VACCHO SPRING 2014

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Stolen Generations Program brings healing to Ballarat

news Spring 2014

Stolen Generations Program Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative

Story by Karen Monaghan, Stolen

Islander Children from their families

missions. This is why we refer to the

Generations Worker - Ballarat and

was held in the 11th of May

Ballarat Orphanage as the dumping

1995. From this Inquiry, fifty-four

ground for our children.

District Aboriginal Co-operative What does the term ‘Stolen Generation’ mean?

The term Stolen Generation is given to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who were forcibly removed from their families and placed within institutions. The ages of children ranged from days old to 17 years! Culture, language, family and their dignity were stripped from the children never to be found again in some cases. How the Stolen Generation Program began

A National inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait

recommendations were made. The Stolen Generations: Bringing Them Home Worker or Social Emotional Well-being (SEWB) Worker and programs were formed. Royal Commission into

Institutional Responses into Child Sex Abuse

Ballarat had seven different orphanages and children’s homes within the region. Ballarat Orphanage had over 1000 Aboriginal children pass through their doors from 1865 – 1980. Most of the children were removed from missions across Victoria, and some from interstate

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc. VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal Health in Victoria.

Within the orphanages and children’s homes have been countless reports of alleged sexual abuse, so Ballarat is going to be one of the focal points for this Inquiry. The Aboriginal community of Ballarat have a history with institutions, to the point where there are countless reports now being documented. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Vibrant, healthy, selfdetermining Aboriginal communities


VACCHO forges new links with the Victorian Aboriginal Committee for Aged Care and Disability “Many of VCAACD’s members are staff of VACCHO Members and provide direct service to Elders. Aged care policy, both Federal and State needs to be informed by the lived experience of our communities and the people who work with them. A closer working relationship between VACCHO and VCAACD will strengthen our voice in the aged care reforms”, says Jill Gallagher, VACCHO CEO. Elders are the heart of our community. ‘Closing the health gap’ means making sure that our Elders live to see their children grow strong with children of their own. As the ‘Health Gap’ begins to close, more of our people are living to old age. The number of Aboriginal people aged 50 years and over has more than doubled since 2001*. This good news brings with it the need to ensure that Aboriginal Elders can access high quality aged care services that meet their needs. Aged care services in Australia are currently undergoing reforms, which will have a major impact on the way people access services and how those services are delivered.

services and HACC service sector supports – previously managed by the Victorian Department of Health, including funding for the Victorian Committee for Aboriginal Aged Care and Disability (VCAACD), the state-wide reference group for staff in organisations providing HACC services to Aboriginal people.

For the past 25 years, VCAACD has worked to support staff in Aboriginal community controlled organisations and mainstream service organisations to enable Aboriginal people to access high quality, culturally appropriate community and in-home support services. Amongst its achievements are: •

One of these changes will see the Commonwealth Government take on the financial management of Victorian Home and Community Care (HACC)

Development of policies such as the Aboriginal HACC Policy Statement and advocacy including the development of a submission to the Productivity Commission’s Caring for Older Australians Inquiry Development and coordination of training and professional development for Aboriginal HACC staff Representation on advisory and policy bodies such as the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HACC Reference Group and Ministerial Advisory Committee for Seniors

Contents

Involvement in implementation of key Department of initiatives related to diversity planning and delivery of the active service model.

To enable the continued operations of VCAACD, the Victorian Department of Health has approached VACCHO to take on the auspice of the group and provide assistance to steer it through the changing policy landscape. The choice of VACCHO as auspice was based on a range of factors, including the widespread involvement of VACCHO Member organisations in the delivery of HACC services and VACCHO’s involvement in advocacy on aged care reform at the National level. VACCHO sees this auspice arrangement as an opportunity to strengthen the advocacy capacity of Aboriginal communities and aged care service providers. *Productivity Commission Report on Government Services 2014 – Aged Care (Chapter 13) http://www. pc.gov.au/gsp/rogs January 2014 downloaded 3/2/14 For more information please contact: Noeleen Tunny at noeleent@vaccho. com.au

