NEWSLETTER ISSUE 2 2017

Every child deserves to feel safe

IN THIS ISSUE . 20 YEARS ON . NEW CUBBY HOUSE . ASHTON’S STORY . DL IN NZ . NEW WORKSHOPS OUR HISTORY The Alannah & Madeline Foundation A trek to remember is a national charity focusing on protecting children from violence and creating behaviour change in the community to reduce bullying and cyber bullying.

The Foundation was set up in memory of Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged six and three, who were tragically killed with their mother and Join us on a trek along the spectacular Tasman Peninsula from 5-10 32 others at Port Arthur, , November 2017 in honour of our 20th anniversary. in 1996. Our vision is that every child will live in a safe and supportive Traverse unspoilt nature and seaside towns, experiencing the absolute environment. stunning beauty of southern Tasmania.

International Patron Beginning in Hobart, we’ll make our way to Cape Raoul, taking in HRH Crown Princess spectacular views along the way. Arriving at Port Arthur, you’ll have Mary of Denmark the chance to pay your respects to those who lost their lives that devastating day 21 years ago. National Patron The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, MP From there we’ll visit beautiful Waterfall Bay, walk through ancient Prime Minister of landscapes among waterfalls, through caves and take a tour of Mount Patron and Founder Wellington. Walter Mikac We’re aiming to raise more than $100,000 through the trek. Register Chief Executive Officer today at inspiredadventures.com.au/events/AMF-Tasmania-2017 Lesley Podesta

Chair Greg Sutherland STARRY TICKETS ON SALE OUR BOARD Mark Saturday 18 November in your diary for this Peter Blunden year’s Starry Starry Night! Hosted by Foundation Richard Broug Ambassador Melissa Doyle AM, the night will be Terry Hearity OAM even more special than usual as we celebrate Launa Inman 20 years of Starry Starry Night – and our Ken Lay AO APM work in helping more than 2 million Lesley Podesta children during that time. Greg Sutherland Paul Waldren Tickets are on sale now! Russell Yardley amf.org.au/news-events /starry-starrynight CONTACT US PO Box 5192 South VIC 3205 t 1300 720 747 e [email protected] Welcome Jimmy! w amf.org.au The Foundation is thrilled to welcome our newest Ambassador, Jimmy Bartel. The former Geelong great, triple premiership player, Brownlow /AlannahMadelineFoundation medalist, Norm Smith medalist, a two time All-Australian, and recipient /alannahmadeline of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award, visited the office recently to pack Buddy Bags that are sent to children in emergency /alannahmadeline accommodation around the country. /AlannahandMadeline “I can’t even get my mind around the /the-alannah-and-madeline- fact that there could be an 18 month foundation old boy, the same age as my son, who is going to be displaced or affected by neglect or family violence. The Foundation has distributed 75,000 bags and they are going to reach 80,000. It is too many,” he said.

Thanks for your support Jimmy, we’re looking forward to working with you!

2 CEO message

It’s certainly been a busy few resources into raising a generation months since our last newsletter. of smart, safe and responsible children, who are capable and Recently I was privileged to be compassionate online; learning sponsored by the Australian how to think critically rather than Federal Police to present at the passively; learning how to be World Congress on Family Law engaged and thinking through the and Children’s Rights in Dublin, distractions of their phones. speaking about how we all need to protect the rights of digitally We need to invest in critical enabled children. thinking skills across a curriculum which recognises that every child As a society, there are many rites requires digital literacy, as well as of passage aimed to prepare improved governance to drive an children to navigate the risks industry approach that safeguards and opportunities of the world – our children’s future. Until next time, swimming lessons before summer holidays, road rules lessons before We can’t expect to leave this crossing the street. responsibility to our schools – our children are digital learners and In the digital age, children’s rights explorers before they can read. As Lesley Podesta to freedom from violence and parents we are their first teachers. exploitation require much more thought, governance, improved We’ve only just touched the industry response and regulation, surface with eSmart Schools and as well as significant investment in Libraries and look forward to digital literacy. expanding the eSmart suite further – and we hope you come on that We should all be working to journey with us. ensure we invest time and

