FOURTH QUARTER, 2016
WWW.SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU
Photo (above): Disability Support Worker, Kadek Knight. Photo (below) National category winners with Julie McCrossin who MC’d the event.
Somerville received national recognition at the inaugural 2016 Attendant Care Industry Awards, held in Sydney in conjunction with the Attendant Care Industry Conference.
At the awards Kadek Knight, a Disability Support Worker from Katherine, accepted the national Rights and Responsibilities Award. Kadek has worked at Somerville for the past 14 years.
The Attendant Care Industry Awards were created to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of attendant care support workers in the disability, aged care and community sectors.
The awards recognise those who provide the highest standard of support to increase the quality of life and inclusion of people with support needs.
Without the care and support of attendant care support workers, many people would not be able to participate in the community, education, employment and live their lives in a manner of their choosing.
The awards also provide an opportunity for peers to acknowledge their co-workers’ outstanding service provision. Congratulations Kadek!
Success at the 2016 Attendant Care Industry Awards
In this issue...02 A message from Vicki O’Halloran
Somerville named Employer of Choice at ABA
03 NDIS update
Gift wrapping volunteers needed
04 Dancing with the Celebrities Gala Ball
06 Annual Katherine Morning Tea
08 Somerville Beach Boot Camp
10 Responsible Gambling Awareness Week
Financial counselling
National Debt Helpline
12 Somerville Sunday
13 Years of service
14 Making the news this quarter...
16 Staff profile – Winnie Arevalo
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A message from our CEO – Vicki O’Halloran AM
Visiting Katherine is certainly one of the highlights of my role. This quarter we hosted our annual Katherine Morning Tea, and it was tremendous as always to connect with the local community.
I had the honour of presenting Certificates of Service to staff who give so much to our organisation on a daily basis. On this occasion Beverley Dickens received recognition for her 25 years of employment with Somerville – an incredible commitment. See page 13 to read about other staff members who have recently been recognised for their years of service and commitment to Somerville.
While celebrating achievements in Katherine, it was with great pride that we acknowledged Kadek Knight as the Attendant Care Industry Awards Rights and Responsibilities Award winner.
Kadek is a focused, professional, quiet achiever in our Disability Services Program. This is a monumental award and so very well deserved.
I cannot help but be impressed with Deborah Bampton and Terri-Anne Dureau, who have put so much energy into the ‘Beach Boot Camp’ program. The results have been outstanding for so many individuals who have attended over the last 25 weeks. See page 8 for more about this fantastic program. I continue to pursue longer-term funding for a Skills for Living Life Program that would include Beach Boot Camp.
With Christmas around the corner, we’re planning hamper and gift distributions to ensure we reach as many Territorians as possible. Our aim is to provide the support and resources they need to celebrate this special time of year.
This newsletter is bright and busy and certainly reflects the nature of our day-to-day work and our organisation – enjoy!
Vicki O’Halloran AM CEO, Somerville Community Services
Somerville named Employer of Choice at the Australian Business Awards
We were delighted to win the Employer of Choice Award in the 2016 Australian Business Awards.
Attracting and retaining quality staff is critical to fulfilling Somerville’s mission ‘to impact positively on the dignity and quality of life of people who are affected by social and economic disadvantage.’
It is an honour to receive this award and something our staff are very proud of.
The Employer of Choice Award recognises leading workplaces that maximise the full potential of their workforce through practices that demonstrate effective employee recruitment, engagement and retention. The awards enable participating organisations to be benchmarked against world class performance standards.
Photo: Somerville CEO Vicki O’Halloran AM and Somerville Manager Liza Metcalfe.
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NDIS update
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of providing disability support. The scheme promises to provide people who have a permanent disability (under the age of 65) with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy life.
The principles underpinning the NDIS are choice, control and flexibility by the person with disability and their family and support people. For many people this is quite a significant change to how they receive support through the current system.
We have been working with the people we support, their families and guardians, and others to prepare for the NDIS roll out. The roll out will be a staged approach across each jurisdiction in Australia, and may differ across each state or territory.
