and for the rest of the day were on top of the world onsite,” said Urban Renewal Manager Chris Hawken. “They were even the envy of the other trades at the job.”

The RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels selected Mission Australia as a charity partner at the beginning of the 2011 Super Rugby season. Throughout the year they have been supporting young people by supporting youth programs such as Charcoal Lane and Urban Renewal.

Rebels With A Cause Day 2011 was a great success and Mission Australia thanks the Rebels for their fantastic support throughout the year.

Featherweight packs a double whammy

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:22:00 +0000

A trainee demonstrates the

filling process at yesterday’s

Featherweight launch.

Ever wondered where old mattresses go when they die? If they’re lucky they end up at Mission Australia's new Featherweight recycling enterprise in Bellambi where they’re reborn as punching bags.

One of a growing number of Mission Australia social enterprises based in the Illawarra that aims to tackle the two issues of waste and local unemployment, Featherweight was officially launched on Tuesday at an on-site ceremony.

Among the guests at yesterday’s launch were representatives from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), Disability Employment Services, Mission Australia Community Services as well as local Job Services Australia providers.

Guests were treated to a demonstration of how cotton stripped from old mattresses and clothes from our Big Heart op shops are used to fill punching bags, goalpost pads and sports equipment. The filling machine, constructed by the Illawarra’s own JME Engineering, is believed to be the only one of its type.

The finished punching bags and padded equipment is then packed off to Spartan Sports, based in nearby Warilla.

Featherweight builds on the success of Soft Landing, a social enterprise that strips mattresses of all their useful, recyclable parts such as timber and metal.

It received Australian Government funding via the Innovation Fund, which is a component of Job Services Australia.

The business targets employing local job seekers who are Aboriginal or who have a disability. Over a two-year period the Featherweight team will comprise 11 trainees, 10 casual staff and also provide 40 work-experience positions.

Featherweight’s green contribution
In the next three years, Featherweight is expected to divert 985,680kg of product from landfill and into punching bags, and will recycle more than 677,680kg of steel. This equates to 1,663,440 kg of product diverted from landfill.

Media coverage - Albert & Logan News: Award for Super effort

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 23:38:00 +0000

9 November 2011

SUPER A-Mart Warehouse at Woodridge has been rewarded for its efforts providing job opportunities to local job-seekers, reports today’s Albert and Logan News.

The warehouse took out the first local Mission Australia's Employer Award, which was open to all local employers who used Mission Australia's Employment Solutions.

Working with the organisation, Super A-Mart provided 14 local job-seekers with steady employment and training opportunities over the past year.

Warehouse manager Ji Petrovic said he was pleased to give local job-seekers a chance at employment. "The store is dedicated to helping local job-seekers turn their lives around," he said.

Business Manager at Mission Employment Solutions Woodridge, Robert Kennard, said Super A-Mart had shown a real interest in helping local job-seekers find work.

Super A-Mart Woodridge is now in the running for the Mission Australia Employer National Award, with the winner being announced on 22 November.

If you are a business who would like to give the gift of employment, please visit the
Mission Australia Employment Solutions website.

Going the extra mile for Australians in need

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 03:38:00 +0000

Phillip and Kalliopi Kazanis

Last month husband and wife team Phillip and Kalliopi Kazanis took their love of walking to the next level as they took on 50km of The Great North Walk in a single day to raise funds for Mission Australia.

Originally the trip was planned as a personal physical challenge but the philanthropic couple decided it would be a great opportunity to support a charity:

“While we quite often donate directly to charities we thought this time we’d like to use our own personal challenge to support a charity we believe in,” said Kalliopi.

The pair was thrilled when they exceeded their fundraising goal of $1,000, which will go directly to helping families experiencing disadvantage in the lead up to Christmas.

Their motivation for fundraising came from when they were living in Hornsby several years ago. Walking home from the local shops they would often pass a local gentleman experiencing homelessness.

When they could they would stop and speak briefly with him, sharing some of the food they had bought. But one day they found he was no longer in his usual spot.

“We’ve often wondered about what happened to him and where he had ended up and this makes us even more appreciative of the work that Mission Australia carries out every day for so many Australians.”

The couple’s challenge was no small feat. Established in 1988, the Great North Walk began as a bicentennial project and is now managed by the NSW Lands Department and stretches from Sydney to Newcastle. The track spans over 250km and crosses pubic roads, national parks, state forests and private farms.

Kalliopi explained that preparation was the key: “We walked each leg of the 50km as training, so when we finally did it, we had gone through all the parts individually.

We also trained at the gym when we could. We do a lot of walking but this is far and away the biggest challenge we’ve set ourselves.”

Mission Australia would like to congratulate Phillip and Kalliopi and thank them both for their support. You can still make a donation to the Kazanis family by going to their fundraising page.

You can also help us to support Australian families in need by donating to the Mission Australia Christmas Appeal.

NEIS helps Dang grow fruitful business

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:41:00 +0000

Dang, Mission Australia Business

Manager Jillian and DEEWR Contract

Manager Rob Hudson.

