Moments That Matter - Summer

Moments That Matter - Summer

MOMENTUM COLLECTIVE | MOMENTS THAT MATTER NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2021

MOMENTS

That Matter

momentumcollective.org.au | 1300 900 091

Moments That Matter | Summer 2020-21 2

CONTENTS 4 6 8

CEO Welcome Recognition Awards 16 Days of Activism Celebrating Client Achievements Big Wins Continued Support in Ballina

10 12 14 16 18 20

Enjoy the Moment 2021 Annual Report Noticeboard

mymomentum.org.au 3

CEO WELCOME

Tracey Mackie Hello

In conjunction with our housing and property teams, our homelessness services have provided safe and affordable homes to many people over the years. A key highlight was seeing one of our Aboriginal Homelessness and Prevention clients secure a safe and affordable home after being homeless for the last 43 years. You will read about this inspiring journey in this newsletter. Last month, the 16 Days of Activism Campaign was significant to Momentum Collective as it focuses on eliminating violence against women and children. Our Specialist Homelessness Service united to create 16 campaigns within our communities to raise awareness on Domestic Violence. Already this year we had many wins we are incredibly proud of, setting Momentum Collective up to an exciting start to 2022. • We were awarded funding of $249K for the Oak Centre Community Acessibility Project in Casino. • In December, we were granted $108K to go towards refurbishing our Connections Centre in Tweed Heads to improve centre standards, encouraging better community use through repairs, painting, installing a greenhouse, and improve mobility access. • We received $2.2 million funding to boost community housing in the Northern Rivers region. We are always grateful to our partner organisations whose values and dedication are aligned with ours, working with us to create inclusive opportunities and social change. We are overwhelmed with the generosity of our donors and supporters in the community. You will read more about this below. As always, stay safe and connected. Wishing you all a safe year ahead in 2022.

and welcome to the summer edition 2021 of the Moments that Matter. We have some extraordinary moments to share with you about the achievements, resilience and passion of our staff and clients within our Momentum Collective communities. Celebrating the achievements of our teams and clients is an integral part of our organisations culture. Adapting to the challenges presented by COVID-19, we persevered and held our annual Recognition Awards event in Early December which was a huge sucess. Our Recognition Awards were held on International Day of People with Disability. This was an opportunity for us to take a moment to appreciate the dedication, hard work, and achievements of our amazing clients living with disabilities. It was also an opportunity to celebrate our staff, and students and clients all together. Everyone who attended “ROCKED” and we truly could not be prouder of our Momentum Collective community. They are the “legends” that make up our organisation.

“LEGEND”

4 Moments That Matter | Summer 2021

Pictured L to R: Tracey Mackie, Momentum Collective CEO and Gary Kafoa, Momentum Collective’s Employee of the Year.

5 momentumcollective.org.au

SPOTLIGHT Celebrating outstanding achievements

In early December Momentum Collective celebrated the achievements and contributions of its team members and clients in the 2021 annual Recognition Awares across the Northern Rivers and in the Gold Coast regions. Five events were held in Grafton, Casino, Ballina, Tweed and in the Gold Coast due to COVID-19, with over 150 people attending in five separate venues.

“As the CEO of Momentum Collective, I feel privileged to work with such a passionate team of professionals. And to our clients, you are the reason and only reason we are here today,” she said. “We are extremely proud of the way our teams and the people we support overcame the challenges of the current pandemic and continued to get things done.” Our annual Recognition Awards event took place on a significant date, International Day of People with Disabilities. We took this opportunity to raise awareness on this date as well as acknowledge all the outstanding achievements from our amazing clients, and presented gifts and certificates to them all at our event. We couldn’t be any prouder of all our award winners, clients and staff at Momentum Collective. They truly are the reason why our communities strongly connected and they demonstrate how people can prosper with the right care and support - even during such testing times. We are beyond excited for what lies ahead next year, and to have the opportunity to celebrate our clients and staff’s contributions in 2022.

