Better Place Australia

Better Place Australia acknowledges NAIDOC Week (7 July - 14 July) and the 2024 theme, "Keep the Fire Burning! Black, Loud & Proud."

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. The NAIDOC Week allows all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. NAIDOC Week is an important time to reflect on First Nations communities' rich heritage and ongoing contributions to society.

Let’s celebrate NAIDOC Week 2024 by:
- Participating in local events
- Learning more about First Nations cultures
- Taking steps towards reconciliation

Find your local NAIDOC Week event: https://www.naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-week-events

We were so proud to display these beautiful Warm Safe Homes creations at our World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event this June, courtesy of the Kingston Libraries.

The project uses art to create conversations about how everyone has the right to live in a warm safe home and be respected for making their own choices.

The home often represents a place where we feel safe, loved and free to be who we wish. Talking about what a warm, safe home represents to you, helps us understand that everyone has the right to live in a safe and comfortable environment that is free from abuse and fear.

For more information on running this project with your community group contact [email protected].

Last week’s Silver Threads and Golden Needles pilot, featured a wonderful display of embroidered and crafted throw cushions, and speakers Catherine Barrett, Director of Celebrate Ageing, and Mandy Strange, Leader in Elder Services at Better Place Australia.
The cushions, made by community members contained powerful messages to raise awareness of gendered ageism and shine a light on the negative and derogatory comments made to older women about their looks and usefulness to society.

The project, supported by Merri Health via their Elder Abuse Prevention Network, was created by community member Lee Archer.
Lee and Amy Herbert facilitated crafting circles to create the cushions, which also involved Merri Health SCOA Craft Group and participants from the IPC Knitters Group.
Through the initiative, they hope to help foster the primary prevention of elder abuse, and as part of the national conversation on family violence, to ensure older women are not forgotten.

At the conclusion of the exhibition, the pillows and printed photos will make their way to the National Elder Abuse Conference “Turn Up The Volume” in July where they will be on display in one of the breakout rooms.
(Photography: Breeana Dunbar)

Continuing our important work in Elder Abuse Prevention, our very own Mandy Strange from the Elder Services Team spoke at the launch of the community project, Silver Threads and Golden Needles. The event aims to shine a light on the negativity towards older women and turn it around to highlight their strengths.

We're committed to advocating and educating on elder abuse prevention, and this project is a step forward in empowering older women in our community.

If you feel that your situation or someone you know would benefit from talking with a Better Place Australia Elder Abuse Practitioner or you would like more information, call 1800 214 117 or send an email to [email protected]

To find out more: https://www.betterplaceaustralia.com.au/elder-abuse-prevention-services/

Thank you to everyone who attended today's "You Life Your Choice" workshop at Kingston City Hall in support of ! Despite the harsh weather conditions, we were thrilled to see approx. 200 people join us. With over 100 people on the waiting list, the Southern Melbourne Elder Abuse Prevention Network’s event turned out to be the biggest community WEAAD event in Victoria!

This event showcased a unique model of collaboration between four local councils—City of Kingston, Bayside City Council, Victoria Glen Eira City Council and Monash City Council—aimed at providing fun and informative workshops with resources for residents over 55. The 2.5-hour event featured a fantastic performance by Monica Dullard and valuable insights from William Betts of PCLC, Katie Adler of Tidy Endings, and Christine Jones of Better Place Australia.

From the over 100 surveys we received, the general feedback was that the workshop was excellent, relevant, and informative. We look forward to coming back next year with improvements.

Remember, you can find support, engagement, and fun in your local area. Local councils across Victoria are leading the way with opportunities for connecting locally for all generations.

New research released by ASIC reveals that 47% of Australian adults with debt (that’s about 5.8 million people) have struggled to make repayments in the last 12 months, but many are not asking their lenders for financial hardship assistance. Read more here. https://shorturl.at/E7oeJ

Better Place Australia's free financial counselling mediates for many Victorians in financial hardship and sees positive outcomes for clients when mediating with their lenders. Free financial counselling is available for those who live in one of the many funded areas of Victoria.

🖤💛❤️ Better Place Australia acknowledges National Reconciliation Week 2024 🖤💛❤️

This year’s theme, Now More Than Ever, reminds us that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue. We all have a role to play in reconciliation and in building relationships and communities that value and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. During this special time, we reinforce relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, working together equally towards a better future. By strengthening our connections and understanding, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.

Find out more: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

🎨 "Arts give me the courage to challenge the difficulties."

Join us tomorrow for another episode in our Wellbeing and Self-Care series. 💙
Meet Mirwais, an amazing artist who found a new home in Australia back in 2018. He’s not just about brushes and canvases; his art is a powerful way to boost his mental wellbeing and spread positivity throughout the community. 🥰

👀 Don’t miss out! Tune in to hear his inspiring story and discover how creativity can uplift us all.

This series is brought to you by Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre and Better Place Australia and is supported by funding from South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network SEMPHN the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

🌞 Honey, studying Social Work since 2019 after arriving from India, shares insights on Melbourne's COVID-19 impact. She stresses staying connected, FaceTiming family, cooking familiar foods, and offers yoga and meditation tips.

Listen to the final episode of the Wellbeing and Self Care Podcast here for FREE: https://smrc.me/wellbeingandselfcarepodcast 💙

This series is brought to you by Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre and Better Place Australia and is supported by funding from South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network SEMPHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

📣 The Minister for Ageing is creating a new advisory committee for older Victorians to share their insights and experiences with the government.