There’s a world of difference between running a seafood restaurant in bustling Bangkok and growing tropical fruit and vegetables in Humpty Doo, 40 kilometres south-east of Darwin.

Just ask Phatchathorn Khammathit, or Dang, as she prefers to be called.

“When I arrived I did not speak English and there was no transportation,” Dang explained. “I got casual jobs at the nearby farms picking mangoes, pawpaws, jackfruit and dragon fruit.

The work was seasonal but I learned to pick and pack the fruit. During the past six years I have learned all facets of operating a farm.”

Dang discovered there was a gap in the market: ‘There is always a short supply of the highest-quality chillies and eggplant varieties. This is true all year round, but especially during the Dry Season when it is too cold in capital cities down south to grow the fruit and vegetables. Buyers will pay the higher price if the produce is of the highest quality.’

With help from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations’ New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) program, operated in Darwin by Mission Australia, Dang has started her own small business.

“Historically, I had operated a small business enterprise in my native Thailand. Hence I had an overall understanding of running a small business. But I still had trouble with the small business course because I cannot read English. So an interpreter was arranged for me and, with her help, I passed the course.”

“I now rent a small farm and have started supplying the market with the best-quality fruit and vegetables. My primary objective is to achieve self-sufficiency with income earned from operating a successful business.”

Dang is one of over 6,000 job seekers in Australia each year who are assisted by the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme to help establish viable small businesses. NEIS involves completing a three-month accredited training course in small business. During this time, the job seeker prepares a business plan.

Once approved, the job seeker is able to start their own business. Support is provided by professional consultants, who offer guidance with marketing, finance and government regulations.

Importantly, the job seeker continues to receive their income support for the first 12 months while the business is being established.

Start your own business
Each year Mission Australia helps hundreds of Australian job seekers like Dang to start their own businesses. To learn more visit our Employment Solutions website.

Rossmore Community Preschool celebrates new look

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:55:00 +0000

Mission Australia’s Rossmore Community Preschool in Sydney’s south-west officially revealed its renovations to the local community at a mid-week celebration.

Mission Australia State Director Leonie Green was joined at the opening ceremony by James Toomey, who is Mission Australia’s Acting Executive Leader Community Services, and the Member for Camden, Chris Patterson.

The renovations were officially opened by Rossmore Community Preschool’s Service Manager, Sheryl Amann, who cut a mini-Rossmore cake made by a preschooler’s parent (pictured).

The renovations include a new playground area and playroom, a new disability access ramp, a nappy change facility that includes a hydraulic lift.

Ms Annan said the renovations will mean the preschool will have better facilities for its students with a disability.

“At Rossmore, we have a target of 20 per cent of our enrolment being students with a disability, as well as a further 10 per cent with special needs. So these renovations are really important to us in that they will better cater for these kids.”

“It is also in line with the NSW Government’s Preschool growth program, which aims to have all children, particularly those with disabilities, have access to a preschool program.” She added that the new playground area will also ensure that children can easily access the natural environment.

“Having access to the natural environment is really important,” she said. “Children aged up to five are at their most important stage of development and their learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, is critical in shaping their future health, learning and social ability.”

These renovations have also allowed the preschool to increase their enrolment capacity from 25 children to 40 children per day.

Part of the community:
Rossmore Community Preschool is situated on the same grounds as Rossmore Public School and is on the fringe of four city council areas including Camden, Liverpool, Penrith and Campbelltown. It is an important part of the local part of the community, having begun in 1983, with Mission Australia taking over the operation in 1997.

Rossmore prides itself on working in partnership with families to build on their children’s strengths, support their areas of need and prepare them for their next educational setting. Parents are offered educational programs about child development and other areas of interest throughout the year.

Funding for the renovations was possible thanks to a range of NSW Government programs – the Preschool Growth Program, the Community Building Partnership Program.

Find out more:
Learn more about this community service and download a fact sheet at the Rossmore Community Preschool page.

Watch CYI students share their stories

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:03:00 +0000

CYI student

How do you do your homework if you’re worried about finding a bed? And where do you go when your parents kick you out?

These are questions too many young Australians are forced to answer. But with the help of Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives, young people have been finding their own path to a better future, through music and art.

Based in Sydney’s Surry Hills, CYI provides free creative programs for young people who are facing challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, family breakdown and unemployment.

Two CYI programs – Artworks and Sounds Of The Street - help young people to develop their creativity, self-expression and communication skills through visual arts and music.

Last month our wonderful supporters who spent the night in Sydney’s Centennial Parklands as part of HRX Sleepout raised more than $100,000 for services to help people find a way out of homelessness - including Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI).

HRX Sleepout was a huge success, with films and rugby screened as well as music from the likes of Hayley Warner and Mission Australia Ambassador Paul Costa, who slept out overnight.

A highlight of the night was a performance by 10 CYI past and present CYI students - watch the video below:

Mission Australia - Sleepout - Stories From The Street from Brent Pearson on Vimeo.

In this video, sponsored by HRX and first shown to our supporters sleeping out in Centennial Parklands - Nate, Kyle and Hayley - three young people who got their lives back on track thanks to CYI, share their moving stories with us.

