“We know that when people help people – even in the simplest of ways – lives are impacted for the better.””
CEO JENNY HALL
WELCOME
In this edition of Flourish, we’re celebrating the power of people. Whether its staff, volunteers or clients – this edition is all about sharing stories of hope and impact. We know that when people help people – even in the simplest of ways – lives are impacted for the better.
Recently, we launched our Strategic Plan which sets out how UnitingSA will evolve and grow over the next five years. I’m excited about the plans we have to increase our capacity and impact in the future.
Read our Strategic Plan
At the heart of our work is a belief in our ability to be a transformative force for positive change.
At UnitingSA, we’re all about building a compassionate, respectful and just community in which all people participate and flourish.
This issue of Flourish Magazine is packed full of stories of people helping people ... ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
On pages 4 and 5, learn about how two UnitingSA staff – Anna and Soula - have helped a young mum get back on her feet again.
On page 12, hear how Judy’s passion for helping other people has seen her recognised with an Order of Australia Medal.
On page 14, discover how a young Mum we helped is now helping others through the Parent Pathways program.
On page 15, read about how Zoe is helping strengthen our community by volunteering at the Taperoo Community Centre.
If you would like to help us to support even more people – there are many simple things that you can do.
Our Christmas Appeal is a great way to make a difference. You can help us by providing a donation of cash, non-perishable gifts or toys (Learn more on page 6).
If you’re interested in offering your time, please contact us to learn more about the many volunteering opportunities we have across our organisation. If you’re part of a business, community group, school or organisation – we would welcome a conversation about how we can partner together to strengthen our community.
Finally, thank you for taking the time to read our magazine. Your commitment to supporting our work is appreciated.
Jenny Hall Chief Executive Officer, UnitingSA
A New Beginning Enjoying the Spice of Life Future Looks Bright for Harry and Erin
A NEW BEGINNING
Sarah-Jane’s smile hides a difficult past. After what she describes as “one hell of a year” Sarah-Jane is finding her feet again, thanks to support from the team at UnitingSA.
The mum of five – Callen, Tyla, Rylen, Hollie-Lee and Ryder-Dean – is an advocate for reaching out for help when you need it.
“It is so good to have Soula and Anna onside,” she says. “I have PTSD and anxiety and, yet, I haven’t felt so comfortable in all my life.”
Sarah-Jane connected with UnitingSA through the Parent Pathways program earlier this year. Parent Pathways is a free and voluntary support service that helps parents of young children to meet their personal, study and work goals.
“Soula has been amazing. She has helped me get back to doing my
Diploma in Community Services. My laptop had been smashed so she was able to help with that too. I’m now studying online.”
The program was also able to help Sarah-Jane with food vouchers and nappies for her young son when she was short on cash. But perhaps the biggest relief was helping to pay for a car service.
“These people really are one in a million! You can’t care for a toddler without a car.”
Sarah-Jane has also sought the support of UnitingSA financial counsellor, Anna.
“I had extensive debts which I’ve now made good on. Anna helped me work out a budget and get my bills sorted.
“She made it so easy. In fact, I’ve shared what I learned about budgeting with my oldest son –and he’s using it too.”
“These two are amazing. I can’t sum it up in words. I feel comfortable and connected.”
Sarah-Jane’s young son, who was born eight weeks premature, is her “heart and soul.”
“I was told I could not have any more children. I went to the doctor because I was feeling run down. They ran a range of tests, and I found out I was pregnant. So, he really is my miracle boy; my grounding.”
Sarah-Jane’s message to others is to reach out for help if you need it.
“I think there’s too much stigma about reaching out.
“It is not right that people feel scared. They feel like they will be judged if they ask for help. Or, if they are a parent, they fear their children might get taken away if they look like they’re not coping.”
“What happened to me could happen to anyone.”
SARAH-JANE
“What happened to me could happen to anyone.”
Sarah-Jane, who has worked as a mentor and support worker in the past, has big hopes for the new year.
“I’m looking forward to making a fresh start in a new house with my son.
“I want to get myself in a right place, and then I’ll be able help others.
