Uniting together to help feed Melbourne’s homeless

We have joined forces with Fareshare, Rotary Prahran, Pinchapoo, Coles and Launch Housing to provide packaged meals and toiletries to those doing it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ensuring everybody has a place to call home

A warm bed and a safe and secure roof over our head is something many of us take for granted. On any given night, more than 120,000 people around Australia are homeless, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Homeless package must not forget the ‘hidden homeless’

Uniting Vic.Tas has welcomed the Victorian Government’s new $150 million from Homelessness to a Home package and called for a greater focus on homelessness in regional Victoria.

Jobseeker changes risk millions slipping back into poverty

Uniting Vic.Tas CEO, Bronwyn Pike said the federal government’s decision to cut the JobSeeker payment and end the coronavirus supplement by the end of the year will force millions of Australians – including at least 1 million children – below the poverty line.

New general manager appointments

Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike has today announced two new appointments to the Executive Leadership Team.

Uniting Statement of Support for the National Day of Action to Raise the Rate

The continuing COVID-19 health and economic crises have led to more people than ever before struggling to find paid work.

New COVID-19 restrictions

This year continues to challenge every one of us. The coronavirus has completely changed the way we live, work and relate to our family and friends. And just when we were hopeful of things beginning to open up, the situation has taken another worrying turn.  

Standing up for reconciliation and justice for all people.

Uniting Vic.Tas, together with national leaders of the Uniting Church and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, stands solemnly alongside protesters in the United States following the tragic death of African American man George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police.

ABC Goulburn Murray and Uniting’s Winter Blanket Appeal

Keep families warm this winter and enable Uniting to provide swags and blankets for people sleeping rough in the Goulburn Murray region.

Kindergartens are open and free for Term 2

Following advice from the Victorian Government, all Uniting kindergartens will open after the Easter break.

Jobkeeper leaves large early learning providers in the cold

Uniting Vic Tas, says the Federal Government’s childcare package will offer some relief to parents, but it won’t be enough to keep all childcare services open.

Message to all our consumers

Our absolute priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our consumers, volunteers and employees.

We’re still here for you.

Important notice for our consumers: 

COVID-19 Early Learning Services Update

Following the Victorian Government decision to start the first term school holidays early, all Uniting kindergartens will commence school holidays as of today, Monday 23 March from 5.00pm.

Homeshare SHOUT Week

It’s Homeshare SHOUT Week to raise awareness of homesharing and its benefits.

A message from Uniting Vic.Tas CEO, Bronwyn Pike

Like lots of other organisations, we are getting to grips with what COVID-19 means for us.

Community connection keeps Virginia going

Virginia (pictured above with Paul Linossier and Bronwyn Pike) has been the heart and soul of our Sale Op Shop for 33 years and her service was recently recognised at our Melbourne Annual Public Meeting.

Jude Munro announced as new Board Chair

Jude Munro AO has today been announced as the new Board Chair of Uniting Vic.Tas. 

Faith-based organisation do not support current religious discrimination bill

Leaders from Victoria’s most prominent faith-based and religious community service organisations have come together to urge the Federal Government not to implement the Religious Discrimination Bill as proposed.

Supporting communities affected by bushfires

The bushfire events over the New Year have affected all of us deeply. We are committed to working with communities to heal after these traumatic events. 

Religious freedom must be balanced against the rights of all people

Uniting Vic.Tas CEO, Bronwyn Pike, has today joined with CEOs of two other faith-based community services organisations to reiterate their concern about the latest draft of the Religious Discrimination Bill.

Freya and Levi’s story

Freya and Levi are a young couple from Launceston who earlier this year discovered they were expecting a baby.

Skye’s story

Skye’s children are the centre of her life. “They are my world and I don’t know what I’d do without them,” she says.

Taking action to raise the rate of income support payments

On Wednesday 20 November, we presented to the Senate Committee hearing about the inadequacy of current welfare supports for individuals and families, particularly for struggling rural and regional communities.

Partnership to deliver crisis accommodation for women in Melbourne’s East

Construction work started last week on a new crisis accommodation facility in Mitcham, designed to support older women at risk of homelessness.

It’s time to Raise the Rate

Take action this Anti-Poverty Week.

Uniting to urge greater fairness, accountability from Centrelink

Uniting Vic.Tas will today set out before a Senate Committee hearing the devastating effect that Centrelink’s Robodebt system is having on vulnerable Australians.

