MAPPING ABORIGINAL SERVICES IN THE DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA

Transcription

1 CatholicCare Social Services Parramatta Diocese MAPPING ABORIGINAL SERVICES IN THE DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA Report prepared by: Diez Kouadio Social Work Student Australian Catholic University December 2012

2 INTRODUCTION... 3 SECTION 1: ABORIGINAL NETWORK DIRECTORY ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS Accommodation Aged Care & Disability Children s Services Community Development Cultural Services Drug & Alcohol Education Community Employment Family Support Services Health Heritage Justice ABORIGINAL WORKERS IN MAINSTREAM [NGO] SERVICES Accommodation Childcare Community Development Counselling Employment Justice Youth ABORIGINAL UNITS IN MAINSTREAM ORGANISATIONS Aged Care & Disability Children s Services Education Employment Health Religion IDENTIFIED ABORIGINAL POSITIONS IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS Child Protection Fair Trading Health Housing Justice Local Government Roads & Traffic Authority School Education Aboriginal Education Officer

3 NSW Sport & Recreation Violence & Abuse Prevention USEFUL CONTACTS Accommodation Capacity Building Children s Services Coordination Education Health Justice SECTION 2: ANALYSIS OF THE NEEDS ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION SECTION 3: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CATHOLICCARE SOCIAL SERVICES BIBLIOGRAPHY

4 INTRODUCTION The Federal Government in its first report, Closing the Gap on Indigenous Disadvantage: The Challenge for Australia, specifies a series of gaps for action and progress monitoring: Indigenous life expectancy Child mortality Early childhood education Education outcomes more broadly than employment. The report outlines seven areas for investment as a strategy to address the disparity in outcomes (Early Childhood, Schooling, Health, Economic Participation, Healthy Homes, Safe Communities and Governance and Leadership), as evidence indicates that improvements in these areas will have the greatest impact [Department of Families and Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), 2009]. Catholic Care Social Services - Diocese of Parramatta (CCSS) provides support to Indigenous people through Aboriginal Catholic Services [ACS] and other programs in the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta. Comprehensive and culturally appropriate programs are designed to help contribute to the social wellbeing and attainment of self-sufficiency for Aboriginal people. In addition, ACS has developed programs that help build community awareness of Aboriginal spirituality and culture, in order to help bridge the gap between Aboriginal people and the Australian community. Embracing and responding to Closing the Gap, CCSS undertook a project of mapping Indigenous Services in Western Sydney. 3

5 The objectives were: To provide an Aboriginal Services Directory Analyse the gaps in the provision of services to Aboriginal people in Western Sydney; Make recommendations for services and programs to address these gaps. 4

6 SECTION 1: ABORIGINAL NETWORK DIRECTORY 1 ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS 1.1 Accommodation Cawarra Women s Refuge Aboriginal Corporation Role: Provides a range of services including: Safe, confidential accommodation; case management/assessment to determine the needs of women and children; support to set and achieve goals; referrals to counselling; information about schooling and childcare; referrals to other appropriate services; support with police and court matters; assistance to apply for housing and other housing related needs; assistance to obtain appropriate income; workshops and activities; follow-up after leaving the refuge. Contact: Reception P.O. Box 730 Kingswood NSW 2750 Ph Fax Aged Care & Disability Gilgai Aboriginal Centre Incorporated Role: Gilgai is a community care service for the aged, disabled and carers within the Aboriginal community. Services provided include: centre based day care centre, community aged care packages, disability family support, home and community care development worker and carers support service. Contact CEO P.O. Box 66 Ph: or Fax: Gilgai Aged Day Centre Contact: As above Role: As Above Gilgai Community Aged Care Packages Role: Planned packages of community care services to help elderly people with a variety of needs to live independently in their own home. Types of services in care packages can include help with bathing, dressing, meals transport, laundry, gardening and social activities. Contact: CACPs Coordinator Ph: Fax: Gilgai Disability Family Support Coordinator Role: To provide a service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who require additional support 5

