Carer Gateway Writing Competition

In March, the Carer Gateway team at Uniting organised a heartwarming writing competition for the dedicated unpaid carers within their program.

Recognising the immense value of a carer’s journey, filled with unique experiences, challenges, and moments of profound insight, they provided a platform for carers to share their stories. These stories have the power to not only inspire and educate but also uplift others who walk a similar path. The writing competition offered a remarkable opportunity to showcase the incredible work that carers do and connect with fellow individuals who truly understand the journey firsthand.

Carers were encouraged to express their personal experiences, reflections, or moments of triumph in either a short essay or poem. The Carer Gateway team meticulously reviewed each submission, considering creativity, originality, and emotional impact to determine the winners of the competition.

After thorough consideration, the winners of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes have been chosen, with a tie for 3rd place between two deserving individuals. Each winner demonstrated exceptional talent and creativity in their submissions, eloquently depicting their heartfelt caregiving experiences. Below, you can discover the inspiring works of the winners:

1st place – Ann Carroll – ‘Finding Joy’

2nd place – Lana Bedford – ‘Knitting’

3rd place – Elise Davies – ‘It’s Just Algorithms’

Tied with Claire Weaver – ‘Screaming Obscenities’

Lucy’s story

Lucy fled domestic violence needing a safe place to call home.

“My situation resulted in me fleeing from family violence and living in crisis accommodation” says Lucy. “I moved 18 times over two and a half months, hiding from the perpetrator, who was in pursuit of me.”

Lucy was able to access support from Uniting to find a safe, short-term home to get back on her feet.

“My transitional housing worker helped me find some accommodation in a remote town. I was new to that town and didn’t know anyone” says Lucy.

“The Uniting property manager met with me, and it was a lovely surprise to see it fitted out with bedding and kitchen accessories” says Lucy. “It was just enough to get me started, to be able to cook and do my cleaning. That was a welcoming beginning.”

Not knowing where you’re going to live day to day is something no one should have to experience.

“You can’t organise yourself very well when you’re living out of your car” says Lucy. “My Uniting home was a good steppingstone for me, because it allowed me to take a breath and settle for a brief period while I was able to actively look for work and somewhere else to live and get some confidence.”

“For me, just to be able to unpack the car was important” says Lucy. “My uniting home was a godsend.”

After just three months, Lucy has gained employment and found ongoing, stable accommodation.

“My home provided a safe base for me” says Lucy. “The new place is closer to my friendship group and employment.”

“I don’t think I would have managed to gain employment or organise getting a new place without the steppingstone that the Uniting property gave me.”

This is a true story about a real person. Some details such as names have been changed to respect the wishes of the person featured. The photo accompanying this story is for illustrative purposes only. It is not a photo of the person featured in this story.

Monica’s story

Monica has been living in her Uniting home for 12 years.

“On my 28th birthday I received the news that I was accepted. I’m 39 now. It was exciting. I was the
happiest I have ever felt” says Monica. “I loved that Uniting were looking for people who had money
issues and couldn’t afford to live in other places.”

Monica lives with a disability and wanted the chance to live independently.

“Mum and dad were caring for me since day one. I got to a point where I was very ready to
experience the world on my own and live an independent life” says Monica.

Monica has a permanent home with Uniting.

“It’s so awesome to have this special place as home, and to know that I can stay here until I’m ready
to move out” says Monica. “I feel very supported and I love that my support workers can come into
my unit.”

Monica’s home is full of colourful abstract paintings and handmade ceramics.

“I’m an artist. I make colourful abstract art that makes me happy. I think my art work is happy, fun
and tells a story. My whole wall is covered in art.”

Art is Monica’s passion and also her job.

“I work with Fire and Clay, a Uniting Social Enterprise, two days per week. I have worked there 14 or
15 years” says Monica.

“I do hand building ceramics and make things out of clay, make garden art and wall hangings” says
Monica. “I love my job. I love that every item we make came from a block of clay. After hours and
hours put into it you come up with something very beautiful.”

Fire & Clay is a Uniting Social Enterprise that has been providing meaningful employment and a sense
of community for people living with disability for more than 30 years. For more information visit
https://www.unitingvictas.org.au/services/social-enterprises/fire-clay

Steph’s Story

Steph and her three kids spent 18 months experiencing homelessness, couch surfing with a friend
after she lost her family support systems.

“I used to fall back on my Nan. She was my rock, but she passed away” says Steph. “If I didn’t have a
friend to fall back on, I would have been living in my car.”

A roof over your head is not always a home.

Steph and her children experienced firsthand the challenges of couch surfing.

“Couch surfing can do damage to even the most strongest of friendships.” says Steph. “If it wasn’t for
my kids, I don’t know how I would have got through everything.”

Steph and her kids spent 18 months in a state of uncertainty, doing all they could to access stable
housing.

“I was on the emergency housing waitlist for 12 months. We never knew if we were going to get a
phone call offering us a place” says Steph.

From couch surfing to emergency accommodation. Steph was living in a state of instability

“We moved into emergency accommodation in a hotel for a short time. I was paying $800 rent a
fortnight” says Steph. “It left me and the kids with nothing.”

Over that time, Steph accessed support from her case manager, friends, and local non-for-profit
organisations.

“I was grateful I had support. I got food vouchers, food hampers or petrol vouchers to help me get
by” says Steph. “We were living off other people’s donations.”

With support from Uniting, Steph and her kids moved into permanent ongoing housing six months
ago. In her Uniting Housing, Steph has access to 12 months of case management support and an
opportunity for her and her family to put down roots in the community.

“My home is my stability. Knowing that me and my kids can put down roots here and we don’t have
to worry about leaving” says Steph. “It gives me and my kids an opportunity to get connected to the
community.”

Despite the hardship Steph has faced, she remains a pillar of resilience and positivity.
“No matter what life throws at me and the kids I know we can get through it,” she says.

Note: This is a true story about a real person. The photo accompanying this story is for illustrative
purposes only. It is not a photo of the person featured in this story.

Federation University teachers get ‘back on the tools’ to bring some home comforts to Uniting’s Reids Guest House in Ballarat

Three cabinet making and joinery teachers from Federation TAFE have teamed up using their skills to build wardrobes, desks and bedside units to refurbish more than 30 rooms at Uniting’s Reids Guest House in Ballarat.

The completed furniture, using materials donated by Laminex, is being delivered and donated to Reids this morning. Built in 1886, Reid’s Guest House started out as a gold rush coffee palace of the temperance movement before becoming a refuge for those in need of a place to stay.In February last year, a fire broke out on the lower floor of the building causing significant structural and electrical damage to the residence hall and the evacuation of more than 53 guests and staff.

After a major renovation, including a new multifunctional group space for activities and meetings, refurbished kitchens including new fridges, freezers, benches, and sinks, new laundries, upgraded bathrooms, common areas and CCTV and fire safety systems, it reopened last November. Federation TAFE cabinet-making and joinery teachers, Damien Coats, Ben Curtis and Colin Trembath donated their time and skills to make the furniture for the rooms.

