Flourish Magazine - Summer/Autumn 2022

FLOURISH ISSUE NO. 13

SUMMER/AUTUMN 2022

11 CUDDLES AND CONNECTION THROUGH EQUINE THERAPY IN THIS ISSUE:

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Community unites to bring families joy at Christmas

Ambitious art project commemorates our Centenary

Taperoo Community Centre awarded for combatting loneliness

One man’s story of personal growth and resilience

Meet the inspiring resident about to celebrate 105 years

“ It has been just over six months since I joined the organisation and I am proud to lead such a dedicated team, who continually put the needs of those we support front and centre.”

CEO JENNY HALL, 2022

WELCOME

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elcome to the first edition of Flourish for 2022, which promises to be another busy and rewarding year at UnitingSA.

for older women who previously experienced homelessness. Inaugural tenant Lyn explains the importance of stable housing and how the development is providing a sense of security.

On pages 8 and 9, we celebrate the incredible community connection cultivated at our Taperoo Community Centre, which has been awarded the Loneliness Cure Award for its poetry group. Photos from the group’s performances, including their latest puppet show, are a riot of colour and are sure to make you smile.

It has been just over six months since I joined the organisation and I am proud to lead such a dedicated team, who continually put the needs of those we support front and centre.

Since commencing mid-2021, I have spent time getting to know our people and services, understand our challenges and plan for the future, while ensuring we are able to effectively respond to the immediate and ongoing needs of our community.

On page 13, we interview Ethnic Link Services worker Deepak about his role with our new EnCOMPASS program.

As an EnCOMPASS Connector, Deepak helps older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to navigate the aged care system.

As you will see in this edition of Flourish, there have been many highlights across UnitingSA as we have worked to deliver positive outcomes for our community against the ever-changing backdrop of COVID-19.

And on our final page, you can obtain some life advice from Wesley House Aged Care resident Ken, who is about to celebrate his 105th birthday.

On page 5, we speak with NDIS participant Stevan, who has been honing his artistic skills through an artist in residency program in Port Adelaide. Stevan talks about the impact art has had on his life and the important role it can play in supporting positive mental health.

We hope you enjoy reading about these organisational highlights, which provide a glimpse into the diverse work of our teams and the lives we touch across South Australia.

On page 7, you will learn about our new housing development in Adelaide’s north-west, which is providing a home

UNITINGSA

Jenny Hall Chief Executive Officer

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

IN THIS ISSUE

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Thank you to our generous community for uniting to support families through our Christmas Appeal

We officially open our new housing development for older women experiencing homelessness

Deepak talks about how he is helping people from diverse backgrounds navigate the aged care system

UPCOMING DATES March

April

May

17 National Close the Gap Day

8 UnitingSA’s Birthday

8 Mother’s Day

20 International Day of Happiness

15 Good Friday

15 International Day of Families

21 Harmony Day

25 Anzac Day

26 National Sorry Day

UNITING SA ANNUAL PROFILE

12,517

971

91

2,077

2,387

PEOPLE SUPPORTED

EMPLOYEES

VOLUNTEERS

PEOPLE CARED FOR ACROSS AGED CARE

PEOPLE PROVIDED EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

Recognition for new community housing development

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e are thrilled that our community housing development in Kurralta Park was honoured in the 2021 Urban Development Institute of Australia Awards.

The project saw a single 1930s property transformed into nine two-storey townhouses, providing a much-needed increase in social and affordable housing.

THE GIFT OF GIVING

UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall said the commendation at the October awards was testament to the importance of high quality community housing to support tenants’ needs.

“As a leading provider of low-cost housing in South Australia, we are committed to building and managing accommodation that is well designed, affordable, accessible and secure,” Ms Hall said.

“It was a great honour to see our hard work and high standard of property development recognised by the industry.

“Our residents’ wellbeing is always top of mind when designing a project like this. Together with our builders and design team we’ve created a place where people can feel safe, welcome and proud to live.”

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ur community rallied together to donate more than $25,000 and 2,000 gifts to our 2021 Christmas Appeal, allowing us to help hundreds of local families in need during the festive season.

The two and three-bedroom townhouses feature open plan living, landscaped courtyards and an energy efficient design to reduce utility costs for tenants.

We were once again inspired by all of our supporters, who continue to show what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.

Designed by Marchese Partners Architects and constructed by Cook Building, the properties are being rented to people on low to moderate incomes who may otherwise struggle to enter the market.

Our team was kept busy collecting donations from schools, corporate offices, church congregations, community groups and everyone in between.

