SUMMER 2017

Ada Peterson with Matt Tribe, ABC Radio Breakfast Presenter Mildura-Swan Hill SHARING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT CHRISTMAS IS A FABULOUS TIME OF YEAR TO from family violence and abuse – in Victoria each year, ENJOY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS – BUT IT’S ALSO that’s nearly 10,000 children who can’t live with their A TIME TO SHARE THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON WITH parents because of violence, neglect and abuse. OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY, IF YOU ARE ABLE TO. If you are able to help, even with something little (a new toy, Again, this year, MDAS and Mallee Family Care are the a non-perishable food item or even a gift voucher), please beneficiaries of the ABC Mildura Swan Hill Giving Tree leave the gift unwrapped at ABC Mildura Swan Hill, or at Appeal. It’s been a fabulous partnership over the years MDAS Reception in Mildura or Swan Hill. and every year it makes Christmas a little brighter for Feeling safe and loved is what they want the most, and a many children. special Christmas gift sends a message that someone cares. The generous donations received this year will be given MDAS is now on Facebook! Search “Mallee District to children, young people and families who have suffered Aboriginal Services” and “like” us to keep up to date with what’s happening at MDAS and in the community

IN THIS ISSUE

COMMUNITY GATHERINGS MENTAL HEALTH Page 2 ARE YOU SAFE ONLINE? Page 4 DEMONSTRATION Page 7 A HIT AT SWAN HILL PROJECT KICKS OFF LOOKING FOR WORK? SWAN HILL COMMUNITY NEED HELP? GET IN TOUCH! LUNCHES ARE GETTING WORK SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE AND CULTURALLY EVERYONE TALKING SAFE FOR EVERYONE. BUT BREAKING INTO THE WORKFORCE CAN BE TOUGH – AND SOMETIMES IT’S HARD TO KNOW HOW TO START. MDAS has developed strong linkages, partnerships and support from stakeholders across the Mallee – Mildura, Swan Hill and Kerang. That means we can help you find your employment pathway and sustainable job opportunities through the Mallee Aboriginal Employment Program.

Get in touch with MAEP ([email protected]) if you could use some help with: Cedric, Nerida and baby August were among the crowd at the November community lunch • Skills • Health issues • Literacy • Networks MDAS SWAN HILL’S COMMUNITY DAYS ARE • Numeracy • Mentoring GROWING IN POPULARITY WITH EACH EVENT. The MDAS Swan Hill team is hosting the lunches every month and has so far held a barbecue, a chicken lunch, and even a smorgasbord – and up to 40 people have been attending. GETTING ON TRACK IN 2018 It’s a great chance for community members to get together for a yarn and for MDAS staff to get to know community-members better. So if you haven’t been to one of the lunches yet, keep an eye out for the fliers, or on our Facebook page for the next one coming up. Everyone’s welcome.

ONE INITIATIVE OF THE MAEP PROGRAM IN NOVEMBER WAS AN INFORMATION SESSION ON A LARGE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT ROLLING OUT IN OUR REGION IN 2018. The Murray Basin Rail Project is a $440 million dollar project to upgrade the rail freight network to north west Victoria. It will need workers and MDAS has been working with one of the companies involved to identify opportunities for MDAS ANNUAL REPORT local people. IS OUT NOW Nearly 40 people attended the information session with Mooneys Pty Ltd, but if you missed it OUR ANNUAL REPORT HAS JUST BEEN RELEASED. and are still interested, contact Kosha at MAEP on IT CONTAINS INFORMATION, STORIES AND REPORTS (03) 5018 4100 ON OUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES IN 2017-18. YOU CAN PICK UP A COPY AT THE MDAS OFFICES OR YOU CAN READ IT ON OUR WEBSITE.