Outpost begins!
Good luck to CYI Artworks student Roley, who is participating in an exclusive street art workshop to be held on Cockatoo Island this month as part of Outpost.

Running from 4 November to 11 December, Outpost is the largest street art festival ever held in Australia, and will feature some of the best contemporary artists from this country and overseas.

Only 20 young artists in New South Wales have been given the opportunity to participate in the workshop with visiting Outpost artists Miso and Beastman.

Roley will not only work with the artists over two days, but will also have the opportunity to exhibit his artwork as part of the festival.

Media coverage - The Goulburn Post: Helping out with the kids a grand idea

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:13:00 +0000

2 November 2011

More and more grandparents are sacrificing their retirement to take care of their grandkids as divorce and family breakdown take an increasing toll on the community, writes David Butler in The Goulburn Post.

While most grandparents love their grandkids and are happy to take them in, the constant challenge of looking after kids can be stressful at a time of life where retirees are looking to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.

Mission Australia's local support group for grandparents caring for their grandkids is helping to ease the strain by providing a regular opportunity for grandparents to catch up and share their own parenting challenges, and find support from those in a similar situation.

The group is still in its early stages and is keen to hear from more grandparents who have suddenly found themselves the primary carers of their grandkids.

Group members Trish Anderson and John O'Connor have been caring for their 11-year-old grandson for most of his life, and told the Post that they found a lot of support within the group.

"Having a group allows you to share information and helps you to break the isolation," Mrs Anderson said. "People are thrust into this situation suddenly and they're not aware of the help that's out there and available to them."

Mr O'Connor added that the information available within the group was an asset for all grandparent carers. "This group gives for the ladies in particular a chance to get together in a closed group and talk about the problems they're having, as well as providing us with information on all the support that's available," he said.

Mrs Anderson and fellow group member Mel Salmon shared a laugh about returning to a parenting role again. "You've got to learn the names of all the dinosaurs again and all of the Wiggles' songs," she said.

The grandparents' group meets fortnightly at the Mission Australia Community Services building, located at 142 Sloane Street. Those interested in joining the group are invited to contact Natalie Pearman on (04) 8860 9726 or John O'Connor on (04) 0844 0093.

Do you need support?

Shoalhaven region - New South Wales
Mission Australia provides support through its Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, which is run by Mission Australia in Nowra in partnership with the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

For more information call (02) 4824 4000.

Tasmania
Mission Australia also operated two grandparent support services in Tasmania, delivered by our Gateway Services. The Tasmanian services also provide support to grandparents and other relatives, such as aunts and uncles, who have assumed the role of primary carers of their grandchildren or related children.

For more information call (03) 6282 2700 (South East) or (03) 6420 6800 (North West).

Melbourne’s City2Sea needs you!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 22:51:00 +0000

On Sunday 13 November, the same team who developed Sydney’s City2Surf will bring you a new 14km fun run for Melbourne.

The Sunday Age City2Sea, presented by Westpac, will see more than 10,000 people take over the streets of Melbourne in a physical challenge that raises money for charities all over Australia.

Registrations are open to run, walk or hot-shoe shuffle your way through the scenic streets of Melbourne, finishing down at the lovely Port Phillip Bay.

If you’re in or around Melbourne that weekend, invite a friend and spend some quality time together, or use the day as a personal challenge in preparation for summer.

Register today!

New this year
City2Sea is generously making a donation to each volunteer’s charity of choice. That means by volunteering on the day and supporting a charity you love, you will also ensure more dollars are going to where they are needed.

So, if you don’t like running, why not get a group of friends together and volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to support Mission Australia if you aren’t up to the 14km challenge. It’s also a fantastic chance to spend time with friends and be part of a Melbourne celebration.

Get your friends together and email the Mission Australia Community Fundraising team so we can get as many volunteers as possible on the day!

How to get involved

Further reading
City2Sea is just one of several running events that Mission Australia supporters have taken part in this year. Read about these events - and if you live outside of Melbourne, start planning for the 2012 marathon season.

Roma House adventure program recognised with award

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:53:00 +0000

Julie Attwood MP presents Julia Clifford,
Kathryn Haisty, Tetera Tama and Amanda
Smith from Roma House with their award.

An innovative Mission Australia "bush therapy" program offering outdoor adventures to people who are homeless or struggling with disadvantage has taken out a major prize at the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Awards.

Mission Australia's Adventure Based Learning program, which is run out of Roma House was recognised for encouraging participation in outdoor recreation.

The program's Wild Earth Adventures aims to help Roma House residents to set life goals, build self-esteem and reconnect with nature through single and multi-day group activities, including kayaking, high ropes, camping and hiking.

Mission Australia Queensland State Director Penny Gillespie said it was great to see the program recognised at the prestigious awards ceremony.

"This is a program that is changing people's lives," Ms Gillespie said. "It allows the participants to challenge themselves physically and mentally, to do things many of them never would have contemplated in their lives.

"This year, groups have taken part in kayaking trips to Fraser Island and along the Noosa River, mountain hikes in the Scenic Rim and high-ropes courses.

