Welcome
In this fast-paced world where everyone seems to be competing against each other for something; a new job, the attention of someone else or in Connections’ case, the vital dollars we need to continue to run our programs and services, you need to ascertain what it is that makes you unique. How you define yourself or how an organisation defines itself is pivotal in people making that distinction between one brand and another. In Connections’ case what makes us different is our local-ness (yes we even invented our own word!). Our staff know and understand the strengths and struggles of the communities in which we work and actively advocate the needs of these communities on a local level, every single day.
In light of the release of the report into the Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry recently tabled in parliament, this notion of local-ness is becoming increasingly more important as our sector as a whole, encourages the government to make the significant changes that are needed to a model that is struggling. Some of these changes will include the need for community organisations to work more closely with their local communities to understand their struggles. Keep reading this E-News to find out more about this Inquiry.
You can also read about how Connections is highlighting the many different cultures within the City of Monash, one of our local communities, by hosting a Multicultural Festival during Cultural Diversity Week.
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bestchance Multicultural Festival in partnership with Connections UnitingCare
The bestchance Multicultural Festival in partnership with Connections UnitingCare will be held on Sunday 25th March at bestchance, 583 Ferntree Gully Road, Glen Waverley. Come along and celebrate Cultural Diversity Week with us.
The Festival aims to highlight and acknowledge the many different cultures of the City of Monash (and surrounds) in a family-friendly environment.
Highlights will include cuisines from our diverse community, stage performances, arts and crafts from multicultural groups and a workshop tent with free cookery demonstrations and activities. This family fun day also has entertainment for the kids with a petting farm, fairy floss, jumping castle and much, much more.
Join us as we celebrate the richness and diversity of the culture and experience that is shared within the local community.
See... Taste... Savour... Listen... Enjoy... Learn
Sunday 25th March 2012
11:00am to 4:00pm
583 Ferntree Gully Road, Glen Waverley
This event is proudly supported by the City of Monash and the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship.
Above: Angela Forbes and Dr Cassandra Goldie.
The 25th Annual WJ Craig Lecture
Connections UnitingCare was delighted to have the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) Dr Cassandra Goldie deliver the 25th Annual WJ Craig Lecture on 14 February at the Melbourne Town Hall.
In her thought provoking address delivered on Valentine’s Day, Dr Goldie stated ‘addressing poverty, inequality and neglect in the community is an act of love’ as she spoke about the release of the upcoming Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry report.
‘We must do whatever it takes to ensure that all agencies, government and non-government, have the well-being and the interests of those children and young people at the heart of everything we do,’ stated Dr Goldie.
‘You must allow local communities to drive the innovation and changes needed and we need the funding and accountability system in place to support this.’
Responding to Dr Goldie’s address, Connections UnitingCare’s Chief Executive Officer, Angela Forbes said that if the community sector is going to work collaboratively with the government, ‘we need to support the Minister, the government and encourage both the government and the departments to actually have a shared and real collaborative approach to the implementation of this report.’
‘If we truly want to create a civil society, a positive and collaborative and strength-based approach is the way to go,’ Ms Forbes stated.
To request a copy of the publication of the 25th Annual WJ Craig Lecture, contact Connections Community Relations on 03 9271 0800.
Forced Adoption
The Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania has formally issued an apology to Australians who experienced harm through the forced adoption of their children over many decades in the last century.
Connections supports the apology made by the Moderator of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Ms Isabel Thomas Dobson who said the Church, which united large parts of Presbyterian, Congregationalist and Methodist Churches in 1977, deeply regretted that some parents and children were let down while in the care of the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania.
The Moderator apologised unreservedly for any physical, psychological or social harm that might have occurred through the past adoption practices and processes of the Church.
Connections UnitingCare was formed from the amalgamation of the Presbyterian and the Methodist Babies Homes. The primary role of these Homes was to provide support to pregnant women as well as oversee the adoption of babies and children.
Connections’ currently manages an Adoption and Permanent Care program which includes the Adoption Information Service. Through the Adoption Information Service, Connections maintains records of women who were separated from their children, adoptees and adoptive parents.
For more information on this issue click here
Strong Case For Substantial Changes
Connections UnitingCare has joined with other community service organisations in welcoming the Report into the Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry.
Connections acknowledges the dedicated work by Honourable Philip Cummins (Chair), Emeritus Professor Dorothy Scott OAM and Mr Bill Scales AO on the year-long Report that was commissioned by the Baillieu Government after being elected on a platform to reform child protection.
‘Connections believes the Report provides a strong case for substantial changes required to improve services and systems to provide better outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and families,’ said Connections Chief Executive Officer, Angela Forbes.
‘The community services sector has been advocating present and past governments for a number of years for changes to a system that is already severely under pressure and this report highlights the need for a whole of government approach with a Vulnerable Children and Families Strategy lead by Premier and Cabinet. This is important,’ said Ms Forbes.
‘We know that the recommendations and findings provided to the government are quite complex and do not have clear statements of investment. The challenge for government in creating change will be to meet the recommendations with adequate resourcing and investment.
‘The sector and agencies such as Connections are committed to working in collaboration with the government to ensure better outcomes for vulnerable children young people and their families.’
To read an opinion piece on this issue by Angela Forbes, click here.
Important Dates To Remember
Cultural Diversity Week 17 – 25 March
Cultural Diversity Week is an opportunity for Victorians to come together to share aspects of their culture, faith and language and celebrate the benefits multiculturalism brings to our state. For more information, click here.
Earth Hour Saturday 31 March, 8:30pm
Turn off your lights for Earth Hour and show your commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all, the planet. For more information, click here.
National Youth Week 13 -22 April
Celebrating and recognising the value of all young Australians to their communities by giving them an opportunity to express their ideas and opinions. For more information, click here.
Work With Us
‘Working at Connections UnitingCare has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally whilst also giving me the opportunity to make an actual difference in the lives of the children, young people and families I work with. There is a real sense of connectedness and kinship working at Connections, which I am proud to be part of.’
Jeanne, Connections Accommodation Support Worker
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