Momentum Collective is a forpurpose community services organisation creating inclusive opportunities and positive outcomes. We have a proud 40-year track record operating a suite of services including disability accommodation and support, mental health, homelessness, community housing, family and domestic violence, child family and community services.
With over 40 locations in South Brisbane, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Grafton and Coffs Harbour, the reach extends from Mid North Coast to South East QLD. Last year, Momentum Collective assisted over 5,500 clients and families across the organisational footprint.
letter CEO’S
Welcome to the second edition of Moments that Matter magazine! At Momentum Collective, everything we do is with our clients and communities at the forefront of our minds. We recognise that the little things often make a big impact, which is why we are deeply committed to creating positive, lasting change through every interaction. This magazine celebrates those moments – a collection of stories, achievements and initiatives that define us and the purpose behind our work.
Through the dedication of our team and the trust of our communities, we’re excited to share the expansion of our services into the aged care space, specifically with the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). This addition represents an important step for Momentum Collective, broadening our ability to offer crucial support.
Moreover, Moments that Matter shines a spotlight on
the career paths available at Momentum Collective. We’re proud of our employees who have seized new opportunities, like Juni, Kobee, Tracey and Deborah. You can delve into their inspiring journeys on page 4.
Throughout this issue, you’ll find inspiring stories from the lives we touch every day. Like the story about Thomas – a testament to how seemingly small acts of support can lead to profound changes. Be sure to read more about Thomas on page 8 and see the true impact of our community efforts.
As I pen these words, I’m brimming with anticipation for the rest of 2024 and the year ahead. I eagerly look forward to forging more connections, fostering empowerment, and creating ‘a better now’. I trust this magazine will leave you with the same sense of optimism and pride, knowing that you are an integral part of this journey.
Thank you for being with us every step of the way. If there is any way we can support you, please contact us at
TRACEY Mackie
Career Progression From Starters to Superstars
At Momentum Collective, we’re thrilled to have a team of exceptional people, each bringing their unique skills to the table. This incredible talent pool creates fantastic opportunities for career progression, especially for those eager to take on new challenges and climb the career ladder.
Take our Tweed Heads office as an example, with several staff members recently getting promoted.
Debbie, a Former Farmer
Debbie’s career path has been anything but ordinary. Once a banana farmer, she recently got promoted to our Client Intake and Assessment Coordinator.
After leaving farming due to environmental changes, Debbie found her calling in healthcare, driven by her love of helping others.
She joined Momentum Collective as a disability Support Worker in 2022, where her dedication and passion quickly led her to become the Coordinator for Supported Independent Living (SIL) houses.
Debbie continues to embrace new challenges and she loves supporting others. Her motto? Always ‘go for it’!
Let’s meet four of our amazing people: Debbie, Junifer, Kobee and Tracey.
They’re all about dedicating their skills to different parts of our organisation.
Stories like Debbie’s, Junifer’s, Tracey’s and Kobee’s are just the beginning here at Momentum Collective. We’re committed to nurturing the talents and ambitions of our staff, offering clear pathways for progress.
Tracey, Never Giving Up
With over 15 years of experience in child protection and domestic and family violence, Tracey is driven by a deep commitment to supporting communities and families in need. As the Team Leader for the Aboriginal Homelessness Prevention Services (AHPS) team at Momentum Collective, she draws on her experiences as a foster mother and parent to a child with disability to shape her approach to work.
“I am a person who will never give up. I will continue to advocate and get the best outcome I can for anyone,” says Tracey.
Her most rewarding experiences come from seeing families and individuals achieve their goals and leave our programs with smiles on their faces. She believes that “taking small steps in life makes a big difference for someone”, and she lives by this daily.
Career growth is about evolving into the best version of yourself professionally and personally.
As our employees grow, they gain confidence, build valuable skills and find fulfilment in their work.
We’re proud to support each step of our people’s journey, ensuring our staff can achieve professional dreams while making a meaningful difference in the community.
Kobee, Building Networks
Kobee’s journey began with inspiration from her mother, a Registered Nurse. She started in children’s services before moving to aged care as an Assistant in Nursing.
Her connection with the older people led her to become a disability Support Worker, where she discovered her true passion. Over time, she’s worn nearly every hat in the support field, building a deep understanding of disability services and developing her leadership skills. After successful roles as a Support Worker and Case Worker, she quickly advanced through various positions before joining Momentum Collective in 2023 as a Service Manager.