“I can say ‘I’ve been there. Done that.’ I’ve had my own childhood trauma. I didn’t grow up in the perfect happy family with a mum and dad.
“I know a lot of mums struggle. I’ve got lived experience. I think I can use my lived experience to build trust with others.”
Sarah-Jane’s story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when compassion meets courage – you’ve got this girl!
Canyou imagine being a child waking up on Christmas morning and not having one single present to unwrap? Or even something to eat that would make the day feel like Christmas?
Your donation to our Christmas Appeal will help Save this Christmas for local community members experiencing financial hardship or homelessness.
Funds raised will ensure South Australians can have a meal on the table. They enable us to provide essential emergency relief items such as food and toiletries. They ensure our toy room is stocked with gifts for children. They also help fund our annual Christmas Day lunch for people who would otherwise go without a meal or be alone.
Even the smallest gifts can generate the biggest smiles!
Donations can be made via the website unitingsa.com.au or you can drop non-perishable goods and toys (new and unused please) to UnitingSA’s Child, Youth and Family Services at 58 Dale Street, Port Adelaide between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
WHEN PEOPLE HELP PEOPLE – GENEROSITY GROWS
NONPERISHABLE GOODS
Tinned food, pasta, rice, biscuits, cereal, long-life milk, soups, noodles, tea, coffee, toiletries, detergent, nappies, wipes etc .
CHRISTMAS TREATS
Christmas cake, pudding, shortbread, Christmas sweets, stocking fillers and wrapping paper.
CASH DONATIONS
Cash gives us the greatest flexibility to respond to someone’s needs in the most meaningful way.
CHRISTMAS TOYS
We need gifts of all shapes and sizes for toddlers through to teens. Please ensure they are new and unused.
BECOME A PARTNER
Our Christmas Gift partners sign up to go the extra mile. Your business, school or church can collect toys and goods on our behalf.
Go to unitingsa.com.au or drop gifts at 58 Dale Street, Port Adelaide 9am and 4pm on weekdays
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
We’ve all heard the adage .–“It takes a village to raise a child.” Now research proves this statement still rings true in 2025.
The Uniting Families Report ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ was launched in September.
The report reveals a stark truth: while most Australian families value the support of a ‘village’, not all have equal access to one.
Housing insecurity, financial stress and complex care responsibilities are leaving too many families without the strong networks they need to thrive.
This is the second report in a 10-year collaboration between the UNSW Social Policy Research Centre and Uniting NSW.ACT, Uniting Vic.Tas, Uniting WA and UnitingSA.
“This research shines a light on the importance of community and connection,” says Jenny Hall, CEO, UnitingSA. “We know
families are stronger when they are surrounded by a village of support.”
“We need to work together to provide programs that offer families wholistic support and wrap-around services that enable them to re-connect with their community to ensure better outcomes for children.”
The report examines how families across Australia are supported by their networks of extended family, friends, services and community spaces, and the barriers that can leave some families isolated. It draws on national data and in-depth interviews with parents and carers to show the realities of raising children in Australia. The report calls for urgent action on:
• Funding services to focus on connecting families to their villages, not just fixing individual problems
• Long-term investment in community spaces such as libraries, family and community centres, and parks and playgrounds.
• Addressing the housing crisis to keep families connected to their communities and key sources of support.
• Retaining mixed funding models in the social sector, so services can build ongoing relationships with those they serve and community groups rather than purely transactional support.
Read the report and learn more here: uniting.org/families-report
WHEN PEOPLE HELP PEOPLE – WE BUILD A VILLAGE OF CARE
REACHING OUT IN THE RIVERLAND
UnitingSA
has expanded aged care services in the Riverland with the Support at Home program commencing from November 1.
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.
The new services include nursing and allied health, personal care and respite, as well as support with everyday living such as domestic cleaning, gardening and home maintenance.
UnitingSA is well known in the Riverland as a provider of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and has operated in the region for over 35 years.
UnitingSA currently supports almost 100 clients through CHSP
including group activities, social support and assistance with transport.
Ferda has worked for UnitingSA since 1994.
