Centacare Tasmania - CatholicCare Tasmania

Transcription

C e n t a c a re
Ta s m a n i a
Centacare Tasmania
2013-2014 Annual Report
CONTENTS
About Us
2
Humanitarian Settlement Services
16
Archbishop’s Message
3
Settlement Grants Program
17
Chair’s Report
4
Complex Case
17
Centacare Advisory Board Members
5
Accommodation Support Programs
18
Executive Director’s Report
6
Housing Connect Support -
Organisational Structure
7
Centacare Homelessness And Tenancy Support (Chats) 18
Strategic Goals
8
Stay – Specialist Intervention Tenancy Support Service 19
Centacare Tasmania Financial Summary
9
Ak Young Women’s Emergency Accommodation
19
Centacare Tasmania Bi-annual Conference
10
Regional Services – Launceston
20
Centacare Family Services
11
Family and Relationship Counselling
11
Regional Services – North West Coast, Circular
Head And West Coast
20
Family and Relationship Education and Skills Training 12
Communities For Children
21
Specialised Family Violence Service
12
Better Futures, Local Solutuions
22
Priceless Volunteers
22
Centacare Tasmania Community
Housing Association
23
Centacare Evolve Housing
24-25
Willson Training
26-27
Centacare Tasmania Child Care Services
28-29
Home and Housed
12
Reunification (Pathway Home) Service
13
New Directions for Parents
13
Triple P
13
Rural Group Program
14
Marriage Education Programs
15
Adoption Services
15
Family Life Education
15
Employee Assistance Program
15
Locations30
Centacare Services
31
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons in all client stories.
About US
Mission
Centacare Tasmania is committed to Christian principles. We will respond
to individuals, families and the community by providing services which
will enhance human dignity and freedom and enable people to realise
their full potential.
Vision
Centacare Tasmania will continuously strive to be at the forefront in the
provision of welfare and human services in Tasmania by:
The excellence and quality of our services.
Our commitment to advancing the provision of welfare services in
accordance with Catholic principles.
Our ability to actively respond to the needs of our communities and
clients, underpinning our work with sound research and development.
Our capacity to work collaboratively and strategically with other
agencies where there is a demonstrated mutual benefit and which
will deliver improved outcomes for clients.
Values
The values of Centacare Tasmania are based on Catholic Social Teachings
and give expression to the principles of Catholic social justice embracing
the following:
The dignity of each individual.
We recognise the unique value of each individual.
Families
We recognise the inherent diversity of families, upholding their value
and dignity and giving support to each.
Community
We will work to promote a society that provides equitable opportunities
for all people, including those who are most vulnerable.
Stakeholder participation
We are committed to developing meaningful relationships with
all parties. We will consult widely with our internal and external
stakeholders including clients, our communities, staff, governments
and other human service organisations.
We will promote mutual respect and collegiality.
Transparency and accountability
We will act at all times with integrity and with a commitment to open
and honest decision-making processes.
Staff
We recognise that our staff are our greatest asset. We are committed
to ensuring they are resourced and supported to undertake their
work and to perform to the highest possible standards.
Archbishop’s message
Archbishop JULIAN PORTEOUS DD
The first Christian
community in
Jerusalem developed
a practice of
providing for the
material needs of its
members who were
in need.
Centacare has completed yet another year of providing
many important services to the Tasmanian community.
Whether in humanitarian settlement, services to
families, vocational training, relationships and marriage
programs, childcare services or providing housing to
those in difficult financial situations, Centacare has
been active in the community serving the needs of
the most vulnerable.
The heart of this work, which is a work of the Catholic
Church in the Tasmanian community, is the faith that
inspires it. Our faith helps us see in each human
being, a person made in the image and likeness of
God. Centacare exists because Jesus Christ calls the
Church to minister to the poor, the infirmed, those
displaced, those imprisoned. Jesus himself described
his ministry in these words, “bring good news to the
poor, proclaim liberty to captives, restore sight to the
blind, and free the oppressed.” (Luke 4:18-19). His
attitude towards the suffering revealed a profound
compassion and his miracles are testimony to his
intent to free people from different forms of suffering.
Jesus did not limit his help to those who shared his
own faith tradition, rather all were to be helped. The
early Christian community followed this approach.
The first Christian community in Jerusalem developed
a practice of providing for the material needs of its
members who were in need. An issue emerged
concerning this practice when complaints were made
that the widows of Hellenist members of the community
were not adequately being provided for. The decision
was made to establish a group of ‘deacons’ to ensure
an equitable distribution of assistance to all in need,
suggesting that the Christian community was already
engaged in a substantial service to those in need
outside their own community. From its very inception
the Church was involved in what we would now regard
as ‘social welfare’.
This is further confirmed by the Emperor Julian (the
Apostate). When the Emperor wanted to revive pagan
religion in the mid-300s, he gave a most helpful insight
into how the Church had spread. This opponent of
the faith said that Christianity “has been specially
advanced through the loving service rendered to
strangers and through their care of the burial of the
dead. It is a scandal that there is not a single Jew
who is a beggar and that the [Christians] care not only
for their own poor but for ours as well; while those
who belong to us look in vain for the help we should
render them.” Over time the extent of the social work
of the Church has grown to the point where agencies
such as Centacare Tasmania have been instituted. The
work of Centacare helps to show the wider society
the love Jesus has for all regardless of their particular
religious affiliation.
I am very grateful to all employees of Centacare for
the very important work they have undertaken in
the care and service to humanity, throughout this
past year. This work is difficult and challenging and
does not offer the kind of financial rewards found in
other occupations. But it is absolutely critical for the
common good of society and essential to the Identity
and Mission of the Church. I congratulate Centacare
for its dedicated service in the name of the Church.
Archbishop Julian Porteous
3
Chair’s report
David Harradine
4
I am honoured to
be Chairman of an
organisation that has
part of its heritage
the exemplar witness
of wonderful Christian
men and women
throughout the ages
but importantly today,
witnessing the great
service to humanity
which the people of
Centacare provide on
a daily basis.
As I reflect on the 2014 financial year, it would not
be an exaggeration to describe the year as one of
unprecedented change.
We welcomed Julian Porteous as the new Archbishop
of Hobart who has exhorted us to faithfully continue
the Catholic Church’s long history of serving those
who are in need.
We experienced significant growth in the scope
and scale of our operations and delivered greatly
needed services to record numbers of Tasmanians,
many of whom are disadvantaged.
Changes in both State and Federal governments
during the year ushered in new policy directions
and changes to our programs.
At the same time, the economic landscape has also
changed, with economic headwinds influencing the
demand profile for our services and the type of
assistance needed by our clients.
As an organisation, we have also deliberately
embarked on our own program of change to renew
our focus on the way we work together, as well as
the systems we use to ensure quality and efficiency
in the delivery of our services.
As Chairman of the Advisory Board, I can say the
board has a very keen interest in how we manage
change as an organisation, and in particular, how
the organisation and its people learn and work
together to navigate change successfully and stay
true to our mission.
Notwithstanding the magnitude of the changes that
swept across the organisation, the Executive Director
Tim Gourlay and the Senior Management team
are to be commended for a strong performance
in 2014. This team anticipated and responded
ANNUAL REPORT 2013 – 2014
to the changes, carefully managed the impact of
uncertainty on our people and looked at everything
through the lens of our clients to deliver real impact
into the community we serve.
I would like to also acknowledge the contribution
made by members of the Advisory Board particularly
their considered advice in relation to corporate
governance, strategy, risk management and the
financial sustainability of our organisation. I also
extend my appreciation to my fellow outgoing
Advisory Board member Tim Baker and welcome
Ingrid Harrison to the Advisory Board.
I am delighted that we have an Advisory Board with
the right complement of skills and experience for
these changing times and will continue our program
of board renewal to ensure we continue to tender
wise counsel and considered recommendations to
the Archbishop.
I am honoured to be Chairman of an organisation
that has part of its heritage the exemplar witness
of wonderful Christian men and women throughout
the ages but importantly today, witnessing the great
service to humanity which the people of Centacare
provide on a daily basis. I encourage you to read as
I have, with great interest, the real lives touched by
Centacare as set out in this Annual Report.
Love of widows, orphans, prisoners, the sick and
needy has been as essential to the mission of the
Catholic Church as administering the sacraments and
preaching the gospel. Since earliest times and as
recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (a book written
almost 2000 years ago) concrete and structured
charitable work was a formal part of the Church,
has continued as such to the present day and will
always be.
