“At our core is a belief that all people deserve the opportunity to flourish. Our programs and supports are all about helping people to overcome barriers so that they can engage more fully in life”
CEO JEN HALL
Welcome to the Winter edition of our Flourish magazine. This edition explores how UnitingSA is helping people to live their best lives.
At our core is a belief that all people deserve the opportunity to flourish. Our programs and supports are all about helping people to overcome barriers so that they can engage more fully in life. Whether that’s embracing ageing with an active mindset or overcoming a
WELCOME
challenging life situation with some practical support, our teams are working alongside people every day with passion and compassion. Through a range of articles in this edition, you will be reminded why inclusion and belonging are so important in our community.
On page 8, discover how Andrew has gone from volunteer to staff member, and how that change is enabling him to live his best life. Andrew is thriving because he’s discovered the power of purpose.
On page 12, you will be inspired by 91-year-old Audrey who is a shining example of what it means to put your best foot forward! Audrey is thriving because she’s making the most of every day.
On page 13, you can read about the Westminster Gardening Group who are welcoming new residents with plants potted with love. They really are the epitome of inclusion –donating their time to make gifts for people they will never meet.
On page 15, learn how Meghan has turned her life around thanks to support from Parent Pathways.
Meghan is thriving because she’s not afraid of asking for help. This latest edition of Flourish Magazine is packed full of examples of why what we do matters.
Finally, I invite you to support people doing it tough by making a donation to our 2026 Winter Appeal.
We know many people are feeling the pressure right now, with rising interest rates and fuel costs adding to the strain. If you’re in a position to help, your support can go a long way.
We welcome cash donations as well as non-perishable items.
Your donation will help us to respond to the needs of communities, families and individuals so that - together - we can improve lives.
Jen Hall Chief Executive Officer, UnitingSA
PICTURED : Jen Hall and Uncle Mickey at the Uniting on Hawker project launch. Read more on page 11.
DON’T GIVE UP
Despite a life that has been shaped by many challenges, Luke is determined to carve out a better future for himself and his children.
The 38-year-old is the sole carer of his 10 and 14-year-old daughters.
“It’s tough. Prices keep going up and up,” he says.
“I don’t go out much because everything costs so much.
“It’s hard when you can’t give your kids what you want to be able to give them.”
Luke knows more than most just how important it is to have family support.
“I got kicked out of home at 11. I stayed with my Nanna for a while and then I ended up couch-surfing and living on the streets for the next four to five years.”
Luke met his children’s mother when he was 21. Things were much better for a while, and they spent the best part of a decade together.
“When that fell apart, I ended up back on the streets again for another few years.”
It hasn’t been easy, but Luke has managed to get his life back on track.
“My girls came to live with me full-time when the youngest was just six.
“All they had was a basket of clothes.”
“I heard about UnitingSA through word of mouth. I was struggling for food, so I gave them a call and they were able to help. They also helped me get my first NILS loan.”
NILS is the No Interest Loans Scheme. UnitingSA facilitates the scheme, giving people on low incomes access to safe, affordable credit without the burden of interest, fees, or hidden charges. The program provides loans for unexpected expenses and guarantees recipients will only ever pay back the purchase cost.
“We were moving into a Housing Trust place, and NILS enabled us to get a new couch,” he says. “All my furniture was second-hand. It felt comfy and more home-like to have a new couch.”
The beauty of the NILS scheme is that once recipients pay off one loan, they can apply for another. Over the years, Luke has also been able to use NILS for a car loan and a fridge.
“We went without a fridge for two months,” he recalls.
“We were living off takeaway and things you can microwave. I was having to buy a litre of milk each day or use cupboard milk.
“Then we got a second-hand fridge. I thought my luck had changed. We filled it up with groceries, but it died within a week.
“Pretty much I went straight to UnitingSA and said ‘I need help.’
“They were able to get me a loan for a fridge.
“Anna the financial counsellor has been so good. She was able to help me with a $6K debt. That was a big relief.”
UnitingSA was also on hand last Christmas, giving Luke access to the Toy Room.
“I was able to pick some Christmas gifts for my children. That made things a bit easier and the kids were pleased.”
Clearly his children are part of the reason he’s determined to turn his life around.
“The girls are doing really well at school. The youngest couldn’t read and now she can.
“The older one is a school leader.
WINTER APPEAL 2026
Help support South Australians experiencing homelessness this winter.
Your donation will provide hope in the form of food, warm clothes and a safe place to sleep.
