annual report 2014/2015

ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
THE FAMILY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Bundjalung people who are the
traditional custodians of this land. We also acknowledge the unique and
important contribution Aboriginal, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander
people make in our community. We work together to ensure the safety
and wellbeing of children, young people and families in our community.
OUR VISION
A fair, safe and vibrant community with opportunities for all children, young people and families.
OUR MISSION
happy children & young people caring relationships strong community
We provide a range of services for children, young people and families that build and enhance relationships and
parenting skills. All our services are focused on improving the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and
families – particularly those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Our vision is a fair, safe and vibrant community where children, young people and families have access to all
opportunities.
Our mission is: happy children & young people – caring relationships – strong community. We achieve this by
providing services that strengthen family relationships, inspire positive change through learning and skill development
and build community capacity.
We value our connection with the community and our human services, government and business partners. We are
committed to working together to build community capacity and deliver outstanding services. We believe positive
social impact and change can only be achieved in genuine partnership.
The Family Centre is a not-for-profit community organisation established in Tweed Shire in 1988. We have grown
significantly over the years and now run programs for Tweed, Byron and Ballina Shire and the Southern Gold Coast
residents, from our locations in Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads South, Murwillumbah, Ocean Shores, Byron Bay and
Ballina. Each year The Family Centre works with more than 3000 children, young people and families.
OUR VALUES
SOCIAL JUSTICE
CREATIVITY
Acknowledging inherent human dignity and rights
Being actively reflective
Promoting self-determination and interdependence
Working in flexible and diverse ways
Working towards a just and equitable society
Responding creatively to community needs
Promoting access to opportunity for all members of
our community
COLLABORATION
RESPECT
Responding to need without judgement
Acknowledging and embracing diversity
Acknowledging and encouraging people’s strengths
and capabilities
Encouraging participation and meaningful
engagement
Commitment to working together to achieve
common goals
Supporting collective action to address the needs
identified by our community
INTEGRITY
Building relationships based on trust
Taking responsibility for our actions
PRACTICE PRINCIPLES
Honesty and genuineness
Access & Inclusion
EXCELLENCE
Creating opportunities for leadership and learning
Continuous service improvement and quality outcomes
Effective and sustainable use of resources
Building Relationships
Child Centred & Family Inclusive
Solution Focused and Strengths Based
Reflective
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
The Family Centre continues to provide a growing range
of services across Tweed, Byron and Ballina shires that
inspire change and provide opportunities for children, young
people and their families to strengthen their relationship and
parenting skills with a focus on wellbeing and safety.
Our mission ‘Happy Children & Young People - Caring
Relationships - Strong Community’ continues to focus our
work in the community ensuring families are supported and
children and young people get the best start in life. Lifting
the most vulnerable and disadvantaged lifts us all.
Last year I reported our exciting new partnerships with
St Joseph’s Youth Service and Byron Bay Youth House.
This year I’m delighted to report that we have joined with
Ballina Byron Family Centre to create a stronger and more
sustainable organisation with shared values and purpose,
and a clear focus on delivering high quality integrated
services for children, young people and families in the
Tweed, Byron and Ballina Shires.
Our strategic plan continues to guide our work and has kept
us focused on the quality of life conditions we all want for
our community. Our Results Based Accountability evaluation
framework enables us to accurately measure and report on
the effectiveness of our programs and track our contribution
to population level results: 1. Children and young people are
happy and safe; 2. Relationships are caring and respectful;
3. Our community is strong and vibrant.
Our four strategic directions highlights our commitment
to deep collaboration with all community members, a
focus on outcomes, measuring and reporting our results,
sustainability and innovative thinking to create the conditions
we all want for children, young people and families:
1.RELATIONSHIPS
Our relationships are inclusive, respectful and create
shared value
2. PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY
We deliver high quality outcome focused services
and continually improve our practices, systems, and
infrastructure
3.INNOVATION
We are innovative and create opportunities for social impact
in all aspects of our work
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4.SUSTAINABILITY
Strong governance and leadership underpin our social,
economic and environmental sustainability
It is well documented that the community sector is
experiencing transitional change that is disrupting traditional
service models. During this year we have strengthened
our financial, evaluation and governance systems and
processes. We’re successfully adapting to the changing
environment and progressively building our capacity and
capability. We are well positioned to meet the challenges
ahead.
