Autumn 2015 - Mallee District Aboriginal Services

Step up
for change
this year
Autumn 2015
Pictured: There were big numbers and a fun atmosphere at Mildura and Swan Hill Boot Camps over summer.
What’s Inside
P2 Menera Station takes shape
P4-5
Wiimpatja - Turning Lives Around
P3 Kaleetha...Swan Hill boot camp star!
P7 Mentoring Program
Newslet
ter o
f
the M e e D
all
original Ser
b
A
vice
ct
i
r
s•
t
is
Our Vision: Generations of vibrant, healthy and strong Aboriginal communities
M ild u
l • Kerang
l
i
H
an
ra • Sw
2
Newsletter of the Malle
e Distri
ct Abor
iginal Ser
vices
Rob to manage the exciting development
Menera
Station
Upgrade taking shape o f
Work is continuing to plan the development of Menera Station at
Mellool on behalf of the Swan Hill and Kerang communities.
Swan Hill community member Rob Connelly has been appointed
manager of Menera, and is working with community members to
maximize the benefits that will come from the 3500 acre farm.
The farming aspects of the property will be operated under a sharefarming arrangement. However Menera will also be available for
community use.
MDAS CEO Rudolph Kirby with Matt Roper from King
Constructions
Builders are making a big impact on the former MDAS
Community Hall and old health centre at the Mildura offices
in Madden Avenue.
An upgrading project will provide more room for MDAS Family
Services and administrative staff.
Contractor King Constructions began work just before
Christmas, and by early in the New Year, the front walls
had been removed to make way for the redevelopment and
foundations were being poured.
The work will provide a new community hall, offices, staff and
consultation rooms and a brand new reception and waiting
area that will front 10th Street.
Staff are expected to move into the new spaces in the second
half of this year.
A community centre will be established on an area of the riverfront.
A 10 acre riverfront parcel of land will be identified for the community
hub, which will include a
barbecue area and toilets.
Works programs will be run in
conjunction with the Corrections
and Justice Departments of
NSW and Victoria.
It is also planned to run training
courses in areas such as First
Aid, Farm Chemical Users,
White Card and Pre Employment
Courses, focusing on trades
such as plumbing and building.
A Community Day is being
planned for later this year to
allow people to visit Menera
and be involved in the decisions
and future management of the
property.
Pictured: Rob Connelly
Alisha is our Boomerang Award winner for 2014
The Boomerang Award rewards the dedication, work and commitment of our most exceptional staff members. Nominations are
made by staff-members each fortnight, with
the winners decided by the MDAS Executive
team. All staff then vote to choose the winner
of the quarterly and annual awards – with the
annual winner rewarded with a holiday for two!
Alisha goes above and beyond the call of duty
in everything she does within her role as Early
Years family support worker. She genuinely
cares for her clients and always acts in their
best interest. She truly is a valuable member
of the Early Years team and MDAS as a whole.
She is a very quiet achiever and never asks for
any kind of recognition or attention.
Congratulations to the fortnightly winners for
the final quarter of 2014:
Alisha’s efforts are notable for their support
of: Strategic Direction 1 - ‘Enhance and evolve
frontline service delivery’; and Strategic Direction 4 - ‘Create a culturally safe home, workplace and community’. Alisha was also the
yearly winner of the boomerang, out of the four
quarterly winners.
• Elisha Mangal – Customer Service Officer,
Family Services, Mildura
• Alisha Charles - In-Home Support Caseworker Early Years, Mildura
• Paul Roberts – Aboriginal Health Worker,
Mildura
• Jan Cook – Coordinator Intensive Case
Management, Mildura
Alisha Charles and daughter
Sienna
And the winner of the December quarterly
award is…Alisha Charles.
Congratulations to Alisha and to all the quarterly winners and other nominees in 2014. The
extra effort you all commit to MDAS and your
community is noticed and appreciated. Thank
you.
ang
n Hill • Ker
a
w
S
•
a
• Mildur
Kaleetha
opts for the
What’s your WHY?!
3
gymnasium
Why quit smoking? Why give up the grog? Why choose to
make a change in your life? In each issue of Koori News
we will feature a community member who has made a
change for the better…and find out WHY?
KALEETHA MCDONALD
…who quit smoking two years ago AND has lost 37 kilograms.
