FIRST QUARTER, 2016

In this issue...02 A message from Vicki O’Halloran Northern Territory Government Support03 Meet our inaugural Somerville Ambassadors04 Christmas gifts and donations06 Annual Gift Wrapping Service08 Somerville Christmas Carols10 Christmas Appeal11 Recognising our long-service staff members11 Corporate support and sponsors12 Financial Services – No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) AddsUP matched savings plan13 Step Forward Kormilda College14 Lucy’s 50th Birthday Bereavement – Craig Tasman15 Making the news this quarter... Recharge Scheme16 Wingara Mura Summer Program at SCA Staff Profile – Manisha Gurang

The NT Human Rights Awards commemorate the work of Tony Fitzgerald, a passionate advocate for human rights and celebrates those who promote, encourage and advocate for human rights. There are four award categories:

1. The Fitzgerald Youth Award2. The Fitzgerald Justice Award3. The Fitzgerald Social Change Award4. The Fitzgerald Diversity Award

The Fitzgerald Diversity Award is for individuals or organisations whose activities focus on promoting, protecting

and fulfilling human rights of diverse communities in the Northern Territory.

The 2015 joint winners were Football Without Borders and Somerville Community Services – Workplace Diversity Group.

Workplace diversity is one of Somerville’s greatest strengths with 79 per cent of employees originating from non-English speaking backgrounds. These valuable employees bring a wide range of cultural, professional and personal experiences to our organisation.

Somerville continues to foster a supportive and harmonious work environment in

which all employees are respected, their diverse strengths acknowledged and values from their own cultures are welcomed.

Somerville is a long-standing multicultural organisation committed to structural integration that includes positions of leadership.

We value diversity and will continue to focus on promoting, protecting and fulfilling human rights through our Workplace Diversity Group.

Congratulations to Liza Metcalfe and Somerville’s Workplace Diversity Group.

The NT Human Rights Awards – honouring special contributions

WWW.SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU

Photo L-R: Somerville Manager and Workplace Diversity Group Chair, Liza Metcalfe and CEO, Vicki O’Halloran in receipt of The NT Human Rights Fitzgerald Diversity Award.

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A message from our CEO – Vicki O’Halloran

I am writing this editorial in the second week of January in Darwin. It is humid, the main streets are quiet, many restaurants remain closed after Christmas, the frangipanis are in bloom and the storms are magnificent.

At Somerville we are sorting through our files, archiving where necessary and our many decorations are coming down. Our calendar is colourful and is full of meetings and events in 2016, our 51st year.

I would especially like to thank our sponsors for their generosity over the festive season. Your donations ensured all Territorians needing assistance received hampers, vouchers or gifts.

Within this newsletter you will see acknowledgement of this generosity.

We look forward to sharing our stories with you throughout 2016 and I know in typical Somerville style it will be a dynamic 12 months. I can also assure you our teams will be focused on our Mission “to impact positively on the dignity and quality of life of people who are affected by social and economic disadvantage”.

Our mantra this year is “With an open mind and generous heart you can achieve great things. Together we can do this.” Vicki O‘Halloran AM CEO, Somerville Community Services

It’s a sad fact that an overwhelming number of Territory families would have gone without this Christmas if it had not have been for the generous support of the Northern Territory Government. A big thank you to the Northern Territory Government for your ongoing support.

The Board of Somerville Community Services would like to acknowledge the support of the Northern Territory Government to purchase gifts and hamper items for those most in need over the Christmas period.

Their support was immeasurable and we are extremely grateful we were able to bring so much joy to disadvantaged families, children and youth. A big thank you to the Northern Territory Government for your ongoing support.

Northern Territory Government Support

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Meet our inaugural Somerville Ambassadors

The Somerville Community Services Board is proud to announce that Mr Ron Burridge and Mrs Robyne Burridge have been named the inaugural Somerville Ambassadors.

This prestigious award recognises their ongoing commitment and service to our organisation for over three decades.

Ron has been an avid fundraiser and incredible community supporter. He understands our history better

than many; the complexity and challenges facing our organisation; and is openly proud of what we do and who we are.

Robyne is a natural leader and the type of Ambassador every organisation needs. The work undertaken in her own business and in community resonates with Somerville’s own social goals, we work in partnership to achieve a shared vision.

We are privileged to be associated with both Ron and Robyne. They are respected, popular and eminent Territorians who share our values and devotion to supporting others less fortunate in our community.