Chair message

On 28 April this year we celebrated and Board member Peter Blunden. the significant milestone of our It was a fitting night to reflect on 20th anniversary. the past 20 years and those millions of children who have been assisted It’s only because of supporters by the Foundation. like you that we achieved that 20 year milestone. It’s also because Looking toward the next 20 years, of supporters like you that we our commitment to children have been able to assist more remains steadfast: to understand than 2 million children since the the issues that adversely affect the Foundation started. wellbeing of children; to protect them from bullying and violence, To acknowledge our 20 years, and to build a safer world where PwC hosted an event for the they can thrive. Foundation in their new premises We look forward to working with you. in Melbourne. Thanks to Advisory To continue to truly make a Board member Rob Speedie for difference in children’s lives we facilitating the event and Shadow need ongoing support. Minister for Justice, Clare O’Neil MP for her insights. Thanks also to Neil We welcome the opportunity to Greg Sutherland Mitchell AO for compering the panel speak further about the many of Foundation Founder Walter ways you can do this, whether Mikac, CEO Lesley Podesta, long- it be through donations, social time Chairman John Bertrand AM investment or partnering with one of our evidence-based programs.

3 In celebration of 20 years

Foundation Ambassadors Melissa Doyle and Dan Jackson with Founding Patron Walter Mikac (centre) at Fullers Bookshop

The Alannah & Madeline Events like these don’t happen Foundation recently celebrated “WE WILL NEVER FORGET without generous support, and an amazing 20 years of keeping we’d like to thank Foundation children safe from violence – THE TRAGEDY THAT LED Ambassador Melissa Doyle AM for and assisting 2 million children TO THE CREATION OF hosting, as well as the Hon. Will through our care, prevention and THE FOUNDATION AND Hodgman MP, advocacy work. HAVE BEEN HUMBLED BY and Senator the Hon. Stephen THE SUPPORT RECEIVED,” Parry MP for speaking on the night. The anniversary events were respectfully held in Tasmania, LESLEY SAID. We’d also like to thank St where Walter Mikac, father Michael’s Collegiate School Choir, of Alannah and Madeline, Foundation Ambassador Dan acknowledged the work of the To acknowledge the key Jackson, along with our generous Foundation and the hope that it milestones, the Foundation sponsors, The Henry Jones Art brings him. hosted two special 20th Hotel, Mercury Newspaper, RACT anniversary events: a small Hotel and Fullers Bookshop, “It is a wonderful testament to the function at The Henry Jones Art whose support made the events spirit and generosity of Australians Hotel and a public, celebratory possible. that in the wake of such a tragedy, Letters of Love book launch and 2 million children have been reading at Fullers Bookshop. assisted,“ he said. Both events enabled us to “I am proud of the work that reconnect with local supporters, is being done in the name of including survivors of the Port Alannah and Madeline, to care Arthur tragedy and their families, for Australian children and keep emergency services responders, Australia safe.” he said. businesses and community leaders, Lesley Podesta, CEO Alannah & carers and educators – and to raise Madeline Foundation, said the funds to support our work. Walter Mikac and the Hon. Foundation was pleased to be Jeremy Rockliff MP at The holding events in Tasmania. Henry Jones Art Hotel

4 Kids run A new Cubby against House! bullying In , the Andrews Government recently announced the Alannah & Madeline Foundation will receive $1 million to support its award-winning Cubby House program, which provides children a safe place and support when attending Children’s Court.

Funding will staff the existing Australian-first Cubby House at the Broadmeadows Children’s Court with a full-time youth worker and enable expansion of the program to the Melbourne Children’s Court.

THE CUBBY HOUSE AIMS TO REDUCE TRAUMA AND PROMOTE WELLBEING BY PROVIDING A POSITIVE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN IN THE CARE OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (DHHS) STAFF. Also while overseas, Foundation CEO Lesley Podesta joined our International Patron, HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark at the Free of Bullying The Hon. MP Attorney-General Victoria said that the Children’s Run in Copenhagen. Andrews Labor Government is proud to be supporting the program. The 1km annual run for children “This is an outstanding initiative which helps to care for some of the under 13 is organised by The Mary most vulnerable children and gives them a safe place when attending Foundation and Save the Children court,” he said. Denmark and marks the message that Lesley Podesta CEO Alannah & Madeline Foundation, congratulated bullying is never acceptable, and that the Andrews Government for prioritising the needs of children in the everyone has the right to belong. 2017/18 State Budget.

“Supporting vulnerable children affected by family violence and abuse is a much needed and critical investment in the health of our community. We are delighted that our award-winning Cubby House program will be extended to support more vulnerable Victorian children so they do not have to feel alone and distressed during times of trauma.”

“Attending court is hard enough for adults. For children it can be a terrifying and confronting experience,” Lesley said.