Smoking is killing our mob!! Not only does smoking kill Indigenous people, it
kills everyone! I’m an Indigenous woman from Wamba Wamba. I smoked from the age of 12
up until I was 23. I’m now 25 and I’d never look back. I’m also asthmatic and realise now that
smoking was a stupid thing to do. I’ve replaced smoking for exercise when I’m stressed out.
Now that I’ve done that I’m fitter than I’ve ever been before! I want people to believe you can
quit. Yes it’s hard and yes you may not quit straight away but keep at it. Find something to replace the smoking. So if you’re stressed and need a smoke go to the gym instead! Keep yourself busy keep your mind busy! You won’t regret quitting I can promise you that! Best thing I
ever did was quit and hit the fitness life. Never felt better. So please never give up giving up!!!!
Weekly
programs
Pictured: Kaleetha McDonald
Free influenza vaccination
Step up with these great Healthy Lifestyle programs
every week.
MILDURA
Boot Camp
Jaycee Park - Mon 5.30-6.30pm
Syd Mills Park - Wed 5.30-6.30pm
Let’s Start Moving Walking Group
Mon-Thurs 9am–10am
Mildura – MDAS Community Gym
Camp Oven Cooking and Fishing
Contact Mandy at HACC to register
SWAN HILL
Boot Camp
Mon & Wed 5.30-6.30pm
Swan Hill North Primary School
ROBINVALE
Mums and Bubs Healthy Lifestyle
Robinvale - Thursday 11-1pm MVAC
KERANG
Healthy Cooking Group
Kerang - Tuesday mornings
Look out for details of our fun kids program in Kerang over
the Easter School Holidays!
One
step
at
The release of the Closing the Gap report
by the Federal Government in February
confirmed that the efforts we are making
in the Mallee region are making a difference.
The report showed that nationally we
are on track to reach targets in the near
future on school attendance, the mortality rate of young Indigenous children and
year 12 attainment goals.
However, the report did tell us what we
already know – there is still a lot of work
to be done before Indigenous disadvan-
a
time
Bookings can be made now at MDAS clinics for free immunisation
from the flu this season.
The flu is not the common cold and this year’s flu strains are
expected to be dangerous. Having a flu shot is important for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but particularly young
children, women who are pregnant, older people and people with
chronic conditions.
An average five Koori children under five a year die from flu or
pneumonia and our children are twice as likely to be hospitalised
from flu.
to
closing
tage is wiped out.
One of the primary gaps to close is the life
expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Australians.
Although this target isn’t set to be
achieved in the near future, it’s critical
that we keep the focus. The importance
of realising the goals relevant to children
and young people, will have an impact on
the other goals in the coming years.
The lifestyle changes that are needed to
Close the Gap are up to us all – we all
the
gap
make the decisions that will change the
outcomes for us and for all our Mob.
And we are making those changes. Last
year, MDAS health services had 544 new
clients registered in the Mallee and 1825
people regularly involved in Boot Camp,
Health Groups and other Healthy Lifestyle
programs.
These are the proactive and positive lifestyle changes which will ultimately Close
the Gap.
4
Newsletter of the Malle
e Distri
ct Abor
iginal Ser
vices
Wiimpatja Healing Centre...
Wiimpatja means “Black Fellas” in Paakantji language.
Wiimpatja is on “Warrakoo Station” an isolated, fully-working
property in south west New South Wales, 120 km west of Mildura.
The manager Keith Hampton recently hosted a familiarization tour
of the facility for members of the Police, Justice system, Elders
and the media, to increase understanding about what Wiimpatja
does and what it is achieving.
Wiimpatja Healing Centre is a diversion program that provides an
alternative to traditional incarceration for Koori detainees.
“They need an ear to listen and something to do – we give them
both”: Keith Hampton
Wiimpatja is an option for men who are on remand, sentenced
or on warrants. The main strength of the program is that it
is sensitive to cultural needs and focusses on reconnecting
Koori detainees with their culture. The program uses existing
community resources and programs as part of MDAS.
The aims of the 12-week Wiimpatja Healing Centre Program are:
• To learn to be able to live a healthier life, free of Alcohol and
Other Drugs
• To take time to work on health and wellbeing and re-enter the
community in a healthy and proactive way
• To offer a safe way to work on presenting problems and
difficulties away from distractions of the community. To assist
and support transition back into the community
• The Cultural Enrichment Program focuses on bringing clients
back to their culture through all the aspects of the program.
