creating futures - communicare · • ilearn our new learning management system, • iconnect our...

CREATINGFUTURES

SUMMER 2017

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

COMMUNICATOR Summer 20172

CONTENTS

CORPORATE

Welcome Messages

Message from Our CEO 03

Corporate Services

Our New Website is Launched 04

A Big Thank You to Our Corporate Claus Partners 04

Acting Chair of the Board Gives Generously to the Christmas Appeal 04

Business Applications Getting Saasy! 05

Building Our Reconciliation Journey 05

Meet Your Volunteer and Student Placement Advisor – Melinda Ashley 06

Our People

Volunteers Making a Difference to Christmas Appeal 08

Our Leaders Speaking Out 08

Employment Services

A Bright Future Ahead In Hospitality 09

Exploring Career Opportunities 09

Coming Out as a Winner 10

Community Services

Farewell Mysport 11

The Girls Australian Islamic College Basketball Competition 12

Celebrating Children with a Teddy Bears’ Picnic 12

Celebrating Clan WA 13

Hippy Graduation 13

Family Violence & Intervention Services

Communicare Breathing Space Breakfast Fundraiser 14

White Ribbon Week 14

Education Services

Farewell Gigi 15

Our Students Presenting At Armadale’s White Ribbon March 15

2017 Communicare Academy Formal 16

Inspiring Our Future Early Childhood Educators 16

Service Recognition

Our Long Serving Staff 17

Celebrating 40 Years

Celebrating 40 Years of Creating Futures 17

COMMUNICATOR Summer 2017 3

As we near the end of 2017 and we all start to prepare for the Christmas and New Year break, I’d like to take this opportunity to give my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your contribution and commitment to our organisation this past year.

Our 40th year of delivering community services to some of the most vulnerable people in our community has been not just one of historical significance but one of the most rewarding for the organisation. In a single year, we have achieved a transformation that has been a mammoth effort of commitment and passion by so many of our employees. This year we celebrate the achievement of the following highlights:

• Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan,

• Our Multicultural Action Plan,

• Our commitment to being a Child Safe Organisation,

• Our progress towards White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation,

• Our pilot of Outcome Star,

• The successful tender for Parenting Services and our partnership with Save the Children.

• Our Code of Conduct which is our guide to bringing our values to life,

• iLearn our new learning management system,

• iConnect our new intranet,

• A larger than life, iCommunic8 2017 at the Rocks Church,

• Improvements to our buildings including a new Mirrabooka site,

• Clan WA and Communicare amalgamation,

• Board approval for investment in new business applications for Finance, Payroll, HR and employee self-service with Oracle and PayGlobal in 2018.

• Launch of the new Communicare website, Communicare Academy and WA Inclusion Agency microsites.

As we all take a well-earned break this Christmas, I’d like to acknowledge everyone’s hard work in contributing to our successes this year and encourage you to enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends.

On behalf of the Board, I wish you and your loved ones a very peaceful and enjoyable festive season.

MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

Yours sincerely,


CORPORATE


OUR NEW WEBSITE IS LAUNCHED

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE CLAUS PARTNERS

In our Autumn edition, we shared our plans to develop new websites for Communicare, Communicare Academy and WA Inclusion Agency. On the 4th December our new sites were launched for the world to see.

It was been a long labour of love for Mas Bianchi, Jenny Gay and Kit Morris from our People, Culture and Brand team as it has taken the best part of this whole year working with the team at Gruden Group to deliver our amazing websites.

The new websites have been designed using a grid system on our home page and each service area page to harness photography as a means to bring our services to life. The site has also been designed to hub our services together to make it easier for the end-user to navigate the site.

It is supported by search engine optimisation, video content and link-outs to our social media channels so that all our digital platforms are integrated to enable us to deploy future digital marketing strategies that can be measured through the Google analytics platform.

I’m sure you will agree it is an impressive showcase of the amazing work that all of our employees contribute to everyday. It is also the new platform for bringing our news articles to the world and how we are Creating Futures.

To view our new website visit www.communicare.org.au

Our Christmas Appeal 2017 successfully presented 874 gifts to children from 374 families.

Thank you to all our Corporate Claus partners that enable us to give hundreds of gifts to families in need this Christmas. We would like to acknowledge Virgin Australia, The State Solicitors Office, Vekta Automation, PSC Insurance Brokers, Western Power, UnitingCare and Stockland Riverton.