Helping families celebrate the big occasions

For families under financial strain, shopping for special occasions like a school formal can bring about stress.

Spellbinding stories at Scots Early Learning Centre

Armed with his trusty box of props, Scots-Memorial Uniting Church Minister Graham Sturdy brings stories to life at Scots Early Learning Centre in Hobart.

The legacy of a life well lived

Hazel’s faith came with a strong sense of justice

Where there’s a Will, there’s a way

John is determined to leave a lasting legacy

Our services provide more than just food

Maidie Graham manages the Uniting Crisis and Homelessness Services in Ringwood and Footscray. She says a parcel of food can go a long way in helping individuals and families in crisis.

A new home for BreezeWay

Where people move from crisis to stability

Uniting in NSW extends support for young people in care

In great news for young people in foster, kinship and residential care in New South Wales, Uniting will become the first service provider in the state to offer support until the age of 21.  

Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb

Firefighters from across the country are getting ready to step up to support mental health services.

This year’s Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb on Saturday 7 September will see 600 firefighters climb the 28 floors of Crown Metropol Hotel.

Help end homelessness

Affordable, safe and secure housing is an essential human right.

Uniting Vic.Tas announces leadership changes

Statement by Bronwyn Pike, Chair of the Board

 Monday 29 July 2019 – I am today announcing a number of leadership changes within Uniting Vic.Tas.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is a time for all of us to work together for a shared future.

Personal experience helps to guide RAP

Ben Atkinson has spent most of his career working towards better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in his local community.

Felicity* had nothing left and nowhere to go…

Devastated, Felicity stared at the smouldering embers of her family home. All her possessions, her memories and her security had burnt to the ground – she had nothing left and nowhere to go.

Volunteering role leads to valued friendships

For Jean, volunteering at her local op shop has led to new friendships.

A reassuring voice for people in need

Jay is one of the thousands of Lifeline volunteers who provide life-saving support to people in crisis each day.

The importance of giving back

Maria started volunteering with Uniting seven years ago as a way of giving back to her community.

Celebrating 60 years of volunteering

For nearly 60 years, Jan has been a familiar face at St Mark’s Uniting Church.

Winter Breakfast provides food for thought

It’s time to take a holistic approach to help people experiencing financial vulnerability, social isolation and poor mental healt

Our Federal election platform

As the federal election day draws closer, we believe urgent action is needed to ensure all Australians are supported and empowered to live a fulfilling life. That is why we have selected four priorities that we are bringing to the attention of candidates in these elections.

Supporting families in need

Sally* and her children are one of the growing number of families living in crisis due to the rising cost of living.

Easter message from Uniting

The Easter period embraces two powerful reminders of the foundations of the Christian faith – profound loss and resurrection or new life.

Christmas wrapped up

The great success of our 2018 Christmas appeals was thanks to you, our generous and compassionate supporters, and the wider community.

Sharing a meal is togetherness

Young people at risk of, or experiencing crisis and instability can remain connected to their community and enjoy a good meal through the Meals for Change program in Ballarat.

New funding will give children a better start

Michelle is one of the 93% of Victorian parents who believe early learning is crucial to a child’s development.

Community partnership eases financial burden

Accessing the right support can be challenging for people facing financial
hardship, family violence, health concerns, housing or employment issues.

Uniting Church joins National Redress Scheme

The Federal Minister for Families and Social Services has notified the Uniting Church in Australia that it meets the requirements to take part in the National Redress Scheme for people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

Service affected by bushfires in Eastern Victoria

The ongoing bushfires in Eastern Victoria are affecting some of our services in that region.

Please contact your local office if you need more information.

UN World Day of Social Justice

An important part of our mission is to confront injustice and improve people’s lives.

February 20 marks the tenth annual United Nations (UN) World Day of Social Justice.

Making a difference with Fire & Clay

A registered Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) employing more than 30 people, the talented team at Fire & Clay produce an array of handcrafted pottery and ceramic garden products.

Uniting and Swinburne join forces to strengthen community services

The new research collaboration with Swinburne University is part of a strategic vision to deliver better outcomes for vulnerable people

Changes are needed to the ParentsNext program

Our CEO, Paul Linossier, has today written to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee making clear that changes are needed to the ParentsNext program, and in particular the Targeted Compliance Framework. In our view the program as currently operating hurts the people it is designed to support and makes them even more vulnerable.