“Belonging is so important. Some of our clients are socially
isolated,” she says. “I think families get a lot of peace-of-mind knowing that their mum or dad is out socialising and being active in the community.
“We’ve been wanting to offer these new services for some time – there’s certainly demand for it – so we’re excited to expand,” she says.
Every member of the Riverland team is passionate about what they do. You can see their care and compassion in the way they interact with others.
“We’re very much about supporting people to live their best lives,” explains Ferda.
“Sometimes all we need is a little extra support at home and that’s where our team can help.”
Discover
more about Support at Home
WHEN PEOPLE HELP PEOPLE –WE DISCOVER WE’RE STRONGER SIDE BY
SIDE
ENJOYING THE SPICE OF LIFE
At82, Anna is full of life and pleased to be part of the Riverland’s very own “Spice Girls.”
UnitingSA runs four groups in the region that provide social support for people over 65: a group for people of Turkish heritage, one for Italians, another for Greeks, and the aptly-named “Spice Girls.”
“Cute, isn’t it!” says Anna with a chuckle. “I love all the Spice Girls. We come from different backgrounds including Slovenian, Croation, Bosnian, Australian and other nationalities.”
Anna lives on her own on the 30-acre block that she and her husband bought in Winkie in the Riverland 56 years ago. Sadly, Anna has been widowed for 29 years.
A friend encouraged her to join the Spice Girls.
“I don’t drive and my children are all working,” she says. “I’m so happy not be stuck at home. Joining the group was the best thing that I did.”
“Sometimes the group goes somewhere for lunch like the Renmark Club. I also get help with shopping.”
Klementina has worked for UnitingSA for over a decade and has supported Anna for 8 years. She helps facilitate the groups as well as providing one-on-one support to individuals.
“That might mean taking them to the bank or an appointment,” she explains. “Or we might stay at home and play a game or look at photos.”
Like her namesakes, Anna is keen to “tell you what you want, what you really, really want” –and that, evidently, is morning tea.
“You don’t come to my house without eating something,” she says proudly. And with that, out come the plates of food –sandwiches, walnut croissants and apricot cake.
While her generosity is welcomed, it also illustrates why community and connection are so important.
As the chatter continues over a cuppa, it is clear that Anna and Klementina have formed a special bond.
For Klementina, the best thing about her role is perhaps the simplest.
“You can put a smile on someone’s face just by doing something small,” says Klementina.
And for Anna, that smile – and that sense of belonging – is everything.
UNITING ON SECOND ‘TOPS OUT’
UnitingSA’s newest community housing development – Uniting on Second – is reaching new heights in Adelaide, with the 8-storey apartment complex in Bowden set to deliver much needed housing.
Uniting on Second is located in the heart of Renewal SA’s Master Planned Bowden Precinct.
Premier pops in
Premier Peter Malinauskas recently visited Uniting on Second.
The project was one of 26 major developments across Adelaide with a crane on site in the third quarter of 2025 - contributing to Adelaide leading the nation in crane activity. With almost double the activity of the next best performing capital city, South Australia is experiencing a record boom in construction.
UnitingSA is proud that our developments are not only part of SA’s growth – but are increasing the supply of social and affordable housing across Adelaide.
Over 70 guests gathered at the site on September 23 to celebrate a “Topping Out.” A Topping Out is a Scandinavian tradition that celebrates a development reaching its highest milestone and signifies the completion of the building’s frame.
The $37 million development includes 70 affordable apartments – 24 affordable apartments have
already been sold, while a further 46 apartments will be rented including four SDA apartments suitable for tenants with disabilities.
The apartments are targeted at people on low to moderate incomes including essential frontline workers, students and small families.
The project is expected to be completed in early 2026.
PICTURED : (TOP LEFT) Jenny Hall, CEO, UnitingSA; Karen Grogan, Senator for SA; Nick Champion, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, South Australia and Ben Moore, Chief Development, Property & Housing Officer, UnitingSA
PICTURED : Ben Moore, Chief Development, Property and Housing Officer with Nick Champion, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, and Premier Peter Malinauskas
FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR HARRY AND ERIN
As housing prices soar across the nation, UnitingSA’s affordable housing project will see more than 100 people gain access to a home they never thought they’d be able to afford.