Finally, thankyou to our board members for their hard work
and dedication again this last year. On behalf of the board, I
extend a big thank you to all our staff and volunteers for the
wonderful work you do in our community.
Pam Mitchell
On behalf of TFC Board
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
This is The Family Centre’s 27th annual report and my 11th
year as Executive Director. I continue to feel a great sense
of enthusiasm and energy being part of a dynamic and
committed team of staff, board members and volunteers
who express our vision, values and mission in action.
Together with our community, funding partners, supporters
and corporate sponsors we are making a real difference
to the lives of some of the most vulnerable children, young
people and families, while also contributing to the vibrance,
wellbeing and safety of our community. But there is still
much work to do.
The Northern Rivers region is a great place to live, but right
now, 1 in 7 children live in poverty* and have reduced life
opportunities as a consequence. Our region experiences
unacceptably high unemployment rates and spiralling
housing costs. Child abuse and neglect, domestic violence,
mental illness rates are higher than the NSW averages. As
a community we are capable of reversing these disturbing
trends. Together we must invest in new, innovative and
evidence based approaches to address these issues. The
Family Centre will continue to take a leading role to improve
quality of life conditions in our community.
IMPACT
The service reports that follow provide the details and
the stories behind our results. The results allow you to
appreciate the commitment and hard work of Family
Centre staff and volunteers. Equally, they’re a tribute to the
commitment and hard work of the people who participate in
our programs a celebration of their success at achieving the
changes they want in their lives.
We know our programs are having a positive impact for the
people we work with. The Family Centre has been using a
Results Based Accountability planning framework for the
past 7 years. This approach has focused our organisation
on outcomes, allowing us to accurately measure the
performance of our programs. Direct feedback from the
people participating in our programs confirms the quality
(how well did we do it) and benefits (is anyone better off) of
our programs.
Late last year we joined with St Joseph’s Youth Service and
Byron Bay Youth House, and this year we’re excited to be
joining with our Family Support Alliance partners Ballina
Byron Family Centre. Joining with these experienced and
highly respected organisations has increased the diversity
and capability of our organisation and enhanced our ability
to improve and effectively deliver high quality child, youth
and family services across the Tweed, Byron and Ballina
Shires.
An important part of our approach is to actively seek
alliances, encouraging and supporting community members
to take leadership roles in our organisation. This year
we established the Volunteer Leadership Group who
provide guidance and support to our growing group of
skilled and committed volunteers. Our Aboriginal Advisory
Sub-Committee was established last year and have
collaborated with our staff and volunteers to develop our
Reconciliation Action Plan to be launched in early 2016.
These collaborations broaden our outlook and increase
our capacity to deliver better outcomes for our community.
Community members and service users will play an
increasingly important role in the design and delivery of our
services in the coming year.
THANK YOU
Our Board have played a very important part in our
achievements and I very much appreciate their dedication,
hard work and guidance over the past year. Special thanks
to our executive management team - their hard work,
commitment and professional approach has underpinned
our success, often under challenging circumstances. I
sincerely thank our staff and volunteers for the extraordinary
contribution they have made to the lives of the children,
young people, families and communities they work with. I
would also like to thank our volunteers and supporters, local
organisations, our funding partners and corporate sponsors
and individuals who contributed to the work of The Family
Centre during the year. We look forward to your continuing
support in the coming year.
BETTER TOGETHER
Structural change and government reform processes
continue to disrupt traditional community sector
organisational models, threatening the sustainability of small
community organisations like The Family Centre. We are
well aware of the forces driving change and have a positive
strategy to adapt to these challenges. Careful planning
allows us to maintain a clear focus on our mission, while
investing in new opportunities to increase our social impact.