Now, as our Client Intake Manager, Kobee is eager to expand her impact by building broader networks and referral pathways, helping Momentum Collective grow.
Junifer, Making a Positive Impact
Junifer is also our new Client Intake and Assessment Coordinator on an exciting career journey. She started as a Support Worker and gained a wealth of experience in homelessness, aged care and mental health roles before landing her current position at Momentum Collective. Throughout her journey, she’s polished her communication skills through various channels.
She finds it incredibly rewarding to see clients build their confidence and independence, especially when they reach their personal goals. This fulfilment fuels her passion for making a positive impact in the community.
To find out about career opportunities at Momentum Collective, please visit: mymomentum.org.au/careers
Service News
Momentum Collective to Build More Safe Places in Tweed.
helped every year by existing Safe Places sites Tracey Mackie, CEO of Momentum Collective, shared how vital these supports are.
Exciting news! Momentum Collective has been awarded a $3.58 million grant to support women and children experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV).
Local MP and Assistant Minister for Social Services and Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, visited the Momentum Collective team to share this wonderful news. She talked about how important it is to have more emergency housing for women and children experiencing DFV.
The Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program provides a capital investment to fund the building, renovation or purchase of emergency accommodation to support women and children in circumstances, where staying safely at home is not possible. The new Safe Places Inclusion Round supports the Governments program of reform to improve women’s safety under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032. As part of the program, 19 new projects will create about 720 safe places across Australia over the next three years.
Through the Safe Place Program, Momentum Collective will importantly be a place of specialised support services, providing person-centred assistance for victimsurvivors of DFV. Our aim has always been to increase access to support services in rural and regional areas, so we are thrilled to be able to provide this in Tweed with help from the Safe Place Program.”
Justine Elliot said, “DFV is the leading cause of homelessness and housing uncertainty for women and children in Australia. That’s why it’s significant that Tweed-based Momentum Collective, in conjunction with the Albanese Labor Government, will be helping over 100 women and children each year.”
Remember, if you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of domestic and family violence, call:
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732 www.1800RESPECT.org.au
You can also speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter at 13 92 76, available 24/7. If you’re worried about your own behaviour or use of violence, contact the Men’s Referral Service at 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
New partnership in delivering Together Home program
Momentum Collective have established a key collaborative partnership with Northern Rivers Housing (NRH) to deliver quality wraparound case management and support services for those housed by NRH under the Together Home program.
NRH has been delivering all aspects of the program since 2020, after being awarded the contrac by the NSW Department of Communities
and Justice. The goal of Together Home is to transition people onto a trajectory away from homelessness and into long-term stable housing, while improving participants overall personal wellbeing.
In ensuring continuity of support for clients, enhancing clients’ outcomes, and taking hold of the expert skills of a local provider, NRH has engaged Momentum Collective to deliver specialist support
services. Working to coordinate and strengthen relationships between the various services involved in a person’s support plan, including disability supports, Momentum Collective teams will work alongside Tenancy Managers NRH to sustain strong tenancies within housing in the Northern Rivers of NSW.
Momentum Collective Secures Grant to Expand Support Services in Aged Care
Momentum Collective has secured a grant funding through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), a governmentfunded initiative, to provide entry-level in-home aged care support services across Far and Mid North Coasts of New South Wales. This significant funding will support older people who need assistance to live independently in their homes and communities.
This funding comes at a crucial time, as Australia’s population is rapidly ageing. According to the Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (2021), increasing life expectancy and declining fertility rates are driving this demographic shift. The number of older Australians is growing, and they are making up an increasing share of the total population. Recent data from Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that by 2066, older people are expected to comprise between 21% and 23% of Australia’s population. Notably, the Mid North Coast of New South Wales had the second-highest median age in 2019, at 61.2 years.
CEO of Momentum Collective, Tracey Mackie, expressed excitement about the opportunity to enhance support services for seniors through domestic assistance and home maintenance. She highlighted the importance of these services in enabling older Australians to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
Most people want to stay at home for as long as possible as they age. By offering these essential supports, Momentum Collective will reduce the risks of injury and isolation, fostering a sense of community and belonging for older people.”
“The CHSP services are important for a variety of reasons, including delaying or avoiding high-level care such as residential aged care, staying socially active, and remaining connected with their community. This funding will allow us to better serve our community by providing much-needed support services to our seniors.”