The children are divided into four different start groups, with each child carrying a small Buddy Bear while running. When the kids cross the finish line, they throw the little Buddy Bear into the arms of a big Buddy Bear and receive a medal.

Fri For Moberi (Free of Bullying) is an adaptation of our Better Buddies program by The Mary Foundation and Save the Children Denmark and is The Hon. Martin Pakula MP Attorney-General Victoria, The Hon. used by approximately 50 percent of Daniel Andrews and Foundation CEO Lesley Danish preschools and 40 percent of Podesta at the partnership announcement all schools and after school clubs.

5 CASE STUDY A shocking act of violence “I’d like to think that in the beginning No child should be exposed of their relationship there was some to violence. But sadly, in 2017, love. But unfortunately over the hundreds of thousands of Australian course of their marriage it became a children are living with violence in terribly abusive relationship,” reflects the home. 31 year old Ashton. Our Children Ahead program Ashton and his brother, Grant, provides intensive, therapeutic suffered a horrendous childhood support for children and young at the hands of their violent and people and is proven to help them controlling father. recover from the horrific effects of violence. When Ashton was just 15 and his brother six, their father doused their mother in petrol and set her alight. “IT’S BECAUSE OF THE He then locked her in the family EXTRAORDINARY WORK caravan, leaving her to die from the OF THE ALANNAH & burns to 99 percent of her body. MADELINE FOUNDATION “He just locked her in and drove THAT CHILDREN – away. She died a few hours later,” KIDS LIKE GRANT AND ME – explains Ashton. GET THE HELP THEY NEED. As the boys had no family to care KIDS WHO’VE SUFFERED for them at the time, they were THE DETRIMENTAL BLOWS immediately placed in foster care. As OF A VIOLENT AND if the murder of their mum was not AGGRESSIVE UPBRINGING bad enough, in the midst of their ARE GIVEN RENEWED HOPE,” grief, they were uprooted from their SAYS ASHTON. family home as well.

“The guidance we received from Ashton also wants children to know the Alannah & Madeline Foundation there is hope. back then helped set us on the path to recovery and create something “You can turn your soul-destroying positive with our lives,” Ashton said. journey into something positive. You can come out the other side. This is Ashton and Grant received vital the work of the Alannah & Madeline practical and financial assistance Foundation that I value most – it through the Foundation’s Children provides a beacon of hope,” he says. Ahead program. Their dedicated case manager said that while she Violence in the home has a couldn’t replace their mother, she devastating effect on a child. Most could show the boys she cared importantly, such violence has a about them. serious impact on how the child’s brain develops: how the child “She was our moral support and thinks, learns, concentrates and shoulder to lean on… she made a develops emotions, self-image world of difference in our lives at the and relationships – all of these are toughest of times,” says Ashton. negatively impacted.

6 A child with a complex trauma history is much more likely to have problems in relationships, friendships and with authority figures, including teachers and the police. They are also more likely to not finish school, and find it difficult to study or hold onto a job. There is increased risk of addiction, depression, anxiety, physical conditions, self-harm and other psychiatric disorders.

All of these negatives have a significant, detrimental impact on society – physically, emotionally and financially.

In most cases, it is only with specialist, long-term help that children coming out of violent backgrounds can hope to lead a fulfilling and satisfying life through their adult years.

When trauma or violence comes into a child’s life, that’s where our Children Ahead program steps forward. It’s intensive and it’s long term.

We know that for children and young people to recover from serious violence they need a safe, predictable and stable environment. They need the opportunity to express and communicate their feelings. They need multiple positive relationships. And that is what we aim to give them.

Our Children Ahead staff work directly with children, alongside their families and schools, to support their emotional, educational and social needs, as well as their psychological wellbeing and overall health concerns.

You can help children like Ashton and Grant too by making a donation via 1300 720 747 or Grant with his older brother Ashton amf.org.au/donate

7 Spotlight on buddies Kimba Mackellar Primary School’s Better Buddies program was in the spotlight recently as the school turned purple to leading the raise money for the Foundation.