Being away from the issues they are facing on the city streets, in a drug and alcohol-free environment, allows them to explore new ways to overcome the challenges they are dealing with and feel good about what they can achieve.

"The trips have proven to be a great experience for the clients and staff, as an innovative approach to bush therapy. Many of the participants have now taken part in multiple adventures, and see them as a great chance to get outdoors, develop new skills and make lasting friendships.

"This is a wonderful example of how thinking outside the box can lead to great result for people who are struggling.

"Our staff have shown great innovation and also commitment in developing the program to help give participants a better chance at transforming their lives."

The annual awards, run by the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Association aim to recognise excellence and innovation in the outdoor recreation sector. This year's final awards night was held at the Greek Club in Brisbane last Friday night.

The Encouraging Participation in outdoor recreation prize was also jointly awarded to DETOUR Youth Program (Parkour), UnitingCare Community Townsville.

Roma House’s Adventure Based Coordinator, Amanda Smith, said that the team had just finished planning its 2012 calendar, and next year will offer sailing expeditions along with equine therapy, surfing, rock climbing and abseiling, canoeing, bush walking and semi remote camping.

To learn more about Roma House’s adventure-based learning programs, view the following short video:

For more information or to support this project please contact Amanda at SmithAma@missionaustralia.com.au or call (07) 3839 1826.

Further reading:
‘Our Wild Earth Adventuerers return’

Avoid being taken for a ride this Melbourne Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:44:00 +0000

The Melbourne Cup – commonly know as the ‘race that stops a nation’ – is one of the most loved fixtures on the Australian events calendar.

But while there is fun to be had in a flutter, it is important to keep in mind a few tips to avoid the empty wallet and low mood that can result in a gambling hangover the morning after the Cup.

Mission Australia’s Nowra Gambling Counsellor, Greg Isles, is encouraging people to keep a cool head when gambling on this year’s Cup and says:

“It can be easy to lose track of how much we bet and easier still to be tempted to keep the party going by playing the pokies after the race. That’s a quick path to a gambling hangover. The number one rule is to only bet what you can afford to lose."

“Pre-selecting your bets and filling betting slips out at home before heading to the venue is a sensible way to manage the temptation to over-spend. Similarly, not taking ATM or credit cards with you to the event is another way to safeguard yourself.

“Don’t bet on every race and only take the cash you need to pay for the day’s entertainment including: drinks and lunch, transport and the pre-determined amount you have chosen to wager.”

Mr Isles also says that mixing drinking and gambling can be risky, as it lowers inhibitions, so punters should set themselves an alcohol limit.

Mr Isles goes on to say that ultimately, it is about remembering that when gambling, you should be viewing it as entertainment – meaning that an occasional win is an added bonus but you should not be relying on the winnings.

“Most people can gamble responsibly and enjoy events such as the Melbourne Cup without any problem. However, our gambling counselling services often see an increase in gambling among clients at this time of the year.”

“We ask people at this time of year to keep an eye out for friends and family who might be showing the warning signs of having a gambling problem. The earlier someone gets help, the better the outcome.

“A preoccupation with gambling is an obvious sign that an individual is getting in to the danger zone, in addition to spending more money than planned on the day.

“Becoming anxious or zoned out while gambling is another warning sign, as is showing symptoms of a gambling hangover: feeling sick, depressed and regretful.

“When people start chasing their losses it is clear that gambling has become an issue and this is when people need to seek help – if not sooner.”

Help if you need it:

For help with gambling problems in Nowra call your local Mission Australia RGF-Funded (Responsible Gambling Fund) Counselling Service for free counselling on (02) 4422 0455.

Mission Australia now runs gambling counselling services in the ACT. We also offer gambling support in Campbelltown, Wollongong, Campsie, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Griffith, Campsie, Moss Vale, Newcastle and Wagga Wagga.

If you or someone you know needs support to overcome a gambling addiction you can also visit our Triple R Services website.

Melbourne Cup 2010 – the facts:

Tabcorp customers wagered $110 million on the 150th running of the Emirates Melbourne Cup.
NSW TAB punters wagered $58.0 million on the Melbourne Cup ($56.0 million in 2009) through the tote and $73.5 million on the entire Flemington 10-race meeting ($72.1 million in 2009).
Victorian TAB tote customers wagered $40.2 million on the Melbourne Cup ($40.1 million in 2009) and $70 million on the entire Flemington 10-race meeting ($70.8 million in 2009).
The community also spent almost $12 million on fixed odds Melbourne Cup betting through TAB Fixed Odds (up 58 per cent on previous year) and online betting.

Media coverage - madison: madison takes to the road with Missionbeat

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:28:00 +0000

Daniel Strickland
Manager of Missionbeat

20 October 2011

Alexandra Carlton of madison magazine recently spent a wintry evening with Daniel Strickland, the Manager of Mission Australia's Missionbeat service, which patrols the streets of Sydney supporting the inner-city’s homeless population.

As Daniel explains in the article – which is featured in this month’s issue of madison – this vital service is sometimes the only lifeline that rough sleepers have.

“Social isolation is one of the hardest things to deal with when you’re homeless,” he said.. “People ignore you or make no eye contact.