In the Northern Territory the NDIS will progressively roll out over 3 years.
It will be introduced geographically, so people will be moved to or phased into the NDIS at different times depending on where they live.
The NDIS is being introduced gradually because it’s a big change, and it’s important to get it right to ensure it will be sustainable.
Currently, Somerville provides supported accommodation to 47 people in Darwin and Katherine.
Our Darwin services will transition to the NDIS in January 2017 and it is anticipated our Katherine services will transition in July 2017.
Somerville has also been working with the Department of Health’s Office of Disability to ensure we all know what
services and supports are needed for the people we support to live and enjoy life.
We are enthusiastic and excited about our forthcoming transition to the NDIS.
We have been working hard to get it right and are looking forward to beginning our work with the National Disability Insurance Agency over the coming weeks and months.
To find out more about the NDIS go to www.ndis.gov.au.
Gift wrapping volunteers needed
Somerville is once again holding its annual Christmas Gift Wrapping Services at Casuarina Square, Palmerston Shopping Centre and Mitchell Centre.
This is Somerville’s major fundraising event for the year and helps to raise money to support our programs.
We are looking for volunteers to help in the stalls to be held from 3 to 24 December 2016 covering the normal trading hours. We will also sell tickets for our Christmas raffle.
Alternatively, you may wish to spare yourself the hassle of trying to secretly wrap presents and have them professionally wrapped for a small fee.
If you are interested in supporting this event, or you know of someone who would like to offer a few hours to help, please contact the Somerville administration office on 8920 4100 or email us:
Palmerston Shopping Centre / Mitchell Centre Stall Carolyn Cendo: [email protected]
Casuarina Square Stall Terri-Anne Dureau: [email protected] Liza Metcalfe: [email protected]
A few hours of your time can make a big difference to make this year’s gift wrapping a successful and joyous event.
Photos: Last year’s Christmas gift wrapping stations with our wonderful volunteers.
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Dancing with the Celebrities Gala Ball
Somerville sponsored the annual Dancing with the Celebrities Gala Ball again this year, Total Recreation’s annual fundraiser and community awareness event.
Total Recreation is a not for profit organisation that provides opportunities for people with disability to have the same experiences as other members of society, such as participating in sport and recreational activities.
The gala ball showcases local celebrities partnered with talented dancers all vying for the coveted Grand Champion title.
The participants spend many weeks attending dance practice prior to the event. Total Recreation members also participated in Somerville’s Beach Boot Camp as part of their preparation (see page 8 story, Somerville Beach Boot Camp).
Somerville service user Matthew Lucas and Somerville Manager Liza Metcalfe participated on the night and were supported by other staff and service users.
Each of the couples performed the barn dance, the cha-cha and the tango.
Congratulations to all those who participated – we’re already looking forward to next year’s event!
The winners on the evening were:
Tango Champions: Margaret McGregor and Simon Maddocks
Cha Cha Champions: Nicole Milsop and Bradley Evans
Barn Dance Champions: Georgina Higgie and Terry O’Connor
Best Couple: Alexandra Vereker and Matthew Lucas
Strictly Ballroom – Second: Joshua Kelly and Rachael Ciesiolka
AND
Grand Champions: Naomi Alliston and Wayne Van Sambeek
Grand Champions: Naomi Alliston and Wayne Van Sambeek with all the competitors.
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Best Couple: Alexandra Vereker and Matthew Lucas. Grand Champions: Naomi Alliston and Wayne Van Sambeek.
L-R: Somerville staff David Sheasby, Liza Metcalfe, Bonnie Solly and Carolyn Cendo. Amy Brady Burns, Vicki O’Halloran AM and Tony Burns.
Somerville Manager Liza Metcalfe and partner Ray Roach. L-R: Terry, Jenny and Joy celebrating the event.
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Annual Katherine Morning Tea
Our Katherine staff organised the Katherine Morning Tea again this year, a fantastic opportunity for Somerville staff from Darwin and Katherine to meet with Katherine community members.