01 Stolen Generations Program brings healing to Ballarat

08 Aboriginal Health and the Victorian Election: Strong Culture, Thriving Communities

02 VACCHO forges new links with the Victorian Aboriginal Committee for Aged Care and Disability

10 Q&A with Suzie Squires, VACCHO’s new Board Member

03 Koori Maternity Services Annual Women’s Business Forum 05 Community profile with Josh Muir 07 New Victorian Aboriginal healthy eating campaign

11 Sharing Best Practice in Aboriginal Tobacco Control Workshop 2014 13 Supporting youth in our community from metro Melbourne to Hastings and Echuca 14 Around the traps


Koori Maternity Services Annual Women’s Business Forum

The KMS workforce – Annual Women’s Business Forum, Phillip Island 2014 Inset: Anna Urbanski from Opening to Life presenting on Birth Hypnosis Bottom: Diabetes Victoria and KMS workers: Left to right Stephanie Thow - GEGAC, Kathy Owen - Rumbalara, Colin Mitchel - Diabetes Vic, Richelle Jackson - Northern Hospital, Shakara Montalto - VACCHO, Joy Kingdom - Diabete Vic and Martin Plowman - Diabetes Vic.

In October VACCHO held a successful Koori Maternity Services (KMS) Annual Women’s Business Forum and Steering Committee meeting on beautiful Boon Wurrung Country at Phillip Island. The Annual Women’s Business Forum provided twenty-three KMS staff with a wide range of engaging presentations: •

An update of the Felt-mum resource

How ‘Hypno-birthing’ is fast becoming an alternative option for mums

The relaxation methods of Aboriginal Tai Chi as well as participants learning about the traditional philosophies of Tai Chi

Hands on Implanon training

Sexual and reproductive health

Alcohol and drug resource opportunities

Progress of the Maternal Child Health Project

Update from the Department of Health.

These informative and interactive sessions allowed staff from each of the KMS sites to catch up with each other and hear the latest information relevant to take back to their communities (12 out of 14 KMS sites across Victoria were represented). At the Forum we celebrated the career of Lyn Rickerby who has been the midwife at Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-Operative Ltd for over ten years. She announced her retirement at the Forum and it was very emotional for Lyn. Her wealth of knowledge and contributions will be missed and we would like to thank Lyn for her dedication and commitment to the Victorian Koori Maternity Services and wish her all the best in the future. VACCHO NEWS Spring 2014

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CONTINUED from PAGE 1

Healing Camp The Healing Camp was arranged for the Stolen Generation or siblings who have been affected from past removal policies. Held out at Camp Jungai in Thornton near Lake Eildon, we provided thirteen clients the opportunity to open up and express their true feelings. This also gave them ‘time out’ from their daily routines, which lead to some healing for their journeys. Some of the activities we planned with Uncle Roy Patterson were: •

Welcome to Country

Cultural History yarn of the Taungurung lands

Bush Tucker and Bush Medicine.

Alister McKeich, the Senior Case Manager from the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) visited us at the camp and spoke about the Royal Commission into Institutional Sexual Abuse. Massages were offered to the clients to relieve some of the stress, and we ventured out sightseeing to Lake Eildon, Eildon township, Thornton, Alexander and Snobs Waterfall. Other social activities included trivia games, charades, cards, fishing, painting and bush walking by the river. We even toasted marshmallows and yarned around the camp fire with Uncle Roy. Feedback from the Healing camp “Thank you so much, this is the first break and holiday I have had in many years” “It has been so relaxing and we have had a great time” “Can we do it again, a mystery camp next time?” “I don’t want to go home”, said by all the clients “Can we stay longer?”- said by all clients “When will you/ BADAC be having another camp?”

