CEO Message |
I feel that here at Allambi, we are good at responding to the needs of those we care for and adapting service to meet these needs. This has been our approach from day one, and we are still committed to growing and adapting to provide quality client-focused and strength-based service delivery.
At every stage of this journey, we have constantly endeavoured to get things right. As an organisation we have learnt much along the way, and one of the things we have come to understand is that it is very difficult to manage the battle between consolidation and growth.
Consolidation vs. growth is something that the Executive Group (Directors of all programs along with the Executive Officer Operations and myself) struggle with frequently. Do we focus solely on existing processes and systems or put effort into adaptation and the pursuit of new ventures? I often have my direct staff come to me expressing their struggle to keep up – “Simon I have so much going on that I just can’t get to”.
I know that this is not a struggle that is only felt at the Director level. All of you, from the frontline of youth and disability work to those who keep our back of house moving along, are constantly engaged in a struggle to fit everything in. It seems that the administrative and compliance burdens on every level of our organisation are significant and we are constantly facing pressure from external funding and accreditation bodies. We are always challenged to catch up. There always seems to be something new we must do – a new form, a new process, a new report – and important ‘non-urgent’ things get left behind. The time it takes to focus on consolidation is significant and we have been in constant discussion about whether we should be nailing things perfectly before we pursue any new ventures.
Part of this struggle is the difficulty that comes from having compliance bodies prescribe how we do our work. It used to be the case in the past that, if we followed the rules and reporting requirements, we were free to operate under our framework as we saw fit. With the last round of contracts this changed considerably and over the last few years we have worked hard to bend our practices to fit the rules of operation under the contract. This is a whole new level of compliance and one that takes much internal prioritisation.
Over 40 years we have grown and developed, and established efficient and mature systems to operate under what we consider to be best practice for those we care for. These systems have grown from need and we are constantly developing them to improve. However, we are also at the mercy of the bodies that fund our programs and services, that pay the wages for our staff and the payments for our carers. The bodies who, as they see fit, can change processes, expectations and reporting requirements at any stage. Our intentions can be interrupted at any time. There is a constant battle between what we see is right for the kids, adults, and families we serve, and compliance and reporting.
We must ensure that our systems allow for the ‘interruption’ factor. We need to think in a way that is flexible and nimble and fosters innovation. A lot of our compliance and reporting requirements take time away from caring for others and we constantly need to review and cull practices that do not have a direct and positive impact on those we serve. It is a fine balance as to what we can fit into each day.
Taking a flexible approach means there is always time to grow and adapt. We have taken this attitude along our 40-year journey, allowing us to respond to the needs of those we care for and develop our programs and ancillary support services. It has allowed us to respond to community need and venture into the Outreach space, where we have a suite of programs designed to help local families. Flexibility also allowed us to take the plunge and respond to national need and expand into Victoria, where we now have a solid and reputable residential care operation.
These successful programs and services help make us who we are today – a leading human services organisation that offers complementary programs and services to children, young people, families, and participants in need of quality, strength-based care, where they can build hope and work toward a positive future. An organisation that responds to need, rather than be defeated by limitations.
My priority lies in ensuring that we ‘walk the walk’ and maintain best practice for those we care for, whilst providing opportunities that help our staff and the human services sector grow. It is important that we allow ourselves the time to think outside the box as the field continues to learn and develop. If we are doing a great job, I am confident that we will maintain our eligibility for opportunities and new ventures well into the future.
Simon
Here for the Kids Since 1981 |
Allambi Care celebrates its 40-year anniversary this year – we’ve been here for the kids since 1981.
As part of this celebration we will be releasing a new brand campaign. You will see pictures like the featured in this article in Charlestown Square, in some really interesting (and not so obvious!) locations.
Special thanks to our Allambi staff kids who participated in this campaign.
There will also be a new commercial running on TV and some buses rolling around Newcastle with some familiar faces on them.
We’re super proud of the work we do, and how Allambi has grown over the years, and this campaign is a celebration of our core reason for being here, for the kids.