Harry, and his partner, Erin, can’t wait to move into Uniting on Second.
The two 24-year-old PhD students bought their apartment through the government’s HomeSeekerSA initiative.
Affordable housing is specifically designed to help people on low-to-moderate incomes buy or rent a home without having to spend more than 30 per cent of their income on housing costs. Buyers need to meet eligibility criteria including income limits.
“It is almost impossible to find something affordable when you’re a student,” says Harry.
“We couldn’t believe it when we applied and got this place. It all happened so quickly.”
The couple were recently invited to take a sneak peek at the development. Erin was quick to measure up the apartment’s balcony as she has plans to grow plants and vegetables.
“I have been planning my garden since we first paid the deposit. Actually being able to stand on the balcony and look out was amazing. It made my balcony garden feel more tangible. I can’t wait to start growing.
“We are extremely grateful for the team at UnitingSA and Kennett Builders. It isn’t often you’re able to meet the people behind the build when you’re buying an apartment, but meeting the team has really emphasised how special the building will be.
“The quality is a standout compared to what the standard
seems to be in new builds, and the environmental sustainability is a huge bonus.”
The development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating, representing Australian excellence in better, healthier and more responsible buildings.
“It will be energy and water efficient. We’re also close to the city so will be able to ride our bikes rather than drive cars,” says Erin.
“We love Bowden and can’t wait to live here,” adds Harry.
WHEN PEOPLE HELP PEOPLE –OUR COMMUNITY IS
STRENGTHENED
PHOTO: supplied by RenewalSA
JUDY RECOGNISED FOR SERVICE TO OTHERS
When Judy Bynoe found out she had been nominated for an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) she got quite a surprise.
“I received a phone call from someone in Canberra. I had no idea what they were talking about,” she explains. “It was so unexpected, but lovely.”
Judy’s OAM recognises her tireless service to the local community including over 70 years involvement with the SA United Church Netball Association and her generous support of UnitingSA.
Judy grew up on a dairy farm in the area now known as Ferryden Park.
“At that time there were six dairy farms along Days Road.
“My Grandfather donated the land for the Days Road Mission,” she explains.
“The church was right next to the paddock. It didn’t look very grand – just a wood and iron building –but a lot happened at that church.”
Like many congregations, in more recent years, the church faced declining attendance and was no longer able to continue offering worship services. Judy was adamant that the site would continue to serve the community.
“People would come to the church for help; women who were having trouble with their husbands and had nowhere to go.
“I reached out to Rev Les Underwood and said I wanted it to be used to support women experiencing hardship.”
It wasn’t a simple journey.
In a story that would rival the plot of the 1997 Australian film ‘The Castle’, Judy and Les worked with a solicitor and took their case all the way to the Supreme Court.
Judy’s determination paid off. The project got a greenlight and the complex opened in Ferryden Park in 2021.
The community housing development has eight 2-bedroom units and provides
much-needed housing for women over 55 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“It has been very successful – seven of the eight original tenants are still there so we must have done something right.”
UnitingSA recently hosted a morning tea to celebrate Judy’s OAM.
“I wasn’t used to that. I’m usually serving morning tea not receiving it.”
And what advice does she have for others?
“If you get the feeling you want to do things, then get in there and do it.”
WHEN PEOPLE HELP PEOPLE – COMPASSION IS MULTIPLIED
TOWARDS 2030
UnitingSA has launched a Strategic Plan that will guide the organisation’s work from 2025 through to 2030.
“As we look toward 2030, the challenges facing South Australians are growing in complexity – and so is the need for connected, compassionate support,” explains Gael Fraser, UnitingSA Board Chair.
“Rising living costs, housing stress, mental health concerns and growing inequality are reshaping the lives of individuals, families and communities.
“At the same time, systemic pressures – including workforce shortages, constrained funding, and government reforms – are redefining how support is delivered.”
The 2025–2030 Strategic Plan sets five key priorities:
• delivering high-quality community services
• expanding our impact in disability supports
• continuing to lead in residential aged care
• growing in-home aged care
• increasing the supply of safe, affordable housing.