2 SUMMER 2017

YOUNG ONES TACKLING CHALLENGES AND TAKING THE LEAD IMAN BRIELLE WESTHEAD LUTTRELL Iman Westhead is the Brielle Luttrell has learnt a first Koori student to be lot about herself in the past school captain at Mildura’s six months and she’s found St Joseph’s College, but she’s got toughness and she’s certain she won’t determination that’s be the last! surprised even her. The friendly and approachable Iman was elected by fellow Brielle was struggling with school, but, through a counsellor, students in Term Four and has already been acting in the found herself part of the MASP Kokoda Mentoring Project leadership role in the final weeks of school. – she completed the training: “It was tough, and I dropped out a couple of times, but went back and had another go “Even though there weren’t other Indigenous school leaders and was proud that I did.” while I was going through, I didn’t really think about it – I just knew it was something I wanted to do. But hopefully Then she completed the Track: “It was emotional and it can make others think that it’s worth having a go at hard, but I made it and it changes you.” opportunities like this,” Iman said. The confidence she gained through the training also saw “I really just wanted to do this job and be a leader in the Brielle take on the Murray River Paddle, with Victoria school, but I think I can also be a voice for Indigenous Police – 400 km from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill. And again, students, which is important to me.” she made it! Iman has already made her mark by suggesting St Now she’s preparing to get back to school, taking on Year Joseph’s fly the Aboriginal flag – an initiative that has 11 at Mildura Senior College next year, with the aim of now been taken up at the school. Good luck Iman! finding a career in youth work. Fantastic job Brielle!

MDAS BUZZING AT KERANG

The number of community members accessing Kerang’s FUNDING FOR SWAN HILL MDAS facilities continues to grow – more than 60 percent EARLY YEARS last year. The Victorian Government has put funding towards It’s partly in response to the provision of a greater range improving Maternal and Child Health services to of services but also because of the professional and families and children in the Swan Hill area. friendly team we have. MDAS Swan Hill was among ten organisations MDAS Kerang’s Melanie Lane is also committed to across Victoria to share in the Aboriginal Maternal collaborating with other local agencies in the Kerang and Child Health Initiative. community. This also improves access to services for our local community, but it also increases awareness in Aboriginal families access Maternal and Child other organisations of the Koori community’s needs. Health services at a lower rate than non-Aboriginal families – a gap that increases from 4.8 per cent During recent months MDAS Kerang has been part of: at the initial home visit to 18 per cent at the eight • Five Ways to Wellbeing, a community connecting health month consultation. The funding will allow the promotion, in collaboration with local Agencies approach being taken through the pioneering • You and Me Can Stop HIV community information session MDAS Early Years program to be expanded to • Understanding Dementia, community information Swan Hill families. sessions with local agencies The initiative is part of the Government’s Roadmap • Gannawarra Goes Orange Family Violence Awareness for Reform: Strong families, Safe children and Morning Tea in collaboration with local Agencies Marrung: Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026. • LGBTI “Celebrating the Yes Vote” Morning Tea with local agencies

3 TECHNOLOGY AND FAMILY MDAS STRATEGIC PLAN VIOLENCE – KEEPING MDAS has grown strongly in client numbers and YOURSELF SAFE community engagement and these have been key achievements against our first four-year strategic plan. We planned to re-energise and re-establish in our first four-year plan – and we have grown and delivered as an organisation and as a community. Now it’s time to look to the future with a new MDAS strategic plan for the next four years. We want to achieve even more. OUR KEY ASPIRATIONS 2018-2021

OUR COMMUNITY IS SUPPORTED FROM CONCEPTION TO DREAMTIME

• Our mob are making deadly choices • We are connecting services to our mob Janet Bonython (left), Keith Brown and Allie Collyer from Murray Mallee Community Legal Services with MDAS Meminar Ngangg • Aboriginal communities across the Mallee Gimba’s coordinator Ada Peterson during community information have a connection with MDAS sessions at Mildura, Swan Hill and Kerang • Housing caters for our communities’ needs THE INFORMATION YOU SHARE IN THE BIG WIDE WORLD HAS MANY IMPLICATIONS AND OUR FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS TECHNOLOGY IS A POWERFUL TOOL THAT CAN BE USED (AND MISUSED) BY STRANGERS AS • Our people are inspired, empowered WELL AS PEOPLE CLOSE TO US. and self-reliant • Our people have hope, aspirations and real Online violence is very common in domestic violence choices about their future situations. Cyber-violence can be online abuse or abusive text messages, rumours, fake profiles on social media, • We recognise and honour all our stalking, threats and sharing intimate images without mob’s achievements consent and scamming. • Sustainable commercial enterprises have created economic independence Technology is here to stay so learning how to keep yourself safe online is crucial. Make sure you turn off location HEALTHY VIBRANT FAMILIES services when you aren’t using them, change passwords AND COMMUNITIES CONNECTED regularly, make sure you use a secure computer if you THROUGH ABORIGINAL CULTURE think yours might be unsafe, always keep operating systems up to date and make sure your social media settings are • Reconciling the past enables our communities locked down. Visit Technology Safety Australia for more to heal and grow detailed advice. • Our community has many places to gather, If you are experiencing technology abuse, there are celebrate and share its rich culture and history avenues for help. • Communities are nurturing our children to be Murray Mallee Community Legal Service strong, proud and self-reliant www.murraymalleelegal.com.au • Our Elders, men and women are strong role Office of the eSafety Commissioner models for Aboriginal communities www.esafety.gov.au • Our communities are culturally safe and domestic violence and drugs are a thing of the past Technology Safety Australia www.techsafety.org.au TAKE THE TIME TO HAVE A LOOK AT THE MDAS STRATEGIC PLAN. IT IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE AND AT MDAS OFFICES. 4 SUMMER 2017

