Flourish Magazine - Summer 2025

FLOURISH ISSUE NO. 17

SUMMER 2025

AMID A COST OF LIVING CRISIS IN THIS ISSUE:

4 A heartfelt thank you to our supporters

8

10

16

Housing brings Les Underwood: Together we can: hope: Tales from 18 years of1 impact UNITINGSA FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 17 | 2025 Celebrating the our tenants people who do our great work

18 Parent Pathways: Service expands into regional South Australia

WELCOME

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elcome to our first edition of Flourish for 2025. This Summer Edition features just some of the stories of impact happening every day across UnitingSA – each is made possible through the work of our dedicated staff and the generous support of our community partners and donors.

I want to personally thank everyone who donated to our 2024 Christmas Appeal.

By pulling together, we raised more than $48,000 to help individuals, families and children living in the north western suburbs. We also received 4,000 in-kind donations of food and toys.

Demand for support during the festive season was the greatest ever experienced by our relief teams. You can read more about the impact of your gifts and donations on pages 4, 5 and 6.

Our annual Christmas Day lunch, which I helped host this year with Rev Les Underwood, was another way we were able to share some goodwill and joy with our local community.

Les has had a remarkable impact at UnitingSA since he joined us in 2007. In April, he will conclude his service at UnitingSA. While we will formally farewell and acknowledge Les later in the year, you can read about the way Les has helped shape our organisation on pages 8 and 9.

UnitingSA has continued to advocate for the needs of those impacted by the current housing crisis.

Every day, across our homelessness, emergency relief and mental health services, we see how the housing shortage and lack of affordable rentals is pushing people to the brink.

In November last year, we completed six threebedroom townhouses in Northfield and a 40-dwelling complex at Prospect. Both sites were able to welcome their new tenants just in time for Christmas!

On pages 10 and 11, you can read how our homes are bringing hope to individuals and families. Ben and Brenton are neighbours and a great example of the benefits of being part of a positive community. While Mirben’s story is one of determination and survival, as she creates a new home for herself and her two daughters in Australia.

At UnitingSA, we’re all about helping people to live their best lives. You can read how Katie (page 12 and 13) and Wendy (page 14) are making the most of the support we offer – in very different ways!

It is always so hard to capture the breadth of what we do and the incredible number of services we provide.

That’s why it was so special to hold our inaugural Team Excellence Awards late last year. You can catch a glimpse of the celebrations on page 16.

I do hope that you enjoy this edition of Flourish.

Thank you for being part of the UnitingSA community.

Jenny Hall Chief Executive Officer, UnitingSA

PHOTO: Uniting at Northfield opened in November 2024.

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 17| 2025

ISSUE NO. 17

IN THIS ISSUE

4

8

10

A heartfelt thank you to our supporters

Les Underwood: 18 years of impact

Housing brings hope: Tales from our tenants

UNITINGSA ANNUAL PROFILE 2023-24 Financial Year

12,537

1,149

62

1,502

2,134

PEOPLE SUPPORTED

EMPLOYEES

VOLUNTEERS

PEOPLE SUPPORTED ACROSS AGED CARE

PEOPLE PROVIDED EMERGENCY RELIEF

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A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

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ate last year, against the .ongoing backdrop of high interest rates, lack of affordable housing and cost of living challenges, UnitingSA launched our annual Christmas appeal.

South Australians responded with incredible generosity, allowing us to exceed expectations and raise vital funds to support families doing it tough during the festive season.

More than $48,000 was raised to help “Save Christmas” for individuals, families and children living in the north-western suburbs. We also received more than 4,000 in-kind donations of food and toys.

With this wonderful support, more than 1,100 children were able to choose toys and books from our beautifully stocked Toy Room.

Donations flooded in, not only from generous individuals, but also from South Australian businesses and organisations who wanted to support the difference we make in our community.

In the lead up to Christmas, UnitingSA’s Emergency Assistance teams supported 60 families a day. That’s three families every 15 minutes.

