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Community Spirit: Tenth Edition (Spring 2007)

Welcome to Community Spirit
This year marks two significant milestones for Indigenous Australians: it is 40 years since the 1967 referendum that removed discriminatory references against Aboriginal Australians in the Constitution, and it has been 50 years since the first NAIDOC Week was held to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Meet our new Minister
Lindy Nelson-Carr was appointed Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth on 13 September 2007. Community Spirit asked the Minister about her background and vision for the portfolio.

Young leaders exchange ideas
Three young South African leaders crossed the ocean and embarked on a journey to share their stories of youth leadership with ueensland’s Indigenous youth as part of an exchange program between Queensland and South Africa.

Forde Inquiry sets firm foundation to help people rebuild their lives
The Forde Inquiry, held in 1998–1999, exposed the serious emotional, physical, sexual and systems abuse that many former residents of children’s homes, orphanages and detention centres experienced at the hands of their carers from 1911 to 1999.
Redress Scheme helps to address injustices of the past
This year the government will complete its response to the Forde Inquiry report by offering ex gratia payments to victims of abuse and neglect in institutions covered by the Forde Inquiry and who turned 18 and were released from care, on or before 31 December 1999.
Sue overcomes struggles and speaks out
A small cleaning business operating in Brisbane is testament to the determination and courage of one woman who is rebuilding her life after suffering abuse growing up in Queensland orphanages, mental institutions and detention centres during the 1970s and 1980s.

Art project provides a new perspective
Courthouses are serious, solemn places that can be intimidating particularly for victims of domestic violence and children waiting to give evidence. One Sunshine Coast courthouse has turned that around with the help of young offenders who want to give back to their community.
Time in the bush brings benefits
Working on a cattle station as a young man taught youth worker Paul Slater lessons about life that he will never forget. So when a young man was released into his custody after doing time in detention, Paul decided the bush was the best place to get his life on track.

Community groups rally to help homeless youth
Each day, community organisations in the Logan, Beaudesert and Beenleigh areas south of Brisbane are faced with growing numbers of homeless young people urgently in need of accommodation and support.
Lesson of giving vital for children
The children from the knitting group of 4A and 4G from Greenbank State School worked all term with their teachers and parents to knit blankets and scarves for the Nightstop youth homelessness project.

Education paves the path for ongoing reconciliation
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the 1967 referendum that removed discriminatory references against Aboriginal Australians in the Constitution.
Play to recreate the reconciliation story
A play honouring the remarkable life of poet, political activist, artist and educator, Oodgeroo Noonuccal, and her ongoing social, cultural and artistic legacy will be staged in 2009 to highlight Queensland’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Indigenous Sports Awards kick off
Cricket-great Eddie Gilbert is acknowledged among the Aboriginal community for bowling Sir Donald Bradman for a duck in December 1931 in what Bradman said was the fastest bowling spell he had ever faced (Black Gold, Tatz and Tatz, Aboriginal Studies Press, 2000).

Elder abuse awareness day
Elder abuse is a serious issue that affects three to seven per cent of seniors, according to some of the most reliable Australian studies.
Seniors legal services network launched
If you are an older person with concerns about how your family is treating you or your finances, you will be pleased to know that a new free legal and support service is available for older people facing elder abuse and financial exploitation.
Seniors Card directories expanded to include FNQ
The 2007–08 Seniors Card Business Discount Directories have been expanded this year to include a new Far North Queensland directory.

Queensland Government Agent Program marks 15 years of service to people in country areas
One of the Queensland Government’s most successful services celebrated 15 years of operation in July.
Parenting made easy
The Department of Communities offers a series of Parent Tip Sheets that can help with all sorts of issues from getting your child to turn off the television to discussing drugs with your teenager.
Growth in early childhood services
The location of six new early childhood education and care centres has been finalised.
Salvos get $3.6 million to continue support for Brisbane’s homeless
The Queensland Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting homeless people with renewed funding of $3.6 million for the Salvation Army.
Extra $450,000 for community support organisation
An important community support organisation will get an extra $450,000 in Queensland Government funding to continue its vital work as an advocate for those affected by poverty, homelessness and other community issues.
Queensland Government initiatives marking the 40th anniversary of the referendum
New Blue Card application forms
New application forms for Blue Card applicants were introduced late last year and should be used when submitting an application to work with children.