A COLLABORATION WITH
A collaboration of connection to culture as we explore the creative process of Matara Matara
What does connection, collaboration and community look like to you? To us, it is our Community of Practice!
INTRODUCING
Welcome Newcastle’s Basketball development academy
D A I L Y S U
In collaboration with Saretta Fielding, Matara Matara, celebrates culture, community and our organisations commitment to continuing to embrace individualism and diversity
Imagine a world where every child feels connected, valued, and understood. Our challenge is to change - through keeping children connected to their roots, even while in care.
Supporting our communities is at the heart of our work across all organisations.
What does connection, collaboration and community look like to you? To us, it is our Community of Practice!
Join the team as we celebrate Pride Month, marking the 54th anniversary of the first Pride Parade.
ast To Love, page 74
The team from Big Brown House, Integrity 4 Life and The Gray Area put on their best frocks to support the 2024 Raise Love Charity Ball hosted by Ronald McDonald House, NNSW.
Ultra-marathon runner Pat Farmer and Wayne Curran are raising awareness for the foster care system in Australia through a run to support foster carers and children, aiming to bring attention to this important cause
Our programs have been designed to be inclusive, following the guidelines set by the OCG Standard, which emphasises the importance of young people maintaining connections with their communities of significance Cultural identity is not just a part of a young person ' s development; it is crucial for their overall well-being and success We firmly believe that these connections are vital for positive outcomes, and we advocate strongly for maintaining and nurturing them.
Our Casework Support Scheme (CSS) and Out of Home Care (OOHC) Program are integral to supporting families through the restoration process Through these programs we have supported families to transition their kids back home. Our CSS program offers targeted support through family contact arrangements that addresses the unique needs of families of all diverse backgrounds
We recognise that to support our children and young people effectively, we must also engage in continuous learning about their cultures We believe that by being curious and open to learning, we can better support the children and young people in our care
We work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and community leaders to ensure that our programs are culturally appropriate and effective. These partnerships are essential in providing authentic support and fostering trust within the communities we serve.
As we look to the future, our commitment to our continuous developments and refinement of our programs to better support the diverse needs of our community is one of our core missions. By staying curious about their cultures and learning with them, we aim to create an environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
In conclusion, our mission is not just about providing care; it's about creating a nurturing environment where cultural identities are celebrated, and young people are given the tools they need to thrive We are dedicated to honouring the rich heritage of cultures within our care and ensuring that every child and young person has the opportunity to embrace their heritage and build a bright future.
Practice and Quality Manager CLAIRE COLEMAN
Practice & Training Officer BRONWYN DYASON Training Officer AMY STORK
Marketing and Community Engagements MEG BLACKBURN Therapeutic Support Worker (TSW), JACKSON MORRIS Program Manager, Western MELISSA DAY d i i
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Welcome back to the second edition of The Good Times Magazine! In the coming weeks we have the wonderful opportunity to come together across the state to celebrate International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
We constantly want to to honour the history, culture, and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to reflect on the importance of reconciliation within our society As an organisation providing support across NSW we acknowledge the importance of learning and collaborating with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and partners
As a multifunctional organisation we recognise the importance of embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity in everything we do National Days and Weeks throughout the year like NAIDOC Week and International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation, understanding, and partnership with our Indigenous colleagues This is a great opportunity for our organisation to take time to reflect on the past, acknowledge the challenges faced, and commit to a future of mutual respect and collaboration
Our Senior Leadership team recently had the opportunity to learn and work with Saretta Fielding on our continued education of the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Saretta has taken the organisation through a journey with art to connect the company's values and acknowledge the lands we work on across the state Through this we will be sharing an artwork that has been developed that represents this collaboration and journey which I am excited to share with everyone in the coming weeks
I am also excited to share that we have established a new Not for Profit entity called Hoop Dreams Hoop Dreams is a collaboration of sport wellbeing nutrition and recovery for athletes Hoop Dreams will be working with youth in rural communities through mentorship and camps to support young athletes to get involved with basketball Hoop Dreams also aims to work with athletes with disabilities in our Newcastle gym to provide a safe space tailored towards sport It is a fantastic opportunity for us to form partnerships within the community through outreach and sport We will look to have the programs up and running within the next month or so and if you are interested in knowing more please reach out to Jo Gardiner (jo g@hoopdreams com au) who can provide you with further information
As always thank you for the continued work you do and until next time stay safe and warm!
Together, our organisations work hand in hand to ensure we are consistently supporting, recognising, and valuing our team. In the second quarter of 2024, each organisation has continued to expand and grow through community outreach, collaboration and teambuilding exercises. Take into our workplace culture!
We are always trying to improve our team culture by introducing new initiatives and ideas that form strong, connections. In June, Big Brown House, Integrity 4 Life, and The Gray Area introduced the Workplace Giving Program; an initiative that gives employees the opportunity to support charitable organisations, making it easier and more convenient to make a difference.
Our Workplace Giving Program has been designed with the goal of enhancing our employees' day to day involvement in supporting the community We have chosen to partner with three charities with the hope that at least one resonates personally with each team member The three charities we have chosen to partner with are Ronald McDonald House, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, and Children's Cancer Institute
Ronald McDonald House, NNSW
Ronald McDonald House, NNSW are an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing vital programs for families with seriously ill children
Children Cancer Institute
Children’s Cancer Institute is the only independent medical research institute in Australia wholly dedicated to curing childhood cancer
Westpac Helicopter Rescue
Westpac Rescue Helicopter flies from three bases at Belmont, Tamworth and Lismore, providing emergency aeromedical services to 1 5 million people across Northern NSW
Human Resources Administration Officer
“I have signed up to contribute to Big Brown House's Workplace Giving Policy as it brings me a lot of joy knowing I am signing up to a initiative that inspires change and goes towards worthwhile causes/charities Knowing my contribution is helping the lives of many people is one way I can give back to help our community thrive ”
Finance Manager
“It means I can make a small but meaningful contribution to those who are facing hard times You never know what life will throw at you and when we might all each need a service like these to help us ”
Are you a part of the BBH/ I4L or TGA team and want to get involved in the WPG Program? Sign up today! SIGN UP TODAY!
W e a r e e x c i t e d t o s h a r e w i t h
y o u o u r r e f r e s h e d M i s s i o n ,
V i s i o n & V a l u e T r e e ( M V V T r e e ) !
O u r o r g a n i s a t i o n s a r e e n t e r i n g a n e x c i t i n g n e w e r a . A s
w e g r o w a n d e v o l v e , w e h a v e r e f r e s h e d o u r m i s s i o n ,
v i s i o n , a n d v a l u e s t o b e t t e r r e f l e c t o u r c o m m i t m e n t
a n d d i r e c t i o n . J u s t a s a t r e e e x t e n d s i t s r o o t s d e e p e r
a n d s p r e a d s i t s b r a n c h e s w i d e r , w e a r e e x p a n d i n g o u r
f o u n d a t i o n s a n d r e a c h i n g f o r n e w h e i g h t s .