What we achieve to do at BADAC BADAC’s Stolen Generation Worker’s (SGW) supports our clients in a friendly and holistic manner where we gain the trust and confidence of our clients. As SGWs we assist our clients in a variety of ways, such as accessing appropriate services that meet their cultural, social, spiritual and emotional needs. Some of the key duties and responsibilities of a Stolen Generation Worker: •

Support the client in difficult times

Attend and support with doctors’ appointments, paperwork and Centrelink

Network with mainstream agencies to meet the needs of our clients

Be a support person for their family when a loved one is experiencing palliative care

Support the client with family reunions

Help with family histories and genealogies

Organise family history tracings for the Koori Youth Group

Attend meetings at the Ballarat Orphanage/ Children’s Home

Be a support person for the client through a compensation claim, and now, the process of applying for an ex-gracia payment

Process Confirmations of Aboriginality for the Board of Directors at BADAC

Present to the Federation University students, Secondary College students and mainstream org’s in relation to the Stolen Generation history.

“Can we come back to camp Jungai?” “Thankyou for organising the camp, we have had the best time ever” “This is the best holiday I have ever had” “The food was awesome and plentiful and we were fed like kings”

For more information about the Stolen Generation Program at BADAC contact Karen Monaghan Phone: 03 53315344 Email: kmonaghan@badac.net.au


Community profile with Josh Muir Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta man. Ballarat born and raised, 23 years young. and sort of an art set up so I could

I had a lot of opportunities with

interview recorded with Josh

do my thing and I guess over time

basketball but there was also the

(5 - 11 October, 2014). It featured

things. Basketball and art became a

This profile was originally an

Muir during Mental Health Week

as I grew up, I took to them two

on our radio show called

huge part of my life so I guess that’s

Yarnin’ Health which goes to air every fortnight on Wednesday

where the journey starts.

downtime where I used to do a lot of drawing as a hobby. I guess I had that balance between sport and creativity. As I got older, I kind of explored the creative side a bit more

from 2-3pm on

and was fortunate enough

Indigenous run

with it, I ran with it, and

station, 3KND Kool n

with it now due to that

Melbourne’s only

to have a bit of success

community radio

now I am where I’m at

Deadly FM.

hobby.

We wanted to share

Dylan: Excellent brother, excellent, now part of

this story with our

your journey is also

readers (as well as our

encountering some

listeners) and we thank

demons along the way

Josh Muir for speaking

brother, do you want

so personally about

to give us a bit of a

his journey in finding

background story about

strength when times

some of the struggles

got tough. Josh’s story

you had in becoming the

was featured on the

deadly artist that you are

ABC’s Speak Your Mind television show. His

now?

contemporary art style

Josh: My art is based on

has become popular

experience, on emotions,

among community and

dreams. From when I

was voted People’s

was 13 or 14 I had a bit

Choice Awards in the Victorian Art Awards. You can see his deadly art style in the Say No to Racism campaign. Josh: I grew up in Ballarat born and raised, I’m 23 years young,

Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta man, I call Ballarat home now. As a young kid I think I was about 3 or 4; I was

of hard time coping with Dylan: So tell us what your dreams were when you were growing up? You said that you played a lot of sports and you’re a champion basket baller too, but what pushed you towards art? Was that always a dream or was that something that

bought a basketball ring because

just came about?

back then everyone wanted to “be

Josh: Basketball consumed a lot of

like Mike”. There was also an easel

my life, you know, I was successful.

things that were going on in my life and I reached for things that weren’t necessarily the right things to reach for and ended up with a bit of a problem being substance abuse. I went ‘off the rails’ for a little while and I lost a lot of support and people were getting frustrated with me and when I hit 19, I had to stand on my own two feet, went out into VACCHO NEWS Spring 2014

5


the big bad world and it wasn’t until that point that I realised I needed to reach out for help because I was just a young fella and it was a positive way for me to move forward. So I started a treatment plan and that’s really helped me in my mind in stabilising my thoughts and helped me become the man I am today. Dylan: You were recently featured on the ABC television show called Speak your mind (During Mental Health Week) can you tell us a bit about that came about? Josh: We had a Koori forum in Ballarat that focused on the youth and their ideas and what they want to see happen in the community. ABC were filming the kids and how they felt about racism. I created my story for the ABC open project and they showcased it as part of Mental Health Week so that’s how that all came about. Dylan: Congratulations on that brother, because that is quite an achievement to do and it’s an amazing journey…tell us, when you started doing your art work, I noticed in the ABC show you said that it saved you from your depression and the path that you