ACTING CHAIR OF THE BOARD GIVES GENEROUSLY TO THE CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Shelena Serrano and family, generously gave many gifts to those in need. Thank you for bringing Christmas cheer to many families that are doing it tough this time of year.

CORPORATE

Members of The Executive Council (TEC) donating to the Christmas Appeal

Tim Matthew, Managing Director of Modus Property donated $1000. Lianne Cretney-Barnes of Board Connexions and Ronnie Duncan of Meerkats donated $750. Thank you to Tim, Lianne and Ronnie for giving much needed funds to our Christmas Appeal.

From L-R: Melissa Perry receiving gifts donated by Shelena and her family.

http://www.communicare.org.au


BUSINESS APPLICATIONS GETTING SAASY!

BUILDING OUR RECONCILIATION JOURNEY

By mid-next year we will see us switch to SAAS (software-as-a-service) business applications. So what does this mean? It means, the way we do some of our every-day administration is about to get a whole lot easier.

Over the course of the last three months; Project Manager Danielle Honoré led a team of subject matter experts through an evaluation of potential business applications for Finance, Payroll, HR and (ESS) Employee Self Service. The project team included Lou Charlet, Mas Bianchi, Erdal Toy, Vivian Lu, Tanya Ullock, Matthew Farmer and Vilko Poznovia.

Potential vendors were asked to respond to a request for proposal and respond to detailed business requirements for an initial desktop review. Following this, the short-listed vendors were asked to meet with us on-site to demonstrate how their system works and were evaluated by the team on ease of use, functionality, security, reporting and systems administration. A total of 50 hours was committed to the evaluation process to find the best solution for Communicare.

A review of the final recommendations were presented to the Executive team and Board this month and we are pleased to announce that we will be moving to Oracle for Finance, HR and ESS and PayGlobal for our payroll technology.

Work is currently underway to develop a detailed project plan and you will hear lots more about these new improvements in the New Year. It is planned that Finance will move to Oracle from 1 July 2018 and HR, Payroll and ESS will follow in the second-half of next year.

Get ready to say goodbye to paper as we move to on-line timesheets, leave requests/approvals, reporting and all employee information delivered through a single on-line portal. For Managers, all your financials and reporting will be delivered on-line, making it easier to see how your part of the business is performing in real time.

You will hear lots more about these new improvements in the New Year.

Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Implementation Group have been working to improve our everyday operations to strengthen our organisation’s collective knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture, history and ambitions.

Working in collaboration with the Marketing & Communications team, we have launched our new online RAP Hub for our staff on iConnect.

The RAP Hub will publish engaging new content each month to become our repository of information, such as: documents, external links and other resources which aim to demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation and build our internal awareness to ensure staff across our organisation understand how they can contribute.

In early 2018, Communicare will be launching a “Closing the Gap” iLearn module which will help our staff gain a better understanding when working with people from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background.

Whilst undertaking this module, staff will learn more about key events in our national and Western Australian history and how these events still have an effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today, in regards to their standard of living and barriers which they experience on a daily basis.


CORPORATE

Virgin Australia making Christmas festive for kids in need

The team at Virgin Australia participated in this year’s Corporate Claus and donated many gifts to families in need.


MEET YOUR VOLUNTEER AND STUDENT PLACEMENT ADVISOR – MELINDA ASHLEY

What were you doing before Communicare?

I became a Clan WA volunteer shortly after returning to Perth, having lived overseas for 10 years. I absolutely loved the program and had mentioned a few times that my dream job was to be paid to do my volunteering role, so when a short term opportunity arose at Clan WA, I jumped at it. I had also been volunteering at Read Write Now, managing a team of volunteer adult literacy tutors, so combined with having volunteered in many different roles myself, I had a strong connection to working with volunteers.

It’s been a few months since you started, what have been your highlights so far?

Re-connecting with the Clan WA volunteers and talking to them about new roles and meeting the existing Communicare volunteers has been fantastic. I’ve also had many very positive conversations with Communicare staff who are very excited about the possibilities associated with a structured volunteer and student placement program. I’m always inspired by the willingness of volunteers to give their time and energy to help others.

What sort of work can a volunteer get involved in?

