Flourish Magazine - Winter 2025

FLOURISH ISSUE NO. 18

WINTER 2025

CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY IN THIS ISSUE:

4 Safety in the storm

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9

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Virtual adventure A place to call home Personal experience sparks rich1 memories UNITINGSA FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 18 | 2025 prompts reason to give

16 Amplifii music festival

“Partnerships are important. In this edition of Flourish, we celebrate the power of connection and community.

There are many partnerships across UnitingSA that enable our programs and services to have a higher impact.”

CEO JENNY HALL

WELCOME

J

ust three words - Together we can – combine to represent the essence of what UnitingSA is all about. We know that individuals and communities are much stronger when we support each other.

In this edition of Flourish, we feature a range of stories that illustrate the power of connection and community. There are many partnerships across UnitingSA that enable our programs and services to have a higher impact.

On pages 10 and 11, you’ll meet two donors who are supporting our work in very different ways. Annie and Bret share why they’ve chosen to give generous donations to UnitingSA. On page 12, you’ll hear about an exciting new corporate partnership. Staff at the Community Business Bureau (CBB) are helping to provide home-starter kits to support people who have been homeless with the basic household items they need to start afresh. This project isn’t just providing practical help to people in need, it is supporting a positive work environment and boosting team morale at CBB.

recently joined our Board, and Les Underwood, who has just concluded 18 years of employment with UnitingSA. People like Shouwn and Les help shape the strategic direction of UnitingSA and influence the way we care for our community.

On page 16, you’ll learn about how UnitingSA is supporting a local initiative – the Amplifii Music Festival. We were pleased to be able to support this accessible Adelaide Fringe event for people living with physical or intellectual disabilities and their friends and carers.

I would like to personally thank all our partners – individuals and organisations; donors and sponsors; businesses and government; staff and volunteers – together you make a significant contribution and make our work more impactful.

Finally, I invite you to give back this winter by supporting our 2025 Winter Appeal. You can support everyday people with everyday needs by making a donation. Every gift – no matter the size – makes a difference.

We welcome cash donations as well as nonperishable items. Please take a look at the list of items we need on page 6.

On page 13, discover how the Federal Government is supporting our work in community housing through the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF).

This is just one example of the many programs that receive government funding across our organisation.

Thank you for being part of the UnitingSA community.

On page 14 and 15, we celebrate the contribution of two wonderful leaders. Shouwn Oosting, who

Jenny Hall Chief Executive Officer, UnitingSA

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 17| 2025

ISSUE NO. 18

IN THIS ISSUE

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7

17

Safety in the storm

Virtual adventure sparks rich memories

Would you like to thrive with that?

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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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 18 | 2025

SAFETY IN THE STORM F

ive years ago, Adelaide mother Jess’ life was healthy, stable and ‘normal’.

But a catastrophic turn of events within the family plunged the now 44-year-old’s life into complete chaos.

In an attempt to ease her emotional pain, Jess made poor choices, her marriage of more than 20 years broke down and Jess was suddenly without a home with three children, aged between six and 16 at the time.

“Living in the car was just horrifying, always moving around and then living in a one-room emergency motel room with no cooking facilities…it’s hard to describe. You can’t function normally, don’t eat properly, always on edge.

“In those circumstances you’re also often surrounded by other people with problems, so we just didn’t go out – we stayed in the room a lot of the time.’’

With no rental history, getting into a rental property was impossible but when a friend suggested she connect with UnitingSA, there was a glimmer of hope.

Jess and her children spent months couch surfing, living out of a car and in emergency motel accommodation.

“It was hard on the kids,’’ Jess says quietly. “I couldn’t get them to school. I couldn’t feed them properly. I felt like such a bad mother. The life I thought I was going to have was completely gone.

Jess got into a house at Taperoo, surrounded by “a great community and lovely neighbours’’. This also meant she could build a rental record.