OLD NICO MEETS THE MOB CLONTARF ACADEMY BOYS IN ROBINVALE AND MILDURA WERE THE FIRST TO ENCOUNTER THE NEW MDAS QUIT SMOKING “BAD GUY” OLD NICO. The larger than life character was created to help kids understand the negative effects smoking can have. Old Nico is a villain and his appearance is rough – he looks the way smoking affects your body long term. An interactive website tool featuring Old Nico has also been developed as part of the MDAS quit smoking education program designed to be delivered to schools. The program is trying to engage kids differently, simply because we’ve found the old approach isn’t working with young people. Despite a general reduction in smoking in the community, Indigenous smoking rates are not declining as quickly, and kids are actually taking up smoking around the ages of 12 and 13 and even younger Standing- Mason Harris-Wilson, Noah Hills, Pau’la Ma’u, Old Nico, and forming lifelong habits. Cohen Tatchell. Front- Nathan Yates, Adrian Foster, Jayden Whitton- Moe, Tyrell Ardler-Brown, Eric Baxter-Smith, Oscar Hall, Walter Kennedy, Rashaun Harris-Wilson, Dylan Stewart, Jordan Kelly You can meet Old Nico at www.oldnico.com.au

RETINAL CAMERA AT SWAN HILL The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) worked in partnership with a national consortium of organisations IT WAS FANTASTIC NEWS LAST YEAR WHEN MDAS to provide the cameras and training. The consortium SWAN HILL HEALTH WAS SELECTED TO RECEIVE A partners are Brien Holden Vision Institute, ACO, RETINAL CAMERA – IT’S EVEN BETTER NOW THAT Aboriginal Health Council South Australia, Optometry THE CAMERA IS IN USE! Australia and Centre for Eye Health. MDAS Swan Hill was selected by the Commonwealth The camera has now been installed and staff have been Department of Health after completing a National Eye trained and will soon have follow up training to ensure all Care Equipment Inventory Project survey (conducted by areas and queries are covered. The camera can now be Fred Hollows Foundation). used in clients’ health care if required.

THANKS A BUNCH TO LA TROBE VOLUNTEERS THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING HAPPENING AT THE MDAS YOUTH HUB IN MILDURA – AND RECENTLY IT’S BEEN A HOMEWORK PROGRAM. The program was made possible with the fabulous support of volunteers from La Trobe University. The after-school sessions provided a place for kids to do work, but also to get help from mentors – current student teachers at La Trobe University Mildura. Thanks guys. We are currently assessing how the (back) Youth Services team leader Vanessa Dyke at the homework program with Nakita Williams and (front) mentor Scarlett O’Connor program can continue and grow next year. from La Trobe University, MDAS youth services trainee Kylia Sloan and Sara Beckwith

5 MALLEE FOOTBALLERS DEADLY AT STATE CARNIVALS

Warwick Williams and Jason Kirby were Elvie Kelly-Britton, Dayna Kelly-Guthrie and The Mallee Tigers women’s team broke standouts for the Mallee Tigers at the Corey Kelly will represent the Swan Hill new ground at the inaugural women’s NAIDOC carnival community at the National carnival next year carnival in Melbourne in November