Keith Hampton Mangaer of Wiimpatja Healing Centre
ang
n Hill • Ker
a
w
S
•
a
• Mildur
changing lives for the better
On tour - the visiting group outside Wiimpatja
I n t h e i r o w n w o rd s . . .
Lindsay – All my life I just drank, even to go to the shop. I had to be
drunk to go out anywhere. It was just like I was trapped in a shell.
Half my life I’ve been hiding behind alcohol. You can’t be stressed
out here, it’s just impossible.
Jamie – I was on a downward spiral with my drinking. I’d heard
of Wiimpatja before, but I didn’t think it was for me. I’ve been
in another rehab before I came here and it was nothing like this.
Heaps of things have changed, but especially my attitude.
Pete – I was in a continuous cycle of non-stop drinking. I don’t
want my kids to worry about seeing a rehab centre, so if I break the
cycle now, it might be a step towards stopping the next generation
from doing it. I needed to clear my head and work everything out
myself and Wiimpatja gave me that opportunity.
Uncle Colin Clark with one of the tour organisers Patsy Doolan
5
6
Newsletter of the Malle
e Distri
ct Abor
iginal Ser
vices
Koori community running women’s ‘safe place’
Pictured: Chair of the Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group Aunty Janine Wilson with MDAS President Keith Hampton
The Mallee’s Koori community has taken up the management of
a ‘safe place’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and
children dealing with family violence.
Meminar Ngangg Gimba at Mildura provides a range of support
services, including 24-hour crisis support and accommodation for
women and children from across the Mallee who are addressing
family violence.
It was established and auspiced by district housing services provider Haven; Home, Safe three years ago, but its operation and
management will be handed over to Mallee District Aboriginal
Services on December 31.
Haven; Home, Safe has done a fantastic job in establishing this
vital service in an area of critical need but we are happy to be
the organisation stepping up to allow the Koori community to now
take over management of the facility.
Meminar helps about 150 women and children each year with
emergency help, but also provides a longer-term role by linking
clients with other services and supports and connecting them
with their culture to help them make positive changes in their
lives.
MDAS manage m e n t team i s n ow comp le te
Left to right: David Kirby, David Lim and Cassie Atchison
The appointment of a third general manager has completed the
lineup of the MDAS senior management team.
Cassie Atchsion (General Manager of Family and Community) took
up her position at the end of 2014. She joins David Kirby (General
Manager Health) and David Lim (General Manager of Corporate
Services) working under CEO Rudolph Kirby.
Cassie has returned home to Victoria after working in the
Northern Territory.
In addition to the completion of the senior management team,
two new managers are being appointed to co-ordinate MDAS
operations at Swan Hill.
Wayne Hewetson has been appointed Health Manager and Daniel
Burney is the new Family Services Manager in Swan Hill.
• Swan
• Mildura
Hill • Kerang
Mentoring program has important role
MDAS is seeking external expertise to advance the skill set of staff
within our organisation through the MDAS Mentoring Program.
Through this program, we’re aiming to enhance the career development of our staff by pairing them with more experienced staff
inside and outside of the organisation.
We’re hoping to further support the career development of MDAS
stuff through mentors from our local community – people who
are experienced in business, organisational or community development and are willing to pass on that knowledge and expertise.
The mentoring program supports the aspirations of less experienced staff and helps develop their professional skills.
It’s a win-win situation, because by setting up these mentor arrangements, we are also building relationships between MDAS
and the wider community and setting up a healthy cultural exchange as well.
Mentor Tim Chase and Mentee Briana Hayden
B i g co n g r a t u l a t i o n s a n d t h a n k s t o y o u a l l !
Participants in cultural awareness training
• To the participants of MDAS’s Cultural Awareness Training late last year. Approximately 30 participants (pictured above) attended
the training, delivered in partnership by MDAS and Kellawan (Wanda Braybrook and Kerry Faldon). The one-day workshop included
units on A Journey Through History (White Australia has a Black History), Prejudice and Racism and Culture and Communication.
Watch this space for future Cultural Awareness Training opportunities.