THOSE
WITHOUT A HOME, SHOULD NEVER BE WITHOUT HOPE.
They’re both doing more and succeeding more.”
Luke is now ready for his next challenge but, this time, it’s a good one. He has just completed studying a Certificate III in Community Services and plans to become a support worker.
Luke thinks his life experience will help him relate well to teens who are struggling.
“When I was younger, I’d go to support places and they couldn’t help me. I’ve been through almost every bad thing you can imagine so I feel I could help and relate.”
Importantly, a job would also help Luke to become more financially stable.
“If I can get a job, I’ll be able to give my kids more.
“I hope that I’m showing my kids that even though things are tough –and we’ve been through some really tough times –there’s always a light.
“It
doesn’t matter what you go through –don’t give up”
LUKE
HOPE SWEET HOPE
UnitingSA’s Winter Appeal has been launched to help provide essential support to South Australians who are doing it tough.
Cash donations are vital as they help UnitingSA to direct funds where they are needed most.
We also welcome in-kind donations of non-perishable goods as well as new items such as sleeping bags, blankets and warm clothes.
Donations can be made via the website –unitingsa.com.au or you can drop non-perishable goods at UnitingSA’s Child, Youth and Family Services, 58 Dale St, Port Adelaide, between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
HOW YOUR DONATIONS HELP
$20 buys three hearty meals for a rough sleeper
$50 provides a week of petrol for the local school run
$80 covers a vital medical appointment
$100 provides a rough sleeper with basic necessities
$200 pays for an average SA family’s weekly groceries
Rising petrol costs fuel demand for services
2026 has got off to a stre ssful
start for many, with sky-
rocketing fuel costs adding to existing cost of living pressures. As interest rates continue to climb, and the housing shortage continues to bite, our teams at UnitingSA are expecting a heavy demand for our services in the winter months ahead.
“The rising cost of fuel is being felt by almost everyone, but for families already doing it tough, it’s making everyday life even harder,” says Jen Hall, Chief Executive Officer.
“For some households, simply filling up the car is now competing with putting food on the table.
“Families are struggling to afford the basics, leading to food insecurity and falling behind on rent, mortgages and bills.”
According to a University of Melbourne study1, a $1 increase in petrol prices causes the same amount of loss in wellbeing that a $3,475 decline in monthly household income does.
The study found that rising petrol prices can heighten anxiety by signalling broader economic instability. More alarmingly, the effects are not evenly shared. Older Australians, lower-income households and those who rely heavily on cars for everyday travel bear the greatest wellbeing losses.
At UnitingSA, we don’t do our work for recognition.
But if you’ve ever been curious about how UnitingSA supports people, take a moment to read this letter from Mark*, who recently shared his gratitude for the support he received through our financial counselling services.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to UnitingSA and especially the financial counsellor who helped me through a very stressful time. I recently received an unusually high electricity bill over $1,000 compared to my usual $400 per quarter. I take full responsibility for it; I made the choice to keep my home warm this winter because my severe dermatitis becomes extremely painful in the cold. But when the bill came, I was broke and didn’t know what to do.
One day, as I was walking past UnitingSA, I decided to go in and see if there was any help available. To my surprise, I was given a $25 Foodland voucher. I couldn’t believe it. It was such a huge relief!
Later I went back and met with the financial counsellor. That meeting changed everything. She was kind, understanding and practical. She helped me to apply for a grant to reduce my energy debt. That support lifted a massive weight off my shoulders and gave me the breathing room to better manage my bills going forward.
The whole process wasn’t just positive, it was life changing.
Thank you UnitingSA for your compassion and support when I needed it most. With heartfelt appreciation.
Mark*
*Not his real name. Name withheld for privacy.
CAREER-CHANGE HAS ANDREW LIVING HIS BEST LIFE
We’ve all heard of a “seachange” or a “treechange”— but Andrew is living a “me-change.”
While some of us might fear changing careers in our 50s, Andrew is relishing the opportunity.
After 41 years in the television industry, Andrew has joined UnitingSA as a Support Worker – and he couldn’t be happier!
“I was laid off just before Christmas,” he says. “I’d already been thinking about a change. That just sped things up.”
Quietly, he’d been asking friends if they thought he’d suit work in the community services sector. The response was unanimous: you’d be great at it. Turns out, they were right.
Andrew started volunteering with UnitingSA’s emergency relief
team - collecting and sorting food donations for people in need.
The redundancy also gave him time to commence studying a Certificate III in Community Services.