“As we look towards 2030, our ambition is clear,” says Gael.
“We will increase UnitingSA’s capacity and impact so that, together, we can improve lives.”
OUR STRATEGY TOWARDS 2030
WHYALLA COMMUNITY DAY
Around 50 people attended .the UnitingSA Whyalla Community Centre’s Community Day on Wednesday August 27.
The centre provides valuable opportunities for connection, inclusion and support.
UnitingSA has been a long-time provider of community services in Whyalla with a strong focus on supporting people with mental health needs and people with disabilities.
This new community centre, which opened in February 2025,
enables UnitingSA to expand our support to people in Whyalla and provides local residents with valuable opportunities for community connection.
The Whyalla Community Centre has been made possible with Department of Human Services funding.
Minister Nat Cook, Minister for Human Services and Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well, attended the event and was able to see first hand the impact the centre is having in the local community.
ON A PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
When Cass reached out to Parent Pathways for support, she never dreamed she’d soon be part of the team.
Parent Pathways is a free program that supports parents with young children (aged under six years) to achieve their education and career goals, while keeping their family front and centre.
“I was a stay-at-home Mum and had been fostering children for five years,” says Cass.
“My mentor helped me to get ready to go back to work.”
In an unexpected turn of events, a position came up with Parent Pathways and Cass was the successful candidate.
Now the young mum – who has fostered and offered respite to over 15 children – is helping other young parents.
“I work alongside people to help them work out their goals and provide guidance, support and advocacy,” she explains.
Parent Pathways Mentors help participants to set education and employment goals and can provide financial support to help with associated costs such as training, textbooks, transport, or the purchase of a computer to support study goals.
They can also help with tasks such as creating a resume, finding employment and developing skills to support balancing work and family life
Maryann is one young mum benefiting from Cass’s guidance and support.
“As a single mum I was struggling. I was going through a tough time,” she says.
“Parent Pathways has helped me with some food vouchers and helped towards getting new tyres for my car. I wouldn’t have been able to afford them on my own.
‘It’s been a massive help. I’m so grateful.
“They’ve helped me with a Working with Children Check and to get ready to apply for jobs.
“I would like to go back to working in disability or aged care. I think I will be able to get shifts that work around raising my daughter.”
Perhaps the biggest strength of the program is its personalised approach. Because “success” looks different for everyone –Parent Pathways is uniquely positioned to help participants design their own unique pathway to a successful future.
WHEN PEOPLE HELP PEOPLE – WE START A CHAIN REACTION OF CARE
UnitingSA provides Parent Pathways at a range of locations in Adelaide’s northern suburbs as well as in the Mid North, Murray and South East regions. For more information call (08) 8259 2900 or email parentpathways@unitingsa. com.au
COME AS A STRANGER, LEAVE AS A FRIEND
WhenZoe moved to Peterhead about a decade ago, she didn’t know anyone. She heard about the Taperoo Community Centre through Facebook and decided to connect with some of the centre’s programs.
Fast forward ten years, and Zoe is now giving back. She volunteers at the centre three days a week.
“On Mondays I help run a painting class. On Tuesdays we have a group for kids with autism. On Wednesdays I help with the poetry group, run the craft group, and then help out with the afternoon cooking class.”
The 38-year-old mum is the youngest volunteer at the centre.
“I wanted to give back to the community,” she says. “I love seeing the smile on the faces
of people when they’ve achieved something.”
Heather and Tracy are both participants in Zoe’s craft class.
“It’s good because it gets me out of the house,” says Heather.
“I’ve made some good friends.”
Like Heather, Tracy participates in a range of activities including poetry group, role plays and cooking.
“I’ve learned a lot,” she says.
“I enjoy classes and Zoe helps me with the cooking.”
“I’ve made new friends. Sometimes my face hurts from laughing.”
But it is not just the participants who benefit.“It’s therapeutic for me and them,” explains Zoe.
“I used to be very rushed. Everything had to be done quickly. This has taught me
to slow down. Last week I spent an hour making a card,” she says proudly.
It is clear that there is a lot of goodwill in the room as participants paint and chat together.
