30/11/05
A program that works with women from the Boronia pre-release centre to provide breakfast and lifts to school for at-risk children was among those honoured at the 2005 Community Services Industry Awards.
The Bussed Ed program was awarded with the 'Working Creatively to Make a Difference (Small Group/Organisation)' category of the State-wide awards.
Community Development Minister Sheila McHale said the partnership program between a community-based organisation and a correctional facility was the first of its kind in Australia.
Ms McHale recognised the efforts of eight outstanding local groups and individuals at the prestigious Department for Community Development-sponsored awards held last night.
"We must continue to celebrate the achievements of the individuals and organisations that make a positive difference to the lives of Western Australians," the Minister said.
"A tremendous range of applications were submitted, with the regional and metropolitan areas well represented."
Ms McHale said other services and programs recognised included an Aboriginal grandparent support service, a program providing respite and young people's housing services in Hyden and a training and support program for emergency relief workers.
The Minister said winners were selected from more than 200 entries throughout the State.
The winners of the Community Services Industry Awards 2005 are:
CATEGORY 1 - WORKING CREATIVELY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE (SMALL GROUP / ORGANISATION)
Bussed Ed - Edventures WA Incorporated
Bussed Ed is a collaborative early intervention program which runs every school day in the south metropolitan area of Perth. It provides support and encouragement for 'at-risk' young people in attending school. Bussed Ed staff pick-up 15 to 20 kids from home, provide them with breakfast and drop them at school. The breakfasts are voluntarily prepared every morning by residents of the Boronia pre-release centre for women. In addition, Bussed Ed receives significant support from Curtin University of Technology. This practical partnership between a community-based organisation, a university and a correctional facility is a first of its kind in Australia.
CATEGORY 2 - WORKING CREATIVELY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
(LARGE GROUP / ORGANISATION)
Aboriginal Training Initiative - Yorganop Child Care Aboriginal Corporation
The Aboriginal Training Initiative has broken new ground in providing culturally appropriate childcare qualifications for Aboriginal people. Initially developed by the Department for Community Development, Yorganop has worked creatively to modify the training resource package, extending it to map across to the Certificate III in Children's Services. The program has generated employment for Aboriginal people, increased confidence, self-reliance and esteem and at the same time has fulfilled the need for improved indigenous childcare and protection. Yorganop works alongside Aboriginal families and the community to enhance the well being of Aboriginal children and young people in care, both now and in the future.
CATEGORY 3 - STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES
Aboriginal Grandparent Family Support Services - Women's Health Care Assoc Inc (trading as Women's Health Services)
In 2003, the Aboriginal Grandparent Family Support program, based at Women's Health Care House, was developed to provide invaluable support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander grandparents caring for their grandchildren or great grandchildren. Based on family, social, health and well-being principles, the program improves grandparents' access to Government and other services, provision of information, advocacy and peer support. Through activities including pampering/self care events, respite camps, peer support and Aboriginal playgroups, grandparents have experienced improved health and well-being and the confidence to assist them in maintaining strong and happy families.
CATEGORY 4 - STRENGTHENING VOLUNTEERING
Volunteer Program - Volunteer Task Force Inc
Established over 30 years ago, Volunteer Task Force has embraced the spirit of volunteerism to make a positive difference to the community by providing support and services to those of limited financial, social and physical capacity. Volunteer Task Force has involved volunteers in decisions that affect their activities. As well as developing strong policies on training and support for volunteers, the program ensures the contribution of every volunteer is recognised. Volunteers offer their time to provide assistance with gardening, home maintenance, shopping and social support. The organisation supports those who volunteer to support others.
CATEGORY 5 - STRENGTHENING THE COMMUNITY SERVICES INDUSTRY
Emergency relief Sector Support and Training Program - WACOSS
As the peak body of the community services sector in Western Australia, the WA Council of Social Service has forged a strong relationship with the emergency relief sector. Through the Emergency Relief Sector Support and Training program, WACOSS has strengthened the capacity of services to provide emergency relief to the community. It is estimated that 200 agencies provide emergency relief to over 531,000 individuals in WA. The work undertaken by WACOSS with the emergency relief services in WA has resulted in improved resources, relevant training and the development of closer bonds between agencies, Government departments and the wider community.
CATEGORY 6 - BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
The Bullsbrook and Districts Community Reference Group - Bullsbrook and Districts Community Reference Group in partnership with Transfield Services Australia Pty Ltd and the City of Swan
The Bullsbrook and Districts Community Reference Group brings a unique approach to business and community partnerships. In partnership with Transfield Services, a major transport contractor at the RAAF Pearce Airbase and the City of Swan, the group's focus is not financial, but rather on building community spirit, skill and capacity. Meeting on a monthly basis the group examines issues and opportunities confronting the community. Through sharing and developing a network of resources and local knowledge across the community; by brokering mutually beneficial relationships across sectors within the community, the City of Swan and Transfield Services in partnership with the Bullsbrook Community Reference Group has achieved positive outcomes for the Bullsbrook community now and into the future.
CATEGORY 7 - STRENGTHENING RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES
Housing and Respite Services - Hyden Progress Assoc
The plight of a young woman who wished to work in Hyden as a hairdresser but could not find any accommodation spurred the Hyden Progress Association in 1994 to form a subcommittee aimed at raising funds for accommodation suitable for young single residents of Hyden and Karlgarin. The Housing and Respite Services Program is an ongoing development providing a body to allow community members to discuss, resource, share knowledge and develop skills to resolve the housing shortage. The program secured local, State Government and community-based support in the construction of young single housing which has provided accommodation for 70 people since 1996. The program has extended to providing much-needed respite care services and support for the Hyden community, with the employment of a respite care coordinator and plans to build a permanent facility.
CATEGORY 8 - OUTSTANDING ORGANISATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Karawara Community Project - Edventures WA Incorporated - HIGHLY COMMENDED.
CATEGORY 9 - OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT BY AN INDIVIDUAL
Jacqui Stutt - Newman YMCA Incorporated to receive grant.
Think spirit, passion, tireless dedication and think Jacqui Stutt, manager of Newman YMCA. Jaqcui co-ordinated the development of a purpose designed youth facility in Newman, and has put in countless hours to develop this centre for local community members, youth and adult alike. Jacqui has also geared other projects like the development of a local skate park, holiday programs in the Nullagine and Jigalong communities and the DRUGGeD program, just to name a few. Jacqui has developed innovative ways of teaching young people in Newman life, personal and employment skills. Her caring nature, insightful thinking and pure commitment to others have touched many lives of her community.
For more information about award winners, please call Leanne O'Rourkes at the Department for Community Development on 9222 2810.
Minister's office: 9213 6900
