The NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS) visited Tweed last week to hear from community members and local community organisations about how we can improve outcomes for people experiencing poverty and disadvantage and our vision for a better NSW. There was a great response from the community with 16 people attending the consultation.

The consultations are an opportunity to let NCOSS know what are the most pressing issues in the region and to identify practical solutions to address them.  

Melanie Fernandez, NCOSS Deputy CEO said “We have heard today about the kind of community you want to see, the key challenges you face in achieving this, and the solutions that would allow you to overcome these challenges, and this year we are gearing up for our next NSW State Election and we want to hear from you to shape our 2019 Election Platform.”

The key issues identified in the consultation were housing affordability and homelessness, concerns regarding the introduction of the NDIS and access to affordable transport.

“There were lively discussion about these and other challenges facing the Tweed community. It was agreed that these complex issues require a structured and disciplined approach to bringing cross-sector organisations together to focus on a common agenda that results in long-lasting change” said David Boutkan, The Family Centre Executive Director and NCOSS Regional Representative. 

This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week 2018 is ‘Don’t Keep History a Mystery’. It is an invitation to all Australians to learn, share and grow by exploring our past, learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures and developing a deeper understanding of Australia’s national story.

The Family Centre, in partnership with Tweed Shire Council, On Track Community Programs and New Horizons are acknowledging National Reconciliation Week with a special screening of the feature film Sweet Country followed by a discussion panel on Wednesday May 30, 6pm–9pm.

Inspired by real events, Sweet Country is a period western set in 1929 in the outback of the Northern Territory, Australia.

When Aboriginal stockman Sam kills white station owner Harry in self-defense, Sam and his wife Lizzie go on the run. They are pursued across the outback, through glorious but harsh desert country. Eventually, for the health of his pregnant wife, Sam decides to give himself up. He is put on trial in the courtroom of Judge Taylor. But will justice be served?

To win 2 free tickets to the special screening of Sweet Country tell us in 25 words or less what does Reconciliation means to you?

Entries close May 25, 2018. ENTER HERE

The Family Centre’s Connecting Home team took a group of young people, who live in our supported housing, for a day out to the Natural Arch. The day was spent walking the loop around the National Park then heading up to Springbrook to the lookouts over Twin Falls.

Spending time outdoors is very important for a person’s overall well-being – it can have a calming effect and reduce stress. Everyone had a great day out connecting with nature.

The Family Centre run Circle of Security parenting courses and seminars every term in either Tweed, Byron or Ballina shires. During this 8-week course parents and carers learn how to identify their children’s emotional needs and respond to their behaviours in ways which result in greater resilience, better relationships and improved self-esteem for their child.

Cecile recently completed the Circle of Security course in Ballina and was invited to attend the following course to share her story...

Youth Week in Ballina was celebrated at Missingham Park with skate boarding demos, competitions and games, PLUS a hip hop jam session with well-known MC’s Emph’s and Treats freestyling and jamming with the young people. Over 180 young people attended and 10 service providers and info stalls. Thank you to all who supported this fantastic community event.

The Family Centre volunteers had Mother’s Day all wrapped up at Tweed Mall last week. Volunteer Kathleen Baldwin said, “It’s lovely wrapping up gifts for someone’s special mum, nanna or woman in their life, whilst raising money for Family Centre programs”. Thank you to Tweed Mall and The Family Centre volunteers for their support. 

Kinship Festival – Free Event

Where: Knox Park Murwillumbah

When: May 19, 10am-3pm

Connect, share and participate in the wisdom and practice of healthy families, strong values and vibrant community culture.

Community Corroboree – join dance groups across the Bundjalung Nation in celebration of kinship and connection.

FREE children’s nature crafts and activities all day

FREE bush tucker lunch

LIVE music with OKA & The Mangrove Jack Band

Participate in creating a giant sand, earth and ochre art sculpture

For more information: Jarulah or Lara

Phone: (02) 6672 3003  Mobile: 0431 951 162

[email protected]

Where: The Family Centre, 15-17 Frances St Tweed Heads

When: 23 May, 10am–11.30am

If you volunteer with The Family Centre we would like to invite you to attend a morning tea to celebrate the contribution you make to The Family Centre. Please RSVP here.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering for The Family Centre find out here.