COLLabOratIOn · Inside this issue 2 Message from the CEO 2 Exceptional Volunteers at Northside 3 Firm friends of Northside – Majura Men’s Shed 4 Common Ground – reducing homelessness

Inside this issue

2 Message from the CEO 2 Exceptional Volunteers at Northside3 Firm friends of Northside – Majura Men’s Shed 4 Common Ground – reducing homelessness and building collaboration 5 Connxtions 6 Same team, new look 7 Exceptional People, Courageous Practice8 Farewell Ken Horsham 9 Collaboration through a cultural lens10 Inclusive practice 11 Venues for hire

VOL 1 | ISSUE 2

COLLabOratIOn The Men’s Shed really is a best practice example of how a truly

inclusive community should work.

2 Collaboration

Message from the CEO

Simon Rosenberg – Northside CEO

Collaboration doesn’t just happen. It needs commitment, skill, authority, and willing partners. It also needs the hard slog of developing and maintaining those key relationships with others.

This newsletter includes several examples about Northside’s collaborative practice in action. From our partnership with Imagineering Training to our work on developing the Common Ground housing model. From the peer support of the Majura Men’s Shed, to the special guest appearance of the Canberra Gay and Lesbian Qwire at our rebranding launch late last year. They all demonstrate the fact that we are most effective when we engage with the services – and communities – that are most closely involved in meeting needs.

It has been said that organisations can only be good collaborators with others if they can do it with themselves. I am proud that we are getting better all the time at our internal collaboration. The Connxtions training program for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents is a great example of Northside’s community services and children’s services staff working together to meet needs holistically.

A huge thanks to our partner agencies, in government, business, and the community. We couldn’t do what we do without your collaboration; as funders, as policy partners, and as service delivery teams with a common purpose; to make a real difference.

Exceptional volunteers at northsideAt Northside the phrase ‘not enough days in the week’ is an understatement. Staff are constantly working together to cover all of our services, from social support through to reception. But we always need more support and in these situations the contribution of our incredible volunteer team makes a significant difference.

Our volunteers are a diverse group of people who bring a wealth of experience, with a broad range of skills. Whether helping with paper work, providing

transportation, or taking time to visit a socially isolated member of the community, our volunteers are always willing to lend a helping hand.

Are you interested in making a difference by giving back to the community? What skills could you bring to the team? Let us know! We are always looking for people to join our exceptional team.

If you are interested or know someone that is, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Joshua Koske, on 6257 2255 or [email protected]

It has been said that organisations can only be good

collaborators with others if they can do it with themselves. I am proud that we are getting better all the time at our internal collaboration.

Northside Community Service Newsletter 3

I met the founding members of the Majura Men’s Shed on my first day of work at Northside almost six years ago and have hidden down there for my Monday coffee ever since. It always makes me smile to hear the call of ’Lady on deck!’ as I saunter into the tea room, cup in hand.

The Majura Men’s Shed has been an integral part of the Northside team for more than 10 years and was originally supported by our organisation as a community development project in the early days when it was just four men, a bench and a dream.

The founding members of the Majura Men’s Shed were Marcus, Bert, Howard and Noel and to this day Marcus remains as ‘The Shed’s’ committee President.

Little did the four know that after almost a decade the Majura Men’s Shed would grow into a magnificent space with indoor and outdoor covered work areas, community garden, tea room, facilities and storage and a membership of more than 60 lovely lads.

They don’t require a lot of assistance from Northside these days as they have their own committee and income from fundraising and grants. It is more likely that you will find them helping Northside out at one of the monthly BBQs at Dickson shops.

The Majura Men’s Shed aims to work with older men in the local region to reduce social isolation and increase their capacity to continue to actively contribute to the local community. The Shed provides a substitute space for those members who have downsized their homes and no longer have a ‘place for hobbies’, or have moved into a retirement home. This in turn encourages new social interaction, friendships and also provides access to other social networks, local events and activities.

The Men’s Shed has a number of members who reside in the high density housing estates located in the city. Their involvement in the Shed has enabled them to find a safe, inclusive place to establish a

network of peer support which in turn helps them access and engage in specialist and clinical services when needed.

If you are unfamiliar with the Men’s Shed model I encourage you to come and have a

tour. It really is a best practice example of how a truly inclusive community should work. Social, financial and cultural differences are put aside and a common interest binds the group together.

So if you can’t find me on a Monday morning it is most likely that I am ‘down the shed’ with the lads. Why don’t you grab a cup and join me?

Kate Cvetanovski Executive DirectorCommunity Services

The Majura Men’s Shed is located in Rosevear Place, Dickson at the rear of the Majura Community Centre. It operates on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. New members are always welcome.