“We’re here to do what we can to assist people who need us from point of crisis to point of safety. But sometimes a simple “Hi, how are you?” is the best we can do.” You can read the article on the madison website, or pick up a copy of the magazine.

You can also learn more about how Missionbeat reaches out people living on Sydney’s streets by viewing Pearls - a short documentary by Central Coast film-maker and Tropfest NY 2008, Jason van Genderen.

Pearls is “told by the voices and experiences of Sydney's homeless”. Watch video below:

Pearls from jasonvangenderen on Vimeo.

Follow the Charcoal Lane story through film

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:05:00 +0000

This week, our partners at Citi Australia, are presenting a series of short videos about Charcoal Lane – Mission Australia’s social enterprise restaurant in Melbourne.

Charcoal Lane enables Aboriginal and disadvantaged young people to gain experience in a supported, real work environment while building personal skills and gaining accredited education in hospitality.

Located in an grand old bluestone building at 136 Gertrude Street, Charcoal Lane specialises in modern cuisine infused with native flavours. Over the past two years it has built up a reputation for fine food, and even featured in the Age Good Food Guide 2011.

Two trainees – James and Marley – feature in today’s video. If you’re a regular visitor to the Mission Australia website or the Mission Australia Facebook page you’ll be familiar with Marley’s story. Throughout the year her dedication was recognised with several awards.

She began by winning the Apprenticeships Plus Monthly Apprentice/Trainee Award for March and was later a finalist in the Koorie Student of the Year in the Victorian Training Awards for “outstanding achievement”, particularly during Charcoal Lane’s Taste of Reconciliation Lunch on Melbourne’s Sandridge Bridge.

Marley topped off the year by winning the Employability Award at Mission Australia’s inaugural Social Enterprise Awards. During 2011 Marley became something of a spokesperson for the Fitzroy restaurant, talking about her training experiences in local newspapers and on Aboriginal TV station NITV.

"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. “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.

‎To view the first video (Part 1), which will be posted today at 12.30pm, simply “like” facebook.com/citiaustralia. It will also be posted on our Facebook wall – facebook.com/missionaust

The series of video vignettes exploring the work being done at this special restaurant will unfold over the next few weeks to coincide with this months’ Presidents Cup, the prestigious international golfing tournament that Citi is a global partner of.

For the past two years Mission Australia has been one of Citi’s key community partners, working with us to establish a Financial Education, Counselling and Community Hub in south west Sydney as well as supporting Charcoal Lane, so we were thrilled to be chosen as Citi’s charity partner for the 2011 Presidents Cup.

Racers near the finish line

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:23:00 +0000

The 21 Race to Survive teams have wrapped up their third day of challenges on the Sunshine Coast.

Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia is a challenge of stamina, strength, speed and strategy – ultimately with the goal of raising $250,000 for a range of Mission Australia services across the country. The 21 racing teams will wind up the challenge on Saturday.

Over the past three days the teams have kayaked, hiked, cycled and run through the depths of thick native forest.

Along the way, their fundraising efforts were captured by the media, and featured on both the WIN Sunshine Coast and Seven Sunshine Coast nightly news bulletins.

Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia is a challenge of stamina, strength, speed and strategy – ultimately with the goal of raising $250,000 for a range of Mission Australia services across the country. The 21 racing teams will wind up the challenge on Saturday.

For those who weren't part of the Race to Survive fun this week on the Sunshine Coast, here are a couple short clips:

Day 1 - Video

Day 2 - Video

Thanks again to all the amazing racers, as well as the friends and family who have supported them, for making such a huge effort for Mission Australia services.

Have a restful weekend!

Media Coverage - The Courier Mail: State of inaction keeps kids in poverty

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:11:00 +0000

Penny Gillespie, Mission Australia’s
State Director Queensland

28 October 2011

In a country acknowledged for its economic management after emerging relatively unscathed from the global financial crisis, it is a shocking indictment that there are still so many children living in poverty, writes Penny Gillespie, Mission Australia’s State Director Queensland, in today’s Courier Mail.

With all the prosperity in our nation, surely this should not be the case, but the reality is thousands of Australian - and Queensland - children are homeless or going without basic essentials. Thousands more are at risk of such circumstances.

More than 84,000 Australian children under 18 in the company of a parent or guardian sought help from a specialist homelessness service in 2009-10.

Even more startling, 82 per cent of couples with children and 67 per cent of sole-parent families were turned away from services because of the system's lack of capacity.

Any parent with schoolchildren need only think of their child's year group and it's likely there will be at least one student experiencing homelessness or at risk of doing so.

As a parent, I am horrified by this statistic. I doubt you will find a Queenslander who doesn't agree with the sentiment that no child should go without. Yet somehow, so many do.

As we celebrate National Children's Week this week, now is the time to respond to kids living in poverty and give them the best chance at a happy and healthy childhood.

Mission Australia works with some of the most vulnerable kids in our communities, helping them when they are in crisis or when their families are struggling.

Go to Courier Mail website for the full article.

Further reading:

Homeless children left in the cold by patchwork reform

Read this article on the Courier mail website

Let’s celebrate grandparents

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:09:00 +0000

The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that there are 14,000 grandparents caring for children in this country.