The event took place at the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre in Katherine and was attended by 60 guests including members of Katherine’s government departments, members of the general community and staff from other community organisations.
Robert Jennings, CEO Katherine Town Council and Danni Mattiuzzo of the NT Police spoke at the event. Mr Jennings talked about a number of initiatives that the Katherine Council are involved in.
Lord Mayor Faye Miller also took the opportunity to address the gathering, speaking of Somerville’s ongoing commitment to the Katherine community.
The guests were entertained by local Katherine High School students, brother and sister act Travis and Shae Enright.
Somerville’s David Forder (Katherine Coordinator) and Kelly Camm (Family Support Worker/Counsellor) were recognised for completing their Diploma of Counselling.
Disability Services Coordinator Beverley Dickens was presented with an award in recognition of 25 years of service.
Congratulations David, Kelly and Beverley.
A big thank you to all the Katherine staff who assisted in preparing this event and to the Katherine community for being so supportive of our work in the region. We look forward to seeing you all next year.
Somerville staff from Darwin and Katherine attended the Morning Tea.
Katherine Lord Mayor, Faye Miller (centre) and Katherine Community Members enjoying the event.
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Travis Enright entertained during the event (photo courtesy of the Katherine Times).
Somerville staff and guests (photo courtesy of the Katherine Times).
Kelly Camm with Vicki O’Halloran AM, recognised for completing her Diploma of Counselling. Robert Jennings and David Forder (photo courtesy of the Katherine Times).
Beverley Dickens with Vicki O’Halloran AM, receiving her Certificate of Appreciation for 25 years of service.
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Somerville Beach Boot Camp
This year Somerville introduced a pilot program called Beach Boot Camp that was open to all people with a disability in the Darwin region. It was a boot camp with a difference!
The program operated every Thursday at the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club, with five overall goals delivered through an exercise, wellbeing and deportment program for men and women:
1. Improve general health and wellbeing of the participant group
2. Broaden social network groups
3. Skills development
4. Community engagement
5. Fun.
The exercise element of the program was run by a qualified personal trainer, Jen, supported by key volunteer support staff from multiple organisations. Having Jen on board meant the program was truly tailored. With pre-planning, Jen and the team were fully aware of each participant’s unique needs, and exercises were modified accordingly. The participants learning styles and preferences were also considered.
The program ran for 25 weeks, as we know it takes time to see results and to embed new healthy habits and routines.
Each participant received a boot camp kit that consisted of tools to assist them on their journey. The kits included
a gym towel, yoga mat, drink bottle, cap, exercise book to record food intake and exercise output, and some personal hygiene items.
Each participant chose their own personal goals. Some chose weight loss in kilograms and measurements, others just wanted a piece of clothing to fit, and others wanted to be able to run for 10 minutes without stopping. Every participant achieved at least one of their goals.
The program was also a success in the following ways:
• Engagement – participants turned up every week.
• Socially – new friendships were forged and participants engaged with other beach goers. Dogs and their owners walking along the beach were a welcome distraction for many!
• Wellbeing – smiles were evident each week. Physical changes were visible in many participants – clothes becoming baggier, waists becoming slimmer, muscles becoming more defined.
Somerville partnered with local organisations including Total Recreation, Down Syndrome Association of the NT and Darwin Surf Life Saving Club to make the program a success. A special thanks to Terri-Anne Dureau, Chelsea Day, Sandy Scaife, Sarah Hone, Mandeep Singh and the many Somerville staff who came along each week to support the participants.
We hope to continue to offer this program and are working to secure funding to ensure this can happen.
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10
Responsible Gambling Awareness Week
Somerville’s Financial Services team took part in Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, which ran from 24 to 30 October.
This year’s theme was: ‘Gambling. Go Easy.’
This important week is about encouraging responsible gambling on four levels: individual, government, industry and community.
For individuals, this means that gambling is controlled within your budget and time limits and doesn’t negatively impact your life or the lives of those around you.