It wasn’t long before he spotted a role advertised to join UnitingSA and Wesley Social Enterprises as an Employment Support Worker. He got the role and now works three to four days a week and loves every minute.
“I’m absolutely stoked. It makes me happy and it makes other people happy too.”
It’s a far cry from his former role as a technical director at a local TV station, stuck in a control room managing broadcasts and live feeds.
“I don’t think I really realised just how toxic work in the media industry can be.
“Getting that push was a blessing in disguise. I love my job. I feel very blessed.
“It’s going to sound corny, but this is making me a better person: more patient; more gentle. The work is definitely bringing out my good side.”
“Even my wife said the other day ‘You’re on fire at the moment.’”
The flexible working hours also support his study. Andrew will soon begin a Certificate IV in Community Services as an extension of his current qualifications.
There’s no doubt – this mid-life career change is enabling Andrew to live his best life.
In fact, it’s turning out to be not just a career change but a quality-of-life upgrade!
PICTURED : (FRONT COVER from left to right) Andrew, Andrew and Khoi
MORE THAN A JOB
Between them, Andrew and Khoi, have over 30 years of employment with Wesley Social Enterprises (WSE).
Khoi (pictured on our cover) is part of the car washing team. In a 6-hour workday, Khoi can wash 15 cars. One can only imagine how many cars he’s washed since he joined WSE back in 2003.
“I enjoy working with my mates,” he says.
Khoi says one of the benefits of the work is the structure of having designated meal breaks.
“I forget to eat at home!” he says.
Khoi says he’s learned multiple skills including how to do a wet wash, dry wash, and interior cleans.
“The consistency is good. It’s taught me to persevere. I’m very happy.”
His workmate, Andrew, says “I like working with Khoi and the rest of the team.”
During his eleven years with WSE, Andrew has undertaken a variety of jobs.
“I started in the workshop, packing and sending items.
I’ve also done cleaning and gardening before moving on to car washing.”
And which job did he like best?
“I’ve loved all of them.”
In fact, it’s clear he loves pretty much everything and everyone in his workplace as he reels off a long list of names of colleagues and staff.
And how does he feel at the at the end of a long working day?
“I’m proud of the work I do.”
Meaningful work for all
Wesley Social Enterprises is a NDIS service provider offering meaningful supported employment to people with a disability.
Almost 70 supported employees are part of a team of dedicated people offering a range of services to individuals, businesses and government departments.
UnitingSA runs WSE in metropolitan Adelaide and Whyalla.
The WSE team won the “Leading with Purpose” Award at the 2025 UnitingSA Team Excellence Awards. Call (08) 8440 4243 or email wseenquiries@unitingsa.com.au for more information.
HOUSING PROJECT KICKS OFF AT BOWDEN
Works have commenced at UnitingSA’s latest housing development, Uniting on Hawker, at Bowden.
The project launch was celebrated at a gathering on 19 February 2026. The cleared site, which previously housed 10 outdated properties, will soon be home to a modern apartment complex.
Uniting on Hawker will feature 30 apartments across two levels. The development consists of 24 social and 6 affordable housing apartments.
Local Kaurna man, Uncle Mickey, conducted a Smoking Ceremony to cleanse and prepare the site for works to commence.
Speaking at the launch, CEO, Jen Hall, said “At UnitingSA, we’re all about building community and
opportunity. These apartments will become homes for vulnerable women aged 55 and over who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“This community will be a safe place for them to call home, and a place where they have the opportunity to thrive.
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the South Australian Housing Trust to deliver this project. We’re also thankful for the support of the State and Federal Government through Social Housing Accelerator funding and the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility.”
Uniting on Hawker has been thoughtfully designed and will be an innovative, diverse and inclusive development that
prioritises the local community through sensitive and environmentally responsive design.
The project has been supported by a team of consultants. City Collective are the project architects and Kennett Builders have been appointed to construct the development.
Uniting on Hawker is expected to cost $17 million, with construction anticipated to be completed by early 2027.
PICTURED : (ABOVE) L-R: Nick Champion MP (Minister for Housing and Urban Development), Jen Hall, (UnitingSA CEO), Ben Moore (UnitingSA Chief Development, Property and Housing Officer), Peter Malinauskus MP (South Australian Premier), Steve Georganas MP (Member for Adelaide) and Gael Fraser (UnitingSA Board Chair).
Premier drops in as building soars
In April, Premier Peter Malinaukus paid another visit to Uniting on Hawker.