“Things were great for a long time and then my best friend died,’’ Jess explains. “My health wasn’t

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good, I had a heart attack and the doctors said to me unless I looked after myself, I may not be around long – I couldn’t do that to my kids.

“I thought of my friend and it was like, in death she saved me.

I needed to work myself out.’’

Jess says her heart attack made her realise who her true friends were and with the backing of her children and UnitingSA case managers, her life is increasingly healthy and stable.

“UnitingSA has been incredible – I can’t say enough. I’ve never been judged or made to feel ashamed,’’ Jess says. “I get support in a whole range of areas and now me and my kids are on top of the world.”

“I don’t know where I’d be without my case manager and UnitingSA – they literally helped keep my family together. We recently moved into our new place they

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 18 | 2025

helped me with, there’s food in the fridge and it feels like home.’’

Now focussed on continuing improvements to her health, Jess says “I know who and what’s important’’.

“I’d tell other people – don’t lose hope. Focus on achieving small things every day – that might be

just getting out of bed and having a shower, or doing the dishes, maybe making dinner.

“All the little things add up and make you feel more positive.

I’d like to get a role where I can mentor other people. I’d tell them – don’t be afraid to be honest and ask for help – it will change your life. Storms always pass.’’

WINTER APPEAL 2025 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.

“I’d tell other people – don’t lose hope.

Focus on achieving small things every day” JESS

Number of people facing homelessness soars

I

n January, the Productivity Commission released a report that delivers startling findings on just how many people across the country are without a safe place to call home.

HOPE SWEET HOPE W

ith no end in sight for cost of living and housing availability pressures, our teams at UnitingSA are expecting a heavy demand for our services in the winter months.

While the lack of rain across South Australia this Autumn has negatively impacted our farmers, it has offered better conditions for those sleeping rough. But as we head into winter, we expect to see the full impact of the higher numbers of people experiencing homelessness.

Access to quality food is a key challenge, particularly for people living and sleeping in cars.

It is simply harder to store and keep food fresh when your pantry is a car boot and your fridge is an insulated shopping bag.

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.

CASH DONATIONS

The Productivity Commission report finds nearly 38,000 people were stuck in persistent homelessness in 2023/24.

But the news isn’t all grim.

The report also shows that homelessness can be averted when people are connected with programs like those we run at UnitingSA. And, of course, secure housing is about much more than getting a roof over your head. Access to safe and affordable housing is a vital determinant of wellbeing that is linked to better outcomes in health, education, employment, and social participation.

We also welcome in-kind donations of non-perishable goods as well as new items such as sleeping bags, blankets and warm clothes.

SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN HELP

NONPERISHABLE GOODS

The number of Australians facing long-term homelessness has surged almost 25% in five years.

SLEEPING BAGS

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BLANKETS

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WARM CLOTHES

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 18 | 2025

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.

VIRTUAL ADVENTURE SPARKS RICH MEMORIES W

hen Franciszka first put on virtual reality goggles, she was immediately transported back to her homeland of Poland.

For Franciszka, there is the added benefit that the narration of her virtual reality experience is in Polish.

When asked what she remembers of her childhood in Poland, she says “We lived outside the town.

“Wow. It’s like a dream” she said.

“I feel like I’m walking on clouds.”

Franciszka moved to UnitingSA’s Wesley House about six months ago. Her grandson, Mateusz and his wife, Hope, are regular visitors.

Today, they are sharing the virtual experience with her.

I liked to go exploring when I was younger. We’d go to the fields and the forest just down the road near my house.”

Daniel, one of the Leisure and Lifestyle Team Leaders at UnitingSA, says that he’s never had someone have such a strong reaction to the technology.

Research shows that, when virtual reality is used in aged care settings, it can play a part in enriching the lives of older adults, particularly those who may be feeling isolated.

“Virtual reality enables residents to be taken on a journey from the comfort of their home,” explains Daniel.