The Somerville Ambassador Program is an initiative of the Somerville Board and was launched as part of our 50th birthday celebrations.

Inaugural Somerville Ambassadors Ron and Robyne Burridge with Somerville Board Members. Back Row L-R: John Edwards, Daphne Read AO, Meredith Day and Margaret Black. Front Row L-R: Vicki O’Halloran AM, Robyne and Ron Burridge.

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Christmas gifts and donations

Somerville was overwhelmed by the generous support of our Christmas Appeal from businesses, construction workers and other groups in the Territory.

This generous spirit allowed Somerville to distribute large numbers of food hampers and gifts to hundreds of individuals and families just in time for Christmas.

More people than ever are turning to organisations like Somerville for assistance in the current economic climate. It is no longer only vulnerable groups such as the homeless seeking relief, but also the aged, single parents, pensioners and the working poor.

Somerville would like to personally thank the following businesses and groups.

The Essington School Community

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the students, parents and teachers of The Essington School who provided a large volume of non-perishable food items and gifts to Somerville. Sara Materazzo is a champion!

JKC Australia

JKC Australia’s 6,500 employees working on the NT INPEX onshore LNG project donated pallets of food and presents to St Vincent de Paul Society, Salvation Army and Somerville Community Services.

In addition, JKC management made a significant donation of ‘Groceries Only Gift Cards’. JKC staff also kindly volunteered on our Christmas Gift Wrapping Service.

Thank you to JKC management and staff for your kind support of Somerville and bringing much valued relief to many struggling Territorians.

Monadelphous

We give our genuine thanks to the employees of the Monadelphous Group who provided a large amount of non-perishable food and presents to the Somerville Christmas Hamper Appeal.

Monadelphous is a leading Australian engineering group heavily involved in the Darwin Ichthys LNG Project.

East Arm Civil Pty Ltd

A big thank you to East Arm Civil employees who contributed a large donation of gifts for struggling Territory families. East Arm Civil Pty Ltd are also heavily involved in the Darwin Ichthys LNG Project.

Nightcliff Electorate

Also a big thank you to Nightcliff MLA Natasha Fyles and her electorate for their kind donation of food to help struggling NT families.

Distribution

All donated food was packaged to make several hundred hampers. Donated toys were organised into various age categories, gift wrapped and delivered to those less fortunate.

A big thank you to everyone who

donated items, your generosity

certainly reinforced that Christmas

is all about giving.

Some of the large pallet-loads of donated non-perishable food and toys provided by JKC Australia’s 6,500 NT employees.

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A number of the bighearted Monadelphous staff who donated food and presents to Somerville’s Christmas Appeal.

Some of the presents and food donated to Somerville by students, parents and teachers of The Essington School.

Natasha Fyles MLA with some of the generous food donations provided by members of her Nightcliff electorate.

L-R: Somerville’s Ruth Rogerson with Fiona Carey from East Arm Civil unpacking big bags of toys.

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The annual Christmas Gift Wrapping Service was another great success this year thanks to the many volunteers who donated their time to this wonderful community event.

Over 200 volunteers took part including Somerville Board members and staff, politicians, school students and staff, construction workers, corporate groups and many other individuals.

Our sincere thanks also to the management and staff at Casuarina Shopping Square, Palmerston Shopping Centre

and Mitchell Centre for allowing us to undertake this fundraising event on their premises, and of course the thousands of shoppers who used our wrapping service.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved. Without your help we would be unable to manage this major fundraising event.

Last but not least, a special thank you to Daphne Read, Liza Metcalfe, Carolyn Cendo and Terri-Anne Dureau for organising and managing this important event.

Annual Gift Wrapping Service

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Somerville Christmas Carols

Somerville together with the community, celebrated Christmas with the amazing voices of the Darwin Chorale, Darwin Youth Choir and the Sing Song Signers at Parliament House.

Somerville Christmas Carols have been a part of Darwin Christmas celebrations for more than 30 years and this is the fifth year that the Carols have been held at Parliament House.

Somerville wishes to thank Madam Speaker, the Honourable Kezia Purick, for her patronage of the event.

To the talented singers of the Darwin Chorale, Darwin Youth Choir, the Sing Song Signers and our very own Somerville Choir, we thank you. What an outstanding array of voices!