This time, he jumped in a trench with the team from Kennett Builders and got “hands on” with laying some pipe.
Together with Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Nick Champion, the Premier was at Uniting on Hawker, to announce that a record number of homes were built across South Australia in 2025.
According to ABS Building Activity Data, 13,514 homes were completed in South Australia last year.
UnitingSA is proud to play a role in delivering more homes for South Australians who need them most.
PICTURED : (ABOVE) Jen Hall and Uncle Mickey at the Uniting on Hawker project launch. (RIGHT) The South Australian Premier, the Honourable Peter Malinauskus MP, speaking at the project launch.
INSPIRATIONAL AUDREY
At 91, Audrey is almost
unstoppable. The nonagenarian completes a two-hour walk every morning
Audrey, who resides at UnitingSA’s West Lakes residential aged care, heads out with her walker at the same time each day. She completes four laps of her regular street circuit, which includes a lap of the West Lakes Oval, arriving back just in time for breakfast.
Originally from Lincolnshire in England, Audrey migrated to Australia at age 33 with her husband and two daughters.
“I didn’t want to come. We tore up the papers three times,” she recalls.
“The week before we were due to leave, I cried and cried. Eventually I said ‘If I don’t like it. I’ll go back in two years.’ I don’t know where I thought I was going
to go back to. We had sold our house in England.
“We got off the ship at Outer Harbor and all we could see was rocks, cows and sheep.
“We stayed with a family until we were able to build our own home.”
Audrey has always remained active.
“When my girls joined the marching team, I joined as well. I also joined the dancing team and then I did line dancing for 22 years.”
While Audrey admits she’s “never been able to keep my feet still”
– there’s more to her fitness than a love of movement. She’s also clearly determined.
“I was about 40 when I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. I’ve got steel in my toes on both feet.
I had a knee replacement at 82.”
She goes on to say that she had a stroke that saw her spend seven
weeks in a rehabilitation hospital. Clearly, none of that was able to slow her down.
“Once you stop. You stop.”
When asked if she ever feels unsafe walking, she replies “You’ve got to take a chance don’t you love?”
“I use hikers’ wool in my shoes because I’ve got corns on my feet. Sometimes it takes me three attempts to get my shoes on in the morning.”
When questioned about the significant amount of time she’s committing to walking – she’s very matter of fact.
“When you think about it - a day has 24 hours. I’m only using two.”
“I’ve never been able to keep my feet still”
RESIDENTS MOVE IN
Uniting on Second is UnitingSA’s largest community housing development to date. Designed and constructed in just over two years, it has delivered 70 modern apartments at a time of record housing shortages.
The affordable housing development has many features including quality designed apartments, a rooftop garden and onsite bike storage. Located in the heart of Bowden, the development has been designed to support connection and wellbeing.
Meanwhile, tenants are already calling Uniting at Kidman Park home. This is UnitingSA’s third community housing development at Kidman Park with this one delivering six townhouses for people on low to moderate incomes. The Project has received Social Housing Accelerator Program funding through the SA Housing Trust.
As South Australians continue to experience the impact of the housing crisis, both developments will provide critical infrastructure to enable more people to access a safe place to call home.
LITTLE GREEN POTS OF JOY
Each plant was potted with love – helping tenants to feel at home from day one
Aheartwarming initiative -is taking root at UnitingSA, where residents are making welcome gifts for newcomers.
The gardening group, which meets each month at Westminster Retirement Village, is bringing residents together through a shared love of plants. Recently, participants volunteered their time to create 70 beautiful potted plants as welcome gifts for people moving into UnitingSA sites including tenants at our new
Uniting on Second affordable housing development at Bowden.
In a lovely show of community spirit, residents planted succulents in terracotta pots, which were then gift-wrapped and paired with a welcome card. The initiative has also received generous support from Bunnings Warehouse who donated potting mix, pots, plants, gloves and shelving to help bring the project to life.
PICTURED : (ABOVE RIGHT) The Uniting on Second development at Bowden. (RIGHT) Uniting at Kidman Park
ON A POSITIVE PATHWAY
Meghan spent three months living in a homeless shelter with her young daughter and pet Alaskan Malamute, Maia.
“It was awful. We were in close proximity with a whole lot of people. We were exposed to drugs, alcohol … you name it. It was supposed to be a safe haven but I left the shelter with
extra trauma on top of what I’d already escaped,” she recalls.
“Even my dog was traumatised by the experience.”
