Break Thru Celebrates & Supports
International Day of People with Disability
Penrith Celebrations
This year, to coincide with International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD), Penrith Disabilities Resource Centre held an amateur art competition for people with varying types & levels of disabilities in the Nepean Area.
The ‘Colour My Disability’ art competition award ceremony was hosted by Penrith Break Thru People Solutions on the 3rd December 2010 (IDPWD Day). The competition was a fantastic opportunity for people with a disability to express themselves through visual representation.
Break Thru’s Transition to Work Penrith clients entered the competition in the group category. Entries also had to be accompanied by a description stating what the painting represented for the entrants & their disability.
The Penrith TTW client’s entry was described as follows;
“Throughout the painting there are masks; these masks are different faces & forms that we must take when we are around different people to feel accepted & to fit in with the people around us. Surrounding our masks are all the things we enjoy doing or a hobby we love, making us feel that we are more than our disability & we have more to offer.”
The Penrith TTW client’s entry was very impressive & won them the national Disability Coordination Officer Art Award of 2010, along with $100 in prize money. The clients were very happy & proud of their accomplishment. Featured below is a photo of the winning painting & the clients who created the winning artwork.
Western Region Celebrations
Break Thru People Solutions in Darling Street, Dubbo held its annual awards night on Thursday 2nd December 2010 to coincide with the International Day for People with a Disability.
The night was a celebration & acknowledgement of the achievements made by Break Thru’s Disability Employment Services, Transition to Work, Post School Options, Community Participation & Western College service users.
Those who attended had opportunity to browse through the Break Thru Art Gallery that had art, craft, sewing, woodwork, hobby group & men’s group work on display.
The role of Master of Ceremonies for the night was ably shared by Jim & Colin (staff from the Disability Employment Service Team) who were both informative & entertaining. Further entertainment was provided by the Community Participation drama group & the music/band group.
A representative from our local member’s office was in attendance as well as Board Member Paul Bolton who spoke on the night.
The night was filled with pride, humour, fun, emotion & celebration as service users & some DES program clients received much deserved awards & trophies for their achievements throughout 2010. The DES team also presented the “Employer of the Year Award” to Wellington based Maranatha House (Management & Staff) for their support & empathic approach to providing employment for their local community members. The very positive feedback from service users, families & their friends indicate that this was one of the best awards nights Break Thru has ever held.
Liverpool Celebrations
Break Thru Liverpool held a morning tea to celebrate & support International Day of People with Disability.
Signs were posted throughout the building inviting staff, clients, employers and other residents to join in the celebrations.
The Aim of the morning tea was to ensure everyone was aware of the day, so staff hosted and held discussions about the importance of the day whilst serving guests scones, cakes, cracker, cheese and fruit. Break Thru employees discussed the work the organisation does to support people with a disability get into employment & there was information about disabilities displayed & available for people to take.
Overall, it was a successful & enjoyable morning that allowed clients and employees alike to come together and celebrate International Day of People with Disability.
Preston Celebrations
Break Thru were invited by the Senior Customer Service Advisor at Broadmeadows Centrelink to have an information stand for customers of Centrelink at a fair run to coincide with International Day of People with Disability.
Anita (DES Manager) & Judith (Employment Support Consultant) attended. Judith has been a Break Thru employee for the past 11 years & joined Break Thru as a client prior to becoming an employee. Having dealt with depression first hand, Judith is aware of the importance of lifestyle changes & employment to successfully manage her illness. Judith will attest to the importance of employment & having a supportive employer for recovery & wellbeing.
Originally starting with Break thru as an Administration Assistant, Judith has since been promoted to Employment Support Consultant. Part of Judith’s role is to host information sessions for potential referrers & clients, which she does with passion & enthusiasm - she is not afraid to tell her personal story, especially if it benefits others.
At Centrelink on Friday, as part of the fair for International Day of People with Disability, Judith spoke to potential clients about her experience with depression & how Break Thru has assisted her, & can assist them, in reaching their goals.
Judith’s story & personal experience with mental illness is always met with interest & evokes a positive response in people who have experienced mental health issues.
Hunter Region Celebrations
(Newcastle, Toronto, Charlestown, Wallsend, Raymond Terrace)
In support & celebration of International Day of People with Disability, the Hunter Region DES employees organised for morning tea & display areas to be set up in each branch with information about the day.
Donations for the Dunrossil centre were also taken at each event & raised a total of $184.00 for the centre. Staff were also encouraged on the day to learn about the Dunrossil centre & the fantastic services it provides to people with disabilities.
Some thoughts & quotes from staff involved on the day are listed below;
“We had a steady stream of people through reception, the food table drew attention as they entered the office – especially the delicious smell of popcorn! We drew people’s attention to the theme of the day & pointed out the posters featuring the ambassadors of IDPWD.” Jodie Hodson, Employment Support Consultant, Newcastle Branch
“I set up a morning tea in the reception area for all staff & clients. It was successful & many of the clients enjoyed helping themselves to drinks, cakes & lollies. I invited both NAB & East Coast Conveyancing from within this building in for morning tea & four staff from the NAB attended. I explained all about Break Thru & DES & how we assist our clients/ We also discussed what International Day of People with Disability is in aid of.” Robert Costello, DES Training & Placement Consultant, Charlestown Branch
“Last Friday we held a morning tea for staff & clients at Toronto Office to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. It was really good to have this opportunity to focus & think about the clients we are assisting to find employment & the problems they have to face on a daily basis. Also, on a positive note, to be able to support the Dunrossill Centre that Break Thru are now funding made it a very enjoyable day. As an employee of Break Thru it is great to see the organisation supporting people with disability at a grass roots level, helping provide services & social opportunities for them & their families.” Trish McDonald, DES Training & Placement Consultant, Toronto branch
“Posters up & plenty of food for the offering, our day began by explaining to our clients what were we celebrating. We explained how Break Thru have a passion for helping people with a disability & we were able to provide information on services we offer & the support our clients receive. Dunrossil is the newest addition to our Break Thru family & are doing an excellent job & helping Break Thru to moving forward in becoming the leading diversity champion.” Vicki Alyce, DES Team Leader, Newcastle Branch
Parramatta Celebrations
Parramatta celebrated International Day or People with Disability by having a mini fair at Parramatta Mall on Friday 3rd December 2010. The event proved to be a great success & increased awareness in the community of people with disability.
This Year, Parramatta DES Team alongside two DES jobseekers sponsored our local community by catering a low cost BBQ at the event. The BBQ was immensely popular - selling over 400 sausage sizzles to the community. This provided great exposure & illustrated Break Thru’s commitment advocating for people with disabilities, as well as their integration & participation within the community.
DES Parramatta clients that participated in the BBQ were well prepared for the event, obtaining their Food Handling & Food Hygiene Statement of Attainment through the Break Thru RTO division. One jobseeker that participated on the day stated; “I helped cooked sausages on the day & it was good to help out the Break Thru team in what they were doing for the community.” – Paul Bennett (DES Jobseeker)
As well as the BBQ, Break Thru Parramatta Team held a stall that provided the community with jobseeker information packs & promotional materials - including brochures on DES, Care for Families & TTW.
To support & advocate the employment of people with disability, Employer Information packs were also given out to local businesses outlining the benefits that come with employing people with disabilities & the unique services that Break Thru are able to offer to meet their business needs.
Throughout the day activities took place all around the mall, such as the sports demonstrations by the Wheelchair Rugby Team. Public Art & Craft workshops were also popular - encouraging participation from visitors of the event and live Music Entertainment.
All staff thoroughly took pleasure in participating in the event, and are eager to contribute towards next year’s International Day of People with Disability.
Enfield Celebrations – 2.12.10
On the 2nd of December, the Enfield office represented Break Thru at a Disabilities Event hosted by Burwood Council & the Family & Community Services Co-op.
Everyone had a great time with guests being entertained by dancers, singers & interactive activities like drumming (which of course Break Thru staff joined in & made the most of!)
The Break Thru table was a hub of activity and the brochures were quickly snapped up – the lollies being the hit of the day.
Break Thru Enfield looks forward to being a part of this event next year, especially after being encouraged by one of the attendees of the event yelling out “see you next year” as we packed up for the day.
Enfield Celebrations – 3.12.10
IDPwD brings together individuals, businesses, community organisations & governments from every corner of the world to celebrate & acknowledge the contributions, skills & achievements of people with disability. The slogan for the day is Don’t Dis MyAbility.
On the 3rd December 2010, Eveline Newland & Sarah Roseworne from Enfield / Rockdale attended a function held by Burwood Centrelink in honour of the day. We started the day with a delicious Morning Tea & a ‘Meet & Greet’ hosted by the lovely staff at Burwood Centrelink.
After saying thanks to all the organisations that attended & cutting of the cake with the International Day of People with Disability logo, we headed outside to our Break Thru stall to meet other providers & other people who joined us for the celebration.
Burwood Centrelink put on a BBQ & everyone was entertained by a variety of performers & guest speakers. The day was a great success said Alison Frame (Area Manager for Western Centrelink), who stated; “We’re doing this to support people living with a disability & to recognise the efforts of local service provider. It’s all about raising community awareness of people with disability & the support networks that are available for them. With 1 in 5 Australians affected, it's important we acknowledge the contributions made to our community by people with a disability. Along with local providers, Centrelink provides support, information and referral to those living with a disability & helps job seekers with a disability to find employment, training and rehabilitation”.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Break Thru Penrith hosts Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce (PVCC) network function
There was a ‘business buzz’ in the air as over 70 people from the local business community conversed animatedly in the offices of Break Thru People Solutions Penrith on Tuesday night, 14 September.
Ian Maynard - DES Manager and Don Mackenzie - New JSA Manager, were hosts to the monthly networking function of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce (PVCC).
Bill Sayers, Break Thru's Western Sydney Regional Manager, made an impressive and engaging address that captured the attention of the 65 business people in attendance, the caterers from OUTBACK Steakhouse, guests from Mudgee Wines and our own staff. The impromptu aria at the conclusion of his address was especially well received.
Break Thru's Employer Engagement duo - Christine Dooley and Narelle Wynne - expertly worked the floor and were instrumental in enlisting the support of OUTBACK Steakhouse restaurant, who provided the delicious snacks / finger food, with their compliments.
Mudgee Wines also supplied tasting samples of their great range - which added additional sparkle to the function.
In keeping with the theme of building relationships that was highlighted by Bill Sayers, a presentation was also made by Adam Stewart - Supervisor at Karelle Enrichment Services - where Break Thru's Penrith DES now has three clients placed and happily working. Adam and a colleague also shared a number of finished products that were produced by their staff with everyone gathered at the event.
The event was a great success and Jill Woods, CEO of PVCC confirmed this in a follow up note that has been received. In it she says;
”Well done on a great function last night! It was a fun night and everyone seemed to have a ball. I think Bill’s passionate address touched a number of people and hopefully opened minds and even doors to your organisation."
Thank you to all of those who took the time out to attend and to all of the Break Thru staff who helped to make the event such a success.