Brad and Bella’s story

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of securing your first job—and the experience was no less satisfying for Brad, 27 and Bella, 23. The dynamic duo has been bursting with enthusiasm ever since they began their careers with Telstra.

Support helps Mark pursue his passion

Mark is happiest with a guitar in hand, but living with disability and mental illness has made it hard for him to pursue his passion. Not anymore.

16 Days of Activism

Over the next 16 days we’re joining the global movement to raise awareness of and take action against gender-based violence as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Uniting supports North Richmond Medically Supervised Injecting Room

Today the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania and its community services organisation, Uniting Vic.Tas, have expressed disappointment at the announcement by the Victorian Liberal Leader Matthew Guy that he would close the North Richmond Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) if the Coalition win this weekend’s State election.

Coroner’s Findings on the death of Patrick McCabe

A statement on the Coroner’s findings into the death of Patrick McCabe.

Give more than hope: Keep families together this Christmas

Sandra held the little girl in her arms, fighting to hold back the tears. Being a grandmother was supposed to be full of joy and delight. She could never have imagined that it would be like this – sleeping in the back of a car surrounded by their belongings.

We are Wimmera book launches at rural schools

A book celebrating the voices of children living in the Wimmera region has been launched to coincide with National Children’s Week. Titled We Are Wimmera, the book features pictures and words that reflect the creativity and imagination of local children.

Working together to end poverty

This week we are marking Anti-Poverty Week. In spite of 25 years of economic growth, poverty levels in Australia haven’t reduced in over a decade. Three million Australians live below the poverty line and Victoria has the highest level of child poverty in the country, at 18.6%.

Horses for Hope Spring Open Day

Horses For Hope is helping humans and horses heal together after facing some of life’s biggest hurdles.

The equine assisted therapy program assists people of all ages who have not successfully engaged or been supported by traditional therapies.

Celebrating National Op Shop Week

Each day hundreds of volunteers keep our op shops running to raise vital funds for Uniting services and offer affordable goods to local communities.

Hope for Esta

In 2016, Esta sought refuge in Australia after fleeing her home in Papua New Guinea, where her violent husband and other community members had put her life at risk. She made the difficult decision to leave her three children in her mother’s care to ensure their safety.

Courage overcomes

April knows firsthand what it means to be homeless. Now she is determined to make a difference for others.

Victoria commits to supporting care-leavers

Today we are celebrating good news for young people in foster and residential care. They will be offered support until the age of 21, thanks to funding announced by the Victorian State Government.

Students pitch in to help youth in crisis

Students from North Ringwood Community House have pitched in to create an outdoor haven for fellow youth experiencing crisis.

A call for kinder funding for three-year olds

All children deserve access to quality education that gives them the best start to life.

That’s why we’re calling on political parties to commit to 15-hours a week of fully funded, high-quality early learning for every three-year-old.

Uniting welcomes new laws to make renting fairer

At Uniting, we believe that affordable, safe and secure housing is an essential human right.

Today we welcome news of the State Government’s new laws to make renting fairer for all Victorians.

Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will strengthen renters’ rights and better protect vulnerable tenants.

Pick My Project

Pick My Project is a Victorian-first community grants initiative, with over $1 million in funding available in each metro and regional area.

You have the opportunity to vote for the three projects you think will best assist your community.

Voting is open until 5pm on Monday 17 September. To register and vote, visit www.pickmyproject.vic.gov.au

Ensuring everyone has a place to call home

Megan is one of the 12,111 Victorians experiencing crisis and homelessness that we supported in the last financial year.

She is the human face of the housing crisis that is leaving thousands of people across Victoria and Tasmania vulnerable, barely surviving and, in many cases, homeless.

Expression of interest open for Aboriginal artists

Are you an established or emerging Aboriginal artist based in Victoria or Tasmania? We are currently inviting expressions of interest to work with us on a commissioned artwork as the creative expression of our journey to reconciliation.

Lifeline Ballarat volunteer recognised for outstanding achievement

Denise has volunteered with Lifeline Ballarat for ten years. She is this year’s Victorian State Finalist for the Mary Parsissons Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award at the national Lifeline conference.

A Q&A with Jodie

We invited First Nations woman and Uniting Aged and Community Services Team Leader, Jodie Hampson to share her thoughts on NAIDOC Week and being a First Nations women with us.