7 services enabling families to continue caring for their child with a disability. Contact: DFS Coordinator Ph: Fax: Gilgai Carers Support Service Role: Carer Support Service provides information, referral, support, advocacy, support and assistance to apply for respite services, education on carer issues, links to transport services and carer support groups for Aboriginal carers of people who have a disability, are frail, aged, have a mental illness or long term illness. Support is also provided if the person being cared for is Aboriginal but the carer is not Aboriginal. P.O. as above Ph: Fax: Indigenous Disability Advocacy Services Role: The Indigenous Disability Advocacy Service [IDAS] is funded to service Indigenous people with a disability in Western Sydney and Regional centres in areas of high need in NSW, in consultation with Family and Community Service and Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care. Fax: Children s Services Footprints in Time Role: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children, also known as Footprints in Time, collects important information on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children that can be drawn upon to help close the gap in life circumstances between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Contact: Research Administration Officer 24 Anderson Ave. Blackett NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Link Up Counselling Services Role: Link-Up aims to empower indigenous clients to take charge of their own lives and experiences. They provide counseling and support, family trees, corrective support services, assistance for Aboriginal foster carers and children in out of home care. Contact: Manager 9 Champness Cres St Marys NSW 2760 Ph: Fax: IDAS can assist indigenous people with most types of disabilities, their families and carers when the person they are looking after needs help, especially if they have been unfairly treated or are confused about a big decision. Contact: CEO 127 Lethbridge St Penrith NSW 2750 Ph:

8 1.4 Community Development Butucarbin Aboriginal Corporation Role: This organization provides community Adult Education, Community Development and Community Management for indigenous people of Western Sydney. Contact: Community Development Worker Pringle Rd Hebersham NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Merana Aboriginal Community Association for the Hawkesbury Role: To provide and develop support and administer programs, positions and resources that help to meet the needs of Aboriginal people. Contact: Administration 96 Windsor St Richmond NSW 2753 Ph: Fax: Cultural Services Blue Mountains Aboriginal Cultural & Resource Centre Role: To develop activities and programs that bring together Aboriginal people, advocate for social justice and rights, works with local services to assist in program development, support and resource activities that are needed and initiated by the local indigenous communities. Contact: Manager 14 Oak St Katoomba NSW 2780 Ph: Fax: Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation. Role: To provide resources to the Darug people, assist in research into Darug language, ancestry and culture and to hold Darug gatherings and other events. PO Box 441 Blacktown NSW 2148 Phone Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association Inc. Role: Offers culturally appropriate awareness programs of the Gundungurra heritage and culture and to record and maintain all sacred sites and land of the Gundungurra people of the Blue Mountains. Contact: President P.O. Box 31 Lawson NSW 2783 Ph: Gungungurra Tribal Council Aboriginal Corporation. Role: The representative body for the Gungungurra people of the Blue Mountains, Gundungurra Tribal Council Aboriginal Corporation provides advice and information to relevant State Government agencies and services. Promoting Gundungurra heritage and culture and providing a support for Gundungurra people connecting back to Country. P.O. Box 14 Oak St, Katoomba 2780 Ph: +61 (02) / (02) Website: 7

9 Katoomba Indigenous Outreach Service. (KIOS) Role: A drop-in information, advisory and advocacy service provided by Indigenous Government Department workers for the Indigenous community. Ph: Drug & Alcohol Aboriginal Medical Service -Western Sydney Role: To provide culturally appropriate, holistic and comprehensive primary health care to the Aboriginal community of Western Sydney. Services include health education, medical clinic, drug and alcohol clinic, dental clinic, social and emotional wellbeing clinic, child and family health clinic. Contact: Aboriginal Health Education Officer Substance Misuse 2 Palmerston Rd Ph: Fax: Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation Role: To provide drug and alcohol related services as well as general health and community services to the Aboriginal community by members of the Aboriginal community. Contact: Administration Jersey Rd Blackett NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Education Community Butucarbin Aboriginal Corporation. Role: Provides health and community services to the local Aboriginal community and provides services such as community development, community adult education and community development. Contact: Coordinator Pringle Rd Hebersham NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Aboriginal Education Consultative Group [AECG]: Regional [AECG] Role: The NSW AECG is an Aboriginal Community controlled not for profit advocacy group and advise local Aboriginal communities on matters regarding Aboriginal education training and associated services. Contact: NSW AECG Secretariat Ph: Da Murrytoola Local AECG Contact: Field Officer NSW AECG Secretariat Ph: Gunar Local AECG Contact: Field Officer NSW AECG Secretariat Ph: Nurringingy Local AECG Contact: Field Officer NSW AECG Secretariat Ph:

10 Pemulway Local AECG Contact: Field Officer NSW AECG Secretariat Ph: Willmot Local AECG Contact: Field Officer NSW AECG Secretariat Ph: Yarramundi Local AECG Contact: Field Officer NSW AECG Secretariat Ph: Employment Aboriginal Employment Strategy Role: An Indigenous managed Recruitment Company for the Aboriginal Community which provides recruitment and training services as well as group training to help to create opportunities for Indigenous people to find employment. Contact: Manager 89 Main St Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: Fax: Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Education & Resource Centre Role: To improve the economic and social capacity of Aboriginal people in order for them to support themselves and empower their cultural awareness. Contact: Manager Old Castlereagh Rd Castlereagh NSW 2749 Ph: Fax: Step Up Indigenous Employment Solutions. Role: To help provide long term employment to the Indigenous community by providing community based job preparation placement and support services. Services include Job application and interviews skills, training and courses, job placement and post placement support and mentoring. Contact: Manager P.O. Box 177 Ph: Fax: Family Support Services Emergency Relief [electricity only] Contact: Gloria Mathews Ph: Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) Role: To lobby and advocate to overcome disadvantages faced by the Aboriginal Community. PO Box 568 Dulwich Hill NSW 2203 Ph: (02) Fax: (02) Health Aboriginal Medical Service Western Sydney Role: To provide culturally appropriate, holistic and comprehensive primary health care to the Aboriginal community 9

11 of Western Sydney. Services include health education, medical clinic, drug and alcohol clinic, dental clinic, social and emotional wellbeing clinic, child and family health clinic Contact: Reception 2 Palmerston Rd Ph: Fax: Heritage Link Up [NSW] Aboriginal Corporation Role: To assist Aboriginal people who have been fostered, adopted or raised in institutions to reunite with their family as well as youth who are in danger of being removed from their family. Contact: CEO P.O. Box 93 Lawson NSW 2783 Ph: Fax: Justice Aboriginal Legal Service [NSW/ACT] Role: Assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with representation in court for Criminal law and Child Protection and Care matters. Offer advice and information as well as giving referrals to other legal services. (Regional Office) Suite 2, Level 8, 33 Argyle St Parramatta NSW 2150 Telephone: (02)

12 2. ABORIGINAL WORKERS IN MAINSTREAM [NGO] SERVICES 2.1 Accommodation Eddy s Out West Blacktown Role: Eddy s Out West assists young people up to the age of 25 in the Hawkesbury, Penrith and Blacktown LGA s. The Blacktown unit is transitional accommodation and focuses on providing young people with the living skills they need to move to independent living. Phone: PO Box E21, Emerton NSW kerryd@bidwill.sm.cfc.edu.au Jessie Street Domestic Violence Service Role: Aims to empower women who are escaping domestic violence by helping them take control of their own lives with support and information options. Service offers emergency or crisis accommodation and support. Also provides for women with disabilities, Aboriginal and NESB women with specific needs. Contact: Aboriginal Outreach Worker P.O. Box 4081 Doonside NSW 2767 Ph: Fax: Blue Mountains Youth Accommodation and Support Service Inc. Role: To assist young people who are either homeless or at risk of being homeless by providing supported accommodation, referrals and services and helps youth to find long term accommodation. Contact: Aboriginal Case Worker P.P Box 64 Springwood NSW 2777 Ph: Fax: Childcare Yawarra Community and child care centre Role: Provides long day care for children of 25 months up to school age. Contact: Karen Minter 24 Bidwill Square Bidwill NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: yawarracccc@iinet.net.au 2.3 Community Development Learning Ground Role: To encourage capacity building in community education and development for adults and their families and provide a learning environment. Contact: Manager Macarthur Way Bidwill NSW 2770 Ph: Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services. Role: To provide community development Contact: Aboriginal Team Leader PO Box 7599 South Penrith NSW

