Since our last newsletter the COVID-19 situation has continued to improve and Chief Medical Officers in all states and territories are recommending a staged and cautious lifting of restrictions. This will be welcome news for some, and an anxious time for others, as we carefully test the staged opening of schools, cafes, playgrounds and other activities we took for granted back in February.
 
The pathway to a COVID safe future is becoming clearer. But the pandemic is by no means over, we must remain vigilant with our infection control and physical distancing practices. Community safety is everyones responsibility. Many people in our community have lost employment and businesses are struggling to survive. This continues to be a difficult time, and we know people and families are hurting and that things will get tougher as we go along. 
 
When the pandemic is over, I know communities in our region will recover. It will take time and it won’t be easy.
 
As we move into the recovery phase, remember that the Australian people have done an amazing job to bring coronavirus into check. We’ve done this through a shared responsibility for the health and wellbeing of others. It’s a very powerful indication that we can achieve anything with shared purpose and decisive action for the common good. We can use this opportunity to create a better future for ourselves, our families, our communities – even the planet! We can achieve great things together.
 
We’re here to help you make that happen. Our offices are open, our services are available. Don’t hesitate to call us. Together we can work out the best way to support you, your family and your community during the recovery period and beyond.

Important service updates can be found on our website.
 
David Boutkan
Executive Director

National Volunteer Week is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our volunteers. It is the opportunity for organisations and communities to thank the people that give the most precious gift of all, their time.

“Our volunteers are among the most capable, committed and compassionate people I’ve had the privilege to meet and work with. They walk in our doors everyday and give their time freely to others, nothing is ever too difficult. Their generous contribution is making a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families every day. They are highly valued and important members of our team and I can’t thank them enough for choosing us as their volunteering destination.” Said David Boutkan our Executive Director.

Volunteers have a diverse impact on our communities and the organisations they choose to give their time to. They bring enthusiasm, skills and experience, friendship, connection to community, vision for social impact, leadership and inspiration. And what volunteers give selflessly is their time.

This week we are taking a little time to thank all the volunteers that have so generously contributed their precious time to supporting our work at The Family Centre.

Even though the last few months have had their challenges, looking back over the year the voluntary contribution has been invaluable. Volunteers have supported families in our programS, provided reception and administration services, supported community events and fundraising, provided childminding and course delivery support, facilitated school-based groups, made many food hampers and helped with research and program development. In the past year The Family Centre had over 100 volunteers, each bringing their own unique skills and talents to contribute.

A big thank you also goes to our volunteer board member, who take on the very important role of leading our organisation and setting our strategic direction.

Whether big ripples or little ripples, every task and contribution volunteers make help to change communities and make a positive impact on the lives of those we support.

The Family Centre’s Child and Family Worker, Deb Delany has been using Vision Boards with participants as a tool to help clarify and focus on parenting and life goals.
 
A vision board is any sort of board, which can display images that represent whatever you want to be, do or have in your life. The vision board is a visualisation tool where you can build a collage of words and pictures that represent goals and dreams.
 
The boards can include quotes and sayings, affirmations and hand written specific goals.
Once completed it helps to look at the board daily, what we focus on can expand, intentions can be set and life can begin to mirror the visions and goals created.
 
It helps if goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. Vision boards are a fun and creative way to set goals and something the whole family can participate in.

Complete Men provides individual support and programs for men to engage in men’s groups and related personal growth activities. The program was formed to support and inspire men of all ages to reach their full potential – to be fully engaged in their own lives and those of their families and communities.
 
Complete Men run 4 groups per week from the Gold Coast and Tweed free of charge. The groups are run by 4 trained male facilitators. A Mullumbimby group started in January this year and is funded by the Tweed/Byron Suicide Prevention Program. The program facilitators have completed ASIST and SafeTALK suicide prevention training.
 
Since the restrictions with COVID-19, Complete Men are running their groups online with great success. The online format has allowed men the flexibility of attending other groups on different days.
 
Complete men have a hotline, can provide referrals and run regular men’s groups. 

The Family Centre has been appointed to a community reference group to consult on the urgent need for sustainable and affordable housing within the Murwillumbah region.
 
Tweed Shire Council is working with a number of community stakeholders in preparation of draft site masterplan and concepts for housing designs and governance model for the Wardrop Community Village Project.
 
The project is investigating the potential of Council to undertake a financially and environmentally sustainable development responding to the urgent need for affordable rental housing. 

The Family Centre is a community-owned, for purpose organisation, driven by our values and focused on outcomes. Together, we create opportunities for children, young people and families and increase social value in our community. 

We are seeking suitably qualified and experienced Aboriginal person to join our Child, Family and Relationship Services team in the Tweed Shire.

The Family Centre works closely with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait  Islander community to support the wellbeing of children, young people and families. The Family Centre Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is an important part of our vision for social change. It recognises the unique and important place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture in our community, and acknowledge them as Australia’s First People.

Our RAP outlines the practical steps we will take to strengthen the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the leadership and decision making of our organisation, increase participation in our workforce and involvement in the design, delivery and evaluation of our programs.

Do you have high expectations for the future of our community?

Looking for a meaningful and rewarding career?

We want to hear from you.

Please forward application addressing the selection criteria and resume including 2
referees to: [email protected]

Applications close: Wednesday 3 June, 4.30pm

Applicants will be required to undertake a criminal record check and a working with children check.

The Life during COVID-19 survey wants to understand how Australians are coping with and adjusting to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Who can take the survey?
To take the survey, all you need is to be 18 years old or over and living in Australia. We are interested in every person in every type of family. Because everyone has a family, and families come in all shapes and sizes.