Exploring minisry in tourism settings

Wendouree UCA, Tuesday 11th June 10.30-4pm (1022 Grevillea Road, Wendouree)
Drouin UCA, Thursday 20th June 10.30-4pm (Sinclair Street, Drouin)

Outreach in tourist areas presents a number of unique challenges.

How do we provide an effective ministry to those visiting the coast, the mountains, or other holiday destinations, when they are just looking to have a good time and relax?

What about those who work in holiday spots and spend their time cleaning up after others?

You are invited to attend one of these forums to share the experiences of your congregation
or agency in providing ministry in tourism settings, and hear what others are doing?

What ministry might be provided to those:

• who are on holiday in our area for a short time;
• with holiday homes in our area and come at various times;
• whose lives consist of serving the above groups;
• other people we come across in tourist settings.

Cost $10, which can be paid on the day. BYO Lunch. Following these forums, a two day conference will be held October 8-9th (venue TBA).

Register with the Commission for Mission: (03) 9251 5284 or by emailing: philipliebelt@gmail.com.

Uniting Church condemns treatment of asylum seekers

The Uniting Church in Australia has condemned the Federal Government for the disgraceful treatment of asylum seekers on Nauru outlined in today’s report by Amnesty International.

“Amnesty’s report on the conditions on Nauru should turn the stomach of all compassionate Australians,” said National Director of UnitingJustice, Rev Elenie Poulos.

“The cruel and degrading conditions which Amnesty describes are totally unacceptable and unbefitting a rich country such as ours.

“The Uniting Church joins with Amnesty in calling for the closure of the centre at Nauru and  the immediate return of all asylum seekers. The report confirms our worst fears that the current policies do nothing more than punish and abuse these vulnerable people for seeking asylum.”

Ms Poulos also criticised both major political parties for what she called their abject moral failure to show compassion to those in need.

“Opposition Leader Tony Abbott continues to call asylum seekers ‘illegal’ despite the fact that that he knows that it is not illegal to seek asylum in Australia.”

“He is deliberately demonising asylum seekers for base political gain. His rhetoric is offensive and immoral, and his threat to cut the increased humanitarian intake as a cost-cutting measure is disgraceful.

“The Government’s response is little better with the inhumane application of its “No Advantage test” that will consign people to living in destitution and legal limbo for years.

“As we approach Christmas, let us not forget that Mary and Joseph were themselves fleeing persecution when they sought safety in Bethlehem!

“The refugee baby they raised went on to shape the world with his message of care and compassion.

“Today, Australia’s borders are not under threat from asylum seekers. What is most under threat is our humanity and compassion,” said Ms Poulos.

Funding recommended for family support program

An extensive evaluation report has recommended that the State Government continue to fund UnitingCare Tasmania’s ground-breaking family support programs, Newpin and PYPS, which seek to support vulnerable children, young people and their families.

The report found that these cutting edge programs, initially treated with some suspicion by the State Government’s Gateway Services network, had now been embraced.

The Premier of Tasmania, Lara Giddings MHA, officially launched the report at Bellerive this morning.

The Newpin Outreach Program is a home visiting early intervention program for families with child protection issues. It is a therapeutic program that enhances attachment and emotional connection within the family and increases parents’ knowledge of their child’s needs.

PYPS (Pregnant and Young Parents Support) is an information and support program for young parents and young pregnant women under the age of 25. It is a resource which assists young parents to prepare for the birth of their child and meet the demands of being a new parent.

Conducted over an 18-month period by Groupwork Solutions, the evaluation found both were unique programs that responded creatively to the needs of different vulnerable families.
Report author Andrew King said the programs worked hard to transform the parenting experience of participants.

“This transformation involves influencing the parents’ ideas, impacting on the meaning they  attach to being a parent, increasing positive feelings associated with parenting and practicing actions that care and nurture their children,” he said.

A slow start due to the newly implemented Intensive Family Support Service and Gateways Service systems did not have a negative impact on the results experienced by families.

According to Mr King almost 90 per cent of participants said being involved helped them better support their child.
The report said both programs should continue to be funded and remain in the Gateway Services network as the best integrated way to ensure that vulnerable children, young people and their families are effectively linked into relevant services.
UnitingCare Tasmania Chief Executive Lindy O’Neill welcomed the report.

“The report finds that the programs exceed their goal of jointly working with 50 families in their first year and found that participants linked well to other support programs with more than three quarters of participant families being referred to three or more services.’’ she said.

“Families involved reported moderate to high levels of satisfaction and both programs complement other approaches to providing family support and child protection services.

“We agree with the report’s finding that it is vital both programs remain as options at the South-East and South-West Gateway Services.’’
Ms O’Neill said UnitingCare recognised that initial confused messages about the programs meant Gateway Services staff were cautious about initially referring families given there was some scepticism about the effectiveness of such therapeutic offerings.

“The findings of this report and lived experience certainly have addressed many of the initial fears and trust and confidence in the programs is certainly increasing.

“We look forward to seeing these programs nurture and support vulnerable Tasmanian families for many years to come.’’

Media contact, Nigel Tapp on 0417 516 362