It’s thought many more grandparents are not included in official statistics because they are unaware of where to turn for financial, practical and emotional support.

On Sunday 30 October, the NSW Government will officially recognise this amazing contribution through the inaugural Grandparents Day.

As part of this initiative, a wide range of Grandparents Day activities and events will be held across New South Wales.

As we approach this inaugural day, we’d like to highlight Mission Australia’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program in the Shoalhaven region in NSW.

This program includes a range of initiatives to assist grandparent-headed families to develop their parenting skills, confidence and self-esteem, while developing a support network with others in a similar situation.

Leonie Green, NSW State Director, Community Services, said the program provides educational workshops that assist grandparents to deal with the real complexities of parenting the second time round.

“Grandparents who raise grandchildren make a huge difference to the lives of these children. These grandparents deserve the community’s acknowledgement and its support,” said Leonie.

Earlier this year Mission Australia also opened two new Grandparent Services in Tasmania delivered by our Gateway Services. The Tasmanian services also provide support to grandparents and other relatives, such as aunts and uncles, who have assumed the role of primary carers of their grandchildren or related children.

For more information about the program in New South Wales call (02) 4422 0455.

For more information about the programs in Tasmania please call (03) 6282 2700 (South East) and (03) 6420 6800 (North West).

Grandparents Day will now be held every year on the last Sunday in October. For more information, visit www.adhc.nsw.gov.au. Mission Australia’s Research and Social Policy Unit (RSPU) is currently working on a research project into grandparents who care for their grandchildren.

Further reading:
The ‘Grandparents raising grandchildren NSW’ website is a resource for grandparents, relatives and kinship carers that provides information on services, networks, tips, stories and support services.

Family and Community Services New South Wales has set up a Grandparents Day web page that includes events and certificates and greeting cards that can be downloaded to show your appreciation for grandparents.

The Australian Government has this week released a new online resource to help out-of-home carers.

Life-changing uni course recognised at CAN Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:25:00 +0000

Media Release, 27 October 2011

A groundbreaking university course for people struggling with homelessness, mental illness and long-term unemployment has received a major gong at this year’s Community Action Network (CAN) Awards, celebrating the work and achievements of the people of inner-Brisbane.

Catalyst-Clemente – a joint project between Mission Australia and the Australia Catholic University in Brisbane – has been recognised for providing an Outstanding Educational Environment.

Mission Australia State Director Penny Gillespie said everyone involved in the Catalyst-Clemente program was very proud to have their work recognised with a CAN Award.

“The Catalyst-Clemente program is about giving people an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is sensitive to their individual circumstances,” Ms Gillespie said.

“Catalyst-Clemente students are often dealing with extremely complex issues such as homelessness, addiction, poverty and physical and mental health conditions.

“It’s a huge achievement for people struggling with these challenges to be able to apply themselves to a university subject. It’s even better to know the positive impact that participation is having.”

Ms Gillespie said the program provides accredited university courses in humanities subjects such as literature and Australian history as a step towards overcoming poverty and other serious challenges. The courses are conducted in a supportive setting that allows the students to reach their full potential.

“The fact is, we don’t all fit into a specific mould and “the system” doesn’t work for everyone,” Ms Gillespie said. But at Mission, we believe it shouldn’t be the case that those who “don’t fit” should miss out.

“This program provides an opportunity for people who were isolated from society to again engage in their community; to learn and to grow so they can make a contribution.

“Rather than another band-aid solution that is just about treating a problem – this actually helps empower people to overcome their issues altogether or stop them from being a barrier to living a positive and productive life.”

Ms Gillespie said the award comes at a pertinent time for the Catalyst-Clemente program.

“This program is funded entirely by community and philanthropic donations, and sadly those funds are running out,” Ms Gillespie said.

“At this stage, we will be unable to fund the program in Brisbane beyond June next year. We’re hopeful that the business community or government will recognise the benefits of this program – and the kind of difference it can make in the lives of people who are struggling in our society.

“It is not an expensive program to run, but it’s a truly worthwhile investment in the lives of Queenslanders who would otherwise be left behind.”

The Community Action Network (CAN) Awards are held at the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre every year. For more information about the awards contact (07) 3358 5600.

For more information about the Catalyst-Clemente program in Queensland, contact Mission Australia on (07) 3847 8411.

Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – (07) 3394 8114

Homeless children left in the cold by patchwork reform

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:30:00 +0000

One of the country’s largest providers of accommodation and support services for homeless people says Australia’s homeless children are being let down by a patchwork approach to their welfare and a lack of consistent support.

Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said that two years after the launch of the Federal Government’s White Paper on tackling homelessness, The Road Home, which promised a “specific focus on their needs”, too little was being done to address the plight of homeless children.

“The White Paper called for a specific focus on the needs of Australia’s homeless children but there hasn’t been enough action,” said Mr Hall.

“While the national homelessness strategy has resulted in a considerable injection of funds and positive activity in a range of areas, the most vulnerable members of the homeless population – children who are homeless – have largely been overlooked.