The school has been part of the Better Buddies program for eight way in SA years, and is one of the Foundation’s showcase schools nationally. Congratulations Kimba School Amelia Beatty from South Community Library for being Australia Public Library Services School welfare officer Tanya O’Brien the first School Community (PLS) is managing the project roll- explained that the whole school Library (SCL) in South Australia to out and said, “PLS is working with community has embraced the become eSmart! eSmart Libraries to bridge the program from the beginning. At SCLs, the school shares the digital divide, which is an issue all libraries are currently facing. “The kids love it and the values of library with members of the public, so the importance of cyber eSmart better equips staff and the the program are all aligned with community with knowledge and the school’s values of friendliness, safety for both kids and adults was recognised as a priority. skills in digital citizenship which inclusion and caring.” are vitally important for everyone eSmart Libraries supports building to have in order to participate in Better Buddies is designed to create digital literacy skills with the the digital world.” friendly and caring primary school aim of strengthening positive By the end of the year, the communities where bullying is online behaviours and fostering remaining 41 SCLs in SA will reduced. Part of the initiative involves a greater sense of wellbeing across the whole community. It become eSmart accredited pairing older pupils with younger ones libraries. to act as buddies and help create a also encourages all user groups friendly school environment. to be more aware of their digital Thanks to Telstra Foundation, presence and use technology in a eSmart is being implemented in Recently the students brought a gold smart, safe and responsible way. more than one-third of schools coin donation and dressed in purple As Therese Francis from Kimba nationwide and more than 70 for the day. SCL shared, “We now have clear percent of Australian public policies to follow and staff also libraries. “It’s a huge thing for the school to have increased knowledge on For more information visit be involved in… to be one of the cyber safety so we can better esmart.org.au showcase schools nationally is a great support library patrons.” endorsement of what we do,” Tanya said.

For information about how you can reduce bullying in your school, visit betterbuddies.org.au

Teacher Ryan Hanan with students

Building cyber safe communities Our third annual eSmart Week being held across 4-8 September, will bring together school and library communities in celebration of being smart, safe and responsible online.

This year’s theme, building cyber safe communities, presents an ideal forum to share resources, take advantage of free eSmart Week webinars and to Mackellar Primary School hear from bullying and cyber safety experts. Week 4 - 8 September 2017 students with Buddy Bear To register for eSmart Week, visit esmart.org.au

8 Haere Mai to the Digital Licence Every year eight and nine student in in the digital world,” said Lesley Stephanie Davis from Google New New Zealand now has free access Podesta, CEO Alannah & Madeline Zealand said it’s great to see the to a NZ-specific eSmart Digital Foundation. eSmart Digital Licence introduced Licence to help them be smart, safe into NZ schools. and responsible online – thanks to The Digital Licence was recently a special offer made available by launched at Point England School Google New Zealand in 2017. in Auckland, a school recognised internationally as a leader in “THE INTERNET IS The eSmart Digital Licence integrating technology into its EMPOWERING STUDENTS is an interactive online quiz teaching and learning. TO LEARN AND GROW providing cyber safety for kids that THEIR AMBITIONS MORE educates them on what to do if Principal Russell Burt said the THAN EVER BEFORE. THE they are exposed to unwanted, Digital Licence will be a valuable addition to the skills his students DIGITAL LICENCE ENSURES inappropriate and offensive THAT TIME SPENT ONLINE content, encounter cyber bullying, are being taught. as well as the consequences of IS POSITIVE, CONSTRUCTIVE “This is an excellent new tool for putting their privacy at risk when AND ENJOYABLE,” NZ teachers and parents to have, interacting online. STEPHANIE SAID. to grow cyber smart values in that “We teach our children to be safe tricky year 7-10 age group. Well done to the Alannah & Madeline on the road, safe with strangers, Register NZ students at Foundation and Google for making safe in the water. They’re spending digitallicence.co.nz this available to NZ schools and more time online, so it makes sense and Australian students at families,” he said. to learn how to be safe and smart digitallicence.com.au

9 New workplace bullying workshops Connect’s new workplace bullying It also explores aspects of cyber our expert facilitators. In addition workshops provide an overview bullying and how this behaviour to bullying, topics also cover of the Foundation’s success in may impact the workplace. cyber safety, as well as respectful bullying prevention, what bullying relationships. is, what it isn’t, signs that bullying Connect workshops can be may be occurring, and what staff delivered face-to-face or online To book a Connect workshop and managers can do to improve and have been developed by the for your business, school or workplace culture, policies and Foundation’s Knowledge and community, visit amf.org.au incident responses. Innovation team and delivered by or email [email protected]

– join the club!

eSmart Status Schools that have completed their sustaining phase are eligible for eSmart Membership for an annual cost of $295 + GST. Your school will maintain access to the eSmart Schools expert support and online Member centre that houses a new eight action checklist based on the evidence-based eSmart Schools framework and exclusive best practice resources.

In addition, eSmart Membership Schools have access to benefits that include discounts on workshops and professional development, continued access to existing resources that are regularly reviewed and updated, as well as exclusive Member resources tailored to the annual checklist.