PICTURED: SA Power Networks staff volunteered in our Toy Room.

4000+

$48k+

461

400

1,152

IN-KIND DONATIONS

IN CASH DONATIONS

FAMILIES HELPED

INDIVIDUALS HELPED

CHILDREN GIFTED TOYS

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Residents give 350 gifts

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heartfelt thank you to all the .retirement living residents across UnitingSA’s sites who quietly went about fundraising throughout 2024.

Funds raised through monthly bingo afternoons and other activities, such as raffles, totalled $1,500.

Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coordinator, Rebbecca Bratovich, says “This is more than double what was raised in 2023 and enabled us to purchase 350 Christmas gifts for children as part of UnitingSA’s Christmas Appeal.

ALL AGES SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER

“Residents from the Vista Apartments had a brilliant time shopping for the toys. They all feel incredibly proud of what we accomplished this year and have committed to continuing their support for the Christmas Appeal in 2025.”

STUDENTS SHARE THE LOVE

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chools, including Seymour College, Westminster School and Indie School Port Adelaide, donated gifts and non-perishable food items and funds to our Christmas Appeal.

As one student beautifully put it: “It makes my heart happy” to know a toy they donated will bring joy to a child who might otherwise go without on Christmas morning.

School participation in our fundraising appeals provides young people with the opportunity to learn about ‘giving back’ and helps students develop empathy and compassion for others.

“It makes my heart happy” SEYMOUR COLLEGE STUDENT

If your school or organisation would like to support us in 2025, please register your interest by emailing Catherine Bauer, Fundraising and Partnerships Lead, at cbauer@unitingsa.com.au

PICTURED: ABOVE Students from Seymour College Junior School with gifts they donated.

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With a growing family to care for, making sure there were presents under the tree on Christmas Day felt impossible for Samantha.

“I just couldn’t afford anything … you’ve got electricity and gas bills and your money just goes quick.’’

That’s where UnitingSA stepped in to give the young mum a small Christmas miracle.

With support from UnitingSA’s Housing and Financial Stability team, Samantha kept her family together and, in the lead up to Christmas, they were invited to the Toy Room at Port Adelaide.

CHRISTMAS JOY FOR YOUNG FAMILY T

imes have been tough for local mum Samantha.

Her family is one of more than 12,500 families and individuals UnitingSA worked alongside in 2024.

Last year was especially difficult.

It included a period of homelessness and escaping domestic violence. Samantha also faced serious health issues after the birth of her fifth child.

A helping hand Paul, a solo father of four, was near breaking point when he reached out to UnitingSA for help.

Looking back, Paul says it was one of the best decisions he could have made.

Through UnitingSA’s Emergency Relief and Men and Family Relationships programs, Paul found the help he needed to stay positive and focused on what mattered most – his children.

Paul recommends that others who are struggling shouldn’t be afraid to seek help.

“Anyone who is having trouble, the first step is to reach out to people who can offer counselling and help you decide what’s important to you.”

PICTURED: Paul and his children – Deng, 6; Dimo, 5; Ajok, 3; and one-year-old Abraham.

“I told them they could choose one present now and the other one is going to be wrapped for Christmas – they were so excited,’’ she said.

The children give Samantha a reason to stay strong in the face of tough times.

“It’s been hard for me to stay alive and if it wasn’t for them, I think I would just be lost,” Samantha said.

“I just try to always think positive for those five kids.”

PICTURED: Samantha and her children in the Toy Room. Photo courtesy The Advertiser.

HOPE AND HELP AMID A COST OF LIVING CRISIS A

s we head into another year, many South Australians are still grappling to make ends meet.

“We often help out with the cost of school shoes,” explains Cindy Adey, Coordinator of UnitingSA’s financial wellbeing programs.

Rental affordability is at a record low, as families also struggle to meet the rising costs of utilities and groceries.

“Even a new backpack and some pencils can put a smile on the face of a young child,” she says.

