buildim • better lives

No.5
W in ter 2 0 0 0
buildim• better lives
www.bsl.org.au
BROTHERHOOD
of St LAURENCE
Helping people
build better lives
A newsletter for our valued friends and supporters
Poverty grips the lucky country
The Brotherhood of St
Laurence has a vision of
making Australia free of
poverty — of contributing
actively to a just and fair
society. But to achieve this,
the community has to
acknowledge that poverty is
all around us and urgent
action is needed to address
the underlying causes. The
latest Brotherhood research
is a vital first step in wiping
out poverty.
The latest research by the Brotherhood of
St Laurence shows that despite poverty
being identified as a major problem in
Australia, it is largely hidden and therefore,
is being overlooked.
The Brotherhood’s Social Action and
Research national study, reported in
“Growing apart: a new look at poverty in
Australia” , identified that most people
thought of poverty in terms of starving
children in third world countries rather
than something that was happening and
impacting on countless Australians.
His Excellency, the Governor of Victoria,
the Honourable Sir James Gobbo AC, CVO,
launched the report at the Brotherhood’s
Melbourne headquarters on the 20th May.
The year-long research involved in-depth
focus group discussions with a broad
cross-section of people from three states.
Individual interviews were also held with
key political, business, community leaders
and the media.
In addition, a telephone survey was held
with 400 randomly selected Australians
with the support of market research
company, Millward Brown Australia. Those
interviewed were asked to identify the key
issues facing Australia, and how they
perceived poverty and its impacts.
Higher and lower income Australians alike
expressed strong concern about a
perceived growing divide between the
haves and have nots and its consequences
for the integrity of our society.
Many felt that both the public in general
and decision-makers in particular, were
turning a blind eye to poverty. They also
felt there was a lack of widespread
understanding about poverty in Australia
and that people felt a sense of
powerlessness to do anything.
The research also found that the majority
of those surveyed believed that eradicating
poverty should be given top priority by
government and that the community must
also take action.
They wanted the Australian notion of
fairness preserved and they feared that
inequity could lead to the creation of a
permanent underclass and possibly,
community meltdown.
In the year ahead the Brotherhood will use
the findings of the research to tackle these
issues by conducting awareness
campaigns and targeting key political,
business and community leaders to
achieve change. We will also engage with
communities to activate social action so
people can feel they have the power to
make change.
Copies of the research ’’Growing apart: a
new look at poverty in Australia” can be
obtained by contacting the Publications
Unit on 03 9483 1386 or e-mail
[email protected].
A journey of healing
I was a guest at Corroboree 2000 in
Sydney on the 27 and 28 May on behalf of
the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
The event aimed to bring Australians
together to demonstrate their commitment
to reconciliation.
Father Nic Frances
Executive Director
Brotherhood o f S t
Laurence
I believe this could be a critical crossroad
for the reconciliation process and our
history as a nation.
The urgency of recognising and addressing
the inequalities between non-indigenous
and indigenous Australians is clear. Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples continue to be the most marginalised and
disadvantaged group in our society. I am convinced that if we, as
an organisation, are committed to working with those who are
most disadvantaged, we must engage with indigenous Australians.
If we wish to understand poverty in contemporary Australia, we
must address the difficulties many indigenous families and
individuals face on a daily basis.
As a relative newcomer to Australia, I believe the need for equality
for indigenous people, and reconciliation between indigenous and
non-indigenous peoples is essential.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence is taking some practical steps
towards the broader process of reconciliation:
■ In 1999 we introduced Koori-specific Aged Care Packages.
Currently 46 Koori elders receive care through this program,
which enables them to continue living in their communities.
■ A Koori Cultural Awareness Training program has been
introduced for all Brotherhood of St Laurence staff. Run by the
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, the program helps us to be more
sensitive, aware and inclusive of Koori issues in our work.
■ We will be supporting Defenders of Native Title by providing
office space and shared resources for their newly created
Community Education position.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence is still a long way from being
responsive to indigenous issues in its work, particularly in relation
to the employment of staff. However, we have a strong
commitment to improving what we do, listening to the needs of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Currently, a
Reconciliation working group meets regularly to promote the
Brotherhood of St Laurence’s involvement in indigenous issues.
The journey of healing must take place within the Brotherhood of
St Laurence, as elsewhere.
Employment Program targets the disadvantaged
provides these people with comprehensive
and intensive job search assistance to help
them find work.