David Boutkan
*Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2011). Headline Indicators for Children’s Health, Development and Wellbeing. Canberra
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3780*
Number of children, young people
and families who participated in
HOW MUCH
DID WE DO?
our programs
* Does not include Coolheads contacts
411
Number of children, young people
and families who participated in
individualised client-directed work
467
2012–2013
Course participants
2013–2014
770
2014–2015
Number of service enquiries
2014–2015
2014–2015
3010
2013–2014
2671
2012–2013
2012–2013
2013–2014
2197
Number of courses and course sessions
Number of children cared for while parents
participated in courses
2012–2013
104
2013–2014
253
* These numbers have been revised from last Annual Report
Coolheads contacts with young people
2014–2015
1396
4
Number of Coolheads youth activities
2014–2015
2014–2015
287
11%
2012–2013
2013–2014
97%
97%
14%
2014–2015
98%
Participants who reported they were ‘treated with respect’
16%
Participants who are Aboriginal or
Torres Strait Islander
93%
97%
94%
Adults that report increased family safety
90%
97%
96%
Adults reported most important goal was achieved
87%
95%
93%
Adults reported increased connections
99%
100%
99%
Young people reported that their most
important goal was achieved
93%
92%
96%
Adults reported improved relationships and
relationships skills
95%
95%
99%
Adults reported increased parenting skills
85%
91%
89%
Young people reported that they are better able to
manage and continue at education, training, and/or work
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EARLY YEARS NETWORK
MURWILLUMBAH
COMMUNICATIONS & DESIGN
COOLHEADS
TWEED
CONNECTING HOME – YOUTH
TWEED
Manager
Child, Youth & Family Services
VOLUNTEERS AND STUDENTS
EARLY YEARS FAMILY SERVICES
TWEED
YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES
TWEED
REALSKILLS PRIMARY SCHOOLS
MURWILLUMBAH
MEN & FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
TWEED
CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES
TWEED
REALSKILLS HIGH SCHOOLS
TWEED
BUSINESS SERVICES
Assistant Manager
Child, Youth & Family Services
Manager Community Projects
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Manager Business Services
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
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BYRON/BALLINA
CONNECTING HOME – YOUTH
As at November 2015
MEN & FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
BYRON/BALLINA
CHILD , YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES
BYRON/BALLINA
EARLY YEARS FAMILY SERVICES
BYRON/BALLINA
Volunteers Leadership Group
Aboriginal Advisory Sub-Committee
VOLUNTEER REPORT
The Family Centre (TFC) depends on the support of volunteers and students on placement to operate our events and
community programs. Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers. Your support, energy, hard work and expertise is
greatly appreciated and warmly acknowleged by The Family Centre Board, staff and our supporters.
Our volunteer team has grown significantly during the past year and their contribution to TFC and the community
is increasingly important. The Coolheads program volunteers continue to deliver recreational activities and support
for large numbers of young people in public places across the Tweed Shire. Volunteers also play an important role
supporting homeless young people in our Connecting Home program in the Byron and Ballina region. Volunteers
undertake countless administrative and general support tasks and are very active in fundraising activities.
To acknowledge the essential role of volunteers and the amazing skills they bring to our organisation to benefit the
community, we’ve established a Volunteer Leadership Group (VLG).
The VLG has been established to inform, plan and review the activities of our volunteer program. The VLG has nine
members including the following postions: Chair – Vanessa Thomas, Vice Chair – Kathleen Baldwin and Secretary –
Allana Trappett. The purpose of the VLG is to utilise the skills and experience of our volunteers to take on leadership
roles in the development and delivery of volunteer activities that contribute to our mission.