W e p r o v i d e a s a f e e n v i r o n m e n t w h e r e e v e r y o n e f e e l s v a l u e d a n d h e a r d .
Safe
W e p r o v i d e a s a f e e n v i r o n m e n t w h e r e
e v e r y o n e f e e l s v a l u e d a n d h e a r d
O u r m i s s i o n i s t o r e s
t o t h e u n i q u e n e e d s o
c o m m u n i t y b y p r o v i h i g
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Respect
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i n t e r a c t i o n s a r e s u p p o r t i v e a n d m e e t
t h e n e e d s o f t h e i n d i v i d u a l . Supportive
Quality
W e e n s u r e b e s t p r a c t i c e a n d q u a l i t y i n
e v e r y t h i n g w e d o
Engag
E n g a g e
s t a k e h o
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Innov
A d a p t i v s t a n d a r
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b y i n s t i l l i n g t r u s t t o s u p p o r t a c u l t u r e o f
l a s t i n g c o n n e c t i o n s .
Acceptance
W e v a l u e d i v e r s i t y a n d w e a r e
c o m m i t t e d t o p r o v i d i n g a w e l c o m i n g
e n v i r o n m e n t w h e r e e v e r y o
a c c e p t e d .
o
n p o n d
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v e , f l e x i b l e , u n i q u e d s o f e x c e l l e n c e .
O u r v i s i o n i s f o r o u r c o m m u n i t y t o g r o w
f e e l c o n n e c t e d a n d e m p o w e r e d i n a s a f e ,
s u p p o r t i v e e n v i r o n m e n t t h a t p r o m o t e s
i n c l u s i o n a n d f o s t e r s a s e n s e o f
i d i n g h i p s f Supporting Communities Together
b e l o n g i n g
W e s t r i v e t o b e a n a c c o u n t a b l e a n d a d a p t i v e o r g a n i s a t i o n
Nothing beats a team breakfast especially when it’s at Lexie’s on The Beach The Hunter Team has been making it a priority to spend quality time together to debrief and support one another and what better way to do that over their love of breakfast and coffee! In need of fancy of a feed? Check them out!
Insta: @lexies.onthebeach
You wanted Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea? And that is what we brought! From cookies, to soup, ham and cheese croissants and cob loaf it was definitely a BIG morning tea for the team to raise awareness for the Cancer Council The team raised enough to pay for a lab assistant for a day to support a researcher with vital laboratory testing!
We can confirm that Coco Nut Brown has been working exceptionally hard this quarter; especially in the sleeping and walking department Coco is now over 6 months old and has been a great addition to the team. Coco can be found in the back yard doing crazy zoomies or snuggles on someone’s lap
In the first week of June, we said goodbye to our Hunter student, Maryann For 9 weeks, we had the pleasure of welcoming Maryann to BBH to complete her placement for her course in Social Science Maryann was able to explore different departments within the business and her willingness to learn and be curious enabled her to get the most of the opportunity
“During Maryann's time with Big Brown House she brought a can do attitude and willingness to support our young people and our team members Maryann engaged in community engagement, completing documentation that is sent through to our stakeholders to keep them up to date with the young people in our care and noting all the work we do to support them day in and day out Maryann was a great team player and gave her all to support to BBH team Maryann has a knack for building life story books for our young people who leave our care and move on to their next adventure, these books are gifted when exiting to remember their time from BBH Thank you Maryann for all your hard work, compassion and dedication for the care of vulnerable young people. We are wishing you all the best with your future studies and your career opportunities, anyone would be lucky to have you "
ASH, PROGRAM MANAGER
We are passionate about supporting children of all different cultures and backgrounds to ensure they can live their best life. Our organisations supported the Team Scooby and SpongeBob in the Children’s Variety Bash Throughout the Bash, Scooby and the gang travelled across Australia, dropping into local communities and connecting with children from all walks of life to brighten their days
This quarter has provided opportunities to connect with different communities, especially in Sydney! Integrity 4 Life attended the Unity in Diversity Expo as a service provider supporting the Sydney region It was so great to be able to share with the community the services we provide but also connect with like-minded providers who share the same vision We believe that changing our community’s lives requires a village of services, not just a single provider
Last year, our sister organisation Big Brown House was a proud sponsor of the Bash in which they raised $3,880,000 which positively impacted over 27,700 children and raised!
In fostering an organisation that continues to grow and learn, educating staff through training is crucial, and the momentum in the training space continued throughout the last quarter with Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training, TCI Refreshers, CARE training and workshops, achieving 333 hours of training in this three month period!
TCI 3 Day Course (online):
168 hours
TCI Refresher
Locations (F2F):
We visited 3 different locations
TCI Refresher (F2F): 63 hrs
Webinars: We hosted 6 different webinars (6 hrs) on Self Care (x2), TCI Family Time (x2) and Power Struggles (x2).
Within TCI we learn how to prevent crises, and by adjusting some conditions we can help children and young people we support feel safer to learn and connect within their environment By creating an inclusive space where feeling connected to culture is consulted, captured and celebrated, we are less likely to induce a traumatic stress response Being humble to learn to understand and consider the nuances of another's culture can go a long way in helping build a stronger connection between each other, their families and significant people, in addition to the identity and concept of the culture itself.
Amongst the 90 hours of CARE training facilitated last quarter, staff reflected on how our own story, biases or assumptions about another’s story can impact the way we interact and support young people in care The impact of this reflection inspires us to learn further about how to cultivate cultural humility, becoming curious and learning to understand another’s experience with openness Feedback from the training sessions included a passion to further partner with families, be inclusive in decision making, and make suggestions on how we can further strengthen connections between young people and the communities that are important to them.
A staff member after CARE training expressed their reflection and growth that will continue to impact their future cultural understanding within and beyond organisational practices.
“CARE Training really opened my eyes to how important it is to stay connected to your culture and how much it shapes who you are. When I was 12, I moved from my hometown in the UK to Australia Even though there were lots of similarities, the cultural differences made fitting in pretty challenging I felt this weird disconnect from my British roots, but at the same time, I was still seen as the "different" kid at school It often felt like I didn't fully belong to either culture.
CARE Training helped me see how that early move influenced my sense of identity and belonging It made me realise how crucial it is to keep a connection to your cultural roots while adapting to a new place. The training taught me that losing touch with your culture can make you feel isolated and disconnected Through this experience, I learned to appreciate and celebrate both my British heritage and my Australian experiences, which has helped me feel more whole and at peace with who I am.”
Join us in spreading positive vibes throughout our organisations, celebrating our diverse cultures across the team and community, and continually enhancing our practices to ensure inclusivity for all.