Ian Maynard - DES Manager and Don Mackenzie - New JSA Manager, were hosts to the monthly networking function of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce (PVCC).
Bill Sayers, Break Thru's Western Sydney Regional Manager, made an impressive and engaging address that captured the attention of the 65 business people in attendance, the caterers from OUTBACK Steakhouse, guests from Mudgee Wines and our own staff. The impromptu aria at the conclusion of his address was especially well received.
Break Thru's Employer Engagement duo - Christine Dooley and Narelle Wynne - expertly worked the floor and were instrumental in enlisting the support of OUTBACK Steakhouse restaurant, who provided the delicious snacks / finger food, with their compliments.
Mudgee Wines also supplied tasting samples of their great range - which added additional sparkle to the function.
In keeping with the theme of building relationships that was highlighted by Bill Sayers, a presentation was also made by Adam Stewart - Supervisor at Karelle Enrichment Services - where Break Thru's Penrith DES now has three clients placed and happily working. Adam and a colleague also shared a number of finished products that were produced by their staff with everyone gathered at the event.
The event was a great success and Jill Woods, CEO of PVCC confirmed this in a follow up note that has been received. In it she says;
”Well done on a great function last night! It was a fun night and everyone seemed to have a ball. I think Bill’s passionate address touched a number of people and hopefully opened minds and even doors to your organisation."
Thank you to all of those who took the time out to attend and to all of the Break Thru staff who helped to make the event such a success.
Break Thru wins Best Stand award at Indigenous Jobs Market - Mt Druitt
Break Thru are thrilled to have won the Best Stand award at the Indigenous Jobs Market held at Kevin Betts Stadium in Mt Druitt on Tuesday the 7th September 2010.
Congratulations to Renee, Catherine & Meri from Blacktown JSA and Rere, Karen Taylor & Benjamin from Mt Druitt who set up and manned the stand on behalf of Break Thru.
They did a fabulous job and the stand was extremely well set up with a great selection of promotional materials and branding.
The event itself was a great success with hundreds of job seekers attending. Many of those who attended visited the very popular Break Thru stand to have a chat, provide details and pick up goodies.
The event was also very well received thanks to the appearances of many NRL Legends – including Wendell Sailor, Steve Roach, Paul Sironen, Cliff Lyons, Phil Blake, Paul Dunn, Brett Kenny, Max Krilich, Andrew Johns and many more.
Congratulations once again to the staff involved, you did a great job of representing Break Thru and getting our name & services out to those who attended!
Congratulations to Renee, Catherine & Meri from Blacktown JSA and Rere, Karen Taylor & Benjamin from Mt Druitt who set up and manned the stand on behalf of Break Thru.
They did a fabulous job and the stand was extremely well set up with a great selection of promotional materials and branding.
The event itself was a great success with hundreds of job seekers attending. Many of those who attended visited the very popular Break Thru stand to have a chat, provide details and pick up goodies.
The event was also very well received thanks to the appearances of many NRL Legends – including Wendell Sailor, Steve Roach, Paul Sironen, Cliff Lyons, Phil Blake, Paul Dunn, Brett Kenny, Max Krilich, Andrew Johns and many more.
Congratulations once again to the staff involved, you did a great job of representing Break Thru and getting our name & services out to those who attended!
Penrith DES completes successful 10 week Career Preparation Course at Kingswood High School
On the 1st September, 2010 Bill Sayers (Western Sydney Regional Manager) presented Certificates of Attendance for our Career Preparation Course to 20 students from Kingswood High School.
Over a period of 10 weeks Ian, Renee and Stacey from the Penrith DES team presented the Career Preparation Course in Kingswood High School to two classes of students. The program covered interview skills, workplace relations, building a resume and other work related topics. The program ended with some worksite visits and a morning tea to present the students with their certificates of attendance.
Over the 10 week period the DES team built up a great working relationship with the students and teachers and really enjoyed interacting with them. BTPS DES Team look forward to continuing the program in Kingswood High School and rolling this program out to more schools next year.
The response received from students and staff has been very positive with students saying they felt they had brushed up on some very important skills.
As a result of the program there will be approximately 6 students connecting with our DES and TTW programs, which is a great result.
Over a period of 10 weeks Ian, Renee and Stacey from the Penrith DES team presented the Career Preparation Course in Kingswood High School to two classes of students. The program covered interview skills, workplace relations, building a resume and other work related topics. The program ended with some worksite visits and a morning tea to present the students with their certificates of attendance.
Over the 10 week period the DES team built up a great working relationship with the students and teachers and really enjoyed interacting with them. BTPS DES Team look forward to continuing the program in Kingswood High School and rolling this program out to more schools next year.
The response received from students and staff has been very positive with students saying they felt they had brushed up on some very important skills.
As a result of the program there will be approximately 6 students connecting with our DES and TTW programs, which is a great result.
GREENING NEWCASTLE ‘ADVENTURES AT BLACKBUTT RESERVE’
Over the last 6 months, Break Thru People Solutions have worked alongside Blackbutt Reserve in Newcastle to coordinate a work experience activity for our jobseekers. As well as completing a Statement of Attainment in Certificate II in Horticulture, participants are involved in all aspects of daily operations at the Reserve, which includes landscaping, light construction, and Landcare, as well as assisting the staff of Blackbutt refurbish the animal enclosures:
“We have been re-mulching this area every 6 weeks or so; the mulch breaks down, but eventually a layer builds to high for more topping up, so once a year the material is removed, and then new mulch brought in. The material removed is recycled into gardens - approximately 20 trucks loads”
The Break Thru Crew of 11 jobseekers, 4 Labour Co-Op and 4 Newcastle City Council staff, worked in non-stop shifts to get the job done in one day to minimize the impact on the animals and the running of normal park activities.
Congratulation goes to David Cooper, Project Supervisor and Coordinator of the activity; with his commitment and dedication the activity ‘Greening Newcastle’ has been a great success!
“We have been re-mulching this area every 6 weeks or so; the mulch breaks down, but eventually a layer builds to high for more topping up, so once a year the material is removed, and then new mulch brought in. The material removed is recycled into gardens - approximately 20 trucks loads”
The Break Thru Crew of 11 jobseekers, 4 Labour Co-Op and 4 Newcastle City Council staff, worked in non-stop shifts to get the job done in one day to minimize the impact on the animals and the running of normal park activities.
Congratulation goes to David Cooper, Project Supervisor and Coordinator of the activity; with his commitment and dedication the activity ‘Greening Newcastle’ has been a great success!
Break Thru People Solutions & Youth Connection - Central Coast Community Garden Project
Our Central Coast RTO team have recently established a strong relationship with the Wyong Council and as a result, we have been given access to a community garden just 50m down the road from The Entrance Community Centre where we regularly run courses.
This has enabled our RTO team to deliver Cert II in Horticulture for early school leavers and Indigenous Youth.
The community garden will also have disability access and consist of herbs and Indigenous Australian plants. The outcome of this initiative will be an offer of employment by the Wyong Council to the students who meet the criteria, entry to higher education, and the encouragement of community responsibility through involvement in a community project.
The training will commence in October. An immediate result of this initiative and the relationship built with the Wyong Council has lead to an expression of interest from the Wyong Community Centre to run a similar project next year.
Congratulations RTO Central Coast!
To see a video from NBN News on the initiative, click the following link - http://soulstream1.sptel.com.au/NBN_News//ccgardenproject2408.wmv
This has enabled our RTO team to deliver Cert II in Horticulture for early school leavers and Indigenous Youth.
The community garden will also have disability access and consist of herbs and Indigenous Australian plants. The outcome of this initiative will be an offer of employment by the Wyong Council to the students who meet the criteria, entry to higher education, and the encouragement of community responsibility through involvement in a community project.
The training will commence in October. An immediate result of this initiative and the relationship built with the Wyong Council has lead to an expression of interest from the Wyong Community Centre to run a similar project next year.
Congratulations RTO Central Coast!
To see a video from NBN News on the initiative, click the following link - http://soulstream1.sptel.com.au/NBN_News//ccgardenproject2408.wmv
Break Thru Raise Money For The Black Dog Institute In The 2010 City 2 Surf
At 8am on Sunday the 8th August, along with 80,000 other enthusiasts, "Team Break Thru" lined up in the Yellow section, bibs and timing chips donned - for what you ask? For the 40th annual 14km City2 Surf! Team Break Thru were proudly walking in support of The Black Dog Institute, raising funds to assist them to carry out the wonderful work they do for Depression and other mood disorders.
The morning was brilliantly sunny, and our dispositions matched - even though many of our runner's day had begun almost 3 hours before. There were some nerves in the air, a lot of talk about "slow walkers staying to the left", were to meet if someone got lost, how to combat potential gorilla scares and strategy development about how best to beat the infamous Heart Break Hill - oh, and most importantly - how to hold the 3 metre long banner!
The real runners started at 8:30am and with the sound of the first fire of the gun the excitement grew amongst Peta Maskell, Martin Petersons, Kevin Zhara, Kay Menemenios, Hoda Kobeissi, Anngrett Berry, Suzanne Gallagher, Melissa Gallagher, Jen-Lin Chien and Christine Spowart - It was ALMOST our turn!
Soon enough, they called the Yellow group to take their marks, set and GO! At this point, all we could really do was shuffle along for the first 500 metres, but at least that gave everyone the opportunity to ease into the next 13.5kms. With shouts of "Break Thru" and "The Black Dog" coming from those watching on the pavements, the team got into their rhythm that would finally see them through to Bondi Beach (2 hours and 58 minutes later, just to be exact).
The Care For Families team would sincerely like to thank those who walked/ran/crawled on the day and those who donated and bought chocolates in support of The Black Dog.
We hope you can join us again in 2011 - get those walking shoes on and start your training, just 360 days to go!
The morning was brilliantly sunny, and our dispositions matched - even though many of our runner's day had begun almost 3 hours before. There were some nerves in the air, a lot of talk about "slow walkers staying to the left", were to meet if someone got lost, how to combat potential gorilla scares and strategy development about how best to beat the infamous Heart Break Hill - oh, and most importantly - how to hold the 3 metre long banner!
The real runners started at 8:30am and with the sound of the first fire of the gun the excitement grew amongst Peta Maskell, Martin Petersons, Kevin Zhara, Kay Menemenios, Hoda Kobeissi, Anngrett Berry, Suzanne Gallagher, Melissa Gallagher, Jen-Lin Chien and Christine Spowart - It was ALMOST our turn!
Soon enough, they called the Yellow group to take their marks, set and GO! At this point, all we could really do was shuffle along for the first 500 metres, but at least that gave everyone the opportunity to ease into the next 13.5kms. With shouts of "Break Thru" and "The Black Dog" coming from those watching on the pavements, the team got into their rhythm that would finally see them through to Bondi Beach (2 hours and 58 minutes later, just to be exact).
The Care For Families team would sincerely like to thank those who walked/ran/crawled on the day and those who donated and bought chocolates in support of The Black Dog.