Board members
as at 30 June 2014
David Harradine
Ann Butterworth
Timothy Baker
Ingrid Harrison
Chair
5
Phillip Zeeman
Tim Gourlay
Ron Ward
senior management team
Executive Director
Tim Gourlay
Georgina McLagan
Jennifer Day
Kim Bomford
Director of Family Services
Director of Education and
Community Services
State Manager Housing
Operations
Executive Director’s report
Tim Gourlay
6
Last year we warmly welcomed Archbishop Julian Porteous to the
Archdiocese as he took up the leadership of the Church in this State.
Archbishop Julian has been extremely supportive of the work of
Centacare during the past 12 months, and we acknowledge that
important support.
implementation of this software has been an ongoing project involving
the dedication of significant resources.
This year we had a change of Chairman on the Centacare Advisory
Board with immediate past Chairman Ron Ward taking over as Business
Manager of the Archdiocese. A warm welcome to new Chair, David
Harradine, a Partner in Deloitte, who was appointed to the role by
the Archbishop. David brings to the role his particular commitment to
contribute to this facet of the work of the Church as well as his highly
developed skills and talents in the areas of good corporate governance,
finance, audit and risk.
The year 2013/14 also saw a record year for the Humanitarian Settlement
Services (HSS) group within the welfare arm of Centacare. This talented
and committed team ably led by Manager James Norman, welcomed
and settled some 440 clients (refugees) to the State.
During the past three years Centacare has been growing its own housing
portfolio and positioning itself for further growth in the community
housing sector through its partnership with NSW-based Evolve Housing.
I am delighted to advise that Affordable Community Housing Alliance
Tasmania (ACHAT) trading as Centacare Evolve Housing (CEH) was
successful in winning the southern tranche of the Better Housing Futures
initiative of the State Government’s Housing Tasmania plan to transfer
the management of 35% of its public housing stock to community
housing providers. The outcome of the lengthy and detailed tender
process was formally announced in January with a ‘go live’ date for
Centacare Evolve Housing of May 5 2014.
This is a huge win and represents a transformational opportunity for
Centacare in terms of growing its business into the future. The 10-year
contract with Housing Tasmania is for the management of a portfolio
of some 1049 public houses in the Hobart suburbs of Bridgewater,
Gagebrook and Herdsmans Cove. It includes responsibility for tenancy
management, property maintenance, land development as well as
community engagement. CEH, under the leadership of State Housing
Operations Manager Kim Bomford, has been instrumental in delivering
successful outcomes in relation to this initiative. While it is early in the
contract period, all indicators are very positive and Centacare Evolve
is making a difference within the portfolio and the community.
This year the Archdiocese and Centacare made a commitment and
investment to support its growing business activities with appropriate
Information Technology systems by moving to an Enterprise Resource
Planning (ERP) integrated business management software. A tender
process resulted in the selection of a system known as Kypera which
is a specialised housing and financial management system. The
It was installed in time to ‘load’ some 1300 housing properties and will
result in enhanced business management capability and functionality.
This year also saw the move to Housing Connect, a Housing Tasmania
initiative designed to enhance the delivery of housing support services
to people experiencing housing stress or at risk of homelessness. It
involves a ‘front door’ model giving a single point of access to a range
of services provided in collaboration by five agencies, Centacare,
Anglicare, Colony 47, Salvation Army and Hobart City Mission.
Regrettably this year also saw the demise of the STAY program which had
been established some four years previously to provide specialised and
intensive housing support services to those most in need. Government
funding changes and merging of support services into Housing Connect
resulted in the redeployment of members of this team who had worked
so well in positively impacting the lives of many.
A sincere thanks to ... staff and volunteers who
continue to dedicate their time and talents to
making a positive difference in the lives of needy,
marginalised or disadvantaged Tasmanians.
The biannual Centacare staff conference was held at the East Coast
Central Resort on April 9 2014 and is reported elsewhere in this
document. Excellent staff participation and quality programs were
highlights. Special thanks and acknowledgement of the excellent
organising of this by Project Officer Deirdre Easton who after more
than three years service at Centacare has retired.
A sincere thanks to Senior Managers Georgina McLagan, Jennifer
Day, Kim Bomford as well as all managers, co-ordinators, staff and
volunteers who continue to dedicate their time and talents to making a
positive difference in the lives of needy, marginalised or disadvantaged
Tasmanians.
Organisational structure
Archbishop of Hobart
Diocesan Finance Committee
Business Manager Archdiocese
of Hobart
Centacare Advisory Board
Executive Director
Centacare Tasmania
Director Education and
Community Services
Willson Training
• 32 years as a RTO
• Statewide training
Manager
Child Care Services
• 14 centres
Statewide
• Over 1000
students
State Manager Housing
Operations
Manager
Community Housing
• Over 1300 properties
under management
statewide
• Mix of affordable,
low-cost and social
housing
Director Centacare
Family Services
7
State Manager
Housing & Homeless
Clinical
Supervisor
Counselling
Manager Humanitarian
Settlement
Services
Family Support
Coordinator & Rural
Group Services
Regional Manager
North
Regional Manager
North-West
Regional Program Distribution
North-West
North
South
• C hild Care Services
• C entacare Homelessness and Tenancy
• S pecialist Intervention Tenancy Service
• P ersonal and Family Counselling
• C hallenging Abusive Behaviours
• F amily Life Education
• E mployee Assistance Program
• S ettlement Support Program
• Family and Relationship Education and Skills
Support (CHATS)
Training
• Home and Housed
• R egional Family Dispute Resolution
• Post Separation Cooperative Parenting
Program
• A doption Services
• C ommunities for Children
• F amily Mediation
• B etter Futures, Local Solutions
Tasmania Community Housing
• Centacare
Association
• W illson Training
Training
• Home and Housed
• F amily Support Services
Tasmania Community Housing
• Centacare
Association
Support (CHATS)
Support (CHATS)
• S titch Program
• R ural Group Program
• R eunification (Pathway Home) Program
• C hallenging Abusive Behaviours
• C omplex Case Support
• S ettlement Support Program
• S pecialist Family Violence Service
Training
• P rivate Rental Tenancy Support Services
• H umanitarian Support Services
• F amily and Relationship Counselling
• C hildren’s Counselling
• A K - Young Women’s Refuge
• C entacare Tasmania Community Housing
Association
Strategic goals 2011- 2015
Centacare’s strategic plan sets out objectives for the organisation to 2015 and we will continue working together to meet these goals so that
a better place ... a better life is everyone’s right.
Clients
Communication
Sustainability in Business Practices, Financial
Viability and Sustainability
Brand Recognition
Develop sustainable growth with an emphasis on financial viability.
Develop and maintain a recognisable presence within the Tasmanian
community through raising the profile of the organisation.
Quality Assurance Accreditation and Governance
Access to Education
Focus on meeting the needs of disadvantaged and marginalised
individuals, families and communities.
Obtain ISO 9001 quality accreditation.
Research and Development
Undertake appropriate and relevant research with respect to informing and
supporting core business activities and exploring business development
opportunities.
Alliances and Partnerships
8
Value internal and external communication in all forms to communicate
best practice models, activities and strategies.
Identify and develop targeted education opportunities within each
service delivery arm to enable clients to break the disadvantage cycle.
Integrity
Work transparently with stakeholders to uphold Centacare’s values
and demonstrate services and activities are delivered in accordance
to policy and procedure.
Focus on existing alliances and partnerships and develop new alliances
and partnerships with established agencies and providers to address
opportunities for the benefit of clients, staff and key stakeholders.
Key overarching themes
Clients
Sustainability in
Business Practices,
Financial Viability
and Sustainability
Quality Assurance
Accreditation and
Governance
Research and
Development
Alliances and
Partnerships
Communication
Brand Recognition
Access to Education
Integrity
Centacare Tasmania financial summary
for the year ended 30 June 2014
INCOME
2014
2013
State Government
5,450,505
6,381,384
Commonwealth Government
3,236,132
4,793,827
28,949
218,548
Investment Income
286,342
518,100
Other
642,510
278,711
Program/Contract Income
3,056,804
4,233,858
Rental Income
2,400,347
3,797,804
585,917
652,820
Total income: 15,687,506
20,875,052
Donations & Fundraising
Training Income
OPERATIONAL EXPENSES
2013
2014
Wages & Salaries Costs
62.2%
65.94%
Travel Expenses
0.7%
0.49%
Rental Property Expenses
3.8%
6.20%
Other
0.2%
0.41%
Motor Vehicle Expenses
3.7%
3.60%
Finance Expenses
5.1%
4.52%
Equipment Expenses
1.5%
1.23%
Program Support
8.5%
4.98%
Building Expenses
3.3%
3.05%
Administration Costs
11.0%
9.59%
100%
100%
Total:
Note this report is exclusive of unrealised movements in investment property values, fair value adjustments and transfers to and from reserves.