“The local community is very important to Federation TAFE and it is really pleasing to be able to utilise our resources and skills and partner with other organisations to undertake this community service project for Reid’s Guest House,” Mr Coats said.

“Uniting’s work providing shelter to those in need is critically important and we’re pleased we can supply furniture to make guests feel more comfortable.”

As well as providing people experiencing homelessness with a place to stay at Reids, Uniting offers guests wraparound support services to address their other needs, such as mental health.
Reids manager Daniel Hemming said the furniture will help provide guests with a more comfortable and welcoming environment.

“Reids is about providing not only a roof over people’s heads, but also a safe and supported environment where they can access the support they need,

” Mr Hemming said. “We’re extremely grateful to Federation TAFE not only for their work with this project, but for their ongoing support of Reids which includes their Bakery Training Centre donating baked goods to our kitchen for our guests to enjoy.”

Living and working in social housing: “The way the media portrayed us was unkind and untrue”

Kelli remembers being locked down in her home for two weeks without warning.

“We found out about it when it was announced on the TV. Then we looked outside and saw the police,” Kelli said.

In July 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was only a few months old, Kelli and her children, along with thousands of other residents in the Melbourne public housing towers, were forced into sudden lockdown by police.

They were not allowed to leave their homes for any purpose. Many didn’t have supplies at home to last a week, had no idea how they would get supplies whilst locked down, and received no information.

“It’s the worst experience I’ve ever had living in the towers,” Kelli said.

“Whenever I think back to it, I think ‘wow, that actually happened’. It was so surreal.”

For over 20 years, Kelli has called ‘the towers’ home

“I’ve lived in social housing for more than 20 years. My kids grew up in social housing. I love it,” she said.

“I absolutely identify as someone who lives in social housing and I think a lot of people see it as a negative thing.

“Especially during covid, the way the media portrayed us was unkind and untrue. I remember seeing people passing the building filming us on snapchat, yelling things.

“People say ‘you need to get out, you need to move’, and some have, but we chose to stay.”

Within the Melbourne public housing towers, Kelli and her children founded a community.

“Where I live, it’s very close-knit and that makes it more of a community. Everyone knows each other,” she said.

Kelli first looked into social housing when she was struggling to pay private rent.

“I left my job when I had my daughter, and I was paying private rent. I applied previously for housing and when I contacted them I found that I was at the top of the list,” she said.

“I moved in here in 1999. It has given me a lot of stability, before I had very little stability.”

From living to working in social housing

Kelli was referred to Uniting’s Social Housing Employment Program (SHEP) in 2022, a program that assists people living in social housing, or facing barriers to employment, find work in their community.

“I was referred to Uniting and received support finding jobs. They offered training and help with applications, they were in touch with me quite often. Making sure everything was handed in for the application,” said Kelli.

“It was nice to have someone checking in, to have someone to back you up.”

Kelli found her current job through the SHEP program and completed training to support her in her new role.

“I realised I really liked community work after working as a concierge during covid,” she said.

“I’ve trained as a housing officer, which means we look after a ‘patch’ – a certain number of homes, and people. So, when these people have issues, if people are behind in rent, or face evictions, we help them, and maintain their homes so that they can continue living happily.

“Because I live in social housing, it gives me a good foundation for the job. That’s really important. But above all I really enjoy working in my community.”

Kelli’s experience of living social housing means she understands the challenges residents face.

“I mention to people in my patch that I live in social housing too, and their reactions are like ‘wow’. They like having someone who understands them. It helps them to know that I understand,” Kelli said.

Kelli’s new role has given her purpose and independence

“Having secure employment means I can start affording things that I wouldn’t have had before,” she said.

“It means any goals that I have had, I might be able to achieve. I’m a single mum, with one child left at home. It’s about me finding independence. There are things that I want to do with my life.”

Kelli shares a message to those who may be feeling lost in their search for employment.

“To those people who want to work, and face barriers – I would say you’ve got to try to find somebody to help you, you don’t have to do things on your own. Take the assistance where it is,” she said.

“There are people who just fall through the cracks. Who are capable, but just lack the support.

“Uniting is very supportive of people in social housing, they’re definitely with you all the way.”

Find out more about the Social Housing Employment Program

A fair and balanced Budget which maintains vital services

One of Victoria’s largest not-for-profit community services providers, Uniting Vic.Tas, has welcomed a ‘fair and balanced’ 2023-24 Victorian State Budget which maintains support for those who need it most.

Uniting Vic.Tas CEO, Bronwyn Pike said funding guarantees for housing and homelessness support programs, and family violence crisis accommodation, will provide safety and security to thousands of Victorians.

“We have a housing crisis in Victoria which has been exacerbated by the rising cost of living and leading to more people experiencing poverty, so housing and homelessness support is critically important,” Ms Pike said.

“We’re pleased the Government will continue supporting the Homelessness to a Home program. This program has given many Victorians – some who had spent years on the streets – a sense of dignity and the safety and security of a home.

“We’re also relieved the Government has committed additional funding to our Marrageil Baggarrook service, which provides accommodation for women over 55 with a history of intimate partner violence.

“We strongly believe the therapeutic model for out-of-home youth residential care delivers the best outcomes for young people. The Government’s move to transition all residential care for young people to the therapeutic model by 2026 will change lives.”

“We’re delighted there is significant funding for the self-determination of First Nations people in Victoria, which will improve outcomes across a broad range of areas, including health.

“As a major provider of the Kindergarten Inclusion Support program, we know maintaining ongoing funding for the program will help young children with significant disabilities to be able to achieve positive learning outcomes alongside their peers.

“The continuation of the $250 Power Saving bonus is important, but a 3.3 per cent indexation for community support services, is less than half the level of inflation and will go nowhere near covering our basic costs.”

Media enquiries: Cameron Tait 0407 801 231 – [email protected]

Hartley’s volunteers with heart

If you have ever been to Hartley’s community dining room in Prahran, you likely will have spotted Ian Harris flaunting a black, striped kitchen apron with a twinkle in his eyes. 

For 25 years, Ian has volunteered at Hartley’s preparing warm meals for those in need.

His vegetable cutting skills are revered by many and even non-footy supporters find themselves signing up for his footy tipping.

“I started volunteering in the 90s,” said Ian.

“I help in the kitchen, preparing vegetables. The onions make me cry sometimes,” he joked.

“I love doing it. I love being with other people, with friends.”

Ian has helped out at Hartley’s for almost as long as the service has been running and is well known by the regulars.

Anyone is welcome at the Uniting service, but most patrons are rough sleepers or those unable to cook for themselves or afford food due to loss of employment, low income, increasing cost of living, or struggles with mental health.

Meet Vito

Vito is another volunteer at Hartley’s who doesn’t let his age stop him from lending a helping hand.

This year he celebrated his 90th birthday.

However, for Vito age is well and truly just a number.

During the week, Vito splits his time between volunteering at Hartley’s and the St Kilda Engagement Hub, a drop-in centre supporting people experiencing social isolation and mental ill health.

“I love watching people enjoy each other’s company. I love being part of that,” he said.

“It’s for selfish reasons I come here, I have fun.”