We hope you can join us again in 2011 - get those walking shoes on and start your training, just 360 days to go!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Break Thru Parramatta Good News Story - Dress for Success
On Tuesday August 3rd 2010, Parramatta Training and Placement Consultant Renee and her client Andrea visited Dress for Success at Burwood as Andrea had an upcoming work experience placement at a Childcare centre, and also at KMART Parramatta, and she needed some industry specific clothing.
Andrea was fitted by Alison, and was lucky enough to receive a pair of black pants, a white blouse and undershirt, two black tops, a black jacket and a pink cardigan!!! Apart from the wonderful clothes, Andrea was also given a beautiful pink scarf, a pair of black shoes, some makeup, nail polish and a watch!
Andrea advised her consultant that on a scale of 1 -10 she gave the service and clothes from Dress for Success a 10/10! Andrea said that she was very comfortable in the clothes and happy because she was able to mix and match and get up to 5 different outfits.
Dress for Success is a fabulous service that helps many people get 'work ready'. If you have any clothes you could donate to this great cause, please contact Helena on (02) 9407 7600 and she will organise a drop off point or pick up.
On Tuesday August 3rd 2010, Parramatta Training and Placement Consultant Renee and her client Andrea visited Dress for Success at Burwood as Andrea had an upcoming work experience placement at a Childcare centre, and also at KMART Parramatta, and she needed some industry specific clothing.
Andrea was fitted by Alison, and was lucky enough to receive a pair of black pants, a white blouse and undershirt, two black tops, a black jacket and a pink cardigan!!! Apart from the wonderful clothes, Andrea was also given a beautiful pink scarf, a pair of black shoes, some makeup, nail polish and a watch!
Andrea advised her consultant that on a scale of 1 -10 she gave the service and clothes from Dress for Success a 10/10! Andrea said that she was very comfortable in the clothes and happy because she was able to mix and match and get up to 5 different outfits.
Dress for Success is a fabulous service that helps many people get 'work ready'. If you have any clothes you could donate to this great cause, please contact Helena on (02) 9407 7600 and she will organise a drop off point or pick up.
Break Thru Woodridge - Quest Business Achievers Award Logan City - Finalist
Break Thru People Solutions Woodridge was recently named as a finalist in the Quest Business Achievers Award for Logan City.
The awards night was held last Friday 23/7/2010.
The Quest Business Achievers Awards was established in 1994 and allows local communities the opportunity to recognise and reward their favourite local businesses.
The Business Achiever Awards represent the benchmark of success for small business within the greater Brisbane area, showcasing the talents and success of the entrepreneurs who have helped build and shape our Communities. These businesses help to make our region the vibrant place it is to live, work and shop.
Unfortunately Woodridge Break Thru was pipped at the post by Logan City Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association, but everyone still had a great night and the recognition of being nominated was fantastic.
Congratulations to the staff at Break Thru Woodridge for all of their hard work in becoming a finalist and valued member of the Logan Community.
Break Thru People Solutions Woodridge was recently named as a finalist in the Quest Business Achievers Award for Logan City.
The awards night was held last Friday 23/7/2010.
The Quest Business Achievers Awards was established in 1994 and allows local communities the opportunity to recognise and reward their favourite local businesses.
The Business Achiever Awards represent the benchmark of success for small business within the greater Brisbane area, showcasing the talents and success of the entrepreneurs who have helped build and shape our Communities. These businesses help to make our region the vibrant place it is to live, work and shop.
Unfortunately Woodridge Break Thru was pipped at the post by Logan City Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association, but everyone still had a great night and the recognition of being nominated was fantastic.
Congratulations to the staff at Break Thru Woodridge for all of their hard work in becoming a finalist and valued member of the Logan Community.
Meet Your Neighbour Forum - Break Thru Parramatta
On Thursday 8th July, Break Thru Parramatta hosted it’s first Meet Your Neighbour Forum, run by the Mental Health Co-ordinating Council.
The event had over 30 attendees from local networks including Apprenticeship Centres, JCA’s, Mental Health contacts, Centrelink sites, and many other Disability Networks. The forum provided opportunity for those attending to swap information and experiences that may be relevant to other organisations in our industry field.
As a result, Break Thru were able to provide exposure to ‘Care for Families’ and we have all been invited to participate in Mental Health Awareness week in the local government area.
Parramatta staff continue to build rapport with networks that were established at the ‘Meet Your Neighbour’ forum.
On Thursday 8th July, Break Thru Parramatta hosted it’s first Meet Your Neighbour Forum, run by the Mental Health Co-ordinating Council.
The event had over 30 attendees from local networks including Apprenticeship Centres, JCA’s, Mental Health contacts, Centrelink sites, and many other Disability Networks. The forum provided opportunity for those attending to swap information and experiences that may be relevant to other organisations in our industry field.
As a result, Break Thru were able to provide exposure to ‘Care for Families’ and we have all been invited to participate in Mental Health Awareness week in the local government area.
Parramatta staff continue to build rapport with networks that were established at the ‘Meet Your Neighbour’ forum.
Break Thru @ The Centrelink Jobs Expo, Rosehill - July 2010
The Centrelink Jobs Expo, held at Rosehill Gardens Event Centre on Friday 2nd July, proved to be a great success for Break Thru.
DES Staff from Parramatta’s site held a stall at the Expo,Kevin and Shady from EET team also attended.
Thousands of visitors come through it’s doors, achieving fantastic exposure for Break Thru. Proudly donning their corporate uniforms and blue ribbons, the team gained approximately 600 enquiries for Direct Registrations which are currently being worked through to service potential jobseekers or refer to appropriate services. Break Thru staff were also able to network with a large number of local and international organisations, including Commonwealth Bank & RTO’s, to promote our services.
The stall could be seen from every corner of the Centre, with bright blue balloons leading the way for thousands of jobseekers to which received numerous brochures and business cards with intent to make contact within the next few weeks. Break Thru was also requested to give insight into the industry and engage in Media Coverage.
All staff thoroughly enjoyed the day and are eager to participate in future job expos and community events.
The Centrelink Jobs Expo, held at Rosehill Gardens Event Centre on Friday 2nd July, proved to be a great success for Break Thru.
DES Staff from Parramatta’s site held a stall at the Expo,Kevin and Shady from EET team also attended.
Thousands of visitors come through it’s doors, achieving fantastic exposure for Break Thru. Proudly donning their corporate uniforms and blue ribbons, the team gained approximately 600 enquiries for Direct Registrations which are currently being worked through to service potential jobseekers or refer to appropriate services. Break Thru staff were also able to network with a large number of local and international organisations, including Commonwealth Bank & RTO’s, to promote our services.
The stall could be seen from every corner of the Centre, with bright blue balloons leading the way for thousands of jobseekers to which received numerous brochures and business cards with intent to make contact within the next few weeks. Break Thru was also requested to give insight into the industry and engage in Media Coverage.
All staff thoroughly enjoyed the day and are eager to participate in future job expos and community events.
Break Thru NAIDOC Week Celebrations - Preston
On the 9th of July 2010 from 2pm onwards, the Preston Break Thru office celebrated NAIDOC Week by hosting an afternoon tea complete with Aboriginal elders, Aboriginal dancers, didgeridoo performance and Awards Ceremony.
The Preston staff, including Milena Miller, Maruska Batakovic, Cara Alessi, Rianna Artis, Tea Makoni, Erin McClean, Ben Kurec, Warner Blake & Judith Pauwell welcomed Aboriginal elders Reg Blow & Margaret Gardener. Reg is a Community Elder who provided acknowledgement and played didgeridoo at the event, while Margaret, also a Community Elder, provided a Welcome to country . The staff & elders were also joined by the Detour Dance Company who provided an aboriginal contemporary dance piece.
The Detour Dance Company started in 2008, priding itself as producing the freshest Hip Hop, Lyrical and Cultural dance styles, today we will be performing a Indigenous/Contemporary dance piece inspired from Bangarra, choreographed by Lee-Anne Di Stefano & and in consultation with Koori dancers.
The NAIDOC celebrations at Prestnon provided an invaluable opportunity to meet local aboriginal Elders, network with employers, community and service providers. The Break Thru team were extremely proud when their participants were inducted into the Wall of Fame, which also gave them a sense of achievement. The event was a brilliant success and everyone in attendance was able to network and gain a greater understanding of what NAIDOC week is and why it is so important to the Aboriginal community.
The Preston NAIDOC Week celebrations program was as follows;
2pm Reg Blow & Margaret Gardner – Community Elders
Open up the celebrations & service by welcoming everyone to the event and acknowledge special guests/speakers, organizers of the event and staff members of Break Thru, partners and friends and the good work that is being performed by Break Thru. Followed by an acknowledgement of the traditional people of the land, the Wurundjeri of the Kulin nation, elders past and present.
2.20pm Reg Blow
Didgeridoo performance to lay down a spiritual platform to bless the day and this event.
2.30pm Reg Blow
Talk on the meaning and background of NAIDOC Week and what will be happening in the Aboriginal community during the week.
2.40pm Reg Blow
Talk about the benefits of the essential service being provided to the Aboriginal community by Break Thru.
3pm Reg Blow & Maruska Batakovic
Wall of Fame Award Ceremony / Presentations to our Indigenous participants.
3.30pm Detour Dance Company
3.50pm Afternoon Tea
On the 9th of July 2010 from 2pm onwards, the Preston Break Thru office celebrated NAIDOC Week by hosting an afternoon tea complete with Aboriginal elders, Aboriginal dancers, didgeridoo performance and Awards Ceremony.
The Preston staff, including Milena Miller, Maruska Batakovic, Cara Alessi, Rianna Artis, Tea Makoni, Erin McClean, Ben Kurec, Warner Blake & Judith Pauwell welcomed Aboriginal elders Reg Blow & Margaret Gardener. Reg is a Community Elder who provided acknowledgement and played didgeridoo at the event, while Margaret, also a Community Elder, provided a Welcome to country . The staff & elders were also joined by the Detour Dance Company who provided an aboriginal contemporary dance piece.
The Detour Dance Company started in 2008, priding itself as producing the freshest Hip Hop, Lyrical and Cultural dance styles, today we will be performing a Indigenous/Contemporary dance piece inspired from Bangarra, choreographed by Lee-Anne Di Stefano & and in consultation with Koori dancers.
The NAIDOC celebrations at Prestnon provided an invaluable opportunity to meet local aboriginal Elders, network with employers, community and service providers. The Break Thru team were extremely proud when their participants were inducted into the Wall of Fame, which also gave them a sense of achievement. The event was a brilliant success and everyone in attendance was able to network and gain a greater understanding of what NAIDOC week is and why it is so important to the Aboriginal community.
The Preston NAIDOC Week celebrations program was as follows;
2pm Reg Blow & Margaret Gardner – Community Elders
Open up the celebrations & service by welcoming everyone to the event and acknowledge special guests/speakers, organizers of the event and staff members of Break Thru, partners and friends and the good work that is being performed by Break Thru. Followed by an acknowledgement of the traditional people of the land, the Wurundjeri of the Kulin nation, elders past and present.