VOLUNTEERS
Angela Arthur
Anne Honeyman
Anthony McMahon
Bang Nguyen
Barbara Kinder
Brian Devlin
Brie Williams
Bruno Hurisset
Buna Callegaro
Candy Gambin
Carlos Paez
Casey Minors
Catherine Gierer
Catherine Hill
Cathy Nobbs
Chasity Baker
Chloe Franks
Chris Hudson
Christopher Hitchcock
Claire Parsons
Clive Duffy
Daniel Thorn
Daniella Finkenaer
Deborah Joyce
Diane Bailey
Donna Taylor
Drew Rogers
Dylan Neal
Eilidh McWhirter
Eleanor Klynsma
Emily Thatcher
Emma-Jane Carter
Fay Smallwood
Fiona Munro
Gabriella Honyak
Gabrielle Barrington
Helen Andriadis
Helen Frazer
Harry Maslen
Iris Pisarek
JacksonRoss
Jan O’Regan
Jason Boyes
Jason Ingram
Jayke Pritchard
Jayne Kitto
Jennifer Day
Jenny Burke
Jenny Brent
Jodie Love
Judith Basi
Kara Burley
Karen Gadd
Karen Baker
Karen Halliday
Kashi Jones
Kathia Faranda
KathleenBaldwin
Kathryn Hawken
Katie Glynn
Kaye Pomrey
Keiah Smith
Kellie Thomas
Kieran Fahy
Kim Rushton
Kizito Ngandu
Korelle Wright
Kristin Bourke
Kylie Taylor
Kymberly Greensill
Lani Cora
Laya Skali
Leah Jones
Leigh Kennedy
Leiha Martin
Lesley Lawson
Levi Everest
Linda Nicastri
Linda Svenson
Lynette McCowan
Mandi Morrisey
Meaghan Ridgewell
Mia Harris
Michael Rossi
Michelle Lowry
Michelle Sommerville
Natalie Walker
Natalie Thompson
Natalie Dreha
Nicole Boutkan
Patricia McCormick
Patsy Walsh
Paul Baccinelli
Racheal Geary
Rachel Rowston
Reza Taalifar
Ricci Raso
Richard Burford
Rita Law
Robert Berserik
Rochele Douglas
Robyn Free
Sally Hall
Samantha Hough
Samantha Townsend
Samantha Stacey
Samantha Westall
Samira Todiee
Samuel Clausen
Sandra O’Brien
Sarah Calder
Shane Moulder
Shay O’Con
Shelley Wilson
Shelley Neller
Shelley O Donnell
Simon Kelly
Sue Ridgewell
Sue Nicolle
Susan Miller/Dixon
Thane Harriet
Thomas Johnson
Tiarne Neal
Tricia McCormick
Vanessa Brady
Vanessa Thomas
Youlanda Griffiths
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OUR COMMUNITY
FUNDING PARTNERS
Department of Family & Community Services
Tweed Shire Council Youth Development Officer
Tweed Shire Council Aboriginal Community Officer
Tweed Shire Vacation Care and other Vacation Care
Tweed Valley Women’s Service
Tweed, Byron, Ballina Community Transport
YWCA – CfC Murwillumbah
YMCA In home family day care
NEW SOUTH WALES LOCAL GOVERNMENT
HIGH SCHOOLS
Tweed Shire Council
We provided courses and collaborated with:
YWCA Murwillumbah Communities for Children
Banora Point, Byron Bay, Kingscliff, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby,
Tweed River, Wollumbin
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
Department of Social Services
NEW SOUTH WALES STATE GOVERNMENT
SERVICE PROVIDER PARTNERS
ACON
Byron Youth Service
Ballina Shire Council
Byron Bay Community Centre
Commonwealth Respite Carelink Centre
CRANES
Australian Government Department of Human Services
DVCAS – Women’s Court Support
Early Childhood Services
FSG – YFS
Gold Coast Volunteering
Headspace
Housing NSW
Murwillumbah Community Centre
New Horizons
North Coast Primary Health Network
Northern Coast Community Housing
Northern Rivers Family Day Care
Northern Rivers Social Development Council – Reconnect, FRS,
SHS
NORTEC Youth Services
NORTEC Volunteering
NSW Department Education & Training
NSW Department of Family and Community Services
NSW Health, Northern NSW Local Health District – Community
Health, Child & Family, Childbirth and Early Parent Education,
Early Childhood, Sexual Assault Counselling Service, Sexual
Health–Clinic 145, Community Mental Health, Tweed Valley
Clinic, Tweed Hospital, Midwife program, Tweed Valley Drug
and Alcohol, Cannabis Clinic, Youth and Family Mental Health,
Bulgawena Aboriginal Health Service, Women’s Health
NSW Police Force – Youth Liaison, Domestic Violence Liaison,
Aboriginal Liaison
Murwillumbah Community Men’s Shed
On Track - Community Housing, Housing and Homelessness
Program, Indigenous Drug and Alcohol
Pottsville Neighbourhood Centre
Shaping Outcomes (disability support service)
St Vincent de Paul – Freds Place