Congratulations to Debbie Bampton, Bonnie Solly and David Sheasby for organising this successful event.

Thank you to everyone involved for once again donating their time and amazing talent. A big thank you also to all the guests who attended and added to the evening with their participation and wonderful voices.

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The Mayor of Palmerston, Mr Ian Abbott and Somerville Manager Kerry Boswell with students from the Palmerston Christian School at the launch of the Christmas Gift Giving Appeal, Target Departmental Store, Palmerston.

Christmas Appeal

Somerville would like to thank the hundreds of people who donated items to the 2015 Christmas Appeal, formerly Operation Santa, at Target stores in Palmerston and Katherine.

The Mayor of Palmerston, Mr Ian Abbott, officially opened the Appeal at the Target store in Palmerston where guests and shoppers enjoyed

festivities and entertainment from The Palmerston Christian School Choir.

There were many stories about ongoing donors, confirming once again that people in the Northern Territory are amongst the most generous in the country. Target staff advised that some shoppers went to the extent of purchasing gifts on lay-by and then donating them to the Appeal. Others donated gifts worth hundreds of dollars

and many children helped with their own donations.

The presents were gratefully accepted and appreciated by all individuals and families who received them and staff felt honoured to have brought a smile to so many faces.

A big thank you to Target and UnitingCare for their continued support of this wonderful program now in its 24th year.

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Recognising our long-service staff members

Corporate support and sponsors

Loyal, dependable staff are the backbone of Somerville, particularly those who serve for an extended period.

These dedicated people provide stability, corporate knowledge and an understanding of the values that drive us to deliver excellence in service standards.

Each year at the Somerville Christmas party we recognise the contribution of our long-service staff members with a certificate and trophy to celebrate their individual milestones.

This year, two of our dedicated staff, Carolyn Cendo and Liza Metcalfe achieved the 30 year milestone.

Congratulations to Carolyn, Liza

and all of the 2015 recipients of

these prestigious awards. Your

hard work over the years is very

much appreciated.

Somerville was extremely fortunate throughout 2015 to receive ongoing support from a host of businesses, government departments and individuals, primarily through financial contributions and in-kind or discounted goods and services.

We would especially like to acknowledge those businesses and individuals who supplied items to be raffled or donated cash to purchase prizes for the Somerville Staff Christmas Party.

This is a major event and we wish to thank staff for their hard work and extra effort throughout the year.

Thank you to the following generous sponsors:

• Cazalys

• Savvas Footwear

• Dolly O’Reilly’s

• Allora Gardens

• Easy Glass

• Curtains On Cavenagh

• The House of Pearls

• Elaine Castles

• Bonnie Solly

• Flowers from the Heart

• Quality Hotel Darwin Airport

• Forty Winks

• Cricket and Football Shop

• Community Benefit Fund

• Stuart Park Pharmacy

• Shamrock Chemicals

• Parap Fine Foods

• Di CROCO

• J & I Electrical

• Indo Pacific Marine

• Hanuman Restaurant

• Q Framing

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Financial Counsellor Vicki Borzi assisting a client with a No Interest Loan.

Financial Services – No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)

Financial Services – AddsUP matched savings plan

The Somerville No Interest Loans Scheme provides people on low incomes with flexible and affordable credit for the purchase of essential household items.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the scheme:

What items can be purchased?

• Loans can be used for the purchase of basic household items, including fridges, washing machines, beds, mattresses and dining tables.

What do applicants need to do through the process?

• All applicants are required to attend an interview to discuss their application.

• Information required includes name, address, accommodation status and purpose of the loan required.

• We will also require proof of identity, tenancy agreement and details of your income and expenses as well as total outstanding debts.

Who is eligible?

People applying for loans must meet all of the following criteria:

• Applicants must reside in the Darwin, Palmerston and outer Darwin area with postcodes 0800 through to 0836.

• The applicants name must be on a lease agreement.

• Centrelink recipients or low income earners must be eligible for a current Health Care Card.

• Applicants must have the ability and willingness to repay the loan.

The Somerville No Interest Loans Scheme is nationally accredited under the Good Shepherd Microfinance model.

For more information about either AddsUP or NILS please do not hesitate to contact Somerville on 08 8935 1500.

AddsUP is a matched savings plan which helps people on low incomes develop financial independence through an incentive savings program.

Here’s how it works...