Pictured L to R: Geoff Provest, Tweed MP and Empower! clients

Momentum Collective CEO Tracey Mackie said with the COVID-19 restrictions still in place, we wanted to make sure we celebrated the achievements of our teams, clients, volunteers and students.

6 Moments That Matter | Summer 2021

Pictured: Band member who performed at our Grafton REC Awards

Pictured: Momentum Collective Employee Kylie Toomey receiving her Excellence in Vocational Award

Pictured L to R: Momentum Collective Employee, Garry Kafoa and Uncle Victor Slockee

Pictured L to R: Tweed MP, Geoff Provest, Empower! Client Award winners and Momentum Collective CEO , Tracey Mackie.

Pictured: Momentum Collective team at the Gold Coast REC Awards

7 momentumcollective.org.au

SPOTLIGHT

16 Days Of Activism. Eliminating violence against women

Every year Momentum Collective’s teams come together to shine light on the annual global movement for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and raise awareness for the Prevention of Domestic Violence by partaking in the 16 Days of Activism campaign. The annual 16 Days of Activism event runs from 25 November, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on World Human Rights Day on 10 December. The international campaign aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes, and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women for good. Our teams in the Northern Rivers regions held various community events to raise awareness on this topic, as well as to educate people on the importance of eliminating Domestic Violence against women and children. Nicole Secomb and Sharon Painter from Momentum Collective organised a market stall along the Yamba River where community members engged in the Orange Nail Polish Challenge, and accessed information and shared stories.

Along with the Clarence Domestic and Family Violence Committee, our teams put on an event to celebrate the launch of the new Clarence Clarence Domestic and Family Violence Committee’s flag banners which were installed in the CBD of Grafton. The launch of the banners and the events organised for the 16 Days of Activism campaign were an inspiring moment for Momentum Collective, as we witnessed the dedication and passion from our staff and community. We are always so grateful for the community support who help us raise awareness on this fundamental issue, and in particular, we were extremely thankful for the Grafton Serco police team who joined forces with Momentum Collective and the Clarence Valley Domestic and Family Violence Committee to educate the Grafton community on the prevention of Domestic Violence and the importance of eliminating this issue. While the pandemic has heightened some of the multiplex issues that are evident in domestic and family violence such as emotional abuse, social isolation and financial stress – the root issues that we need to address remain inequality gender based discrimination. We are all responsible for the prevention and elimination of domestic violence against women and children and together we canmake a real change, and build communities that are safe and supportive for everyone.

8 Moments That Matter | Summer 2021

Pictured L to R: Tony Voss (General Manager Clarence Correctional Centre), Assistant Superintendent Brendan Gorman, Aunty Jannay Daley, Chris Guluptis (State Member for Clarence) and John Myers (Director of Operations, Northern Pathways).

Pictured L to R: Momentum Collective Domestic and Family Violence Crisis team participating in the Orange Nail Polish Challenge.

Pictured L to R: Edda Lampis (ACON), Sharon Painter (Momentum Collective) and Nicole Secomb (Momentum Collective) at Yamba River Markets.

9 momentumcollective.org.au

SPOTLIGHT Celebrating our client’s achievements

Meet Michael, our courageous client from our Aboriginal Homeless Prevention Service. Since Michael started his journey in our Aboriginal Homeless Prevention Service, he has come an extraordinarily long way. From being homeless to recently securing his first home. We were brought to tears after hearing Michael share his personal story. “I have been homeless since I ran away from home at the age of seven. I have lived on the streets ever since, which has been 43 years of being homeless. I felt safer living in the scrub - apart from this house. This is a luxury and I feel safe. It is still sinking in having my own home. It is like a fantasy, I cry. I amnot scared of anything - but living on the streets, in the bush, I would wake up getting kicked, beaten up, robbed... but not here. I am safe, and I don’t have to worry,” Michael says. Sarah Dybing, Service Director of Community Programs, said that according to the ABS 2016 Census 1,494 people were homeless in the Northern Rivers. “The highest numbers were counted in Tweed (444), Byron (327), Lismore (390) and Clarence Valley (320),” says Sarah. At Momentum Collective, it is our mission to eliminate this issue and respond rapidly so that we can assist people to access crisis accommodation and provide the support required to ensure a safe and stable home environment.