The possibilities are endless! I like to describe volunteers as adding depth to existing programs, in that they are able to provide a different kind of support for clients and reinforce the work staff do, as well as assisting staff in ways that ensure that the community gets the best possible support they can. We have a group of volunteers who are experienced parent mentors and we are excited about expanding their roles into other programs. We have a diverse group of volunteers, including some Communicare clients who are keen to utilise their skills to support Communicare. So far, I have placed volunteers at Breathing Space, Occasional Child Care, with the Corporate Claus program, in the Finance team, in the crèche for Parenting Services workshops, as part of the Connected Communities program and with Settlement Services. Their roles vary widely from administration to child care to accountancy support, as well as providing mentoring to parents, families and individuals.

Earlier this year we announced the amalgamation of Clan WA and Communicare which came into effect from 1st October, 2017. Melinda Ashley had been working with Clan WA for 3 years and; among many other things, had successfully managed the volunteer program at Clan WA. She now has great aspirations for developing a strong volunteer workforce in her new role with us and has plans to double the number of volunteers we have in the next 12 months.

We wanted to find out more about Melinda and how she plans to grow volunteering at Communicare so we asked her a few questions.

CORPORATE


If you’re interested in voluteering with Communicare visit

www.communicare.org.au/support-us/become-a-volunteer

What are the benefits of becoming a volunteer?

Volunteers are happier, healthier and more satisfied with their lives. The benefits are endless. I know when I was volunteering (and indeed when I still volunteer at my children’s school and sports clubs) that there is an enormous amount of fulfilment that comes from helping others. It is also a wonderful way to learn new skills, consolidate and use skills you already have and to understand other people’s situations. Many of our volunteers talk about how much they have learned about themselves by helping others and that can be a fantastic benefit.

What do we do to engage volunteers so that they feel part of our organisation?

Making volunteers feel connected to Communicare is one of the most important parts of my job. Given Ithe diversity of the volunteers and their skills, we are providing a range of opportunities for volunteers and aiming to ensure that all of our volunteers have roles that suit their needs. At our support meetings, volunteers have an opportunity to meet and support each other, as well as learning from Communicare staff and external trainers about relevant skills. Volunteers are also included in some of the training opportunities provided to staff. Some of our volunteers who work as mentors or in other long term roles will have access to many of the same resources staff do, in terms of learning and development. We also hold celebration events throughout the year to thank our volunteers. However, the most important way in which volunteers are engaged is through the relationships they develop with staff and clients. Part of my role is to support staff to develop those strong relationships and make sure that volunteers have roles that meet their needs and engage them in the work they do.


CORPORATE

Herbert Smith Freehills joins Corporate Claus in 2017

The team at Herbert Smith Freehills became Corporate Claus partners in 2017 adding many needed gifts to our Santa sacks this Christmas. Thanks to the Herbert Smith Freehills team.

Our CEO appointed Chairperson for Jobs Australia Board

Congratulations to our CEO, Melissa Perry for her appointment as Chairperson on the Board of Jobs Australia.

Local Loan Company, donates to Tuart House

Our corporate partner, the Local Loan Company have brought Christmas cheer to Tuart House by collecting gifts for women and children at Tuart House.

https://www.communicare.org.au/support-us/become-a-volunteer

8 COMMUNICATOR Summer 2017

VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO CHRISTMAS APPEAL

OUR LEADERS SPEAKING OUT

On November 15th 2017, our Executive Director People, Culture and Brand, Mas Bianchi, presented at the WA HR Leaders Summit; raising Communicare’s profile amongst Perth businesses and highlighting our achievements in becoming a holistic organisation.

Held at Crown Towers, the event gathered over 250 senior local HR decision makers from various industries, with presenters invited to share their most valuable lessons on leading people through change and shaping the future of their organisations in a challenging economic climate.

Mas spoke to attendees about the development of Communicare’s new brand and values, and the implementation of our Code of Conduct Principles framework which has formulated our HR policies to guide our workforce on how to infuse our brand and values into our daily working lives.

On 23rd November, our Director of Finance Lou Charlet was asked to be a guest speaker at the 5th Walker Anderson “Women in Business” event in the city. The networking and thought leadership event adopted a speed dating-type approach to round table discussions, with more than 100 attendees rotating around the room, listening to each guest speaker’s thoughts on their chosen topic.