Vito’s infectious energy and enthusiasm for life leaves you feeling inspired and warm inside.

In the past year 1,714 volunteers worked 1.3 million hours to deliver and support Uniting’s services across Victoria and Tasmania. Volunteers make up 38% of our workforce and range from 14 to 93 years of age.

It is the compassion and generosity of Uniting’s volunteers that allow our services to run.

 

A warm welcome for all

Simon has learnt so much through volunteering.

As for many, Melbourne’s lockdowns gave Simon time to think about things.

‘Things’ being his interest in volunteering.

“I had been giving thought to doing some type of volunteering for some time,” said Simon.

“It was only during lockdown when we were all at home that I had some extra time.”

Before long Simon signed up to become a volunteer at the Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre in Brunswick.

He started out delivering food and essential items to clients, while also helping to pack boxes at the centre.

However, once Melbourne began to open up again, Simon joined the Saturday excursion program.

Simon says his volunteer role couldn’t be further from his typical job.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with people seeking asylum,” said Simon.

“It’s been very educational for me. I work for a footwear brand and that work is very materialistic. It’s such a change from anything I have ever done.”

Simon feels his experience working at the Welcome Centre has helped him reflect on his own experiences as a migrant coming from the UK.

“Coming to Australia, it’s been easy for me.

“English is my mother tongue, I work in an industry that is desirable and things have always been quite fortunate for me.

“So, meeting some of the Welcome Centre’s clients and hearing the hurdles they’ve gone through, it’s really eye opening.

“I hear about people getting residency after they’ve been in offshore detention centres or in Australia waiting for 11 or 12 years.”

The community at the Welcome Centre is what Simon loves most about his role.

“It’s such a lovely welcoming place,” he says.

“It’s so nice just to be there. Various people come through the doors for various reasons and its always a really positive place to be.”

Learn more about volunteering at Uniting. 

People just need to feel listened to

Content warning: this story references mental health and suicide. If this story raises concerns for you, please contact:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Respect 1800 737 732

“So many times, people just need to feel listened to.”

Anthony was first inspired to become a Lifeline volunteer by a friend at university.

“When I was a medical student, I had a friend who was always very good at communicating,” said Anthony.

“I was thoroughly impressed by her communication skills; her ability to use silence, reflection and empathy when speaking to patients.

“It turned out she was a Crisis Supporter with Lifeline and attributed her skills to Lifeline.”

Over a decade later, when the pandemic hit, Anthony felt there was no better time to join the Lifeline team.

Anthony now volunteers as a Crisis Support worker.

He supports people over the phone who may be facing a mental health crisis, and those who call asking for advice about a loved one or friend in trouble.

“I truly feel that I am making a difference,” said Anthony.

“My role is to be their ally, to let them know that they are not alone, to acknowledge what they are going through and how it impacts them.

“So many times, people just need to feel listened to. They need to have someone else ‘get it’ and acknowledge the hardship they are feeling.”

Anthony stresses that mental health impacts more than the individual.

“Suicide and depression are huge burdens on not just the individual but also their family and friends,” he said.

“So, being able to play a role where we can alleviate that, we are not only just going to be helping the caller but also their family and friends as well.”

Since volunteering, Anthony has found his outlook on life has shifted.

“This role gives me a lot of perspective on people and keeps me centered. It serves as a reminder to feel grateful for what I have, and to equally recognise when to call out for help.

“I feel very grateful being able to do this role and I always leave work feeling positive. I wish more doctors would do the Lifeline training because the skills gained are immense.”

Anthony explains that mental ill health doesn’t discriminate.

“Mental illness affects everyone and at every age,” he said.

“Feelings of loneliness, isolation and fear are often the key characteristics that drive depression.

“Almost all of us face significant challenges and hurdles sometime in our lives. These can weigh us down impacting not just our own health, but the health of our family and friends who love us.

“Lifeline volunteers are there to form that connection with you. To listen. To hear you without interruption or judgement. To be your ally, to empower you.

“Connecting with someone and helping them to realise they do matter to the world, can be an incredibly empowering and enriching experience for the soul.”

Uniting Vic.Tas is a trusted delivery partner of Lifeline Australia in Melbourne and Ballarat.

Uniting’s Ballarat service began operating in 1971. The service was a developed vision set forth by a band of keen volunteers from the Uniting Church. Today over 1,000 volunteers have helped people in crisis in the Ballarat community over the last 50 years.

Learn more about volunteering at Uniting. 

Volunteering gave me back me

Fae was turning the corner after several years fighting cancer.

Work had always been an integral part of her life, but her health had forced her into retirement, and she was feeling at a loss.

Enter the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was in a dark place,” she said.

“Yes, I’d been there before, but there seemed to be no way out this time.

“We all felt the impact of the lockdowns, but for me, as for many, a compromised immune system made me feel like a prisoner.”

Being shut away at home really started to take its toll on Fae.

“I realised that being alone with my thoughts could be dangerous for my mental health,” she said.

“Normally, my happy place is to be running, bustling and busy, the busier the better.”

Heading into the second year of the pandemic, Fae knew she had to do something.

“I considered volunteering and wondered if I had the strength to get out and do it. Finally, I managed to contact Uniting in Grovedale.

“I’ll always remember walking in that first day and doing a group orientation. I was asked to introduce myself and talk briefly about my work history.

I said I was Fae, and then I felt the tears begin. I was overwhelmed but luckily in the good hands of [Uniting staff] Kerry and Theone.”

Before long, Fae was making use of her skills volunteering as an Emergency Relief interviewer.

After a few weeks she began volunteering in Grovedale’s Education program.

“Honestly, I could literally feel the darkness begin to lift, it was an amazing gift,” she said.

“This is such a valuable program and I had much to learn, but with the support I was given, it all came together.

“Uniting is an amazing place.

“Our clients are ever grateful for our help. Each program within Uniting provides a unique service, whether it be emergency aid, help with school supplies, or giving families in need a joyful Christmas.

“I’m truly grateful I wandered into that little black building in Grovedale all that time ago.

“It may sound over the top, but it honestly saved me. It gave me back me. It’s enabled me to make a difference again, something I had lost.”

Learn more about volunteering at Uniting. 

Amy advocates for mental health

Content warning: this story references mental health and suicide. If this story raises concerns for you, please contact:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Respect 1800 737 732.

When you think about death, you think car accidents, heart attacks or cancer – you don’t think of suicide.

“That’s a big reason why I volunteer.”

Amy started volunteering for Lifeline back in 2021.

“I wear a lot of different hats. I’ve put myself in many different programs here,” she says.

“I love it because they all require different skills.”

One of Amy’s many roles is as a Crisis Support worker.

“You don’t need to be working in mental health to be a volunteer at Lifeline,” says Amy.

“We have so many different ages, demographics and backgrounds here. That’s what makes the service so great.”

As a Crisis Support worker Amy supports people over the phone who are experiencing mental health crisis.

Although her volunteer work can be challenging, she feels it has had a positive impact on her life.

“It gives me meaning and purpose,” says Amy.