Recently, we were able to complete inhome respite for two young children whose carer had ended up in hospital, our staff were able to support the children to remain at home and in their regular routine which was a great outcome for all.
“
lies in differences, not in similarities”
As winter settles in with its crisp air and frosty landscapes, it's a wonderful time to reflect on the power of working together. In these colder months, collaboration and unity becomes even more vital. Whether it's bundling up to tackle a project, supporting local businesses, or simply sharing a warm smile with a neighbour, our combined efforts can make this winter season brighter and warmer for everyone.
Our Out of Home Care (OOHC) teams continue to support a variety of children ad young people in IPA and STEP Placements We have recently provided care to several children as they transition into ITC Homes, return to family or be placed in foster care. Our Case Work Support Scheme (CSS) continues to receive referrals for various supports but mainly respite in each of our areas
Our Hunter and Sydney teams demonstrated the power of working together recently where we were able to support a young person to relocate back on country and reside closer to their family. Through advocacy and careful planning and transition, the move has been a success for this young person and their family.
We hold a vital role in ensuring our children remain connected to culture and have enduring connections to their family We can’t achieve this alone however and we ’ re grateful for the partnerships and relationships that we have with Aboriginal organisations in each of our areas
Organisations such as Kari, Wandiyali, Boys to the Bush and Gibborim have been vital for us over the years and we ’ re looking forward to creating and sustaining many partnerships moving forward to continue to support our children, young people and families
By nurturing these invaluable partnerships and fostering collaboration within our communities, we can continue to provide unwavering support and meaningful connections for the children, young people, and families we serve, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
We collaborated with Wonnarua artist Saretta Fielding to explore Aboriginal heritage's influence on our values While awaiting the final artwork, a colouring sheet was created to engage the community in connecting with culture and heritage, emphasising understanding and appreciation of cultural stories. Participation helps bring the community's vision to life and celebrates unity
We are giving 3 lucky people the chance to win a signed Saretta print of our bespoke artwork! You will be one of the first people to own one these stunning prints which will be displayed throughout our offices across the state! Want to get your hands on one of these piece, please follow the instructions below!
How to enter:
Download the Matara Matara colouring sheet using the DOWNLOAD button above 1
Be your own artist and add your own pop of colur to the artwork. 2. Send your submission to goodtimes@bigbrownhouse.com.au with a short description about what Connecting to Culture means to you 3
The winner will be chosen at random from all entries! Good luck! 4.
Integrity 4 Life has been actively broadening its community connections and networks, engaging in numerous events throughout the Hunter and Sydney areas over the past few months, with a strong emphasis on cultural competence and collaboration.
A key highlight from the quarter is our success in working with and providing services to several new participants across the state We are fortunate that many of our current participants have been referring their networks to us, sharing that they feel valued and enjoy the support provided by our staff. This word-of-mouth referral has been a significant factor in attracting new participants to our organisation. Ensuring that our staff and the people we work with enjoy their experience and feel valued is a core component of our mission.
Integrity 4 Life has been on a rewarding journey of expanding its community connections and networks. It has been a privilege to collaborate with various service providers who share our values, enriching our collective efforts to support local communities With a whole new brand identity, fresh marketing materials, and a passionate commitment to supporting our community, Integrity 4 Life made a memorable and positive impression.
Notably, we participated in the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Ball held in Newcastle last month. This event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the critical work the organisation does across NSW. As we head into our second year of partnership with Westpac Helicopter, we reflect on the fantastic experience of working together to support our local communities.
At Integrity 4 Life, we pride ourselves on remaining curious through continuous cultural competence training and development. Cultural competence extends beyond mere cultural awareness. It involves the capacity to recognise and question one ’ s own cultural assumptions, values, and beliefs It encompasses developing empathy and an understanding that allows us to perceive the world from another's perspective, or at the very least, acknowledge that others may interpret the world through a different cultural lens. This commitment is especially important as we have several participants who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. By fostering cultural competence, we ensure that our services are inclusive, respectful, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of all our participants.
Integrity 4 Life continues to strengthen its community connections through meaningful collaborations. We celebrate the incredible work of those who serve and support our community while welcoming new participants and prioritising cultural competence to create valued experiences.
“ General Manag erofIntegrity4Life, IanCampbell
In order to deliver the most effective disability supports to a participant, the provider, its policies and its workers must recognise the diversity and unique cultural differences within the participant; this involves listening and learning from those we support: identifying their social, cultural, and linguistic needs."
Written by MYLES CHERRY, DIRECTOR OF THE GRAY AREA
Firstly, we would like to thank everyone for their continued support of The Gray Area, Big Brown House, and Integrity 4 Life throughout the previous three months, and always It is such a privilege to service and work within the broader NSW community in commitment to the pillars of the facilitation of personal growth, building of adaptive skills, the connection of families, and provision of care to those in need.
The previous quarter has seen significant change for The Gray Area, primarily in the expansion of our service delivery and team. As such, we are happy to announce that we have added two new Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners to the TGA family, along with the introduction of an Occupational Therapist! In turn, we aim to shift gears to adopt a holistic and allied approach to caring for the needs of our clients, participants, and members of the wider community Additionally, the introduction of these services will increase TGA’s overall capacity to support those who wish to take a proactive approach to their mental, functional, and behavioural health
Furthermore, TGA continues to push toward improving the access for our services within rural communities This has consisted of further expansion into Western NSW, mainly Dubbo, and the provision of psychological assessment and intervention in the Port Macquarie area We aim to continue to provide increased access to adequate resources and information for those in underserved communities moving forward
“IT
IS SUCH A PRIVILEGE TO SERVICE AND WORK WITHIN THE BROADER NSW COMMUNITY IN COMMITMENT TO THE PILLARS OF THE FACILITATION OF PERSONAL GROWTH, BUILDING OF ADAPTIVE SKILLS, THE CONNECTION OF FAMILIES, AND PROVISION OF CARE TO THOSE IN NEED.”
TGA CONTINUES TO PUSH TOWARD IMPROVING THE ACCESS FOR OUR SERVICES WITHIN RURAL COMMUNITIES.
IT IS IMPERATIVE FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO ACTIVELY EDUCATE AND CELEBRATE ALL CULTURES IN THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS, HISTORY, AND BACKGROUND.
Similarly, it is important that we reflect upon the importance of community and the role that it plays in the lives of our family, colleagues, participants, clients, and partners Particularly, education surrounding different cultural heritages and experiences is imperative within the allied health context to foster a sense of understanding and respect in considering the needs of every individual. It is with these themes of ‘understanding’ and ‘respect’ that we have strengthened our partnerships with other service providers, plan managers, and government departments to ensure that culturally-appropriate assessment, intervention, and support is provided at all times.