Rather than passive observation – such as watching a film – virtual reality puts the participant in the middle. With a turn of their head, they can explore a site and feel like they are actually present at the location.

Thanks to the goggles, Franciszka is able to revisit the old capital, Krakow, and look around the town square.

When the session concludes, Franciszka and her grandchildren head off to the Dunes Café at Wesley House.

No doubt there will be more reminiscing over a cuppa.

Her grandson explains that there is a lot of history in the town.

“It was mostly untouched by the war, so it still has the old town feel,” he says.

“How does it make you feel?” he asks his grandmother.

“Warm around the heart,” he says with a smile as he translates her Polish into English for us.

After the virtual experience, Franciszka is chattier. It is obvious that it has awakened rich memories.

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 18 | 2025

UNITING ON DEVONPORT A

s South Australians grapple with an acute housing shortage, UnitingSA is delivering homes for some of the State’s most vulnerable community members.

UnitingSA opened its newest community housing development, Uniting on Devonport, on March 26.

The $15.9 M project, situated in the heart of Prospect, replaces six outdated properties.

It is UnitingSA’s largest completed community housing development to date and features 40 dwellings including: • 21 affordable housing apartments • 10 social housing apartments • 2 specialist disability accommodation apartments • 7 townhouses (sold privately to help fund the project).

The new apartments cater for a diverse mix of people on low to moderate incomes.

In addition to providing much needed housing, UnitingSA provides essential wraparound services. When needed, social housing tenants can have access to mental health support, counselling and NDIS services.

Built around an internal landscaped courtyard, the building’s design encourages

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interaction and the creation of community among residents.

In the last seven years, UnitingSA has delivered nine building projects that have provided over 250 new homes for South Australians PICTURED: LEFT Gael Fraser, Board Chair and Nick Champion, Minister for Housing and Urban Development; ABOVE The development team behind Uniting on Devonport.

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 17 | 2025

A PLACE TO CALL HOME W

hen Heather’s rental went up $100 per week, she simply couldn’t afford to stay.

In November, Heather got a message from UnitingSA that changed everything.

“Bunnings is my new favourite place to go,” she says with a smile.

Despite having worked hard all her life, Heather found herself facing homelessness.

“I just stared at the screen.

I couldn’t believe it. I saw it.

I read it again. I had to ring straight away and know it was real.”

Heather is ready for the next chapter in her life.

“I’m on the pension. I tried to find another rental property, but prices have sky-rocketed,” she explains.

Even more distressing was the response she got when she went to another organisation for help.

“They basically said ‘We can’t help you. Come back when your lease has run out and you’re actually homeless.’ I was ready to give up.”

Heather feared that she was going to have to live in her car.

“I’ve got a tertiary education.

People think if you’re an educated woman you shouldn’t be in this situation.”

Heather had been offered affordable community housing at Uniting on Devonport.

Soon after, she came with her sister to look at the property in Prospect.

Heather knew immediately that she had found her new home.

“My sister opened the door and was very emotional and excited for me because she knew how long I had waited for this opportunity to have a safe, secure place I can call my home.”

Heather has furnished her place with “street bounty” and second-hand furniture.

“I used to have an affirmation stuck on my fridge. It said: ‘It’s not so much what happens to you but how you handle it.’”

And Heather is handling life – with all its challenges – with grace and determination.

“I’m full of gratitude,” she says.

“It’s not so much what happens to you but how you handle it.”

HEATHER

“values of trust, persistence, integrity, generosity, hard work and humility underpin our activities” ANNIE

suitable accessible housing, the family has realised how difficult it can be to find quality, purpose -built homes.

It’s a key reason they chose to help fund the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) apartments at UnitingSA’s recently opened community housing project, Uniting on Devonport.

“Our donation has been used to provide adjustable benchtops in the SDA apartment kitchens,” she explains.

“Our 30-year-old daughter, Hannah, uses a powered wheelchair. It’s been impossible for us to find an accessible house for her to live in or rent.”