The Kurralta Park project was delivered under the SA Housing Authority’s Community Housing Asset Renewal Program.

The development was also supported with a low interest loan through the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation’s (NHFIC) inaugural social bond.

There are too many donors to name them all but we have a few special shout outs to those who went above and beyond this year.

To the Lakes Hotel staff and patrons for their passionate support of our Appeal and incredible efforts collecting hundreds of gifts, which brought a smile to so many on Christmas morning.

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To the team at SA Power Networks Employee Foundation for their ongoing support, which this year even included helping to decorate and prepare our Toy Room for distribution week – it looked amazing.

To the Kennett Builders crew, who arrived at our Emergency Relief centre with two utes filled to the brim with toys, sports equipment, games and toiletries.

And to the incredibly generous teams at Shared Services SA Port Adelaide, Westpac, Scammel & Co Port Adelaide, Surf Dive n’ Ski Port Adelaide, Backpacks 4 SA Kids, and St Andrew’s Hospital for being among our biggest toy collectors – it means so much to us and importantly, our gift recipients.

During what has been an incredibly challenging few months with COVID-19 placing extra pressure on those already doing it tough, the Christmas Appeal really was a heart-warming display of what we can achieve when we unite for a cause.

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

After several attempts, Stevan was thrilled to be announced as the successful recipient of the residency in 2021.

Based at the Post Office Project (POP) Gallery and Studios in Port Adelaide, the residency provided Stevan a studio space where he could spend 25 hours a week immersed in his art.

While his art is usually eclectic, at the start of his residency Stevan decided to focus solely on one style, known as zip painting.

Coined by abstract impressionist painter Barnett Newman shortly after World War II, zip paintings consist of a series of coloured lines.

Stevan diligently worked in the studio between July and December, creating 70 zip paintings – each identical in style but using a different colour palette.

Some contain bold colours, while in others he has selected more muted tones, creating “a sense of quietness” for the observer.

“There’s no greater feeling than being serene,” Stevan says.

STEVAN RELISHES ARTISTIC ROLE The latest artist in residence at Neami’s JUMP Arts program in Port Adelaide is Stevan, who UnitingSA supports through the NDIS. We share his story from his early days as an artist through to today, when art continues to play an important role in supporting his mental health and community connection.

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“Without that, I don’t know if we could really manage our life experiences.

“I hope when people look at these paintings, they feel some sort of positive energy.”

STEVAN

“It wouldn’t be joy or anything heavy like that, but what is known as a slight smile.”

rt is more than a creative outlet for Stevan – it’s his lifeline.

“As someone with mental illness, you can become very isolated,” he says.

“I’ve realised that art is the way I move forward and the way I connect – it’s absolutely essential.”

Stevan, aged 52, began dabbling in art in the late 1980s.

As a former architecture student, pencil drawings were a natural starting point for his artistic pursuits.

“Years later, because of mental illness, my cognition wasn’t so good and I was no longer able to draw, so I found other ways to make art,” he says.

“I started using unusual materials, such as industrial paints mixed with aggregates like sand, and even mixing paint with things like pea straw.”

Stevan’s passion for art continued to grow and in his 30s, he studied at the SA School of Art in Underdale.

Just shy of his 40th birthday, he came across Neami’s JUMP Arts program in Port Adelaide, which is funded by the Australian Government to deliver classes for people with mental health challenges.

Stevan soon became an avid attendee, finding the art class an important way to form community connections.

“Even when I’ve been going through different psychological experiences I still manage to get here on Thursdays for the class,” he says.

“It’s not just the painting or the drawing or the sculpture, it’s going out and buying materials, it’s mixing with other artists, looking at other people’s work and viewing the art gallery.”

The program also offers a six-month residency, with artists invited to apply for the coveted spot.

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Stevan says the high point of the residency was having a show at UniSA’s Kerry Packer Civic Gallery as part of Neami’s Embracing the Ordinary Moment exhibition.

He hopes the exposure helps him to secure more exhibitions in future – something that can be hard to come by as an artist in Adelaide.

Throughout the residency, Stevan has been supported by his NDIS Support Worker at UnitingSA, who has helped him shop for art materials and also assisted him to attend appointments, undertake grocery shopping and participate in other activities.

“Sometimes we even just go for a cup of coffee and a conversation, which is very important as well,” Stevan says.

“That’s what we do as people, we tell each other stuff – that’s what gives life meaning.

“I think a small amount of support goes a long way.”

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

100 YEARS, 100 PAINTINGS

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t took 100 years of history and two years of painting but Robert Habel wouldn’t have it any other way.