were going. How did this start and what motivated you to speak your mind with your art? Josh: Being Aboriginal we’ve got a type of art and way of storytelling. I guess I’ve got a lot of influence from my culture but it’s not necessarily a (traditional) cultural style, it’s more of a contemporary style. I still incorporate stories and meaningful things in the paintings. I guess it was more of a way of dealing with my emotions at that time, going through depression, having anxiety and that was just a

way for me to vent in a positive way rather than to create dramas like I said earlier and go down a different path. I think it was more like a therapy for me and it gives me a bit of balance from everything that was going on in my life Dylan: Excellent, so when you start a piece what are some of the thoughts that may be going through your mind whenever you sit down and have a bit of a sketch? Josh: Sometimes I try not to think too much about what I’m doing, just let it flow, but when I look back at the piece it sort of makes more sense but I guess experiences like relationships coming to an end, people going their own way are all just experiences through life like things that I can draw on and turn into a positive story, I think that’s where I get my real satisfaction from and when people look at that and appreciate it, it makes it even more rewarding. The biggest achievement for me would have to be the People’s Choice Art Award that was at the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards and that’s a really prestigious thing for the Victorian community and winning the People’s Choice Award was like the icing on the cake for me it opened a lot of doors, I’ve been doing a lot of cool things ever since that. That would have to be one of the highlights. There’s been many, but that would have to be one that stood out. Dylan: What advice do you have for listeners out there that may be struggling with similar situations that you have faced in the past, what advice would you like to give to them brother? Josh: If I could go back and tell my 15 year-old self or just younger

people who are going through similar stuff to what I went through, I guess it would be, don’t be afraid to show your strength of character – don’t fall for peer pressure. You don’t have to fit in to be cool, you can just do your own thing and focus on what you want in life and really make yourself happy that way, but if you are struggling with any mental health issues that may be affecting your education or family life or social life, reach out for help and don’t be afraid to talk to someone about your issues. Dylan: No shame in that aye brother Josh: No shame brother, no shame. Dylan: Deadly brother, deadly. What would you like to say to your community? You’ve identified with a number of communities so any shout outs to Ballarat mob down there? Josh: Yeah to all the Ballarat mob who have supported me through thick and thin, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, if it wasn’t for the people, I guess I don’t think I would be in the position I’m in today, and to my family, I love you and I’ll see yous all soon and to everyone else who has supported me outside of Ballarat be it Horsham anywhere else across Victoria across the Nation, thanks heaps I appreciate everything you’ve done for me I won’t forget it. We would like to thank Catherine Ivinson for transcribing this interview.


New Victorian Aboriginal healthy eating campaign VACCHO has partnered with the Cancer Council Victoria and the Heart Foundation to produce a radio ad that encourages Victorian Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander community members to make small changes to their eating habits for better health and wellbeing. First aired on 17 August 2014, the 30 second ad voiced and recorded by Wotjobaluk man Dylan Clarke - VACCHO Radio Programme Project Officer, asks

the listener why they would ruin their body by eating unhealthy, processed snacks, if being in touch with nature and the land is what keeps their families and communities grounded and healthy. Keep a listen out for the ad on community radio stations around Victoria or visit www.vaccho.org.au/nutrition.

and meal and activity planners might be useful for their Community. The website is a work in progress and VACCHO will collaborate with the Cancer Council Victoria on its redevelopment. Visit livelighter.com.au Please contact the VACCHO Nutrition and Physical Activity Team if you have any queries on 03 9411 9411 or the following emails. •

Petah Atkinson petaha@vaccho.com.au

Jennifer Browne jenniferb@vaccho.com.au

Catherine MacDonald catherinem@vaccho.com.au

The radio ad is part of the LiveLighter campaign; a new Victorian social marketing campaign delivered by the Cancer Council Victoria in partnership with the Heart Foundation, promoting healthy weight through healthy eating and physical activity. LiveLighter campaign key messages: Start to LiveLighter today. Making small changes to your lifestyle can make a difference – eat a wide variety of healthy foods and move your body more. •

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes and other chronic illness

Fat around your waist is bad but toxic fat around your vital organs (such as the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas) is worse