We’d love for you to share your stories with us, reflecting on your time at Allambi. What was the moment when you knew you had really impacted someone’s life? What are the changes you’ve seen over the years? We look forward to sharing stories from all different perspectives throughout the year.
Thank you for living the Allambi Care values, and making us the organisation we are today.
News |
Over the past few years, as we have continued to grow, I have been finding it more and more difficult to catch up with our Youth Work and Disability Support staff. Occasionally I am lucky to catch one of you at the office to hear firsthand of the outstanding things you are achieving with your clients, however this doesn’t give me the time I’d love to have to really hear how you are going. I would love to hear more about your journeys and experiences in supporting those we care for.
I am inviting you to join me for an informal morning tea so that we can connect and I can better understand the progress and challenges that you are all facing.
It will be a great opportunity for me to learn from you, and also for you to ask questions about Allambi Care in general. I am an open book and welcome discussion in any area that may help you also understand more about the organisation and industry you work in.
Hearing from our frontline staff directly will assist me as I continue to lead our organisation in our ongoing journey of growth and development in achieving the best quality of care for those we serve.
I hope you all take up this opportunity and join me at our head office for this informal get together.
Please send your RSVP to news@allambicare.org.au to confirm your attendance.
Regards, Simon
Celebrating International Women's Day
Monday March 8th was International Women’s Day. The theme for this year was “women in leadership”. We spent a week proudly profiling a number of the female leaders in our organisation. It is important to understand that we are all leaders; leaders in the workplace, leaders at home, leaders driving social change for equality. As an organisation we stand with the women in our workplace and community to be heard, we are here to listen, learn and support. We all need to take the journey to understand gender equality and to self-educate. We are a proud organisation of over 800 staff with great gender diversity. We can all #ChooseToChallenge. Throughout the week a number of our women in leadership were asked how they would help forge a gender equal world.
Errin stated, ‘I’m very fortunate to work with some excellent leaders within and outside of Allambi Care. Being a woman in leadership comes with an extra sense of advocacy. I feel it part of my duty to other women that I actively challenge inequality, biases and harassment to ensure empowerment of others is achieved, that they are an equal and safe. Women make excellent leaders and I’m proud to be a contributor within our company and community.”
Kimberly said, “It is important that girls and young women in our community have strong female role models and mentors to help them realise their strength and potential. We live in a society where gender inequality is still a reality. Only through educating our children and speaking up around the societal norms that perpetuate gender equality will my daughter experience a society where women in leadership positions and positions of influence is the norm rather than the exception.”
Sunet stated “Teach children from a young age that every person has infinite worth and the right to be listened to regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, race, culture or ability. Just this will take us a long way in promoting an equal and just society.”
Lisa went on to say that she agreed with this, but would also add that “Educating my boys around gender equality and challenging stereotypes for an equal future including working mums is of upmost importance.”
Rebecca and Sarah said “What did you mean by that?” Six simple, but powerful words to call out gender bias and stereotypes. Making implicit gender stereotypes explicit and openly confronting them pushes us to challenge those notions, which ultimately benefits us all. Clarity is key here. In a world where more and more people are speaking out it’s important to understand the value of our words and how they effect those around us. Go on, do yourself a favour #ChooseToChallenge
Kirsty said that it is important for all leaders to be constantly bringing awareness to ingrained stereotypes and gender norms within society. Kirsty is a proud mother of two sons and states that she encourages their emotions and an open dialogue about women’s rights, therefore bringing awareness and knowledge of gender inequality.
Mel said that women who lead, support and empower each other are acting as agents for positive social change. Through leadership we are challenging biases that perpetuate gender inequality and educating our children about the benefits of living in an equitable world.
Jacqui said that she is trying to raise strong, compassionate women in her daughters by leading by example. (And they’ve already got it all over me, so I think it’s working!)
Happy International Women’s Day to all the wonderful women out there!
Free International Conference
There is still time to access all the material from this international ACRC conference for free!