It is imperative that all individuals within our community remain vigilant in the education and celebration of all cultures in their achievements, history, and background This will eternally be intertwined within the ethos of The Gray Area and lie at the heart of what we do
I wish all of our readers more Good Times, and a happy and healthy winter!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Located in Newcastle, Australia, Hoop Dreams is a communitybased not for profit organisation designed to help children and young people pursue their dreams and goals of playing basketball and excel both on and off the court.
Hoop Dreams has a focus on promoting social, emotional, and physical development in an inclusive environment to support individuals to reach their full potential while fostering a love for the game and instilling important life skills.
The Hoop Dreams program is designed to offer children and young people in the community the chance to grow both athletically and personally Participants can engage in structured basketball programs led by dedicated coaches focusing on skills training, strength and conditioning, nutrition advice, mental health and wellbeing, and proper rest and recovery
Recognising that many children and young people in rural areas lack access to quality sports programs, Hoop Dreams aims to reach out to these communities. By providing basketball programs and camps, the initiative seeks to help young people build confidence and teamwork through sport The program will collaborate with local communities to support young athletes, enhancing their overall wellbeing through sports engagement
Currently, we are in the early stages of development, with a goal to have our services active by August 2024
Our skilled and experienced staff collaborate to nurture and sustain strong, secure, and interconnecte relationships within our community and culture.
P R O G R A M M A N A G E RW E S T E R N R E G I O N , C O V E R I N G D U B B O , B A T H U R S T & O R A N G E
P E T S : D a c h s h u n d , B i n d i
C u l t u r a l b a c k g r o u n d : I n d i g e n o u s , b e l o n g i n g t o a n
l i v i n g o n W i r a d j u r i C o u n t r y
Could you tell me a bit about yourself and how your background has influenced your perspective on the work we do within the community as we advocate for inclusion?
d o e s o u r c o m m u n i t y w h e n e v e r y o n e i s i n c l u d e d a n d
v a l u e d
Can you describe your understanding of the importance of building strong connections between communities, especially with the Indigenous community, in the context of the services we deliver?
I b e l i e v e t h a t b u i l d i n g s t r o n g c o n n e c t i o n s b e t w e e n
c o m m u n i t i e s , p a r t i c u l a r l y w i t h i n d i g e n o u s c o m m u n i t i e s ,
i s i n t e g r a l t o p r o v i d i n g e f f e c t i v e , r e s p e c t f u l , a n d
c u l t u r a l l y a p p r o p r i a t e c a r e i n r e s i d e n t i a l a n d o u t o f h o m e
c a r e s e t t i n g s I t f o s t e r s t r u s t , e n s u r e s c u l t u r a l c o n t i n u i t y ,
a n d s u p p o r t s t h e h o l i s t i c d e v e l o p m e n t a n d w e l l - b e i n g o f
c h i l d r e n a n d y o u n g p e o p l e I b e l i e v e e n g a g i n g f a m i l i e s
a n d c o m m u n i t i e s in t h e c a r e p r o c e s s e m p o w e r s t h e m t o
t a k e a n a c t i v e r o l e i n t h e i r c h i l d ' s w e l l - b e i n g
I CONTINUALLY STRIVE TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE ARE CULTURALLY RESPECTFUL AND RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF INDIGENOUS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.”
How do you plan to ensure that the services provided are culturally respectful and responsive to the needs of Indigenous children and families?
A s a P r o g r a m M a n a g e r f o r t h e W e s t e r n r e g i o n , I
c o n t i n u a l l y s t r i v e t o e n s u r e t h a t t h e s e r v i c e s w e p r o v i d e
a r e c u l t u r a l l y r e s p e c t f u l an d r e s p o n s i v e t o t h e n e e d s o f
I n d i g e n o u s c h i l d r e n a n d f a m i l i e s I n v o l v i n g c o n t i n u o u s
e d u c a t i o n , c o m m u n i t y
a d v o c a c y , a n d c u l t u r a l l y i n c l u s i v e e n v i r o n m e n t s I b e l i e v e
t h i s a p p r o a c h n o t o n l y r e s p e c t s a n d p r e s e r v e s
I n d
Could you tell me a bit about yourself and how your background has influenced your perspective on the work we do within the community as we advocate for inclusion?
A s a p r o u d W i r a d j u r i m a n , m y b a c k g r o u n d h a s p l a y e d a
s i g n i f i c a n t r o l e i n s h a p i n g m y p e r s p e c t i v e o n t h e w o r k w e
d o w i t h i n t h e c o m m u n i t y a s w e a d v o c a t e f o r i n c l u s i o n
G r o w i n g u p , I h a v e w i t n e s s e d t h e s t r e n g t h a n d r e s i l i e n c e
o f m y m o b i n t h e f a c e o f a d v e r s i t y T h i s h a s i n s t i l l e d i n m e
a d e e p s e n s e o f p r i d e i n m y c u l t u r a l h e r i t a g e a n d a s t r o n g
b e l i e f i n t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f i n c l u s i v i t y a n d d i v e r s i t y
I u n d e r s t an d f i r s t h a n d t h e c h a l l e n g e s t h a t i n d i v i d u a l s a n d
c o m m u n i t i e s f a c e w h e n i t c o m e s t o m a i n t a i n i n g t h e i r
c u l t u r a l i d e n t i t y , t r a d i t i o n s a n d v a l u e s A s a T h e r a p e u t i c
S u p p o r t W o r k e r , I b r i n g t h i s u n d e r s t a n d i n g t o m y r o l e ,
e n s u r i n g t h a t I p r o v i d e a s a f e a n d i n c l u s i v e s p a c e f o r o u r
y o u n g p e o p l e t o e x p r e s s a n d c e l e b r a t e t h e i r c u l t u r a l
b a c k g r o u n d s I b e l i e v e t h a t e v e r y o n e d e s e r v e s t o f e e l a
s e n s e o f b e l o n g i n g a n d h a v e t h e i r v o i c e s h e a r d , r e g a r d l e s s
o f t h e i r c u l t u r a l o r e t h n i c b a c k g r o u n d
How do you support individuals/CYP + families/ staff in maintaining connection to their culture, traditions, and background?