An applicant commits to saving $500 within a 6-12 month period. Once this

target is reached, the National Australia Bank (NAB) will “once-off” match the $500, bringing the total savings of $1,000. Savings can be used for any purpose and accessed at any time.

Applying for AddsUP is a very simple online process and the service is available to any client who has successfully repaid their No Interest Loan.

AddsUP is a joint initiative developed by Good Shepherd Microfinance and NAB. It is underpinned by the principles of trust, respect and non-judgement of people and their financial circumstances.

Please contact Somerville on 08 8935 1500 for further details.

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Clients receiving their Step Forward certificates from Somerville staff. L-R: Standing – Supported Accommodation Case Worker Sheree Smellin, Financial Counsellor Coordinator Eddie Boath, Family Support Worker/Counsellor Manisha Goel. Seated – Kelly Jenkins, Mia Rotumah, Briohny Reynolds.

Manual Lemos receiving his medallion, award and cheque from Somerville Manager, Graham Franklin.

Step Forward

Kormilda College

A number of Somerville clients have

recently completed the supported

accommodation training program,

Step Forward.

The course was developed by Somerville

staff and equips participants with social,

financial and interpersonal skills which enable them to cope with the increasing demands and challenges of everyday life.

Delivered over four months, the program comprises eight modules and on completion participants receive a certificate endorsing them as preferred tenants.

The program is open to all clients accessing Somerville services.

For more information please phone Sheree Smellin on 08 8935 1500.

Supporting students and encouraging leadership at Kormilda College.

Each year Somerville encourages and supports the students of Kormilda College to develop leadership skills and serve their community. For many years Somerville has offered the Somerville Leadership and Community Service Award to acknowledge outstanding students in these areas.

At the Kormilda College 2015 End of Year Award Night, many student achievements were acknowledged, graduates farewelled and the winner of the Somerville Leadership and Community Service Award was announced.

This year’s recipient, Manual Lemos, is described as an enthusiastic participant in many activities around the college and wider community. One of his major tasks has been raising funds for Hope Familia Orphanage in Timor Leste.

Somerville is proud to support Kormilda College and congratulates Manual on his outstanding achievements.

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Lucy celebrating her birthday with her brother Adrian (standing directly behind Lucy) and family. Vicki and Elinor both attended Lucy’s special birthday celebrations.

Lucy’s 50th Birthday

Bereavement – Craig Tasman

Lucy Napurrula’s 50th birthday was a very special day for Somerville staff in Katherine, her family and friends and of course Lucy.

Somerville staff travelled to Katherine to celebrate this important milestone

with Lucy, while her brother, sister-in-law, children and grandchildren came from Lajamanu to join the celebrations.

A special guest on the day was retired Somerville Coordinator, Elinor Hillock, who has known Lucy since she joined Somerville 25 years ago.

Lucy is always recognised for her beautiful smile and her happiness was evident on the day.

Guests enjoyed a delicious spread and a huge birthday cake as they participated in a wonderful celebration. We wish you all the very best in the year ahead Lucy!

Craig Tasman sadly passed away on Saturday, 9 January 2016 at the Royal Darwin Hospital, Palliative Care Unit at age 40.

Craig was a beautiful person, much loved by everyone who knew him. He was born in Lajamanu on 22 October 1975 and joined Somerville in July 1981.

Over the years Craig became part of the ‘Somerville family’ and is best remembered for his admirable temperament and incredible will to live a full life.

Craig and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace.

An incredible inspiration.

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L-R: Eddie Boath, Financial Counsellor Coordinator; Shyam Banjade, Financial Capability Worker; and Liezl Caluza, Financial Counsellor.

Making the news this quarter...

RECHARGE Scheme – a welcomed experience

Recognition for Annual Tax Help program

This year our Financial Services team helped over 200 low income earners complete and lodge their tax returns as part of our free Tax Help Program run in conjunction with the Australian Taxation Office.

Congratulations to our financial counsellors who received certificates of appreciation for their great work from the ATO.

The City of Darwin, in partnership with RECHARGE Scheme Australia Limited, has introduced the RECHARGE Scheme to create a more accessible, inclusive and welcoming experience for people who rely on an electric mobility scooter or wheelchair when they are out of home.

Designated power points at selected business and organisations provide people with the facility to recharge their electric mobility device for up to an hour for less than 30 cents.

An increasing number of people with restricted mobility find that electric mobility scooters or wheelchairs are a valuable means of transportation.