Find out what is happening in your local area to promote healthy eating and physical activity

Try to make a change where you work, live or play

The LiveLighter website – www.livelighter.com.au provides information and resources to support and encourage people in making healthy lifestyle changes. VACCHO is a LiveLighter campaign supporter and we encourage all ACCHO staff to familiarise themselves with this website and see how the information, recipes VACCHO NEWS Spring 2014

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Aboriginal Health and the Victorian Election: Strong Culture, Thriving Communities In the lead up to the 29 November Victorian

Well-designed cultural awareness and cultural

Strong Culture, Thriving Communities. This

change effectively reduces prejudice and false

state election, VACCHO released a paper:

paper makes ten recommendations to the

new Victorian government and focuses on the need for real commitment to strengthening

safety training which focuses on behavioural perceptions of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Aboriginal cultural qualities, sustainability

Implementing a comprehensive approach to

engagement with Aboriginal communities in

the gap in health outcomes and life expectancy for

of the community controlled sector, and

cultural safety is integral to successfully closing

all aspects of their health and wellbeing.

Aboriginal Victorians, across Victoria.

The Aboriginal Community Controlled sector

A commitment to sector sustainability

needs a strong cultural platform for this year’s state election because we are, at heart and by constitution, Aboriginal community organisations. It is vital for the new Labor government to show real commitment to culture, to sustainability of the community controlled health sector, and to working

Every Victorian Aboriginal community needs its own community based, locally owned, culturally appropriate and adequately resourced primary health care facility. Under the Statement of Intent to Close the Gap,

with Aboriginal communities.

Victoria committed to supporting and developing

A commitment to Cultural Qualities

controlled health services in urban, rural and

Since 2008, both Labor and Liberal Victorian governments have committed to ensuring services

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community remote areas. However, since the implementation of the Closing the Gap policies in 2009, few

provided to Aboriginal clients are safe, positive,

ACCHOs in Victoria have benefitted from

welcoming, culturally appropriate and non-

infrastructure investments, as VACCHO’s Members

discriminatory.

are often forced to compete with mainstream

VACCHO is calling on the new Victorian government to introduce a comprehensive Aboriginal Cultural Safety Strategy. This proposed Strategy includes expansion of clinical placements in ACCHOs and funding for the further development and expansion of cultural safety training in Aboriginal health to state-funded service providers.

services for available funding. VACCHO has asked the new government for a substantial investment in infrastructure of $50 million over four years for Victorian ACCHOs. This amount is based on a needs assessment conducted by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria in 2012, which showed a ten year predicted infrastructure need in ACCHOs of nearly $120 million.


A commitment to Engagement with communities

The new Government’s Commitments to Aboriginal Health

Partnership approaches to the delivery of care to Aboriginal Victorians must ensure equity and fair relationships between partners. Where ACCHOs are partnered with mainstream organisations to deliver services, it is critical that ACCHOs play a central role as the experts in culturally appropriate care. Contract and partnership arrangements should ensure that roles and responsibilities of each partner are clear. When government is determining how to award funding for Aboriginal health, preference should be given to applicants with a strong history of equitable partnerships with the community controlled sector.

Prior to the election, Labor made several commitments to Aboriginal health including developing cultural protocols with Aboriginal communities, improving access and choice in birthing services, and improving access to mental health and drug and alcohol services.

The Aboriginal Community Controlled sector needs an approach to planning, implementation and evaluation of Aboriginal health in Victoria that involves Aboriginal people, their communities and representative organisations in planning, implementation and evaluation. VACCHO has also encouraged the Victorian government to work better with the Federal government. We want both the Victorian and Federal governments to focus on the specific health needs of the Victorian Aboriginal community, including: • better mental health services • addressing the impact of racism on Aboriginal communities • a focus on chronic and complex health conditions. VACCHO wants a new government approach to Aboriginal health in Victoria, one that directly involves Aboriginal people and their community organisations.