13 Address: Cnr. Trent St & Birmingham Road South Penrith NSW 2750 Mt Druitt The Shed Role: To provide a safe and welcoming environment for men where they can work on worthwhile projects with other men in their community to encourage social inclusion and the promotion of health and wellbeing for men. Contact: Coordinator Emert Pde & Webber Cres Emerton Ph: Counselling Ted Noffs Foundation Role: Provides essential services for young people and their families who are experiencing drug and alcohol problems and trauma related to these problems. Contact: Koori Counsellor P.O Box 511 Mt Druitt NSW Cleeve Close Mount Druitt NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Employment Salvation Army [New Careers for Aboriginal People Program] Role: To increase the participation of Aboriginal people in the labour market by identifying creating and supporting opportunities for education, training and employment. Contact: Employment Project Worker 287 Beames Avenue, Mount Druitt, NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Justice Aboriginal Legal Access Program (In HNCLC) Role: To enable better access of legal services which are also culturally appropriate to Aboriginal people and to inform them of their legal rights and available legal services. Contact: Coordinator Unit 2, 299 George St P.O. Box 736 Windsor 2756 Ph: Law Access. Role: A free Government telephone service that provides legal information and referrals for those who have inquiries. Contact: Aboriginal Customer Service Officer Ph: (Mon-Fri 9-5) 2.7 Youth Marist Post Release Support Program Role: To provide support to those who are at risk of entering or re-entering custody and aims to integrate people back into the community First Avenue Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: Fax; Hebersham Aboriginal Youth Service [ HAYS] Role: Provides support accommodation for young Aboriginal people (15-18) who are at risk of becoming homeless. 12

14 Contact: Coordinator 26 Pringle Rd Hebersham NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Miimali Aboriginal Community Association Role: An Aboriginal youth (12-18) and family service which assists young people and families to reconnect in their community as well as providing job support, homeless support and intervention as well as providing education support for children in years 7-8 in high school Contact: CEO 42 Gidley St St Marys NSW 2760 Ph: Fax: ABORIGINAL UNITS IN MAINSTREAM ORGANISATIONS 3.1 Aged Care & Disability Aboriginal Homecare Wangary Branch Role: To help Aboriginal people who are either elderly or who have a disability to remain independent in their own homes. Contact: Branch Manager 295 High St Penrith NSW 2750 Ph: Fax: Children s Services Waru Mudyin, [Aboriginal Inclusive Family Based Service] Contact: Manager, Case worker 5 Mount St Ph: Fax: Wingarra Aboriginal Pre-School Contact: Teacher in Charge Kildare Rd Doonside NSW 2767 Ph: Fax: Education University Western Sydney- Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education Penrith Campus Role: To provide support and encouragement for indigenous members of the community. Contact: Executive Assistant Swinbourne Building [P] Room: P.G. 02A Ph: Fax: Blacktown Campus Contact: Associate Director Administration & 13

15 Student Services Goolangullia Room [Bldg 11] Room: U1. G. 10 Ph: Fax: Hawkesbury Campus Contact: Student Liaison Officer Building K8 Ph: Fax: Parramatta Campus Contact: Student Liaison Officer PAUWS Building Room: EY. G. 03 Ph: Fax: Western Sydney Institute of TAFE Mt Druitt Campus Contact: Aboriginal Development Manager Block L Room LG 15 Cnr Mount St & North Pde Mount Druitt NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Western Sydney TAFE Contact: Aboriginal Student Support Officer Ph: Institute Aboriginal Coordinators Contact: Aboriginal Training Officer Ph: Employment Centrelink West Aboriginal Service Unit Mt Druitt Office Contact: Indigenous Service Unit Manager P.O. Box 234 Ph: Fax: Contact: Youth Services Officer P.O. Box 234 Ph: Fax: Blacktown Office Contact: Indigenous Service Officer P.O. Box 6402 Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: Fax: Penrith Office Contact: Indigenous Service Officer [most Thursdays] P.O. Box 4275 Penrith Plaza Ph: Fax: Nepean Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Employment Coordinator P.O. Box 63 Nepean NSW 2750 Ph: Fax: Health Unit Aboriginal Health Role: To work within all departments within the health sector to improve the status of indigenous health and provides medical and employment services to the indigenous community. Contact: Reception 14