Following on from the focus we have been giving leadership at Communicare, Lou led her groups through a discussion on the importance of “Authentic Leadership” and what characteristics authentic leaders portrayed. It was a fantastically well attended event and was a great opportunity for Communicare to stand with other contemporary and values-based organisations.

Communicare currently has about 40 volunteers who help across the wide variety of Communicare’s programs. As well as providing individual support to clients, completing administrative tasks and working with children. Our volunteers are huge supporters of our Christmas Appeal Campaign.

This year’s volunteers, including Silvana and Vicki (pictured right), have helped to wrap hundreds of gifts, pack them into Santa sacks and distribute them to families in need.

OUR PEOPLE

From L-R: Vicki and Silvana packing gifts.

From L-R: David, Lynda and Jacquie from the Department of Education wrapping gifts.

From L-R: Vivian Lu, Company Accountant and Lou Charlet Director Finance at the 5th Walker Anderson Women in Business event.

Mas Bianchi on stage at the WA HR Leaders Summit.

Woosnam Family and Friends giving to kids in need

For many years Ryan and Tanya Woosnam and their family and friends come together to collect gifts for our Christmas Appeal. Once again we received a bundle of gifts that will bring joy to disadvantaged families. Thank you to Tanya, Ryan and all your friends and family, the impact of your giving over the years has made a difference to hundreds of families who would have gone without.

9COMMUNICATOR Summer 2017

A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD IN HOSPITALITY

Leigh Harvey, a 23-year-old Employability Skills Training client from our Midland site, has secured employment in hospitality at Aloft Hotel in Rivervale, after completing an internship placement.

Leigh said the PaTH program instilled the confidence, skills and experience required to land a job in the hospitality industry.

Communicare were really encouraging and made me feel like someone really cared, while everyone at Aloft have been friendly and understanding. Employability Skills Training gets young Australians ready

with tailored pre-employment training, give them a go in in a workplace with an internship placement to get them into a job with the assistance of a youth wage subsidy.

EXPLORING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

In October, our Employment Services teams took part in two employment expos in Mandurah and Rockingham. The expos provided our job seekers with the chance to talk face-to-face with exhibitors about jobs, training, education and career options.

The Peel Employment Expo took place at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre on October 18th, bringing together job seekers, employers, employment service providers, recruitment agencies and job training providers. 90 job seekers from all age groups registered to attend this-all day event.

Rockingham’s Shape Your Future Youth Career Expo was hosted at the Gary Holland Community Centre on October 25th. With 20 employers on-site, our young job seekers aged 17-24 were able to explore over 100 job opportunities suited to their skill set, interest and personality types.

We would like to congratulate one of our young clients who attended the Rockingham expo for successfully obtaining an administrative internship with a leading shipping company. As an interviewee, she blitzed her interview with her professional attitude and excellent presentation skills. We are very proud!

A big thank you to our staff members who helped run our stalls in Mandurah and Rockingham. We would also like to extend a round of applause to all of our proactive job seekers who attended both events.

EMPLOYMENT


From L-R: Madeline Lee and Gina McCormick overseeing our stall at the Rockingham Employment Expo.

Aloft Hotel HR Manager John Parker, employee and former client Leigh Harvey, Food and Beverage Manager Meghan Freind and General Manager Stephen Morahan.


COMING OUT AS A WINNER

Deborah Ross became a client at our Rockingham site in January 2017. She had been in administration roles all of her working life and had found herself struggling to find work for the first time in her career.

After Deborah booked into our Employability Skills Training and really benefited from the course, she felt at ease to unload her situation with the staff member who interviewed her.

During her extended period of unemployment, Deborah had applied for approximately 130 jobs, with only a mere handful of organisations acknowledging her applications. Her self-esteem was significantly rocked by the lack of traction she received.

It was during this dark period that Deborah’s partner of 11 years passed away. Subsequently, she lost a rental property due to her depleting financial situation. Due to forces beyond her control, Deborah’s personal plans had now been totally shattered.

As a Rockingham client, Deborah promptly received an interview for a Communicare-sourced role which was matched to her skillset. With the support and dedication of our Rockingham team, she was successful in her interview and is about to start this role in a full-time capacity.