2.20pm Reg Blow
Didgeridoo performance to lay down a spiritual platform to bless the day and this event.
2.30pm Reg Blow
Talk on the meaning and background of NAIDOC Week and what will be happening in the Aboriginal community during the week.
2.40pm Reg Blow
Talk about the benefits of the essential service being provided to the Aboriginal community by Break Thru.
3pm Reg Blow & Maruska Batakovic
Wall of Fame Award Ceremony / Presentations to our Indigenous participants.
3.30pm Detour Dance Company
3.50pm Afternoon Tea
Break Thru NAIDOC Week Celebrations - Care For Families & Maroubra DES
Care For Families and Sharron Smith from the Maroubra office teamed up to celebrate NAIDOC Week for 2010.
MONDAY
The week started with an invitation to the Eastern Region Reconciliation Awards Ceremony and the La Perouse NAIDOC Week 2010 launch held at Yarra Bay House. Sharron was part of the team that organised the event which was attended by community members, service providers and members of the local Councils, including Randwick, Botany Bay and Sydney.
The wet weather on the day meant that the ceremony was held inside the house which was decorated in red, black and yellow lanterns and native flower arrangements. The ceremony included flag raising to launch the week, dancing from young children in the community as well as the presentation of the Pauline McLeod awards for reconciliation as presented by Randwick Lord Mayor John Procopiadis. La Perouse Community Awards were also awarded on the day and Break Thru People Solutions were honoured to receive an award in recognition of support provided to the community. The award acknowledges the work that Sharron Smith has achieved in La Perouse and the support that for Care For Families has been able to provide. Hoda Kobeissi accepted this award on Break Thru's behalf as Sharron was conveniently arranging the catering for the event at the time.
The ceremony continued with the launch of a new men's area at Yarra Bay House for those who live in the local area. Finally, to conclude the first day of NAIDOC week, Gary Grant unveiled his sculpture with the support of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and their Cultural Heritage Sub-Committee. The sculpture was made of 1000 vials of sand from the original landing place of Captain James Cook. Gary arranged the sand vials in a perspex structure to form the shape of Australia to present as a gift for the start of NAIDOC week. The lids of the vials were red, yellow and black to reflect the Aboriginal flag. People from the La Perouse community were then invited to come and collect vial in a symbolic gesture to reclaim the earth that originally belonged to the Aboriginal people.
Following the formal proceedings of the launch, we were invited to enjoy a light lunch, topped off by a delicious cake made for the occasion by the Care For Families team. It was a great way to start NAIDOC week!
WEDNESDAY
On Wednesday 7th Break Thru joined in the Naidoc celebrations at Guriwal Family Fun day at Bicentennial Park, La Perouse. Family day saw a great attendance from the community despite the miserable conditions for outdoors. It was attended by local families and service providers including Break Thru Care For Families, Housing NSW, The Shack, Randwick City Council, Guriwal Respite and Transport Services, Centrelink and many others. There were dodgem cars, a giant slide and other fun rides to keep the young ones occupied.
THURSDAY
NAIDOC week continued Elders movie day on Thursday where Minister Garrett presented the community with an official Apology to Indigenous Australians with a personalised plaque to the La Perouse Community from The Hon Peter Garrett, Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts. Break Thru assisted in hosting a movie day showing Bran Nu Dae and cooking a baked lunch for the local Elders. The day was a great success with Minister Garrett joining our seniors for lunch joking that after being in a touring rock band for 30 years a ‘bakie’ at La Pa was the best he’s ever had.
http://ping.fm/eqHfw
SATURDAY
To conclude NAIDOC Week celebrations, Sharron Smith from Break Thru Maroubra and Care For Families attended the Walla Mulla Family fun day at Woolloomooloo on Saturday 10th. A traditional welcome and smoking ceremony started the festivities for the day. Performances were held throughout the day, including traditional dances from community members of all ages, indigenous painting and musical performances. Local service providers held information stalls including Break Thru DES and Care For Families, NSW Police, Housing NSW and City of Sydney Council. Break Thru helped to support the day by assisting to host the Elders Tent.
Care For Families and Sharron Smith from the Maroubra office teamed up to celebrate NAIDOC Week for 2010.
MONDAY
The week started with an invitation to the Eastern Region Reconciliation Awards Ceremony and the La Perouse NAIDOC Week 2010 launch held at Yarra Bay House. Sharron was part of the team that organised the event which was attended by community members, service providers and members of the local Councils, including Randwick, Botany Bay and Sydney.
The wet weather on the day meant that the ceremony was held inside the house which was decorated in red, black and yellow lanterns and native flower arrangements. The ceremony included flag raising to launch the week, dancing from young children in the community as well as the presentation of the Pauline McLeod awards for reconciliation as presented by Randwick Lord Mayor John Procopiadis. La Perouse Community Awards were also awarded on the day and Break Thru People Solutions were honoured to receive an award in recognition of support provided to the community. The award acknowledges the work that Sharron Smith has achieved in La Perouse and the support that for Care For Families has been able to provide. Hoda Kobeissi accepted this award on Break Thru's behalf as Sharron was conveniently arranging the catering for the event at the time.
The ceremony continued with the launch of a new men's area at Yarra Bay House for those who live in the local area. Finally, to conclude the first day of NAIDOC week, Gary Grant unveiled his sculpture with the support of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and their Cultural Heritage Sub-Committee. The sculpture was made of 1000 vials of sand from the original landing place of Captain James Cook. Gary arranged the sand vials in a perspex structure to form the shape of Australia to present as a gift for the start of NAIDOC week. The lids of the vials were red, yellow and black to reflect the Aboriginal flag. People from the La Perouse community were then invited to come and collect vial in a symbolic gesture to reclaim the earth that originally belonged to the Aboriginal people.
Following the formal proceedings of the launch, we were invited to enjoy a light lunch, topped off by a delicious cake made for the occasion by the Care For Families team. It was a great way to start NAIDOC week!
WEDNESDAY
On Wednesday 7th Break Thru joined in the Naidoc celebrations at Guriwal Family Fun day at Bicentennial Park, La Perouse. Family day saw a great attendance from the community despite the miserable conditions for outdoors. It was attended by local families and service providers including Break Thru Care For Families, Housing NSW, The Shack, Randwick City Council, Guriwal Respite and Transport Services, Centrelink and many others. There were dodgem cars, a giant slide and other fun rides to keep the young ones occupied.
THURSDAY
NAIDOC week continued Elders movie day on Thursday where Minister Garrett presented the community with an official Apology to Indigenous Australians with a personalised plaque to the La Perouse Community from The Hon Peter Garrett, Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts. Break Thru assisted in hosting a movie day showing Bran Nu Dae and cooking a baked lunch for the local Elders. The day was a great success with Minister Garrett joining our seniors for lunch joking that after being in a touring rock band for 30 years a ‘bakie’ at La Pa was the best he’s ever had.
http://ping.fm/eqHfw
SATURDAY
To conclude NAIDOC Week celebrations, Sharron Smith from Break Thru Maroubra and Care For Families attended the Walla Mulla Family fun day at Woolloomooloo on Saturday 10th. A traditional welcome and smoking ceremony started the festivities for the day. Performances were held throughout the day, including traditional dances from community members of all ages, indigenous painting and musical performances. Local service providers held information stalls including Break Thru DES and Care For Families, NSW Police, Housing NSW and City of Sydney Council. Break Thru helped to support the day by assisting to host the Elders Tent.
Break Thru NAIDOC Week Celebrations – Parramatta
As part of their celebration of NAIDOC Week 2010, Break Thru Parramatta displayed Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories, which are an integral and inspriational part of the culture that explains the origins of the people.
The Parramatta team chose various stories from Water, Sky, Land and People.
During the Dreaming, ancestral spirits came to earth and created the landforms, the animals and plants.
The stories tell how the ancestral spirits moved through the land creating rivers, lakes and mountains.
"The Dreaming means our identity as people. The cultural teaching and everything, that's part of our lives here, you know?… it's the understanding of what we have around us." - Merv Penrith Elder, Wallaga Lake, 1996
As part of their celebration of NAIDOC Week 2010, Break Thru Parramatta displayed Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories, which are an integral and inspriational part of the culture that explains the origins of the people.
The Parramatta team chose various stories from Water, Sky, Land and People.
During the Dreaming, ancestral spirits came to earth and created the landforms, the animals and plants.
The stories tell how the ancestral spirits moved through the land creating rivers, lakes and mountains.
"The Dreaming means our identity as people. The cultural teaching and everything, that's part of our lives here, you know?… it's the understanding of what we have around us." - Merv Penrith Elder, Wallaga Lake, 1996
Break Thru NAIDOC Week Celebrations – Penrith
On Friday 9th July, two Penrith DES team members joined the great list of BTPS staff that participated in the NAIDOC week celebrations. In Penrith, NAIDOC week was celebrated by the community putting on a 10.00am -3.00pm Family Fun Day and Expo.
The BTPS stall proudly advertised Penrith’s three great services - TTW, JSA and DES - as well as mentioning the links to BTPS RTO, CS and Care for Families program. Not surprisingly, the BTPS water bottles were more of a hit than the brochures advertising the different BTPS programs.
The 2010 National NAIDOC theme was 'Unsung Heroes - Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way'. The theme asserts Indigenous ownership of 'closing the gap'. The “closing the gap†theme is similar to Break Thru’s “breaking thru barriersâ€. So there were lots of positive conversations around breaking thru discrimination, breaking thru assumptions, breaking thru stereotypes and closing the gaps to employment especially from an indigenous perspective.
Ian Maynard, Penrith DES Manager was interviewed live on Koori radio and amongst highlighting BTPS holistic approach to employment, Break Thru’s local JSA indigenous contract also got a mention.
A highlight of the day was the ease in which networking took place, It was wonderful for BTPS to connect with other services and hear the success stories of their contribution to the social needs of the Penrith valley community.
On Friday 9th July, two Penrith DES team members joined the great list of BTPS staff that participated in the NAIDOC week celebrations. In Penrith, NAIDOC week was celebrated by the community putting on a 10.00am -3.00pm Family Fun Day and Expo.
The BTPS stall proudly advertised Penrith’s three great services - TTW, JSA and DES - as well as mentioning the links to BTPS RTO, CS and Care for Families program. Not surprisingly, the BTPS water bottles were more of a hit than the brochures advertising the different BTPS programs.
The 2010 National NAIDOC theme was 'Unsung Heroes - Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way'. The theme asserts Indigenous ownership of 'closing the gap'. The “closing the gap†theme is similar to Break Thru’s “breaking thru barriersâ€. So there were lots of positive conversations around breaking thru discrimination, breaking thru assumptions, breaking thru stereotypes and closing the gaps to employment especially from an indigenous perspective.
Ian Maynard, Penrith DES Manager was interviewed live on Koori radio and amongst highlighting BTPS holistic approach to employment, Break Thru’s local JSA indigenous contract also got a mention.
A highlight of the day was the ease in which networking took place, It was wonderful for BTPS to connect with other services and hear the success stories of their contribution to the social needs of the Penrith valley community.