Fortunately, earlier this year, Meghan was able to access transition housing while she waits for something more permanent.
“The one good thing to come out of it all is that my support worker
has connected me with a whole lot the services,” she explains.
One of those services is, UnitingSA’s Parent Pathways. Parent Pathways offers free support to parents and carers of young children to help them to achieve their personal, study and work goals.
“Seek support. Ask for help. It is there for you if you ask for
it.
The support
I’ve
received has been phenomenal.
MEGHAN
“I met Sean, and pretty much from day one, he’d lined me up with a job interview,” she explains.
Sean is a Parent Pathways mentor. Mentors work with clients to help them with whatever skills or support they need to progress towards employment. In Meghan’s case, this meant connecting her with first aid and manual handling training to help her get job-ready.
“They also bought my work shoes,” she explains.
Meghan now works as a community support worker helping older people to remain independent at home.
“I work with seniors who need a bit of an extra hand. I help with cleaning, taking them to the supermarket or on an outing.”
Meghan, who worked in childcare prior to the birth of her daughter, is pleased to be learning new skills.
“It’s like I’ve gone from one end of the spectrum to the other.
“The job has many benefits. I’m earning money. I’m building confidence.”
Meghan works about 2 days a week.
“It has got to be sustainable, so this is a good way to start,” she explains.
She says one of the best outcomes so far has been getting out of the house and meeting new people.
“I’ve been able to talk with someone other than my 4-yearold,” she says.
“I was very isolated before and wasn’t socialising.
“Meditation has also helped. I’ve always been very spiritual. I’m doing my own inner-work and this is definitely helping me on my healing journey.”
As Meghan sets about rebuilding her life, she’s re-igniting passions that had been dampened by the trauma she has experienced.
“I’ve always had the ambition to start my own business,” she explains.
“I’d love to be able to work with people who’ve experienced domestic violence. Maybe go into a shelter and lead some meditations.
“Being in a shelter can be very intense and heavy. I’d like to be able go in and help flip it – offer my time to help create a space for quiet meditation and healing.”
Meghan encourages anyone in a similar situation to reach out for help.
“Seek support. Ask for help. It is there for you if you ask for it. The support I’ve received has been phenomenal.
“The difference between where I am now and where I was this time last year is huge.”
And what is on the horizon for another year from now?
“I’d like to think I’m still working part-time and I’m also building my own business.”
She pauses and corrects herself. “No. Not building. I’m running it.”
“I think everything falls into place when it is the right time,” she says as she gives Maia a gentle pat.
“Maia has been there with me through everything. She’s very special.
“She’s my unofficial emotional support dog.”
It is clear there’s nothing “unofficial” about it. You can plainly see the shared bond
between Meghan and her canine companion.
“She’s stuck by me. I wouldn’t have got through the shelter without her.”
Meghan’s journey highlights what is possible when young parents are provided with the right support and accessible opportunities. Through her involvement with the Parents Pathways program, Meghan has taken a significant step toward a brighter and more secure future.
Parent Pathways: helping parents to thrive
TheParent Pathways program helps young parents to build confidence, gain skills, and move toward education or employment.
The program has supported many parents across Adelaide’s northern suburbs as well as in the Mid North, Murray and South East regions.
Parent Pathways is designed for parents and carers of young children under the age of 6 who may be facing barriers around mental health, homelessness, updating skills, finding work or accessing study options.
Anyone who feels they could benefit from additional guidance, training, or support is encouraged to reach out. Connecting with the program is simple. Participants can get in touch via the UnitingSA website and filling in an expression of interest form or calling (08) 8259 2900.
WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENT MORE BEDS FOR AGED CARE
On March 6 2025, we were pleased to host Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS and Hon Sam Rae MP, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors at Wesley House Aged Care.
Support at Home
Support at Home continues to grow in the Riverland.
Support at Home is designed to help older people live independently at home for as long as they can by offering a range of wrap-around supports.
Since signing up their first client in the Riverland in March, the team is now supporting people in Renmark, Berri, Barmera and Loxton. The service has employed a registered nurse in Renmark
and is now looking to recruit additional support workers.
The team has been busy promoting the new services at local events including the Aged Care Expo held at the Renmark Hotel in March. The expo, organised by the Renmark Paringa Health Advisory Council, was attended by more than 100 community members. The team also held a Let’s Talk Home Care in the Riverland session at the Berri Bowling Club and plan to hold other community information sessions in the future.
To find out more about Support at Home in the Riverland or metropolitan Adelaide please call (08) 8448 6280.