The CHSP are available for people aged 65 years or over (50 or over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples), have functional limitations and need assistance.
From Struggle
Born in Sydney to an Italian mother and Australian father, Thomas’ life dramatically changed when his family relocated to Italy at the age of three. What began as a new adventure soon turned into a challenging reality.
As he grew older, the weight of responsibility pressed down on him. Living with his parents and working exhausting hours for barely enough to get by, Thomas felt the joy of life slip away. The overwhelming stress took over, leading him into a deep depression. By 2017, it became clear he couldn’t go on like this. On his doctor’s advice, he decided to return to Australia and move in with his uncle in Lismore. What felt like an escape at the time turned into the turning point that saved his life, offering him a chance to heal and rebuild his future.
Still living with depression when he got to Australia, Thomas worked with his doctor to get support from the NDIS. It was through this funding that he was able to receive support from the Community Recovery Mental Health Services at Momentum Collective. This support was recovery-focused, person-centred and promoted self-directed care, the necessary assistance required for Thomas to build independence while still battling depression.
The Floods That Changed Everything
After a year of living with his uncle, Thomas found a sense of independence, moving into a caravan park in South Lismore. He began volunteering with the Salvation Army, driving trucks to collect donations, and for the first time in years, he felt a sense of purpose. He was content, finally feeling more settled.
But in February 2022, disaster struck. Northern New South Wales was heavily impacted by devastating floods, with Lismore among the most brutal hit. The Wilsons River surged to an unprecedented 14.4 meters and Thomas’ cabin, only 20 meters from the riverbank, was swallowed by the floodwaters. Suddenly, everything he had worked so hard to rebuild was gone.
All my clothes, my appliances, my bedding… it was all gone”
Though he wasn’t a strong swimmer, Thomas somehow survived the ordeal. The floods may have taken everything he owned, but his resilience remained intact. He had faced hardship before, but survival felt like both a loss and a victory this time.
Getting Back on His Feet with Momentum
Collective
After the flood, Thomas went to an evacuation centre run by the Red Cross. As a client of Momentum Collective, displaced and homeless,
Thomas’ accommodation destroyed after the floods.
to Stability
he was eligible to be housed at one of our residential rehabilitation houses. He spent a week at Mandara House, where he stayed until he was supported by staff in securing a room in a shared house in Ballina, a positive move towards a more permanent roof over his head.
Even though Ballina was a nice place, Thomas missed Lismore and his support network. He also found it hard to afford the higher cost of living there. Luckily, just before Christmas 2022, a one-bedroom social housing unit became available in Lismore, and Thomas moved back. His new home was up on a hill and safe from flooding, so he felt comfortable moving in.
“It’s nice and it’s just me here, which I like,” Thomas said.
A Fresh Start in Lismore
In Lismore, Thomas returned to volunteering with the Salvation Army, eager to stay connected to the community that had seen him through so much. Due to new volunteering rules, he found a new role sorting and unpacking donations. Even without a car, Thomas walks the two-kilometre journey to and from work three days a week. The walk keeps him active and has become a routine he enjoys, improving his health and spirits.
Thomas also loves making electronic music. Thanks to the NDIS support he’s received, he now has the equipment to create his own tracks, which he proudly uploads to SoundCloud. As luck would have it, his NDIS Support Worker shares his love for music and they often work on songs together.
Thomas smiling now with the right support in place.
When asked what else he would like to be doing, Thomas grinned and said, “This is it! I can’t fit much more in; I’m so busy.”
Exciting Plans for the Future
Thomas is saving up to visit his family in Italy next year. He talks to his mum daily on FaceTime and looks forward to seeing his family in person after a long time. His siblings even considered moving to Australia after hearing how happy Thomas was. When asked about his future dreams, Thomas said, “My dream is this! Living well, looking after my mental health and doing what I love”. He is proud of how far he has come and loves his life in Lismore.
Thomas is also very thankful for the support he has received from Momentum Collective. “Momentum Collective, especially Philippa and Martina, has been amazing since the floods! I’m happier than ever! On a happiness scale from 1 to 10, I’m a 9½ and that’s pretty good!”
Thomas’ story shows how having a stable and safe home and the proper support can improve lives.