Break Thru NAIDOC Week Celebrations – Dubbo
TTW/CP Dubbo NAIDOC Day - Celebration, Community & Cultural Awareness
On Wednesday, the 7th of July 2010 Break Thru Dubbo held their third annual NAIDOC Day, and, in our opinion was the best celebration so far! The day was well supported by Break Thru staff, local Aboriginal Elders and community alike.
The day began the day with two visitors from the Department Of Environment and Climate Change, Country Cultural & Heritage Division. These men gave an informative talk on Sacred Sights and Sacred Caves with Aboriginal Stories engraved on them. Our service users thoroughly enjoyed the talks, warming immediately to the visitors.
One of the Break Thru client’s parents, who is a talented Aboriginal artist in his own right, took the day off work to do a large painting of the client’s hands in Aboriginal colours. The painting turned out to be spectacular and will now be displayed prominently in the Break Thru building.
These activities were followed by a welcome by an Aboriginal elder and a speech about the meaning of NAIDOC Week and respect for the Aboriginal culture, as well as the protocols used when with elders. The elders would like to contribute to our programs in further ways, so it was a great way to meet and share information that will forge future collaborations.
The day also featured a special lunch, which consisted of an Aboriginal-style damper with treacle and honey, native bush stew with bush spices, barbeque rissoles, lemon myrtle cordial and billy tea. Seventy people joined in the feast and some great networking took place between clients, their parents, guests and staff.
Afternoon tea was also served with traditional Australian macadamia nut cookies and more billy tea.
The afternoon saw everyone enjoy some great fun Aboriginal art activities that were run by two Aboriginal aunties. They supervised the clients with boomerang & didgeridoo painting, garnering some very impressive results.
The celebrations were an extension of positive relationships within our community across all cultures. The energy and overall participation brought a great sense of community.
Everyone was disappointed to see the day end, but it was a fantastic success and we definitely look forward to the next NAIDOC Day!
TTW/CP Dubbo NAIDOC Day - Celebration, Community & Cultural Awareness
On Wednesday, the 7th of July 2010 Break Thru Dubbo held their third annual NAIDOC Day, and, in our opinion was the best celebration so far! The day was well supported by Break Thru staff, local Aboriginal Elders and community alike.
The day began the day with two visitors from the Department Of Environment and Climate Change, Country Cultural & Heritage Division. These men gave an informative talk on Sacred Sights and Sacred Caves with Aboriginal Stories engraved on them. Our service users thoroughly enjoyed the talks, warming immediately to the visitors.
One of the Break Thru client’s parents, who is a talented Aboriginal artist in his own right, took the day off work to do a large painting of the client’s hands in Aboriginal colours. The painting turned out to be spectacular and will now be displayed prominently in the Break Thru building.
These activities were followed by a welcome by an Aboriginal elder and a speech about the meaning of NAIDOC Week and respect for the Aboriginal culture, as well as the protocols used when with elders. The elders would like to contribute to our programs in further ways, so it was a great way to meet and share information that will forge future collaborations.
The day also featured a special lunch, which consisted of an Aboriginal-style damper with treacle and honey, native bush stew with bush spices, barbeque rissoles, lemon myrtle cordial and billy tea. Seventy people joined in the feast and some great networking took place between clients, their parents, guests and staff.
Afternoon tea was also served with traditional Australian macadamia nut cookies and more billy tea.
The afternoon saw everyone enjoy some great fun Aboriginal art activities that were run by two Aboriginal aunties. They supervised the clients with boomerang & didgeridoo painting, garnering some very impressive results.
The celebrations were an extension of positive relationships within our community across all cultures. The energy and overall participation brought a great sense of community.
Everyone was disappointed to see the day end, but it was a fantastic success and we definitely look forward to the next NAIDOC Day!
Break Thru NAIDOC Week Celebrations – Woodridge, Beenleigh & Fortitude Valley
Break Thru staff from Woodridge, in conjunction with staff from Break Thru Beenleigh & Break Thru Fortitude Valley, were proud to be a part of Brisbane’s NAIDOC week celebrations this year by attending the Musgrave Park Family Fun Day on Friday 9 July to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The Musgrave Park Family Fun Day provided a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities to support the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
This family fun day, run especially to celebrate NAIDOC week, showcased the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and featured traditional dancing, art and craft displays, live music, indigenous foods, information stalls, films and free kids rides.
Break Thru staff were on hand in the Break Thru stand to promote Break Thru’s services to the community, provide information and share in the NAIDOC celebrations.
It was a long day, but very worthwhile, with a fantastic turn out.
Saini Kale from the Woodridge office was the main organiser, with assistance to ‘man’ the stall from the Beenleigh’s Cherie Hovey & Charmaine Tootell, Fortitude Valley’s Amanda Wall & Hannah Lewin and Woodridge's Kristen Bowie, Nataasha Langshaw, Janine Nicholls, Marama Tait and Katie Braun.
A really great day was had by all.
Break Thru staff from Woodridge, in conjunction with staff from Break Thru Beenleigh & Break Thru Fortitude Valley, were proud to be a part of Brisbane’s NAIDOC week celebrations this year by attending the Musgrave Park Family Fun Day on Friday 9 July to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The Musgrave Park Family Fun Day provided a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities to support the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
This family fun day, run especially to celebrate NAIDOC week, showcased the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and featured traditional dancing, art and craft displays, live music, indigenous foods, information stalls, films and free kids rides.
Break Thru staff were on hand in the Break Thru stand to promote Break Thru’s services to the community, provide information and share in the NAIDOC celebrations.
It was a long day, but very worthwhile, with a fantastic turn out.
Saini Kale from the Woodridge office was the main organiser, with assistance to ‘man’ the stall from the Beenleigh’s Cherie Hovey & Charmaine Tootell, Fortitude Valley’s Amanda Wall & Hannah Lewin and Woodridge's Kristen Bowie, Nataasha Langshaw, Janine Nicholls, Marama Tait and Katie Braun.
A really great day was had by all.
Break Thru NAIDOC Week Celebrations – Townsville
Townsville celebrated it's official NAIDOC event last Friday in the grounds of the Riverway complex next to the city's main waterway, the Ross River. Break Thru's Get Set for Work and Job Services Australia were both represented with a stall amongst many other community-based service providers.
The Wulugurukaba Dancers are one of Townsville's premier Aboriginal dance groups and they put on a resounding performance on the main stage along with other local Indigenous acts.
The highlight for us was the goodwill shown by all who visited us on the day - past clients, current clients, parents of our clients, other network providers, members of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community who wanted to know more about our services - many also asked after our Indigenous staff members, highlighting the important role that Indigenous staff members of Break Thru have in strengthening connections to community.
Townsville celebrated it's official NAIDOC event last Friday in the grounds of the Riverway complex next to the city's main waterway, the Ross River. Break Thru's Get Set for Work and Job Services Australia were both represented with a stall amongst many other community-based service providers.
The Wulugurukaba Dancers are one of Townsville's premier Aboriginal dance groups and they put on a resounding performance on the main stage along with other local Indigenous acts.
The highlight for us was the goodwill shown by all who visited us on the day - past clients, current clients, parents of our clients, other network providers, members of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community who wanted to know more about our services - many also asked after our Indigenous staff members, highlighting the important role that Indigenous staff members of Break Thru have in strengthening connections to community.
Break Thru NAIDOC Week Celebrations - Maitland
We had great pleasure in seeing firsthand on Saturday night just how a little bit of faith, belief and encouragement can really make a change in another person’s life.
Saturday night was the launch of WUPA @ Wanaruah, an Aboriginal Art Exhibition organised by Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation. This black tie event was held in the Barrel Room at Tempus Two Winery, Pokolbin. Ungooroo, in conjunction with major sponsors Hunter Valley Gardens and Coal & Allied, invited local Aboriginal artists to take part in this Aboriginal Art Exhibition.
So when the opportunity presented itself for one of our job seekers to take part, it was too good to pass up. Maitland BTPS staff pooled their resources and together with some support from BTPS, we sponsored Donna Brown, to allow her the chance to illustrate her work.
Donna Brown is 36 years of age and was born in Penrith- Nepean Hospital, NSW, and takes great pride in her family totems the great white shark (Biripi) and the koala (Gnarabul).
While Donna has always enjoyed painting it was only after losing custody of her children 3 years ago that she really started to emerge herself in her work. She discovered she enjoyed working with all kinds of different texture and would use toothpicks and a pallet knifes to paint her images.
As we walked into Tempus Two on Saturday night, it was with great pride for what Donna has been able to achieve, as her consultant Letisha Malloy turned to see she had tears in her eyes. When asked if it was tears of pride all she could do was nod as words had escaped her.
To see her art work displayed among other talented artists was somewhat overwhelming and filled her with amazing self belief, something she had not had for a very long time.
We know that this opportunity would not have been possible if it was not for the wonderful relationships formed with Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation, Aboriginal Enterprise Development Office, New Careers for Aboriginal People, Break Thru People Solutions and the incredible support she received from her consultant, Letisha.
Donna would like to thank everyone who has helped her along the way, but most of all thank you to Break Thru People Solutions and the staff at Maitland office. “Without the encouragement, support and faith in me I would never have dreamt I could do this, but they made me believe in myself because they believed in me tooâ€.
The WUPA @ Wanaruah Aboriginal Art Exhibition is from Thursday the 1st of July to Sunday the 31st of July 2010 at Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin. There are also great activities for the kids over the school holidays including art classes.
Check out the websites for more details www.ungooroo.org.au and www.hvg.com.au/events
We had great pleasure in seeing firsthand on Saturday night just how a little bit of faith, belief and encouragement can really make a change in another person’s life.
Saturday night was the launch of WUPA @ Wanaruah, an Aboriginal Art Exhibition organised by Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation. This black tie event was held in the Barrel Room at Tempus Two Winery, Pokolbin. Ungooroo, in conjunction with major sponsors Hunter Valley Gardens and Coal & Allied, invited local Aboriginal artists to take part in this Aboriginal Art Exhibition.
So when the opportunity presented itself for one of our job seekers to take part, it was too good to pass up. Maitland BTPS staff pooled their resources and together with some support from BTPS, we sponsored Donna Brown, to allow her the chance to illustrate her work.
Donna Brown is 36 years of age and was born in Penrith- Nepean Hospital, NSW, and takes great pride in her family totems the great white shark (Biripi) and the koala (Gnarabul).
While Donna has always enjoyed painting it was only after losing custody of her children 3 years ago that she really started to emerge herself in her work. She discovered she enjoyed working with all kinds of different texture and would use toothpicks and a pallet knifes to paint her images.
As we walked into Tempus Two on Saturday night, it was with great pride for what Donna has been able to achieve, as her consultant Letisha Malloy turned to see she had tears in her eyes. When asked if it was tears of pride all she could do was nod as words had escaped her.
To see her art work displayed among other talented artists was somewhat overwhelming and filled her with amazing self belief, something she had not had for a very long time.