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE PROMPTS REASON TO GIVE T

he Fabig family has a long history of entrepreneurial and community building activity in South Australia which dates back to the 1880s.

Today, Annie and Marc Fabig operate an investment management firm and oversee an annual family philanthropy program that reflects their personal passions and interests.

Annie says through philanthropy, the family aims to contribute positively to the community and that “values of trust, persistence, integrity, generosity, hard work and humility underpin our activities”.

Their adult daughter Hannah uses a wheelchair and through their experiences helping her locate

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“Hannah is needing to move from her current apartment as the body corporate refuses to replace an old and unreliable lift. This is something that has seen her locked in the building for days at a time.”

Annie says some of the challenges the family has experienced around accessible housing include the need to fund extensive renovations to existing homes.

She also knows that others with a disability have been forced to remain in hospital while waiting for suitable housing to become available.

Annie would like to see new home developers required to build a minimum number of accessible homes in their projects.

In the meantime, she’s doing her bit to help make life easier for those living with a disability.

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BRETT GIVES BACK AND HOPES OTHERS WILL PAY IT FORWARD M

ore than 100 children across the northwestern suburbs have woken to gifts under the Christmas tree over the past couple of years, thanks to the generosity of Brett D Grant.

He understands parents’ desire to provide for their children, especially during the festive season, but also knows how stressful it must be when the funds just aren’t available.

In 2023, through his company, Short Engineering, Brett became a UnitingSA Christmas Gift Partner. Since then, he has been one of our largest in-kind donors.

“My parents were both very community minded,” he says.

He understands the extreme pressure on families with children and their wish to provide gifts at a time when budgets are stretched to the limit.

Brett says he gives at Christmas knowing that while the festive season is a joy for many, for others in our community it’s a stressful and lonely time and a time that can heighten the pressures and difficulties they experience.

“They brought me up with the philosophy to give back,” he said.

“It’s part of being a well-rounded person and I’ve supported charities here and overseas over the years.

“My main thing is to see people being empowered to improve their lives and then be an example to other people or even go on to mentor other people.

“I like that the help I’m able to give to UnitingSA goes directly to those families who need it and

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hopefully one day they’ll want to pay it forward and contribute when they’re in a position to do that.”

WHEN WE PARTNER WITH OUR DONORS – EVERY DOLLAR GIVEN MAKES A TANGIBLE DIFFERENCE TO THE LIFE OF SOMEONE DOING IT TOUGH.

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HELPING OTHERS START OVER WITH DIGNITY S

outh Australian organisation, the Community Business Bureau (CBB) wanted to support a grass-roots program that would impact lives and foster employee pride.

They’ve teamed up with UnitingSA to support a program that helps rough sleepers transition to secure housing.

He also says that supporting a cause enhances empathy, compassion, and awareness of social issues among team members, contributing to a more inclusive and caring organisational culture.

The CBB Launchpad Homestarter Program provides individuals and families with household essentials including bedding, kitchen basics and cleaning items, which they get to keep, when moving to longer term housing.

“Many employees report increased happiness and wellbeing when involved in giving back to their communities, leading to a healthier work environment,” he says.

CBB says the work UnitingSA does aligns with the organisation’s values and their Launchpad support boosts staff morale.

These essentials make a crucial difference to people who have been experiencing homelessness as they rebuild their lives and start over with dignity.

CBB Chief Operating Officer Michael Coley says that contributing to UnitingSA aligns with the team’s values.

“It provides a deep sense of purpose, which enhances job satisfaction,” Michael says.

“Knowing that their work is making a positive impact in the community or for a specific cause boosts morale.”

“What we like about UnitingSA is that every aspect of what you do is unified by determination, a respect for everyone’s unique worth and a passion for empowering people from all backgrounds and cultures.

“This creates a strong sense of purpose for CBB to be involved – knowing that your work has

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a very positive and tangible impact on society.”

