www.stlukes.org.au

VoiceSummer 2014

WHAT IT MEANS TO BEYOUNG AND A CARER

MIGHTY MURRAYMIGHTY JOURNEY

GOODNESS GRACIOUS A KIT FOR KID’S HEALTH

CATCHING A BALLAND RUNNING WITH IT

Our community’s goodwill, highlights on page 6 & 7

keep in touch St Luke’s Anglicare PO Box 315 Bendigo Vic 3552

2 tel: 03 5440 1100 www.stlukes.org.au

the CEO

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IN five small craft, they embarked down the Murray. For eleven days, from Albury to Mulwala.

They’ve all had set-backs in life, due to mental health issues, but this is the last leg of an important journey, and there was not a set-back in sight. Just water, handmade boats and a sense of camaraderie that has steered them through thick and thin.

One of Australia’s most prominent ex-parliamentarians, Tim Fischer arrived with other dignitaries to launch the boats the crew had built. Also in attendance: staff from Wodonga TAFE, Albury Shire Council, Rotary and Volunteer Rescue Association.

This team that have studied boat-building, also raised community awareness about mental health issues by promoting the project widely. Think blogs, newspapers, social media, farmers’ market stalls, radio.

For all 17 crew members, who for some, had experienced social isolation: they’ve personally seen changes in their self-esteem; confidence in the way they view their future; some have gone to gym; some reduced health-risks by shedding weight; some have chosen to pursue study; some have re-entered the workforce – and all have made friendships and become active in local life.

And as the team pulled the boats up on the grassy banks in Mulwala, the destination was reached.

But in some ways, their journey has really just begun.

A current affair

CHANGING ATTITUDES: The stigma around mental health is a current concern, but in Albury, a group of people who had accessed support through St Luke’s, looked to the river for answers.

Just water, handmade boats and a sense of camaraderie.

THANK you kindly for taking the time to read our Summer newsletter. You’re here for the same reason we are - because you believe we can make a difference in our community. From the very beginning, St Luke’s purpose is to assist and support people experiencing vulnerability.

At St Luke’s we make it a priority to not only help clients survive day-to-day issues, but to also help them reconnect with their full potential to contribute to the broader community, and to participate more fully in society through education and employment. Employment for many of us is a mainstay; it’s a connection to others; it’s a way in which we get a sense of purpose and value.  

In this newsletter we highlight the many ways we are making a difference, working towards a sense of purpose and value.

The personal transformation I’ve witnessed through our ‘River 2 Recovery’ project has been awe-inspiring, this is a project that’s turned lives around, and with it - steered attitudes of mental health recovery into a more positive light.

Health and wellbeing is also a focus in stories such as our involvement in the ‘Communities for Children’ healthy eating kit; and also the team of young girls who are going for goals … and some for the first time, feeling a sense of achievement, through sport and friendship.

These are examples of journeys in life, and I am so proud of our staff that journey alongside many people impacted by disadvantage, so that they can reach safer, steadier shores. We as a community must also continue to find ways in which those who experience needs and challenges have an opportunity to foster wellbeing and confidence, to participate meaningfully and to contribute to our community through a sense of team spirit, through employment, through volunteering, through their creating of strong connections.

- Lauren Bean Acting CEO

ABC blog: www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/02/07/3940264.htm?site=goulburnmurray

www.stlukes.org.au 3

“A lot has been done over the last few years to promote healthy eating ... but figures show there’s a lot of work still to do, both in terms of promoting and also making fresh, healthy ingredients accessible and affordable.”

She said the project is about taking small, important steps to assist positive change and raise awareness about the relationship of healthy eating to a child’s health and lifestyle.

“The new ‘Rainbow’ kit aims to encourage local families to learn, change, grow and become champions for their own children’s health, development and learning,” Sue explained.

The kit by ‘Communities for Children’ will be distributed for free, through preschools, educational hubs and community service organisations.

THERE was a lot of slicing and dicing going on at Bendigo’s Gravel Hill Community Garden recently, as local children were treated to a healthy morning tea of fruits, herbs and vegies.

It was all part of the ‘Eat a healthy rainbow’ launch, which saw St Luke’s staff collaborate with council, community organisations and local businesses to produce a kit to promote healthy eating.