- Login HERE
- Click the option 'I have paid for a staff ticket'
- And enter the code: STAFF2021
The conference took place February 24th but we've paid for all of our staff to be able to log in and watch the recordings for up to 30 days after the live event.
We hope you find the content valuable and would love to hear your feedback.
Allambi Care’s Bayside team were recently nominated for the 2020 Centre of Excellence in Child and Family Welfare Awards, for the work they did with a group of three Aboriginal siblings who have been in OOHC, and particularly residential care, for a significant amount of time. When the three siblings initially came to live together at Bayside it was the first time they had lived under the same roof for seven years. Over the course of the past 18 months the team have worked tirelessly to make the placement a home for the three siblings. Incidents reduced significantly from two to three critical incidents per day to no critical incidents over the past three months. The team have ensured that family access has not only returned to regular contact but that it is a positive and fulfilling experience for all the siblings. Additionally, the three siblings have returned to full-time schooling and have learnt to live as a family unit and develop healthy attachments to their. This is a testament to the team, as the three siblings aged 11, 13, and 15, had moved around 50 placements in the previous 8 years.
Most importantly, in late 2019 a maternal Grandmother was located in Sydney by an Allambi Care’s Cultural Support Officer. In early 2020 it was arranged for the Grandmother to visit with the siblings. This was the first time they had met her in many years. The team have continued to support the Grandmother to respond appropriately and to understand the behaviours and individual needs of the siblings. This is the first positive experience of family access that this sibling group has had since being in care. The team have continued to show dedication to not only advocating for these siblings but also to give them the normal childhood experiences that every child deserves.
(Pictured from left to right, Frey, James and Doug)
Foster Care |
Functional Living Skills Pt 1, presented by Seher Suhail
This training will be based around functional life skills and increasing independence. It will also cover how we can use prompting to teach new skills. This would apply to children with autism, but also to kids that have cognitive disabilities.
To access the training link HERE
Music has been shown to support and contribute to the overall wellbeing of children. Music is one of the few activities that involves the use of both sides of the brain, which stimulates creativity, maximises learning and the retention of information. Music connects with children on every level, from the physical to the emotional and intellectual, engaging the whole brain.
Physical Wellbeing: Music encourages physical activity and reduces muscle tension in children. Studies have shown that listening to music stimulates feel-good hormones and boosts immunity by lowering levels of cortisol and increasing immune cell types used to attack infections.
Emotional Wellbeing: Music can have a calming effect. It can reduce children’s negative emotions and lift their spirits. The song lyrics can function as positive affirmations (if you’re happy and you know it,
clap your hands).
Social Wellbeing: Music makes it easier for children to participate in teamwork and helps to embed social skills. Studies have shown that it can help to build self-confidence and increase self-esteem.
Practical tips for helping to support children’s wellbeing with music:
Help keep Aboriginal kids connected to Country
For Aboriginal children and young people to thrive, they need a strong connection to Culture and Country. We know that there is a need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship and foster carers, so we have created a series of Yarn Sessions to invite potential carers to have a yarn and find out what's involved in becoming a Carer.
We would love your help in reaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander potential carers to share this opportunity.
Answering questions and sharing their experiences will be an Aboriginal carer and a young person who grew up in the care system. Representatives from a number of non-government, Aboriginal foster care agencies will share the process to become a carer and what role agencies play.
Wiradjuri man, presenter, actor and My Forever Family NSW Ambassador, Luke Carroll, will also share a message.
Two of the yarns will held in person - with a free BBQ and live music - on Wiradjuri, Awabakal and Worimi Country. All other yarns will be held online.
We have created materials for you to share with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander potential carers you may be communicating with. This is a great opportunity for people to ask questions, hear firsthand from other carers and enjoy a good informative yarn!
Tuesday 16 March, 10 - 11am
Wednesday 31 March, 6 - 7pm
Monday 19 April, 10 - 11am
Monday 3 May, 2 - 3pm
Monday 17 May, 5 - 6pm
In person
Friday 12 March, 11am – 2pm , Wellington
If the bike paths have become a little ho-hum for your children or young people, why not try a mountain bike trail. Newcastle has quite a few to choose from.