We know that this opportunity would not have been possible if it was not for the wonderful relationships formed with Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation, Aboriginal Enterprise Development Office, New Careers for Aboriginal People, Break Thru People Solutions and the incredible support she received from her consultant, Letisha.
Donna would like to thank everyone who has helped her along the way, but most of all thank you to Break Thru People Solutions and the staff at Maitland office. “Without the encouragement, support and faith in me I would never have dreamt I could do this, but they made me believe in myself because they believed in me tooâ€.
The WUPA @ Wanaruah Aboriginal Art Exhibition is from Thursday the 1st of July to Sunday the 31st of July 2010 at Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin. There are also great activities for the kids over the school holidays including art classes.
Check out the websites for more details www.ungooroo.org.au and www.hvg.com.au/events
Break Thru NAIDOC Week Celebrations - Blacktown
Break Thru People Solutions Blacktown office hosted a very special event on Thursday, the 8th July to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
The event included a very entertaining performance by the talented Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Group and was then followed by a delicious Morning Tea in the TTW Office.
The Koomurri performance featured several traditional dances, celebrating the culture and lifestyle of traditional Australian Aboriginals. Tenants of the site at 125 Main St were also treated to some fantastic music and some very clever animal calls on the didgeridoo. During one of the last dances, one of the Koomurri performers called for volunteers from the crowd and the group were joined by volunteers from Break Thru - Bill Sayers, Martin Petersons and Debbie Faunce. They all did a great job and it was thoroughly entertaining to watch them all imitate emu’s, kangaroos and hunting moves and translate them into a dance.
The event was also an opportunity to raise money for a deserving local indigenous charity – the Men’s Shed in Doonside. Invitees were encouraged to dress in mufti clothes and offer a gold coin donation to be passed on to the charity to assist them to continue their fantastic work.
Overall, the event was a great success and was well attended. Everyone watching was thoroughly engaged and impressed with the Koomurri performance and it was a great chance for everyone to get together in the spirit of peace and to celebrate NAIDOC Week – which is fitting, as the Koomurri explained their name means “coming togetherâ€.
A very big Thank You to the Koomurri performers for their brilliant show and thank you also to all involved in organising such a brilliant do - including Kathy, Di & Bradlee. Thank you also to Bill & Danielle for their words.
Happy NAIDOC Week!
Daniella
Marketing Projects Coordinator
Break Thru People Solutions
If you would like more information on the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Group, go to; www.koomurri.com
Break Thru People Solutions Blacktown office hosted a very special event on Thursday, the 8th July to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
The event included a very entertaining performance by the talented Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Group and was then followed by a delicious Morning Tea in the TTW Office.
The Koomurri performance featured several traditional dances, celebrating the culture and lifestyle of traditional Australian Aboriginals. Tenants of the site at 125 Main St were also treated to some fantastic music and some very clever animal calls on the didgeridoo. During one of the last dances, one of the Koomurri performers called for volunteers from the crowd and the group were joined by volunteers from Break Thru - Bill Sayers, Martin Petersons and Debbie Faunce. They all did a great job and it was thoroughly entertaining to watch them all imitate emu’s, kangaroos and hunting moves and translate them into a dance.
The event was also an opportunity to raise money for a deserving local indigenous charity – the Men’s Shed in Doonside. Invitees were encouraged to dress in mufti clothes and offer a gold coin donation to be passed on to the charity to assist them to continue their fantastic work.
Overall, the event was a great success and was well attended. Everyone watching was thoroughly engaged and impressed with the Koomurri performance and it was a great chance for everyone to get together in the spirit of peace and to celebrate NAIDOC Week – which is fitting, as the Koomurri explained their name means “coming togetherâ€.
A very big Thank You to the Koomurri performers for their brilliant show and thank you also to all involved in organising such a brilliant do - including Kathy, Di & Bradlee. Thank you also to Bill & Danielle for their words.
Happy NAIDOC Week!
Daniella
Marketing Projects Coordinator
Break Thru People Solutions
If you would like more information on the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Group, go to; www.koomurri.com
Break Thru NAIDOC Week Celebrations - Liverpool
NAIDOC Week celebrations began for the Liverpool Break Thru People Solutions team by attending the NAIDOC Ball, where Kevin, Vicky, Ponnamma, Anngret, Gail and I met Jack Johnson and many other like minded people. All of whom spoke of a journey from days past to a wonderful presence.
We were enchanted by the traditional and contemporary dancers and continued to be influenced with the incredible skills of the didgeridoo musician and contemporary music by the Donavan family.
With all your help we were able to have a fantastic day at Campbelltown, connecting the March and the fun day with AES ensuring our Liverpool relationships grow and develop in the Campbelltown District. Whilst Rita, and Rhidima worked on the Store and Grace videoed the event Vicky and I learnt how to make friendship bracelets and participated in some hand painting.
Lastly we have been able to complete our NAIDOC Celebrations with Jack Johnson’s Welcome to Country - his story of a journey from the 1800’s through his troubled youth, growth and personal experiences in leading and developing a not for profit company into positive business followed by Uncle Steve Williams conducting the Smoking Ceremony and cleansing our building - providing positive energy to all.
These events are successfully because of all of you, our Staff, our Clients and our Upper Management - including poor Ross who wasn’t well enough to attend. Noel from the Board of Directors who was kind enough to jump in and lend a hand Martin and Peta who participated and Danielle who I asked to close the event.
Thank you to you all for ensuring that our clients, employers, tenants, and community providers were all involved, and thank you to each of you for supporting this important event.
Lastly thank to each of you who helped on the day and on the days prior in the organizing and behind the scene preparation.
Kay
Liverpool Business Manager
Break Thru People Solutions
NAIDOC Week celebrations began for the Liverpool Break Thru People Solutions team by attending the NAIDOC Ball, where Kevin, Vicky, Ponnamma, Anngret, Gail and I met Jack Johnson and many other like minded people. All of whom spoke of a journey from days past to a wonderful presence.
We were enchanted by the traditional and contemporary dancers and continued to be influenced with the incredible skills of the didgeridoo musician and contemporary music by the Donavan family.
With all your help we were able to have a fantastic day at Campbelltown, connecting the March and the fun day with AES ensuring our Liverpool relationships grow and develop in the Campbelltown District. Whilst Rita, and Rhidima worked on the Store and Grace videoed the event Vicky and I learnt how to make friendship bracelets and participated in some hand painting.
Lastly we have been able to complete our NAIDOC Celebrations with Jack Johnson’s Welcome to Country - his story of a journey from the 1800’s through his troubled youth, growth and personal experiences in leading and developing a not for profit company into positive business followed by Uncle Steve Williams conducting the Smoking Ceremony and cleansing our building - providing positive energy to all.
These events are successfully because of all of you, our Staff, our Clients and our Upper Management - including poor Ross who wasn’t well enough to attend. Noel from the Board of Directors who was kind enough to jump in and lend a hand Martin and Peta who participated and Danielle who I asked to close the event.
Thank you to you all for ensuring that our clients, employers, tenants, and community providers were all involved, and thank you to each of you for supporting this important event.
Lastly thank to each of you who helped on the day and on the days prior in the organizing and behind the scene preparation.
Kay
Liverpool Business Manager
Break Thru People Solutions
Break Thru Coonabarabran - Official Opening
A cool Coonabarabran morning saw a hive of activity as last minute preparations took place for the official opening - one of the main events on the Coonabarabran social calendar for this month. Our manager was frantically cleaning - while dressed in her finest - just minutes before guests arrived for event. Merilyn Ward (Regional Manager) and Paul Bolton (BTPS Board Member) arrived and were both wondering where Ross Lewis (Managing Director of Break Thru) and the executive management team had ended up. The rumour was that Graham Thornton (Employer Engagement Manager) had hijacked them and taken via Coonamble to look at some art work he commissioned for the Coonabarabran office.
A large crowd gathered as a ribbon was strung up across the entrance. This crowd included our local Aboriginal elder Bill Robinson, representatives from the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC), TAFE Coonabarabran Campus, Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Peter Shinton and General Manager Bob Geraghty, BTPS service users and their families, local employers and business owners and many others. Malcolm Vass, our longest serving client and Noel Hiffernan (BTPS Board Member) cut through the ribbon and invited everybody in for a cup of tea.
After a good helping of light refreshments, Ross lead the BTPS team to victory on the new soccer pitch. As the celebrations wound up, the crowd started to leave in an orderly fashion. Strangely, it was Ross and the executive management team who couldn't be found and Merilyn was once again left wondering where they had got to.
A cool Coonabarabran morning saw a hive of activity as last minute preparations took place for the official opening - one of the main events on the Coonabarabran social calendar for this month. Our manager was frantically cleaning - while dressed in her finest - just minutes before guests arrived for event. Merilyn Ward (Regional Manager) and Paul Bolton (BTPS Board Member) arrived and were both wondering where Ross Lewis (Managing Director of Break Thru) and the executive management team had ended up. The rumour was that Graham Thornton (Employer Engagement Manager) had hijacked them and taken via Coonamble to look at some art work he commissioned for the Coonabarabran office.
A large crowd gathered as a ribbon was strung up across the entrance. This crowd included our local Aboriginal elder Bill Robinson, representatives from the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC), TAFE Coonabarabran Campus, Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Peter Shinton and General Manager Bob Geraghty, BTPS service users and their families, local employers and business owners and many others. Malcolm Vass, our longest serving client and Noel Hiffernan (BTPS Board Member) cut through the ribbon and invited everybody in for a cup of tea.
After a good helping of light refreshments, Ross lead the BTPS team to victory on the new soccer pitch. As the celebrations wound up, the crowd started to leave in an orderly fashion. Strangely, it was Ross and the executive management team who couldn't be found and Merilyn was once again left wondering where they had got to.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
'Greening Dairy Farmers' - Green Corps Participants Sow Seeds of Success in Townsville
Wednesday 28 April was a big day for Break Thru People Solutions, a Job Services Australia provider in Townsville, when six job seekers graduated from their Green Corps activity, called 'Greening Dairy Farmers'.
The activity, located at Dairy Farmers Stadium, is the home of the North Queensland Cowboys rugby
league team. All participants in the activity were Indigenous Australians.
The activity began on 27 October 2009 with five participants. The number gradually grew until 16 jobseekers commenced. The activity's objectives were to install an irrigation system, sow grass, plant trees and build rockeries in an area adjoining the main gate of the stadium. All of this was achieved and the community will now appreciate a much improved stadium entrance area.
Senator Jan McLucas attended the graduation and spoke of the wonderful work the job seekers had done in improving the accessibility and appearance of the area leading into Dairy Farmers Stadium. She expressed her gratitude to Break Thru People Solutions for the work carried out and their commitment to Closing the Gap by encouraging Indigenous job seekers to take part in this environmental activity and supporting them in obtaining employment.
Senator McLucas spoke to the graduating job seekers, thanking them for a job well done and encouraging them to pursue their chosen goals. She stressed the importance of working together and making a difference to the environment and themselves.