“There have been no clear national targets set for reducing the number of homeless children, no consistent national framework to address their needs and not enough in the way of increased resources.

“Across Australia’s homelessness system there is little consistency in the supports available to children and families. What might be offered to a child in one service isn’t necessarily available in another. Quality is also inconsistent. It truly is luck of the draw.

“For example, while some specialist homelessness services employ a Children’s Worker, the majority do not. At present, resources and funding are not adequate to address children’s needs in a consistent and systematic way.”

In 2009-10 more than 84,000 children (under 18) accessed a specialist homelessness service with a parent or guardian – equivalent to one in 60 Australian children and one in every 38 Australian children four years or younger.

These figures are likely to underestimate the number of homeless children as it only counts those who’ve accessed or tried to access a service.

Despite the demand, 82 per cent of couples with children and 67 per cent of sole parent families were turned away because of the system’s lack of capacity.

Mission Australia along with Hanover Welfare Services, the Social Policy Research Centre, the Australian Centre for Child Protection and the Institute of Child Protection Studies have today published a snapshot report on the plight of homeless children, Seen and heard: putting children on the homelessness agenda.

Drawing on research, including among frontline staff across 107 specialist homelessness services, it states that homeless children and families encounter three main challenges: accessing services, exiting the homelessness system, and dealing with the effects of homelessness on children.

“The first challenge homeless children and families face is getting the support they need. The rates at which children with an accompanying parent or parents are turned away from services speak volumes for the system’s inability to meet demand,” said Mr Hall.

“But once they’re in the system it’s incredibly challenging to get out. Many find themselves trapped and unable to access public housing or the private rental market, especially in capital cities.

“Finally, the impact of homelessness – and the homelessness system – on children is especially worrying. We know that homelessness among children can lead to developmental delays and poor health, and puts an enormous strain on the parent/child relationship.

“The frequency with which homeless children and their parents have to move because of the short-term availability of most crisis support leads to enormous disruption and impacts terribly on a child’s education.”

Mission Australia is calling on federal and state/territory governments to immediately pursue a range of actions to assist homeless children, including:

State and territory governments to prioritise housing support for homeless families, especially those with pre-school and school-aged children.
A national framework to address the needs of homeless children to guarantee consistency and quality of care.
Specific national targets to be set for reducing the number of homeless children.
Additional resources to ensure that all children entering the homelessness system are properly assessed in order to receive the most appropriate support.
Dedicated children’s workers to be introduced at all specialist homeless services that work with children.
Expansion of existing programs that have proved effective for homeless children and their families – for example, the Household Organisational Management Expenses (HOME) program, a national initiative that assists families with personal or financial challenges to maintain their tenancy or home ownership.
Continued efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing.

“There’s no doubt that we’ve seen more done in the area of homelessness in this country over the last few years than we’ve seen in a generation,” said Mr Hall.

“More funding and a real commitment to a range of serious issues: an increase in social and affordable housing, more assistance for rough sleepers, more preventative services to ‘turn off the tap’ and stop people becoming homeless.

“We also acknowledge that some states – South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Victoria – have made a start in addressing specific services to children.

“But New South Wales, Queensland, the ACT and the NT are lagging behind. It just confirms our point about national consistency. We can’t have patchwork action – it needs to be national.

“And while some of the White Paper’s broader efforts will have a positive impact on homeless children and families, what are missing are the specific and focussed initiatives on this very vulnerable client group. Surely they should be our first priority?” said Mr Hall.

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

Download Seen and heard: putting children on the homelessness agenda

Media coverage - The Bairnsdale Advertiser: Outstanding local employers

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:36:00 +0000

Kim and Mark Ashwood were thrilled to win
a Mission Australia Employment Award.

24 October 2011

A local concreting firm has been named as the Bairnsdale winner of Mission Australia Employment Solutions' inaugural Employer Awards.

The Bairnsdale Advertiser reported on Monday that the awards are aimed at recognising businesses for their role in transforming lives by giving someone a job.

M and K Ashwood won the award in recognition of its employment record particularly in terms of hiring Indigenous job seekers.

Open to all employers that use Mission Australia Employment Solutions and that have placed a Mission Australia job seeker in the last 12 months, M and K Ashwood emerged as the winner from an outstanding field of entries.

M and K Ashwood now goes into the running for the national award, which will be announced on November 22.

The national winner will be recognised at a gala dinner in Sydney and will receive a $5000 prize to be used for business development. Mission Australia Employment Solutions' East Gippsland Business Manager, Karen Jones, said M and K Ashwood had made an outstanding contribution to the community and regional economy through its commitment to local jobs.

"It was a tough field, but M and K Ashwood stood out for its dedication in helping local job seekers turn their lives around," Ms Jones said.

"Giving someone a job provides financial security and self-confidence; it also produces a tremendously positive ripple effect for families and the broader community.

"Each one of our winning employers has sent out hundreds of ripples by giving often struggling job seekers an opportunity. It's wonderful that we can recognise them for that.

"Demonstrating the ability to think long-term and employ local job seekers in order to grow your business and support the community despite the challenges takes a lot of commitment. Congratulations to the winners," Ms Jones said.