Firm friends of northside – Majura Men’s Shed

I absolutely love the Majura Men’s Shed. Everything

about ‘The Shed’ and the busy lads within screams WELCOME

4 Collaboration

On an average night 1,785 Canberrans experience homelessness. There are a host of factors that contribute to this. Homelessness does not discriminate. The chronic shortage of affordable, available and appropriate rental properties, domestic violence and health issues continue to be major causes of homelessness in our community.

‘House people first, then support them.’ Common Ground is based on the Housing First approach: a homeless person’s first and primary need is to obtain stable housing, and the other issues that may affect their ability to sustain housing can be addressed afterwards.

Canberra is the sixth Australian city to put the Common Ground approach into practice, with 40 self-contained one bedroom units currently under construction in Gungahlin. The building will feature a large communal lounge space and kitchen, art room, external garden and BBQ areas.

This is the realisation of a dream of the Common Ground Canberra Board, a small group of passionate Canberrans who believe Common Ground will provide the greatest chance for long-term outcomes for those most in need.

Common Ground Canberra targets people who have been homeless continuously for six months or more, or who have experienced multiple episodes of primary homelessness over a 12 month period. Common Ground Canberra also targets low-income earners who are unable to access other affordable housing options and rental housing stress.

Northside is proud to be working in partnership with Argyle Community Housing on this project. Argyle will manage the building and 20 of the tenancies, allocated to 20 low income earners. Northside will coordinate services for the 20 formerly homeless tenants. These include onsite case management, peer support, education and employment options, and social and wellbeing programs. The aim is to help develop personal skills and achieve independence.

This will be achieved by collaborating closely with our service and community networks. We have started to develop partnerships with health providers in Gungahlin, and we aim to involve local educational institutions, churches, businesses and community agencies.

A large number of organisations and individuals have already committed to ensuring tenants have the best outcomes possible. The new IKEA Canberra store will be providing furniture and fittings for the building.

Tenants living at Common Ground will be free to live their lives independently – the building is their home. There is no obligation to accept support offered. The Common Ground model allows support staff to build trust and rapport with tenants, if they choose. Common Ground will work, because it is based on respect, and collaboration.

Want to know more? For more information about the Common Ground Canberra project you can visit the website http://www.commongroundcanberra.org.au

For more information on the support services Northside will be providing, you can contact our Senior Manager of In reach and Transitions on 02 6257 2255.

Common Ground – reducing homelessness and building collaboration

The Connxtions program is an innovative training program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT.

Connxtions runs in partnership between Northside Community Service, and Imagineering Training, a Canberra based training organisation. The collaboration brings together expertise in training and community engagement to provide students with a qualification and support to enter the workforce or further training. And just as importantly, the opportunity to forge new networks.

Connxtions began in 2014 with its first cohort of students graduating with big smiles and a Certificate III in Community Services in December 2014. With the motivation to progress their careers, graduates from Connxtions are taking their next steps to complete work experience or progress to further study.

Wrap-around support for the students during their studies and since the course has been invaluable. In partnership, Northside and Imagineeing have supported students

through a weekly mentoring and up skilling session, providing guidance and resources for writing reports, completing job applications, and undertaking research. During lunch breaks and after classes, students were given advice and administrative support from Northside staff and their teacher. The provision of on-site childcare allowed students with children to attend class regularly. Graduates are in contact with staff as they begin applying for jobs and are supported with information, contacts, and guidance.

Connxtions has offered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a qualification to develop their community service career. But Connxtions also offers a strong peer network. Connxtions teacher of the 2014 class Jenni Martinello explains that her students formed a cohesive class who shared their thoughts and concerns.

Individually, the students have worked hard and displayed a level of professionalism that should make them proud, and will do their employers proud.

The second Connxtions course is scheduled for the first half of 2015. We invite you to check out details on the Northside website www.northside.asn.au or contact course coordinator Klair on 6257 2255 or [email protected]

Connxtions

The Connxtions students were a diverse group but united in that they all

want to become strong role models for their children.

6 Collaboration

Same team, new lookYou may have noticed that Northside’s branding has changed over the last few months. Well, rest assured that while our look has changed, our superstars that make up the Northside team are still the same.

In early 2014 some of the team got together for a branding supper to answer one very important question. Who is Northside and what do we stand for?

We really wanted our team to put their stamp on the organisation, not leave it to a marketing company who had no idea about the ethics and values that bring us to work each day. Our team began the process of bringing the personality and essence of our workforce to the forefront of what we do. Staff made it clear they expect a certain kind of behaviour from their organisation – behaviour that is exceptional, courageous and ensures that no one, regardless of their circumstances, background or culture, gets left behind...ever.