16 Mt Druitt Hospital, Luxford Rd Ph: Fax: Director: Manager: Maternal Health Worker: Midwife: Religion Aboriginal Catholic Services Role: To encourage the enrichment of Aboriginal people in order to bridge the gap between indigenous and nonindigenous people. Contact: Luxford Rd Emerton NSW 2770 Ph: Mt Druitt Indigenous Church Contact: The Pastor Ellsworth Dr Tregear NSW 2770 Mob: IDENTIFIED ABORIGINAL POSITIONS IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS 4.1 Child Protection DOCS, Metro West Region- Aboriginal Case Worker Blacktown Community Services Centre Contact: Site Coordinator 14 Prince St P.O. Box 6085 Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: Fax: Hawkesbury Community Services Centre Derrubbin Centre Level 1, 300 George St P.O. Box 466 Windsor NSW 2756 Ph: Fax: Katoomba Community Services Centre 180 Katoomba St P.O. Box 337 Katoomba NSW 2780 Ph: Fax: Mt Druitt Community Services Centre 5 Mount St P.O. Box 111 Ph: Fax: Parramatta Community Services Centre Level 7, Macquarie St P.O. Box 34 Parramatta NSW 2124 Ph: Fax: Penrith Community Services Centre 2-6 Station St Penrith NSW 2750 P.O. Box

17 Penrith Westfield NSW 2750 Ph: Fax: St Marys Community Services Centre Queens St St Marys NSW 2760 P.O. Box 806 St Marys NSW 1970 Ph: Fax: Fair Trading Office of Fair Trading Parramatta Office Trading Centre Contact: Aboriginal Customer Service Officer Ground Floor, 1 Fitzwilliam St Parramatta NSW 2150 Ph: Fax: Health Sydney West Area Health Service Blacktown Community Health Centre Contact: Aboriginal Health Worker Ph: Fax: Contact: Clinical Nurse Specialist [Outreach] Ph: /8727 Fax: Mt Druitt Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Cardiac Rehab Worker Ph: Fax: Blacktown Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Care Navigation Officer M: Contact: Aboriginal Chronic Care Coordinator Ph: Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer Ph: Fax: M: Contact: Aboriginal Mental Health Trainee Ph: Fax: M: Contact: Aboriginal Mental Health Worker M: Cranebrook Community Health Centre Contact: Aboriginal Health Worker Ph: Fax: M: Contact: Child & Family Health Worker Team Coordinator Ph: M: Contact: Child & Family Health Nurse M: Contact: Aboriginal Health Education Officer M: Cumberland Campus Contact: Aboriginal Health Population Trainees 16

18 Ph: Fax: Hawkesbury Community Health Centre Contact: Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Ph: M: Lawson Community Health Centre Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer Ph: Fax: M: Lemon Grove Contact: Aboriginal Sexual Health Worker HIV/HEP Prevention Ph: Fax: Contact: HEPC Access Coordinator Ph: Fax: Lithgow Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Mental Health Trainee Ph: Fax: Mt Druitt Community Health Centre Contact: Otitis Media Coordinator Ph: Mt Druitt Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Cardiac Rehab Worker Ph: Fax: Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer Ph: Fax: M: Nepean Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer Ph: Fax: Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer [D&A] Ph: Contact: Aboriginal Mental Health Worker M: Penrith Community Health Centre Contact: Aboriginal Mental Health Trainee Ph: Fax: Penrith Community & Child Health Nurse Contact: Aboriginal Social Worker Ph: M: Westmead & Auburn Hospitals Contact: Quality Improvement Officer Ph: Fax: Westmead Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer Ph: Fax: M: Contact: Aboriginal Manager Workforce Development Ph: Fax:

19 4.4 Housing NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Referral Service Contact: Reception 33 Argyle St P.O. Box W5 Westfield Parramatta NSW 2150 Free Call: Ph: Fax: Aboriginal Housing Information Free call: Housing NSW Aboriginal Inquiry Line Blacktown Office Contact: Coordinator. Aboriginal Support Services 81 Flushcombe Rd Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: Fax: Mt Druitt Office Contact: Aboriginal Support Services 6 Dawson Mall Ph: Fax: Penrith Office Contact: Aboriginal Support Services 362 High St Penrith NSW 2750 Ph: Tenancy: Applicants: Justice Probation & Parole Mt Druitt Contact: Aboriginal Client Service Officer 5 Mount St Mount St Ph: Fax: Blacktown Contact: Aboriginal Client Service Officer 9 Second Ave Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: Fax: Department of Juvenile Justice [Metropolitan Region] Metro Regional Office Contact: Aboriginal Program Development Officer Cnr Great Western Highway & Water St P.O. Box 539 St Marys NSW 1790 Ph: Fax: Blacktown Juvenile Justice Community Services Contact: Aboriginal Juvenile Justice Officer P.O. Box 985 Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: Fax: Penrith Juvenile Justice Community Services 18