“There’s been massive movements in the past ten years in Australia surrounding mental health but there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done.

“Especially in reducing the stigma and the incidence of suicide. I want to help reduce that.”

Amy urges those thinking about volunteering for Lifeline to sign up.

“Lifeline has given me more skills and enhanced my knowledge. It’s also given me a wider perspective of what mental health can be,” she says.

“I’ve learnt a lot about myself and what I have capacity to do.”

When reflecting on her time as a volunteer, Amy stresses the importance of reaching out for support.

“People do it really tough on their own a lot of the time.

“But just know there is help. Lifeline is a 24/7 service to support you in your crisis. We are one phone call away. Please call.”

Learn more about volunteering at Uniting. 

A warm welcome for all

Volunteering led to amazing opportunities for Stacey.

Stacey also started volunteering at the Welcome Centre during Melbourne’s lockdowns.

“Like many people, I had a lot of spare time on my hands, so I decided that volunteering would be a great way to feel useful, busy, and connected to others,” said Stacey.

When beginning her volunteer journey with the Welcome Centre, Stacey didn’t know it would change her career trajectory.

“Recently I was given the amazing opportunity to become a Community Development Worker at the Welcome Centre, which was a direct result of my time volunteering,” she said.

“I had never considered social work as an occupation, but spending time at the Welcome Centre gave me a better understanding of what a career in social work could entail.

“It made me realise it was possible to have a job that enabled me to put my political values into action.”

Through her time at the Welcome Centre, Stacey has come to learn the positive role the centre plays in the community.

“Places like the Welcome Centre are often the only source of support for asylum seekers, and each day I work there, I see the difference it makes to people’s lives,” she said.

“This is not only in terms of material aid and practical support, but also fostering a sense of community, and creating a safe and welcoming space to connect with other people.”

Stacey shares some advice for those considering volunteering.

“If you’re eager to volunteer but aren’t sure about the type of role or the organisation you’d like to work with, think about your interests and passions, the skills you could offer, as well as any skills you’d like to gain,” she said.

“There are so many opportunities out there, you’re bound to find something that will be a great fit.”

Learn more about volunteering at Uniting. 

Budget delivers important relief for vulnerable, but more to be done

Uniting Vic.Tas has welcomed the increased support for families and vulnerable communities in this year’s Federal Budget but sees it as an opportunity lost to address systemic poverty. 

Cost-of-living relief was at the forefront with energy rebates of up to $500 for eligible households, cheaper prescription medicines and greater incentives for GPs to provide more free appointments.  

Greater childcare subsidies and extending the eligibility for single-parents to access the parenting payment until their youngest child turns 14 will provide much-needed relief for families, while $72 million to recruit and retain more early learning educators will strengthen the sector. 

However, Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike said the Budget laid a solid foundation by directing more support towards vulnerable communities, but it was disappointing more had not been done to address entrenched poverty. 

“A $2.85 a day or $40 per fortnight increase to JobSeeker will not be enough to lift people out of poverty,” Ms Pike said. 

“Our own research has shown when the rate of Jobseeker was doubled during the early days of the COVID pandemic, people were in a much better position to secure employment because they were relieved of the daily stresses of just having to survive,” Ms Pike said. 

“As the Interim Economic Advisory Committee report found, the current rates of income supports such as JobSeeker and Youth Allowance are not only inadequate to cover the basics of living, but actually act as a barrier to gaining paid employment,” Ms Pike said. 

“More people are having to make impossible choices between paying the rent, turning the lights on, or buying food or medication.  

“We were hoping the Budget would finally raise income support payments to a rate which affords people a basic standard of living. 

“Increasing the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 15 per cent or $31 a fortnight is welcome, but more still needs to be done to help people cope with housing stress.  

“Family violence is an epidemic so the $589 million package for women’s safety with $38.2 million to extend UnitingCare Network’s Escaping Violence Payment to 2025 will help more people to find homes free of family violence.”  

 

 

 

Captain’s Wrap: Murray to Moyne 2023

Well, after months of training and preparation for Team Life Cycle, the 2023 Murray to Moyne cycle relay is done and dusted for another year.  

The lead-up was less stressful than last year when Covid still played an active part, sadly knocking two of our members out just before the event. This year a couple of riders had injuries that affected their training but overall, the team was well-prepared and ready to go come the day.

After over 30 years, the Murray to Moyne has become a classic annual cycling event. This year, the event was run on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 2023.

Our team chose to take the route option from Echuca to Port Fairy and cycled a distance of 520 kilometres relay style over the two days. Team Life Cycle divided into three separate groups of three riders each, Avengers, Justice League and X-Men.

The Friday saw the team loading the trailer with bikes, cycling and camping gear, food, water and lots of high energy snacks.

Then it was off to Echuca (in Victoria’s north) to set up camp and straight out for a warm-up ride with spirits and excitement high. We were also glad to see Echuca had bounced back well after the floods and looked as pretty as a picture as always. Early to bed Friday night to be up, packed and ready for to start on the stroke of 9.02.

It was a sight to see the 200 riders in their fifteen teams pedalling out from the beautiful historic Port of Echuca sustained with last minute food and caffeine from the rapid relief team to fuel the riders up… Team Life Cycle was the third team away with our Avengers taking the first leg.

Each of our groups would ride 25km legs that day, hoping to keep a minimum of 26kmh average speed which should see us into Hamilton by midnight.

“May the wind be always at your back” goes the song but strong headwinds plagued our teams right throughout that first day, apart from the wind-assisted Pyramid Hill leg which is always a joy to ride.

At some point, an equally fierce tailwind had us shooting along at an exhilarating 49kmh!

The riders battled on with each team doing whatever they could to mitigate the wind. At times we even mimicked geese, riding in the V formation.

As evening drew close and the winds eased, the team arrived in Stawell, faces stinging, tired and hungry, to a wonderful reception from Uniting’s headspace Horsham crew. Liz and Lisa treated us to a feast of savoury and sweet treats, hot drinks and warm towels, very difficult to leave but the ride had to go on! A big ‘thank you’ to our headspace Horsham support crew.

Each of our gallant riders rode two night legs with the night riding being very different from the day riding. Still conditions and cooler temperatures as well as Hi-Vis vests and bright lights.

Some of our riders (me included) were very weary by this point and had to work hard to maintain concentration. The team at last pulled into Hamilton just before midnight. Showers and sleep were our main priority as we had to be up and riding again by 7 o’clock.

Sunday was a completely different ride. Unlike Saturday, this leg saw our team riding together for the whole 96kms. Despite heading for the coast, we had a gentle tail wind and mild conditions saw us all average 29kmh.

Two brief rest stops in Penshurst and Hawkesdale and then the team rallied itself for the last four kilometres into Port Fairy and a cruise to the finish line.

It’s a very rewarding feeling completing the Murray to Moyne and the team crossed the line around 11 o’clock having successfully completed the gruelling 520 kilometres.

The end was joyous, with hugs and high fives all round, many photos and then happily placing the bikes on the trailer for the journey home knowing we had at least a couple of days before we were to jump on our bikes again.   Collectively, the team rode 2,229kms, consumed at least 35 litres of water and an enormous amount of calories (we never count those).