Mr Todd Harris, venue manager for Dairy Farmers Stadium, also congratulated Break Thru People Solutions and all participants on an excellent result in an area which was previously weeds, snakes and rubble. Mr Harris also expressed the heartfelt gratitude ofthe stadium management on the great effort and results achieved by the Green Corps team.
Through their participation in Greening Dairy Farmers, two participants have been offered traineeships and casual positions as grounds staff with Dairy Farmers Stadium-an excellent employment outcome! Another participant is currently working as a casual labourer while completing his Certificate II in Horticulture. Nine ofthe other participants are currently undertaking training courses in areas including horticulture, hospitality, and the automotive industry.
The activity, located at Dairy Farmers Stadium, is the home of the North Queensland Cowboys rugby
league team. All participants in the activity were Indigenous Australians.
The activity began on 27 October 2009 with five participants. The number gradually grew until 16 jobseekers commenced. The activity's objectives were to install an irrigation system, sow grass, plant trees and build rockeries in an area adjoining the main gate of the stadium. All of this was achieved and the community will now appreciate a much improved stadium entrance area.
Senator Jan McLucas attended the graduation and spoke of the wonderful work the job seekers had done in improving the accessibility and appearance of the area leading into Dairy Farmers Stadium. She expressed her gratitude to Break Thru People Solutions for the work carried out and their commitment to Closing the Gap by encouraging Indigenous job seekers to take part in this environmental activity and supporting them in obtaining employment.
Senator McLucas spoke to the graduating job seekers, thanking them for a job well done and encouraging them to pursue their chosen goals. She stressed the importance of working together and making a difference to the environment and themselves.
Mr Todd Harris, venue manager for Dairy Farmers Stadium, also congratulated Break Thru People Solutions and all participants on an excellent result in an area which was previously weeds, snakes and rubble. Mr Harris also expressed the heartfelt gratitude ofthe stadium management on the great effort and results achieved by the Green Corps team.
Through their participation in Greening Dairy Farmers, two participants have been offered traineeships and casual positions as grounds staff with Dairy Farmers Stadium-an excellent employment outcome! Another participant is currently working as a casual labourer while completing his Certificate II in Horticulture. Nine ofthe other participants are currently undertaking training courses in areas including horticulture, hospitality, and the automotive industry.
Bankstown and Parramatta attend The Auburn Career Pathways Expo
The Career Pathways Expo was an event held at Auburn Town Hall on the 18th May, 2010 and was supported by the Auburn Employment Working Group – a sector of the ‘Partners in Employment for Refugees (PIER) Network’.
Break Thru People Solutions operated a stall at the expo through the assistance of Parramatta and Bankstown DES staff. Overall the Career Pathway Expo at Auburn was a very successful event for Break Thru, despite the ominous rain that continued to fall throughout the day.
Helena Xabregas, Jamie Duggan, and Lisa Hinwood from Break Thru’s Parramatta Office, and Sousan Hajeid, Andrew Tran, Harish Patel and Tamara Steel from Break Thru’s Bankstown Office attended this event, and worked in a close partnership to provide support and information about Break Thru’s services in an attempt to connect employment and training opportunities to jobseekers and school leavers.
Both offices took half a day each in our Exhibitor Stall, and advised attendees of the holistic services DES and JSA provide, and considered all programs available - not limiting the options to only DES.
Throughout the day, Break Thru were able to obtain 45 potential direct registrations, which are still being contacted and assisted. Many attendees, both jobseekers and social workers, also expressed interest in the organization and asked for business cards to call at a later date. Break Thru Staff also networked with many training organisations and collected information on plenty of Vocational activities suitable for our jobseekers.
The Exhibition was also a great opportunity to build on and develop new community networks and resources and develop rapport with potential employers, through the number of other stalls that were at the exhibition as well.
A great day was spent advocating for people with disabilities, spreading awareness of all the different programs BTPS offer and networking with a large amount of community organisations.
Break Thru People Solutions operated a stall at the expo through the assistance of Parramatta and Bankstown DES staff. Overall the Career Pathway Expo at Auburn was a very successful event for Break Thru, despite the ominous rain that continued to fall throughout the day.
Helena Xabregas, Jamie Duggan, and Lisa Hinwood from Break Thru’s Parramatta Office, and Sousan Hajeid, Andrew Tran, Harish Patel and Tamara Steel from Break Thru’s Bankstown Office attended this event, and worked in a close partnership to provide support and information about Break Thru’s services in an attempt to connect employment and training opportunities to jobseekers and school leavers.
Both offices took half a day each in our Exhibitor Stall, and advised attendees of the holistic services DES and JSA provide, and considered all programs available - not limiting the options to only DES.
Throughout the day, Break Thru were able to obtain 45 potential direct registrations, which are still being contacted and assisted. Many attendees, both jobseekers and social workers, also expressed interest in the organization and asked for business cards to call at a later date. Break Thru Staff also networked with many training organisations and collected information on plenty of Vocational activities suitable for our jobseekers.
The Exhibition was also a great opportunity to build on and develop new community networks and resources and develop rapport with potential employers, through the number of other stalls that were at the exhibition as well.
A great day was spent advocating for people with disabilities, spreading awareness of all the different programs BTPS offer and networking with a large amount of community organisations.
BTPS Western Region @ Warrumbungles Holiday Camp
On the 26th and the 27th of May 2010, clients and staff from the Dubbo and Coonabarabran Break Thru People Solutions offices travelled to the historical Warrumbungles Holiday Camp for a two day/one night adventure.
Clients from a range of programs - including Transition to Work, Community Participation and Life Choices - got to explore the wonders of the Warrumbungles National Park and get involved in a range of activities to develop teamwork, creativity and provide a great social outing.
Our first session was a drama class with participants exploring various means of expression, word play and interaction. The next activity was a team building challenge course: 3 teams of five worked through various challenges including The Human Knot, Balance Buddies, Line-Up, Minefield and Circle Work. Following afternoon tea everybody got a chance to create rock paintings lead by a local aboriginal elder. A roast dinner and dessert was eagerly received, and then there was a choice of watching the first State of Origin match or grooving to the tunes of DJ Wil.
The second day we split in to two groups for a bushwalk in the spectacular Warrumbungles National Park before meeting up for delicious BBQ lunch before heading home.
Thanks to all staff and clients who made it possible and we are all looking forward to doing it all again soon!
James Lawson
Break Thru People Solutions Coonabarabran
Clients from a range of programs - including Transition to Work, Community Participation and Life Choices - got to explore the wonders of the Warrumbungles National Park and get involved in a range of activities to develop teamwork, creativity and provide a great social outing.
Our first session was a drama class with participants exploring various means of expression, word play and interaction. The next activity was a team building challenge course: 3 teams of five worked through various challenges including The Human Knot, Balance Buddies, Line-Up, Minefield and Circle Work. Following afternoon tea everybody got a chance to create rock paintings lead by a local aboriginal elder. A roast dinner and dessert was eagerly received, and then there was a choice of watching the first State of Origin match or grooving to the tunes of DJ Wil.
The second day we split in to two groups for a bushwalk in the spectacular Warrumbungles National Park before meeting up for delicious BBQ lunch before heading home.
Thanks to all staff and clients who made it possible and we are all looking forward to doing it all again soon!
James Lawson
Break Thru People Solutions Coonabarabran
Break Thru People Solutions - Join The Team and become a Social Revolutionary
Interested in a rewarding career with Break Thru? Want to become a Social Revolutionary?
We offer fantastic conditions, including;
> Performance Bonuses
> 6 weeks paid maternity / paternity leave
> Access to pro rata LSL after 7 years
> $1,000 Learning & Development per year
> The chance to be a diversity champion in your local community
View the Break Thru Employee Handbook for detailed information on the advantages of being a BTPS employee.
http://issuu.com/breakthru/docs/break_thru_employee_booklet?viewMode=presentation
Contact us for more information -
T: (02) 8884 3000 (Head Office)
E: recruitment@breakthru.org.au
W: http://www.breakthru.org.au/
We offer fantastic conditions, including;
> Performance Bonuses
> 6 weeks paid maternity / paternity leave
> Access to pro rata LSL after 7 years
> $1,000 Learning & Development per year
> The chance to be a diversity champion in your local community
View the Break Thru Employee Handbook for detailed information on the advantages of being a BTPS employee.
http://issuu.com/breakthru/docs/break_thru_employee_booklet?viewMode=presentation
Contact us for more information -
T: (02) 8884 3000 (Head Office)
E: recruitment@breakthru.org.au
W: http://www.breakthru.org.au/
NSW Government keeps Healthy Active program going
Young people with a disability on the Central Coast can continue learning life skills to improve their health with the NSW Government committing funding the Healthy Active Australia program for two years.
Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch and Member for Wyong David Harris visited Break Thru People Solutions today to present a cheque for $5000.
The Healthy Active Australia program provides young people with mild to moderate disabilities training and life skills. The program faced an uncertain future and Break Thru People Solutions contacted Mr Harris in a bid to secure funding.
Mr Lynch said Mr Harris had made a strong case, arguing the program was making a difference to people with a disability on the Central Coast.
Mr Harris said he had visited Break Thru People Solutions and was impressed with the ability of the program to build the independence and health of the participants. “They learn vital skills like safe food handling, healthy eating, exercise, food groups, planning, preparing and cooking a meal as well as table setting, manners and organisational skills,” he said.
“These skills not only improve the health of young people with a disability, they also ensure people with a disability are part of our community,” Mr Harris said.
Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch and Member for Wyong David Harris visited Break Thru People Solutions today to present a cheque for $5000.
The Healthy Active Australia program provides young people with mild to moderate disabilities training and life skills. The program faced an uncertain future and Break Thru People Solutions contacted Mr Harris in a bid to secure funding.
Mr Lynch said Mr Harris had made a strong case, arguing the program was making a difference to people with a disability on the Central Coast.
Mr Harris said he had visited Break Thru People Solutions and was impressed with the ability of the program to build the independence and health of the participants. “They learn vital skills like safe food handling, healthy eating, exercise, food groups, planning, preparing and cooking a meal as well as table setting, manners and organisational skills,” he said.
“These skills not only improve the health of young people with a disability, they also ensure people with a disability are part of our community,” Mr Harris said.
Break Thru Liverpool - ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ - Raising money for the fight against cancer
May is ‘Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea’ time and the staff from Break Thru People Solutions’ Liverpool branch recently participated in this great event for an even better cause. They involved local business neighbours and the local community - including Lurnea School, local employers and jobseekers alike - to help tip the balance in the fight against cancer.
Symone from Break Thru led a team of eager volunteers including Ros and Dragana who catered - creating a banquet of sweets to tantalize the taste buds of our guests.
All guests received handmade flowers for their Gold coin donations. There were also a variety of hampers up for raffles including the Romantic hamper with wine crackers and cheese for those cold evenings by the fireplace! There were hampers for the movie loves, and for the lovers of chocolate and the most popular of all were the bright, colourful & cute Children’s hampers which were highly sought after by all.