We want people to get a job they are happy
with. To help achieve this, we first talk
about what careers match the person’s
experience and interests. We then go on to
produce a professional resume, give
advice on how and where to look for work,
assist with writing job application letters
and advise on how to prepare for an
interview. We may also link people with
work placement programs and training.
Unemployed people between the ages of 15
and 24, those over 45 and people from a
The purchase of extras such as clothing,
multicultural background will receive
equipment, special licences and training
assistance with their search for work
can greatly increase job prospects and we
through the recently launched Community
try
to provide this support where we can
Business Employment program (CBE).
within our budget. Once people find work,
The Brotherhood’s CBE Fitzroy Coordinator we keep in touch for the first three months
to make sure that everything is working
Bobby Connelly (pictured above with a
jobseeker) welcomed the program. “Young out okay with the job.”
people, mature workers and those from a
Five hundred people from the City of Yarra
multicultural background tend to be
and
Mornington Peninsula Shire areas will
overlooked by employers. The CBE program
2
access the Brotherhood’s program,
including unemployed people in the Polish
community. The Brotherhood of St
Laurence is one of a number of community
organisations across Victoria who will run
this State Government funded initiative.
BROTHERHOOD
of St LAURENCE
Helping people
build better lives
Brotherhood o f St Laurence
67 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy 3065 Victoria
Telephone 03 94831183
Facsimile 03 94172691
E-mail fundraising@bsl. org.au
iSSN-14424681
A day in the life...
Laurence. Guy is more often than not at
the service. It is quite touching to observe
him because he is genuinely devout and
loses his usual impatience and rushed
speech. Clients, who at other times can be
difficult, partake of the service
meticulously, although they vary in their
enthusiasm for singing the hymn.
After the service I make my way back to
the recreation area to find a pool
competition is under way. The clients can
get very competitive but they enjoy their
game. At 2.00 pm a cup of tea and a slice
among
themselves until four o’clock when they
farewell each other until they meet again
the next day.
■ The names of clients have been
changed to ensure privacy.
Brotherhood volunteer, June, works at the
Coolibah Centre. Coolibah is a day centre
for disadvantaged older people, including
those with intellectual and physical
disabilities.
June recalls her introduction to Coolibah
three years ago, when she attended a
luncheon and was shown around. She
was so impressed with the work being
done she decided to become a volunteer.
June recalls a typical day at Coolibah.
I park my car in Gertrude Street at about
9.30 am and walk around the corner to the
centre.
Taxis are stopping and dropping off clients
and I go in with them. The first to say hello
is Veronica. Next Daphne comes up and
gives me a kiss. Ben then wanders over
and asks if we are going out. Teresa is
sure to greet me with a “good morning
how are you?” Others like Guy come
dashing in, having arrived by tram and go
straight to morning tea.
I ask the staff about taking clients out for
coffee. If we are lucky the bus will be
available and we go to McDonald’s in
Victoria Parade. Other times we might
walk to a cafe in Gertrude Street. Even
going for a walk along the street is an
3
adventure in itself. Sometimes I have a
small group of clients with me and they are
fun to be with although occasionally taxing.
As we begin our walk it will always be Guy
who goes ahead and presses the traffic
button. Veronica is slow and frightened of
gutters and steps. Daphne is a performing
artist with a volatile personality - she may
stop and sulk for a while, then catches up
with us. Ben strolls along but has trouble
keeping his trousers up and his teeth in.
Guy dearly loves cappuccino and dim sims.
Mostly he has some money in his wallet;
occasionally he hasn’t so we have “an
arrangement.” Veronica loves ice cream
but rarely has any money. Daphne has
money but she does not like spending it,
particularly large silver coins. Ben always
has money, but he gets angry if I try to
help him to select the right coin.
At noon, back at the centre, a staff
member and myself serve lunch to the
clients. The meals are generous and
nourishing. We start with orange juice;
there is either soup or dessert on alternate
days and a choice of main course and
three vegetables.
At 1.00 pm Father Robert conducts
Communion Service in the chapel of Saint
Interested in becoming
a volunteer
at the Brotherhood
of St Laurence?
Contact
Western area
Rosa D’Aprano 94831390 or
Eastern area
Barbara Coleman 9782 0487
BROTHERHOOD
o f Sf LAURENCE
Helping people
build better lives
HOME PICK
UP SERVICE
Prompt pick up of Clothing and
Furniture Donations from your home
in metropolitan Melbourne
Good quality summer or winter clothing,
children’s and women’s shoes, well-looked
after furniture and small electrical goods in
working order needed
Call 1300 donate
or (1300 366 283)
Alternatively take donation to the nearest
Brotherhood bin or shop.