Southern Cross University
Seaside Shelter
TAFE
The Buttery
Tweed Heads Community Men’s Shed Inc
Tweed Heads Police Citizen Youth Club (PCYC)
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PRIMARY SCHOOLS
We provided courses and collaborated with:
Bilambil, Burringbar, Murwillumbah, Murwillumbah East, Stokers
Siding
CO-LOCATORS
Carers NSW
Corrective Services NSW – Probation & Parole
Family Referral Service
FSG – Inclusion Support Program
Interrelate – Family Relationship Centre
Northern Rivers Social Development Council - Reconnect
Northern Rivers Social Development Council & Interrelate –
Family Referral Service
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Victory Ford
SUPPORTERS
Bangalow Country Women’s Association (CWA)
Byron Bay Services Club
Ganggalah Church
Ground Control
Lifeworx
Mumzbuzz
Ocean Shores Art Expo
Salvation Arny
Seagulls
St James Anglican Church
Smith Family
The Green Garage
The Larder
Tweed Mall
Village Roadshow Theme Parks
Woolworths - Tweed City
EVENTS WE PARTICIPATED IN:
NAIDOC Week, Child Protection Week, White Ribbon Day,
Mumzbuzz Soiree’s, TAFE Wellness Day, Kids in Community
Awards, Close the Gap Day, WOW Awards, Youthfest, Youth
Homelessness Matters Day, Connect to your Future, PASH
Conference, Men’s Health Week, Headspace Opening
CHILDREN & FAMILY
CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES provide support,
Courses
information and education to families. The primary focus of
Child and Family Services is to strengthen family relationships
and increase the safety and wellbeing of children.
EARLY YEARS FAMILY SERVICE focuses on providing
parents with information, educational experiences and
practical activities that promote children’s growth and
development.
FAMILY CENTRE PLAYGROUP provide opportunities for
parents and children to play, interact and develop social
123 Magic
Circle of Security
Soon They’ll Be Teenagers
Triple P
Triple P Seminars
Young Mums to Be
skills. While parents meet and exchange ideas about child
rearing and develop supportive relationships.
REALSKILLS PRIMARY SCHOOLS works with students,
teachers and parents to improve the resilience and safety
of children and improve relationship skills within school
communities.
CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES
PAIGE & ROB’S STORY...
Paige was having difficulties with the dynamics of parenting
Paige later approached The Family Centre to request a student
a large blended family with her partner Rob, made up of 5
placement required for her course. Paige completed the 40
children all less than 9 years of age. Paige and Rob wanted to
hours student placement at The Family Centre and under
increase their capacity as parents and their family integration
the supervision of family and youth workers completed tasks
through improving their parenting skills and linking with other
involving observing, planning, organising and facilitating courses.
supports. Paige had been involved with the Family Centre
Paige enjoyed this type of work and study so much she decided
previously, had found the support helpful, and had achieved
to become a valued member of The Family Centre volunteer
positive outcomes.
group and completed a Certificate IV in Community Services.
Paige and Rob worked with a family worker to develop a plan
It’s has been wonderful watching Paige’s confidence and skills
with goals, outcomes and practical achievable steps. Included
develop in ways that will enrich not only her own family but also
in their plan was the successful completion of a 123 Magic
young people and parents of the Tweed Shire in the future.
parenting course, work with the a Healthy Minds Psychologist
She has become a valued member of the organisation and
and enrolling their youngest child in childcare so Paige could
contributes to meeting the ongoing needs of the community.
undertake a Certificate III course in Community Services at
TAFE. All of these and more were achieved.