The accomplished artist and UnitingSA Mental Health Services Coordinator was thrilled to finally unveil his 100 Years, 100 Paintings artworks at a special launch event in September.

The paintings are mounted in the lobby at UnitingSA West Lakes, a modern five-storey aged care complex at the former Football Park site.

Robert said he felt “honoured” to undertake the project, which is a salute to UnitingSA’s Centenary and stands as a permanent reminder of our organisation’s story, from 1919 through to today.

“What started as an invitation by UnitingSA Minister Les Underwood for

me to make an artwork to commemorate the Centenary quickly evolved into a community-based project,” Robert said.

“It was great because so many UnitingSA people, colleagues and friends had buy-in and contributed to its evolution and successful public display.

“To make a genuine art project I was keen to enter some unfamiliar territory and work with images and ideas that were not part of my regular art practice.

“This self-inflicted challenge sustained my interest over the two years of doing the paintings and I think will provide ongoing intrigue and interest in the project for years to come.”

The artworks were also published in the 100 Years, 100 Paintings book, which features information about each of the 100 oil paintings and commentary from Robert and guest writer Felix Ratcliff.

“I want to thank everyone who helped to bring this project to life, from those who supported the painting process through to the people who helped put together the book,” Robert said.

“I feel very honoured that UnitingSA assisted at all levels, had faith in the project and had the courage and trust to let me work broadly, uncensored and creatively on such a prominent project.”

UnitingSA Board Chair Gael Fraser was among the speakers at the launch UNITINGSA

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of 100 Years, 100 Paintings and she commended Robert on his vision and tenacity to see the project to fruition.

“I don’t know if Robert realised at the time just how ambitious his concept was, or how all-consuming it would become,” Gael told the gathering.

“It grew into a two-year project, with Robert travelling the state to paint in locations linked to our organisation’s 100-year story.

“While some of the works are clear nods to our history – our churches, our Ministers, our people – others are more abstract, reflecting Robert’s own experiences.”

“Together, these 100 pieces make a wonderfully rich representation of our story, through the eyes of an artist.”

UNITINGSA BOARD CHAIR GAEL FRASER

The 100 Years, 100 Paintings display can be seen in the lobby of UnitingSA West Lakes, 1 Charles Street, West Lakes.

Copies of the book can be purchased online at unitingsa.com.au/about-us/ centenary/100-years-100-paintings

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

Award recognises efforts to go green

U NEW HOUSING PROVIDES SAFETY & STABILITY

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yn is among the inaugural tenants of our new community housing development in Adelaide’s north-west, which caters for older women experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Ms Hall says UnitingSA was compelled to create housing targeting older women having seen firsthand the increased economic uncertainty being experienced by this cohort.

“Whether through a relationship breakdown, job loss or a variety of other factors, we know older women are particularly vulnerable to housing insecurity,” she says.

Lyn, aged 66, was relieved to secure the housing after experiencing the instability of couch surfing for more than five months.

“They are more likely to have limited savings, superannuation and assets, which further compounds their risk of homelessness.

“This place means something – it’s much better than couch surfing, going from place to place, just hoping that something comes up.

“This housing means I can move forward in my life. It means I can move from insecurity to stability.”

The project was delivered by UnitingSA in partnership with the SA Housing Authority (SAHA), which provided a $1 million grant, and members of the former local Gospel Mission, who gifted the land.

Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink MLC joined UnitingSA Chair

The award recognises our efforts to improve waste and recycling management across our sites.

Since implementing our waste management system, we have been able to divert more than 65 per cent of our waste from landfill – up from just 20 per cent seven years ago.

It’s wonderful to be recognised as industry leaders as we strive for continuous improvement in this space.

Thank you to the UnitingSA team, our partners, suppliers and contractors for playing their part in creating a more sustainable future.

Gael Fraser and CEO Jenny Hall to officially launch the housing in September.

The development includes eight two-bedroom houses, which provide affordable rental accommodation for women aged 55 and over – the fastest growing homeless population in the country.

“I think there’s lots of people out there who just think homelessness is the person sleeping rough in the park, because I didn’t know either, but there’s other ways of being homeless,” Lyn says.

nitingSA was announced as the winner of the Aged & Community Services Australia and Green Industries SA Waste Management Awards in October.

“This community housing project is one step towards addressing this growing need and we encourage other housing providers to also look at ways to support older women.”

“We are extremely grateful to the SA Housing Authority and the Gospel Mission for coming together to achieve this outcome.”