Many South Australians are experiencing food insecurity with a growing number of employed people seeking support.

While there is a spotlight on helping others at Christmas, the reality is that many families face challenges all year round.

Back-to-school costs are an example of an expense that can be hard to cover.

“We have seen an increase in people fleeing domestic violence as well as families becoming homeless due to the cost of living, lack of housing, loss of employment or unexpected health issues.

UnitingSA provides no interest loans to people struggling to meet back-to-school expenses.

These loans can be used to cover essential costs such as school fees, uniforms and computers, ensuring children have the tools they need to learn and thrive.

“In many cases, when a family is forced to relocate, they are having to start over. They might need help to cover the costs of enrolling their child or children in a new school.”

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UnitingSA provided 1,755 No Interest Loans worth $2.7 million in the 2023-2024 financial year

18 YEARS OF IMPACT L

es Underwood believes his role at UnitingSA has been all about three things – relationships, availability and presence.

“In the end – as the saying goes – it is not what you did, it is not what you said, it is how you made me feel,” he says.

Les started as the Minister at UnitingSA (then called UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide) on April Fool’s Day 2007. Prior to this, he spent 13 years as Chaplaincy Coordinator at Wesley Mission Sydney and Chaplain at the Lottie Stewart Hospital.

“Leisel, my daughter, phoned her mother and said, ‘I’m only having one grandchild and if you want to see her grow up, you’re coming back to Adelaide.’”

Not surprisingly, Les and Dawn soon packed their belongings and headed home.

Les recalls that “the place was smaller in programs and numbers back then.”

“Over the years our footprint and programs have been flexible and changed. While aged care and mental health programs have been a constant, the way they’re delivered has responded to the requirements of the time.”

One of Les’ first tasks was to establish and maintain relationships with churches, as well as people of other faiths and cultures – a commitment he has continued throughout the years.

“I established a clinical pastoral education centre for training chaplains, minsters and lay

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people in pastoral care. We also included programs for Muslims, Buddhists, Sufis, Jews, people of the Christian church and no particular faith orientation.”

Les reflects that one of the biggest changes during his time at UnitingSA was when the organisation transitioned to “become our own values-based organisation.”

“Our whole work is based on our values that are most clearly expressed in our vision for a compassionate, respectful and just community in which all people participate and flourish.”

Les believes that one of the most important things we can do in life is to reflect on our experiences.

“The key to doing that successfully is by accepting the

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 17 | 2025

things we can’t change and doing the best we can to change – for the better – the things that give us cause to make a difference.”

Throughout his working life, not much has stopped Les. “During COVID and the lockdown I had a triple bypass. As I was recovering, I answered every email, every phone call – most people didn’t know – they just thought I was working from home.”

Les believes he has been fortunate to have the “best job” at UnitingSA.

And perhaps his most impactful ‘signature dish’ has been the Christmas Day lunch for clients which has run for 17 years.

“Christmas lunch started because St Bedes used to have one. When it stopped, we realised we had clients with nowhere to go.

“We started with the idea of a BBQ in the carpark, then we decided – no - we wanted proper cutlery and crockery, and a full menu, like we would want ourselves at home.”

“Not only do those who attend receive lunch, they get a $40 gift voucher to spend on something they want.”

“I don’t have corporate responsibility for outcomes or programs. My responsibility is relational with people and seeking to maintain our culture.”

With the freedom to choose comes dignity.

There are many ways Les has made an impact at UnitingSA. “I was given project management for our 90 and 100 year celebrations. That was a big honour, and they were significant events.

I commissioned Robert Habel to create 100 paintings to mark our centenary. They are still on

exhibition at West Lakes. I’m very proud of them and him.”

“It’s the same with Toy Room.

The parents come and choose.

We don’t say here’s the toys for your kids.

“The key to what we do for others is to help them embrace their own response to the needs that they have.

“Our task is to walk alongside them rather than to push or pull.

We don’t tell them what’s good for them. We help them to discover for themselves.”