20 Contact: Aboriginal Juvenile Justice Officer Level 3, 2-6 Station St P.O. Box 4087 Penrith Plaza 2750 Ph: Fax: Mt Druitt Court House Department of Justice and Attorney General Contact: Reception 59 North Pde P.O. Box 99 Mt Druitt NSW Ph: Fax: Contact: Aboriginal Client Service Specialist Ph: Contact: Circle Sentencing Project Officer Ph: Contact: Coordinator Aboriginal Justice Group Ph: Fax: Mt Druitt Police Station Contact: Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers Luxford Rd Ph: Fax: Local Government Blacktown City Council Contact: Aboriginal Community Development Worker P.O. Box 63 Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: Fax: Civic Events Unit Contact: Events Officer P.O. Box 63 Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: Fax: Parramatta City Council Contact: ATSI Service & Capacity Building Project Officer P.O. Box 32, Parramatta 2124 Level 11, 30 Darcy St Parramatta NSW 2150 Ph: Fax: Penrith City Council Contact: Supporting Aboriginal Access to Children Services P.O. Box 60 Penrith NSW 2751 Ph: Fax: Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer 601 High St Penrith NSW 2751 Ph: Fax: Roads & Traffic Authority Roads & Traffic Authority Contact: Aboriginal Program Consultant Manager P.O. Box 200 Parramatta NSW 2124 Ph:

21 Fax: School Education Department of Education & Communities- Western Sydney Region Senior Education Officer Contact: Team Leader Aboriginal Education Ph: Fax: Contact: Aboriginal Education Consultant Ph: Fax: Chifley College Bidwill Campus Bunya Rd Bidwill NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Chifley College Dunheved Campus Maple Rd North St Marys NSW 2760 Ph: Fax: Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus Stuart Rd Ph: Fax: Aboriginal Education Officer Bennett Road Public School Bennett Rd Colyton NSW 2760 Ph: Fax: Bidwill Public School Bunya Rd Bidwill NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Blackett Public School Bolderwood Rd Blackett NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Braddock Public School Laycock St Cranebrook NSW 2749 Ph: Fax: Chifley College Senior Campus Mimika Rd Whalan NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Chifley College Shalvey Campus Noumea St Shalvey NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Cranebrook High School Hosking St Cranebrook NSW 2749 Ph: Fax: Crawford Public School Power St Doonside NSW 2767 Ph: Fax: Doonside Technology High School Power St 20

22 Doonside NSW 2767 Ph: Fax: Doonside Public School Kildare Rd Doonside NSW 2767 Ph: Fax: Hebersham Public School Andover Cres Hebersham NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Kingswood Park Public School Caloola Ave Kingswood Park NS W 2750 Ph: Fax: Lethbridge Park Public School Copeland Rd Lethbridge Park NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Noumea Public School Noumea St Shalvey NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Plumpton High School Hyatts Rd Plumpton NSW 2761 Ph: Fax: Putland School for Specific Purposes P.O. Box 429 Kingswood NSW 2747 Ph: Fax: Riverstone Public School Elizabeth St Riverstone NSW 2765 Ph: Fax: St Marys North Public School Willow St St Marys North NSW 2760 Ph: Fax: Shalvey Public School Laver St Shalvey NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: The Meadows Public School Fuller St Seven Hill NSW 2147 Ph: Fax: Tregear Public School Wilkes Cres Tregear NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Whalan Public School Karangi Rd Whalan NSW 2770 Ph: Fax: Willmot Public School Discovery Ave Willmot NSW 2770 Ph: Fax:

23 Windsor South Public School 77 A Church St South Windsor NSW 2756 Ph: Fax: NSW Sport & Recreation Contact: Central Region Aboriginal Sport Development Officer Locked Bag Silverwater NSW 2128 Ph: Fax: Locker Bag 7118 Parramatta BC NSW 2150 Ph: Fax: Mt Druitt Family Violence Service Contact: Case Worker P.O. Box 344 Ph: Fax: Violence & Abuse Prevention Education Against Violence Centre Contact: Senior Health Educator Locked Bag 7118 Parramatta BC NSW 2150 Ph: / Fax: Contact: Aboriginal Child Protection Educator 5. USEFUL CONTACTS 5.1 Accommodation Homeless Persons Information Centre Role: A telephone information and referral service that directs people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to appropriate services. Toll Free: Ph: Fax: Youth Emergency u/17 Accommodation Line [YEAL] P.O. Box 3115 Redfern NSW 2016 Ph: Free Call: Capacity Building Aboriginal Capacity Building Advisory Group Contact: Aboriginal Community Programs Officer P.O. Box 6085 Blacktown NSW

