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CEO Update
Yet again, the Anglicare NT Newsletter surprises me with its breadth of wonderful stories to share. Our organisation spans and integrates so many diverse and complementary programs. I also really appreciate that behind so many stories lies real evidence. Data and outcomes reinforce our understanding of what works and how we might enhance services.
The annual survey of housing residents in Alice Springs reveals 93% feel a lot healthier and enjoy the stability and ‘quiet’ of the accommodation we provide. Imagine if every Australian could say the same. Stable housing means children can attend school, parents feel safe and respected and enjoy other health benefits. Sadly, we know housing is often unaffordable for people on low incomes. Many people on youth allowance and unemployment benefits only have an average of $29 each day to live off after paying rent. At Anglicare NT, we’re committed to being part of the solution for Territorians experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
In this newsletter, we also share the important work we’re doing to engage Territorians in voting in Federal and NT elections. Voting is not only a democratic right - it is a way to ensure politicians hear the priorities and concerns of all people.
Anglicare NT's vision is ‘a full life and social justice for all’. Such a bold vision can only be achieved with fully engaged and supported staff and volunteers. I’m so proud of the results of our 2022 staff survey. While there is always room for improvement, the results tell us Anglicare NT is one of the most effective organisations in Australia at empowering and supporting staff.
Kind regards,
Dave Pugh
Chief Executive Officer |
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10 years of Couch Surfing
Kindness, collaboration and community took centre stage at Darwin’s Civic Park on Youth Homelessness Matters Day – Wednesday 20 April 2022. Hundreds of people came together to mark the 10th annual Couch Surfing Day – a celebration of the resilience of young people and an event that connects people to information and services.
Hosted by Anglicare NT and the City of Darwin, Couch Surfing raises awareness of the high rates of youth homelessness across the Northern Territory.
Twenty-four teams from local schools, community service providers and social groups raced on brightly decorated couches and learned about what they can do to help friends and themselves if they experience homelessness or other challenges.
YouthWorx NT took out the title of Best Dressed Couch, with the CatholicCare NT and Saltbush team named fastest on the track and SEDA College running in at second place.
Making sure young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness get the right support at the right time is critical. We have a lot more work to do. The Northern Territory has 12 times the national average of people who are without a home – and the highest rate of youth homelessness in Australia. Find out more about our services for young people here.
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Anglicare NT is a great place to work
In our fourth Staff Survey since 2015, employees confirmed they are happier than ever to work with us! BPA Analytics surveyed staff between 14 March and 12 April 2022, with a 71% completion rate (239 respondents).
87% said that Anglicare NT was a ‘truly great place to work’, telling us they feel a strong sense of solidarity and unity within their team. Additionally, 75.8% are experiencing their working life in the ‘Engagement Cycle’, again the highest-level achieved to date.
Anglicare NT set new national benchmarks in several areas including workplace inclusion, celebration of diversity, respect for all cultures and recognition of achievements. Responses received were the highest scores attained in over thirty years of BPA surveys across hundreds of community service organisations.
Of our responders, 11.2% identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, 36.1% were born outside of Australia and 27.4% identified that English was not their first language.
The survey will guide management on areas for improvement including annual performance conversations, planning for professional development and ensuring management feedback to staff is timely and constructive.
“One of my friends recommended Anglicare NT for me and she has been working here for almost two years. She had mentioned great things about Anglicare with me and I feel the same after starting to work here.”
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Donate to help young pregnant women
Preparing to have a first child can be a daunting and isolating time. For younger pregnant women, impending motherhood is a time where supportive networks are critical in reducing isolation and building the skills and confidence to navigate through the next phase of their lives.
Donate today to help pregnant young women and young parents access essential care, timely support and to see a pathway forward.
For over 20 years our Pandanus Program has provided non-judgemental childbirth education, personal and practical support and hope.
"15-year-old Lilly* contacted Anglicare NT seeking help when she found out she was pregnant. Lilly wasn’t aware of the Pandanus Program and was excited to find out there was support available during her pregnancy and after the birth of her baby. Lilly received practical support with the Royal Darwin Hospital antenatal appointments, assistance to sort out Centrelink payments, access to baby items, timely childbirth education sessions, employment options and help to develop life skills."
To support pregnant young women this tax time, call us on 08 8985 0000 or visit our website:
anglicare-nt.org.au/donate
*name changed for confidentiality |
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Promoting electoral participation
This year Anglicare NT embraced a new partnership with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to increase electoral participation. Local Larrakia, Malak and Yanyuwa woman Jodie Brown joined the Partnership Support Service to support the new collaboration. Jodie will also resource the ongoing implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan.
In the lead up to the Federal election, Jodie coordinated the distribution of AEC promotional information and resources across our social media platforms, through Anglicare NT staff, existing services and networks. She visited Nauiyu, Nhulunbuy and Katherine to promote enrolment, temporary election employment and provide information on how to vote.