9
Centacare Tasmania Bi-annual
Conference
10
The two-day event was
well attended by staff
across Centacare’s
diverse range of
programs from all regions
and provided opportunity
to catch up, network,
participate in training
and reconnect with the
organisation as it grows
and develops into new
business areas.
Centacare’s bi-annual conference provided a
wonderful opportunity for staff at all levels of the
organisation to come together at the picturesque
East Coast Central Watersedge Resort Orford.
The two-day event was well attended by staff
across Centacare’s diverse range of programs
from all regions and provided an opportunity to
catch up, network, participate in training and
reconnect with the organisation as it grows and
develops into new business areas.
Staff from Centacare Childcare Services, Willson
Training, Family Services, Corporate Services
and Centacare Evolve Housing were involved in
the variety of activities the conference offered
including:
Project updates.
Regional program initiatives.
Guest speakers on team building, quality
assurance and health and well being.
Training in areas of communication and the
prevention of bullying and harassment.
Small group activities and informal sessions
in yoga, mindfulness, drumbeat and tennis.
We were also joined in our gathering by Archbishop
Julian Porteous, members of the Centacare
Tasmania Advisory Board and the Business
Manager of the Archdiocese of Hobart, Ron Ward.
Our key motivational speaker, adventurer and
author, Paul Pritchard was a highlight. Paul shared
his story of adventure and personal journey into
disability and showcased the inspiring film of his
1158 kilometres over the Himalayas. His inspiring
journey was visually captivating and the images of
determination, perseverance and accomplishment
invigorated and renewed the audience and offered
a new perspective on the work we are doing in
the community. Evidence of Paul’s contribution
to the conference could be seen in the rush of
people to the stage after he had finished and the
number of questions he had to field.
The evening of day two saw the group come
together for a semi-formal dinner event topped
off by a stirring display of staff bravado and flair
in conference show - Centacare’s Got Talent.
Centacare
Family Services
Director Georgina McLagan
Workers in the social services are often called agents of change and
this year all of the staff of Centacare’s Family Services have experienced
change at every level. Internally, we have a new Archbishop, new Board
members and a new Business Manager as well as the commencement
of a formal QA accreditation process. Externally, we have new models
of housing and homelessness programs with the transition to Housing
Connect. While we support the gains to the community of a more
streamlined service, we have had to deal with the impact of the loss of
highly skilled and valued staff. Changes in federal and state governments
have also brought their policy changes and we work with clients through
their uncertainties and concerns. In the midst of change has always
been the potential for growth, in service delivery and in professional
development, and staff have, as always, shown their great potential
to embrace this.
I have been privileged to share this challenging and diverse journey
this year with teams of committed and skilled staff who despite the
roadblocks and diversions, maintain a clear client focus that makes
them so effective in their work.
11
In the midst of change has always been the potential for growth, in service delivery and in
professional development, and staff have, as always, shown their great potential to embrace this.
Centacare’s counselling program started 54 years ago in Hobart when
it was originally called a marriage guidance bureau. Over the years
our counselling programs have expanded across the State to meet
community and government requirements alongside the other many
services and programs that Centacare Family Services now provides
to the community in general. Centacare now has regional offices in
Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport.
We currently provide individual, couple, family relationship, and children’s
counselling as well as a number of group programs based on client needs.
Centacare provides a specialist family violence service in the South
and North-West of the State which includes individual family member
assessments, counselling, group programs and case management to
ensure the safety of women and children. Our biggest referral numbers
are still for children experiencing family violence, family breakdown,
grief and trauma, and often expressed in behavioural difficulties. We
are the largest provider of children’s counselling particularly in the five
to 12 years age group. We have well-equipped children’s counselling
rooms and our counsellors are trained in using a number of different
modalities including expressive and play therapies. In response to
identified need, we now offer family therapy to families when appropriate
and it is assessed to be in the best interests of the children.
The second largest source of counselling referrals is in the area of
family violence, and this is based on our reputation and expertise in
the area and has been funded since 2002 by the Federal Government.
Commonwealth funding for this program will cease at the end of 2014.
We offer a range of group programs for children and adults across all
regions. A new program this year was Drumbeats.
Drumbeats is a program for all ages but currently is being presented
in primary schools to help children with emotional regulation, increase
self-esteem, and improve social skills leading to better relationships
and sense of belonging.
“Drumbeat is awesome!”
“I wish we could do it all over again”
Family and Relationship Education
and Skills Training
Family and Relationship Education and Skills Training provides a variety
of relationship skill and education programs for individuals, couples
and families across the State. These programs are based on identified
client and community need to enhance individuals, couples and families’
experience of life by building on strengths and providing information to
develop skills within a group learning framework.
Group programs held throughout the State this year include:
Challenging Abusive Behaviours group program for men
Real Women’s Group – for women wishing to explore the place of
anger in their lives
Engaging Adolescents Parenting Program
Cameo Group – for women who have experienced violence
Humour for Health Groups
Parent Effectiveness Training
WUAW – Women Using Anger Wisely
Magic 1, 2, 3 parenting programs
Kids’ Express – group program to help children manage their emotions
Kids’ Club – for children and a parent who have experienced violence
Grief and Loss
12
SPECIALISED FAMILY
VIOLENCE SERVICE
Centacare has a federally funded Specialised Family Violence Service
and offers specialised individual assessment, counselling and group
programs covering the impact of family violence on all family members.
This service offers a whole-of-family approach and offers participants
access to the Challenging Abusive Behaviours for men who have been
or are abusive in their families. Children are supported in accessing the
children’s counselling services and group programs to deal with their
experience of family violence. A case management approach is used
to monitor and ensure best practice is maintained with due regard to
the safety of women and children.
Home and Housed
Centacare delivers the Home and Housed service, funded by the
Department of Social Services, in the North and North-West. Services
operate from our Launceston and Burnie offices and are delivered to
people living in rural and remote areas in these regions.
Home and Housed is available for older people who are homeless or at
risk of becoming homeless as a result of experiencing housing stress,
not having secure accommodation or are low income. The aim of the
program is to help eligible clients to remain in the community through
accessing appropriate, sustainable and affordable housing and linking
where appropriate, to community care.
This free service is available to people over 65 years of age, or those
who are prematurely aged due to disability, substance abuse, military
service, or homelessness. Also eligible are those who were in institutional
care or other form of out-of-home care as a child or youth (or both)
sometime during the 20th century. We also assist forgotten soldiers,
former child migrants and people from the Stolen Generation.
It is evident that the level of support and assistance required for
clients of the program differs significantly with each person. The main
common factors are that the majority are from low socio-economic
backgrounds, all receive Centrelink benefits, and are financially and
materially disadvantaged.
Home and Housed support includes:
Dealing with issues relating to housing and accommodation.
Looking for private rental.
Applications for public and community housing.
Helping arrange appointments.
Advocacy.
Accessing appropriate community care services.
Referrals to other agencies.
Outreach.
Information and budgeting.
Crisis information and referral.
FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS
13
Centacare’s Family Support Programs promote and encourage positive parenting which creates an
environment in which children flourish and reach their fullest potential.
Reunification
(Pathway Home)
Service
The specialised reunification program’s aim is to assist and support
children in alternate care, reconnect with and return to their families.
This is undertaken through a carefully planned transition which assists
both parents and children make the adjustment to the children being
back at home full time. Program workers educate, guide and assist
parents gain new life and parenting skills and strategies which enhance
the parent – child relationship and ensure a safe and sustainable return
home for children. The average length of time in the program is now
nine months, with all referrals received directly from Child Protection
Services.
New Directions
for Parents
New Directions supports parents who had come into contact with Child
Protection Services, and no longer had the full-time care of their children.
Information and education provide in-group sessions, informs, assist
and supported the raising of parents’ awareness regarding issues which
may have led to Child Protection coming into their lives. A child’s need
to feel safe and secure at home is the focus of all sessions. Parents are
provided with practical strategies to address any issues they experience
regarding parenting or day-to-day living skills.
In designing and developing the program, participants are required to
complete all 10 sessions prior to being eligible to receive a certificate
of completion. Meeting this criteria assists in assessing a participant’s
level of motivation to change and work on the issues which led to their
family coming into contact with Child Protection Services.