MILDURA’S MALLEE TIGERS FOOTBALL TEAM Ryan Andrews was deadly in front of goal, and was the BROKE A 10-YEAR DROUGHT BY TAKING OUT THE leading goalkicker for the carnival with 11 goals. DIVISION TWO PREMIERSHIP AT THE VICTORIAN The Swan Hill community’s Murray Cods teams were NAIDOC FOOTBALL CARNIVAL AT BALLARAT. less successful in terms of games won, but there were The Tigers defeated the West Vic Eels in the Grand Final some outstanding performers. recently, 47 points to 33. Corey Kelly won the callup for State selection for football, Warwick Williams was named Best on the Ground in the while Elvie Kelly-Britten and Dayna Kelly-Guthrie were Grand Final and also best player overall across the carnival selected for netball. in B Division, making him a certainty for State selection. In women’s football, the Mallee Tigers came away with Team-mate Nathan Lawson was another standout across one win from three matches at the inaugural Koorie the carnival, and also won the callup for State selection. Women’s Carnival.

STAFF PROFILE KYLIA SLOAN

KYLIA SLOAN IS ONE OF THE FRIENDLY FACES PROVIDING SUPPORT TO YOUTH, AS A TRAINEE AT MDAS YOUTH SERVICES AT MILDURA. Before I… worked mostly on farms. I had a range of duties from farm-hand to supervising. I’ve also been involved with numerous leadership programs such as NIYLA (National Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy). Now I… help all services within the youth team whether it be home visits, court appearances or simply providing transport. I’m loving… feeling more connected and a part of the community. I have widened my opportunities to help make a difference in a fun-filled environment. When I’m not working… most of my time is spent with the ones I love camping, fishing and just enjoying the outdoors. My future plans… are to maybe one day own and run my own youth programs which can inspire, motivate and empower youth. I feel… like I am making a difference in the community by being a role model to our future leaders.

6 SUMMER 2017

FAMILY SERVICES ON A MENTAL HEALTH PATHWAY OF GROWTH DEMONSTRATION PROJECT TAKES SHAPE A Mental Health Demonstration Project aiming to build a more integrated approach to mental health care for Aboriginal people is now taking its first clients. MDAS is the lead agency MDAS Family Services Director Ross Hampton, Meminar Ngangg in the project, which has Gimba (Family Violence) Manager Ada Peterson, Family Services Mildura manager Andy Charles, Family Services Swan Hill manager established partnerships with the Mildura Base Hospital Michelle Gadsby and Wiimpatja Healing Centre manager Keith Mental Health Services and Mallee Family Care Community Hampton Mental Health Support Services to form a consortium.

MDAS FAMILY SERVICES CONTINUES TO GROW Paul Hogarth (Above) has been appointed team leader AND REACH MORE COMMUNITY MEMBERS EACH after working previously with Mallee Family Care. YEAR – PARTLY DUE TO THE STRONG CULTURAL The demonstration project model is designed to improve FOUNDATIONS OF OUR PROGRAMS. the mental health treatment outcomes for Aboriginal There are more services being delivered and they and Torres strait Islander people with moderate to severe are services the community wants and needs – as is mental illness and mental health disorders who fall evidenced by the independent review of our four-year between the gaps due to the nature of their mental performance data. health and social support needs. Family Services delivered by MDAS have grown from The purpose of the project is to test a new mental under 2000 client contact hours in 2013 to almost 9000 health treatment model for Aboriginal and Torres Islander hours in 2017. people, with a focus on those in the client group who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. The community is responding to the fact that services are culturally-appropriate, due in no small measure to the Referrals have been accepted to the program since growing Koori workforce. MDAS has concentrated on October, with more than 20 referrals already received building our numbers of Koori staff, with a 45 % growth from a number of different services within the community, in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff at MDAS in and including a number of self-referrals. the past four years. The service delivery and structure of the program is in Most notably, the leadership group within MDAS Family its infancy stage with changes made to reflect the client’s Services demonstrates the organisation’s commitment needs as the program develops and evolves. to identifying talent within our ranks and supporting our Indigenous staff to reach the highest levels of the organisation. SWAN HILL MENTAL HEALTH WEEK EXPO

During Mental Health week, the MDAS Social and SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL Emotional Wellbeing team partnered with other WELLBEING HUB OFFICIAL service providers for a Mental Health Week walk OPENING and activities. MDAS had a stall displaying all services provided and also had a “grog glasses” games where people wore the glasses and tried to The official opening of the new MDAS Social and walk in a straight line – the lesson being, don’t Emotional Wellbeing Hub is planned for January. drink and drive. We also had information on how Watch out for details of the opening drugs and alcohol impacts on one’s mental and event celebrations. physical health.