Glenrock-It has trails for all levels of bike riders. For kids, look out for the signposted green level circle to ride on. Your family can wind their way through woodlands, past waterfalls and through the open forests of this area.
Awaba - This mountain bike park is set in state forest near Freemans Waterhole. There is a trail called the ‘Tunnel Loop’ that has been designed especially for children as well as Adaptive and development trails which are wider and have been built with inclusion in mind.
Jesmond - These mountain biking tracks are in and around the suburbs of Newcastle. The trails have steep hills but the rides are through some pretty rocky spots and past a horse paddock for the horse lovers.
Holmesville - This mountain bike park has a collection of cross-country trails that are family-friendly. There is something for everyone at this park and you will ride through paperbark forest, over wooden bridges and through mud puddles. If you have a daredevil, the park has wooden jumps and a wall ride.
Dungog - This park is part of a community recreation reserve. The Common has over 22kms of tracks which include green tracks for young or inexperienced riders. The tracks are wide and smooth but have simple challenges like logs and rocks for your daredevil.
For more information on Mountain bike riding trails for kids, go to
https://newywithkids.com.au/best-mountain-bike-trails-newcastle/
Newcastle Art Gallery hosts free Art Cart drop-in activities on weekend mornings.
Lake Macquarie Art Gallery hosts free simple art activities guided by friendly art museum educators every Sunday morning.
Maitland Regional Art Gallery hosts free art activities that are inspired by the current exhibitions on Sunday mornings. Art Sunday is staffed by qualified art teachers and sessions run for 30 minutes.
You will need to book in for all Gallery sessions.
Newcastle Art Gallery - (02) 4974 5100
Lake Macquarie Art Gallery - (02) 4921 0382
Maitland Art Gallery – (02) 4934 9859
Favourite Food: Anything with cheese- pizza, lasagna, tortellini…
To relax I: read e-books, watch tv series, mostly of the fantasy/sci-fi/dystopia variety.
Currently listening to: Hillsong radio on Spotify.
Best thing about my job is: getting things done- as I am either chasing paperwork, scanning and saving paperwork, or writing up paperwork! I also love to see the growth and changes in the children as they are cared for
by wonderful carers and caring staff. We work together in a fantastic environment with an excellent team.
Culture |
Yaama (Hello) to all,
This year the NAIDOC Theme is HEAL COUNTRY! NAIDOC Week is celebrated on the 4th -11th of July. The theme HEAL COUNTRY calls for us to seek greater protections for our land, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage. Country is more than just a place, it is where we connect, belong, live, learn, grow and feel safe.
NAIDOC is celebrated at schools, work and in your community throughout Australia. If you want to know more and how to get involved with events please click here.
Allambi Cultural Committee: The Cultural Committee can bring to the table people with expertise within their programs to create partnerships with those organisations who share the vision to support cultural practice and connectedness. The committee can also bring any concerns of the families, children and young people we work with as well as Allambi Care staff, to discuss alternate directions for cultural support.
The Cultural committee can organise, plan and consult with their departments to spread the word of Significant Events that we as an Allambi Community and Family should celebrate together to make sure we are Closing the Gap for Aboriginal families, children and young people we are working with.
Our Cultural Committee team Members are Cassandra McCarthy - Cultural Support Officer, Brendon Jones - Caseworker, Kayla Rogers - Case Manager, Skye Lovett - Therapeutic Specialist, April Calo - Case Worker, Neil Anderson - Case Worker Central Coast, Roxanne Darr - Specialist Homeless Services Case Worker, Kelly-Lee Goodchild - Outreach Director, Errin Schumann - Family Search and Engagement Manager, Adam Singer - Media and Marketing, and Barry McGrady - Cultural Support Officer.
Upcoming events in March 2021:
Sexuality Gender
|
The National Report, Writing Themselves in 4: The Health and Wellbeing of *LGBTQA+ young people in Australia, has been released. The study was carried out by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at Latrobe University, Victoria and is the fourth in a series of reports, with the first released in 1998. It is the most comprehensive nationwide research project of its kind, surveying 6,418 LGBTQA+ young people in Australia between the ages of 14 and 21 years.