VACCHO welcomes Labor’s commitment to developing cultural protocols. It is important that any cultural protocols be developed not only in partnership with, but led by, Aboriginal communities. The focus on maternal and child health, mental health and substance use reflects real need in the community; Aboriginal people across Victoria experience very high rates of

mental illness and improved coordination between community controlled and mainstream maternity services is essential. VACCHO also welcomes the opportunity to build on our engagement with Labor through new relationships with Natalie Hutchins as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Jill Hennessy as Minster for Health and Ambulance Services, and Martin Foley as Minister for Housing, Minister for Disability and Ageing, and Minister for Mental Health and Equality and Creative Industries. VACCHO as the auspice for the Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance

also looks forward to working with Minister Jenny Mikakos as Minister for Families and Children and Minister for Youth Affairs. We look forward to working with the new Labor government to make sure that Aboriginal communities across Victoria have access to community based, locally owned, culturally appropriate and sustainable health care.

For more information please contact Fleur Smith on 03 9411 9411 or fleurs@vaccho.com.au.


Q&A with Suzie Squires VACCHO’s new Board Member What is the value of a board to an organisation? Boards are the backbone to our service and are responsible for maintaining and focussing on the strategic direction of our organisation.

Who’s your mob? Traditionally my family is from Yuin Country in NSW around the Moruya and Batemans Bay area and I have lived in beautiful Lakes Entrance Victoria all my life. Which VACCHO Member are you affiliated with and currently what is your role? I have worked at Lake Tyers Health and Children’s Services (LTHCS) going on five years now. I started as the Early Years Aboriginal Health Worker and have recently changed roles to the Human Resources Officer. I am also the Vice Chair of the LTHCS Board.

What do you wish other people knew about in the Aboriginal health sector? That there is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make health services run efficient quality services.

Why were you interested in being on the VACCHO Board?

What do you think will change in Aboriginal health over the next 10 years?

I have a strong interest in governance and the role it plays in strengthening our organisations.

I think we will see more of our mob training in the health sector as medical and clinical health professionals and allied health professionals.

How did you first get involved in Aboriginal health? I previously worked in mainstream health as an Administration Assistant but felt that I wanted to do more. When I heard about Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and that VACCHO was going to begin a class at Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust, I knew that through completing the Certificate I would be able to give back to the community I grew up in who had given me so much.

FOR MORE INFO ON ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY CONTROLLED HEALTH SERVICES IN VICTORIA GO TO

www.vaccho. org.au/about-us/ our-membership/ members/


Sharing Best Practice in Aboriginal Tobacco Control Workshop 2014

Image (L-R): Smokes and Jokes comedy show. Dawn McGuinness, Denise McGuinness, Kevin Kropinyeri and Jason Tamiru Inset (L-R): Panel discussions participants: Dylan Clarke, Jethro Calma–Holt, Mandy Caddy and Kassey Edwards.

The Sharing Best Practice in Aboriginal

in supporting Aboriginal people to stop smoking.

of the Best Practice Forum for Aboriginal

household and smoking during pregnancy.

Tobacco Control Workshop is an initiative Tobacco Control jointly chaired by the Department of Health and VACCHO.

The main focus of the workshop was smoking in the One of the highlights of the workshop was the amazing performances from the cast of the

On 21-22 October, the Department of Health

Smokes and Jokes comedy show. Other highlights

and VACCHO held a workshop on Sharing

included panel discussions around smoking in the

Best Practice in Aboriginal Tobacco Control at

home and during pregnancy and presentations

Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Ltd

including nicotine replacement therapy – how to

(VACSAL) in Northcote.

offer the best support to your clients.

The aim of the Workshop was to bring together

Overall the Workshop was very successful and

Aboriginal health workers, Tackling Smoking and

participants gained useful information and resources.

Healthy Lifestyle teams and other health care

VACCHO and the Department of Health hope to run

professionals who are dedicated to and/or interested

another workshop in the first half of 2015. VACCHO NEWS Spring 2014

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Speak Your Mind ABC Open https://open. abc.net.au/ people/14768

Image: ABC Open Ballarat

Josh Muir Spark to the flame


Supporting youth in our community from metro Melbourne to Hastings and Echuca This year VACCHO staff donated their Kris Kringle money to support the following youth services.