Deborah has gone through a challenging and inspiring journey over the ten months. Our Rockingham team have done an excellent job acknowledging her personal struggles and supporting her by breaking down personal barriers to employment.

Recently, Deborah came into our office and was presented with beautiful flowers from the team at Rockingham, to say thank you to her for attending every single appointment and finding a way to fight through her own personal setbacks to finally come out as a winner.

EMPLOYMENT

Congratulations to our Business Graduates

Five job seekers from our Mandurah site who have completed and passed their Certificate III in Business to further their career pathways.

All of our jobactive clients were extremely dedicated and proactive in their approach to the course by forming a study group on site in Mandurah to complete their end-of-course assignments.

A big round of applause to all of our graduates! We wish you the best of success with your future endeavours!

From L-R: Our employees Shalane Mikaere and Madeline Lee presented Deborah Ross (middle) with a bunch of flowers.


FAREWELL MYSPORT

This month Communicare’s Multicultural Youth Sport Project (MYSport) finished its second six week multisport and leadership program that saw over 220 young people from 29 different countries participate in over eight different sports, including soccer, AFL, volleyball and netball.

MYSport, funded by Office for Multicultural Interests, aims to foster social connectedness and inclusion through engaging multicultural young people into sport and leadership opportunities. The project was delivered collaboratively with over 30 partners including state sports associations, local governments, community groups and the WA Police.

As a part of the program MY Sport took on two school based trainees, Omer and Rona, who played an integral role in the planning and delivery of the MY Sport project. Omer and Rona will receive their Certificate II in Sport and Recreation upon completion of their traineeship this December.

One participant from Afghanistan described the program as amazing. “I used to do nothing after school and was grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the MY Sport project” he says;

At first I was a bit shy and didn’t know that many people, but since joining the program my confidence has grown and I’ve made new friends.

He attended both the Cannington and Gosnells MYSport programs and is eager to join a local soccer club next season.

The program’s success also attracted attention from MP Chris Tallentire, who attended one of the sessions and was impressed by the diversity of young people participating and the value it added within the local community.

Well done to the Settlement Services team for all their hard work in delivering the MYSport program.

COMMUNITY


From L-R: Rona (School Based Trainee), Morteza (Communicare Work placement Student), Omer (School Based Trainee).


THE GIRLS AUSTRALIAN ISLAMIC COLLEGE BASKETBALL COMPETITION

CELEBRATING CHILDREN WITH A TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC

On 19th September 2017 Communicare hosted the inaugural competition for the Girls Australian Islamic College basketball academy. This Kewdale girls team participated in a basketball game with the WA Police team, the Sandgropers.

The basketball game coincided with 100 years of women in police, with the opportunity to be able to witness these two community milestones come together.

Spectators including family, friends, Communicare staff proudly cheered the teams. Medals presented to the students by Police Superintendent Brad Sorrell and a trophy presented to the MVP by Steve Irons MP.

Family Support Services held the Teddy Bear’s Picnic on Wednesday 25th of October at Cannington in celebration of 2017 Children’s Week. Children’s Week is a national celebration of children’s rights, talents and citizenship.

The day was filled with lots of teddy bear related activities from making teddy bear hats, face painting, teddy bear colouring in, sing-a-longs and even a first aid corner for any sick teddy bears to be cared for.

Children and parents enjoyed a morning tea and all left with a handmade teddy bear picnic bag.

COMMUNITY



HIPPY GRADUATION

CELEBRATING CLAN WA

On November 1st 2017, our Executive Director Corporate Services, Justin Bunter and Executive Director People, Culture and Brand, Mas Bianchi attended the final farewell celebration for Clan WA to celebrate the difference they have made to so many families.

The event, which was held at Perth Zoo, saw current and past staff, volunteers, supporters and stakeholders come together to say goodbye to an organisation that has worked in the community for over 25 years to encourage healthy relationships, effective parenting, emotional and mental wellbeing and support networking.

Some of Clan’s history was captured in a poignant video which was shown during the event’s proceedings. Some items of historical interest were on display throughout the night, all of which were donated to the Battye Library to ensure the organisation’s legacy is recorded and available to future generations.

All attendees were invited to contribute to the creation of a colourful and commemorative Clan Totem Pole art piece, which captured the spirit of Clan WA and the positive impact that the organisation made upon individuals, families and communities. After the celebrations, Communicare was gifted with this art piece, to ensure that we continue Clan’s memory.