If you are a business who would like to give the gift of employment, please visit the Mission Australia Employment Solutions pages.

Is there a better approach to remote Aboriginal communities?

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:44:00 +0000

Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall

It’s perhaps the most commonly asked question I hear – “what can be done to help Aboriginal Australians?” And as we all know, there’s no easy answer. I think, like Noel Pearson, the solution is in increased self-determination for Aboriginal communities.

Everyone wants to do the right thing – governments, community agencies, businesses – but if anything we’re going backwards. As evidence, a recent Department of Finance Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure provides depressing reading.

It said that despite the Australian Government spending $3.5 billion on programs designed to assist Aboriginal Australians each year it had resulted in “dismally poor returns.” It also states that across a host of key social and economic indicators Aboriginal Australians were in no better position than they were in 1970. Forty years, tens of billions of dollars later, and little or no progress to report.

Jesus wept.

Australia grew on the back of smart communities that identified their own needs and objectives and then set out to achieve them. They didn’t wait for government. They got together and built the church, the school, the clinic. They planned and delivered on creating a community. Self-determination at its best.

Aboriginal communities survived pretty well on their own for tens of thousands of years using the same thought processes. However, in many Aboriginal communities the freedoms and opportunities associated with self-determination have been deferred to government over decades. And yet governments have, on the whole, failed miserably in managing these responsibilities.

So how do we give power back to these communities that have been starved of the opportunity to set their own course and where the individual skills needed to lead people in these endeavours have been blunted by years of welfare dependency? New Zealand might give us some ideas on how to achieve it.

The NZ Local Government Act of 2002 introduced a series of reforms to bring more community consultation and input into local decision-making. Communities were engaged in prioritising local needs and the actions required to address them. Slowly but surely the Act’s reforms – including the development of Long-Term Council Community Plans with input from local individuals and organisations – is giving people back their voice.

The same community development model is used by most NGOs. When they enter a community, agencies first seek to learn about local issues before helping people start on a journey of self-determination. This always starts with an end goal for which the community has responsibility for over the long-term.
If we want to see change in Aboriginal communities we need to create a model that is guided by sound community development principles, including:

Understanding the community;
Taking the community through a process to determine its future;
Helping the community fund and deliver that future; and
Handing total authority back to the community.

This approach will need long-term funding commitments – funding of programs for 15-20 years, not the one to three year contracts we currently see in place. With long-term government funding, corporate investment will follow.

In some places I suggest what’s needed is little other than government getting out of people’s way. But in other places there’s no question more significant support is needed.

Organisations like Mission Australia, World Vision, Oxfam, Plan International, Anglicare and Uniting Care – along with Indigenous agencies – are well placed to provide that support.

We cannot provide the answers. But what we can do is guide communities in finding the answers to their problems. Our job is to provide the catalyst for change and help deliver self determination through good governance and long-term planning. That planning must include NGOs getting out of the way when our job is done, not putting down roots and assuming the ‘dead hand’ role that governments and bureaucracies currently play.

Every dollar that is spent on delivering programs in Aboriginal communities should be directed by them, not governments. But to achieve this, radical change is needed. The various failed approaches to Aboriginal welfare and development that governments have taken for more than 40 years must be jettisoned for policies that champion communities and which return decision-making to their ranks.

This blog by Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall appeared on the Centre for Social Impact website on Monday 24 October.

The 2011 Race to Survive off to a flying start

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Australia) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:11:00 +0000

Two racers take a break after their
gruelling challenge this morning.

Accor and Mission Australia officially launched Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia last night at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort race headquarters.

Local Aboriginal spokeswoman Beverley Hand formally welcomed the group of 82 Accor racers to the region, helping establish a sense of place by sharing her heritage and stories of the local landscape.

“I hope this gives some perspective to competitors who will race around my landscape and experience the Sunshine Coast’s terrain firsthand over the next few days,” Beverley told racers.

Beverley added that the history of the region’s Aboriginal people was in many ways itself a tale of a survival.

“In my culture it’s all about the collective – not individuals. Everyone had to participate. And the same applies to you this week as you strive to survive and raise money and awareness for Mission Australia.”

Accor’s Regional General Manager for Queensland, Neil Scanlan, also drew a comparison:

“Similarly at Accor we are a collective group of employees, this time working together to give back to the less fortunate. Teamwork and giving back to the society we live in is what this week is all about.

“Accor and Mission Australia align perfectly – from the way we think to our attitude regarding fundraising, time invested, and the efforts we’re willing to go to in order to give back to the communities we live in.”

Many thanks to all the 21 Race to Survive teams who have raffled, auctioned, drank, dressed up, and pursued friends and family to raise money for Mission Australia.

More personal achievements will follow this week as the teams challenge themselves physically and mentally over three days of triathlon-style activities. This morning’s challenge is included a climb up Emu Mountaiin, which is nine kilometres north of Coolum. Following their Emu hike, racers mounted their bikes for a seven-kilometre ride that finished up at the Maroochy River, which they kayaked along for eight kilometres. And all before lunch!

You can learn more about the Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia by watching
this video.