Michael believes it’s important for organisations to help foster community giving by leading by example.

Whether it’s by volunteering, donating to causes, or supporting local businesses, leading by example can inspire others.

He says, when community leaders or organisations take the initiative to give back, others are more likely to follow suit.

And giving back is easy, he says.

WHEN WE PARTNER WITH BUSINESSES – WE GIVE EMPLOYEES AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY.

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FEDERAL MINISTER VISITS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

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artnerships with government play a vital role in helping UnitingSA to deliver housing for some of the State’s most vulnerable people.

On April 3, UnitingSA was pleased to welcome Clare O’Neil, Federal Minister for Housing and Steve Georganas, Federal Member for Adelaide, to our community housing development, Uniting on Devonport.

Clare and Steve met resident, Karen, who shared how rising rent, up by $120 a week, forced her out of her private rental.

With no super and no affordable options, she was on the brink of homelessness. Now, she has a secure place to call home.

“I was about three weeks away from being homeless. Now I’m here, I just can’t believe it. It’s home,” said Karen.

“My family doesn’t have to worry about me anymore.”

Stories like Karen’s show why community housing is so important.

UnitingSA welcomes the Federal Government’s continued commitment to tackling the housing crisis and looks forward to expanding housing supply across South Australia, so more people like Karen can find a safe, stable place to call home.

WHEN WE PARTNER WITH STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS - WE HAVE GREATER CAPACITY TO DELIVER PROGRAMS WHERE THEY ARE NEEDED MOST.

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 18 | 2025

HAFF helps UnitingSA deliver more homes In March, Housing Australia announced that it had entered into 29 funding agreements with organisations across Australia to support the delivery of over 2,000 new social and affordable homes.

UnitingSA was pleased to be one of those organisations.

The Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) will help us to deliver even more social and affordable housing.

The funding has enabled UnitingSA to provide 31 homes in Prospect with another 82 homes in the pipeline.

Shouwn says that his family connection to the Uniting Church, and a strong interest in social justice, are two of the factors that attracted him to serving on the UnitingSA Board.

“Mum was brought up in the Uniting Church faith and so was I. It’s part of our background. Mum’s foster family were strong social justice advocates and had a passion for supporting Aboriginal people. I think they did not agree with the assimilation policies and practices that were happening at the time and indeed they were instrumental in supporting my mother to reconnect with her natural family.”

SHOUWN JOINS UNITINGSA BOARD N

ew UnitingSA Board member Shouwn Oosting has a passion for reconciliation, social justice, and improving outcomes for Aboriginal people.

A descendant of the Waanyi and Garawa Nations from the Northern Territory, Shouwn has worked for both State and Federal Governments, with a strong focus in Aboriginal affairs, policy and program delivery.

Shouwn brings a wealth of experience in governance and stakeholder engagement, with formal qualifications including a Bachelor of Commerce (Management), a Bachelor of Laws and a Post Graduate Diploma in legal practice.

Shouwn’s mum was one of the Stolen Generation, forcibly removed from her family in Creswell Downs, Northern

Territory at just nine years old.

Together with two other Aboriginal girls, she was placed on Croker Island Methodist Mission and then fostered and raised by a Methodist Minister and his wife in Adelaide.

Shouwn also serves on the Boards of Country Arts SA and the South Australian Film Corporation.

While they might seem vastly different organisations, he says both give him the opportunity to share his expertise in governance and stakeholder engagement.

“UnitingSA’s focus on respect, compassion, social justice and reconciliation as well as a desire to do better in supporting Aboriginal people, strongly aligns with my values and I am excited to be a part of an organisation that delivers so many important programs and services that support people and communities in need.”

Shouwn was born in Enschede in the Netherlands, the homeland of his father, before moving to Darwin as a child.

“Our family lost everything in Cyclone Tracy so we moved to Adelaide given my mother’s foster family connection here.”