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PLAYGROUP
100% of participants in
parenting courses report
SOPHIE’S STORY...
they are more confident
in their parenting
Sophie started attending The Family Centre playgroup with her first
child. She’d been referred by a local child and family nurse from
who Sophie was receiving support regarding sleep and settling
and post-natal depression. Sophie was feeling overwhelmed by
a number of parenting and wellbeing related issues which were
being compounded by relationship stress, housing insecurity and
isolation.
Through Sophie’s regular attendance at playgroup she’s had
opportunities for weekly adult social interaction and play for her
daughter. Sophie has been able to build connection with other
parents and community, and has been assisted to access further
96%
of families who participated in
Child & Family Services reported
that their relationship has
improved with their children
support.
Over the past 17 months Sophie’s completed a range of personal
91%
development and parenting programs with The Family Centre, has
been linked to other professional support, has secure housing and
improved her sense of wellbeing.
of children participating in RealSkills Primary
Sophie is more confident, connected and resourced parent and is
Schools Super Me report that they feel better
eagerly awaiting the birth of her second child.
able to seek help when they need to
REALSKILLS
Feedback
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Super Me! is a REALskills course run with Year 4, 5 and 6 students
around ‘personal power’ and how they choose to use it - positively
or negatively. It also explores how power might be used against
them (by peers or adults) and how they can respond or seek help
rather than react or shut down. Power in groups is also explored
and facilitators work with ‘live conflicts’ that are happening within
the classroom group. This can get pretty lively! Students love the
course and there’s a real thirst for challenging ‘life’ conversations
facilitated by adults who are curious about and engaged in their
world. Teachers are present as co-facilitators and report they get
to know their students so much better over the duration of the
program.
This year we’ve worked on measuring the effectiveness of the
course with new evidence based evaluation methods. Super Me
is implementing a pre and post survey approach to evaluate if
the students and teachers have experienced change over the
six month duration of the program. We use an internationally
recognised resilience measure that asks students to rate
themselves with regard to 16 different statements that relate to
resilience. Eg. ‘I know where to go in my community to get help’, ‘I
am aware of my own strengths’ and ‘I am able to solve problems
without harming myself or others’. The evaluation forms part of the
process of developing the evidence base of the course and a clear
outcomes framework.
I absolutely enjoyed this course. I feel excited about having
new resources and confident going into the teenage years.
Participant – Soon They’ll Be Teenagers
Great course. Most beneficial was the learning of new and
different strategies. To be able to pre-plan for those high
risk moments and to be prepared in a way so that I can
respond and not react.
Participant – Triple P
Great course. Highly recommend it to any parents. It has
given me a great deal of insight and understanding of
my toddler which has helped me to be more patient and
capable.
Participant – Circle of Security
Everything was very helpful and great information. I wish it
wasn’t ending.
Participant – Young Mums to Be
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FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
MEN & FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS works alongside men on relationship
Courses
issues with partners, ex-partners and children. It supports men to
enhance their relationships through learning more about themselves and
the needs of their families.
Anger: making it work for you
FAMILY RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION provides a range of skill
Healthier Relationship Communication
development based education programs aimed at enhancing family
relationships.
Holding Successful Difficult Conversations
Pathways to Change for Men
Pathways to Change for Women
98% of participants in Family
98%
Relationship Education
report their sense of
wellbeing has increased
Say What You Mean, Mean What
You Say
Self Esteem for Women
The Loving Relationship
The Mindful Art of Stress Reduction
SELF ESTEEM FOR WOMEN
MARY’S STORY...
This cousrse is for women who want to build resilience, self-
Mary was, struggling with her self-esteem, found it difficult to
confidence and re-establish a sense of identity in their lives.
make the phone call to attend as she believed you don’t ask for
Ages of attendees range from 18 to 80 and are, from all walks
help. She found it even harder to walk through the door, due to
of life. The course provides an opportunity to explore the many
the embarrassment and shame of how she was feeling. She was
obstacles faced at any point in life, and gain insight into ways to
a very quiet participant fearful of being judged. She had been
move forward.
teased at school, put down in her marriage, had never had a job
It is a gentle non-confronting course that provides a safe space
for participants to be open. It focusses on strategies that help
build confidence and self-esteem. The course also assists
in developing clear relationship boundaries, communication
and assertiveness skills. Participants identify ways to care for
themselves.