Working better together to support families

Uniting Vic.Tas welcomes news of the Victorian Government’s $17.4 million Family Violence Advisor program. The program will see two family Violence Advisors shorty commence at Uniting’s specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) service, Uniting ReGen, in their North Eastern and Hume Moreland Catchment areas.

Powering change in our communities

An innovative power saving challenge by power company Jemena has resulted in a generous donation to a Uniting program that helps people facing financial hardship access the right support.

Naomi didn’t know where to turn

We need to raise $600,000 by June 30 to provide support for people in crisis. Your tax deductible donation is crucial for helping people to move from crisis to stability.

Support for a Treaty in Victoria

This week the Victorian Parliament is considering a Bill that takes the first steps in establishing a Treaty with Traditional Owners. We urge all members of the Victorian Parliament to support the Treaty advancement process.

A continuing commitment to Reconciliation

In commemoration of the National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 2 June), our team in East Melbourne enjoyed a morning tea together. Special guest visitors included Elder and Gunditjmara woman, Aunty Georgina Lovett Williams as well as our ReGen Senior Aboriginal Cultural Advisor and Yorta Yorta man, Uncle Ron Briggs.

Demand for emergency relief is on the rise

The Winter Breakfast Event on 15 May heard from an expert panel about the economic factors that are driving an increase in demand for emergency relief services.

The Victoria Cross – Australia Remembers

A new book, The Victoria Cross – Australia Remembers, photographed by ex-veteran and Uniting volunteer Gordon Traills, tells the stories of the families of 100 Australian recipients of the Victoria Cross.

New services launched to support users of alcohol and other drugs

Uniting in Victoria and Tasmania has today launched two new alcohol and other drug (AOD) services to save lives and create safer environments for families across Victoria.

More support for brothers and sisters in out-of-home care

In a national first, the Victorian State Government has announced that Uniting Vic.Tas will lead the introduction of a new trial service for foster children with siblings, the Keeping Connected Program.

Read more

Can tiny houses make a big change?

Across Australia, 44,000 young people don’t have a safe place to sleep at night, and it’s not just a big city problem. Last year we supported to 116 young people in the Wimmera region of western Victoria, 102 of whom were at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.

Firefighters step up to raise funds

Every minute in Australia, someone calls Lifeline. People call looking for someone to talk to about suicidal thoughts or attempts, personal crisis, anxiety, depression, loneliness, abuse, or seeking information for friends and family.

Seeking asylum

People seeking asylum are some of the most vulnerable in our community.
While they wait for the outcome of their protection claims, some people have no work rights, no income or healthcare and no access to safe housing.

Close the Gap Day – 2018

We recognise today as a day dedicated to the ongoing campaign for Indigenous health equality. We acknowledge the pressing need to reduce both the health and life expectancy gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities in Australia, without exception.

Make a difference to families in your local Yarra Ranges community.

Home Start offers early intervention support, friendship and practical parenting insights for families with at least one child who is eight years of age or younger. In Yarra Ranges it is run by Uniting. While the work being done has already made a powerful and positive difference in the local community, more volunteers are needed to keep it going.

Our position on the rising cost of living in Tasmania

At Uniting, we believe that no one should be left behind. Therefore we have taken a position on several issues contributing to economic challenges for Tasmanians.

Our position on early learning in Tasmania

Early childhood education and care allows children to achieve their best. It is crucial to learning, and to living healthy, happy lives into adulthood. We believe that every child deserves to enjoy affordable, high quality early learning for two years before starting school.

Our position on housing for the Tasmanian state election

With Tasmanian state elections to be held on 3 March 2018, we are setting out our position on key issues facing the Tasmanian electorate.

Uniting volunteers recognised at Premier’s award ceremony

Congratulation to all those volunteers who were recognised at the 2017 Victorians Premier’s Volunteer Champion Awards and particularly those who have an association with Uniting. We are delighted that Todd Jolly received a service award for his dedicated long-standing volunteer work at the Kangaroo Flat Emergency Relief Centre in Bendigo.

Understanding the codeine ban

From 1 February 2018, medicines containing codeine will no longer be available without a prescription. What might this mean for you, or someone you care for?

Oakleigh students lend green thumbs

Clients at Uniting St Mark’s were thrilled to have a few extra green thumbs at work in the garden recently when they were joined by 14 year-nine students from Oakleigh Grammar.

Join us for a Christmas meal

Uniting is hosting a number of community lunches during the Christmas season for our clients to come together and enjoy a warm meal and a chat.