For the community, responsible gambling means that organisations like gambling providers, governments and sporting associations share the responsibility of making the community aware of the risks of gambling. They must also create and promote environments that prevent or minimise problem gambling and respond to community gambling concerns.
As part of Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, Amity Community Services hosted a Community Liaison Officer Launch. The event brought together gaming venue
staff from around Darwin and representatives from the Australian Hotel Association with staff from community service providers such as Anglicare, Somerville and Amity Community Services.
The launch was an opportunity for community liaison staff to learn more about the services provided in the community to help minimise harm associated with gambling.
The role of community liaison officers in commercial gaming venues is to:
• be available during approved gaming opening hours
• provide appropriate information and assistance to patrons with gambling related problems
• support other staff in providing assistance to these affected patrons
• provide assistance to any staff that may themselves have gambling related issues.
If you, or someone you know, is suffering from financial stress as a result of gambling, it may be time to speak to a financial counsellor on 1800 007 007 (free call).
L-R: Chris Capper, Project Manager AHA; Allison O’Connor, Somerville Manager; Nicole Coalter, Deputy Executive Officer, Amity Community Services; Robyn Kelleher, Manager, Tracy Village Sports and Social Club; Vicki Borzi, Financial Counsellor, Somerville; and Mythily Krishnan, Financial Counsellor, Anglicare.
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Financial counselling - Does it make a difference?
Most people don’t know what a financial counsellor does.
Financial counsellors are sometimes confused with financial planners or budget workers. We hope this client story will help dispel some of that confusion by providing an insight into the day-to-day work of a financial counsellor. Just as importantly, it shows how financial counsellors can support people to transform their lives from debt and despair to having stability and confidence.
There is no one typical client: each person and family is unique.
Caitlin’s story
Caitlin’s husband had a well-paid job, but he left the family. Caitlin is now a single mother with a young daughter. When she presented for financial counselling, Caitlin was struggling to make ends meet on a Centrelink parenting payment. Two credit cards in Caitlin’s name were with debt collectors and payment was being demanded on the gas bill from a previous house. Caitlin had also been convinced by a salesperson to sign up for an educational pack worth $3000 for her daughter.
A financial counsellor helped Caitlin to claim all government concessions, claim child support through the Department of Human Services, change the lease on the house to Caitlin’s name and change bank accounts so that Caitlin could access a fee-free account.
Together Caitlin and the financial counsellor created a budget tailored to Caitlin’s circumstances. They explored options for priorities of rent, food, energy, medicine and clothing before tackling debts. The financial counsellor arranged small pro rata payments for gas and credit card debts and assisted Caitlin to return the educational pack, stating it was not suitable for the purpose it was intended and had the contract set aside. Courtesy of Financial counselling, it makes a difference, published by FCA: www. financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au.
As a result, Caitlin grew in confidence and felt empowered to take control over her economic life. Her communication with her daughter improved and her daughter’s schooling improved immensely.
All debts have now been paid and Caitlin no longer relies on child support. Caitlin undertook study and after graduating with qualifications in aged care, gained full time employment and cancelled her Centrelink parenting payments.
Money that was being paid to debts now goes into a holiday account – and Caitlin and her daughter have already been on a holiday. Caitlin has become an authority on home budgeting for her family and friends and she has upgraded her car using money that she has saved. Caitlin and her daughter are extremely happy.
Caitlin advised the financial counsellor that he is no longer needed, however they will continue to have yearly review appointments. Originally sceptical, Caitlin has since sent two other friends along for financial counselling.
Financial counselling does make a difference.
If you know anyone experiencing financial difficulties, they can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 (free call) or visit www.ndh.org.au.
National Debt HelplineThe 1800 007 007 Financial Counselling Helpline is getting a new name: the 1800 007 007 National Debt Helpline.
Other than the change in name, the free service will stay the same.
You can call this number from anywhere in Australia to speak to one of Somerville’s financial counsellors.