More support to help escape family violence

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nitingSA is among 10 UnitingCare network organisations collaborating to deliver a pilot program providing financial assistance and wrap-around support to help people to escape family violence.

The Escaping Violence Payment program is being funded by the Australian Government as part of its $1.1 billion commitment in the 2021–22 Federal Budget to help end violence against women and children.

The Escaping Violence Payment program provides assistance of up to $5,000 for individuals, including financial support of up to $1,500 along with goods and services.

The program began in October and is expected to support up to 24,000 people across Australia over the next two years.

UNITINGSA CEO JENNY HALL

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

POETRY, PUPPETS AND PERSONAL CONNECTION AT TAPEROO COMMUNITY CENTRE For more than 30 years, Taperoo Community Centre has been helping reduce social isolation and improve connection for people from across the local community. Through a range of programs, workshops and accredited training courses, the centre helps people learn in a welcoming, supportive environment. Classes range from computing, literacy and life skills through to personal development, photography, art and craft.

In 2021, poetry and puppetry were added to the eclectic mix.

Colour and creativity on show

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aperoo Community Centre and Kura Yerlo joined forces to present a colourful, hilarious and fun ‘Puppets on Parade’ performance in November.

Members from the centre’s poetry group and Kura Yerlo’s Karrarendi group came together to stage the show as part of Nunga Week celebrations.

Staff, volunteers and participants went to incredible lengths to prepare for the day, creating the puppets’ outfits, staging and props.

Add to that the countless hours spent practicing the songs and skits, which ranged from renditions of ABBA to Star Wars scenes, and it really was a huge but worthwhile undertaking.

Centre Coordinator Kathy Miller says the show was a wonderful way to enhance participants’ creativity and performance skills, while forging new friendships.

“For me, the most wonderful part of this performance has been the partnership we share with Karrarendi and the beautiful relationships developed within the group,” Kathy says.

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“There have been moments when I’ve almost been moved to tears to see the lovely friendships formed. It’s been a joy to be a part of.”

The Karrarendi participants enjoyed the experience so much, some are now joining Taperoo Community Centre’s group on an ongoing basis.

“We are looking at continuing our work together in a new poetry program, with a theme around ‘coming together’,” Kathy says.

“Participants will work on poems that reflect the new friendships being formed and the connections made. The whole class is really excited.”

Thank you to the City of Port Adelaide Enfield for supporting the show as part of their Nunga Week program and congratulations to all performers and behind-the-scenes crew.

As these colourful photos show, it was a huge success!

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

Centre wins The Loneliness Cure Award

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aperoo Community Centre was named the winner of Community Centres SA’s The Loneliness Cure Award, as part of the 2021 SA Community Achievement Awards.

The award recognises the incredible impact of Taperoo Community Centre’s poetry group, which uses poetry and performance to help participants develop literacy skills, build confidence and forge friendships.

UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall was thrilled to accept the honour during an Awards Gala Presentation at the Hilton Adelaide in November.

“Taperoo Community Centre is such an integral part of the community and we are so proud of the impact it has had on people’s lives for more than 30 years,” Ms Hall said.

“The poetry group is a wonderful demonstration of what can be achieved when we encourage people to embrace creativity to express themselves.

“Some of the group participants only learnt to read and write in recent years, so to see them create poetry and perform to an audience for the first time was inspiring.

“Thank you to the award organisers for this significant honour, and a huge congratulations to all of the award winners across the community.”

their life experiences to write poetry and perform their work in a special showcase at the centre.

The group also compiled a stunning publication, A Potpourri of Poems and Pictures, combining their poetry with artwork by Taperoo Community Centre’s painting group.

UnitingSA Support Worker Yixian was part of the group from its inception, when she was a social work student on placement at Taperoo Community Centre.

What they said…

Participants from the poetry and painting groups were incredibly proud to be recognised in the awards.

Here’s what some of the group members had to say: JASON: “I am feeling overwhelmed and proud that all of our hard work and achievement has been recognised.

When we started this project, I never thought that we would win an award.”

“I have witnessed first-hand the improvement and growth of each participant involved in this project,” Yixian says.

“I have been truly touched and moved by the narratives expressed in these poems as they reflect the lived experiences of the participants, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“It has been great to see these participants flourish through their involvement in this project.”

DOT: “I am proud and overjoyed that I came to the centre and was a part of this group. In my whole life, I could never imagine that I would be able to achieve something like this.”

JASMINE: “My life has changed for the better since joining this group. I am so proud of what we have done.”