We had only one mechanical issue which meant jumping on the spare bike. Lots of misplaced cords, electronic devices (garmins, gloves etc… All of which turned up. As you can imagine it’s a flurry of activity between the bus, the car and the road with stuff flying everywhere.

A big shout-out to our amazing support crew. The dynamic duo of Chris (Batman) Manson and our Boy Wonder Adrian (Robin) Dalzotto. These two guys drove our two support vehicles the entire journey, assisted the riders throughout the ride, loaded and unloaded bikes and kept the whole show on the road. We simply couldn’t have done the event without them. Also, a big thank you to Dale, Chloe, Liz and Lisa from Uniting for all their support before and during the event.

It was a buzz, an achievement, a team-bonding experience, fun, fabulous, fascinating and all in a good cause. We raised $5,627 for Uniting Vic.Tas’s headspace program in Horsham and who could ask for anything more? Our team is already looking forward to M2M 2024!!

 

Joint statement May 2023

Community organisations join forces calling for immediate increase to income support payments to tackle youth homelessness.

Five leading homelessness community support organisations have joined forces to call on the Government to substantially increase JobSeeker and Youth Allowance in next week’s Federal Budget to tackle Australia’s youth homelessness epidemic.

While we welcome the Government’s consideration of the recommendations to income support reform outlined by the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee and Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce, it is our collective view that the rate of working age income support payments needs to be raised for all age groups to reflect the reality of experience of people relying on income support to live.

Increasing income support payments is an essential step to reduce the numbers of Australians, particularly young people, being forced into homelessness by rising rents and the rising cost of living.

Analysis by Homelessness Australia showed while overall youth incomes support payments in Victoria increased 10 to 12 per cent in two years, rents surged 24 per cent. A young person who paid 63 per cent of their Youth Allowance income two years prior to share a two-bedroom unit will now pay 73 per cent of their income.

Anglicare’s 2023 Rental Affordability Snapshot shows that any person on JobSeeker or Youth Allowance looking for a share house would not be able to afford any of the rentals available in several states. Some young people are now being left with just $13 a day to cover essentials such as food, transport, medicine, and other essentials.

Our services are stretched to breaking point meaning we have to turn away some young people who have no choice but to return to violent homes, couch surfing or unsafe adult rooming and boarding houses.

We can’t allow this to continue – our young people deserve to be able to live in dignity.

Read the full statement here

Interviews:    Melbourne City mission CEO Vicki Sutton

Uniting Vic Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike AO

Media contact: Shorna Moore at [email protected] on 0411 146 825

Government delivers funding certainty for homeless support services

Uniting Vic.Tas has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to provide $67.5 million to address a looming funding shortfall for homelessness services.

Funding for the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) supplementation for homelessness services had been due to expire on June 30 this year.

ERO was introduced in 2012 to cover social and community workers recognising the sector’s predominantly female workforce had been historically lower paid because of their gender.

Without the ongoing funding, Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike said the organisation stood to lose $1.254 million for 2023-2024, which would have had a devastating impact on homelessness support services.

“We’re in the middle of a housing crisis and our homelessness support services are stretched like never before, so this funding commitment is critical,” Ms Pike said.

Recent Census figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics earlier this week show the depth of the crisis with homelessness in Victoria growing by 24 per cent over the past five years. Over this same period, homelessness rates in Tasmania have almost doubled, increasing by 45 per cent.

“Our aim is to ensure everyone has a secure roof over their head. This commitment gives certainty and security for our homeless support services and for our workforce in knowing they’ll be able to continue doing what they do best.

“We all need to work together to make homelessness a thing of the past, so we’re pleased the Government has listened to our concerns and acted.”

Uniting for a ‘Yes’ vote for a Voice to Parliament

Today, Uniting Vic.Tas, the community services organisation of the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania joined over 180 civil society organisations across the country under the banner of Allies for Uluru Coalition, in welcoming and endorsing the agreed wording for constitutional change and a First Nations Voice to Parliament.  

Uniting Vic.Tas has heard the message from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders through the Uluru Statement From the Heart seeking Voice, Treaty, Truth and we accept the generous offer contained therein to walk together towards a better future.  

“We stand with and honour the First Nations people of this country and their call for this simple and modest reform to The Australian Constitution”, says Uniting Vic.Tas CEO, Bronwyn Pike.   

We also join the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) in supporting the Yes vote for a Voice and in recognising this as a pivotal step toward the full implementation of the Uluru Statement:  

“The Uluru Statement is an invitation given by the First Nations people to the people of Australia”, Rev Kickett of the UAICC said. “A constitutionally enshrined Voice will shape and guide the relationship between First and Second peoples in this country by enabling our people to have a say in the decisions that impact our communities” – extract from Uniting Church in Australia Assembly and Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) Media Release 24 February 2023 

“This is an historic moment for all Australians”, Ms Pike said. “We must come together and vote Yes to changing our constitution and recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians as our First Peoples.” 

“We have also heard from our First Nations’ workforce from across Victoria and Tasmania who came together in early 2023 and discussed the importance of Uniting, as a mainstream organisation, standing as an ally in the push for constitutional recognition and a Voice to Parliament.”  

“It is the first step to addressing the wrongs and injustices of the past and giving First Nations people a long overdue voice on the issues that affect their lives.”  

 

 

Minister launches July edition of Parity magazine at Uniting

The latest edition of the Council to Homeless Persons Parity magazine gives a voice to the often-invisible group of people experiencing homelessness during pregnancy. Uniting Vic.Tas was honoured to host the launch of this edition last week, coinciding with the start of Homelessness Week.   

We were grateful for the opportunity to hear from many speakers throughout the event, who shared their personal connection or lived experience with the topic of pregnancy and homelessness.   

Victorian Minister for Women, Hon. Natalie Hutchins, formally launched the July edition by graciously sharing her own story of growing up in social housing.   

Minister Hutchins described herself as “the daughter of a young woman of 17 who found herself pregnant”, recounting experiences of living in high-rise public housing during early childhood, and the continuation of housing stress after her family had moved into private rental accommodation.  

“By the time I turned 18 we had moved house 20 times”

“I know what it is like to have to pack up a house at five minutes to midnight because we were behind in the rent, or they gave us very short notice.”

Uniting’s General Manager Housing and Property, Kristie Looney, welcomed event attendees including fellow article contributors, members of the Pregnancy and Homelessness Network, people with lived experience of pregnancy and homelessness, and partners from across the sector such as Council to Homeless Persons, Launch Housing and Housing First.   

Ms Looney recounted a particular story involving a young woman who fell pregnant in high school.  

“She was very young, her son was born with a disability, and she was told he wouldn’t walk or talk,” Ms Looney said.

“She was single and applying for rental properties and couldn’t get a look in, so she found herself homeless.

“Then, one day her life changed. She was given the opportunity to rent a property through a social housing provider. Rent was affordable, the home was long term and it meant she could really focus on the important things in life.