Championing Sustainability: Transforming Waste into Opportunity
Sustainability plays a pivotal role in securing a healthy planet for future generations, and we’re proud to contribute to this mission at Momentum Collective. Partnering with the Ballina Council, our teams’ efforts make a meaningful difference in reducing environmental burdens while fostering a cleaner, healthier world for everyone.
A cornerstone of our sustainability efforts is the work undertaken at the Salvage Shed in Ballina. This unique space offers an eclectic mix of reclaimed and pre-loved goods salvaged from the Ballina Waste Facility, inviting locals to discover and reuse valuable items. By diverting tonnes of reusable materials from landfills, the environmental impact of manufacturing is reduced and sustainable practices that benefit our community are championed.
The Salvage Shed’s success is a testament to the power of economic and environmental sustainability. Last year alone, the Shed recycled around 300 tons of materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. For perspective, that is the equivalent weight of 150 average-sized cars!
Creating opportunities is at the heart of the Salvage Shed’s mission and is our commitment to social inclusivity. We provide meaningful work
opportunities for people with disability, enabling them to contribute to the community actively.
The Salvage Shed is where employees thrive by breaking down barriers and valuing local skills and talents. Over 20 people with disability are employed at the Salvage Shed, working more than 2,200 hours monthly. This work assists individuals in achieving financial independence, boosts self-esteem and fosters a sense of belonging.
Tailored training programs ensure that each employee can confidently perform their roles. These job specific skills, ranging from waste management to recycling techniques, are also transferable to other areas of life, contributing to the overall development of our team members.
The salvaging process is simple and effective. Team members visit the waste facility located behind the shed numerous times a day bringing back loads of goods that they deem salvageable. From bike parts, electrical appliances and tools to plants, car parts and useful items, the team has developed a sharp eye for spotting things that can be sold as is or need a little work to restore.
Momentum Collective’s management of the Salvage Shed at the Ballina Resource Recovery Centre exemplifies how social responsibility, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability can overlap to create lasting positive change.
client story
Sinaed’s journey
The future doesn’t have to feel bleak. Even in the darkest moments, hope can appear with the right support.
For Sinaed, a Momentum Collective tenant, that spark of possibility came with a small step and the belief of people around her. Now, she’s building a career she once thought impossible.
Sinaed’s journey has been difficult. Living with an undiagnosed mental health condition, she faced tremendous challenges, eventually losing her home and access to government support. Her story took a turn when she was finally diagnosed with schizophrenia at Lismore Base Hospital. From there, Momentum Collective’s Community Recovery Mental Health House in Lismore became her temporary home, providing her with dedicated rehabilitation support and assisting her transition back to community life.
Her journey took another significant turn when she secured a permanent home through Momentum Collective’s housing program, a milestone that opened new doors. With the help of her NDIS funding, she built a support network that brought stability and confidence back into her life.
Four years later, her resilience stood out to the Momentum housing team, who recognised her potential and commitment as a tenant, inviting her to join a cadetship program through the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA). This hands-on, 12-month program was a leap, but with encouragement from her church, she decided to embrace the opportunity.
As a cadet, Sinaed’s days are filled with learning experiences, from shadowing tenancy officers to tackling administrative tasks.
One day, I’m observing a tenancy officer, and the next, I’m managing admin tasks. It’s amazing to see everything come together behind the scenes.”
In January 2025, Sinaed will complete her cadetship, earning a Certificate IV in Housing from CHIA. Her ambition is growing too – she’s already considering a future as a Tenancy Officer or even exploring peer work in Aboriginal Services.
“The team at Momentum Collective has given me a stable home and this cadetship – I couldn’t be more grateful!” Sinaed shares. As she nears the end of her program, she’s building her resume, looking forward to a future she once couldn’t have imagined.
Momentum Collective is inspired by her progress and is excited to open a new cadetship in 2025, hoping her story will encourage others to take the first step towards a brighter future.
Sinaed and the Community Housing team at the Ballina office.
You will get the support you need to live independently or maintain your lifestyle. When you sign up to receive our services, you will benefit from our open and understanding approach, where you will feel valued, heard and respected.
Contact our friendly team today for a quote or info@mymomentum.org.au
what s happening In Casino, NSW
We’re honoured to announce that our Casino Neighbourhood Centre was a finalist in the Northern Rivers Business Awards for Outstanding Community Organisation!
This recognition highlights the incredible dedication of our team and the ongoing support we receive from the community.