BELINDA: “I feel so proud that other people have valued our work.”

JOE: “I have a wonderful sense of confidence and achievement in being part of such a special project and winning this award.”

Poetry group participants spent many months learning to draw on UNITINGSA

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FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

plan for his future, and acquire the company of two affectionate cats.

He also learnt of the support services available in the community, which could help him develop independent living skills and support his mental health.

Ritchie was referred to UnitingSA’s GP Access program, which provides one-on-one mental health support to people in their own home and local community.

John was assigned as Ritchie’s Support Worker and over the past four years the pair have forged a strong relationship, with trust and mutual respect at its core.

With John’s support, Ritchie’s confidence has grown incredibly and he has learnt to budget, navigate appointments, complete paperwork, undertake the weekly shopping and set life goals.

John also supported Ritchie to obtain financial assistance through UnitingSA’s No Interest Loan Scheme, which provided him fee-free loans to purchase air-conditioning, a television, and a bike to get around.

He even supported him to obtain a fee-free loan for a car from an interstate service provider, which was the perfect end to 2021.

RITCHIE’S DEFYING THE ODDS

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ike many before him, the day Ritchie got his driver’s licence was a major milestone.

But it’s fair to say he had more reason to celebrate than most.

Having suffered from major seizures throughout his life because of epilepsy, Ritchie didn’t know if he would ever be able to pass the medical eligibility requirements to drive.

Then at age 42, after being clear from having a seizure for more than three years, he sat the test for his learner’s permit and passed with ease.

“I got eight out of eight in the give-way questions and 41 out of 42 in the multiple choice,” Ritchie says.

“It was such a big achievement – I felt on top of the world.”

But it’s not just been medical issues which have created barriers in Ritchie’s life.

to advance through the mainstream curriculum.

By his teen years, he’d lost his way and was mixing with the wrong crowd and getting into trouble.

At age 25, he was kicked out of home after an argument with his parents.

“John has helped me so much and I’m now very confident compared to when I met him,” Ritchie says. “I used to stutter so often and I didn’t have very good self-esteem.

Now I feel like I can conquer the world.”

Ritchie has some other important relationships which have helped him get to where he is.

His long-term partner, Erica, has been a constant support for more than 15 years and her grandchildren have become like his own.

They even call him ‘poppa’, a term of endearment he uses for his own grandfather, who still plays an important role in his life.

Aged 85, Ritchie’s grandfather has been his longest and most loyal supporter, and he visits him each fortnight to help with the groceries.

“Things for me are the best they’ve ever been because everything is coming together,” Ritchie says.

“That started the process of couch surfing and I was homeless for 10 years,” Ritchie says.

With several big goals ticked off Ritchie’s list – including getting a house, having pets, getting his learner’s permit and a car – he now has some new goals he’s working towards.

“It was very frustrating because I didn’t know where I was going to be from one night to the next.

Number one is obtaining his provisional driver’s licence before his 44th birthday in June.

“At one stage I was rough sleeping, spending nights under the bridge or camping out on the beach.”

It was only at age 35 that Ritchie finally had the lucky break he so desperately needed.

From a young age, he faced many challenges and setbacks.

He was offered a public housing unit in Adelaide’s inner-south, which was the catalyst for change.

His school years were tough, where learning difficulties meant he struggled

Having a place to call home allowed him to put down roots, feel secure to UNITINGSA

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The next is seeing his beloved Port Adelaide Football Club win the AFL Premiership.

And lastly, he wants to get another hole-in-one to give him a trifecta.

“The last hole-in-one I got was on 17 December 2020,” Ritchie says. “It’s time for me to get back out on the golf course.”

There may be extremely long odds against getting three hole-in-ones in a lifetime but given what Ritchie’s already come up against in life and conquered, it’s safe to say he’ll achieve his goal.

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

Research gives young people a voice

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oung people engaged with our Flexible Learning Options (FLO) program have shared their experiences and views on bullying and violence through a Flinders University research project.

Dr Ben Lohmeyer’s pilot project investigated young people’s experiences of bullying and violence in secondary school.

Among Dr Lohmeyer’s findings, he reported the young people: y Regularly described witnessing or being in the vicinity of behaviours that fit a technical definition of bullying in school y Often spoke about instances of bullying being connected to inequalities such as class, gender, disability and race y Identified the FLO program as a safe place where bullying and violence did not occur

HORSE VISIT WARMS HEARTS

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hey say good things come in small packages and that was certainly the case when Moët the miniature horse visited residents at UnitingSA West Lakes in November.