And what advice does Les leave for his colleagues at UnitingSA? “Stay with the authenticity of our own unique identity which is informed by and founded on our values.

“One of my greatest delights as I go is the way in which Gael Fraser and Jenny Hall work together as Chair and CEO and the way in which the board and senior management are united in their mutual respect for each other and their shared desire to say, ‘together we can.’

“The reason I’m going now is that I sense it is the right time “We’re in such a good place. I can walk away happy.”

And while Les will conclude his employment at UnitingSA at the end of April, there is no doubt there will be no stopping Les. He will continue to embrace life and live it to the full.

“We’re in such a good place.

I can walk away happy” LES PICTURED: ABOVE Les at the launch of “100 Years, 100 Paintings” and ABOVE RIGHT Les with a model he created as part of UnitingSA’s centenary SALA exhibition.

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HOUSING BRINGS HOPE U

nitingSA continues to increase its portfolio of community and social housing.

bought me paint, brushes and canvas. I watched some YouTube videos and had a go.

In November, six townhouses at Uniting at Northfield were officially opened.

“I had always admired fine art – not that mine is fine,” he laughs.

In the same month, residents began moving into Uniting on Devonport at Prospect.

Ben’s artwork is now proudly displayed in his new home, showcasing his creativity and a sign that he is in a better place.

While UnitingSA has delivered quality building projects – the success of these projects is best summed up by the people who call them home.

Brenton has also been through some tough times.

He was homeless for about six months.

“That was horrible. And cold at night.”

THE BEST OF MATES

He often slept outside one of the footy clubrooms in the south of Adelaide.

Ben and Brenton are the best of mates and neighbours at Uniting on Devonport.

“I used to play for those clubs, so I felt comfortable there. I could get out of the weather or hide behind the scoreboards.”

The two men agree that there’s a lot to love about their new homes.

“It’s like having your own city apartment. It’s cosmopolitan. Everything is so close –shops, doctor and public transport,” says Ben. Brenton loves the feeling of safety. “It’s gated and secure,” he says.

There was a time when life was very different for Ben and Brenton.

Ben took up painting a few years ago when he faced some mental health challenges.

“I was in a bad way mentally. My sister and mum

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Brenton eventually asked for help and spent 10 months on his sister’s couch before UnitingSA was able to find him accommodation.

“Look how far I’ve come,” says Brenton with a broad smile.

“I’ve got a balcony with views to the city. I really appreciate this opportunity that UnitingSA has given me.”

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A FRESH START M

irben and her daughters arrived in Australia in December 2023 with nothing.

Twelve months on, the family is making a new home in one of UnitingSA’s network of social and affordable houses.

Originally from Venezuela, Mirben and her younger sibling left their homeland seven years ago due to the social, political and economic challenges facing the country.

“I left my children with my mother and went in search of a job. The girls were four and six, so that was really hard.”

Mirben went to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, while her younger brother travelled to Argentina. But the new life she hoped for was turned upsidedown when she was kidnapped.

“I am a survivor of human trafficking,” says Mirben.

She was held against her will for three months before she managed to escape.

“Soon after that I was able to get a job in a bar. The owner was a lovely man. His family helped me to bring my children out. They call him ‘Papa’ and he is like their grandfather.”

In Trinidad and Tobago, only the wealthy can afford an education, so Mirben would teach her children English at home each day before she went to work.

Despite having a job, Mirben felt unsafe and feared for the safety of her two girls. With the support of her employer, Mirben applied through the United Nations for a humanitarian visa and arrived in Australia a year ago.

“We had to start from scratch.

We knew no one.”

The family was placed in temporary accommodation – a shared house with four other families.

“I’ve never had to share before, so that was hard.”

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“When I was offered this place – I said ‘Yes! Yes please.’”

The family moved into their new townhouse in November.

“I love the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home. I love to cook Latin food and keep those roots to home.”

Mirben says that one of the best things about being in Australia is feeling safe.

“I can breathe. I can go anywhere. I can drop the children at school and know they will be safe.”