S u p p o r t i n g c h i l d r e n y o u n g p e o p l e , a n d f a m i l i e s i n
m a i n t a i n i n g a c o n n e c t i o n t o t h e i r c u l t u r e , t r a d i t i o n s , a n d
b a c k g r o u n d i s a f u n d a m e n t a l p a r t o f m y r o l e I a i m t o
p r o v id e t h e s u p p o r t n e c e s s a r y t o m a i n t a i n a s t r o n g
c o n n e c t i o n t o t h e i r c o m m u n i t y
T h i s c a n i n v o l v e f a c i l i t a t i n g c u l t u r a l a c t i v i t i e s , a n d
c o n n e c t i n g o u r y o u n g p e o p l e a n d t h e i r f a m i l i e s w i t h
c o m m u n i t y e v e n t s a n d r e s o u r c e s I s t r i v e t o e n s u r e t h a t
c u l t u r a l p r a c t i c e s a n d t r a d i t i o n s a r e i n c o r p o r a t e d i n t o
t h e i r d a i l y l i v e s a n d r o u t i n e s B y d o i n g s o , w e p r o m o t e a
s e n s e o f b e l o n g i n g , s e l f - e s t e e m , a n d c u l t u r a l p r i d e
Fo r s t a f f m e m b e r s , o u r c u l t u r a l a w a r e n e s s t r a i n i n g a n d
r e s o u r c e s e n s u r e t h e y h a v e a b e t t e r u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f
t h e d i v e r s e b a c k g r o u n d s o f t h e i n d i v i d u a l s w e s u p p o r t
T h i s h e l p s t o c r e a t e a n i n c l u s i v e e n v i r o n m e n t w h e r e
e v e r y o n e f e e l s v a l u e d a n d r e s p e c t e d
S h a r i n g a n d c e l e b r a t i n g m y c u l t ur e a n d t r a d i t i o n s w i t h o t h e r s i s s o m e t h i n g I a m d e e p l y p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t I b e l i e v e
t h a t e d u c a t i o n a n d a w a r e n e s s p l a y a c r u c i a l r o l e i n f o s t e r i n g u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d a p p r e c i a t i o n f o r d i f f e r e n t c u l t u r e s I b e l i e v e i t s i m p o r t a n t t o p r o v i d e o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r p e o p l e t o e n g a g e w i t h a n d l e a r n f r o m t h e r i c h n e s s o f o u r t r a d i t i o n s
A d d i t i o n a l l y , I e n c o u r a g e o p e n d i a l o g u e a n d c r e a t e s a f e s p a c e s f o r o t h e r s t o a s k q u e s t i o n s a n d e n g a g e i n m e a n i n g f u l c o n v e r s a t i o n s a b o u t c u l t u r e , h i s t o r y , a n d r e c o n c i l i a t i o n B y s h a r i n g m y c u l t u r e I h o p e t o i n s p i r e o
UNDERSTANDING OTHERS' FEELINGS ALLOWS ME TO CONNECT DEEPLY AND APPRECIATE THEIR SITUATIONS, ENABLING ME TO NAVIGATE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AND ADJUST MY COMMUNICATION WHEN NEEDED.
T e a m i m a g e o f n d i g e n o u s A u s t r a l i a n e t b a l l t e a m
Erika representing NSW Indigenous netball
As we explore the significance of embracing culture within our community, what are some values or principles that guide you in your interactions with people from all walks of life?
I b e l i e v e i n t r e a t i n g e a c h p e r s o n w i t h r e s p e c t , a c k n o w l e d g i n g
t h e i r u n i q u e p e r s p e c t i v e s a n d e x p e r i e n c e s U n d e r s t a n d i n g o t h e r s '
f e e l i n g s a l l o w s m e t o c o n n e c t d e e p l y a n d a p p r e c i a t e t h e i r
s i t u a t i o n s , e n a b l i n g m e t o n a v i g a t e c u l t u r a l d i f f e r e n c e s a n d a d j u s t
m y c o m m u n i c a t i o n w h e n n e e d e d
I a m g e n u i n e l y c u r i o u s a b o u t d i f f e r e n t c u l t u r e s , b e l i e f s , a n d
p r a c t i c e s , w h i c h f o s t e r s l e a r n i n g a n d m u t u a l r e s p e c t R e c o g ni s i n g
t h a t e v e r y o n e h a s a s t o r y , I a p p r o a c h i n t e r a c t i o n s w i t h h u m i l i t y
a n d a d e s i r e t o l e a r n C r e a t i n g a n e n v i r o n m e n t w h e r e e v e r y o n e
f e e l s v a l u e d a n d i n c l u d e d i s c r u c i a l f o r f o s t e r i n g s t r o n g , s u p p o r t i v e
c o m m u n i t i e s a n d p r o m o t e s p o s i t i v e r e l a t i o n s h i p s E m b r a c i n g a n d
c e l e b r a t i n g d i v e r s i t y e n r i c h e s c o m m u n i t i e s a n d p r o m o t e s u n i t y
d e s p i t e d i f f e r e n c e s T h e s e v a l u e s a n d p r i n c i p l e s n o t o n l y g u i d e m y
i n t e r a c t i o n s, b u t c o n t r i b u t e t o e s t a b l i s h i n g a w e l c o m i n g a n d
i n c l u s i v e c o m m u n i t y t h a t h o n o u r s a n d r e s p e c t s c u l t u r a l d i v e r s i t y
How do you share and celebrate your culture and traditions with others?
I h a d t h e p r i v i l e g e o f r e p r e s e n t i n g b o t h N S W I n d i g e n o u s a n d A u s t r a l i a n In d i g e n o u s n e t b a l l t e a m s f o r s e v e r a l y e a r s , w h i c h i s s o m e t h i n g t h a t I w i l l f o r e v e r b e p r o u d o f
I a c t i v e l y e n g a g e w i t h t h e I n d i g e n o u s c o m m u n i t y a r o u n d
m e t o d e e p e n m y u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d p a s s d o w n t r a d i t i o n a l
s t o r i e s a n d h i s t o r i e s t h a t h o l d s i g n i f i c a n c e i n m y I n d i g e n o u s
c u l t u r e T h i s n o t o n l y p r e s e r v e s a n d c e l e b r a t e s m y c u l t u r e , b u t a l s o e n r i c h e s c u l t u r a l d i v e r s i t y a n d p r o m o t e s m u t u a l u n d e r s t a n d i n g w i t h i n th e w i d e r c o m m u n i t y E a c h i n t e r a c t i o n
p r e s e n t s a c h a n c e t o f o s t e r m u t u a l r e s p e c t , a p p r e c i a t i o n , a n d u n i t y a c r o s s d i f f e r e n t c u l t u r e s
Can you describe your under importance of building stron between communities, espe Indigenous community, in the context of the services we deliver?