Michael’s favourite activity to do in his new home is sitting on his veranda, and looking out the windows - listening to the birds and the outdoors. “It is life-changing. You really have no idea how much my life has changed. If I could give advice to anyone who is in the same position as me, I would say stick it out. Make a plan, and follow it through. Don’t take on too much at once, and definitely link up with Momentum Collective. They have honestly helped me in so many ways! One time, it was pouring rain, a big storm hit, and within an hour of speaking on the phone to me, two Momentum Collective workers arrived with a tent and a sleeping bag to keep me warm. They gave me things that meant a lot to me, like a pillow and a mattress. Mate, I have a home now”, Michael says. Michael has come so far with his journey, and it is stories like these that make our job at Momentum Collective so rewarding.

10 Moments That Matter | Summer 2021

Pictured: Michael in his new home

mymomentum.org.au 11

momentu collective

SPOTLIGHT Celebrating our client’s achievements

Meet one of our amazing Mental Health In- home Support Outreach clients, Brian who lives with Schizophrenia and has resided with his parents for most of his life. Brian received a new iPad provided by his NDIS funding. Since the introduction of Brian’s new iPad, it has opened up a new world for Brian and it has been incredibly inspiring to watch how far he has come in his personal journey with Momentum Collective. When Brian first started his journey with us, the recommendations were to take things slowly. Over the last two years, Brian’s supports were increased, from just social participation, to skill development with cooking. A speech therapist report was organised, and this came back with a recommendation for Brian to have a tablet to help with initiating conversations, as well as implementing specific programs to help teach Brian how to use his iPad. Once a week, Brian had support from an external provider who was a Skill Development Programmer, and this enabled Brian to learn the basics of how to get around the iPad, such as taking pictures, looking up recipes for his cooking skills development on a Saturday night. Brian’s parents didn’t think he would use the iPad, as he has had no exposure to any technology apart from a DVD player.

Brian’s parents are beyond pleased with how far their son has come in the last two years, and so are we at Momentum Collective. It is so rewarding watching Brian achieve his goals, and watch how he has embraced the changes in his life. Brian is a true hero, and we can’t wait to see him kick more goals in 2022.

12 Moments That Matter | Summer 2021

Pictured: Brian and his Support Worker Theo

mymomentum.org.au 13

BIG WINS From a brilliant 2021! Momentum Collective has been awarded Stronger Country Communities Funding (SCCF) of $249K for the Oak Centre Community. This project will boost the supply of affordable housing in the Casino Community.

Momentum Collective is pleased to announce the NSW Government granted an investment of $108K to go towards refurbishing our Connections Centre in Tweed Heads. The funding will contribute to revitalising our Connections Centre, improving standards and encouraging better community use through repairs, painting, replacing flooring, installing a greenhouse, and improving mobility access.

Momentum Collective provides $2.2 million commitment to boost community housing in the Northern Rivers region. “At Momentum Collective, we believe that every person in Australia, no matter their situation, should have access to a safe and suitable place to stay. This is difficult to achieve within our footprint due to the critical shortage of housing and the current housing affordability crisis. The fund won’t solve the problem, but it is a step in the right direction”, said Tracey Mackie, CEO of Momentum Collective.

14 Moments That Matter | Summer 2021

SPOTLIGHT Partnership that keeps on giving

The Ballina-on-Richmond Rotary continues to partner with Momentum Collective to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence in the Ballina region. The Club donated a generous $1,500 to our Ballina Women and Children Refuge Program and donated 25 care packs to ensure that women and children escaping violence had access to essential items. The Club held a Charity Barefoot Bowls Day to raise money so they could purchase the care packs for Momentum Collective and to top off their outstanding efforts, they also raised funds at a trivia night they organised for our Aboriginal Homelessness Prevention Service. Momentum Collective’s Michelle Teece said care packs are a first response for women and children who often leave home with no possessions. “Having access to toiletries and gift vouchers that allow families to buy some basic necessities can be a huge help.”