However, steep footpaths, environmental conditions and poor battery life can make it difficult to calculate travel distances. The RECHARGE Scheme offers peace of mind and confidence.

The evidence so far is that the RECHARGE Scheme offered at businesses and organisations in the community are making a large difference to the lives of people who use a mobility device.

RECHARGE Point logos are displayed on windows of participating businesses for easy identification. There are also RECHARGE Point logos placed above or near the power points so people can quickly identify which power point has been designated for use.

City of Darwin RECHARGE Points:

• City of Darwin City Library

• Casuarina Library

• Karama Library

• Nightcliff Library

• Casuarina Swimming Pool

• Nightcliff Swimming Pool

• Parap Swimming Pool

• Carers NT, Bayview

• GROW NT, Darwin

Visitors to Somerville

Staff from the NT Government Department of Housing Grants Management Program recently visited Somerville to discuss our programs, provide service updates and tour our facilities.

L-R: Alice Henderson, Karen Kinnersley, Allison O’Connor and Kerry Boswell.

DARWIN OFFICE

147 Lee Point RoadWAGAMAN, NT 0810Ph: (08) 8920 4100Fax: (08) 8920 4101PO Box 42644CASUARINA, NT 0811

PALMERSTON

3 Victoria DriveGRAY, NT 0830Ph: (08) 8935 1500Fax: (08) 8935 1501

PALMERSTON

3 Bonson TerraceMOULDEN NT 0830Ph: (08) 8935 1500Fax: (08) 8935 1501

KATHERINE OFFICE

30 First StreetKATHERINE, NT 0850Ph: (08) 8972 5100Fax: (08) 8972 5101

GENERAL

Email: scs@somerville.org.au

Web: www.somerville.org.au

FINANCIAL COUNSELLING HELPLINE

Phone: 1800 007 007

OUR MISSION

“To impact positively on the dignity and quality of life of people who are affected by social and economic disadvantage.”

OUR VISION

“People are able to gain improvement in their quality of life by achieving the highest attainable standard of social and economic outcomes.”

OUR VALUES

• Recognition of the intrinsic worth of every human being

• Generosity from the heart

• Service to the community

• Justice within our society

An agency of the Uniting Church in Australia

Staff Profile – Manisha Gurang

Hello everyone! I am Manisha Gurung. I was born in Pokhara, Nepal.

As a six month old baby, my parents moved to India where I spent the first 15 years of my life. Being raised in India, I developed an understanding of acceptance of diversity. I moved from state to state in India every three to five years as my father was an Indian Army Officer.

After completing year 10, I returned to my home country, Nepal, where I completed year 12. I then went on to study a degree in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S) in Tianjin, China.

On my return to Nepal as an international graduate, I completed a year of internship and then worked as a medical officer in a number of private and public hospitals. A few years later I moved to Australia and now I have a beautiful four year old daughter, Aarika.

When I first arrived in Darwin, I sought work in the health and community sectors as I am inspired to make this world a better place. My sister suggested that I apply for a position at Somerville, where she previously worked as a support worker. She mentioned the culture of high standards and support for their employees and service users. I am so thankful to now have a position at Somerville and I am loving it!

Working in different countries has taught me how to adapt and this suits my love of learning new things. I enjoy my mornings, my cuppa, reading and walks in the evenings. I love hanging out with my daughter and my Skype calls with my family and friends abroad.

Life has been my excellent teacher and I have done every bit to be the best student.

Manisha Gurung – Disability Services Coordinator

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Somerville News is the quarterly journal of Somerville Community Services Inc. Further information about our organisation and its work is available from the CEO on (08) 8920 4100. Articles may be reproduced freely but we request acknowledgement.

Wingara Mura Summer Program at SCAIn January, The University of Sydney welcomed 280 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from all over the country for the annual Wingara Mura Summer Program.

The program provides participating high school students with the opportunity to experience university life, understand the links between their interests and possible careers, and valuable peer-to-peer support.

This is the first time Northern Territory students have been involved in the program thanks to Somerville Supported Accommodation Case Worker – Sheree Smellin, whose initiative and organisational skills enabled 12 students from Territory schools to attend. This talented group of students stayed on campus and were provided with a unique opportunity to meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students and staff.

Sheree Smellin with three of the talented students who attended the Wingara Mura Summer Program at the University of Sydney.