“Things like finishing Year 12, getting a Uni degree and helping her son in therapy so he could have best chance in life. She was able to get a part-time job, so her income changed, and she was able to build confidence.

“This story is a true story – it’s my story. It’s why I’m here today and why I work in this sector and it’s what motivates me every day.”

Kristie also contributed an opinion article for this edition.  

Rose McCrohan, Manager Curran Place Mother and Baby Residential Withdrawal Service contributed the second Uniting-authored article in this edition. In collaboration with Sally Coutts and Kerri Felemonow from The Women’s Hospital, the article explores the work that goes into supporting pregnant women and new mums experiencing AOD-related harm and homelessness.  

Among other service providers and practitioners within the sector, Rose joined a panel discussion that focused on the extent, nature and impact of homelessness on pregnancy outcomes for mother and infant. Panel members were asked to reflect on the outcomes they have witnessed for people accessing their services, Rose concluded the session with an acknowledgement of positivity within the sector.  

“We see just how strong women are, and the human spirit… you keep judging that these young women will not cope and then you see magic within them.”

You can read Rose’s article ‘An Inevitable Collaboration? Working Together to Support Pregnant Women Experiencing Homelessness and Alcohol and Other Drug Related Harm’ here and Kristie Looney’s opinion article here.

Uniting Vic.Tas opens new Gippsland youth alcohol and drug treatment facility

A new 20-bed youth residential rehabilitation facility in Traralgon operated by Uniting Vic.Tas was officially opened today by the Victorian Health Minister, Martin Foley.

The purpose-built facility provides a structured live-in residential setting where young people aged 16 to 25 years are supported to address their alcohol and drug-related issues.

Minister Foley was joined at the opening by Uniting Vic.Tas Executive General Manager Silvia Alberti and the Victorian Health Building Authority CEO Robert Fiske.

Ms Alberti said the centre was the result of a partnership between Uniting Vic.Tas, the Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative and the Victorian Government and would address a long-standing need in the region.

“We know there is a real need for alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs in Gippsland and we believe this facility will make a real difference and help many young people to get their lives back on track,” she said.

“As well as a live-in program with around-the-clock clinical care, the treatment includes activities that support lasting behavioural change including social and life skills development, relapse prevention, individual counselling and group work.

“What sets our program apart is on top of the three months rehabilitation, we also provide a one-month transition where young people can return home and resume work or study while continuing to receive support.

“We also have an outreach service where young people are allocated a dedicated case worker who provides pre-admission support including home visits and regularly check-ins on their wellbeing.”

One of the first young people to complete the program was 19-year-old Alex* from Bright who arrived seeking treatment for both alcohol and substance use.

“This program saved my life,” Alex said.

“I tried multiple detox programs and hospital admissions and nothing worked. I really needed a place where the main purpose was helping with addiction. I was needing something long term, away from home to gather myself and learn about myself and being in a safe space.”

This is the longest time Alex has been substance free since he was 14 years-old. He is now looking to support others going through the program and wants to work in the alcohol and drug treatment field in the future.

*The name of the person featured in this story has been changed to protect their identity.

Natalie’s story

Natalie has been supporting vulnerable children and families as part of the Family Preservation and Reunification Response Program (FPR&R) program for two years.

Natalie finds her role at Uniting working alongside a highly motivated, knowledgeable and professional team rewarding and fulfilling.

The Family Preservation and Reunification Response Program aims to promote strong and self-sufficient families by supporting parents and caregivers to create a safe and nurturing home environment. As Practitioners we provide responsive, intensive and sustainable support to children and families where children are at imminent risk of entry to care or where safe reunification back into the family home is appropriate.

“There is a strong sense of shared commitment to achieving our service goals in the Family Preservation and Reunification Response Program and across Uniting as a whole” she says.

“The management are great to work with, collaborate and reflective about the best way to respond to the needs of employees and consumers as they arrive.”

“I love working as a Practitioner in the Response program, my team are amazing and feel like Uniting makes a difference in so many people’s lives, including my own”.

“Because the community services sector is very dynamic, there is always growth and opportunity for development.”

“Uniting has always recruited talented people and they invest in our staff, provide training opportunities for development,” she says.

“And we offer a family friendly environment, flexible working conditions, to help suit the needs of families.”

Learn more about working at Uniting.

Budget just a ‘band-aid’ for our most vulnerable

The quick fixes in the Federal Budget will do little to ease poverty and disadvantage, according to one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit community services providers, Uniting Vic.Tas.

Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike said the temporary cut to the fuel excise and the one-off $250 cash payment for low-income earners would do little to ease the strain on household budgets.

“A one-off payment to a select group of low-income earners won’t address the ongoing financial hardship and poverty facing so many households,” Ms Pike said.

“We were hoping the Budget would finally raise income support payments to a rate which affords people a basic standard of living.

“Wages are stagnant, but the cost of living is rising all the time, so we needed to see more than just band-aid solutions.

“Every day, families have to make impossible choices between paying the rent, paying the electricity or gas bill or putting food on the table. These are families living day to day, week to week.”

Ms Pike said the Budget also failed to include any investment in social housing.

“Housing affordability is a national crisis,” Ms Pike said.

“It’s disappointing there was no funding for social housing or moves to make housing more affordable.

“We’ve seen state governments in both Victoria and Tasmania invest heavily in social housing – it’s time the Federal Government contributed its fair share.”

Uniting Vic.Tas welcomes a $240 million commitment to extend the Escaping Violence Payment for a further three years. This nationwide program – led by Uniting Vic.Tas – provides financial assistance to support people to escape family violence.

“The Escaping Family Violence payment is helping people across Australia to lead safer lives, free of violence,” Ms Pike said.

“As the provider for Lifeline services in Melbourne and Ballarat, we’re pleased with the additional funding for suicide prevention, including for Lifeline. This is an important acknowledgement of the huge growth in demand for mental health services – particularly since the start of the pandemic.”

Uniting welcomes Victorian social housing reforms.

Uniting Vic.Tas and Uniting Housing Victoria have welcomed the social housing reforms announced by the Victorian Government.

Uniting Vic.Tas in partnership with Uniting Housing Victoria operate and support more than 870 social housing tenancies across the state.

Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike:

“This is courageous and bold leadership, which will allow housing providers like ourselves to provide more housing for the most vulnerable Victorians,” Ms Pike said.

“We believe affordable, safe and secure housing for everybody is an essential human right.

“We know how much of a difference having a home has on every aspect of a person’s life, particularly for people in crisis. This announcement will help us put and keep a roof over the head of many thousands of vulnerable Victorians, right across our state.”

Uniting Vic.Tas General Manager Housing and Property Kristie Looney:

“These are groundbreaking reforms which not only ensures funding certainty but will allow us to deliver more housing for the communities and the people most in need,” Ms Looney said.

“There’s clear evidence that it’s only after securing safe and permanent housing that people in crisis are able deal with other important needs, such as finding a job or seeking help for mental health issues.

“The savings that will be achieved through the rates exemption will allow providers like ourselves to direct more money into new social housing as well as the maintenance of existing properties.”