Volunteering - offering
rewards for all
PLEASE
I* M il
P i 'l l t t i t t t
<
* « U IT
Volunteers working at the Brotherhood
come from all walks of life and use their
skills and interests to support the
Brotherhood’s retail stores and welfare
programs.
They volunteer their time to help make a
difference and make new friends and
socialise. And for many, it is an invaluable
opportunity to develop work skills to
enhance their employment prospects.
A group of students from Box Hill Institute’s
Centre of Health and Community Studies
are volunteering at the Brotherhood’s Box
Hill and Croydon retail stores. They are
gaining valuable work experience as part
of an Office Retail course in Work
Education. They all hope the course will
prepare them for employment in the retail
sector or office environment.
Box Hill Institute course coordinator,
Heather Smith, said “Voluntary work for
the students provides them with practical
experience, which complements their
classroom theory work. They are involved
in merchandising the clothes and other
donated goods while helping with other
retail tasks.”
Katrina Chart and lain Paech are both 17
years old and the two youngest volunteers.
Katrina said “ My careers teacher at school
told me about the course.” lain added,
“The work at the Brotherhood store boosts
my confidence in the business area and I
am hoping to eventually work with children
in a sporting environment.”
Sera, who is 18 years old, was first
referred to the course by the coordinator at
her school. “ I was doing Year 11 but I
wasn’t going very well. The coordinator
found me a place at Box Hill TAFE in the
horticulture course, and later I got a job
from it. After a while though I decided I
wanted to do retail and started in this new
course.” Sera hopes to get a job in a
supermarket or a Fossey’s store.
Pam, 22, the oldest of the volunteers, first
tried an automotive course last year.
“ I was the only girl left in the course after
Student volunteers, (from left to right) Pam, lain, Katrina and Sera
two other girls left, so I decided to leave as
well. I am much happier doing retail.”
Fay Ford who has worked at the Box Hill
Brotherhood store for 12 years supervises
the student volunteers on Thursdays and
thinks the work is great for them. “When
they first arrived I had to remind them to
smile and say thank you but after a while
they do it automatically.”
Making history
St Mary’s Mission, built in early 1920s is
an historic landmark in Fitzroy and is
currently undergoing renovations as part of
the aged care redevelopment of the
Brotherhood’s Fitzroy site.
In 1933, the Brotherhood’s founder, Fr
Gerard Tucker and Fr Guy Cox were invited
to take up residence at the back of the
mission. In the 1940s the Mission to
Streets and Lanes used it for their
pioneering welfare work and in the 1950s
it became a Russian Orthodox Church.
The buildings took on a different life in the
70s as the Brotherhood’s Action Resource
Centre and in 1985 it was converted to
rooming house accommodation.
Now, part of the building is to be named
Sidney Myer House and residents are
looking forward to returning here and to
Sumner and Millott House once
renovations are completed.
In the coming months w e will express our thanks and acknowledge the
generosity of our Building Better Lives supporters.
Dressed to impress
She decided she wanted to look into a
training course in the hair and beauty
industry. Lee-Ann Boyle, coordinator of the
Brotherhood of St Laurence Jobs Placement,
Employment and Training (JPET) service met
Patricia and organised an interview for her.
But there was a problem.
Because of the difficulties in Patricia’s
young life, she did not have suitable clothes
for the interview.
But thanks to the generous donation of
clothes from ‘Chain Reaction,’ a clothing
distributor in Richmond, Ms Boyle was able
to lend Patricia new clothes, which would
suit her and were appropriate for the
interview.
find it difficult, if not impossible, to dress as
others would expect in such circumstances.
Ms Boyle was delighted by Chain Reaction’s
offer. “The offer was amazing,” she said.
“Some of our clients have never worn new
clothes let alone had something suitable for
a job interview. In the past we could offer
them second-hand clothes but often they
were not the kind of things these clients
would wear.”
“ Patricia was so cute when we decked her
out. She had lived for so long in track-pants
she didn’t quite know how to wear anything
else.”
“We have the clothes here now and are in
the process of establishing a proper lending
library where JPET clients can come in and
choose what they want, maybe pay a small
amount, then return the clothes which we
will then launder.”
Two months ago, Ms Maria Muratore,
Patricia (not her real name) is 16 years-old
buying controller at Chain Reaction, allowed
Ms Boyle added “ It is great to see a
and has spent most of her life in state care.
the Brotherhood of St Laurence to choose
business like Chain Reaction make such a
Now living in a Melbourne refuge and with
clothes from its selection of sample stock.
practical contribution to the work we do.”
only a Year 9 education, she recently arrived These garments are now being used as a
at the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s
clothing library for young JPET clients who
Employment Services in search of
need to attend job or school interviews but
assistance.