Triple P
The New Directions Program also facilitates Triple P Positive Parenting
groups within Centacare’s Tower Road facility. Referrals for these groups
are received from the main New Directions group, Child Protection,
Justice Department, Family Law Court and from other Centacare
services.
Five groups were facilitated throughout the year, with 56 referrals
received and 35 parents completing the full group.
Funding ended for the New Directions program and associated Triple
P groups as of June 2014.
REUNIFICATION – TRACEY’S STORY
14
Tracey was one of the original members for the New Directions group
which ran for 10 weeks. Each week we had a workshop related
to re-education around working toward being an effective parent.
Tracey had three children who were in and out of home care. She
was determined to complete the New Directions program to assist
her to progress to a successful reunification with her children. Tracey
lived quite a distance from Centacare where group sessions were
held each week. She would stay overnight with her parents-in-law
who lived closer so that she could attend the group. In fact, Tracey
never missed a session.
Tracey was successful in completing the 10-week program and was
the first group participant to receive her Certificate of Participation.
After completing the New Directions Program, Tracey and her children
were referred to the Pathway Home Reunification service for support
in undertaking the reunification process. Tracey’s children had not
been in her care for a number of years, and because of this, she
understood it would be a long process for reunification, requiring
her to learn and put into practice, a lot of new parenting skills. A
psychologist recommended that a cautious approach was needed
to be taken with reunification, as the children had previously been
exposed to family violence, parental mental health concerns, parental
criminal activity, sexual abuse, and neglect. The children presented
with some developmental delays and trauma-related behaviour.
Tracey developed an honest and respectful relationship with Child
Protection Services. She also had strong support from her partner.
With Pathway Home support, Tracey encouraged her children to
pursue healthy extra-curricular activities including team sports, and
events with the local community youth centre. Tracey developed a
better understanding of her children’s nutritional needs and Pathway
Home supported her with learning about nutritious and cost effective
family meals.
Tracey also put in place good routines, rewards charts, and household
agreements. She realised that each of her children enjoyed having
some one-on-one time with her, and this became a special treat
which was incorporated into the family routines.
Tracey and her partner sometimes had disagreements, and Pathway
Home was able to support them to learn good communication
strategies, and to also demonstrate to their children, healthy ways
to manage differences of opinion and conflict.
With a collaborative and transparent approach to the reunification,
the family and the service providers (including Centacare Family
Support) were able to successfully reunify the children to live with
Tracey full time in a safe, supportive, and healthy environment.
Tracey and her children now have good ongoing formal and informal
supports to help them to sustain the positive changes and the long
term success of the reunification.
The Integrated Family Support Services team (IFSS) also delivers
services to the George Town area and to Launceston, this two worker
team receives referrals from Baptcare /Child Protection Gateway
services and delivers long term intensive home visit family support
to families with children. The program has been supporting clients
to achieve significant outcomes for over four years and has just
been successfully refunded.
Rural Group Program
(North and South)
The Rural Groups aim to promote good communication and strong
relationships between parents and their children through the provision
of Triple P Positive Parenting groups in rural communities in the south,
north and north-eastern regions of Tasmania. Funding ended for both
the northern and southern program at the end of June 2014.
Rural Group (North) provides groups in communities such as Winnaleah,
Exeter, Ringarooma, Campbell Town, Longford, Bridport, Deloraine
and Mole Creek. Numbers were so high in some communities that two
groups were required to enable all interested parents to attend. Followup sessions were provided at six-week, three-month and six-month
intervals to encourage parents to reflect on and refresh the strategies
they gained from the initial course.
Rural Group (South) facilitated eight groups throughout the year. The
groups attracted 53 parents in communities such as Oatlands, Cygnet,
Nubeena, Dunalley, Glenora, Ouse and Westerway. The final group in
Cygnet was a real example of meeting the needs of the community
and community driven initiative. A parent from the community who had
knowledge of Triple P, had researched who provided this group in the
South. The parent then contacted Centacare, requesting a group in their
community. This parent was extremely enthusiastic and motivated and
when informed that a group would be provided if there was sufficient
interest, the parent through contacts and friends gathered enough
interested parents to enable the facilitation of a group. The group
completed the course and provided positive feedback.
Child Protection Week
In 2010 the Family Support program received an anonymous
donation to promote non-violent and positive parenting strategies.
With these funds the program annually supports and promotes
National Child Protection Week with a variety of activities. We
hosted a stall at Northgate Shopping Centre in Glenorchy, where
we gave away more than 100 showbags and balloons, as well as
providing face painting to young children. Each showbag contained
information on two important Centacare services, Alternatives to
Smacking and Using words that Heal not Hurt.
Child Protection week promotional event at Northgate Shopping Centre.
MARRIAGE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Centacare offers pre-marriage education programs to couples preparing to marry.
FOCCUS is a pre-marriage educational program for couples contemplating marriage and is
designed to help them develop the skills, insights and understanding into how they can manage
their relationship as it develops and grows.
We are anticipating the introduction of the Federal Government Strengthening Relationships Trial
Project, due to commence July 1 2014 and end June 2015. Under this Trial, if couples present and
have successfully applied for a $200 subsidy from the Department of Social Services, we can
provide them with a prescribed number of pre-marriage, educational and counselling services.
ADOPTION SERVICES
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION
The Catholic Private Adoption Agency offers a statewide service to
all parties to adoption, which includes relinquishing parents, adoptive
parents and adoptees.
Parents considering the adoption option for their child are assisted
to consider all options and sources of support. This may include
an adoption plan, but more often will lead to support to parent their
child. The Agency deals only with the adoption of Tasmanian children
and is represented on the State Government Inter-country Adoption
Consultative Committee.
Centacre’s Family Life Education program (FLE) is a statewide service
to schools offering sexuality and relationship education to students from
kindergarten to grade 12.
The program aims to encourage positive, healthy attitude towards the
growth and development of sexuality in children and teenagers.
It encourages students to make positive, healthy and informed decisions
about their bodies by offering factual, up-to-date information. Students
can then make better decisions from a position of dignity, respect and
regard for themselves and others.
Involvement with parents is integral to assisting their communication with
their children on sexual development. Primary and secondary parent
information sessions are held to support all presentations.
The primary school program is offered as in-class or evening sessions,
while secondary school sessions are in-class sessions in the presence
of the class teacher.
After a successful trial last year we continued the program on safe
partying.
FLE was presented at 50 schools in 2013-14, educating approximately
10,000 students statewide.
EMPLOYEE
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Centacare has been providing Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
services to employees for a wide range of business for many years.
A Commitment to EAP by an employer is a sign he or she cares for their
employees’ health and emotional wellbeing as the aim of the counselling
service is to support staff who are experiencing problems in their personal
or professional life to help them function well in the workplace.
EAP is a statewide service and is also a member of ACCESS, a national
EAP referral system.
Students can then make better decisions from a position
of dignity, respect and regard for themselves and others.
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Humanitarian Settlement Services
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Centacare’s Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) team funded by
the Federal Department of Social Services, works with people who have
come from a wide range of refugee backgrounds and who are settling
in southern Tasmania. Many have lived for years in refugee camps with
some born in camps and having never experienced life outside one.
Others have lived for years in urban poverty. They are referred to us
after being granted a visa as part of Australia’s Humanitarian Program,
which offers them the opportunity to settle permanently in Australia.
While this opportunity offers a potentially brighter future, it comes on
the back of some very difficult personal journeys. Most of our clients
have left loved ones behind in situations that are precarious at best,
many have had prolonged exposure to extreme violence, and some
are the survivors of torture.
The purpose of the program is to equip new humanitarian entrants with
the skills and knowledge they need to begin a new life in Australia.
The past financial year was a record one for our program. We helped
settle more than 500 people from about 120 families, a majority of
which were Hazara families who were former refugees of Afghanistan.
We also supported families who were refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar,
and a variety of other countries.
A large number of the families we supported last year arrived here after
being granted a Woman at Risk Visa, a visa category for families ‘living
outside their home country without the protection of a male relative and
are in danger of victimisation, harassment or serious abuse because
of their gender’. We were pleased to be in a position to support these
families, many of whom included several children and young adults who
added to the already vibrant and diverse mix that is HSS.
Our team of 16 permanent staff and more than 20 casual bi-cultural
workers was kept busy all year. Our bi-cultural workers provide interpreting
support in a wide range of languages and act as a link between HSS and
the many developing and diverse cultural communities in Hobart. Our
staff and our clients were well supported by our very enthusiastic and
vitally important volunteer team, comprising more than 100 members.
They still face the difficulties of starting again in a
new and very foreign country, but the HSS team at
Centacare and the many other service providers they
meet, ensures they do not face those difficulties alone.