• MDAS Community Engagement Facilitator Indi Clarke for being accepted into the Northern Mallee Leadership Program. The annual program aims to develop the skills, knowledge, confidence and networks of participants to prepare and support them in active
community and industry leadership roles
• Ada Peterson for stepping up to the role of MDAS Ambassador. Ada will be taking up a number of key community representative
roles on Indigenous and mainstream organisations across our Mallee communities
Swan Hill and
Kerang School
Holiday Program
Work experience program
Are you or someone you know considering
your career options beyond school?
MDAS is already the biggest employer of Koori
people in the Mallee region, and now we’re
looking to make the transition from education
to employment an easier process.
Tuesday March 31st Canoeing and Cultural
Wednesday April 1st Disco and Tenpin Bowling
We’re introducing a Work Experience Program at MDAS just in time for the new school
year which will be available to our tertiary and
secondary school students.
For further information about Work experience or Mentoring programs, visit our webPictured: Indi Clarke,
site www.mdas.org.au or contact Indi Clarke Hayden and Maya Hodge
on 5018 4100.
Thursday April 2nd Pool Day
Eddie
Activities in Kerang but transport availiable
each day from Swan Hill
Registration required - Forms at reception
7
8
Newsle
tter
of th
e
ervices •
al S
Mil
n
i
g
dur
ri
o
a•
b
A
Sw a
rang
Mallee District
n Hill • Ke
Programs and services available from your Mallee
District Aboriginal Services centre
Family Services
Visit our website - www.mdas.org.au
Don’t forget this is your newsletter and we need your stories and ideas. If you
would like to give us story ideas or comment on our newsletter please contact
Terry and Jacinta Gange
0498 490 672 or email [email protected]
Committee of Management Members
Keith Hampton - President
Rob Connelly - Vice President
Jemmes Handy - Secretary
Pam McCormack - Treasurer
Steve Portelli
• Housing support
- Supported Accommodation Assistance Program for at-risk
clients
- Aboriginal Tenants at Risk of Eviction Program
- Rent payment service (via Centrelink)
• Home and Community Care Services
- For Elders
- For younger people with a disability
• Family Support services
- Integrated Family Services to support parents and carers
experiencing difficulty
- Family Preservation and Restoration for crisis intervention
- Aboriginal Family decision-making and cultural support during
placements
• Early Years Services
- Intensive Home Support from conception to pre-school
- Supported Playgroup
- Home-based learning program
- Koori pre-school assitant program
Carl Kirby
Michael Gilby
Dennis Mitchell
Esther Kirby
- Cradle to Kinder (Conception to 5 yrs)
Mallee District Aboriginal Services offices
- HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters)
• Youth Programs
- Youth Justice program
- Early school leavers program
- Koori Youth Night Patrol
Mildura
120 Madden Avenue
Phone 5018 4100
[email protected]
Mon - Thurs 9am - 5pm
Fri - 9am - 4pm
• Out of Home Care Services
- Placement and support
- Foster Carer Training
- Kinship Program
- Aboriginal Residential Unit
Swan Hill Aboriginal Health Service
70 Nyah Road Swan Hill
Phone 5032 5277
[email protected]
Mon - 10am - 5pm
Tue - Thurs - 9am - 5pm
Fri - 9am - 4pm
Health Services
Kerang Aboriginal Community Centre
9 Nolan Street, Kerang
Phone 5450 3019
[email protected]
Mon - Midday – 5pm
Tue – Thurs 9am – 5pm
Fri – 9am – 4pm
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Healthy for Life
Bringing Them Home
Chronic Disease Management
Drug and Alcohol Counselling
Quit Smoking Support
Transport Services
Men’s, Women’s and Children’s Health Checks
Maternal and Child Health (including maternity service)
General Practitioner and Nurse Clinic
Visiting Specialists
Psychological Counselling and Mental Health Services
COMING UP IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Tuesday March 31st - School Holiday Program Kerang / Swan Hill Canoeing and Cultural
Wednesday April 1st - School Holiday Program Kerang / Swan Hill Disco and Tenpin Bowling
Thursday April 2nd - School Holiday Program Kerang / Swan Hill Pool Day
Activities in Kerang but transport availiable each day from Swan Hill
Registration required - Forms at reception
April 29-30 – Robinvale Dilly Bag Program for Women
For information on any of these events, contact your local MDAS office
Don’t forget this is your newsletter and we need your stories and ideas. If you would like to give us story ideas or comment on our newsletter please contact
Terry and Jacinta Gange
0498 490 672 or email [email protected]