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and did not believe anyone would employ her. As her children
had grown up she was looking for changes in her life. By the end
of the course she had discovered her passion was cake making
and decorating, and had set up a stall at the local markets to
sell her cakes, with plans to open up a cake café. She attributes
some of these changes in her life to the learning and the support
gained during the course.
Feedback
Very helpful seminar. Good ideas for getting on with
others and getting the courage to say how we feel to get
respect and be treated well. Very friendly atmosphere,
helpful sharing from others. Core values are important.
Participant – Healthier Relationship Communication
100% of participants in Men & Family Services report
I found it very therapeutic and gave me a new
that they are able to use new knowledge and skills in
perspective on the way people deal with anger.
their relationships
Participant – Anger Making it Work for You
I learned a lot about a loving relationship and particularly
95% of participants in
about the love language - I am going to work on this.
women’s courses report
there is less conflict in
Participant – The Loving Relationship
their family
95%
Fantastic group course, thank you for making this course
available to us. Thanks to the facilitators for being so
down to earth and setting up a very comfortable group
session.
Participant – Holding Successful Difficult Conversations
PATHWAYS TO CHANGE FOR MEN
JOHN’S STORY...
Pathways to Change for men is an 8 week course that focuses
During an initial consultation John agreed to participate in the
on assisting men to move toward goals for change. The
Pathways to Change course. John saw this as an opportunity to
program explores relationships in the context of family, self and
develop skills to improve his family relationships.
community. It supports insight and greater understanding into
how relationship dynamics can have an impact on emotional
wellbeing.
Many of the men in the course have been experiencing
changes in their family life. They have diverse situations
including; recent separation, loss of a job or challenges with
substance misuse.
John enthusiastically entered into the process of setting goals
for change. He found the course and the insight of the other
participants helped him to see some of the areas where he
needed to improve.
He found the group both challenging and confronting as it meant
taking responsibility for his actions and the impact of his actions
on the people he loves. This was the catalyst for change. The
John, is a father of two children, and as a result of child
course was the platform for John to work toward restoring his
protection concerns it was decided that in the best interest of
family relationships.
the family, John should seek support from The Family Centre.
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YOUNG PEOPLE
YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES assists young people and families
to strengthen their relationships, and encourages greater community
participation and connection. Young people and families are supported
to identify their strengths and goals to develop a plan to create positive
changes.
CONNECTING HOME provides support to young people (16–24 years)
who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
REALSKILLS HIGH SCHOOLS works with students, teachers and
parents to improve relationship skills within school communities and
improve links between school communities and health and community
services providers.
COOLHEADS trained volunteers provide recreational activities and
support for young people in public spaces.
Courses
Aboriginal Boys & Girls Group
Take a Stand
Getting Connected
Switched On
Transitions for Boys
Transistions for Boys & Girls
Understanding Teenagers
Wrapped in Angels
(in partnership with TVSACS)
CONNECTING HOME
BIANCA’S STORY...
Bianca is a young Aboriginal women with two small children who had
been ‘’couch surfing’’ since leaving a violent relationship. Bianca
had limited family support and was slowly outstaying her welcome
with friends. The Connecting Home team worked collaboratively with
local services and a real estate agent who was willing to give Bianca
a go at securing her first ever rental. Bianca participated in living skills
workshops and accessed some brokerage money to assist with a
removalist and to buy some household goods. Bianca is continuing
to improve her situation and is looking to return to TAFE.
JOSIE’S STORY...
Upon first meeting Josie it was clear that her low self-esteem,
disengagement from school and mental illness were impacting on
her housing stability. Over the course of the year, while residing in
supported accommodation, Josie took part in weekly living skills
workshops, remained focused on her goals for the future and
attended counselling. There were many times when Josie considered
giving up however having the support and encouragement of a
Connecting Home worker helped Josie continue to move forward.