7 CHILDREN’S OUR SERVICES PLACEMENT SERVICES AROUND MDAS HEALTH Aboriginal Children Specialist GP Advice Support Service (ACSASS) Nurse Home Based Care WELCOME TO OUR NEW Aboriginal Health Workers Kinship Care Outreach workers Aboriginal Family Led BOARD MEMBER Chronic disease management Decision Making Maternal child health nurse Cultural Support Planning Kerang community will be Health checks Therapeutic Foster Care well-represented at the MDAS Transport Therapeutic Residential Care board table by newly-elected SPECIALIST SERVICES Therapeutic Residential Case board member Melanie Lane. Psychiatrist Management Nephrologist Melanie is a Yorta Yorta woman FAMILY SERVICES Drug and Alcohol worker Integrated Family Services and well known through her Psychologist Aboriginal Stronger Families role as an Aboriginal Health Maternal and child health nurse Family Preservation and Worker and as coordinator Dietician Restoration at MDAS Kerang. But she is Podiatrist Parents Under Pressure also extremely well-connected in the wider community Cardiologist Youth Services Urologist with involvements on boards and organisations including Koori Night Patrol Paediatrician Soccer Club Kerang District Health, the Lung Cancer Advisory Optometrist Community Development Project Committee for Cancer Australia and Cancer Victoria on a Cardiologist Youth Justice Women’s Health project on Cervical Cancer and screening. Respiratory specialist Early School Leavers Audiologist Emerging Leaders Program Melanie replaces former Kerang board member Lloyd Physiotherapist Family Violence Murray. Thanks, for your service Uncle Lloyd. Personal trainers Meminar (Family Violence refuge) CLINICS Men’s Case Management Well women’s clinic Time out Services THE HOUSE CALL DOCTOR Immunisation clinic Men’s Behaviour Change Group TACKLING SMOKING AND HOMELESSNESS FUTURES IN HEALTH HEALTHY LIFESTYLES SERVICES AND HOUSING SERVICES Quit Smoking Support Crisis Support INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIP Boot camps Transition Support Aboriginal Tenants at Risk of This $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to an eligible Community gym Eviction Indigenous student, with funds contributing to tuition fees SOCIAL EMOTIONAL Koori Private Tenancy Worker and personal learning expenses. WELLBEING TEAM Community Housing Bringing them home program The Futures in Health Indigenous Scholarship will Drug & Alcohol counselling EARLY YEARS SERVICES recognise a student who has not only demonstrated Gamblers Help Maternity Services exceptional academic performance, but also displayed a Koori Women’s Diversion Maternal and Child Health Services Wiimpatja Healing Centre Family Support Services commitment to their local community and personal · In Home support development. Swimming in Two Rivers Mental Health-AOD (Youth specific) · Home Based Learning Inquiries: housecalldoctor.com.au Adult mental health · Cradle to Kinder Gambling Community Early Intervention and Prevention Project Early Learning Services · Supported Playgroups MDAS SERVICES FAMILY AND · Circle of Security COMMUNITY SERVICES · Collaborative Therapy OVER CHRISTMAS AGED AND DISABILITY HIPPY (Home Interaction Program Home and Community Care for Parents and Youngsters) Please note that MDAS will be closed over Christmas Disability Koori Preschool Assistant Program From December 22, and reopening January 3. Community Based Respite Support services will be in place for clients over the National Jobs Creation Package closure period.

OPENING HOURS MILDURA SWAN HILL KERANG ROBINVALE Monday- Thursday 120 Madden Avenue 70 Nyah Road 9 Nolan Street Lot 1 McLennan Drive 9am – 5pm 5018 4100 5032 8600 5450 3019 5026 1848 Friday 9am – 4pm

TO HAVE ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE MDAS NEWSLETTER Please contact Terry or Jacinta Gange NewsAlert PR Mildura www.mdas.org.au 0498 490 672 or email [email protected]