Mirben plans to apply for citizenship and hopes one day she will be able to afford her own home.

“Sometimes I think bad things happen, but good things can come out of it,” she says.

“It is strange. I went through all this trauma, but without the trauma I wouldn’t have this chance at a new life.”

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 17 | 2025

KATIE FINDS FREEDOM THANKS TO NDIS SUPPORT T

here was a time when Katie felt like a prisoner in her own bedroom.

Her physical condition had deteriorated due to Holt-Oram syndrome, a rare condition that affects the upper limbs and heart.

Katie also experiences Agoraphobia. The combination left her feeling trapped.

“I spent five years in my bedroom.

The only time I got out was to go to hospital,” says Katie.

“My partner suffered carer’s burn out. I was relying on my children to help me, which ruined any relationship I had with them. My eldest daughter - who was only a teenager at the time - took on the Mum role. I wasn’t managing my house. I felt worthless. It was a tough time.”

All that has changed now, thanks to support from UnitingSA and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

That was the trigger for change.

UnitingSA helped Katie clean up and then move into a more wheelchair-friendly home.

In mid 2022, Katie was connected with UnitingSA’s NDIS Support Coordination Services. The team helped Katie access the support she needed, including a new electric wheelchair and bed, as well as connecting her with a UnitingSA Support Coordinator and Recovery Coach.

They also helped coordinate a range of supports. Three regular carers now help Katie with her cleaning, personal care and cooking.

“She really helped me. I was dying in that house. It wasn’t just my sickness; I was hoarding,” Katie says.

Katie’s new wheelchair has given her more than independence.

It has given Katie her smile back.

“I have an amazing team around me.”

The crunch point came when Katie was very sick and called an ambulance.

“I love the beach. They have accessibility days where they put down matting and you can roll out onto the beach.

“There was so much stuff in my house that they couldn’t get their stretcher inside.”

“I got bogged but I did get to touch the sand,” she says with a big grin.

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And what is Katie’s next ambition?

“I’d like to swim in the ocean,” she says.

“And I’d like to work in disability.

I’d like to be a mentor and share my lived experience. I think I could help inspire others in a similar situation.”

Accessibility for all

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eople living with a disability can face challenges doing everyday tasks.

Transport and better accessibility are two topics that Katie has lobbied politicians about.

“Transport can be a nightmare,” explains Katie.

“You should be able to decide to leave somewhere at 11pm and not have to wait two hours for a taxi.”

Katie’s new set of wheels have given her a new lease on life and the freedom to move.

“I can leave,” she jokes. But her light-hearted comment has a serious edge.

“If we’re having a disagreement at home – I can get away rather than being stuck. It stops things from escalating.”

UnitingSA has helped Katie through some tough times. Her isolation effected her wellbeing.

“I just didn’t care anymore,” she says. “I wasn’t doing my makeup and I went three months without brushing my hair.”

“Now I’ve got a carer, I get my hair straightened regularly.

“I used to feel like I was a burden.

It is so good to be able to do things myself.”

The support has transformed Katie’s outlook.

“When I was struggling with those issues, I didn’t want to go out – now it’s hard to get me to go home!” she says.

“I get to out to lunch and to comedy shows. I’m seeing old friends again.

“I’ve been to festivals, like Illuminate Adelaide and the Garden of Unearthly Delights.”

Things are improving. Perhaps best of all, Katie believes the additional support coordinated

by UnitingSA has helped her to rebuild relationships with her children.

“I feel like a Mum again. My daughters and I are friends again.

We’ve still got some way to go but things are so much better.”

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Katie remembers a time when she was discharged from hospital at 2am.

“I don’t know what they thought I was going to do. It is virtually impossible to get an access cab after midnight,” she says.

Even a recent trip to a medical surgery was frustrating.

“My wheelchair didn’t fit through the doctor’s door so we had our appointment in the hallway with a privacy screen. It wasn’t private.