When asked about the unusual spelling of his name Shouwn says “I think that’s just how dad spelt it.”

His first name is neither Dutch nor Aboriginal in origin, yet it gives Shouwn his own unique identity which has perhaps shaped his determination to carve his own place out in the world.

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WHEN WE PARTNER WITH OUR EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS – WE BRING OUR VALUES OF RESPECT, COMPASSION AND JUSTICE TO LIFE.

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 17 | 2025

FOREVER PART OF OUR COMMUNITY U

nitingSA colleagues, friends and members of the wider Uniting Church community gathered on April 29 to celebrate Les Underwood’s contribution to UnitingSA over the past 18 years.

UnitingSA Board Chair, Gael Fraser, CEO, Jenny Hall and long-term friend and colleague, Rev Peter McDonald, all spoke of Les’ outstanding impact and the way he has led with empathy and compassion.

Addressing the gathering, Les said “Normally when a minister leaves in the Uniting Church,

Support Coordination Recovery Coach Community and Social Supports Employment Supports UnitingSA’s experienced team make navigating the NDIS easy.

Supports available across Adelaide and Whyalla.

CALL 1800 531 880 EMAIL ndissupport@unitingsa.com.au VISIT unitingsa.com.au/ndis

there is a thing called the ‘cutting of ties.’”

“But the ties I have here won’t be broken. I’ll no longer be an employee, but I will forever be part of this compassionate, respectful and just community in which all people participate and flourish.”

He concluded his speech with some words of blessing for all those present: “May you be able to access your potential to become the person you are capable of being.”

and because of that, I felt the need to do something.

“I just knew we needed a safe, accessible music festival in Adelaide for people living with physical or intellectual disabilities, as well as their family or carers.’’

With a committed team behind her, Karren created Amplifii Music Festival.

“People can go and chillout when they want to but still hear the music and there are silent discos so people can get away from the crowd and have a dance.

“Imagine being able to arrive at an event knowing all the access planning has been considered and you are free to be yourself.

That’s been our goal.’’

AMPLIFII MUSIC FESTIVAL

U

nitingSA was proud to once again support the Amplifii Music Festival – an accessible Fringe event - held at Port Adelaide’s Hart’s Mill earlier this year.

“The festival is about celebrating inclusion and diversity through music,” says event organiser and founder Karren Kelly.

Across the day, hundreds of music lovers turned out to dance, sing and enjoy a variety of bands, DJs and activities, including a Silent Disco and sensory experiences.

The first event was held in 2023 after music-lover Karren and her

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Karren says the community response to the event has been inspiring.

“The performers are so generous with their time and our sponsors, including UnitingSA and Disability Services SA, have been amazing and so supportive – it really is an incredible community event.’’

son James, who lives with autism and an intellectual disability, found mainstream music festivals too overwhelming.

WHEN WE PARTNER WITH OUR COMMUNITY – WE AMPLIFY OUR IMPACT.

“There can be a sensory overload from the music bouncing off all the walls and sometimes the feeling of nowhere to remove yourself can be very challenging,” she says.

Karren decided to channel her energy as an advocate for social change to create a new music experience for all to enjoy.

“I am a very passionate mother, and I have worked in the disability sector for many years

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PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY

WOULD YOU LIKE FRIES TO THRIVE WITH THAT?

W

hen Louise arrived in Whyalla five years ago, she had no job, no local connections, and no place to call home. Today she has a part-time job, a growing circle of friends, and is looking toward a brighter future, all with the support of UnitingSA.

“I volunteered there for about eight months, hoping it could lead to employment. I’ve now got a part-time job with McDonald’s.

“I was homeless for a good five years before I came to Whyalla, and it was the people here who really picked me up and set me back on my feet,” she says.

“It has given me purpose and makes me feel like I have a future.

At the end of the day, I felt so proud of myself.”

“I like working at McDonald’s because it’s fast paced which keeps me fit and busy. I get to see and meet many new faces daily. It adds such good energy to my day.