Activities Officer, Renee, organised the visit through charity Nolton Park, which specialises in using miniature horses for equine therapy in aged care homes, hospitals and other community settings.

Moët, who is almost 5 years old, was dressed to impress in adorable shoes and a beautiful bow at the top of her plaited mane.

She was led by her handler, Kimberley, up in the elevator and into the activities room, where residents were ready to provide plenty of pats and cuddles.

“As soon at Moët entered the room, the residents were instantly in awe of her and all had smiles on their faces as she gradually made her way around the room spending time with each resident,” Renee says.

“Animals are known to have a positive response from the elderly – they can really relate and engage with them.

“Some of our residents who do not speak much or very well were talking in clear sentences to her as they lovingly stroked her.”

Moët was so comfortable she even took a quick nap to recharge on some of the residents’ laps!

It was heart-warming to see many faces light up during these special moments of connection.

“We received lots of positive feedback from residents after her visit, saying she was beautiful, something they did not expect and her visit made their day,” Renee says.

“It’s really special for us to give these types of experiences to residents, as some of them have never had this kind of opportunity in their life.”

y Attributed the lack of bullying and violence in the FLO program to the consistent presence of youth workers and teachers, as well as the voluntary nature of the program Dr Lohmeyer said the six FLO participants he interviewed provided “important and valuable insights,” which have been missed in previous research into the topic because studies usually focus on mainstream students.

“While the sample size of this group was small, there appears to be many complex social arrangements and dynamics of bullying and its relationship to violence that aren’t captured by the national definition of bullying employed by schools in Australia,” he states in the research report.

“The unique experiences of these young people are likely to be a missing voice in the national conversation on bullying due to their disengaged status from traditional schooling.”

Thank you to Nolton Park and the West Lakes team for coordinating this wonderful initiative.

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DR LOHMEYER

But he was determined to recover quickly to continue the garden revamp and maintain the special friendships he’d created at the centre.

“I wasn’t in a good headspace, but the people here are so nice and I think the quote on the centre wall – ‘enter as a stranger, leave as a friend’ – is really true,” he says.

Soon after his return to the centre earlier this year, Kathy raised the idea of Jason becoming an official volunteer gardener.

Jason was thrilled that his passion and hard work had paid off and he could achieve yet another one of his NDIS goals through the opportunity.

Fast forward a few months and Jason is thriving in the role.

One of his Support Workers, Josh, highlights that he is much more than a gardener.

“Jason sees himself as a caretaker at the centre,” Josh says.

JASON FLOURISHES AS VOLUNTEER

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“He helps with some of the cleaning, helps Kathy whenever she needs it and gets involved with lots of the classes they run, like painting and poetry.”

Jason shares that he gets just as much out of the volunteering experience as he puts in.

“It’s helped me in overcoming shyness and in my relationships at home,” he says.

s a volunteer gardener at Taperoo Community Centre, Jason is not only achieving his NDIS goals but also planting the seeds to grow new friendships and skills.

That first visit made an impression on Jason and he recalls thinking, ‘What a nice place’.

Jason began his journey with UnitingSA in the early ‘90s when he became a supported employee with Port Business Partnerships, now known as Wesley Social Enterprises (WSE).

“While I was there I noticed the garden was overgrown and there were lots of weeds,” he says.

“My favourite thing is that I get out of the house and get to know people from my local area while I’m giving back to the community.”

“The cockatoos had also got to it during COVID-19.”

JASON

At WSE, he was engaged in diverse work opportunities including house cleaning, car washing and gardening.

It was here that Jason studied a Certificate II in Horticulture and his passion for gardening grew.

Centre Coordinator Kathy Miller had plans to improve the large garden, which is used by visiting groups and for weekly workshops.

During his time at WSE, Jason recalls hearing about Taperoo Community Centre but says he was always a little shy to visit.

The centre hosts a diverse range of programs and workshops to help people improve their wellbeing and develop new skills, including computing, literacy, art, craft and personal development.

In early 2019, one of Jason’s NDIS Support Workers encouraged him to join a mental health support program at the centre.

Jason went on to join in other centre sessions, such as meditation and self-development courses.

A previous volunteer gardener was also cutting down his hours, which led to a great opportunity for Jason to start helping out in the garden through his NDIS Plan.

He got straight to work and made great inroads to revamp the garden area, which involved shovelling bark, researching appropriate plants, watering, pruning and planting.

Jason unfortunately encountered some tough times over the preceding couple of years, breaking his foot and losing three people who were dear to him.