A similar lending library, “Wear for Work” has been developed at our Community Services Centre in Frankston. It was established
in 1998 with the support of the Sunshine Foundation and assisted by Brown Gouge Dry Cleaning and BP Australia Ltd.
15 minutes of fame
ART for
- sale-
In the last issue of Building Better Lives,
Lesley Clark was featured because of his
unique ability to play music by clicking his
fingers. Mr Clark has now experienced more
than his 15 minutes of fame when he
recently appeared on national television.
Mr Clark was first talent-spotted by the
Herald Sun and then by the Channel 9, Today
Show. The television producers were so
impressed by 76 year-old Mr Clark that an
initial interview and performance at the
Brotherhood of St Laurence office in Fitzroy
turned into an extended feature at his home
in Flowerdale among his many inventions.
During the past six years Mr Clark has sold
more than 9000 cassettes of his unique
music and raised $14,000 for charity,
including the Brotherhood of St Laurence
who appreciate his talent and generosity.
Billich
A marvellous opportunity to
acquire one of a series of Charles
Billich’s acclaimed racing series
“ Equus 92.” Valued at $2,000,
all offers will be considered.
‘Formula Won’ by Charles Billich
Blackman
“The Journey” , is a striking limited edition Charles Blackman silk screen-print.
Valued at $1,500, it is no. 90 of 90 prints. Sale price negotiable.
Long
A magnificent oil by the renowned Australian Artist, Leonard Long, entitled
“ Hills of the Wollondilly near Wombeyan.” Valued at $15,000- sale price negotiable
All enquires, or to arrange a viewing please telephone 03 94831397
Celebrating 103 years and still caring
Out of curiosity, on a trip to Europe in her
early 20’s, she visited a casino in Monte
Carlo. “They wouldn’t let us in unless we
had some evidence of being able to afford
to be there. It’s very different now.”
Edna Caroline Curwen-Walker is 103 years
old this year. She is a long time
committed supporter of the work of the
Brotherhood of St Laurence. Edna is
passionate about social justice and has
strong opinions about the lack of
leadership in government and the impact
of gambling in society.
Growing up on a sheep farming property in
the Riverina district, the second youngest
of seven children, Edna enjoyed a happy
childhood with devoted parents. Her father
died when she was eight years-old and the
family moved to Melbourne. They lived
near the Botanical Gardens - a place that
Edna still dearly loves. She attended
school at Merton Hall and later went on to
train as a nurse. After the family’s move
to Melbourne Edna’s older brother enlisted
in the Light Horse Brigade. During his
service he marched into Jerusalem with
General Sir Edmund Allenby - a very proud
moment in Edna’s life.
Edna remembers happy times at Carrum
Downs shared with Fr Gerard Tucker (1885
- 1974), the founder of the Brotherhood of
St Laurence. “ My sister and I often used
to visit and helped Fr Tucker when we
could. Fr Tucker was a cousin of one of
my aunts. For a short time, another of my
cousins was a clergyman at Lara and he
got to know Fr Tucker quite well.”
Edna has lived in her local community for
30 years and has made friends with many
of her neighbours, but she is very aware of
the growing problem of people becoming
alienated and disconnected. “ I used to
know everyone in the neighbourhood;
everyone used to know everyone. But this
doesn’t happen now.”
BSL joins Edna’s carers and family in
celebrating her remarkable life.
Act now for
the future
Edna says, “ I support the Brotherhood’s
work but I believe so much is the
responsibility of the government.
Unfortunately, they just don’t seem to try
to make changes to help the poorest of our
community.”
Edna’s views on gambling are very
forthright. She says, “ It’s just no good for
the poor and it’s a fact that it’s making us
poorer. I am always deeply disturbed
when I see and hear about problems
affecting children. It makes me very sad.”
“Because I care about
people, I have
included a gift to the
Hazel Hawke
Patron Brotherhood of St
Friends of St Laurence
Laurence in my Will.
Have you? Please join me in making
this very important gift.”
Our new brochure tells you how to
become a Friend of St Laurence.
For a copy call Peter Hannan on
94831399
Yes, I want to help build better lives
If you have not made your donation to our May Appeal please act now.
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BROTHERHOOD
o f St LAURENCE
Helping people build better lives
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Return to: Brotherhood of St Laurence, 67 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 3065
www.bsl.org.au