Proposed Religious Discrimination Bill must be rejected

Uniting Vic.Tas is calling on the Federal Government to immediately scrap its proposed Religious Discrimination Bill.

At Uniting Vic.Tas, we’re proud to stand side-by-side with all people, regardless of their faith, sexuality or gender.

We share the concerns of our overarching body, the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA), which in its submission to the Government, expressed concern the Bill, ’fails to strike the correct balance between people’s rights, protections and responsibilities.’

Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike said the proposed Bill would allow people and organisations, including schools, to use faith to discriminate against others.

“This is an anti-discrimination bill which actually enshrines the right to discriminate,” Ms Pike said.

“Religious freedom must always be balanced against basic human rights. We must protect the rights of people to feel safe and express who they are without fear of being shamed, ridiculed, or excluded.

“Allowing people of faith to discriminate against people of a different faith or on the basis of their sexuality, gender, marital status or disability is completely against what we stand for.”

“We believe this Bill will likely cause further harm and distress to many people already feeling marginalised and facing social exclusion.

“We urge the Government to legislate to protect religious freedom without removing protections from those who need it. Our laws should protect all of us, equally.

“Religious organisations such as ours have demonstrated that it is possible to uphold religious faith, while respecting diversity.

“There are no grounds on which religion can be a justification for causing harm to others. This Bill goes too far and must be withdrawn immediately.”

One small act of kindness can make a big difference this Christmas

We’ve all felt the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.

And while it has been a challenging 18 months for many, it is important to reflect on the positives.

These trying times have also brought out the best in people. People like Jodie.

Jodie has volunteered at our NoBucks community meals service in Hobart for over 2 years.

“A friend suggested I go to NoBucks for a meal one day. I was home alone throughout the day and feeling a bit lonely,” says Jodie.

“One of the volunteers suggested I should look into volunteering, so I did.”

Jodie started helping in the kitchen twice a week.

When the pandemic hit, Jodie gave even more. She volunteered most weekdays during the height of COVID-19 restrictions in Tasmania to “make sure people were still being fed” during the difficult time.

But like so many of the people Jodie serves at NoBucks, she also endures daily struggles. Life hasn’t been easy for the 51-year-old.

Jodie lives with an acquired brain injury that causes severe and ongoing short-term memory loss. Jodie is often unable to remember what she heard, saw or did only minutes earlier.

As a baby, Jodie was adopted out by her birth mother.

She spent nearly 11 years with her adopted family before the relationship broke down and she was placed into foster care when she was 12-years-old.

“My foster family were lovely. I was the only foster child, so my foster parents showered me with attention,” says Jodie

It was this attention that one day took a sinister turn for Jodie.

When one of the foster family’s children took exception to the attention Jodie was receiving, he made a near-fatal decision to inject Jodie with insulin, causing severe hypoglycemia.

The overdose left Jodie in a coma for 6 months.

When Jodie awoke from the coma, she says “it was like my memory had been erased.”

Jodie spent over a year in hospital learning to walk, talk, eat and go to the toilet again.

“I don’t remember a lot about my recovery. But I know it was long and difficult.

“And I remember getting frustrated sometimes. It’s probably a good thing I don’t remember much.”

Jodie returned to live with her adopted family after she was discharged from hospital.

Unable to work and on a disability pension, Jodie started volunteering her time and joined the local Scout group.

It was there that she met her husband Randall.

“He has been a great strength to me over the years,” says Jodie.

“I know it can be hard on him at times, supporting the kids and me.”

With 3 children and a mortgage to pay, money is tight sometimes.

When Randall received a small pay rise last year, Jodie’s disability pension was cut off and the family’s finances became more strained.

“We used my disability pension to put money away for Christmas and birthday presents for the kids and to buy them clothes during the year,” says Jodie.

“With 3 growing children to feed and a mortgage to pay, we don’t have a lot of money left over after we buy the essentials.”

Leading up to Christmas last year, Jodie was heartbroken when the children asked for bikes.

“We just couldn’t afford it. I’d bought clothes for each of the kids as their present.

“We’ve always made sure the kids have food on the table and clean clothes on their backs.”

To help Jodie, who has given so much to her community through her volunteering and Scouting roles, the Uniting team in Hobart stepped in to buy bikes for the children.

“It meant the world to us,” says Jodie.

“It was so kind. And it’s been a big help. Rohan rides his bike to college each day and Cailean will do the same when he goes to college next year.”

The team at NoBucks are now looking to hire Jodie as a supported employee.

“It’s good to feel valued and to be doing something I really enjoy,” says Jodie.

“I just hope I’m making a difference for people.

“My life hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve managed. And I know there are people out there worse off than I am.”

You can support people across Victoria and Tasmania doing it tough this Christmas.

Donate now.

 

Fighting poverty together

We’re joining forces with individuals and organisations across the country to take action this Anti-Poverty Week.

Anti-Poverty Week, 17 – 23 October 2021, helps the Australian community gain a better understanding of poverty and how we can work together to end it.

Here at Uniting, we work across a range of community services, intervening early to help people avoid crisis, as well as supporting those who live life at the margins.

For the second year running, Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike is the Victorian Co-Chair of Anti-Poverty Week.

As part of our work to help end poverty, we recently partnered with the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University to look at what the end of COVID-19 income and tenancy benefits has meant for the people that received them.

This research is called: No fighting chance. Impact of the withdrawal of COVID-19 income and tenancy benefits. 

At the beginning of the pandemic, Australia united to ensure that our most vulnerable did not suffer.

In April last year, the Federal Government introduced a $550 per fortnight Coronavirus Supplement for people on JobSeeker payments, along with the JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme for employed people.

At the same time, the Victorian Government instituted a moratorium on evictions, suspended private rental increases and provided private rent relief for renters and landlords impacted by the pandemic.

However, these measures were time-limited.

The Coronavirus Supplement was gradually cut back and finally replaced in April 2021 with a $50 increase in the permanent rate of JobSeeker.

All tenancy payments and benefits in Victoria were withdrawn by the end of March 2021.

Since this time Australia, particularly Victoria, has faced further waves of COVID-19 lockdown measures, largely without these levels of income and tenancy support being reinstated.

“In April this year, I noted that the cut to the JobSeeker payment will force more people into poverty and place even greater pressure on emergency relief services,” says Bronwyn.

“Sadly, our research validates this.

“In Victoria alone, 648,000 adults and children struggle to survive on income payments that are below the poverty line.

“That’s nearly 1 in 10 people living in Victoria, including 1 in 5 children who are growing up in the poorest families.

“Many are at risk of homelessness due to a shortage of affordable housing.

“The JobSeeker and parenting payments are not a handout. They’re about giving people a basic standard of living while they get back on their feet.”

The research finds that to end poverty we must:

  • Introduce a permanent increase in JobSeeker and Parenting Payment rates to ensure that the income support system provides an adequate safety net for individuals and families that rely on them
  • Benchmark Jobseeker to wages to reduce income inequality and give people a fighting chance in an increasingly competitive housing and employment market
  • Increase the amount of Rent Assistance provided to ensure that everyone has access to adequate rental support
  • Increase investment in social housing to improve the supply of safe, secure and affordable homes.