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“I’ve even learnt computer skills and can help other clients during the sessions.”

As he leads a tour through the redeveloped garden, he stops to point out a particular space which is close to his heart.

“I planted this remembrance tree – it’s a gum tree in memory of my dad who passed away and it has a white flower which my sister told me was dad’s favourite colour,” Jason explains.

“I wanted to call it a remembrance tree so other people can come out here and reflect, but also to respect the Elders of the land.”

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

FUN FACTS Favourite colour?

Orange Favourite animal?

Dog Favourite food?

Bibimbap (Korean rice dish) Which three people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?

Eckhart Tolle, Sam Harris and Mahatma Gandhi

A CUPPA WITH DEEPAK DEV

What three items would you want if you were stranded on a desert island?

A table tennis set, something to cook and a kayak.

Navigating the Aged Care system can be complex, especially if you’re from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background. In his role with UnitingSA’s EnCOMPASS program, Deepak Dev is helping older people to access the supports they need to age well and remain connected to their community.

Q: What does your role at UnitingSA involve?

A: I support clients who are over 65 from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to register with My Aged Care.

This is an entry point for older Australians to start receiving services, but it’s quite complex and people from CALD backgrounds struggle with that.

Once they are registered, my work depends on the client’s needs. I help them navigate through the broad spectrum of aged care services – from the entry-level Commonwealth Home Support to Residential Aged Care.

Q: What does a work day look like for you?

A: Once I get a referral through UnitingSA, Carers SA, hospitals, or other avenues, I make a time to contact the client.

If they need language support I get an interpreter and meet the client at their home, sometimes with their carer or family member. I talk to them to understand their needs, help them register with My Aged Care, and find a service provider to help.

Generally an aged care assessment follows. I can be there as a support person during the assessment, because it can sometimes be an overwhelming process.

I also advocate for the clients with service providers to help them gain access to services immediately if they have high needs, instead of sitting on a wait list.

Once they’re receiving services, I always call the client to see how it’s going and if there’s anything that they want to communicate back to the provider – good or bad.

It’s also an important part of my role to get the word out about our program because it is relatively new. We run community briefing sessions with community leaders and people from their communities, and present to different organisations who may refer their clients.

Q: What are the most popular or common supports people seek?

A: Many multicultural groups accept feelings of isolation or loneliness unfortunately, so usually it’s not until they experience health-related problems that they come to us for help.

Once we address their immediate health needs we can build a relationship and ask: ‘What about your social and mental health?

Do you want to join a social support group?

Do you need other day-to-day supports like paying bills and going to the bank?’

Q: Why are you passionate about helping this cohort?

A: I think my own personal journey being a migrant helped me resonate and empathise with this client group – the cultural struggle when English is not your first language.

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I found that the EnCOMPASS program is so important, and when you resonate with the values, the mission and the vision for the program, that helps me give my best.

Q: Can you provide an example of when your work had a positive impact in a client’s life?

A: One couple had never asked for help before because they didn’t know where to go. Every time the client’s wife tried to go to My Aged Care they said they couldn’t talk to her as she needed verbal consent from her husband who had actually had a stroke and is non-verbal.

The only way to do this was to print out an authorisation form, get it signed and fax it through – but her computer skills meant she didn’t know how to do this and left it for so long.

For the past 10 years, she’s been the sole carer for him – showering, feeding him – and she’s struggled to find the time to go out for an hour to do the shopping or get a haircut.

It was only a matter of time before she would have broken down from the pressure.

We’ve now helped her husband through the assessment process and he was recently approved for a Home Care package. We also got her registered with My Aged Care so that she can access social groups and support.

She now has time to visit her kids and grandkids. It’s so satisfying to see her smiling and confirms that the program made a real impact.

Q: How do people find out more about our support available through the EnCOMPASS program?

A: By calling the Community Aged Care team on (08) 8448 6260 or emailing encompass@unitingsa.com.au

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

105 YEARS YOUNG

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f you ever need inspiration to stay active in life, look no further than Ken Bails.

After the Japanese bombed Darwin in 1942, Ken was sent north to rebuild the destroyed wharf.

As he approaches his 105th birthday, Ken is still running rings around people 20 years his junior.

“When we finished our work at Darwin we were trying to get leave and we thought we would come home to Adelaide but instead we were sent to Wagga Wagga,” Ken recalls.

The Wesley House Aged Care resident takes part in as many activities on site as possible, and heads out every Wednesday and Friday to join in with local community groups.