A huge thank you to everyone who continues to partner with us in creating lasting positive change.
Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community!
We proudly announce that our Neighbourhood Centre has won the Outstanding Community Organisation award for the Richmond Valley at the Casino Chamber of Commerce Business Awards!
The Casino team joined Lifeline for the Out of the Shadows Walk in recognition of this important day. This walk is more than just a step forward, it’s a powerful statement of support and a commitment to raising awareness around suicide.
The statistics are alarming and this needs to stop! According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 934 lives were lost to suspected or confirmed suicides in 2023 in Australia.
Every life matters and together, we can make a difference by shining a light on this issue, offering hope and fostering a community where no one has to walk alone.
Our first Resilient Kids Garden to Table Program has just wrapped up at the Neighbourhood Centre in Casino in September. We are so proud of the young participants who grew, prepared, cooked and presented delicious meals!
The program ended with a fantastic celebration, where our participants and community members teamed up to cook a feast.
Programs like Garden to Table keep young people engaged, giving them valuable skills and building confidence for the future.
At the core of Bloom is the belief that as individuals nurture their personal and professional capacities, a sense of wellbeing and belonging unfolds.
Our program offers a variety of activities that you can do in the community or in one of our hubs, including activities with:
Lifelong learning outcomes
Social and Community Participation outcomes
Relationship outcomes
And more
Set your goals and see how well you are doing
Make new friends and build friendships
Learn useful skills for life
Get involved in the community
Meet new people and make friendships
Be more confident and improve your self-esteem
Try out new hobbies and explore new interests
Please visit our website to find out more about our program schedule and sign up today
Stepping Up to Support Domestic and Family Violence Services
Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) impacts many women and children within our community. For people seeking safety, Momentum Collective offers refuge, providing the resources and support needed to assist women and children in times of need. Businesses like the Ballina Seagulls Rugby League Football Club, are stepping up to demonstrate their commitment to this cause.
Question: Why should other businesses consider donating to Momentum Collective?
This year, during the Ladies League Tag Season, the football club raised a significant amount through various fundraising efforts.
“This season, we have raised $3,578 for Momentum Collective’s Specialist Homelessness Services to support women and children at risk or homeless due to DFV, and we’re extremely proud,” said club representative Emma Beecher.
The club’s main goal is to make a significant impact with their donation. They hope it will be used where it is needed most, supporting women and children by providing them with a secure space from which they can plan transitioning to a violence-free future.
Question: Why did you choose this particular service to donate to?
Emma: “Domesticviolence,particularly towardswomen,isunfortunatelyanissue we’veseenconnectedtorugbyleagueand supportingMomentumCollective’sservices allows us to take a stand. As a club, we believe it’simportanttoshowthatwecareaboutthis issueandwanttobepartofthesolution.”
Question: What are you hoping the funds raised go towards?
Emma: “Wefullytrustthatthefundswill bedirectedwheretheyaremostneeded. We know Momentum Collective understand wheretheresourceswillhavethegreatest impact.Whetherit’shelpingprovide emergencyshelter,criticalsupplies,or supportservices,wehopeourdonations helpwomenandchildrenescapeunsafe environments and rebuild their lives. That’s what matters most to us.”
“PartneringwithMomentum Collectivehasbeenanincredibly rewardingexperience.Asabusiness, supportingacauselikethisnotonly alignswithyourvaluesbutalsoengages thecommunityinameaningfulway. Knowingthatyourcontributionhelps thoseinneedcreatesaprofoundsense offulfillment.We’vefoundthatpeople genuinelywanttogetbehindsuch acause,andit’sanopportunityfor businesses to make a real difference whileenhancingtheirowncommunity image.”
We thank the Ballina Seagulls for their ongoing support and generosity. Donations like theirs, go a long way towards providing the services that families in need truly appreciate.
In recent months, substantial donations from local organisations such as the Mullumbimby Rotary Club and the Coolangatta branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association have been directed to our DFV supports. In the coming weeks, contributions from further fundraising events in Ballina will also be welcomed, ensuring our services are well-prepared for the holiday period. We thank these organisations for their efforts and contributions and look forward to continue our partnership.
Every single donation, no matter the size, is a step towards a community where everyone can feel safe. We invite and encourage other businesses to join us in this transformative journey. Your support appreciated and an integral to the change we’re striving for.