On the day, the children tucked into the food, and also the kit – which includes themed games, jokes, art projects and planting supplies.

According to St Luke’s program manager Sue King-Smith, four out of five local children are eating less than the recommended portions of fruits and vegetables.

ST LUKE’S, in conjunction with key local stakeholders produced the second edition of ‘The State of Bendigo’s Children Report’.

While the report highlights many improvements for the wellbeing and development of Greater Bendigo’s children, it also reveals a decrease in literacy standards in Years 3, 5 and 7 (since last edition).

The publication also notes that ‘reported’ family violence incidents have increased significantly in the past

two years, and youth unemployment still remains almost double that of

our state average. Also compared to Victoria’s figures,

more children in Bendigo are:

The State of Bendigo’s

If you would like a copy of ‘The State of Bendigo’s Children Report’, contact: j.mott@stlukes.org.au

Children Report

WELLBEING: Statistics reveal 78 per cent of Australian children aged between four to eight years are not eating enough vegetables. A recently launched incentive is set to change the trend on a local level - enter the ‘Eat a healthy Rainbow’ kit!

• Not engaged in either earning or learning

• Living in low income households• Living in households with no internet

It’scrunchtime

If you are interested in providing care to children in need of stability and nurture, call St Luke’s Bendigo office on 03 5440 1100  and speak with Ross Egleton.

nterested?

4 tel: 03 5440 1100 www.stlukes.org.au

WATCH a news bulletin and you’ll always see a segment on what’s happening to the Aussie dollar. For some years our dollar was worth more than the American dollar which is the benchmark for many currencies across the world. The downside of a high Australian dollar is that exports are expensive and this particularly impacts on rural Australia, because what we produce is more expensive. For example: wool, meat, dairy products and wheat.

The reverse is true and with the Australia dollar at the time of writing around 0.87c US, the price of our exports will have declined, making them more affordable overseas. There are other flow-on effects: a lower dollar makes imports more expensive and so fuel and electronic goods will go up in price. I am giving this basic introduction because whatever way it moves most people on low incomes gain little benefit.

Fuel may be cheaper for a time, but the cost of so many basic items continue to rise, making it harder for income earners to make ends meet. In Bendigo, the Foodbank has just reported its biggest year yet as more people seek assistance with food staples.

One of the greatest areas of concern in Australia is the affordability of housing. In our capital cities it is nothing for people to pay $1M-plus for a house. The market keeps going up and for many this maybe a good thing. However, for low income earners the dream of owning a home is disappearing like the setting sun.

In the long term an overheated housing market and low interest rates is not a good combination as people tend to borrow too much and the crunch can come if interest rates start to rise.

At St Luke’s we are committed to the values of fairness and equity for Australia’s citizens. The growing gap between rich and poor is not good for the long term goodwill of our nation and St Luke’s will continue to be a voice for the most disadvantaged.

- Bishop Andrew CurnowSt Luke’s Board President

AS a kid, Woodend resident, Janelle Parkinson wanted to help others … but she imagined being middle-aged before that would happen. Now twenty-something, Janelle is an accredited foster carer with St Luke’s Anglicare. It’s a role that’s very important to her.Foster care is all about providing care for children up the age of 18, for some it is a short stop, giving families in the grip of illness, depression or substance abuse a chance to sort out their problems. Others need a long-term stable home, or an interim home if there’s a chance the family may get back together.Janelle explained being a foster carer would suit anyone who wants to help children.“It’s all about the African saying, ‘It takes a whole village to raise a child’, because a child needs a whole network of people to support them and provide role models.“I think the big thing for me, is you can be young, you can be single, you can work full-time, and you can still be a foster carer,” Janelle adds.

“Often children who come into care have low self-esteem, and because I’m young I’ve connected well with kids, especially with teenagers.

“I’ve got the energy to give a childhood back to children who may have missed out.”The St Luke’s Foster Care program works with adults who can be employed or unemployed, single, married, divorced, in a same sex relationship, from any ethnic, cultural background or religion.

FOSTER CARER: Janelle Parkinson says being a young adult definitely has its advantages.

… a child needs  a whole network of people.

at heartYoung

from the Bishop

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On any one night St Luke’s has more than 100 children in its care.