The service is available from 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
If you or someone you know is experiencing financial stress call the 1800 007 007 National Debt Helpline or visit www.ndh.org.au.
“Caitlin was struggling to make ends meet on a Centrelink parenting payment. Two credit cards in her name were with debt collectors and payment was being demanded on the gas bill from a previous house.”
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Somerville Sunday
Somerville was once again invited by the Uniting Church of Palmerston to participate in the annual Somerville Sunday Service. Many Somerville staff and their families attended the service.
Vicki O’Halloran AM, Somerville CEO spoke to the congregation about our organisation’s work, and Somerville managers also spoke of the many programs delivered in the community.
Somerville staff and service users presented gifts to the church, including a mosaic table made by staff and service uses in our Girraween supported accommodation home.
The Somerville choir also performed during the service singing their signature song, ‘We believe’, and invited the congregation to join them in singing ‘Morning has broken’.
Photo (top): Somerville choir performing ‘We believe’.Photo (bottom left): Somerville CEO Vicki O’Halloran AM speaking to the congregation about the programs and services we deliver to the community.Photo (bottom right): Somerville Disabilty Coordinator Mavis White and Somerville service user Mark Jones presenting the mosaic table.
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Years of service
Vicki O’Halloran AM, Somerville CEO recently recognised a number of staff for their years of service with the presentation of certificates.
25 years Beverly Dickens
20 years Elaine Castles
15 years James McMillan Peter Lorenz Danilo Anastacio Christina Smith
10 years Kate Whitten
5 years Caroline Tapera Sheree Smellin Lin Mu Kai Whipps David Forder Gloria Flores Maricel Damian Karamjit Thandi
3 years Gina Papel Tirivangani Mapendere Deny Kurniawan Evangeline Cabanela David Sheasby Primrose Sapo Victoria Large Troy Harvey Vicki Borzi
Back row L-R: Deny Kurniawan, Tirivangani Mapendere, Troy Harvey, Vicki O’Halloran AM and James McMillan. Front row L-R: Caroline Tapera, Lin Mu and Gina Papel.
Somerville CEO Vicki O’Halloran AM presenting Kate Whitten (with son Max) with her Certificate of Appreciation for 10 years service.
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Making the news this quarter...
New Board member - Amin Islam FCAThis year we were delighted to welcome Amin Islam on the Somerville Board of Directors.
Amin has significant experience in the field of accounting, auditing, risk management, management of organisations and probity audits. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Amin was a former partner of Ernst & Young and Managing Director of Merit Partners Pty Ltd. He has conducted audits of listed companies to small pro bono entities and was the probity auditor for the Darwin Waterfront Project. Amin has also worked in the UK, Bangladesh and East Timor in the private and public sectors.
Amin served as a president of the CPA Australia-NT. He was a Board member of Heart Foundation-NT and lectured at Charles Darwin University on a part time basis. He was also an authorised auditor for the Northern Territory Auditor General and Australian National Audit Office.
Amin is currently member of a number of boards and involved with a number of charitable organisations. Welcome Amin!
Congratulations to Valerie Ash AM (Somerville Patron) and Ron Burridge (Somerville Ambassador) who each received a Seniors of Excellence Award at the 2016 Seniors of Excellence NT Awards.
Seniors of Excellence NT Inc. was established in 2014 and is a community not for profit organisation that recognises and
celebrates the voluntary contributions of people aged over 65 years in the Northern Territory community.
These awards recognise community members who have volunteered substantially to charities, community services organisations, or who have personally provided meaningful assistance to citizens less able to help themselves.
Seniors of Excellence NT Awards
Photo (left): Somerville Ambassadors Robyn and Ron Burridge. Photo (right): Somerville Patron Valerie Ash AM.
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Somerville’s own Liza Metcalfe named AHRI HR Diversity Champion Award finalistLiza Metcalfe, Somerville’s HR, IT and Administrative Services Manager, has been named as a finalist for the AHRI HR Diversity Champion Award.
The award recognises HR professionals who empower employees and model excellence in workforce diversity.