Jodie said: "I’m very excited to be involved in this new partnership with the Australian Electoral Commission and supporting the implementation of the Anglicare NT Reconciliation Action Plan. It's great to be contributing to the wider reconciliation journey."
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Celebrating National Reconciliation Week
Anglicare NT staff organised and participated in a number of events during National Reconciliation Week, embracing the theme ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’ We commenced the week with an online meeting, connecting staff across our sites to share what reconciliation means to us as individuals.
An Acknowledgement of Country plaque was unveiled at our Head Office in Winnellie, and a breakfast and reconciliation-focused quiz held at our Ludmilla site. The Garaworra housing complex hosted a free dinner and movie screening of Moana. In Katherine, staff from headspace and our Regional Office organised a free barbecue and screening of Top End Wedding at the Katherine Cinema. Across Darwin and Palmerston, our youth teams and headspace took part in a 3x3 basketball competition and pool parties for young people.
In East Arnhem, a full week of activities was held for staff and service participants. The Communities for Children service in Alice Springs joined with local organisations to host a free family fun day in the Todd Mall on Friday 3 June with a jumping castle, barbecue and arts and craft activities. | |
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New financial inclusion and homelessness services
At the end of March, several financial inclusion and homelessness support services previously provided by Somerville Community Services transferred to Anglicare NT. We worked hard with incoming teams to maintain service continuity, retain expertise and meet the high demand for assistance.
Financial Counsellors at the NT-wide National Debt Helpline provide free professional assistance to address money worries and financial concerns. The Financial Counselling and Gambling Amelioration Service operates in Darwin, Palmerston and Katherine. Tax Help is a free service for eligible people to assist with simple tax affairs. We are excited that the No Interest Loans Scheme is now available in the greater Darwin region and Katherine, building on our existing service in Alice Springs.
In Darwin, Palmerston and Katherine, the Stronger Homes program helps people sustain tenancies, build independent living skills and provides support and transitional accommodation. |
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Housing support makes a difference
A kitchen to cook in, a lounge room for visitors to catch up and a bedroom to sleep in each night are among the simplest of life’s experiences many of us take for granted.
However, thousands of Territorians understand how it feels to be without these basics as they struggle to find a stable home to live in. For the residents of the 65 properties that form part of the Alice Springs Housing Support Service, a home offers not only a place of safety and stability, but it is also where life comes together.
Supporting people on their journey from homelessness to long-term, stable accommodation, the service offers transitional accommodation and community housing, case management, mentoring, training and support to develop practical life and tenancy skills.
“Our annual ‘Tell Us What You Think Survey’ helps us identify and measure the ways that housing access can change people’s lives for the better,” Bonnie Moss, Senior Manager – Outcomes and Evaluation said.
An overwhelming number of people told us they felt safe, listened to and respected and that access to housing can change lives for the better. Key findings include:
- 93% believed that living in a house had made “a real lot” of impact on their health;
- 83% said having a home had improved their relationships and that their overall lives had improved.
“I felt cared for when I came to Anglicare … I’m happy and relieved to be here … Thank you for letting me stay here … I’d like to share how happy I am with my place and my life in it…”
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Prison Chaplain commissioning service
With the support of the NT Council of Churches, Pastor Daniel Tetteh and Reverend Christos Kastaniotis were commissioned to the Ministry of Prison Chaplaincy at Christ Church Cathedral on Thursday 31 March.
Following a welcome and prayer from The Very Reverend Rob Llewelyn, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, the congregation joined together to sing several songs.
Sung Kheng Er, Prison Fellowship Australia volunteer, read a bible passage in English and Mandy Mangurra read a verse in Kriol. The Right Reverend Greg Anderson, Anglican Bishop of the Northern Territory delivered a sermon and Father Dan Benedetti MGL led the Commitments and the laying on of hands.
Anglicare NT auspices the Prison Chaplaincy Program on behalf of the NT Council of Churches in Darwin and Alice Springs. Chaplains provide pastoral care, distribute books and Bibles, support religious services and coordinate visits from various religious groups and volunteers who prepare and deliver services.
We wish Daniel and Christos all the best as they support people in correctional facilities. We also thank the many volunteers that support the Prison Chaplaincy Program.
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Supporting community initiatives in Tennant Creek
Nicola Mackenzie has found herself on top of the world in Tennant Creek. As Anglicare NT’s new Senior Service Development Officer in the Partnership Support Service, Nicola has moved from central Victoria to the heart of the Barkly in Tennant Creek. In her new role she is working with the Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation in Tennant Creek and the Urapuntja Aboriginal Corporation across the Utopia Homelands. Both organisations are committed to implementing programs that meet the needs of their community and achieve strong outcomes for children and their families. Nicola’s role is to support these efforts with on-the-ground capacity building.
