b'Bushlink connectsCreating welcoming spaces community for staff and consumersLinking rural families to local supports is oneSignificant site refurbishments and upgrades took of the key priorities of Bushlink, a programplace across Victoria, with Blackburn, Shepparton which operates in and around the Latrobe andand Preston locations opening new spaces for Baw Baw Shires in Gippsland. Available to anystaff, volunteers and consumers.parent or carer of children, the program offersThe new Blackburn Hub joined staff previously a mobile toy library, literacy and numeracyhoused at Ferntree Gully Road and Blackburn programs, playgroups and links to organisationsRoad. It was developed to empower staff with that can support each familys circumstance.facilities and technology they needed to deliver Partnering with organisations such as Ramahyuckinnovative services. For consumers, it offers a District Aboriginal Corporation allows Bushlinkspace that considers their needseasy to access, practitioners to strengthen their relationshipspleasant surroundings and amenities that make with Indigenous communities and collaboratethem feel welcome and recognised. with the Ramahyuck Wanjana Lidj Aboriginal Family Restoration Program, Djillay Lidj LatrobeOur Shepparton location underwent Playgroup, and The Parenting Program (Yarningrefurbishment, transforming the existing siteabout Family).to include a large open-plan office, reception Nearly 12 months ago we embarked on aarea, more bathrooms, private meeting rooms collaborative journey to bring Ramahyuck andand supervision and break-out spaces.The works Uniting together to support the Aboriginal andalso provided a more inclusive Welcome Centre Torres Strait Islander community. In that timefor community groups, people seeking asylum and [Uniting staff Dannielle and Sam] have becomethe LGBTIQA+ community. The site provides a safe a cherished part of our Wanjana Lidj family and welcoming space to deliver family violence, Rebecca Chance from Ramahyuck.homelessness, multicultural and youth support. A place to gather in St Kilda Having outgrown their offices just a block away,The joy and purpose our Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) team moved The 101 St Kilda Engagement Hub has beeninto new offices at Bell Street, Preston in May operating for over 40 years, starting as a response2024. Open, comfortable and engaging, thefostering can bring to the marginalisation, stigmatisation and isolationnew location has become a celebration of the experienced by people in the local communitywork this passionate team delivers to people struggling with mental illness. The Hub is an entrynavigating their alcohol or other drugs use. Safe and private counselling and consultation point and important tool in breaking the cycle ofrooms, a kitchen and reception area forEmily, a young single woman in rural Victoria, initially doubted long-term homelessness, malnutrition and otherconsumers, and a wellness room for staff are social determinants of ill health, with a dedicatedbecoming a foster carer. team of mental health support workers availablejust some of the features of the new building. to provide assistance to participants. She saw older couples with their own childrenEmily found that children dont need muchMost participants accessing the Hub have lostin the role and wondered if her experience asjust a safe place, food, clothing and love. family connections due to the strain that acutea proud aunty was enough to qualify her as aEmily also highlights the importance ofmental illness places on relationships. Manyfull-time carer.love in discipline, explaining, We connect consider the Engagement Hub their home andI was 27 and single and I havent got anyrather than correct. Straight up disciplineview fellow participants as their family. Importantbiological children. I wasnt sure how this isnt going to work with these kids and itsevents held at the Hub throughout the year, suchwould come across and whether I wasnot what they deserve.as group outings and themed lunches, providecapable, Emily said. Its now been a year into Emilys foster care social connection, reduce isolation and createSo Emily began her fostering journey as ajourney and shes grateful she trusted her gut memorable experiences for participants to savour.respite carer, offering short-term care toand jumped in with both feet. Of the Christmas in July celebrations, Hub Teamgive full-time carers a much-needed break.The joy and purpose fostering has broughtLeader, Ryan Bourke says, For many, this may beHowever, when one of the children she caredher, far outweighs any of the challenges shetheir first Christmas celebration since childhood,for needed a full-time carer, Emily found thehas faced.or their first ever. confidence to step up and embrace the role. Uniting has supported me at every step ofIt just means now I have a long journey of my foster care experience, she said. Rightfostering ahead of me, she said.from beginning, from training and every wayMore about Foster Carethrough. Every team member is brilliant.24 Uniting Vic.Tas and Uniting Housing Annual Report'