Liza has a strong commitment to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation by creating an environment of respect, involvement and connection and where people are empowered to positively contribute to the organisation’s success.
Through Liza’s leadership, Somerville has been awarded the Employer of Choice for Women, Family Friendly State Winner and NT Human Rights Diversity Award. Liza was awarded 2015 Australian Institute of Management Excellence NT Not-For-Profit Manager of the Year.
Congratulations Liza!
In its fifth year, the Top End Gran Fondo invites competitive, amateur and recreational cyclists of all abilities to participate in a community cycling event that showcases the unique NT environment.
Three of our disability service users, Matt Lucas, Louis Tam and Gavan Roe, were excited to participate in the community event.
With support from our Disability Services team, Matt, Louis and Gavan sped through the Mini Fondo course twice. With plenty of fuel left in the tank, all three are keen to participate next year and increase their distance.
Thank you to Suraj, Jason and Norm who escorted the men along the course.
Somerville disability service users participate in the 2016 Top End Gran Fondo
L-R: Jason Erlemann, Gavan Roe, Suraj Lamachhane, Matt Lucas and Louis Tam participating in the 2016 Top End Gran Fondo.
DARWIN OFFICE
147 Lee Point RoadWAGAMAN, NT 0810Ph: (08) 8920 4100Fax: (08) 8920 4101PO Box 42644CASUARINA, NT 0811
PALMERSTON
3 Victoria DriveGRAY, NT 0830Ph: (08) 8935 1500Fax: (08) 8935 1501
KATHERINE OFFICE
30 First StreetKATHERINE, NT 0850Ph: (08) 8972 5100Fax: (08) 8972 5101
GENERAL
Email: [email protected]: www.somerville.org.au
NATIONAL DEBT HELPLINE
Phone: 1800 007 007
OUR MISSION
“To impact positively on the dignity and quality of life of people who are affected by social and economic disadvantage.”
OUR VISION
“People are able to gain improvement in their quality of life by achieving the highest attainable standard of social and economic outcomes.”
OUR VALUES
• Recognition of the intrinsic worth of every human being
• Generosity from the heart
• Service to the community
• Justice within our society
An agency of the Uniting Church in Australia
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Somerville News is the quarterly journal of Somerville Community Services Inc. Further information about our organisation and its work is available from the CEO on (08) 8920 4100. Articles may be reproduced freely but we request acknowledgement.
Staff profile – Winnie Arevalo
My name is Winnie Arevalo. I was born in the Philippines in a large family of nine siblings of which I am the eldest. My parents went through tough times raising and providing education for nine children and I am so proud of them. I remember living in a three bedroom house with 13 people, it was not that comfortable but it was a home with lots of love, sharing and caring.
I finished my Bachelor of Accounting and worked in the accounting department of a department store/supermarket before my auntie here in Darwin sponsored me through a family/skill migration scheme.
My first job in Darwin was as an office administration officer/bookkeeper in a mechanic shop. I really enjoyed the job and it kept me occupied so l did not miss my family in Philippines as much. I always make a point to visit them every year, and on one of my visits I met Hilario, my husband. We had a long-distance relationship for a year before we got married and he joined me in Darwin. Today he also works at Somerville in Disability Services.
We have two wonderful children both in their teenage years: Joshua is 14 and Mary Grace is 15. They are only one and a half years apart – that is why we decided that I would stop working to look after them when they were young. When they started school I started working part time again in a takeaway shop, which gave me the flexibility to drop them and pick them up from school.
I love cooking for my family, I see it as a hobby more than a chore, and I also like strolling along the beach with them, listening to music or doing some gardening if I have spare time.
I have been working with Somerville as a finance officer for four years now. I am so grateful that I was given an opportunity after a long absence from work to go back to the workforce again. With the friendly environment, supportive managers and team, it made it easy for me to adjust. It is a pleasure to be part of Somerville. I still have so much to learn and improve and hope to contribute to the organisation for many more years.
Winnie Arevalo Finance Officer
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