Due to additional funding from the state government, Victorian eSmart Status Schools can now also enjoy eSmart Membership for the next two years.

For information about how eSmart Membership will benefit your school, call us on 03 9697 0666 or email [email protected].

10 A flock of gingers! Bag a bag Don’t forget to buy our tote bag next Melbourne was a glorious sea of ginger at the second annual time you’re shopping at Target. Buderim Ginger Pride Rally on Saturday 29 April 2017. Buddy Bags Principal Partner, Target Australia, has supported Buddy Bags since 2008 through the sale of reusable CLOSE TO 1,500 COPPER-TOPS JOINED THE bags, with funds from each sold going RALLY TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY AND THOSE to the Foundation. BLESSED WITH THE MC1R (AKA UNICORN) GENE. You can also support Buddy Bags by making a donation – just $50 will deliver a Buddy Bag to a child in Buderim Ginger kindly donated profits from merchandise sold on the emergency accommodation. Visit day to the Foundation, raising almost $2,000 for our Better Buddies amf.org.au to see how. and eSmart programs.

Thanks to our Community Partner, Richmond Football Club, for bringing along Stripes the mascot, who joined our Buddy Bear in the buzzing Alannah & Madeline Foundation Kids’ Zone on the day.

We also held a competition for a lucky ginger to win a Buderim Ginger prize pack, where people were invited to share what the Rally meant to them. Our winner Jennifer touched our hearts with her message: “In a country where gingers are mercilessly teased as a matter of course, the Rally means gingers can show up, be seen and be proud BECAUSE of their ginger.”

Like Jennifer, we are determined to continue to show that bullying is never OK.

‘24 for 35’ mhealth pilates-athon Twenty four hours of pilates sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Not for the mhealth team!

They recently held their first fundraising event to support the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, ’24 for 35 mhealth Pilates-athon’, in honour of our 20th year and to pay respect to the 35 lives tragically taken at Port Arthur.

The mhealth team worked hard to engage with their clients, local businesses and schools for support through a raffle and donations. Sending a huge thanks and congratulations to all the mhealth Mentone team, for raising an incredible $7,564.95 to support our work.

A family fun day at the races Join us on Saturday 23 September at Caufield Racecourse in Melbourne for the MRC Foundation Race Day. As one of this year’s charity partners, we have tickets available at great prices for the fun-filled family race day. General admission tickets are $25 and concession just $10, with kids under 14 years free. Simply call one of our fundraising team on 1300 720 747 or email [email protected] before Friday 15 September to secure yours.

11 THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT

You are part of our nationwide programs that have reached more than 2 million children since the Foundation was established 20 years ago. Thank you.

Reach in 20 years: BUILDING CYBER SAFE 2,000,000 COMMUNITIES eSmart provides a prevention and risk management framework for Australian schools and libraries to help them better integrate cyber safety practices and CHILDREN promote the safe use of online technology in their community. Thanks to you, one third of all Australian schools, and more than 70 percent of Australian public libraries are safer places for Aussie kids. HELPING 1066 CHILDREN 2173 RECOVER You’ve helped children recover 1477 676 from traumatic events or violent circumstances. Through our Children Ahead program, you’ve provided intensive, therapeutic support. SMART SMART SMART SMART SMART SMART e SCHOOLS e SCHOOLS OVER 320 e LIBRARIES e LIBRARIES DEC JUN DEC JUN CHILDREN 2015 2017 2015 2017

AIDING KIDS TEACHING KIDS TO & rising IN CRISIS BE SMART, SAFE + RESPONSIBLE ONLINE OVER Every year, thousands of children 200,000 in Australia arrive in emergency You’re helping school children gain their eSmart accommodation – many with only Digital Licence, an online challenge using quizzes DIGITAL the clothes they are wearing. Thanks and activities that give children the skills to learn, to you, they receive a Buddy Bag - a play and socialise safely online. LICENCES backpack full of basic essential items including a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, facewasher, pillowcase, activity kit, book, PJs, underwear, socks BECAUSE OF YOU OUR CHILDREN’S and the all-important teddy bear. FUTURE LOOKS SAFER Delivered to date: With your continued support over the next year, we’ll make further progress in making our world safer for children. Just some of our goals are to: 75,000 • have eSmart in every school and library in Australia BUDDY • have every grade 6 child gain their eSmart Digital Licence • expand the Cubby House to other children’s courts BAGS • give Buddy Bags to a further 10,000 kids in care.