“A few years back one of the girls in the group said to me, ‘Ken, will you help me to create something here for the older people? All they do is sit down and drink tea and eat biscuits,’” Ken says.

“I helped introduce personal exercise to the group.

a heart and crossbow on his upper left arm is a daily visible reminder.

It is the one story from wartime that gives Ken reason to smile.

“A couple of the boys in the Army were messing around and gave it to me,” he laughs.

“As soon as we arrived there, our khakis were taken away and we were reinstated in green.

“As soon as that happened, we knew we were going to the islands.”

So began the most difficult chapter in Ken’s war story, when he served in New Guinea for two years, working to rebuilding a country in the midst of Japanese invasion.

“She told the group, ‘If Ken can do it at 100 years old, why can’t you do it in your 80s?’”

While never on the frontline, Ken says the work was not without risk and he always had to be ready to protect himself from the enemy.

“Now there are a lot of people in the group doing great things.”

“The Japanese had already taken over the North-East coast,” Ken says.

Like many men from his era, Ken spent part of his 20s serving in World War II.

“We landed in Lae and had to restore the hospital there.

He was conscripted in 1940 and was soon sent to work for the Army’s Royal Australian Engineers, building staging camps for servicemen north of Alice Springs.

“Basically we were the party who came in to clean up the mess and get it back in order.”

While the war may be a distant memory for Ken, the faint outline of a tattoo with

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“They said, this won’t last long but here we are, 80 years later and you can still see it.”

KEN

Throughout his life Ken has called many places home, starting with Alberton where he lived with his parents and six siblings, and later, his first wife Melva.

After the war, Ken and his second wife Jean built their family home in Hendon, on a block of land gifted to them by Ken’s parents.

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

Here they raised nine children – five from Jean’s previous marriage, three they had together, and a boy they adopted to complete their family.

When Ken was in his 50s he retired from work with the Municipal Tramways Trust and bought a farm on the outskirts of Truro, where he and Jean spent 12 years rearing sheep and cattle and growing crops.

“They were the best years of my life,” Ken smiles.

The next chapter took Ken to Carrickalinga, but not in the way he had hoped.

Displaying an incredible memory that defies his years, he recalls a day he and Jean took a drive down south.

“We went cruising down the coast to get away from the rat race and we came across a little fisherman’s cottage,” Ken says.

“The area was beautiful and it had a for sale sign out the front.”

Ken and Jean promptly bought the cottage with dreams to redevelop it as their home.

The dream changed when Jean died right before building was set to commence, and Ken went on to fulfil the project and live by himself in Carrickalinga for a decade.

He loved living by the beach but a heart attack and nasty fall led him to move to Beverley to live with one of his sons.

When Ken was into his second century, he started visiting Wesley House Aged Care in Semaphore Park for respite and in 2021 he made the move permanent.

He says simply: “I’m here to finish my life.”

And he’s certainly making the most of his final chapter.

He is well known among residents and staff alike and always ready for a chat or to join in the activities – especially if it’s bowls day.

He also loves staying connected with his family, which has now grown to include 12 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

On 1 March 2021, Ken will celebrate his 105th birthday – a milestone most of us can only dream of reaching.

And what’s his advice for anyone wanting to follow in his footsteps?

“Be fit, eat good food, have good relationships with your family, be a friend to everyone, help anyone that needs it and don’t expect anything in return.”

AVALON ARTISTS UNVEIL MURALS

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mural project at Avalon in Adelaide’s southern suburbs is complete, marking the end of a wonderful co-design initiative between tenants and a local artist.

Avalon provides accommodation and support for people with mental health challenges who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The mural project provided a chance for tenants to learn new skills, connect with others and unleash their creativity in a supportive environment.

We were delighted to join with our Avalon partners – Unity Housing and Specialist Community Mental Health Services – to officially launch the murals in October.

Avalon Community Support Worker Seth Rowlands spoke at the launch about the impact the mural project has had on tenants.

“To Kaylie, the artist – you have done a wonderful job to work in collaboration with each participant in supporting,

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guiding and creating a brilliant and perpetual piece of work,” Seth said.

“Your work with the Avalon participants went above and beyond with the collaborative design and how you worked to complete the project.

“I want everyone here to especially remember that when people transition out of Avalon, they will look back at this place and remember it fondly.

“This project will stand as a testament to the many who have metamorphosed with their time here.”

The Avalon mural project was made possible thanks to a grant from the City of Marion.

A big congratulations to everyone involved – the murals look fabulous and will be enjoyed by tenants, staff and visitors for years to come.

FLOURISH MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 13 | 2022

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