As well as having a dedicated caseworker, all our clients are allocated
a small team of volunteers who add the level of additional service and
friendship that is so important to new families when they arrive in a
strange place with numerous new challenges to be faced.
In order to help people gain the skills and knowledge they need to
settle successfully in Australia, we run an orientation program which
includes a series of workshops, a lot of practical community-based
learning, and an assessment process. During the 2013/14 year we
ran 149 formal workshops, all of which were translated simultaneously
into different languages.
The past financial year was a wonderful year for Centacare’s HSS
program. It had its challenges and there were times when we were
stretched, for example when 41 clients arrived on a single afternoon
flight. There were times of frustration when clients were encouraged to
move to larger cultural communities in other settlement regions before
experiencing the benefits of Tasmanian settlement. But the work we
did with our clients allowed them to start their settlement journey in
safety and with appropriate support along the way. They still face the
difficulties of starting again in a new and very foreign country, but the
HSS team at Centacare and the many other service providers they
meet, ensures they do not face those difficulties alone.
No doubt this past year will continue to challenge, especially given the
ever-changing political and geo-political circumstances that affect our
work. However as part of Centacare’s growing array of humanitarian
and migration support services, HSS looks forward to meeting the new
families who will come to call Australia home.
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The Settlement Grants Program (SGP) provides strength-based
settlement services to all eligible clients in the Greater Hobart area for
up to five years after exit from the HSS Program.
Stitch – provides a women’s life skills group work, craft and sewing
program with a focus on reducing social isolation and barriers, acquiring
life skills and accessing mainstream services with an increased level of
confidence. Up to 11 different cultural groups attend Stitch.
Stitch delivered 62 sessions to 844 women which is an average of
13.61 per session and a record number for attendance for the past
financial year.
The Housing Caseworker aims to assist clients to become self-reliant and
independent through the provision of one-on-one housing assistance
and through group information sessions to support, find, secure, keep
and manage tenancies. We worked closely with Housing Connect to
assist and support clients as they move through the accommodation
process, and liaised with 16 Real Estate Agencies.
Housing assisted 76 new clients and ran eight workshops for 258
clients – an average of 32.35 per session which again, was a record
attendance number during the financial year.
Complex Case
Centacare Tasmania has been delivering Complex Case Support Services for the Federal Government since 2008. During this time the program
has provided intensive support throughout southern Tasmania to individuals and families from a humanitarian background who are experiencing
barriers and challenges beyond the scope of settlement and general community support agencies.
Accommodation Support Programs
Centacare, as a key organisation supporting Tasmanians who are
homeless or at risk of homelessness, has been has been strongly
advocating for the needs of our community working towards social
justice for those who are most marginalised. Centacare recognises
the importance of safe, stable, secure and affordable accommodation
providing support to those in need through our housing and homelessness
services.
Homelessness is a growing concern in Australia, with Tasmanian
homelessness services reporting alarming increases of people who
are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness. A new approach to
homelessness (2008) reports that each night, 100,000 Australians are
homeless, the Australian Bureau of Statistics from the 2011 Census
reporting approximately 1579 people were homeless in Tasmania (an
increase from 1145 in 2006). The regional breakdown shows greater
Hobart has the highest proportion, at 744 people (47%); Launceston and
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the NE have 376 people (24%); the West and North West coast areas
a very similar 375 (24%) and the South East region 87 people (5%.)
This year has seen significant changes within the housing and
homelessness sector, specifically in how services now respond to
those seeking housing and support, the two changes of significance
being the introduction of Housing Connect and Better Housing Futures.
Centacare is part of the Housing Connect service offering support for
those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or in housing stress.
An increase in service demand is a reflection of the difficult times many
of those within our community are facing. Many clients having difficulty
entering into the private rental market, are forced to rent substandard
dwellings due to lack of options. Many find themselves in severe housing
stress, paying more than 30% of their income in rent and alarmingly
high numbers paying well over 50% of their income in rent.
Housing Connect Support Centacare Homelessness and Tenancy
Support (CHATS)
In January 2011 the Tasmanian Government employed KPMG to conduct
a review of the housing and homelessness support service system. The
outcome of the Supported Accommodation Assistance Review was a
restructure of Tasmanian support services. This restructure saw five
organisations (Centacare Tasmania, Anglicare Tasmania, Colony 47,
Hobart City Mission and Salvation Army) developing a collaborative
agreement to form Housing Connect.
Centacare within this collaborative model provides support to those
clients who are assessed as in need of support through:
Level 1: Tenancy support to individuals and families in private, public
and community housing.
Level 2: Outreach and support considered to be short-term floating
support (6-12 weeks intensive).
Level 3 Outreach and support, longer term case management and
support.
Referrals for CHATS are made through the Housing Connect front door,
CHATS support teams based in Hobart, Launceston and across the
North West. Support provided is through structured case management
and case coordination aimed at resolving issues that have, or may
lead to, homelessness. Caseloads across the State vary with the North
showing the highest level of demand. The volume of clients requiring
assistance reduces the capacity for intensive practical support.
As with any collaborative model considerable time is needed to develop
strong working partnerships. This has been a key focus for CHATS and
Housing Connect in all regions and has seen an integrated approach
to responding to the needs of those experiencing homelessness and
housing stress in our community.
STAY – Specialist Intervention Tenancy
Support Service
The STAY service (also called the Specialist Intervention Tenancy Support
Service) was developed in recognition that specialist services were
required to respond at key transition points in peoples’ lives where they
are at significant risk of homelessness. STAY provides an intensive, holistic
and long-term response to client need in order to support clients sustain
their tenancies. This support could be provided for up to two years.
STAY focuses on young people leaving care and protection or youth
justice, adults leaving correctional and health facilities, or people
experiencing multiple episodes or extended periods of homelessness
(the chronic homeless) with high and complex needs. Support includes
case management, advocacy, financial counselling and referral services.
The client is valued as having an individual history, issues, needs and
motivations. Social inclusion, education and life skills are strong features
of the support provided.
STAY uses the Outcomes Star evaluation tool, which allows sufficient data
to demonstrate the level of significant positive change that clients make.
STAY, having been funded through the National Partnership on
Homelessness (NPAH), was informed in late June of 2014 that the
service will no longer be operational from July 1 2014. Provision has
been made for existing clients to be supported through Housing Connect
Support.
AK Young Women’s Emergency
Accommodation
AK Young Women’s Emergency Accommodation is a 24-hours-a-day,
seven-days-a-week program for young women aged from 13- 20 years
who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Short-term accommodation of up to six weeks is provided with a worker
on duty 24 hours a day to respond to the needs of these young women.
The support provided by AK includes;
Responding to young women in immediate crisis.
Support reunification for the young person and their family (if safe
to do so).
Assist in linking young women back into school and other educational
opportunities.
Support young women in accessing employment opportunities.
Address issues of isolation supporting social inclusion.
Access physical and emotional health services.
Access income and legal support.
Link residents to alcohol and other drug support services.
Support living skill development.
Assist gain confidence with and improve communication skills.
AK provides a number of opportunities in-house to gain skills in
general living and provides opportunities for young women to have
new experiences through a range of activities which include personal
development, art and a number of educational guest speakers.
AK again this year has been widely supported by donations from the
Tasmanian community including organisations such as Second Bite,
Mona, D’Angelo’s Pizza, Country Women’s Association Tasmania,
Banjo’s, Sacred Heart College, C3 Church, ABC Wishing Tree, LINC,
and a number of private donations. Without these donations AK would
not be able to have provided many of the basic living items our clients
have needed.
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Regional Services
LAUNCESTON
The northern regional office of Centacare in Launceston services the
West Tamar, Break of Day, Dorset and areas of the Northern Midlands and
Meander Valley Council areas as well as Launceston city and suburbs.
The team at Centacare Launceston is committed to providing quality
informed service to all in their communities. Every individual matters
and that is why many of Centacare services in the north are outreach
or home visits services.
Three Centacare Family Service streams are represented at the
Launceston site, Housing Support Services, Family and Relationship
Counselling and Family Services.
The northern Housing Support Services, team is the largest team at
the Launceston site with 11 workers and a team leader, and receives
referrals via the Housing Connect Front Door. This program offers a range
of housing support services from advice and information to long term
housing support for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.
The Family and Relationship Services (FRS) Launceston has State
Government funding for the George Town-based counsellor who works
from the George Town Hospital and is able to offer generalist counselling
services to the area. The team also delivers outreach services to George
Town, Ravenswood and other locations in the north including telephone
counselling to Flinders Island.