Mas and Justin were presented with an official history book by Clan WA’s Chairperson, Jane Barker. The history book thoroughly documents the last three decades-worth of achievements of the trusted and respected community-based organisation over the last three decades.

We would like to personally thank Clan WA for providing services that have helped strengthen so many WA families. We will ensure that your legacy continues!

Over 26 students celebrated their graduation of the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) on the 30th November. The Graduation ceremony held at the Family Day Care Playroom in Cannington was attended by little graduates, their parents and family as well as Communicare staff, CEO Melissa Perry and Bill Johnson MLA.

Children and parents enjoyed high tea, with magical entertainment and face painters providing lots of fun for the children.

Each graduate proudly dressed up in graduation gowns and caps and were presented with certificates of completion and participation by Melissa Perry.

The program coordinator, Nola Earnshaw presented flowers to and acknowledged the wonderful work of tutors Tiffany Nguyen and Elizabeth Anderson.

Well done to our graduates and the HIPPY team on a successful year!

COMMUNITY


Clan WA’s Chairperson, Jane Barker (centre) presenting Justin Bunter (left) and Mas Bianchi (right) with Clan WA’s official history book.


FAMILY VIOLENCE & JUSTICE

WHITE RIBBON WEEK

Our week long White Ribbon Campaign aimed to raise awareness of Australia’s campaign to prevent men’s violence against women and to promote healthy relationships, gender equality and a compassionate view of masculinity.

Activities throughout the week saw our employees enjoy White Cookies, provided by the White Ribbon Accreditation Working Group, used to spread the word of the works being undertaken to address issues of gender discrimination and domestic violence from within our workplace; Wear White Wednesday on November 22nd, to symbolise our opposition to violence against women and; participate in the 27th Annual Domestic Violence Memorial March, in honour of all the women, men and children who have lost their lives as a result of family and domestic violence.


COMMUNICARE BREATHING SPACE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

A huge thank you to the Communicare Breathing Space staff and residents in Calista who hosted a fundraising breakfast on the 8th December. Attendees of the fundraiser were guided on a tour of the premises while learning about the services Communicare Breathing Space provide, while also enjoying breakfast that was prepared by its residents.

All proceeds from the breakfast were donated to Tuart House, providing care packages for women and children impacted by family and domestic voilence.


FAREWELL GIGI

OUR STUDENTS PRESENTING AT ARMADALE’S WHITE RIBBON MARCH

At the end of this school year we bid farewell to Gigi Thiele, the Principal of the Communicare Academy, who is leaving us for pastures new after nearly five years of dedicated service with our organisation.

Gigi commenced work with Communicare in 2012, initially as the Program Manager Youth Services before moving into the role of Principal for the Academy in 2014.

Gigi’s passion and dedication to progress our education services in a way that harnesses the unique skills and attributes of our talented teaching staff, alongside the specific needs of our students is without doubt, a key part of the incredible success we have experienced at the Academy. She has been instrumental in the evolution of the Academy from humble beginnings at Pattie Street to our impressive purpose built school in Kenwick.

It has been an absolute pleasure to serve as the founding Principal of an amazing school. What we do here is exceptional and I know that the Communicare Academy will continue to grow and develop and influence lives,Gigi says of her time with us.

At our last Executive Team meeting of the year, we celebrated the significant contribution Gigi has made to our organisation. Our CEO Melissa Perry presented Gigi with a rose plant; so that as it grows it will continue to be a memory of her time working at Communicare.

We all miss you Gigi! We wish you well in your future endeavours.

As part of the Communicare Academy’s commitment to becoming a White Ribbon School we attended this year’s Silent March in the City of Armadale on Friday the 24th November.

19 students and 5 staff members attended the march where two of our students were asked to publically speak. They presented their thoughts as students on what they will do to prevent Family and Domestic Violence.

Various representatives of the Police, Government, other schools, and charities were in attendance and all congratulated the Communicare Academy on our students’ behaviour and presentation.

Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) affects one-in-four Australian students and 1 woman per week dies at the hands of a male partner or ex-partner, and children exposed to FDV experience learning, behavioural, and mental health difficulties. So it is important for our students, as the next generation, to make that change and take a stand.

All of the students should be proud of their participation and it was fantastic to see them engage in their community.

EDUCATION

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES


Gigi Thiele (bottom centre) alongside the rest of the Executive Team at our last -meeting of the year.

Communicare Academy students presenting at the Silent March.Communicare Academy students participating in the Silent March.


INSPIRING OUR FUTURE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS

2017 COMMUNICARE ACADEMY FORMAL

One of our Communicare Academy students has been observing and assisting our early childhood educators to care and educate our future generations.

Crystal Vanderwolfe, who undertook her student work placement at our Occasional Child Care facility in Cannington, is extremely passionate about early childhood education.

I love working with children and seeing them grow, knowing that I’m helping them take their first steps in their education.

Crystal is currently studying her Certificate III in General Education for Adults at the Communicare Academy.

On the 20th October, the Communicare Academy held its’ second school formal with 29 students arriving on the night in their best Hollywood fashion to enjoy an evening of food, fun, and dancing.

The Communicare Academy’s foyer and gym were transformed into an Academy Awards-themed party where students could pose on the red carpet before partying the night away.

Communicare’s CEO, Melissa Perry and Director of New Business and Growth, Jason Burgess were dressed up to the nines as they joined in on the evening as special guests.

The Student Leaders did a fantastic job in organising and coordinating the event and we already can’t wait for next year!

Care Packs for Victims of Family and Domestic Violence

This term at the Communcare Academy, a group of Year 9 and 10 female students decided to embark on an amazing class project: making care packs for women who have been victims of family abd domestic violence which they will then distributed to a woman’s refuge at the end of the school year.

This amazing group of students created awareness by making public announcements in front of the rest of the school and fundraised by baking for a weekly bake sale and running car washes. Through these fundraising activities, the class raised over $300.

We are incredibly proud of these students and of the passion and commitment they have shown to this project.

EDUCATION

From L-R: Crystal alongside Communicare’s CEO, Melissa Perry.


We would like to acknowledge our staff for their achievements which includes celebrating their valued years of service. Our sincere appreciation is noted for the following staff and their significant contributions to our organisation.

When we first established our reputation in the community, the first ever services we delivered included:

• School Holiday Care,

• Youth Care at a Drop-In Centre,

• The Family Day Care Scheme,

• After School Care,

• Individual Counselling,

• Social Welfare Services and;

• Community Education and Research

By our 21st anniversary, we had 500 employees and over 1,000 volunteers supporting us to be “Leading the way….” in:

• Resettling 70 families through our Humanitarian Settlement Services,

• Providing 2.1 million hours of child care,

• Supporting over 50,000 disadvantaged people through Emergency Relief and;

• Assisting over 8,000 unemployed people to be trained or to find work.

On our 30th Anniversary; we estimated that we had been able to assist the community with family and employment services for in excess of 750,000 families and 30,000 individuals.

This year, as we celebrate our 40th year of Creating Futures, with the support of approximately 300 employees and volunteers and alliances with Government, Non-Government and Corporate Partners; we’re able to deliver 40 programs across 35 WA metro and regional locations; supporting, on average, every year:

• More than 550 children with early childhood education and care,

• In excess of 410 families to integrate into their community ensuring social inclusion,

• Approximately 850 newly arrived refugees and humanitarian visa entrants to resettle in Australia,

• Over 740 children and young people to engage social participation through sport and recreation,

• More than 5,000 job seekers to find, gain and sustain meaningful employment

• 48 male perpetrators of family and domestic violence to make positive and sustained behavioural changes,

• Approximately 80 women and 100 children to find safety through crisis accommodation after an incident of family and domestic violence and;

• Over 85 at-risk young people to re-engage with their education.

Staff Member’s Name Position Title Service Site (Base) Years of Service

Leanne Monda Manager Employment Services Employment Services Armadale 5

Alice Kapea Employment Consultant Employment Services Mirrabooka 5

Connor Spratt Support Worker Family Violence and Justice Services Calista 5

Chong Yu Lee Bus Driver Children's Services Various Sites 5

OUR LONG SERVING STAFF

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF CREATING FUTURES

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS!



CORPORATE

communicare.org.au

http://www.communicare.org.au

creating futures - communicare · • ilearn our new learning management system, • iconnect our...

Documents