B u i l d i n g s t r o n g c o n n e c t i o n s b e t w e e n c o m m u n i t i e s i s
a f o c a l p o i n t i n t h e w o r k t h a t w e d o w i t h y o u n g
p e o p l e a s i t r e s t o r e s a s e n s e o f i d e n t i t y , b e l o n g i n g ,
a n d e m p o w e r s c h i l d r e n t o b e c o m e a d v o c a t e s f o r
t h e m s e l v e s a n d t h e i r c o m m u n i t i e s
S t r e n g t h e n i n g a n I n d i g e n o u s c h i l d ' s c o n n e c t i o n
w i t h i n t h e I n d i g e n o u s c o m m u n i t y i s e s s e n t i a l f o r
p r o m o t i n g c u l t u r a l c o n t i n u i t y T h i s p r o v i d e s
o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r c h i l d r e n a n d y o un g p e o p l e t o l e a r n
a b o u t t h e i r l a n g u a g e , t r a d i t i o n s c e r e m o n i e s , a n d
s p i r i t u a l p r a c t i c e s B u i l d i n g c o n n e c t i o n s w i t h t h e
I n d i g e n o u s c o m m u n i t y h e l p s c h i l d r e n & y o u n g
p e o p l e f e e l a s e n s e o f b e l o n g i n g a n d a c c e p t a n c e
B e i n g w e l c o m e d i n t o a c o m m u n i t y t h a t u n d e r s t a n d s
a n d v a l u e s t h e i r c u l t u r a l b a c k g r o u n d , p r o v i d e s a
s u p p o r t i v e e n v i r o n m e n t w h e r e t h e y h a v e a c c e s s t o
E l d e r s , c o m m u n i t y l e a d e r s , a n d m e n t o r s t o o f f e r
gu i d a n c e w i s d o m , a n d e m o t i o n a l s u p p o r t , w h i c h
h e l p s c h i l d r e n n a v i g a t e c h a l l e n g e s a n d t r a n s i t i o n s
w i t h a m i n d f u l a p p r o a c h t o c u l t u r a l d i f f e r e n c e s
T E A M L E A D E R - S Y D N E Y
E M P L O Y E D W I T H : B i g B r o w n H o u s e
T I M E W I T H T H E O R G A N I S A T I O N : 1 6 m o n t h s
f
Could you tell me a bit about yourself and how your background has influenced your perspective on the work we do within the community as we advocate for inclusion?
A s a p r o u d W i r a d j u r i w o m a n , m y b a c k g r o u n d h a s
i n f l u e n c e d m y p e r s p e c t i v e b y a l l o w i n g m e t o s e e f i r s t -
h a n d t h e s e r i o u s i m p a c t s o f g e n e r a t i o n a l t r a u m a , a n d t h e
e r a s u r e o f I n d i g e n o u s p e o p l e h i s t o r y , o n c o m m u n i t i e s
a n d i n d i v i d u a l s T h i s i s p a r t i c u l a r l y r e l e v a n t t o t h e O O H C
s e c t o r , a s m a n y o f o u r c h i l d r e n a n d y o u n g p e o p l e a r e
f r o m a n F i r s t N a t i o n s P e o p l e b a c k g r o u n d a n d / o r a r e
c u l t u r a l l y a n d l i n g u i s t i c a l l y d i ve r s e I t i s i m p o r t a n t t h a t
w e a s p r o f e s s i o n a l s i n t h e O O H C s e c t o r , r e c o g n i s e o u r
C Y P s
t h e i r f a m i l y h i s t o r i e s a n d c u l t u r e s T h i s r e s p e c t s i m i l a r l y
m u s t e x t e n d t o t h e i r f a m i l i e s t o o u r c o l l e a g u e s a n d t o
o u r o w n l o v e d o n e s M y b a c k g r o u n d h a s b e e n
i n s t r u m e n t a l i n s h a p i n g t h i s v i e w a n d d r i v i n g t h e p a s s i o n
b e h i n d i t
Can you describe your understanding of the importance of building strong connections between communities, especially with the Indigenous community, in the context of the services we deliver?
W e k n o w f r o m r e s e a r c h t h a t a p e r s o n ’ s s e n s e o f
b e l o n g i n g a n d c o n n e c t i o n t o c o m m u n i t i e s i s v i t a l t o
t h e i r m e n t a l s o c i a l s p i r i t u a l , a n d e v e n p h y s i c a l w e l l -
b e i n g M a n y o f o u r y o u n g p e o p l e a r e m i s s i n g t h i s s e n s e
o f b e l o n g i n g f o r a v a r i e t y o f r e a s o n s , b u t o f t e n b y v i r t u e
o f b e i n g i n O O H C a n d n o t h a v i n g t h e s a m e c o n n e c t i o n
t o f a m i l y , C o u n t r y , a n d c o m m u n i t y t h a t o t h e r c h i l d r e n
d o F o r F i r s t N a t i o n s y o u n g p e o p l e , t h i s c o n n e c t i o n i s
e s p e c i a l l y i m p o r t a n t , a s c o m m u n i t y i s h o w l a n g u a g e ,
t r a d i t i o n s a n d h i s t o r y i s s h a r e d A s a n o r g a n i s a t i o n , w e
c a n s u p p o r t t h e s e c o n n e c t i o n s b y d e v e l o p i n g
r e l a t i o n s h i p s w i t h C Y P s f a m i l i e s o t h e r I n d i g e n o u s - l e d
o r g a n i s a t i o n s , A b o r i g i n a l L a n d C o u n c i l s a n d E l d e r s T he s e
c o n n e c t i o n s p r o v i d e o u r c h i l d r e n a n d y o u n g p e o p l e w i t h
t h e b e s t o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o e x p l o r e t h e i r c u l t u r e
How do you plan to ensure that the services provided are culturally respectful and responsive to the needs of Indigenous children and families?
O n e o f t h e b e s t w a y s t o e n s u r e o u r s e r v i c e s a r e
c u l t u r a l l y r e s p e c t f u l a n d r e s p o n s i v e t o t h e n e e d s o f
I n d i g e n o us c h i l d r e n a n d f a m i l i e s i s t o t a k e o n t h e
i n d i v i d u a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y o f l e a r n i n g m o r e A s
p r o f e s s i o n a l s i n t h i s s e c t o r , w e h a v e a d u t y t o o u r
c h i l d r e n y o u n g p e o p l e a n d t h e i r f a m i l i e s t o l e a r n a s m u c h a s w e c a n a b o u t t h e i r c u l t u r e s b y
ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO ENSURE OUR SERVICES ARE CULTURALLY RESPECTFUL AND RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF INDIGENOUS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IS TO TAKE ON THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY OF LEARNING MORE.” “
Big Brown House, Integrity 4 Life, The Gray Area, and celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achi Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Interna the World's Indigenous Peoples provides everyone the to learn about Indigenous cultures and histories and t in the celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cul
d Hoop Dreams ievements of ational Day of e opportunity to participate ltures on earth.
M A T A R A M A T A R A
In collaboration with Saretta Fielding, Matara Matara, celebrates community unity. It symbolises the vision of Big Brown House, Integrity4Life, The Gray Area, and Hoop Dreams, united in their mission of supporting communities together.
Together, Matara Matara celebrates culture, community, connection, and family as we go forward together ‘hand in hand’.