NORTH WEST COAST, CIRCULAR HEAD AND WEST COAST
The North-West branch of Centacare Tasmania provides services to a
large geographical area identified as the Mersey-Lyell region, stretching
from Port Sorell in the east, to Smithton in the west, and south to
Strahan and crossing back over Cradle Mountain. This is a large area
with a diverse population of about 108,000 encompassing residential
areas through to rural and remote communities.
The two regional cities of Burnie and Devonport are the service hubs
and the sites of most of the areas welfare and health services. Access
to these services is therefore problematic for people living in smaller
communities as public transport infrastructure at its best, is poorly
developed and in most cases, non-existent.
A full range of Centacare’s Family Services programs is available from the
two main offices in Burnie and Devonport and at co-located consulting
rooms in Smithton, Zeehan, Queenstown and Rosebery.
We are the largest provider of family dispute resolution/mediation
on the North-West Coast facilitating separated parents to develop a
realistic and achievable parenting plan that reflects the best interests
and rights of their children.
Part of the process is for each parent to attend our post separation
co-operative parenting workshop, Weathering Family Separation. The
aim of this workshop is to raise awareness that on-going conflict between
parents and not separation is what is most detrimental to children and
creates future life difficulties for them.
COMMUNITIES FOR CHILDREN
The Communities for Children initiative is funded by the Federal
Government’s Department of Social Services. Centacare is the facilitating
partner for the Burnie Communities for Children initiative.
In this role Centacare drives and manages a community development
approach to improve outcomes for less advantaged families with children
from birth to 12 years within the local Burnie community.
Local Communities for Children partners provide family group-based
programs for a range of services to families:
Helping Young Parents is a facilitated peer network for teenage
parents comprising two groups known as Young Mums’ Group and
Young Dads’ Collective.
Bernie’s Pad is a free, family-focused drop-in information and activity
space in the centre of Burnie known as ‘Pad in the Plaza’, combined
with outreach mobile activities -‘Bernie on Wheels’ and the ‘Bernie
the Lizard’ icon.
Bernie activities engage with families with young children to
build skills and knowledge of positive parenting strategies and
connect them to the broader service system through information
and referrals.
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Billy is an arts-based community development project that engages
families and volunteers in arts activities in local schools.
Big Window is an innovative arts and wellbeing-based project that draws
participants from people from potentially vulnerable and ‘at-risk’ families
and connects them with a peer group, an employer and education.
The project responds to specifically identified needs introduced by the
Federal Government in 2012 relating to long-term unemployment.
Big Window was developed and facilitated by Creature Tales,
a community-based arts company that specialises in arts and
wellbeing projects in the family-support and aged-care contexts.
Connected is a targeted connection and provides bridging support
for people in ‘hard-to-reach’ and disengaged families.
The project was developed following consultation with local service
providers that work with jobless families, and is run by Mission
Australia.
ONE WOMAN’S STORY
“You can go a long way with a little help”
Jenny (not her real name) reported feeling very overwhelmed and
scared of her upcoming Centrelink appointment. She didn’t know
why she was being called in and what she would be expected to
do. Moreover she was terrified that she’d lose her income - she’d
heard from other people about Centrelink just taking your money
away if you didn’t have a job when the kids started school and she
just didn’t know how to cope.
When Jenny turned up for the appointment, Jane, her worker,
was there and introduced herself. She seemed really friendly and
approachable, and made it seem much easier.
Jane followed up Jenny with a phone call and a visit at Jenny’s home.
That was a huge step for Jenny. She was embarrassed and shy
but after that she realised she really could trust Jane.
Jane helped Jenny with organising childcare and payment for it,
finding courses and supportive people, and other services to help
that Jenny said she hadn’t had any idea about or would not have
even thought would be available, particularly education and mental
health support.
“She helped me get my life back in order. I always thought about
things I could do but I just couldn’t actually do them. Mostly I didn’t
know how, then I’d get really down and just not try.”
Jenny said the most useful and significant thing about working with
Jane has been her warm, personalised support and regular checking
in (monthly) which has helped her feel capable and believe in herself.
“It makes a huge difference to know someone is there for me,
checking in and believes in me. You can go a long way with a
little help”
BETTER FUTURES, LOCAL SOLUTUIONS
The Better Futures, Local Solutions initiative is funded by the Federal
Government’s Department of Human Services. The initiative concentrates
on the community and government working together to help families and
individuals to enhance their work skills, find employment and provide
opportunities for their children to participate in educational opportunities.
There are 10 local government areas participating in the Better Futures,
Local Solutions initiative of which Burnie is the Tasmanian site.
Each local government area has a government action leader, a community
action leader and a local advisory group working together to identify and
develop innovative local initiatives and projects that boost engagement,
capability and workforce participation.
The Local Advisory Group funded nine programs involving a variety
of local organisations through round two of the Local Solutions Fund.
All programs funded are aligned with the strategic priorities the Local
Advisory Group has identified:
Supporting pathways to long-term employment.
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Connecting business, community and jobseekers.
Building aspirations, resilience and self-esteem among the people
of Burnie.
NICOLE’S STORY
Horticultural Program – North West
Environment Centre
A young mother of two, Nicole (not real name) had been in
a horrific car accident and unable to walk for four months in
early 2013. Nicole participated in our program#1 with a high
effort and achievements. Nicole fully completed a Certificate II
in Workplace Practices and received a Statement of Attainment
for Certificate II in Horticulture. Nicole has provided a testimonial
on how the program directly helped turn her life around. Nicole is
now working (paid employment 28 hours per week) on a project
for Burnie City Council.
Fostering a community that values knowledge and learning.
A community where young people are valued engaged and involved.
Unfortunately funding for this highly successful program was cut in
June 2014.
PRICELESS VOLUNTEERS
Our pool of approximately 120 volunteers continues to lend a warmth to our program and assist humanitarian entrants in many
ways. Every humanitarian entrant arriving in Hobart during this reporting period was given a friendly welcome at the airport
by volunteers who then walked with them through their settlement journey. In addition to this core settlement assistance HSS
volunteers also contributed to numerous ancillary programs. Volunteers helped with orientation workshops, our English language
practice group, excursions and the behind the scenes office work.
Centacare Tasmania Community
Housing Association
VISION
The vision for Centacare Tasmania Community Housing Association is to
provide affordable and adequate housing to the homeless disadvantaged
and elderly within our State.
Property and tenancy numbers
ACHIEVEMENTS
The major achievement in the past year has been securing funding for an
additional 120 units from the Commonwealth National Rental Affordability
Scheme, (NRAS). This will see funding in excess of $10 million for
Centacare over the next 10 years to expand the existing highly successful
program. This funding is extremely sought after by organisations in this
area. Centacare’s successful submission demonstrates considerable
recognition from the Federal Government in the quality and effectiveness
of the Centacare Community Housing Program and its operation to date.
Independently of the NRAS submission, Centacare Community Housing
has significantly expanded in the past 12 months. Centacare Community
Housing has grown from 265 owned or managed properties across
the State in 2013 to 338 by the end of December 2014. The number
of tenants being housed has also grown from 310 in 2013 to 456 at
the end of 2014.
At the culmination of the construction of the properties covered by recent
NRAS funding it is expected those totals will increase to 401 properties
with approximately 551 tenants, assuming existing occupancy rates
can be maintained. Currently occupancy at 96.72% across the full year
Our expansion in 2014 has enabled Centacare to provide much-needed
affordable housing across the State to a wide demographic as well as
securing important funding to provide for substantial growth into the
future.
As well as increasing property and tenancy numbers the portfolio has
also been expanded to make provision for a number of units for people
with disability requirements, taking Centacare Housing into yet another
area of acute accommodation demand. It is expected this will increase
in line with the growth experienced across other demographics but
somewhat less exponentially.
Below are some properties at Wynyard and Ulverstone, both of which
are NRAS-funded locations and which were constructed and occupied
during the course of 2014. The site at Inglis St Wynyard consists of 28
new units with a further 12 at Alexandra Rd Ulverstone.
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Centacare Evolve Housing
State Manager Housing Operations Kim Bomford
For some years now governments at both a national and state level have
been grappling with ways in which to respond to the increasing demand
for affordable housing that meets the needs of a diverse client group.
REVITALISE partnerships between support providers and housing groups.
This is particularly true in an environment where budget pressures have
resulted in government providers curtailing the support activities that
assist people at risk to sustain their tenancies.
REVIVE the aspirations of the community.