Bert Williams Centre

Marg Tucker Hostel Bunjilwarra Koori Youth Alcohol and Drug Healing Service

Baroona Youth Healing Place

Whitelion / MAYSAR

The Bert Willimans Centre is a youth Hostel providing Koorie male youth with case management, independent living and life skills, networking with other relevant Aboriginal agencies for support and assistance with the underlying premise to refer Koorie male youth to medium term accommodation and/or reconnect to their families and community. Head Office: 496 High Street, Northcote, VIC 3070 Tel: 03 9416 4266 Email: vacsal@vacsal.org.au The Marg Tucker Hostel is a hostel providing supported accommodation for young Aboriginal girls and their children aged 15 to 18 years. 113 Perry Street, Fairfield VIC 3078 Tel: 03 9482 1161 Email: info@margarettucker.org Bunjilwarra Koori Youth Alcohol and Drug Healing Service is a 12 bed alcohol and other drugs residential rehabilitation and healing service for Aboriginal young people (male and female) aged between 16 and 25 years. It is a purpose-built, state-wide service situated on a 1.7 hectare site in Hastings, Victoria. Hastings, Victoria. Tel: 03 5979 2011 Email: info@bunjilwarra.org.au Baroona Youth Healing Place is a safe and confidential place for young people aged between 14 –22 years. The centre offers a 16 week Residential Journey to Heal the Spirit. The stay is then followed by a post support program over a time decided by staff and the young person themselves. Murray Valley Highway, Echuca Victoria 3564 Email: Baroona@njernda.com.au www.njernda.com.au Whitelion/MAYSAR is a non-profit organisation that supports disadvantaged young people. Whitelion’s mission is to build meaningful relationships and create opportunities that enable highly vulnerable and high risk young people to reconnect with society and reach their potential. Whitelion provides youth focussed, culturally and gender specific programs including mentoring, employment, role modelling and specialist outreach. Head Office: 155 Roden Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003 Tel:1300 669 600 or 03 8354 0800 www.whitelion@whitelion.asn.au VACCHO NEWS Spring 2014

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VACCHO’s Cancer Victoria Girls’ Night In

The VACCHO Cancer Victoria Girls’ Night In on 07/11/2014 was a great success – we raised $500 for Cancer Victoria VACCHO’s female staff brought along six children and guests from the southern area. The Sumo wrestling was a highlight of the night and a huge success and Angelina and Sammy’s Beauty Shop raised $82. Ladies were asked to wear their onesies and most did once we settled down. Seven ladies and four children slept over and ended the night (about 11pm) by spreading out on our makeshift beds in the boardroom and watching movies.

Around the traps


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VACCHO Board Members Jason B. King: Chairperson Marcus Clarke: Vice Chairperson Andrew Gardiner: Board Member Hilary Saunders: Board Member Suzie Squires: Board Member Kevin Williams: Board Member Daphne Yarram: Board Member

stories | IDEAS | FEEDBACK

Don’t forget this is your newsletter and we need your stories and ideas.

VACCHO Members • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Aboriginal Community Elders Services Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative Cummeragunja Housing & Development Aboriginal Corporation Dandenong and District Aborigines Cooperative Ltd (incorporating Bunurong Health Service) Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service Gippsland & East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-operative Healesville Indigenous Community Services Association Kirrae Health Services Inc. Lake Tyers Health & Children’s Service

17-23 Sackville Street Collingwood VIC 3066 P 03 9411 9411 F 03 9411 9599 E enquiries@vaccho.org.au

www.vaccho.org.au Follow us on

If you would like to give us story ideas or comment on our newsletter please contact our Communications Officer Taloi Havini on 03 9411 9411 or on communications@vaccho.com.au.

• Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association • Melbourne Aboriginal Youth Sport & Recreation Co-operative • Mallee District Aboriginal Services • Kerang Aboriginal Community Centre • Swan Hill & District Aboriginal Co-operative • Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland Inc. • Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation • Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative • Ngwala Willumbong Cooperative • Njernda Aboriginal Corporation • Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation • Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Services • Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd • Victorian Aboriginal Health Service • Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative • Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation VACCHO News Winter 2014


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