Towards the end of last year, our Leadership Team collaborated with Wonnarua artist, Saretta Fielding, to gain an understanding of our organisation’s narrative, vision, values, and impact on the land and communities through embracing Aboriginal culture
Saretta Fielding is an award-winning Aboriginal artist from the Wonnarua Nation in the Hunter Valley, NSW Her versatile artwork spans various mediums, including fine art, public installations, and fashion. Saretta’s distinctive style blends traditional symbolism and storytelling with contemporary art forms and vibrant colour palettes, gaining national and international recognition. Her ability to interpret natural elements showcases her deep passion for country, captivating viewers and inviting them to connect with the rich culture of Aboriginal Australia
The collaboration with Saretta was more than just an artistic process; it was an immersive journey into Aboriginal heritage connecting the organisations and their vision of supporting the community together This process ignited curiosity and a deeper shared understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Through Saretta’s guidance, we explored the connection between our values through texture, colour, and Aboriginal storytelling in which the vision began to come to life Matara Matara celebrates culture, community, connection, and family as we move forward 'hand in hand.'
We had the opportunity to join Saretta Fielding at her gallery in Toronto, immersing ourselves in her creative space. Saretta set the scene for the artwork, elaborating on the meaning and representation of its elements.
The artwork’s visual narrative respectfully acknowledges traditional custodians and their connection to the lands and waterways where our services operate Central to the piece, interconnected traditional people symbols within a gathering circle highlight the strong partnership of the four services and their dedication to meeting community needs This imagery represents the mission to provide high-quality, person-centred services that support children, young people, NDIS participants, and families to thrive. The people symbols expand outwards across the country, reflecting teamwork and collaboration in delivering support services that facilitate positive community outcomes.
Pathways of ‘hand-in-hand’ people symbols interweave throughout the design, connecting traditional symbolism representing Big Brown House at the top left, Integrity 4 Life at the middle right, and The Gray Area at the bottom centre of the canvas. This imagery captures connection and healthy relationships within the services, families, communities, and local teams contributing to holistic outcomes It highlights the services across the NSW footprint and the BBH vision for children, young people, and families to grow, feel connected, and empowered in a safe and supportive environment Additionally, it reflects children and youths learning and growing as they are nurtured and cared for along the pathways of opportunities presented.
The design interweaves landscapes depicting rivers, creeks, wetlands, waterways, mountains, hills, and plains, intertwined with the trade and journey routes of Aboriginal people over thousands of years Songlines flow across the canvas and continue in each direction, symbolising past, present, and future generations.
Together, Matara Matara celebrates culture, community, connection, and family as we move forward ‘hand in hand.’
The collaboration between Saretta and Big Brown House, Integrity 4 Life, The Gray Area and Hoop Dreams is set to wrap up September 2024 For more information about Saretta and her collaborations, please visit her website: www.saretta.com.au
Indigenous Peoples live in all regions of the world and own, occupy or use some 22% of global land area. Numbering at least 370500 million, Indigenous Peoples represent the greater part of the world’s cultural diversity. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures. Despite their cultural differences, Indigenous Peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples. Many Indigenous Peoples continue to be confronted with marginalisation, extreme poverty and other human rights violations
For more information, please visit: www.unesco.org
WRITTEN BY BRONWYN DYASON Practice & Training Officer
Imagine a world where every child feels connected, valued, and understood.
For children in care, especially those that are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, or are from a diverse cultural background, achieving this sense of belonging can be even more challenging. Many diverse families have faced racism, prejudice, shaming, and systemic injustices Historically, children's cultural identities have been overlooked, creating a lasting legacy of trauma and disconnection. Our challenge is to change - through keeping children connected to their roots, even while in care.
Currently, around 50% of the children and young people that we support are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, with this over representation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children in care seen nationwide Given the concerning statistics, it is crucial that we have a programme model that helps us to meet the diverse needs of our children and young people.
At Big Brown House, the CARE and TCI frameworks light our way CARE provides a unifying vision, language, and approach for our work; and shows us that in order for children and young people to achieve self-efficacy, self-esteem, and social and emotional adjustment, they must feel greater connectedness to others, particularly family, community, and culture.
At the heart of our work is a broad and inclusive concept of family We understand that family isn't just about immediate relatives but includes extended family, kin, and all significant relationships in a child’s life, as well as community, country, and culture.
Research consistently shows that family contact and involvement leads to greater placement stability, better behavioural outcomes, improved school performance, and more positive long-term impacts including identity formation and resilience
When we listen to the voices of children in our care, they tell us how important these relationships are - and we want to listen and respect these voices. We can do this by ensuring family is present within our own, as well as our children and young people’s thoughts, actions and daily life
Learnings through TCI also highlight that the environment also has a powerful impact on any child’s development. Our goal is to create therapeutic cultural environments where family, community, and cultural bonds are nurtured and celebrated Shared meals, decision making, support, and participating in the everyday and ordinary these moments are the glue that keeps families, culture, and communities strong
Being the oldest living culture in the world, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples offer invaluable wisdom and traditions about the connections that people have with their families and community Culture isn't a finished set of rules; it's a vibrant, evolving landscape of beliefs and values.
Cultural Competence is a term often used within organisations, but what does cultural competence even mean? Becoming ‘competent in various cultures’ presents the risk of making broad generalisations about people, reducing someone to one part of their identity, and erasing the complexity of human beings. All of us experience the world differently based on our social and cultural identities, and through our experiences and interactions, we have formed beliefs, values and assumptions that drive us.
So- rather than aiming for a ‘competent’ destination, CARE shows us we can embrace ‘cultural humility’ as a mindset of lifelong learning. Cultural humility means continuously reflecting on our own identities and power imbalances, while staying curious, being humble, and learning from the rich stories and experiences of others
Cultural humility opens us to new ways to honour and strengthen families of all different diversities, to work alongside each other, acknowledge the pain of past traumas, and work together for healing for everyone.
Across all our organisations, we will continue to learn – and unlearn – about families, communities, and culture. And this is a good thing! If we don’t keep growing and learning, it means that we ’ re not appreciating the endless diversity of the human experience. Let’s embrace cultural humility and create a world where every child has the opportunity to belong.
Supporting our communities is at the heart of our work across all organisations. By empowering and celebrating individuals, our aim is to build strong connections within our communities and enhance future opportunities.
H o s t e d b y I n t e g r i t y 4 L i f e
What does connection, collaboration and community look like to you?
To us, it is our Community of Practice!
On Friday, June 28th, a group of NDIS service providers gathered at Peibri Place for Integrity 4 Life’s Community Practice meeting Despite the cold winter morning, the sun emerged, creating an inviting atmosphere for all attendees to enjoy the beautiful water views, take advantage of the balcony, and an opportunity to come together as a community. Collectively with Big Brown House and The Gray Area, we opened our invite to our guests to join us to celebrate Pride Month by proudly supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQI+SB organisation, Black Rainbow.