The Allambi Care Sexuality and Gender Inclusivity and Diversity committee, will utilise the Writing Themselves in 4 report to gain a robust understanding of the experience of LGBTQA+ young people in Australia and to help guide the work of the committee.
Outreach |
Our Outreach Department has started their Reconnecting Dads Group and it's a success!
The Reconnecting Dads Group is a program dedicated specifically to fathers and aims to assist them to reconnect with their children, forming a strong and supportive bond.
It uses strength-based, cognitive behavioural therapy techniques and a skills development approach, partnered with attachment and restorative practice.
The men are encouraged to learn from each other, recognising the power and responsibility they have in the success of their relationships with their children.
The fathers who attended our first round of the Reconnecting Dads Group enthusiastically shared their stories and supported each other in learning how to respond to their children’s challenging behaviours, in a positive manner that does not compromise their relationships.
Congratulations to both the dads and the Allambi staff who were part of this group.
Work Health & Safety |
The last 12 months have obviously been some of the most challenging we’ve all had to face in quite a long time. Allambi already have some great initiatives in place to help staff actively manage their individual wellbeing, but we can always try to do more.
We are currently working on our strategy for 2021 -2022 and want to hear your thoughts and ideas on improving mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. If you’ve been a part of an initiative before (individually or teams- based), or have some ideas on ways we can further improve our physical, mental and emotional health get in contact and share your thoughts.
Please send your ideas through to Natasha.Shaw@allambicare.org.au
Celebrating Success |
Taylor's Story
We absolutely love it when our staff approach us wanting to tell us about the achievements of the young people they work with. Youth Worker, Ann Jenkins (pictured) and Brittany Thomsen (pictured) state that they have loved watching Taylor grow into an incredible young woman. We caught up with Brittany, who has worked with Taylor for a number of years, to get an insight into Taylor’s achievements.
“I have had the privilege of working with Taylor for 6 years. Throughout this time I have watched Taylor manage and overcome many of life’s challenges. Throughout this time we have laughed (not afraid to admit - cried) and grown. Taylor has achieved things in her adult life that many haven’t as a 23 year old. This includes, barista and first aid certificate, certificate 3 & 4 in community services, partially completed diploma, her licence and part-time employment. I remember the day Taylor completed her learner licence test and I think the people there to support her were more nervous than what she was. Now Taylor has her own car and licence. Most recently, Taylor independently applied for a position at Wests Leagues Club. Taylor had initially applied for a different role, however during the interview she was questioned why she wouldn’t apply for a hospitality position given she had the experience and confidence required. As of February 2021, Taylor is the latest and greatest employee of the Wests Group.
Throughout my experiences with Taylor, her sheer determination and strength has been something that has inspired me. Taylor is someone who has handled life adversity with a strong and courageous attitude. Although the major achievements in Taylor’s life are something to be admired, I believe her acts of kindness in every day settings are exceptional. Taylor volunteers with other AC clients on outings and camps where she is often mistaken for being an employee. Taylor recently attended a mentoring client's home and cleaned it because they were having a tough time themselves. During this conversation Taylor said “a clean house can help make you feel better sometimes.” Taylor is working on a personal goal of purchasing an item of luggage and filling it with age appropriate items for children/young adults transitioning throughout foster care. Taylor has said she would like to complete this for every age group leading up to 18. When shopping recently Taylor noticed an elderly man who appeared lost within the shopping centre. Taylor and her team member then took it upon themselves to help the gentleman eventually find his wife, followed by helping them to arrange a taxi home. All of these instances have been shared with the outmost compassion and empathy. Events such as these are not abnormal for Taylor and appear to come naturally.
I know there are times when Taylor hasn’t felt worthy of deserving recognition for her kind efforts. But I can speak for everyone who knows her when I say we are extremely proud of the kind hearted person she is. I know there are big, big things in her future!”