Break Thru would like to thank all of the generous guests who attended the event, including the local business tenants from the building, employers, JSA providers, community agencies, the Liverpool staff and jobseekers who all came to support this event. As a result, Break Thru welcomed over 50 people to their Liverpool branch and raised over $430.00, which was donated to the Cancer Council.
Symone from Break Thru led a team of eager volunteers including Ros and Dragana who catered - creating a banquet of sweets to tantalize the taste buds of our guests.
All guests received handmade flowers for their Gold coin donations. There were also a variety of hampers up for raffles including the Romantic hamper with wine crackers and cheese for those cold evenings by the fireplace! There were hampers for the movie loves, and for the lovers of chocolate and the most popular of all were the bright, colourful & cute Children’s hampers which were highly sought after by all.
Break Thru would like to thank all of the generous guests who attended the event, including the local business tenants from the building, employers, JSA providers, community agencies, the Liverpool staff and jobseekers who all came to support this event. As a result, Break Thru welcomed over 50 people to their Liverpool branch and raised over $430.00, which was donated to the Cancer Council.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Some positive news on the employment front!
From ABC News - http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/13/2898359.htm
Employment growth continues - 33,700 jobs added
April's employment figures show the jobs market remains strong, with the creation of 33,700 jobs last month.
However, the unemployment rate has remained steady at 5.4 per cent, as the workforce continues to grow.
The Bureau of Statistics revised last month's unemployment estimate up from 5.3 per cent to 5.4 per cent, seasonally adjusted, meaning that this month's unemployment rate is higher than the rate that was reported by the ABS last month.
The ABS April survey shows an additional 33,700 people in employment, with 37,500 extra full-time positions, and 3,900 fewer part-time jobs.
The job creation was slightly stronger than economists expected, with the average forecast among analysts surveyed by Bloomberg anticipating the creation of about 22,500 jobs.
Many economists had been tipping jobs growth to remain subdued for several months after very strong gains in late 2009 and the beginning of this year, when around 200,000 jobs were created and the unemployment rate fell as low as 5.2 per cent in January.
The ANZ's job ads survey has also been more subdued in recent months, after recovering strongly last year.
The total number of hours worked fell 0.5 per cent during April, despite the rise in full-time employment.
Felicity Emmett, a senior economist at RBS, says the result shows the jobs market and Australian economy remain strong.
"Still quite solid data... We continue to expect that there will be further strengthening in employment over the next few months," she told Reuters.
"The RBA feels they have got rates back up to an average sort of level now. They are going to be happy to sit and wait for a couple of months to see how some of the domestic data play out."
Macquarie Group senior economist Brian Redican agrees employment growth is much better than expected.
"I think it's a big tick of confidence in the strength of the economy - the fact that we are able to create that many jobs each month and we've created about 100,000 jobs so far in 2010 - full-time jobs that is," he told ABC News.
"So that does suggest that the economy really is starting to compete at its full strength."
Financial markets were broadly pleased with the result, with the Australian dollar rising from 89.55 US cents just before the release to 89.89 US cents at 12:04pm (AEST).
Statistical errors
The vagaries of the monthly survey estimates are shown by the ABS standard error margins, which reflect the fact that the employment figures are based on a sample of the population, not the whole population.
The bureau is 95 per cent confident the actual employment change, across the Australian economy, is within the range of a fall of 19,700 jobs to a rise of 87,100 jobs, and there is a 95 per cent likelihood the actual unemployment rate is somewhere between 5.2 per cent and 5.6 per cent.
That is why it is also important to look at the more stable trend figures that better show the broad direction of employment levels.
The trend unemployment rate for April remained steady at 5.3 per cent.
State by state
In Western Australia the unemployment rate fell from a downwardly revised 5 per cent in March to 4.7 per cent in April, in seasonally-adjusted terms.
The number of people looking for work has fallen.
Queensland's unemployment rate has increased from 5.5 per cent in March to 5.6 per cent in April and the number of people looking for work has increased slightly.
In New South Wales the unemployment rate rose from 5.5 per cent in March to 5.8 per cent in April and the number of people looking for work rose slightly during the month.
Victoria's unemployment rate fell from 5.4 per cent in March to 5.3 per cent in April and the number of people looking for work during the month has also fallen slightly.
In the Northern Territory the unemployment rate remained steady at 3.2 per cent and the number of people looking for work fell slightly.
South Australia's unemployment rate increased from 5.4 per cent in March to 5.6 per cent in April and the number of people looking for work fell slightly.
Tasmania's unemployment rate increased from 5.8 per cent in March to 5.9 per cent in April
In the ACT the unemployment rate fell from 3.4 per cent in March to 3.3 per cent in April and the number of people looking for work remained steady.
Tags: business-economics-and-finance, economic-trends, unemployment, work, international-financial-crisis, australia
First posted Thu May 13, 2010 11:46am AEST
Employment growth continues - 33,700 jobs added
April's employment figures show the jobs market remains strong, with the creation of 33,700 jobs last month.
However, the unemployment rate has remained steady at 5.4 per cent, as the workforce continues to grow.
The Bureau of Statistics revised last month's unemployment estimate up from 5.3 per cent to 5.4 per cent, seasonally adjusted, meaning that this month's unemployment rate is higher than the rate that was reported by the ABS last month.
The ABS April survey shows an additional 33,700 people in employment, with 37,500 extra full-time positions, and 3,900 fewer part-time jobs.
The job creation was slightly stronger than economists expected, with the average forecast among analysts surveyed by Bloomberg anticipating the creation of about 22,500 jobs.
Many economists had been tipping jobs growth to remain subdued for several months after very strong gains in late 2009 and the beginning of this year, when around 200,000 jobs were created and the unemployment rate fell as low as 5.2 per cent in January.
The ANZ's job ads survey has also been more subdued in recent months, after recovering strongly last year.
The total number of hours worked fell 0.5 per cent during April, despite the rise in full-time employment.
Felicity Emmett, a senior economist at RBS, says the result shows the jobs market and Australian economy remain strong.
"Still quite solid data... We continue to expect that there will be further strengthening in employment over the next few months," she told Reuters.
"The RBA feels they have got rates back up to an average sort of level now. They are going to be happy to sit and wait for a couple of months to see how some of the domestic data play out."
Macquarie Group senior economist Brian Redican agrees employment growth is much better than expected.
"I think it's a big tick of confidence in the strength of the economy - the fact that we are able to create that many jobs each month and we've created about 100,000 jobs so far in 2010 - full-time jobs that is," he told ABC News.
"So that does suggest that the economy really is starting to compete at its full strength."
Financial markets were broadly pleased with the result, with the Australian dollar rising from 89.55 US cents just before the release to 89.89 US cents at 12:04pm (AEST).
Statistical errors
The vagaries of the monthly survey estimates are shown by the ABS standard error margins, which reflect the fact that the employment figures are based on a sample of the population, not the whole population.
The bureau is 95 per cent confident the actual employment change, across the Australian economy, is within the range of a fall of 19,700 jobs to a rise of 87,100 jobs, and there is a 95 per cent likelihood the actual unemployment rate is somewhere between 5.2 per cent and 5.6 per cent.
That is why it is also important to look at the more stable trend figures that better show the broad direction of employment levels.
The trend unemployment rate for April remained steady at 5.3 per cent.
State by state
In Western Australia the unemployment rate fell from a downwardly revised 5 per cent in March to 4.7 per cent in April, in seasonally-adjusted terms.
The number of people looking for work has fallen.
Queensland's unemployment rate has increased from 5.5 per cent in March to 5.6 per cent in April and the number of people looking for work has increased slightly.
In New South Wales the unemployment rate rose from 5.5 per cent in March to 5.8 per cent in April and the number of people looking for work rose slightly during the month.
Victoria's unemployment rate fell from 5.4 per cent in March to 5.3 per cent in April and the number of people looking for work during the month has also fallen slightly.
In the Northern Territory the unemployment rate remained steady at 3.2 per cent and the number of people looking for work fell slightly.
South Australia's unemployment rate increased from 5.4 per cent in March to 5.6 per cent in April and the number of people looking for work fell slightly.
Tasmania's unemployment rate increased from 5.8 per cent in March to 5.9 per cent in April
In the ACT the unemployment rate fell from 3.4 per cent in March to 3.3 per cent in April and the number of people looking for work remained steady.
Tags: business-economics-and-finance, economic-trends, unemployment, work, international-financial-crisis, australia
First posted Thu May 13, 2010 11:46am AEST
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Job help for disabled - Break Thru Featured in Blacktown Sun, March 2010
Providing job help for the disabled - Break Thru featured in Blacktown Sun Newspaper
The federal government has injected $1.2 billion into a new program aimed at helping people with disabilities find work.
The scheme was launched last week by Employment Participation Minister Mark Arbib at Break Thru People Solutions employment & training agency.
It is among about 100 providers across the country that will share in the funding provided under the government's Disability Employment Services.
Mr Arbib said the program would lead to more jobs for people with disabilities, improved choice for job seekers and employers and more innovative service delivery.
He said people with disabilities would have access to better and more individually tailored employment services now.
Break Thru People Solutions is an Australian not-for-profit organisation that provides service to people who are long term unemployed, indigenous Australians, people with a disability and those from non English speaking backgrounds.
Its CEO Ross Lewis said they had worked hard with other providers to achieve the 'uncapping' of disability employment service programs.
He said the new Disability Employment Services had created two new programs: Disability Management Service for job seekers who may not need regular, long-term support and Employment Support Service for job seekers who need long-term support to maintain their job.
_______________________________
Break Thru are an Australian not for profit organisation who help businesses and individuals with recruitment services, disability services, vocational rehabilitation, transition to work and RTO training.
Do you know someone who would benefit from Break Thru's services? If you do, or if you would like any further information on Break Thru's services, please feel free to contact your local office. Contact details can be found here; http://breakthru.org.au/html/ContactUs.html
The federal government has injected $1.2 billion into a new program aimed at helping people with disabilities find work.
The scheme was launched last week by Employment Participation Minister Mark Arbib at Break Thru People Solutions employment & training agency.
It is among about 100 providers across the country that will share in the funding provided under the government's Disability Employment Services.
Mr Arbib said the program would lead to more jobs for people with disabilities, improved choice for job seekers and employers and more innovative service delivery.
He said people with disabilities would have access to better and more individually tailored employment services now.
Break Thru People Solutions is an Australian not-for-profit organisation that provides service to people who are long term unemployed, indigenous Australians, people with a disability and those from non English speaking backgrounds.
Its CEO Ross Lewis said they had worked hard with other providers to achieve the 'uncapping' of disability employment service programs.
He said the new Disability Employment Services had created two new programs: Disability Management Service for job seekers who may not need regular, long-term support and Employment Support Service for job seekers who need long-term support to maintain their job.
_______________________________
Break Thru are an Australian not for profit organisation who help businesses and individuals with recruitment services, disability services, vocational rehabilitation, transition to work and RTO training.
Do you know someone who would benefit from Break Thru's services? If you do, or if you would like any further information on Break Thru's services, please feel free to contact your local office. Contact details can be found here; http://breakthru.org.au/html/ContactUs.html
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