They might not have been able to see me but people could hear me.”

UnitingSA will continue to shine a light on the needs of people living with a disability and advocate for a more inclusive community because – quite simply - people like Katie deserve better.

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“We go to the pub for lunch and then come back to the café here for coffee and cake.”

Her daughter, Lisa, is also a frequent visitor.

Wendy and Lisa are full of praise for the staff at Wesley House.

“The community is beautiful.

I think the nurses and carers are amazing,” says Wendy.

“Everyone is great,” adds Lisa.

“The ladies who do the washing and cleaning. The people who prepare the food. The maintenance guy.”

“I think the best thing was that Mum got to make the decision herself, rather than having a fall or health issue and being forced to come in. That would be traumatic.

“It was good to have the time to choose what to bring, like mum’s cupboard,” she says as she pulls open a drawer. The drawer contains a menagerie of bits and bobs – “just like home.”

“The best thing is knowing that Mum is safe,” says Lisa.

“She is living her best life and my brothers and I know that she’s so happy and totally cared for.”

LIVING HER BEST LIFE W

endy is sitting in her comfy lounge chair.

A collection of five paintings hang on the wall behind her – a reminder of past trips to London and Paris, and fond memories of Montmartre.

Wendy moved into Wesley House in June 2024.

“I absolutely love it. I feel it is my home,” says Wendy.

“I had my life planned. I knew, when the time was right, I was coming here.”

And with all that in hand, Wendy and Lisa can focus on enjoying life – going on outings to the opera, the ballet, and spending quality time together.

When Wendy began to experience some mobility and balance issues, she spoke to Margaret Richards, Coordinator of Retirement Living, about making the move.

“The community is beautiful. I think the nurses and carers are amazing,”

“She helped me get into my first place at McCutcheon Grove and now here. She’s been marvellous.”

Wendy enjoys bingo, keep fit, bowls, crosswords and the gardening group. She also enjoys an outing with close friend, Mary.

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WENDY

PICTURED: Wendy and her daughter, Lisa.

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WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT M

argaret Richards knows the importance of quality aged care.

“Sometimes people don’t know, or don’t want to admit, that they are not coping at home.”

“I had first-hand experience last year,” explains Margaret.

Margaret says that sometimes a friend, neighbour or family member can help someone understand that it might be time to consider transitioning to residential care.

“I was guardian for my sister-inlaw when she had to move into the secured dementia ward at Westminster Village. The staff were so caring and responsive.”

“A person might begin to feel that everything is becoming too much for them,” she explains.

As Coordinator of Retirement Living across UnitingSA’s six sites, Margaret understands that many people feel anxious about moving into residential care.

“I think people can feel scared about this next stage in life, losing independence and having to leave their home,” explains Margaret.

“They might be struggling to keep up with everyday tasks, despite having help at home and often have a fear of falling, especially if they have already suffered a trip or fall”

“Taking respite for a few weeks can give someone the opportunity to try living in an aged care facility.

MARGARET

Margaret says respite is a great way to “test-drive” an aged care facility.

“Most of the time people who do this discover they like the security and safety of having someone around them 24/7.”

UnitingSA has five Residential Aged Care homes located across Western and Northern Adelaide.

To find out more, contact us on (08) 6245 6946 or careconnect@unitingsa.com.au

PICTURED: Margaret and Wendy.

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TEAM EXCELLENCE AWARDS Respect Award Payroll team Courage Award Mental Health team Compassion Award Residential Aged Care Lifestyle team

TOGETHER WE CAN CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE WHO DO OUR GREAT WORK

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nitingSA employees gathered in November for the inaugural Team Excellence Awards.

The awards were created to acknowledge the significant contributions made by various teams across UnitingSA for the clients, tenants, residents and community.

“The work we do is critical and the need continues to grow,” explains Jenny Hall, Chief Executive Officer.

“From the client-facing teams to those supporting from behind the scenes, it is our people who ensure we provide the best possible service and care.”

The night also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of long-serving staff.

