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.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
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.
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