Antonetta, who has been Louise’s primary support worker, says Louise has really grown in confidence since she first walked through their doors.

Louise’s journey toward employment began about three years ago, when she connected with UnitingSA. The UnitingSA NDIS Community Support Team helped her to look for work and put together a resume before she found a volunteering opportunity at St Vincent de Paul.

“I hadn’t worked for 25 years, I didn’t have the knowledge or the skillset, so I thought ‘I’ll volunteer’, and it was the best decision I ever made,” she says.

“When Louise started with us, the first thing she asked me to help her with was a resume and a cover letter,” explains Antonetta.

“We went out and dropped resumes in at different places, but it was all Louise… she really got herself out there.”

Beyond job support, UnitingSA introduced Louise to social

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activities and group outings.

Trips to places like Point Lowly, barbecues and gatherings with other participants gave her the opportunity to not just survive, but to thrive.

“I’ve lived all over Australia, and it takes such a long time for me to get established anywhere.

Since coming to UnitingSA, I’ve got my whole life sorted out.”

Louise’s next goal is to get her driver’s licence, save for a car, and gain even more independence.

“I’d definitely recommend UnitingSA,” she says. “They’ve given me encouragement, courage, transport when I needed it, and they’ve just always had my back,” she says.

The UnitingSA NDIS Community Support Northern Country Region offer a range of NDIS services including individual supports, group activities, community engagement, and support in finding and keeping employment.

To find out more contact NDIS Support on 1800 531 880.

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STAYING AT HOME FOR AS LONG AS WE CAN S

ometimes a little bit of help at home can make a big difference. This was the case for John.

to come to my home to help me with dressings has been really helpful,” he says.

UnitingSA also helps John with other services including physiotherapy, transport to medical appointments, and help with household tasks such as ironing and cleaning.

John lives at home with his wife of 58 years, Wendy, in the western suburbs of Adelaide.

Last November, John decided that he needed some extra help at home.

John, who uses a walker, explains that something like putting a fitted sheet on a bed can be challenging.

“I did my own research and looked at different providers,” explains John. “After reviewing a number of services we chose UnitingSA.”

“The support has made quite a difference. I like being independent in my own space.

John, an accountant by profession, worked as the Chief Finance Officer at Stratco for 32 years.

Until recently, he didn’t need help at home. But a health setback, saw John need a little extra support.

“The staff are really friendly when I ring up. I’ve been really impressed so far.

“I’ve got vasculitis and because of the medication my skin tears easily. Being able to get a nurse

On July 1 2025, a new Aged Care Act comes into effect.

“Our aim is to stay at home as long as we can,” explains John.

Support at Home is coming

will replace what we currently call Home Care Packages. Support at Home is an outcome of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Every aged care and homecare provider across the country – including UnitingSA – is impacted by these changes.

Support at Home is all about helping you to stay independent for longer and to have more choice about the kind of support you get at home.

If you’re an existing client, UnitingSA’s dedicated Care Partners will work with you to determine the support you need and what the changes mean for you.

If you’re a new client, please give us a call and we can explore how we can help you to stay independent in your own home.

The new Support at Home program

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 18 | 2025

WE’LL MOP YOUR FLOOR SO YOU CAN DO THE FUN STUFF

Reliable support at home just the way you like it.

CALL (08) 8448 6280 EMAIL homecare@unitingsa.com.au

We can help you stay independent, healthy and happy in your own home with: • Nursing and allied health • Personal care • Transport and shopping • Cleaning • Social support • Plus much more.

70 Dale Street • PO Box 3032, Port Adelaide, SA 5015 P. (08) 8440 2200 E. unitingsa@unitingsa.com.au W. unitingsa.com.au Follow us on social media @unitingsa © Copyright 2025 UnitingSA

UnitingSA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout South Australia, their spiritual heritage, living culture, and our walk together towards reconciliation.

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 17| 2025