“It’s a loving environment and everyone’s treated equally.
“Coming here made me feel like I belong.”
“We have a saying here ‘Come as a stranger, leave as a friend.’ It’s true. That’s exactly what happens.”
WHEN PEOPLE HELP PEOPLE – KINDNESS IS AMPLIFIED
50 YEARS AT WESTMINSTER
For50 years, multiple generations of the Gibson family have lived at UnitingSA’s Westminster Village at Grange.
The family hit this milestone in March, according to “recent arrival” Ina Carr who has lived in a Retirement Living unit at the site for over two decades.
The spritely 97-year-old says “friendship” has been the best thing about living at Westminster.
Ina’s daughter, Merrilyn, is a daily visitor.
“We’re joined at the hip,” she says with a smile. “I am fortunate to have a wonderful, healthy mum.”
The Gibson family have had a long association with Westminster Village.
Ina’s parents, Dorothy (Dollie) and Ivan Gibson, moved into Unit 15 upon its completion in March 1975.
Ivan lived there until his death in 1980, while Dollie later moved into Westminster Aged Care where she lived until she was 102.
Lila Penn, their middle daughter, lived in Unit 22 for 6 years from 2004 – 2010.
Phyllis Johnson, another daughter, lived at Westminster until 2014.
Ina moved into the complex in 2005.
“I’ve been here long enough to have seen multiple redevelopments of the site,” she says.
And what does she think has contributed to her long, healthy life?
“Longevity” she says.
But it isn’t all luck. Ina walks 100 laps outside every day
“In Winter, I’ll go out at about 11am when the sunshine is out. If it is hot – I’ll do my laps when it is cooler.”
And what would she say to someone considering moving into Westminster Village?
“Do it.”
New Community space
Residents at Westminster Village are looking forward to enjoying their new community space.
Construction has been completed just in time for residents to enjoy the warmer weather.
The multipurpose space will be used for social gatherings, celebrations, and other activities.
The welcoming space is sure to provide a great place for people to come together, connect and create lasting memories.
Best Office in the World
If you visit Westminster, you’re likely to hear about Aldo.
Residents have been singing the praises of the groundsman who is well known across the site for creating beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces.
Aldo has worked for UnitingSA for over a decade. Recently, he helped create the garden and hedging around the new community space.
More than a gardener, Aldo is a ‘good bloke’ whose cheery personality has made him a hit with residents.
“I’ve got the ‘best office’ in the world,” he jokes. “It really is a beautiful place to work.”
WORK THAT MATTERS WITH PEOPLE WHO CARE
UnitingSA employees gathered in October for the 2025 Team Excellence Awards.
With over 190 nominations received for the awards, there was much to celebrate.
The night also provided an opportunity to recognise over 30 employees who were celebrating work anniversaries of between 5 to 35 years of service.
“At UnitingSA, we continuously strive to create a compassionate, respectful and just community in
which all people can participate and flourish,” says Jenny Hall, CEO, UnitingSA.
“That is only possible through the everyday actions of our staff and volunteers. Our teams regularly go the extra mile for the benefit of our clients, tenants and residents.”
“The awards give us a wonderful opportunity to showcase how we live out our values and celebrate the ways we’re making a difference to our community.
TEAM EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Respect Award
Honourable Mention
Community Aged Care – Admin and Scheduling
Dual Winners Care Connect
Learning & Education
Courage Award
Honourable Mention
Community Aged Care
Home & Financial Stability – Early Intervention
Winner
ANWHA Access
Compassion Award
Honourable Mention
ANWHA Access
Mental Health – Barossa, Adelaide Hills, Victor Harbor, Murray Bridge, Renmark
NDIS
West Lakes Residential Aged Care – Clinical
Winner
Home & Financial Stability – Early Intervention
Integrity Award
Honourable Mention
Port Youth
Housing Development
Winner
Housing Maintenance
Safety Award
Winner
Property Services
Great Client Experience Award
Dual Winners
Home & Financial Stability -
Prevention & Housing Stability
Port Youth
Leading with Purpose Award
Winner
Wesley Social Enterprises
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.