This Anti-Poverty Week, we’re joining forces with the Everybody’s Home and Raise the Rate for Good campaigns.

We’re calling on the Federal Government to increase Jobseeker and other income support payments and invest in social housing so that everyone can cover the basics and keep a roof over their head.

We’re making our voice heard and you can too.

By visiting Everybodys Home and signing the petition to the Federal Treasurer, you can stand up and demand more be done.

By coming together, we can all work to end poverty.

Here, some of the people who have reached out to us for support share their story.

Aylin’s story

Kerry’s story

 

Australian leadership on the situation in Afghanistan

We stand side-by-side with our consumers and a wide range of organisations, businesses and community groups across Australia in calling upon the Government to take seven urgent and practical steps in response to this humanitarian disaster:  

Do everything possible in continuing to evacuate people who are at grave risk within Afghanistan, including those who have worked for or assisted the Australian Government and Australian organisations (including the embassy, armed forces, NGOs and media), human rights defenders and women and girls whose lives and security are under great threat.  

Urge governments in the region to keep borders open for people trying to flee persecution in Afghanistan, particularly Pakistan and Iran. 

Offer additional refugee resettlement places for Afghan refugees immediately, as the Australian Government did in 2015 with 12,000 additional places for Syrian and Iraqi refugees. Canada has already announced its commitment of 20,000 additional places for Afghan refugees. Australia could match this offer and urge other resettlement states to do the same, sending a strong and positive message to states receiving Afghan refugees that the world is ready to share responsibility in the protection of lives at risk. 

As many people are now at risk from hunger and lack of shelter due to their forced displacement, immediately increase Australian aid to the region to support programs to assist people who have been displaced across borders and, wherever possible, support organisations still offering assistance within Afghanistan.   

We welcome the extension of temporary visas of all Afghan citizens in Australia announced by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke on 17 August. A vital next step is to ensure that people whose asylum claims have been previously rejected be supported to submit new claims in light of the changed circumstances in Afghanistan. 

Extend permanent protection to 4300 Afghans on temporary protection visas, recognising that members of this group are unlikely to be able to return in safety for many years to come and need the assurance that they can continue to live in Australia without the constant fear of forced return.  

Assist Afghan Australians, including people with temporary and permanent protection visas, with urgent family reunion applications for relatives who are at particular risk, as members of minorities targeted by the Taliban or people likely to be targeted because of their connections to western nations. This should include giving priority to finalising family reunion applications which have previously been lodged but are waiting on a decision from the Department of Home Affairs.  

We urge the government to stand with our communities and take immediate action on these matters.  

Read the full letter here 

  

Palm Sunday 2021

Joint Statement of Uniting Vic Tas and the Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.

We stand together in solidarity with refugees, people seeking asylum and their supporters across Australia to call out the injustices of Australia’s current immigration policies.

The Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania and Uniting Vic.Tas, its community services organisation, uphold the Christian teachings that encourage us to provide care and comfort to people seeking exile; treating them as equals and defending them against oppression and persecution. We support the creation of fair and efficient asylum processes underpinned by international human rights principles.

We have a long history of engagement with new arrivals to Australia and advocate for better treatment of refugees and people seeking asylum. Our services assist many people seeking asylum in our community, some of whom have been waiting for many years for their applications to be resolved.

This Palm Sunday (28 March), we re-affirm our commitment to people who have been forced to flee war, violence and persecution. We recognise their courage, resilience and strength in facing the worst of humanity.

Fundamentally, we call for compassion, dignity and respect in how we treat people seeking our protection. Every life should be valued. Every person, no matter where they came from or how they arrived in Australia, deserves safety and security and to be able to fulfil the hope of a decent life for themselves and their family.

The Palm Sunday Walk for Justice for Refugees is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the continuing hardship experienced by refugees and people who are seeking asylum.

Starting in the 1980s, churches across Australia have joined together on Palm Sunday in capital cities across the country to march together for peace. This rally has gone on to become an annual ecumenical event that draws people from many faith and non-faith backgrounds to march together to show support for public policy issues that are of importance to them.

As part of this year’s Walk for Justice for Refugees, we’re calling on the Australian Government to immediately address a number of issues which we believe are crucial to improving the lives of refugees and asylum seekers in this country including:

  • Introducing permanent visas for all refugees
  • Basic income support for people in the community while their refugee status is assessed
  • Releasing all refugees from detention
  • An end to offshore processing

In Melbourne, the march will start at 1.30pm at the State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanson Street, Melbourne

Tackling Victoria’s children in out-of-home care crisis

The best answer to Victoria’s child protection crisis is early support for families.

Early intervention to help keep families with children together in Victoria will help stem the rising numbers of children in out-of-home care which has doubled in the past decade. This is the message from Uniting Vic.Tas Executive General Manager Operations Silvia Alberti in a column for this month’s Parity magazine.

“Children do not want to be removed from their family, but they want and need to be safe, cared for, and supported. Parents want to be able to care for their children and give them what they need but some parents need support to be able to do this.”

“There have been many reports on the child and family services systems…Behind every number quoted, every statistic mentioned in these reports, is a child. Behind them, a family. Every single one who matters, who is important and deserving of more care and the opportunity to thrive.

“In other Australian states and internationally, funding family services to support parents intensively and early when they most need help has made the most significant difference in reducing the number of children that are removed and placed in out-of-home care.”

Read more from Silvia

 

Not your average childhood: Growing up in out-of-home care

In a column for this month’s Parity magazine, Barry* who has been in out-of-home care since 2018 bravely told his story to us and shared his experiences within Victoria’s child protection system.

“My family is as dysfunctional as the Gallagher’s from (the TV program) Shameless, but that doesn’t mean I want to forget my roots. Family remains family. My experiences have meant that neither of my parents were able to be responsible for me.”

“When (I was told) I was going to a residential care unit…I tried everything not to go (but) residential care has and always will be a big part of my life. It’s been crucial to my development (and) has made me the person I am today.

“(Residential care) has given me a temporary family (but) when the day comes that I move on, I don’t think I’ll be ready for it. I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to be alone. It’s going to be a really hard day.”

Read more from Barry

 

Helping children with their transition into adulthood will change lives

Uniting Vic.Tas Manager Therapeutic Services Residential Care, Adela Homes, who has worked in child protection for almost five decades, says extending the age young people can remain in out-of-home care from 18 to 21 as part of the Home Stretch program and supporting their transition into adulthood will change lives.

“To achieve positive outcomes for young people, they must first be ready to be independent. They must have had an opportunity to trust safely, to live in a stable environment, heal past trauma, and understand what it means to co-exist with others. Unfortunately for young people in out-of-home care, this is rarely their experience.

“We have known for the past 25 years that adverse childhood experiences constitute a type of complex trauma and that the neurobiological impacts arising from experiences of abuse and extreme neglect cause persistent neurobiological, physiological, and psychological impacts.”

“Beginning with early intervention with at-risk families and cascading through out‑of‑home care, family reunification and leaving care, the care journey must reflect and respond to the individual needs of each young person.”

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