Community Spirit: Seventh edition (Spring 2006)
- Seniors
- Voices
- Stronger communities
- Safer communities
- Strengthening non-government organisations
- Eliminating Domestic violence
- Family and children
- In brief
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Message from the Director-General
We have had some welcome changes to the Department of Communities that will enable us to deliver our services and work with Queensland communities in a more holistic way.
Seniors
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Seniors week comes of age
Like most 21st celebrations, those for the coming of age of Queensland Seniors Week were extremely lively, action packed and fun. More than 360 events were held around the state attracting thousands of seniors, extended families and friends.
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Seniors celebrate across the state
More than 360 events were held around the state in celebration of Seniors Week and the positive contribution seniors make to Queensland communities. Here is a snapshot of events.
Voices
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Home is where the support is
Long-term, supported accommodation is a proven way to keep people off the streets, says a visionary New Yorker who recently visited Brisbane to address a forum on homelessness.
Stronger communities
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Art creates cultural connection
Eighteen people from Townsville who share a history of unemployment, social and health issues are rediscovering their culture, creativity and self-dignity, through art.
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National accolades for Elder
Central Queensland Elder Judy Tatow, OAM, has been recognised for her passion and lifetime commitment to the Indigenous community with an Order of Australia Medal and a national NAIDOC award.
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Helping people express their inner pain
A bright, intelligent and traumatised young woman sits in a hospital bed scratching her arm with a nappy pin. She says to her psychiatrist “Aren’t you going to stop me?”
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Isolation risk for older people
“Human beings are not meant to live solitary lives. Talking, touching and relating to others is essential to our wellbeing. These facts are not unique to children or to older men and women — they apply to all of us, from birth to death.” J.W. Rowe and R.L. Kahn Successful Ageing
Safer communities
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Twin cities join exclusive international community
North Queensland’s Townsville Thuringowa Safe Communities program has been officially recognised by the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre on Community Safety, making it one of only 103 communities around the world to join the Organisation’s exclusive Safe Community Network.
Strengthening non-government organisations
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Banding together to boost services
“Strength in numbers” could well be the motto of a group of enterprising community organisations in the Logan area south of Brisbane.
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Driving organisational effectiveness
Indigenous organisations now have a comprehensive set of tailored management resources at their fingertips, following the release of a ‘virtual office’ CD-ROM.
Eliminating Domestic violence
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Moving in the right direction
Working with abusive men to change their behaviour isn’t an easy job, but it’s a sure move in the right direction towards keeping partners and families safe.
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How Rod changed his behaviour and life
When Rod contacted Bernie OMara at the Youth and Family Services (Logan City) MOVE Program for male perpetrators of domestic violence, it was the first step towards changing his life. Sixteen weeks later Rod is confident he can start to build a positive relationship with his wife and two daughters.
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Changing attitudes to domestic violence
As Chair the of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Domestic and Family Violence and Legal Coordinator of the Women’s Legal Service in Brisbane, Katrina Finn knows the devastating effect domestic violence has on families.
Family and children
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Fun for everyone at all-abilities playground
The Sunshine Coast’s first all-abilities playground has been given the thumbs up by families in the region who are putting it to good use.
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Top tips on being a dad
The Department of Communities produces free tip sheets to help parents and families deal with issues that crop up in daily life. Here, in the first of an ongoing series, is an extract from the tip sheet on being a dad.
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Looking for quality child care
The Child Care Information Service is a free statewide service that helps families to choose child care that meets their needs.
In brief
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Sounds like democracy
Your front row seat in Parliament is just a click away. Regardless of where you live in Queensland, you can listen to the Queensland Parliament in action at www.parliament.qld.gov.au.
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Funds help cut red tape
Around 700 community and disability organisations have shared grants totalling almost $370 000 to help them adopt a new bookkeeping system that will reduce duplication and red tape.
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Awards to recognise young volunteers
Nominations are now being called for the 2007 Young Volunteer Awards.
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Industry recognition in line with customer satisfaction
Smart Service Queensland has been recognised at this year’s national Government Contact Centres Excellence Awards, winning the Best Government Contact Centre category.
Community Spirit: Seventh Edition 2006 (Spring 2006)
Seniors week comes of age
National accolades for Elder
Top tips on being a dad