As a result the previous Federal Government sought commitment
from state housing jurisdictions under the National Affordable Housing
Agreement (NAHA) to transfer the management of up to 35% of the
state public housing portfolio across to the not-for-profit sector.
Responding to the anticipated changes in the social housing sector
Centacare Tasmania, in partnership with Evolve Housing NSW, spent
approximately three years establishing a new company, Affordable
Community Housing Alliance Tasmania (ACHAT) trading as Centacare
Evolve Housing. This company would act as the vehicle to deliver
increased housing options to vulnerable Tasmanians.
In April 2013, under the Better Housing Futures Program Stage 2,
the Tasmanian State Government called for tender submissions to
undertake the tenancy and property management of public housing
properties previously managed by Housing Tasmania. In addition to
the more routine elements of the tender, organisations were asked to
demonstrate their ability to deliver on long-term outcomes including a
capital upgrading program, master planning and community development
and engagement within their chosen precinct.
Centacare Evolve Housing was successful in this competitive tender
process and is contracted to deliver services and improvements for
approximately 1049 tenancies across Gagebrook, Herdsmans Cove
and Bridgewater for a period of at least 10 years.
REGENERATE opportunities for education, training, jobs and development.
WHAT CENTACARE EVOLVE HOUSING WILL DO
Improve housing conditions for residents by injecting $2 million for
property upgrades, essential maintenance to public housing stock
and installing new heating and cooling units.
Construct new homes and small unit complexes through a $5 million
building fund.
Improve streetscapes and design areas that the whole community
will enjoy.
Provide training programs that are vocational, educational and help
develop life skills that can assist with employment opportunities.
Improve access to services that increase housing stability and choice
for residents.
Establish a Community Development and Engagement Reference
Group.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN SETTING UP
The immediate priority following the announcement on February 6 2014
was to prepare for the launch of our new venture on May 5 2014. With
just three months to establish our business there are a number of key
achievements that cannot go unnoticed:
Recruiting a team of staff ready to go on day one of ‘go-live’.
Negotiations involved in securing the contract and related agreements
for the residential management and sales and development components
were complex and took considerable time to finalise. So, while the
process began around mid-October 2013 it wasn’t until February
6 2014 that the Minister was finally in a position to announce the
successful outcome.
Establishing a brand new maintenance model that could deliver an
after-hours response, maintenance services to 1049 properties and a
property and heating upgrade program in line with our commitments;
Centacare Evolve Housing is Tasmania’s newest community housing
provider. In addition to Evolve Housing NSW we are fortunate to have
key alliances with Wilson Homes, THL Real Estate and Wayston Building
Services. Each organisation is critical to the success of our strategic
plan and associated outcomes over the next 10 years.
Developing core policies and procedures.
Key to guiding our long term strategy is our vision to:
RENEW the community as a thriving, inclusive and sustainable place
to live and work.
RESTORE links between the private sector, public sector and community
organisations.
Securing office premises and set up IT, phones, websites and
associated infrastructure.
Undertaking required Housing Tasmania related training.
Liaising with key community stakeholders.
Developing basic marketing material.
Undertaking a door knocking process to introduce ourselves to all
1049 residents.
ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE ‘GO-LIVE’
From day one on 5 May 2014 Centacare Evolve Housing was ready
to take over from where Housing Tasmania had left off. No slow build
up – just an immediate rush into dealing with the day-to-day tenancy
and property management of a large and complex portfolio.
SIGN-OVERS
A key success factor in our long-term strategy is for Centacare Evolve
Housing to encourage as many residents as possible to sign a lease
with us rather than remain on a Housing Tasmania lease. Our first three
months of operation was therefore focused on meeting with residents,
explaining their options and our incentives, and having some measure
of success in encouraging ‘sign-overs’.
At the time of writing this report we have signed in excess of 500
residents to a lease with us. This far exceeds our expectations of around
225 sign-overs at the end of year one.
DEVELOPMENT
A development application has already been submitted to the Brighton
City Council for the contraction of around 78 x two-bedroom energy
efficient units in an ideal location within Bridgewater. This will be
undertaken by our key partner Wilson Homes and is expected to
provide much-needed renewal in the precinct and opportunities for
the realignment of stock to meet resident demand.
Additionally five properties have been identified for sale under the State
Government’s HomeShare Program which will begin the process of
assist those that can into affordable home ownership.
PROPERTY UPGRADES
The 2013-14 year has been one of preparation and start up. A great
deal of work was undertaken pulling together a long-term plan that
would deliver not only good tenancy and property management practices
but would also make a difference to the precinct and to the lives of
our residents. Over the next 10 years we will be building on the strong
foundations that we have created for our business and more significantly
providing a holistic, inclusive approach to improving the outcomes for
this community.
TESTIMONIALS
“Signing over to CEH is the best thing I’ve ever done”
Female resident with partner (given a new rent book)
“The Heat Pump is working wonderful. We were a bit
apprehensive that it would help with our issues but the
mould and condensation has reduced, the kids sleep
through the night as they aren’t cold and coughing
and don’t have icy cold noses and we are surprised
with the cost of running it. We used to pay $16 a day
but now pay around $5 a day”
Couple with three young children (heating upgrade)
“The CEH staff were wonderful - they treated me like
they were a couple of old friends”
Elderly female resident (following property inspection)
Following the huge success of our sign-over program we are now
planning a significant upgrade program over the next two years. The
implementation of this program is complex with tenancy staff focusing
on property inspections to determine eligibility, demand and preferences
for the prioritised works.
Before
After
WILLSON TRAINING
DIRECTOR JENNIFER DAY
Willson Training continues to go from strength to strength in its mission to assist disadvantaged jobseekers improve their skills, as well as in
providing an important income stream through its fee-for-service training programs.
Willson Training is one of Tasmania’s longest serving Registered Training
Organisations (RTOs), currently in our 33rd year training and assessing
nationally accredited qualifications in:
Business
Administration
Management
Customer Contact
Early Childhood Education and Care
Aged Care
26
Fee-for-service training includes:
Professional development programs
Up-skilling existing workers
Language, literacy and numeracy training for RTO staff / Teachers
First Aid Training
These qualifications have been added to our scope this year:
BSB50613
Diploma of Human Resources Management
BSB51107
Diploma of Management
Home and Community Care
CHC50113Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education
and Care
Disability
CHC30212
Certificate III in Aged Care
School Age Education and Care
CHC30312
Certificate III in Home and Community Care
Community Services Work
CHC30408
Certificate III in Disability
Cleaning Operations
CHC40113
Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care
Foundation Skills
CHC40708
Certificate IV in Community Services Work
Education Support
Retail
THIS YEAR:
Training and Assessment
Willson Training successfully achieved full compliance in its RTO
audit, resulting in the registration being renewed until January 2019.
OUR CLIENTS ARE:
Increased fee-for-service clients from three per cent in 2013 to 15%
in 2014.
Jobseekers
Willson Training supports the strategic goals of Centacare Tasmania
by providing training and assessment services to job seekers who are
unemployed or re-entering the workforce and may be experiencing
multi-dimensional disadvantage including:
A modern I-Learn training room was established to assist up to 15
students in up-to-date computer skills and to assist in language,
literacy and numeracy (LLN) training.
Deficiency in job seeking skills.
Eighty two new full and partially funded courses are beginning in
2014.
Limited work experience.
Five per cent more males enrolled in programs in 2014.
Lack of awareness of opportunities within the local labour market.
Ninety five per cent of students gained employment in industry
either during or after completing a Certificate III in Early Childhood
Education and Care qualification.
Lack of awareness or capacity to access higher study pathways.
Economic deprivation or social exclusion.
Fee-for-Service
As the majority of funding to deliver programs is received from Tasmania’s
State Training Authority, Skills Tasmania, Willson Training has increased its
focus on fee-for-service training to 15% of total operations. The resulting
financial sustainability helps us provide services to the marginalised
and disadvantaged.
23%
sment
Enrolments by Gender
1%Enrolments by Industry Sector
35%
23%
25%
16%
30%
8%
13%
12%
21%
11%
68%
32%
5%
Foundation Skills
Early Childrenhood Education and Care
Cleaning
27%
Business
Training and Assessment
Retail
Education Support
Male
Female
73%
27
30%
WILLSON HAS RESHAPED
18 - 24
DONNA’S FUTURE25 - 35
8%
13%
12%
36 - 50career
Being unemployed after a 13-year
in customer service was a51
low- 65
time for
65+
Donna Evans.
21%
11%
5%
Despite loving the area she worked in
and being keen to gain re-employment,
Donna soon found herself jobless for 12
months and feeling worthless.