Josie now has graduated high school, obtained full time employment
and managed to secure a private rental with her partner. Josie has
aspirations of becoming a social worker as she recognises that with
support from others you can turn your life around.
REALSKILLS
HIGH SCHOOLS
Take a Stand – a one-day program for Year 8 students,
was delivered again this year to approximately 430
students across five Tweed Shire public high schools.
The aim of the day is to build awareness and skills
around core values, self-respect, responding to peer
pressure and setting personal boundaries. Areas
covered include negotiating consent, sexual assault,
abuse in relationships and the risks of drug and
alcohol use. At the end of the day, students make
their commitments to ‘take a stand’ for respectful
relationships.
For the second year running we introduced peer leaders
into the program at Tweed River High School. Following
a half day training session, twelve year 10 students
participated in the Take a Stand program, sitting
alongside the Year 8 students and mentoring/supporting
them to participate in the day. This approach was very
successful, with the Year 8 students connecting well
with the peer leaders and valuing the stories they shared
and the ideas they offered. The experience was just
as valuable for the peer leaders. They appreciated the
opportunity to be with and support the younger students
and for some there was a desire to continue the
connections and support them beyond the program.
YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES
MARY’S STORY...
Mary is a single mother with a 14 year old son who was
Effect program. He also developed social supports via
referred to Youth and Family Services (YFS) by a local
community activities at the PCYC.
service provider. Mary requested assistance from YFS
to support her son Liam. Liam had disengaged from
school, had limited social involvement, and was affected
by past trauma. Liam was also experiencing low selfesteem and was at times aggressive. Mary and Liam’s
relationship was strained.
YFS worked with Mary and Liam to identify their
strengths and needs and developed a support plan with
the family to assist them in achieving their desired goals.
YFS supported Liam to connect with mental health
support services, including Headspace and the Domino
The YFS worker liaised with Liam’s school and negotiated
a return to school plan that assisted Liam to catch up on
overdue school work, and feel more supported at school.
Mary learned new skills for positive parenting, and
enrolled in the Understanding Teenagers course offered
by The Family Centre.
Mary and Liam’s relationship continues to improve, as a
result of identifying their own strengths they are working
towards positive changes in their relationship.
Feedback
It’s a fun group to look forward to. It has a great feeling
in the group and it’s pretty open.I got some ideas on how
to cope with things in life.
89% of young people reported that they felt better
able to manage and continue at education, training,
and/or work.
Participant – ATSI Boys & Girls Group
I had lots of fun and learnt about respect, I liked what
other peoples Totems are. I have noticed how I’ve
changed in class and not disrupting it.
Particpant – Transitions for Boys & Girls
Learnt how to trust again, experienced friendships,
memories and how to give myself self-care.
Participant – Wrapped in Angels
It helped me have the courage to actually stand up for
myself and others.
80% of young people participating in Connecting
Participant – Take a Stand
Home report that relationships have improved with
family members.
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BUSINESS SERVICES
Our Business Services team provides comprehensive business support to The Family Centre and our community.
They maintain and develop our supplier relationships, human resources, financial, information and communications
technology, insurance and risk, fleet and property management systems.
They are also often our first point of contact with our community and provide a friendly face or voice over the phone
to assist them to connect with the people and services they need. They also manage our child minding facility, which
supports parents attending our courses. Our team consistently get the highest rating from client surveys.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
The Family Centre general purpose financial statements for 2014-15 disclose a consolidated surplus of $18,596 for
the year. The auditor’s opinion is unqualified in that the organisation’s financial statements give a true and fair view of
the performance and position of the Centre and comply with accounting standards. The Family Centre’s equity at 30
June 2014 was $472,770 with a current ratio (current assets to current liabilities) of 2.07:1 and working capital (current
assets less current liabilities) of $388,630.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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15–17 Rivendell, Tweed Heads South NSW 2486 (PO Box 6301) • Phone: (07) 5524 8711 • Email: info@thefamilycentre.org.au
TWEED HEADS • SOUTH TWEED HEADS • MURWILLUMBAH • OCEAN SHORES • BYRON BAY • BALLINA
www.thefamilycentre.org.au