The Ministers were on site to announce the Federal Government’s commitment to invest an additional $115 million to deliver more aged care beds through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP).
UnitingSA welcomed the announcement that targeted additional funding in four regions including Adelaide.
“As a leading provider of aged care in Adelaide, we know just how important it is for people to access quality aged care when and where they need it,” says Jen Hall, CEO, UnitingSA.
The Ministers were joined by Louise Miller-Frost MP, Member for Boothby, and the then Labor candidate Aria Bolkus, who is now the Member for Colton. All the guests were able to tour the facilities and, following the announcement, Minister Butler spent some time chatting with residents at Wesley House.
PICTURED : (TOP) L-R: Jen Hall, UnitingSA CEO; Hon Sam Rae MP, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors; Louise Miller-Frost MP, Member for Boothby; Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS; Aria Bolkus, Member for Colton; Rob Heinjus, UnitingSA Senior Executive, Aged Care.
UNITINGSA EXPANDS RETIREMENT LIVING
UnitingSA now has over 150 Retirement Living properties thanks to the acquisition of 16 apartments at Spence on Light in Adelaide’s CBD.
In December 2025, UnitingSA took over the management of the apartments as part of the organisation’s commitment to providing quality community housing for South Australians.
UnitingSA’s Spence on Light apartments are located across the top three floors (Levels 11, 12 and 13) of the multi-purpose housing complex on Light Square. Spence on Light is all about city convenience and contemporary living for those who want to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with easy access to CBD shops, cafes and facilities. All apartments have access to balconies with spectacular views across the city. In alignment with UnitingSA’s values, the location has a proud
history of supporting South Australians in need. The complex incorporates a heritage site, City Mission on Light Square, a location that has long provided support and care to the most vulnerable people in the community.
The development itself is named after Catherine Helen Spence, whose statue is positioned near the development site on Light Square. The square is also known by the Kaurna name of Wauwi.
Completed in 2020, the $25 million project was originally a partnership between Housing Choices Australia, the South Australian Government and aged care provider ACH Group. The project pioneered high rise living for seniors and residents living with a disability, with 75 one and two-bedroom apartments built across 14 floors.
“We’re very focused on delivering high quality community housing. Whether that’s social or affordable housing, or retirement living, we’re committed to creating safe, stable and connected communities where residents can thrive,” says Ben Moore, UnitingSA’s Chief Development, Property and Housing Officer.
“We know that many people prefer to ‘age in place’ so these apartments have been designed with older residents in mind.”
Residents will also have the opportunity to connect with a range of tailored activities and events coordinated through our Wellbeing and Lifestyle team.
To find out if the site has vacancies call (08) 8448 6258 or email retirementliving@unitingsa.com.au
IN THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITY
Every day, our staff engage with local individuals and groups helping to build a stronger, more inclusive community. Just two recent examples of our involvement in our community are the Walk of Awareness and the Amplifii Music festival.
AMPLIFII MUSIC FESTIVAL
Adelaide’s only inclusive music festival was held at Harts Mill in Port Adelaide on March 28.
UnitingSA was once again pleased to support this important event as a bronze sponsor.
The event is the dreamchild of organiser, Karren Kelly, who shares a passion for music with her son James, who lives with Autism.
Karen realised how hard it was to attend festivals with her son – so she created a space where no-one would ever be left out again.
“I wanted a way for everyone to come together and celebrate through music in a safe and accessible way,” she says.
This year, Amplifii was attended by a record crowd of over 700 people.
“The event included Adelaide’s hottest DJs and bands as well as a silent disco marquee with sensory experiences like vibrating vests and wrist straps. They are designed to enable people who can’t hear to feel the vibration and beat of the music.
“There was also a chill-out sensory zone for music lovers who needed to find some space to recharge.”
WALK OF AWARENESS
On February 13, UnitingSA staff took part in the Walk of Awareness commemorating the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.
This was our eighth year partnering with the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and other local community organisations to take part in this important event.
Walkers gathered on the northern side of the Birkenhead Bridge in Port Adelaide before crossing the bridge and walking to Hart’s Mill. The event included a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, as well as live music and a barbecue.
The day provides a significant opportunity to acknowledge our shared history and participate in our journey towards reconciliation.
PICTURED : (BELOW) UnitingSA staff were on hand with free cold drinks for all at the end of the Walk
UnitingSA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout South Australia, their spiritual heritage, living culture, and our walk together towards reconciliation.