For the next three months, all teams within Northside were asked to contribute their expectations and ideas to our rebranding. This included an organisational wide vote on how we as a team behave, use our organisational voice, stand out from the mainstream

and most importantly display our values.

By October 2014, we had redesigned our brand. The logo as you see it today captures our team’s ideas, commitment and passion. From the colours

to the icons, everything has been purposefully chosen to reflect a discussion, a vote or a value put forward by our team.

In addition to our core logo, you may see it in the green hues of Children’s Services or pink hues for Community Services. This sub branding recognises the unique values and contributions of these teams.

The new brand was launched at a special ‘Thank you’ event on 30 October at the QT Hotel, Canberra City. Special VIP backstage pass invites were sent out to all of the ‘exceptional and courageous’ friends and stakeholders who had partnered, supported and helped Northside over the past 5 years.

More than 200 staff, friends and partner agencies came together to enjoy the beautiful voices of the Canberra Gay and Lesbian Qwire as they officially launched the new brand with the song “Home”.

From the colours to the icons, everything has been purposefully chosen to

reflect a discussion, a vote or a value put forward by our team.

Northside Community Service Newsletter 7

Exceptional People, Courageous Practice

It is easy to make a claim like that but a lot harder to prove it.

Exceptional people are the people who leave you with a lasting impression. An impression that lasts long after they have left our company and one that leaves you missing their counsel, valuing their intent and admiring their strength.

People who have not worked with the Northside team might make the mistake of thinking that our ‘Exceptional People | Courageous Practice’ tag line is all about us, our achievements, our approach and our expectations.

But those that truly know us, those that have partnered with us, entrusted clients, family members or friends to our care, will recognise it is more than just our team. Exceptional People, Courageous Practice also refers to the people we work with and the critical and valued sector friends, who test our reasoning, hold us to account for our claims and who step up often.

To all our friends, supported and partners - you are our exceptional people.

Somewhere along the way over the past five years, you have contributed to our working culture, service delivery or the support of our staff and for that we want to say a simple thank you.

Thank you for being there for our team. Thank you for standing with us when the chips were down, when we lost funding, when we made mistakes and when we have been stretched beyond our capacity.

We cannot claim to be courageous, if we are not willing to risk and experience failure. But as we picked ourselves up, we had colleagues and partner agencies dusting us off, helping us up and checking that we were OK.

We have always believed that you can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep, and fortunately for us Northside has been in your company, exceptional company for the past few years.

Kate Cvetanovski | Executive Director

8 Collaboration

Farewell Ken Horsham – northside’s board Chair, colleague and friend

The Northside team would like to acknowledge the passing on 27 December of our much loved and respected Board Chair, colleague and friend, Ken Horsham.

Ken joined the Northside Committee in 2001 and became President in 2002. When Northside became a company in 2010, Ken was re-elected as Chair of the new board. In his various roles, Ken led the growth of Northside from a small and very locally based community organisation, to the thriving community business it is today.

It is an all too common story that sometimes Presidents and Chairs of organisations stay on too long. With Ken it is the opposite. The longer he stayed a part of Northside, the more valuable his contributions became.

Ken went above and beyond his formal responsibilities as Chair of the Board. He was never an interventionist, but always happy to assist the CEO, Executive and other staff.

In November he gave up a morning to spend some time with the executive team, as we planned the next phase for the organisation. Ken would often drop in and have an informal chat with staff about how things were going. To our CEO, Simon Rosenberg, Ken was more than a boss – he was a mentor, guide and friend.

Ken was taken from us much too early. But we are so pleased that he participated in two important Northside

events at the end of last year – our re-branding launch and Northside’s receipt of a Public Sector Excellence Award from the University of Canberra’a Institute for Governance. Both of these were a culmination of Ken’s extraordinary leadership of Northside.

Ken will be remembered for making a very positive difference to Northside and the broader community sector, including his roles at CHC Affordable Housing and ACT Shelter.

Ken’s wisdom and his unwavering strong commitment to social justice stand out in particular.

We start 2015 focused on honouring Ken’s memory by maintaining that commitment.

Happy sailing Ken, and thank you so very much. Your team of Northsiders.

Northside Community Service Newsletter 9

Collaboration through a cultural lens

Enrolment forms - the novella which is due for completion before your little person(s) start in an Early Childhood Education Centre can, to some, be overwhelming. Some questions are obvious – does your child have an allergy? Who can we call if something happens? Some questions are much more nuanced, and the importance can be overlooked depending on the understanding families and educators have of cultural perspectives in Early Childhood.