What happens when young people get

excited about an idea?

Support them, steer them - and let them own it!

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Shared

GHETTO BLASTERS: The team catch up with Alison (left) at an end-of-season award event at Youth Central, where trophies and certificates were eagerly snatched up!

IT was an idea that came out of the blue. “Get a basketball team together”.

But this bolt of an idea came from two minds. Same time, different places, different schools.

But common themes: motivation down, rebellion up. Enter Jakara and Kelsie.When these two were kids, they were mad about

basketball, but somehow, after hitting the teen scene, the buzz about sport fizzled out, along with an interest in school timetables.

But the word was out. The idea of a new basketball team barnstormed social networks, players joined: Iesha, Amanda, Molly, Shania, Crystall, Alysha.

They got together to brainstorm a team name … ‘Ghetto Blasters’.

Enter Crusoe College Year Nine teacher, Sam Holland.Sam had seen a spark in Jakara’s behaviour … and she

wanted to keep it alight.“Since the idea was born Jakara’s been so enthusiastic

and really committed.“And they play as a team, encouraging each other.

They’re not all from the same school, but they share the same issues around disengagement from school,” Sam adds.

“To see these girls interested and passionate about something, and for that ‘something’ to be about health and wellbeing – well it’s very exciting.”

While schools varied, their young lives were all linked to St Luke’s youth services.

Enter youth workers, Mike Flood and Alison Walsh.Mike and Alison added support and fostered

understanding among team players.Through a connection with the Bendigo Braves team,

experienced basketballer, Renae Camino volunteered as coach.

With an average age of 14, the Ghetto Blasters landed in a not-so-young competition category. As daunting as it seemed, after the whistle blew … they passed the ball and aimed for their goals.

“It’s been fun,” Molly says.“We are all part of a team and we had to work for it.

And the competition was tough, but everyone was nice and encouraged us, and if you started off shy you weren’t shy afterwards,” Shania explains.

“We all really want to play next year,” Amanda says.According to Alison, it’s all about learning how it feels

to be part of a team effort.“We gave the girls as much team ownership as possible,

they created the team name, logo designs, fundraising ideas and training plans.”

She says St Luke’s is hoping to involve the girls in leadership roles.

“We’re looking at seeing if the girls would like to assist coach Renae at school basketball workshops, to share their motivation and experiences with other young people,” she adds.

“Sure, we didn’t win the championship – but we’re surrounded by winning grins … and we’re all very excited about next season.”

If you’d like to sponsor the Ghetto Blasters to enable them to acquire much-needed uniforms and team incentive prizes, contact Mike Flood at St Luke’s Youth Central on 5434 3902.

Sponsorship?

goals

6 tel: 03 5440 1100 www.stlukes.org.au

Providing support by way of donations and fundraising is an ideal way to strengthen St Luke’s community programs.  We highlight, over these two pages, some of the recent community fundraising and donor events. Some efforts have been planned in partnership with us, some came out of the blue

with a single phone call, but all were warmly welcomed, big or small, funds or goods.These actions confirm just how generous our community is, following an ethos to ‘give where you live’.

And for this we are truly grateful.

Giving andgifting

Call centre rings true: Generous staff at the Department of Human Services Bendigo Smart Centre have raised $2500 for St Luke’s programs, through a workplace giving program. At the start of each financial year, staff nominate local organisations and causes close to their hearts to support. By popular demand, staff voted to raise money for St Luke’s, and also BAWCS.

Fun and fundraising: The St Luke’s SmartArt team were out in force this summer, selling their crafty creations at Bendigo’s Red Geranium event. SmartArt is a creative arts program for young women and mums, with its goal being to increase personal skills and confidence. The monies raised go towards much-needed art materials to support workshops.

From lions come bears: Research often shows the positive effects a cuddle toy can make for children who have experienced separation or trauma. So when members of the Strathfieldsaye Lions Club contributed a gift of furry ‘trauma bears’ to our foster care program, St Luke’s staff members were very touched. St Luke’s looks forward to working with Lions Clubs in 2014, throughout the regions we work in.

Donation on track: The Caravan Industry Association of Victoria donated $5000 to the St Luke’s ‘Communities for Children Bendigo’ literacy program, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of young children by helping them and their families to become part of a strong, healthy and vibrant community.