With over 30 years’ experience in early childhood development, including 15 years in the nationwide HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents & Youngsters) program – Nicola has hit the ground running.
Excited at the prospect of translating her experience into real outcomes for families across Tennant Creek and surrounding remote communities, Nicola has immersed herself in her new role and community life.
“When I saw this opportunity, I knew that something really wonderful could happen – and it’s fabulous to work more closely with Aboriginal Corporations as they develop, manage and run programs for their community,” she said.
Central to Nicola’s first month in the region is learning more about the region and relationship building.
“I’ve been to a couple of community and networking meetings and the friendliness of people has really struck me. I’m so happy to have taken the leap and joined Anglicare NT in this project.”
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Protecting yourself from financial scams
Across the world, the risk of losing money to a financial scam is increasing. Scammers are using age-old tactics in new ways with technology to target people, including fake social media pages, websites, phone lines and gift cards. Financial counsellors across Australia support people to recognise a scam and provide expert assistance, practical support and education.
A visit to the East Arnhem Money Support Hub uncovered a scam that cost an East Arnhem man almost $10,000. Seeking help to log into his internet banking, the man received a phone call while meeting with a financial counsellor.
“We could hear him on the phone promising to transfer $500 as soon as he logged in. Staff spoke to him and found out about a scam that was obviously too good to be true," Money Support Hub Manager Fiona Pettiford said.
With the lure of a potential $800,000 in cash and a brand new Landcruiser wagon via the purchase of Apple gift cards, the man had transferred $200 almost every week to the scammers for over 12 months.
After uncovering the scam, the Money Support Hub reported the fraud to Scamwatch and other authorities and worked with the man’s bank to change his account numbers and improve his security – including blocking the phone numbers of scam callers.
Unfortunately, scams are a rising and ever-present issue and often remote Aboriginal communities are targeted. Our financial counsellors work with people every day to help them learn about protecting their money against scammers and how to make the most of their money.
Anglicare NT urges people to be wary of ‘out of the blue’ contact from unknown people with the lure of a big prize. In this case, the only way to enter was to buy gift cards and then text someone the code. These are scams – there are no winners, so it’s important that we talk about these scams to raise awareness.
For more information or if you think you have been scammed, call NT Consumer Affairs on 1800 019 319 or email consumer@nt.gov.au
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Volunteering builds connections and community
On 16 May, volunteers and their contributions were celebrated across Australia with the launch of the 2022 National Volunteer Week. This year’s theme – Better Together – recognises the value volunteering plays in bringing people together, building communities and creating a kinder and more connected society for everyone.
For Year 12 student Reka, volunteering has helped her build confidence and communication skills. Inspired by her sister’s volunteering experience, Reka began volunteering with Anglicare NT’s Community Visitor’s Scheme almost a year ago. Reka brings colour and fun into aged care facilities, pampering with painted nails, sharing stories and precious time.
“When my sister told me about her experiences as a volunteer, I could see how it would brighten someone else’s day – and be rewarding at the same time,” she said.
“I think the aspect that motivated me the most was knowing that through volunteering, I can help people that are potentially in need of connections and friendships.”
The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is a national program that connects volunteers with older people at risk of social or cultural isolation. It is offered by Anglicare NT in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. Volunteers visit someone at least once each fortnight, providing friendship and links to the local community.
Visits are available to anyone who receives a government-funded residential aged care or home care package, and who feels socially isolated and/or lonely. Referrals can be made by aged care facilities, community care service providers, medical practitioners, or from family and friends. To find out more about volunteering with the Community Visitors Scheme, contact Anglicare NT on anglicare@anglicare-nt.org.au or phone 8985 0000.
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Locum support - building capacity of Aboriginal Controlled Organisations
Providing interim workers is one of the ways the Anglicare NT Partnership Support Service assists Aboriginal Controlled Organisations build capacity and meet community needs. Through locums, staff in remote organisations can take leave and short-term vacancies are filled. At the same time, visiting locums can gain experience working remotely and contribute their skills and knowledge.
The Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation (WYDAC) requested support with a locum Youth Services Manager for the month of October last year. Anglicare NT staff member Ian O’Reilly took up this opportunity to live and work in Lajamanu, the northernmost community on Warlpiri country.
“My month in Lajamanu had its challenges. It was pretty hot most of the time! I spent my time building relationships with stakeholders in the government and non-government services operating at Lajamanu; and the WYDAC workforce. When I left, a plan was in place to upgrade the roles, conditions and support of local staff.”
The Partnership Support Service is developing a visiting consultant register to help meet future locum requests. Contact Ian for more information on ioreilly@anglicare-nt.org.au
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