24 Ph: Fax: Children s Services Aboriginal Intensive Based Family Servce Role: To stabilize families so that Aboriginal children can live with their family and community in a safe and nurturing environment. (Homebased support) Contact: Manager, Case Work 5 Mount St Ph: Fax: Children and Family Services Officer Parramatta City Council Ph: Fax: Coordination Sydney Indigenous Coordination Centres [ICC] Contact: Reception 280 Elizabeth St Surry Hills NSW 2010 P.O. Box K1176 Department of Education & Communities: Aboriginal Education and Training Directorate Unit Contact: Office Manager Level 14 1 Oxford St Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Locked Bag 53 Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Ph: Fax: Hay Market NSW 1240 Ph: Fax: Education NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group [AECG] Contact: AECG Secretariat 37 Cavendish St Stanmore NSW2048 P.O. Box 375 Enmore NSW 2048 Ph: Fax: Contact: Indigenous Change Manager 126 Greville Street Chatswood NSW 2067 Ph: Fax: AIATSIS [Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies] Contact: Librarian G.P.O. Box 553 Acton, ACT 2601 Ph: Fax: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations [DEEWR] Education Officers Contact: Indigenous Services Manager Australian Youth Development Program [AYDP] Sub- Committee Contact: Coordinator P.O. Box 177 Ph:

25 Fax: Health Hearing Australia Role: Provides hearing services, information and products. Contact: Australian Hearing Head Office: 126 Greville Street Chatswood NSW 2067 Tel: (02) TTY: (02) Fax: (02) Justice Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women s Legal Centre Role: For Aboriginal women, children and youth for assistance in instances regarding sexual assault, violencemainly domestic, child sexual assault and victims compensation. Contact: Reception for Appointment Cnr Livingstone and Marrickville Rds [old Marrickville Hospital] Marrickville P.O. Box 785 Marrickville NSW 1475 Free Call: Ph: Fax: Aboriginal Prisoner and Family Support Unit Ph: (02) Level 1, 182 Queen St St Marys NSW 2760 SECTION 2: ANALYSIS OF THE NEEDS ANALYSIS OF THE NEEDS It is important to highlight that studies available on gaps in Aboriginal service provision, are not specific to the Diocese of Parramatta; rather to the Greater Western Sydney. The statistical information reveals considerable Aboriginal disadvantage compared to non-aboriginal people in the South-Western and Western Sydney region. Compared to other regions in the State, Aboriginal people in the South Western and Western Sydney region are suffering less disadvantage than all other regions across a majority of indicators. Nevertheless, Aboriginal disadvantage in Western Sydney is apparent across all indicators for health, economic development, education, housing, 24

26 justice and family and community wellbeing, although this disadvantage is more pronounced in some areas. The Aboriginal population in the Western and South Western Sydney region has the following characteristics when compared with the non-aboriginal population of the region: A significantly young overall population, but similar to the demographics of the Aboriginal population in other regions in New South Wales. Very few people older than 60 years of age with more women than men in this demographic. High unemployment; and Lower education achievements. The socio-economic indicators also identify the Western/South Western Sydney region s Aboriginal population as being either more disadvantaged or less disadvantaged in the following areas: Relative to Aboriginal people in other regions of NSW Less disadvantaged Cardiovascular disease Diabetes Infectious diseases Alcohol abuse Environmental health Domestic violence rates Years 3 & 5 literacy & numeracy More disadvantaged Adult incarceration rates Juvenile diversions from court First antenatal visit by pregnant mothers Low birth weight babies Housing Levels of tertiary education 25