“We recognised fifty team members celebrating milestone work anniversaries, ranging from 5 to 30 years – a true testament to the commitment and loyalty within our organisation.”

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Integrity Award Payroll team Safety Award WHS, Injury Management, and Wellbeing team Great Client Experience Award Dual Winners Child Youth and Family Services Reception team Hawksbury Gardens Residential Aged Care Facility team Highly Commended Property & Facilities team Residential Aged Care Lifestyle team Westminster Village Residential Aged Care Facility Reception team Leading with Purpose Award Home and Financial Stability team

AUSTRALIAN STRING QUARTET BRINGS WELLBEING TO THE WORKPLACE

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chance encounter between .two CEOs has led to an exciting new partnership between UnitingSA and the Australian String Quartet (ASQ).

A reference check for a future employee sparked a conversation between UnitingSA CEO, Jenny Hall and Angelina Zucco,

CEO of the ASQ, that would ultimately see the two exploring opportunities to collaborate.

In November, a number of UnitingSA team members were treated to the magnificent sounds of Aurora performed by the ASQ at the Adelaide Town Hall.

LET’S TALK AGED CARE

The two organisations hope there will be opportunities for collaboration again in the future.

Scan to book

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Learn about: • Accessing aged care services • Aged care living arrangements • Costs involved in aged care services

Looking to access aged care but not sure where to start?

Hear from industry experts at our FREE information session.

This is your chance to ask questions, engage in meaningful discussions and get tailored advice.

Friday 11 April, 1:30pm - 3:30pm Findon Community Centre

UNITINGSA

“At UnitingSA, we’re committed to promoting a healthy, supportive workplace culture,” explains Jenny Hall. “We know that music helps reduce stress and improve wellbeing – as does trying new things,“

Plus, enjoy afternoon tea on us!

For more information, call (08) 8448 6280

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SUPPORT FOR PARENTS SERVICE EXPANDS INTO REGIONAL SOUTH AUSTRALIA

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arent Pathways, a new service that provides personalised pre-employment support to eligible parents and carers of young children, has been launched by the Federal Government.

This expanded service replaces the ParentsNext program and will see UnitingSA deliver additional services in the Murray, South East and Mid North regions of South Australia.

Parent Pathways supports parents with young children (aged under six years) who are receiving the Parenting Payment to achieve their education, employment and career goals, while keeping their family front and centre.

“Balancing the demands of a young family while looking for work or starting studies can be incredibly challenging,” explains Steve Urbank, Program Manager.

“We match parents with a qualified mentor who works one-on-one with them to identify personal, study and work goals.

• Access language or literacy programs

“That person will continue to meet with them regularly to work on a plan to achieve those goals.

We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different, so our aim is to be flexible and offer a service that is tailored to the needs of the individual.”

• Complete further education or training

• Access childcare and meet childcare costs

• Obtain and maintain employment.

A mentor can help parents to: • Identify education and employment goals • Access financial support to achieve goals (for example, training, textbooks, transport or assistance with purchasing a computer) • Overcome barriers to education and employment • Connect with local services and networks

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Got a question?

We’re here to help.

For more information about Parent Pathways scan the QR code or use the contact details below.

Email: parentpathways@ unitingsa.com.au Call (08) 8259 2900

HOME CARE SERVICES Start your home care journey with UnitingSA a trusted not-for-profit provider with over 100 years of experience.

Benefit from: Personalised supports based on your goals Your own dedicated care coordinator Experienced carers, allied health workers & nurses No set up fees and an affordable hourly rate Reliable support at home is just a phone call away. We’re ready to listen and guide you through the process.

(08) 8448 6280 unitingsa.com.au/home-care

NDIS made easy As a registered NDIS provider, we help you make the most out of your NDIS plan.

P NDIS Support Coordination P NDIS Recovery Coach P Employment Supports P School Leaver Employment Supports P Community and Social Support P Supported Employment

Get in touch today 1800 531 880

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 17| 2025