“Your days all roll into one, you get up,
look for a job, do some housework then
35%
sit, and tomorrow is the same and so
is the next day and so on and so on,”
she said.
23%were
“While my husband and children
1%
25%
Donna Evans with husband and son
16%
18 - 24
“But you can’t move forward if you don’t put one foot in front of the other.”
25 - 35
very supportive and encouraging, I still felt like I was a failure and that 36 While
- 50 the course covered plenty of practical skills including office
51 procedures
- 65
I was worthless.”
and technology Donna particularly enjoyed the sections
65+
When Willson Training’s 12 week Reshape Your Future Course was
recommended to her, Donna saw it as an opportunity to get out of the
house, meet new people and learn something new.
However she didn’t realise it was going to be such a life-changing
experience for her.
Having last been in a classroom in her school days in the mid-80s,
Donna initially found the experience of returning to training well out of
her comfort zone.
“I was very nervous on my first day and I really had no idea what to
expect,” she said.
which covered personal skills including how to listen properly, how
habits affect people and how to gain strength by thinking positively.
The results for her were amazing, including a new job as a customer
service officer with environmental services company Veolia.
“I gained so much confidence through this course,” Donna said.
68%
1%
“I went for my one and only interview in over six months and I was
32%
35%
offered the job.” 25%
Donna said the course had also given her a host of new personal skills
which she had16%
taken into her new workplace with her.
23%
“I am so excited to be working again!”
Ma
Fem
CENTACARE TASMANIA CHILD CARE SERVICES
28
VISION:
OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE:
Centacare Tasmania Child Care Services (CTCCC) vision is be the
provider of choice for early education and care in Tasmania, bringing
together the most innovative, passionate and dedicated educators to
provide the highest quality environments in early education and care
for children and their families from all walks of life.
All services have enjoyed exciting and diverse programs with activities
including rock climbing, road trips to other services in different towns
adventure/nature walks, dogs home, peddle buggies, cooking, sewing,
gymnastics, yoga and meditation, survival skills including first aid,
swimming, tenpin bowling, movies, photography, cheer leading, dancing,
soccer, just to name a few.
OCCASIONAL CARE:
Occasional Care at Tower Road has thrived in the preceding 12 months.
A dedicated and passionate team of educators has worked together
to transform the environment and the experiences that children, and
their families, have when they enter the service. The engagement and
collaboration with other areas of Centacare has increased, resulting in
an enriched program. Children are often seen on excursions through the
grounds of Tower Road or in their own play space in their mud kitchen.
Many Tower Road staff now use the program, as well as Centacare
clients and families from the broader community.
LONG DAY CARE:
Keiko Child Care Centre in East Devonport has continued to support
a local community in dire need of quality child care as parents return
to the workforce, complete their secondary and tertiary education,
undertake work placement/experience, re-engage as a family unit
and as grandparents require respite. While this service is small, it
demonstrates our commitment to communities in need of support and
enrichment. CTCCS has also established an important relationship with
the Children and Family Centre in East Devonport and Child Protection.
These relationships ensure that the needs of the children and their
families who are most at risk within the community are met with the
best possibly outcome.
John Paul II, Clarendon Vale
Sacred Heart, Launceston,
Larmenier, St Leonards
Corpus Christi, Bellerive
St Anthony’s, Riverside
Holy Rosary, Claremont
St Cuthbert’s, Lindisfarne
St Mary’s College, Hobart
St Thomas More’s, Newstead
Our Lady of Mercy, Deloraine
Summerdale Primary, Summerhill
St Finn Barr’s, Invermay
Our Lady of Lourdes, Devonport
St Paul’s, Bridgewater
Vacation Care Locations:
Our Lady of Lourdes, Devonport
St Mary’s College, Hobart
Sacred Heart, Launceston
Our Lady of Mercy, Deloraine
Corpus Christi, Bellerive
St Finn Barr’s, Invermay
Holy Rosary, Claremont
LOOKING UP:
LOOKING OUT:
The services provided continue to uphold the Mission of Centacare
Tasmania. Our educators and support staff respond to children as
individuals, families and the needs of the community. We recognise
the inherent diversity of families and value their uniqueness. We actively
work to promote a society that provides equitable opportunities for all
children and families, including those most vulnerable.
Through community and industry consultation we have been able to
meet the needs of children and their families within their communities.
LOOKING IN:
In collaboration with Willson Training our educators have taken up the
opportunity to up-skill with the majority of permanent educators and
regular casual educators undertaking training in Certificate III or Diploma
in Early Education and Care, Certificate IV in School Age Education and
Care, and Certificate IV in Frontline Management. All educators actively
participate in professional development opportunities to build on their
knowledge and skills by attending seminars and practical workshops. All
managers hold a diploma in Children’s Services or are actively working
towards this while many part-time and casual educators are studying
the Certificate III, diploma or teaching degrees.
After being approached by the St Finn Barr’s School community, CTCCS
put together a successful presentation and business plan to the School
Board and Centacare Board, securing the operation of the service
from April 2014. St Finn Barr’s is located in Invermay and operates all
components of Outside School Hours Care.
St Paul’s Bridgewater parent committee approached CTCCS late in
2013 to discuss operating Outside School Hours Care at the School.
Through consultation and collaboration with the school community,
new school Principle [in 2014] and the Education and Care Unit; an
After School Care Service was established and operational by Term 2
2014. While the service is only utilised by a small number of children
it demonstrates our commitment to serving the needs of the families
in all communities.
Work is well underway to establish an Early Learning program at St
Anthony’s, Riverside a project first discussed in October 2012. This
program is aimed at supporting the school community to grow, as well
as providing families with an alternative option to long day care and/or
pre-school programs for their three to five year olds elsewhere.
29
Locations
Centacare offices
30
Head Office
Burnie
35 Tower Road
NEW TOWN Tas 7008
PO Box 369
MOONAH Tas 7009
Phone: (03) 6278 1660
centacare.hobart@aohtas.org.au
Fax: (03) 6278 1005
108 Mount Street
BURNIE Tas 7320
PO Box 1120
BURNIE Tas 7320
Phone: (03) 6431 8555
or 1800 819 447
centacare.burnie@aohtas.org.au
Fax: (03) 6431 8114
Launceston
201 York Street
LAUNCESTON Tas 7250
Phone: (03) 6332 0600
centacare.launceston@aohtas.org.au
Fax: (03) 6332 0699
Devonport
85 Best Street
DEVONPORT Tas 7310
Phone: (03) 6423 6100
or 1800 819 447
centacare.burnie@aohtas.org.au
Fax: (03) 6424 4601
Centacare Services
Service
Location
Funding source
Hobart, Launceston, Burnie
Department of Social Services, Community
Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)
Specialist Family Violence Service
Hobart, Burnie
Hobart, Launceston
Burnie, Launceston
Commonwealth Department of FaHCSIA
Tasmanian Community Fund
Hobar t, Launceston, Burnie
Hobart
Hobart
Hobart
Hobart
Clarendon Children Home Inc.
State Department of Health and Human
Services
Clarendon Children Home Inc.
Adoption
Services
Family Life Education
Fee for service
Natural Family Planning
Hobart
Commonwealth Department of Health –
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
Regional Family Dispute Resolution
Burnie
Home and Housed
Launceston, Burnie
Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
Communities for Children
Burnie
Better Futures, Local Solutions
Burnie
Australian Government Department of Human
Services
Centacare Homelessness and Tenancy Support (CHATS)
Hobart, Launceston
Services
Supported Accommodation Assistance
Program
Private Rental Tenancy Support Service
Services
Specialised Intervention Tenancy Service
Services
AK Young Women’s Refuge
Emergency Accommodation Service
Hobart
Federal and State Government
Humanitarian Settlement Strategy
Hobart
Department of Social Services
Hobart, Launceston
Hobart
Department of Social Services
Willson Training - Registered Training Organisation
Skills Tasmania, State and Federal Government
Centacare Tasmania Community Housing Association
Statewide
Centacare, State and Federal Government
Centacare Tasmania Child Care Service
Statewide
Centacare, State and Federal Government
Challenging Abusive Behaviours Men’s Program
Men and Family Relationships
Children’s Program
Counselling
Kids’ Express
Family and Relationship Education and Skills Training
Family Support Programs
Rural Group Program – Triple P Parenting Program
Reunification (Pathway Home) Program
New Directions For Parents
Stitch Women’s Sewing/Support Group
31
C e n t a c a re
Ta s m a n i a
Cherie O’Meara “The Individual Matters”

Centacare Tasmania - CatholicCare Tasmania

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