27 Health The Western and South Western Sydney region has a comparatively high proportion of low birth weight babies and low rate of antenatal visits by pregnant Aboriginal mothers. Education The Western and South-Western Sydney region has falling retention rates for Aboriginal students to year 12. Justice The Greater Sydney region had the highest rate of Aboriginal adults on remand in the State. It also had the highest rate of imprisonment of Aboriginal adults in 2003, when more than 1% of the adult Aboriginal population in the region was imprisoned. The proportion of persons refused bail by Aboriginal status in the Western region was also greater than the total population, but the difference was smaller than the gap between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal rates of remand and imprisonment. Families and Young People Although in 2002 the rate of assault victimization in the Great Sydney region was significantly higher for Aboriginal young people than for the total population, the Greater Sydney region had the lower victimization rate for domestic violence for Aboriginal people in New South Wales at 2.6 per 1000 people. The rate of Aboriginal children and young people involved in child protection reports where assessment determined there were abuse/neglect issues, was four times the rate for the total population of children and young people in Sydney in 2001/2002. The Greater Sydney region had the fourth highest rate of substantiated reports of abuse/neglect of children by Aboriginal status in New South Wales. Housing and Infrastructure The Sydney region had the highest proportion of households with overcrowding in Aboriginal Housing Office dwellings in New South Wales in 2002/03. 26

28 In the Sydney region, the proportion of Aboriginal households who own or are buying their own home was almost half the proportion of non-aboriginal households in ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION It is recommended that the Western Sydney Regional Engagement Group, which is composed of representatives from the NSW government, the Australian government and regional representatives of peak Aboriginal organizations, undertake further investigation of the following issues: 1. The data relating to health suggests that there are a number of areas, such as low birth weight babies, antenatal visits by Aboriginal mothers, tobacco and other drug misuse, which may require additional allocation of resources. 2. Opportunities should be explored to work with the Attorney General s Department, NSW Police and the Department of Corrective Services to address the issues of low rates of Aboriginal juvenile diversions and high adult incarceration rate in the region. 3. Considering the lack of affordable housing in the region and the need for crisis accommodation, the Aboriginal Housing Office, Department of Housing, Department of Community Services and Department of Ageing, Disability and Homecare representatives could be invited to discuss these issues with the relevant community organizations and representatives. 4. Although there is a considerable amount of money spent on family and community services in the region, it is clear that all sectors of the region are not benefiting equally from this expenditure. It is recommended that the various communities be consulted about gaps in services delivery. 27

29 In developing appropriate responses to these issues, consideration should be given to advice consistently provided by Aboriginal people in various forums in relation to service delivery. A general concern expressed by Aboriginal people is the culturally inappropriate manner in which services are delivered. This manifests itself in a range of ways including: The absence of Aboriginal staff in organizations, particularly at the first point of contact such as reception areas; An inability by service providers to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people; and Overt racism expressed by service providers SECTION 3: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CATHOLICCARE SOCIAL SERVICES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CATHOLICCARE SOCIAL SERVICES 1. Develop an Aboriginal Intensive Family Support Service An Aboriginal Intensive Family Service will assist families through a range of interventions, which could be tailored to the individual s or community s needs. These interventions may include parenting and life skills education, one-on-one counselling, and support delivered either in the home or to small groups in community facilities. 28

30 2. Increase applications for Aboriginal Specific Funding The National Indigenous Reform Agreement [NRA] which was signed by the Council of Australian Governments [COAG] in November 2008, notes that funding is available through Indigenous-Specific National Partnerships to assist in meeting the target of closing the gap. 3. Recruit Aboriginal Welfare Workers/Counsellors Recruiting Aboriginal welfare workers/counsellors to improve Aboriginal access to the service. 4. Adapt Existing Services to increase cultural competency One way of adapting existing services is to ensure practitioners are culturally competent. Smith [1998, cited by Kim-Godwin, 2001] highlights the benefits in outcomes when practitioners are culturally competent in the delivery of services. These include: An increased sense of empowerment in the clientele and greater appreciation for the service providers. An increase in the proportion of Aboriginal community members seeking services provided. 29

31 BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Blacktown City Council, Blacktown City Council Social Plan, November Blue Mountains City Council, Looking After People: 2004 Blue Mountains State of Community Profile, June Beale, P & Beale, J [2011] Darug Area Aboriginal Network Directory, [18 th Ed]. Butucarbin Aboriginal Corporation 4. Hawkesbury City Council, The Hawkesbury Social Plan Holroyd City Council, Holroyd Social Plan Kim-Godwin, Y,S; Clarke, P,N & Barton, L[2001] A Model for the Delivery of Culturally Competent Community Care. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 35[6], NSW Department of Education [2006] Two Ways Together: Western and South- Western Sydney- Public Report 8. Parramatta City Council, Parramatta Social Plan: 2001/ /05, March Penrith City Council, Penrith City Strategy Plan: