Local construction companies chip in to help child care centre

Thanks to the help of some generous local construction companies the makeover of Mission Australia’s Stuart Park Early Learning Centre has received a much-needed boost.

Works got underway last week after NS Projects and Brierty chipped in labour and materials to the value of $250 000 to renovate the Centre and transform its outdoor play area. 

Mission Australia’s Marie Howard said the organisation had set $160 000 aside for the works including an $80 000 grant from the Abbott Foundation.

“We’re so thankful to NS Projects, Brierty and the team of local businesses who have come on board to not only complete the makeover, but enhance our plans and renovate the Centre to the highest possible standards,” Ms Howard said.

“The scope of construction will improve visitor access, enhance the outdoor space and enable us to increase capacity to cater for more local children.

“In the new outdoor area children will be able to get close to nature and experience many different environments with a creek bed for water play, impressive sandpit, new bike track and vegetable garden.”

NS Projects’ Hermanus Louw said it’s the first pro-bono construction project NS Projects and Brierty had worked on in the Territory. 

“We’ve worked together on several construction projects for the community in Perth and were keen to offer what we could when we learnt about the needs of the Centre,” Mr Louw said.

“We spoke with the managers on site to understand what was needed at the Centre and then set about sourcing a team of local businesses willing and able to donate their time or work for very reduced fees.”

Clouston Associates Landscape Architects, Jackman Gooden Architects, Irwin Consult, B&K Revegetation and Landscaping, and Gus Matarazzo from Darwin Constructions all joined the cause. 

“It’s very exciting to see the work begin in what has been a huge team effort,” Ms Howard said.

“Our parents and staff were involved in the process and asked what they wanted to see in the renovation, while the children drew ideas for the outdoor discovery garden.

“By providing a better and more efficient environment at the Centre we are providing the very best in early education and care for the childrenof Darwin.”

Renovations at Stuart Park Early Learning Centre are expected to be complete by the end of April.

For more information visit www.missionaustralia.com.au

Media interviews & images: Domonique Young of Creative Territory on 8941 9169 or email domonique@creativeterritory.com.

New program to help Indigenous kids get work

After success in Darwin, Mission Australia has extended its Indigenous Youth Career Pathways Program (IYCP) to Alice Springs.

The program aims to increase the number of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in fulltime work or study after school.

“Every student in the Indigenous Youth Career Pathways Program has a dedicated mentor who will support them through the program,” NT Area Manager Sue Kendrick said.

“It’s similar to a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship in that participants will learn a trade or gain a Certification Two, Three or Four in their chosen field while they complete school.”

Open to Indigenous students in years 10 to 12, Temea Prior and Kaitlyn Armstrong are the first Alice Springs students in the IYCP program.

Alice Outcomes year 11 student Temea is completing a Certificate Three in Community Services with the Gap Youth and Community Centre while St Phillip’s College classmate Kaitlyn is working as a Trainee Broadcaster with CAAMA Radio.

“It can be difficult for students to break into the workforce and I’m really proud to be able to provide a stepping stone for Temea,” Gap Youth and Community Centre CEO Michelle Krauer said.

“The ICYP program has a great support system with not only Mission Australia, but Temea’s school and Charles Darwin University.

“Temea is already growing into her position, relates well to our staff and is learning what’s involved with being a worker.”

IYCP is a federally funded program that provides employers with up to $4750 in incentives for business expenses under the Apprenticeship Scheme Program.

Mission Australia said its currently looking for more Territory business to come on board the Indigenous Youth Career Pathways Program.

“We have 120 students across the Territory interested in the program with only 38 in Darwin signed and enrolled and now two in Alice, Ms Kendrick said.

“Our mentors work closely with any business taking on an apprentice or trainee, and last year we had three graduates secure fulltime work with their employer.”

Businesses interested in finding out more about the Indigenous Youth Career Pathways can visit www.missionaustralia.com.au or call 8935 0900. 

Mission Australia NT celebrates program success

Mission Australia is celebrating the success of threeyoung Indigenous women who secured fulltime employment after graduating from the Indigenous Youth Career Pathways Program (IYCP) last year.

Deanne Kenyon, Shinade Djerrkura and Lateesha Barlow are the first IYCP graduates in the Northern Territory to gain fulltime work after completing the program.

“We’re very proud to see our first graduates now working fulltime and making a difference in their community,” Mission Australia NT State Leader Sue Kendrick said.

“These girls are shining examples of how the Indigenous Youth Career Pathways can help young people transition into work or study after school.”

Deanne Kenyon, who is now working fulltime as a tour guide in her family-owned Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours on the outskirts of Darwin, said the program helped her stay on track and achieve her goals.

“Doing the IYCP program with Mission Australia was great,” Ms Kenyon said.

“It was that outside encouragement. Not someone from the school or family telling you what to do but someone to help you see the big picture.

“I wanted to be like my Dad, he’s a Park Ranger, so I followed him and studied Conservation and Land Management.”

Deanne enrolled in the IYCP program with Mission Australia in July 2012 and studied a Certificate Two in Conservation Land Management and Certificate Three in Tourism over eighteen months.

But she readily admits she wasn’t always this dedicated.

 
“You could say that I went through a phase of being a rebel and not seeing the point in school,” Deanne said.
 
“I started wagging classes and told my Dad that I didn’t want school. I didn’t want peer pressure and I didn’t want to put up with fights. Friends where you fight one week and are friends the next, only to do it all over again next month,” she explains.

“I tried home schooling for a while and only wanted to go back to school if I could do something to help me with work and that’s when Mum told me about the Mission Australia program.

“I’m so glad that I did it. I now have qualifications and the courses helped me step out of my comfort zone and get used to talking to thousands of tourists a week.

“While I’ve always grown up knowing my bushtucker and culture, it improved my customer skills and taught me how to deal with conflict situations or confronting questions.”

Mission Australia’s Indigenous Youth Career Pathways Program began in Darwin in June 2012 with the vision to increase the number of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in fulltime work or study after school.

“Every student in the Indigenous Youth Career Pathways Program has a dedicated mentor who will support them through the program,” Ms Kendrick said.

“It’s similar to a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship in that participants will learn a trade or gain a Certification Two, Three or Four in their chosen field while they complete school.”

IYCP is a federally funded program open to Indigenous students from Years 10 to 12.

For more information visit www.missionaustralia.com.au

Young Territorians least likely to finish studies

 

Mission Australia’s 2013 National Youth Survey has found one in seven Territory teens don’t intend to complete year twelve.

The alarming figure is more than three times the national average and coupled with the finding that less than two-thirds of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their school studies.

The Youth Survey, which is the country’s biggest annual stocktake on the views of young people, was completed by 109 Territorians aged between 15 and 19 years.   

When asked to nominate the most important issues for Australia, young people in the NT rated alcohol and drugs at the top of the list for the second year in a row.

In a new concerning trend, mental health jumped from eighth spot in 2012 to second among young Territorians.

The top three personal concerns for young people in the NT continued to be school or study problems, coping with stress, and body image.

Other survey highlights include:

·         Around 1 in 5 young people in the NT indicated their family’s ability to get along was poor – more than twice the national average

·         Almost one in five young people in the NT were negative or very negative in their outlook for the future (compared to 8 per cent nationally)

·         More than one third of young people in the NT aged 15-19 are currently looking for work (including part-time/casual)

·         Only 35 per cent of young people in the NT plan to go to university (compared with 65 per cent nationally)

·         The internet is the number one source of information for young people in the NT, with 40 per cent of respondents spending at least 20 hours a week on social networking sites

 

Mission Australia’s 12th national Youth Survey not only asked young people about their personal and national concerns, it also surveyed what young people value, who they turn to for advice, what activities they engage in, their views on employment and how they feel about the future.

Sue Kendrick said the fact almost 15 per cent of young people surveyed in the NT said they didn’t intend to complete year twelve – more than three times the national average – is a serious concern, coupled with the low rate of young people planning to go on to university, TAFE or college.

“We need greater investment in youth education, training and employment, particularly in communities where there is entrenched disadvantage,” Ms Kendrick said.

“There are significant economic and social benefits that flow over many years from improving the participation of young people.

“Encouraging our young people to not only complete their schooling, but also to pursue higher education and training will be crucial to meeting their career needs as well as the needs of our future workforce.”

Ms Kendrick said it was also concerning that young people in the NT are becoming increasingly concerned about mental health issues.

“When asked how positive they felt about the future, almost one in five respondents in the NT was negative or very negative in their outlook - this compares to 8 per cent nationally,” she said.

“We need to ensure that young adults in the NT have the support they need, so they can look to the future with confidence and do not fall through the cracks while trying to make the journey from adolescence into adulthood.

“If we take this opportunity to listen to their voices and act on their concerns, we can provide hope for the future of our state and the next generation of NT youth who will lead it.”

Mission Australia is a leading community organisation, focused on standing together with Australians in need, until they can stand for themselves. We want to support our young people to gain independence and lead productive, fulfilling lives.

Local business takes out national new enterprise award

When Darwin girl Holly Copping decided to return home to set up her own business little did she know that in less than a year her business would be thriving and her efforts recognised by a national award program.

Holly, who established Territory Laser Clinic in December 2012, is a recent recipient of the National New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) Association award for the Best New Business in 2013, a first for a Territory business.

NEIS is a self-employment program funded by the Department of Employment. The program helps eligible unemployed people become self-supporting and independent of Centrelink by establishing and running their own business.

The goal of NEIS is to help set up a sustainable business. To ensure the success of the programme, NEIS providers carefully select people with viable business ideas.

Mission Australia, the largest NEIS provider within Australia, provides accredited small business training, business advice, mentoring and ongoing income support for the first year of operation.

Holly worked with Mission Australia in the Northern Territory to establish her business, Territory Laser Clinic, to treat skin disorders similar to those that she had experienced as a teenager.

After graduating with qualifications in Dermal Therapies, her parents mortgaged their home to allow Holly to purchase the laser equipment and establish a professionally appointed premise.

Mission Australia went on to nominate Holly for the national award in recognition of the vital service Territory Laser Clinic provides to people living in the Territory and Holly’s ability to nurture and grow the business.

In the first year, Holly has already firmly established her business and employed a full time staff member.

Holly was thrilled to win the award and said that the Mission Australia QLD and NT Team was and continues to be of invaluable assistance in establishing her business. 

“From my own experience, I knew that there was a need in the Territory to help people suffering from skin disorders, but the response has been overwhelming.

“The business has grown immensely in a short period of time and I am extremely lucky to have the support of Territorians,” she said.

Spare a thought for those experiencing mental health issues

Mission Australia NT State Leader Sue Kendrick calls on the community to consider friends and family faced by mental health issues this week.

 “Most people will know someone who has faced mental health issues. It can affect anyone and every aspect of their life including relationships, study and work.

“During challenging times it is important that people know that they are not alone and support is available to help get them back on track,” Ms Kendrick said.

A 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that an estimated 3.2 million Australians (20% of the population aged between 16 and 85) had a mental disorder in the twelve months prior to the survey.

For the past five years Mission Australia has run a Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) service aimed at helping people such as these maintain or regain their independence.

The program assists people with severe mental illness aged 16 years and over to manage their daily activities and to live independently in the community. Activities include behavioural work and skills training in things many of us would easily take for granted, such as domestic chores or getting dressed correctly in the morning.

 “Mental illness should not be a barrier to community and social participation,” Ms Kendrick said.

“We need to do a better job at helping more mentally ill people into the workforce.”

Research shows that up to 85 per cent of people experiencing serious mental health issues can return to work or study with the right help.

“Mission Australia understands that supporting people through their recovery requires a holistic approach. We ensure that services accessed by participants are coordinated, integrated and complementary to other services in the community. We help participants better manage their daily activities and develop personal recovery plans as they regain their independence.”

People requiring assistance in dealing with mental illness can contact Mission Australia on 08 8935 0900.

Mental Health Week runs from 7 to 13 October and aims to raise awareness and understanding of the needs, experiences and issues concerning people with a mental illness.

Urban Quest discovers Darwin's next singing sensation

2013 Urban Quest winner
Charlotte Gittins

She may be just fourteen but that didn’t stop Charlotte Gittins from singing her way to Urban Quest success over the weekend.

The Dripstone Middle School student outperformed nine other finalists to win Mission Australia’s premier singing competition at the Darwin Waterfront on Saturday night.

Gittins sang Florence and the Machine’s I won’t call you a Liar to win the hotly contested event and land herself a career pathways package with Music NT, an Apple MacBook laptop and headphones.

"Darwin a star is born," former Australian Idol judge Mark Holden said about the Palmerston singer’s mesmerising performance.

The music industry veteran also awarded her one of his trademark “touchdowns” and said Urban Quest was just the beginning of her music career.

Crowd favourite VJ Bumanlag was the 2013 Urban Quest runner up while Katherine singer Sarina Pech was second runner up with an original track. 

Now in its third year, Mission Australia’s Urban Quest aims to help young people build self esteem and confidence through music.

Youth Services Manager Adrian McCann said the night was a huge success with a 600-strong crowd enjoying the concert under the stars.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come down and support these up and coming young stars”, Mr McCann said.  

“All of the finalists should be very proud and put on an amazing show for the Darwin community after three days mentoring with Mark Holden and Paul Costa.”

The night also included guest performances by judges Paul Costa and Dave Garnham, 2012 Urban Quest winner Gabby Wright, Darwin X Factor star Shiane Hawke and local hip hop group My Team Dilemma.

Urban Quest is proudly supported by sponsors Larrakia TV and Radio, the Darwin Waterfront Corporation, Dreamedia, Casuarina Square, Music NT, Inpex, the Office of Youth Affairs and Darwin International Airport.

For more information visit www.missionaustralia.com.au

Quest for the next Jessica Mauboy

Ten young Territorians will sing to win Mission Australia’s Urban Quest at the Darwin Waterfront this Saturday 6 July.

The hunt for the Territory’s best young singer kicked off earlier this year with auditions held in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs in May.

The ten Urban Quest finalists will fine tune their skills at a three-day intensive mentoring workshop with Mark “Touchdown” Holden and country singer Paul Costa, who’s latest single Big End of Town is at the top of the Australian Country Music Charts, ahead of the big night.

Mentor and judge Mark Holden has been involved in Mission Australia’s premier youth event since its inception in 2011 and said it will be difficult to choose a winner.

“The talent this year is the best I’ve seen at Urban Quest over the past three years - it’s true,” the former Australian Idol judge said.

Mr Holden and Paul Costa will team up with Darwin’s very own singer songwriter Dave Garnham and Music NT’s Amy Hetherington to judge the Urban Quest Finals Concert.

The Urban Quest Finals Concert is free for the public and will be held under the stars at the Darwin Waterfront from 6pm.

“We encourage everyone to come along to the Waterfront, enjoy a night of entertainment and support these young singers,” Mission Australia’s Adrian McCann said.

“Urban Quest is for the community and without our partners Larrakia TV and Radio, the Darwin Waterfront Corporation, Dreamedia, Casuarina Square, Music NT, Inpex, the Office of Youth Affairs, Darwin Airport Corporation it wouldn’t be possible.”

To follow the progress of the event visit facebook.com/MissionAust.

The 2013 Urban Quest Finalists are:
• Jenaya Allen (14 years), Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Alice Springs

• VJ Bumanlag (18 years), Darwin

• Tatiana Da Silva (14 years), O’Laughlin Catholic College, Darwin

• Brandon Folino-Driver (16 years), Darwin High School, Darwin

• Charlotte Gittins (14 years), Dripstone Middle Collge, Darwin

• Charlee Mullins (14 years), Taminmin College, Darwin

• Helena Smith (16 years), NT Open Education, Darwin

• Phoebe Wear (11 years), Larrakeyah Primary School, Darwin

• Dakota Oxenham (13 years), St Joseph’s College, Katherine

• Sarina Pech (18 years), Charles Darwin University, Katherine Rural Campus, Katherine

Young Territorians wanted for national survey

Mission Australia is calling on young Territorians to help highlight important issues in their lives by taking part in the charity’s 2013 Youth Survey – the nation’s largest annual stocktake of the views, concerns and values of young people between the ages of 15-19.

In launching the 2013 survey, Mission Australia’s Youth Services Manager, Adrian McCann, said it gave young people a voice across a range of issues with the information being used to help community groups and governments plan and develop youth services.

“Mission Australia’s annual national youth survey is a ‘temperature check’ on what young people are feeling, what issues concern them, what they think are the main challenges facing the nation and how optimistic they are about the future,” said Mr McCann.

“Responses to the survey help governments, youth agencies and ourselves improve and develop programs and strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves.”

When asked what they thought was the biggest issue facing the nation, young Australians in last year’s survey overwhelmingly chose ‘the economy’.

Accompanying the increase in concern around financial matters was the number of comments – many by children as young as 15 – about the need to get a job and contribute financially to keep their family afloat.

The leading issues of personal concern to young people in 2012 were coping with stress, school or study problems and body image with 43 per cent of young women significantly concerned about the latter.

“The range of concerns – from financial matters to stress, family conflict and body image –suggest young people are facing increased challenges as they make the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

“We’ve also taken the opportunity to refresh the survey – now in its 12^th year – and make it more relevant than ever.

“In addition to the questions we’ve asked every survey, this year we’re also asking young Territorians about their future job aspirations, how much time they spend on the internet and their perceptions around local job opportunities,” said Mr McCann.

Mission Australia’s 2012 Youth Survey can be completed online: missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey

The survey closes on Friday, 28 June with the results to be published later this year.