Victorians aged 60+ and First Nations people aged 50+ can apply to join the Senior Victorians Advisory Committee. This diverse group will have the opportunity to:

- share their perspectives
- raise awareness around the positive ways older Victorians
- contribute to our state, and
- promote rights and respect for older people.

Apply now:

Senior Victorians Advisory Committee | Seniors online The Senior Victorians Advisory Committee will provide advice on the needs and rights of older Victorians.

Post conference blues? No worries FRSA is proud to present our sixth peer reviewed e-Journal!

Features 7 papers – 3 Articles and 4 Practice Insights papers – covering diverse topics that speak to particular cohorts at different stages through the lifecourse from the Conference.

Read it here: frsa.org.au/2024-ejournal

Centacare New England North West Interrelate Emerging Minds Australia YFS Penguin Parent Education Network Centacare NQ Better Place Australia

The Gippsland Family Law Pathways Network is a group of pathway officers tasked with enhancing the connection between the legal side of Family Law and family resource organisations in the Gippsland region. Better Place Australia is proud to be the auspice for the Network activities.

Celebrating Victorian Law Week, the Gippsland Family Law Pathways Network Kiosk is travelling across the Latrobe City Neighbourhood Houses this week. This initiative allows our community to learn about the family support available to them during times of stress and separation. Don't miss out and check out our events:

What’s on at Victorian Law Week | Victorian Law Week Program With more than 200 events, you'll be able to identify the law in everyday problems, understand your rights, get legal help and learn more about the law.

Did you know?

🌈 68% of LGBTQIA+ employees in Australia are not out to everyone at work.
🌈 35% of LGBTQIA+ Australians have experienced verbal abuse in the past 12 months.

Days like today remind us to rally together and visibly show love and support for everyone, especially our q***r friends, family members, and co-workers.

Let's make this IDAHOBIT full of visible allyship, activism, and plenty of rainbow smiles!

At the Family Relationship Services Australia (FRSA) National Conference 2024, our own Josette Gardiner and Deanne King led a great session on “Supporting ‘Children after Separation Program: Working with Separated Families to Support Their Future.” Also, Rob Weller and Jhooma Barthwall presented the “Family and Relationships Services Program: Building Quality Relationships - Using Evidence-Based Effective Techniques and Strategies in Couples Counselling.”

The conference concluded with inspiring talks from Grace Tame and FRSA CEO Jackie Brady, who spoke candidly about being a survivor advocate. It was an engaging and informative week, providing valuable insights and fostering connections within the family relationships services sector.

A big shout-out to our Better Place Australia team for representing the organisation at the conference.

😇 Learn about the wealth of tools that Oma, a university student from Myanmar, uses to have a holistic approach to wellbeing, including health, happiness, and a sense of purpose.

Listen to Episode 5 of the Wellbeing and Self Care Podcast now! Listen here for FREE: https://smrc.me/wellbeingandselfcarepodcast 💙

This series is brought to you by Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre and Better Place Australia and is supported by funding from South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network SEMPHN the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

Excited to have Paula from our Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) team presenting at the Family Relationship Services Australia (FRSA) Conference 2024 on an enhanced model for property mediation.

Kicking off today, the coincides perfectly with National Families Week, celebrating the diversity and connection within our families. Stay tuned for more updates!

Are you over 55 and want to stay in charge of your finances and decision-making? Join us for an informative session filled with stories and professional tips for staying safe and in control.

Don't miss this opportunity to empower yourself! RSVP now to secure your spot.

People aged 55+ are invited to come along to a free community workshop to learn from legal and financial experts about staying in charge of your finances and decision-making.

📅 Thursday, 13 June 2024, 10:30am to 1:00pm
📍 Kingston City Hall, 979 – 985 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin

This event will include:
→ Professional advice for staying in control of your finances as you age
→ Special performances by comedians Monica Dullard and Jimmy Loverocket
→ Guest speakers from Peninsula Community Legal Centre and Better Place Australia
→ Q&A session
→ A light lunch

Bookings are essential at kingston.vic.gov.au/your-life-your-choice or phone 9556 4440.

This is a joint initiative with Better Place Australia in partnership with several Councils across Melbourne to help raise awareness for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Today, we celebrate all the incredible mothers and mother figures who give us love, care, and wisdom. Whether you're a mom, remembering a mom today, or dreaming of becoming one, we honour you.

At Better Place Australia, we're dedicated to supporting and empowering mothers and mother figures who are always trying their best to care for their child/ren.

Check out our Tuning in to Kids/Teens program to discover how we can help you nurture strong, healthy relationships with your children: https://www.betterplaceaustralia.com.au/personal-development/

We also provide family mental health support services in Frankston & Mornington Peninsula areas to support parents, children, and young people to improve mental health and well-being: https://www.betterplaceaustralia.com.au/counselling-and-psychology/family-mental-health-support-service/

Thank you for your boundless love and tireless dedication. 💖 Happy Mother's Day!

🙏Samira shares her journey in Episode 4 of the Wellbeing and Self Care Podcast and the power of prayer, connecting with nature and the important of confidence has had on her experiences.

Listen here for FREE: https://smrc.me/wellbeingandselfcarepodcast 💙

This series is brought to you by Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre and Better Place Australia and is supported by funding from South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network SEMPHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

🙌 Meet Zahira, a university student studying community services. Zahira arrived in Australia at the end of 2019 and shares the challenges she faced while settling in Australia. Find out how Zahira built her resilience and stayed connected to her new community to overcome these challenges.

Episode 3 of the Wellbeing and Self Care Podcast is out now! Listen here for FREE: https://smrc.me/wellbeingandselfcarepodcast 💙

This series is brought to you by Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre and Better Place Australia and is supported by funding from South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network SEMPHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.