Cultural identities and family histories, play an enormous role in shaping a child’s identity and sense of belonging. The concepts of being, belonging and becoming underpin the Australian Early Years Learning Framework.

Early Childhood Educators see value in the cultures and histories of every family we work with, and the stories of the land on which we live and learn. These stories are meant to be told, woven into the fabric of each child, told to others to promote their understanding of the world and those they share it with. These stories can be readily available, but sometimes they require dedicated time and resources to uncover what makes your family who they are.

Majura Early Childhood Centre was lucky enough to experience this journey with the family of one of our recently graduated Preschool children. As a parting gift, Mikaela Jade painted a canvas depicting the Darug/D’harwal dreaming of the Sea Urchins and the Stars. Mikaela, a Cabrogal woman from the Georges’ River district south of Sydney, donated the artwork to the centre in appreciation for the care her daughter was provided over the four years she attended Majura. The piece was presented at our end of year Christmas party, and is by far the most touching and personal gift we have received.

Whilst we cannot speak to the journey Mikaela has taken in uncovering her family history, the discussions we had in the Preschool room as her daughter shared her newfound knowledge and proudly spoke of being Aboriginal have informed Educator practice and lay the foundation for a deeper level of understanding and respect.

These stories can be readily available, but sometimes they require dedicated time and resources to uncover what makes your family who they are.

10 Collaboration

The team at Northside know it takes a lot more than a rainbow flag to make a service LGBTI friendly. We also know that we can’t do it alone. That’s why we have been working closely with our friends in the Canberra Gay & Lesbian Qwire, the AIDS Action Council of the ACT, A Gender Agenda and the broader LGBTI community to ensure our services and staff are informed, inclusive, and aware.

Northside is a proud sponsor of the Canberra Qwire and we could not think of a better way to officially launch not only our Northside brand, but our Northside ‘voice’ than with the voices of this group of magnificent people. The Qwire performed a touching rendition of the song ‘Home’ - what a fantastic way to officially launch the new Northside brand.

Several members of the Qwire and the LGBTI community have been working with us over the last year to help our team to understand and recognise truly inclusive practice and improve the experience of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people who may access our services or support.

Our critical friends in the LGBTI community have gently but firmly guided us away from the shiny gloss of rainbow ticks and new gay friendly brochures and steered us towards honest and open conversations which gave us the safe space to say ‘we have good intent, but we don’t want to stuff this up, can you give us a hand?’

And you know what? They didn’t hesitate to step up when we asked for help. Thank you all so very much.

Inclusive practice

Northside Community Service Newsletter 11

Northside has a range of great venues available for regular and casual hire. All venues include a kitchen, tables and chairs, bathrooms, air conditioning and heating. Free on-site parking is available at all venues as well as access for people with mobility or physical disabilities.

Corroboree Park Corroboree Park is a heritage listed building located in Ainslie. The hall is suitable for larger functions of up to 100 people.

The function room is suited to smaller functions and can accommodate up to 60 people. It is also equipped with a kitchen and opens up onto the park.

Gungaderra Homestead The Gungaderra Homestead is located in Harrison and is available for hire by community groups and organisations. It has a medium sized hall, several smaller meeting rooms and a fantastic decked courtyard for use in the summer months. While not available for private functions, the homestead is a perfect venue for all types of activities from community forums to smaller group meetings and classes.

Palmerston Community CentreSituated in Tiptree Cres, adjacent to local shops and schools the centre is designed for all groups from the local community.

The centre has two spaces available for hire – the function room which caters for up to 80 people and the meeting room which caters for up to 20 people.

Majura Community Hall Located at the Majura Community Centre in Dickson, the hall is a sizeable venue with high ceilings and parquetry flooring.

Additional facilities at this venue include a PA system, lectern and large stage. This venue can accommodate up to 150 people.

Majura Function RoomLocated at the Majura Community Centre in Dickson, this is a smaller venue and can accommodate up to 30 people. The function room opens onto a courtyard and BBQ area.

Venues for hire

To discuss hire options, availability or to find out more about which venue would best suit your needs please call 02 6257 2255 or email [email protected]

northside provides a broad range of quality community programs including:

• children’s services

• services for older people and people with a disability

• home support, transport and social programs for seniors

• support programs for young people and families

• women’s housing and emergency relief

• social groups

• venue hire for community activities

Would you or someone you know benefit from the support services we provide at Northside? For more information call 02 6257 2255 or visit our website www.northside.asn.au

Follow us on Twitter @northsideACT or Like us on Facebook

EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE | COURAGEOUS PRACTIC E

@northsideACT Northside Community Service

Phone: (02) 6257 2255Fax: (02) 6257 5993

Northside Community Service2 Rosevear Place, Dickson ACT 2602