Pictured: The care packs being delivered to Momentum Collective from The Ballina Rotary Club team

Moments That Matter | Summer 2021

15 momentumcollective.org.au

• Alstonville Red Cross • Alstonville Uniting Church • Ballina Country Women’s Association • Casino Communion International Bible Study • SHAIDS • TARTS • Grace Communion Bible Study • LJ Hooker Ballina • QCWA Coolangatta Branch • Zonta • Share the Dignity • Luv Me • Lismore TAFE • Breastscreen Lismore • FinSafe Finance • Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar • Rotary Club on Richmond • Goonellabah YWCA A special thank you for your recent donations and support: We are grateful for the ongoing support of our partners, providers, employees and volunteers.

Interested? Call us today 1300 900 091. Visit our website for details and other availabilities mymomentum.org.au

Moments That Matter | Summer 2020-21 16

momentumcollective.org.au 16

ENJOY THE MOMENT Out & about, or at home. Your moments, your life.

Christmas Spirit! Supported Living clients Natasha and Shan enjoying their annual snap with Santa. Momentum Collective’s Community Support Manager Adrian & Phil at Salvage Shed Christmas open day. To the right, Reycler’s Op shop Volunteers Michelle & Cheryl shopping at our Recycler’s Fashion Frenzy Sale.

Moments That Matter | Summer 2021

17 momentumcollective.org.au

Mental Health Day A great afternoon in support of Mental Health Day at our Connections Centre. #MentalHealthMonth

Kicking Goals To promote Mental Health Month, our Clear Minds program in Grafton held a small get-together. #TuneInClarenceValley

Empower! magic To celebrate #IPWD our Empower! #TweedHeads held a market stall and sold handmade arts & crafts.

18 Moments That Matter | Summer 2021

20/21 ANNUAL REPORT

Click https://mymomentum.org.au/annual- reports/ to read the Momentum Collective 2021 Annual Report

19 momentumcollective.org.au

MESSAGE BOARD Cultural Awareness Training Momentum Collective is proud to be providing cultural awareness training to all of our employees as well as offering interactive training sessions externally. The training is delivered during a four hour workshop by Garry Kafoa, our People and Culture Project Officer. Fostering a future of healing requires all Australians to Truthfully and Respectfully acknowledge the past. If we as a nation are to move forward we must move forward as one. Being culturally aware of the beliefs, background and heritage of those around you is extremely important, it is about shared respect, shared meaning, shared knowledge and the experience of learning together.

COVID-19 Resources Your health and wellbeing is our number one priority. During this time, it’s important to stay informed. We have a dedicated webpage where you can find useful information and links to reliable updates: https://mymomentum.org.au/covid-19-response

NEWS

1.5m

Practise physical distancing

Regularly wash your hands

Stay informed

20 Moments That Matter | Summer 2021

Do you know someone in need of Specialist Disability Accommodation? Let’s work together! We are here to assist with the SDA and SIL Journey . Fantastic 3 bedroom SDA house available, in Pallara, central Gold Coast. If you or someone you know is looking for Supported Independent Living (SIL) & Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) we have a beautiful, spacious house available in Pallara, in the Gold Coast. To express your interest in our Pallara property visit: https://mymomentum.org.au/vacancies/pallara-qld/ We understand that finding time to navigate this process can be difficult, so if you are interested, or know of anyone who may be looking for accommodation please express your interest below. Our goal, like yours, is to ensure people have a safe and supportive place to live, so let’s make it happen together. For further information please visit:https://mymomentum.org.au/disability/short-term-accommodation/ If you have any questions please contact: 1300 900 091

MomentumColl

Send us ideas on what you’d like us to include in our next newsletter. Whether you are a client, community member, family, friends or working in the industry - we want to hear from you! Email [email protected] We want to hear from you!

E: [email protected] T: 1300 900 091 W: momentumcollective.org.au

@MomentumCollective

@MomentumCollectiveAustralia

@MomentumColl

22 Moments That Matter | Summer 2021