The day began with an ice breaker activity designed to connect local NDIS service providers through mindfulness. This activity fostered connection and inclusivity, breaking down initial barriers and creating a safe, welcoming space
Our guest speakers then took the stage, beginning with Suevanah Brown from Koiop Connect Suevanah opened with an Acknowledgement to Country Her presentation dived into understanding the fundamentals of supporting Indigenous people with disabilities. Koiop Connect is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisation where Suevanah explained that ‘Koiop’ means Dragonfly in the Meriam Language of the Torres Strait Islands, symbolising change and self-realisation Koiop Connect embodies this meaning by working with participants and embracing their cultural heritage.
Next, Joel Robinson from Essential Skills Training led us through a disability first aid course. Joel covered crucial topics such as managing choking incidents in wheelchairs or beds, and strategies to handle emergencies Essential Skills Training also generously provided our lucky door prize.
Dr Agness Tembo, Director of El Roi Healthcare, followed with a discussion on the importance of a multidisciplinary (MDT) approach in NDIS service provision. She highlighted the dynamic process of successful MDTs, where health professionals with complementary skills share common goals and work together in assessing, planning, and evaluating patient care
After a morning of learning, it was time to refuel with a delicious spread prepared by Peibri Place, fostering further connection among attendees.
Post-break, Lauren Burns, Senior Speech Pathologist at Sublime Care, presented on mealtime management plans, detailing assessments and implementations. She emphasised the importance of swallowing and its impact on various aspects of life
Helen Marquez and Sierra Jean from Lotus Assist introduced Neuro Nest, a program offering therapy options for neurodivergent children in a safe, playful environment. Their aim is to create meaningful connections among peers and provide them with therapeutic resources to help them thrive
The event concluded with a book reading of "The Difference Between Us," written and illustrated by Integrity 4 Life’s own Meg Blackburn The book celebrated and embraced community differences, reinforcing the purpose of the Community of Practice: to accept, advocate, and celebrate those we support.
Ian Campbell from Integrity 4 Life, wrapped up the Community of Practice handing over to Essential Skills Training to draw the winner for the lucky door prize. Emphasising the importance of the Community Practices as an essential means of connecting service providers, promoting collaboration, and strengthening our community By sharing knowledge and experiences, we continue to build a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
Integrity 4 Life’s Community Practices are crucial for connecting service providers, fostering collaboration, and building a strong, genuine community among like-minded individuals.
A special thank you to our guest speakers for taking the time to present such engaging presentation We would also love to say a huge thank you to hosts and catering experts Peibri Place for making our Community of Practices happen Whilst the morning was one for the memories we also want to thank Slumpgait Media for capturing the special moments! Thank you to everyone who attended and taking time out of your busy schedules to be a part of our community
For more information on our guest speakers, please visit their websites
Suevanah Brown Koiop Connect, Joel Robinson
Essential Skills Training, Dr Agness Tembo El Roi Healthcare, Lauren Burn Sublime Care, Helen Marquez Lotus Assist
On Friday, June 28th, the teams from Big Brown House, Integrity 4 Life, and The Gray Area came together for a spectacular celebration of Pride Month, marking the 54th anniversary of the first Pride Parade. The day was a vibrant explosion of color, sparkle, and joy, as everyone donned their most colorful outfits to honor and support our LGBTQIA+SB community.
The event was more than just a celebration; it was a powerful statement of unity and inclusivity. The friendly competition to see which region could be the most colourful added an extra layer of fun and excitement, bringing out the creative and playful spirit in everyone.
In addition to the festivities, we also focused on making a positive impact We raised funds for Black Rainbow, a remarkable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+SB social enterprise Black Rainbow is dedicated to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for their community through advocacy, community engagement, and support initiatives Our collective efforts will help further their mission and contribute to the betterment of the community. Our celebration didn’t stop there We extended the joy and inclusivity to local NDIS service providers during Integrity 4 Life’s Community of Practice This extension allowed us to spread the message of Pride and support even further, fostering a broader sense of community and solidarity
Everything Rainbow Day was a memorable and meaningful event, showcasing our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and support for the LGBTQIA+SB community. Through our colourful celebration and fundraising efforts, we demonstrated that together, we can make a difference and create a more inclusive world
On Saturday 13th July, the team from Big Brown House, Integrity 4 Life and The Gray Area put on their best frocks to support the 2024 Raise Love Charity Ball hosted by Ronald McDonald House, NNSW.
The night was filled with countless heartfelt and special memories that we feel incredibly fortunate to have shared with everyone present. The sense of community and togetherness was palpable, creating an atmosphere of genuine warmth and support.
Through ticket sales, generous donations, raffle tickets, silent actions, and sponsorship, Ronald McDonald House, NNSW raised over $251,000 This remarkable achievement means that families with sick children will have a home away from home for 1,866 nights during their most challenging times By coming together as a community, our collective generosity and compassion have made a profound impact, providing comfort and stability when it is needed most
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW journey. Your continued support and dedication are truly inspiring, and together, we are making a difference in the lives of many families.
Ultra-marathon runner Pat Farmer and Wayne Curran are raising awareness for the foster care system in Australia through a run to support foster carers and children, aiming to bring attention to this important cause.
Aiming to draw media attention and raise awareness about the critical importance of foster carers ' well-being, Wayne Curran and Pat Farmer set out with one goal in mind: to run 494km from Kempsey Courthouse to Sydney CBD as a shining light for all who believe in a better future for children, young people and their carers.
The campaign, supported by Hatch Carers, underscores the need for enhanced support and resources to ensure that carers in the Out of Home Care (OOHC) sector can maintain their health and effectively care for the children in their charge.
It has been demonstrated that foster carers often experience significantly lower well-being compared to the general population This discrepancy is alarming, considering the demanding nature of their role. This gap is directly linked to poorer outcomes for the children they care for.
Hatch Carers, the organisation behind Wayne's Run, is dedicated to addressing this well-being crisis. They believe that fostering a supportive carer community and amplifying the voices of carers are essential steps towards lasting solutions Hatch Carers is building an independent network of carers across New South Wales, offering an online platform that promotes empowerment, connection, and a positive environment
Wayne, a symbol of resilience and transformation, embodies the mission of this initiative His journey from a troubled past to a determined advocate highlights the systemic issues within the foster care system and the urgent need for reform. By sharing his story and raising awareness through his athletic pursuit, Wayne aims to brings attention to the challenges faced by children, young people, and carers within the OOHC system.
Big Brown House proudly supports and aligns it’s values and mission with Wayne’s Run. This fundraising event not only aims to increase the number of carers for the community but also to improve their quality of life The goal is to ensure that these dedicated individuals receive the recognition, resources, and support they need to continue their invaluable work
Wayne's Run is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and collective action in creating a better future for foster carers and the children in their care
To find out more about Wayne’s Run or Hatch Carers, please visit their Facebook Page and website!