Power to the people: Staff at Bendigo Powercor got together, raised funds and purchased dozens of ‘Street Swags’ to support St Luke’s youth homelessness services. This award-winning swag design ensures the homeless have warm and water-proof cover while they sleep. The staff went that ‘extra mile’ and assembled stacks of personal care packs, vital for wellbeing needs when sleeping rough.When the crew working at the ‘Street Swags’ company heard about this amazing contribution, they donated a further 13 swags to support this outstanding initiative.

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all things enerousA real star: The philosophy of ‘giving back’ to our community is important to local business owner Frankie Opie of Frankie O’s Flower Emporium. So as St Luke’s Anglicare started to plan ways to bring the spirit of seasonal giving to local families and children experiencing needs and challenges, Frankie decorated a tree and donated it to our family services. And with it came that extra sparkle of hope.

Travelling well: Fundraising was alive and well during the Bendigo Travel Expo, where the gold coin entry was donated to St Luke’s by Bendigo Travel and Cruise. The Expo attracted people from across the region and was a wonderful way to spread the word about St Luke’s work in the community. The next Bendigo Travel Expo is planned for October 2014.

It’s in the bag: It was the drive and passion of Bendigo TAFE students studying youth work, that realised a donation of 200 bags for St Luke’s out-of-home-care program recently. The concept was networked through a Facebook site to inspire the social media community, and it was a highly successful team effort.

Eye on the prize: Friends of St Luke’s in Castlemaine is a group that raises funds for St Luke’s each year. Recently the Goldfields Quilters donated a handmade quilt which was first prize in a very successful fundraising raffle. The ‘Friends’ volunteers are valued supporters of St Luke’s and its Castlemaine service.Watch out for more fundraising raffles in 2014.

Ever considered workplace giving?Workplace giving allows us to plan confidently for our community’s future.

It’s a chance to make a lasting commitment to St Luke’s with a one-time effort. Your gift will be tax-free. For more information about St Luke’s Workplace Giving Program contact: Rhonda Dallow on 035444 8140 or r.dallow@stlukes.org.au

8 tel: 03 5440 1100 St Luke’s Anglicare ABN 99 087 209 729

You can safely donate by using these methods:

WEB: You can make a secure online donation at: www.stlukes.org.au

EMAIL: contact us and we will individually coordinate your donation: donate@stlukes.org.au

PHONE: We take donations over the phone: 03 5444 8140

POST: Mail a cheque to our business office, payable to: ‘St Luke’s Anglicare’Marketing and CommunicationsSt Luke’s AnglicarePO Box 315Bendigo VIC 3552

St Luke’s is a registered charity, and all donations are tax deductible.

our offices

www.stlukes.org.au

to St Luke’sDonate

Business Office22 Pall Mall Bendigo Vic 355003 5440 1100

Children, Youth & Family Services175 - 187 Hargreaves StBendigo Vic 355003 5440 1100

Youth Central10 Mundy St Bendigo Vic 355003 5434 3922

Mental HealthServices32 Forest St Bendigo Vic 355003 5448 1100

Counselling Services47 High St Bendigo Vic 355003 5448 1000

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Innovative Resources137 McCrae St Bendigo Vic 355003 5442 0500

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Swan Hill 62 McCallum St Swan Hill Vic 358503 5036 3200

Your financial donation will greatly help us to further our work by providing vital services.

BEQUESTConsider leaving a donation to St Luke’s through an existing inheritance or through estate planning where a charitable bequest in your Will can be organised through your financial or legal representative.

WORKPLACE GIVINGSt Luke’s offers a workplace giving program. We can come to your workplace to present the important work we do to support our community’s children, young people, adults and families, who experience vulnerability.

Your company’s philanthropic support can make a tremendous difference to St Luke’s.

The work we do at St Luke’s includes programs such as child and youth services, home-based care, gambler’s help, financial counselling, disability and mental health services.

Please indicate what St Luke’s program you wish your donation to go to. Unmarked donations will be allocated at St Luke’s discretion according to our most urgent need.

St Luke’s Anglicare respects your privacy at all times and our privacy policy can be found on our website.

It takes a whole village to raise a child.– Nigerian Proverb

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