MAPPING ABORIGINAL SERVICES IN THE DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA

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

INTRODUCTION... 3 SECTION 1: ABORIGINAL NETWORK DIRECTORY... 5 1 ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS... 5 1.1 Accommodation... 5 1.2 Aged Care & Disability... 5 1.3 Children s Services... 6 1.4 Community Development... 7 1.5 Cultural Services... 7 1.6 Drug & Alcohol... 7 1.7 Education Community... 8 1.8 Employment... 9 1.9 Family Support Services... 9 1.10 Health... 9 1.11 Heritage... 10 1.12 Justice... 10 2. ABORIGINAL WORKERS IN MAINSTREAM [NGO] SERVICES... 11 2.1 Accommodation... 11 2.2 Childcare... 11 2.3 Community Development... 11 2.4 Counselling... 12 2.5 Employment... 12 2.6 Justice... 12 2.7 Youth... 12 3. ABORIGINAL UNITS IN MAINSTREAM ORGANISATIONS... 13 3.1 Aged Care & Disability... 13 3.2 Children s Services... 13 3.3 Education... 13 3.4 Employment... 14 3.5 Health... 14 3.6 Religion... 15 4. IDENTIFIED ABORIGINAL POSITIONS IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS... 15 4.1 Child Protection... 15 4.2 Fair Trading... 16 4.3 Health... 16 4.4 Housing... 18 4.5 Justice... 18 4.6 Local Government... 19 4.7 Roads & Traffic Authority... 19 4.8 School Education... 20 4.9 Aboriginal Education Officer... 20 1

4.10 4.11 NSW Sport & Recreation... 22 Violence & Abuse Prevention... 22 5. USEFUL CONTACTS... 22 5.1 Accommodation... 22 5.2 Capacity Building... 22 5.3 Children s Services... 23 5.4 Coordination... 23 5.5 Education... 23 5.6 Health... 24 5.7 Justice... 24 SECTION 2: ANALYSIS OF THE NEEDS... 24 ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION... 27 SECTION 3: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CATHOLICCARE SOCIAL SERVICES... 28 BIBLIOGRAPHY... 30 2

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

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

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 4721 8922 Fax 4731 3846 1.2 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: 9832 3825 or 9675 5506 Fax: 9832 3826 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: 9752 5506 Fax: 9832 3826 Gilgai Disability Family Support Coordinator Role: To provide a service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who require additional support 5

services enabling families to continue caring for their child with a disability. Contact: DFS Coordinator Ph: 9625 2952 Fax: 9832 3826 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: 9675 2371 Fax: 9832 3826 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: 4722 6126 1.3 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: 9628 0639 Fax: 9628 0627 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: 9840 1006 Fax: 9833 0194 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: 4722 3524 6

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 28-30 Pringle Rd Hebersham NSW 2770 Ph: 9832 7167 Fax: 98327263 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: 4588 5144 Fax: 4588 6366 1.5 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: 4782 6569 Fax: 4782 4349 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 02 96224081 Email darug_tribal@live.com.au 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: 4757 3223 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) 4782 6578/ (02) 4782 2413 Website: http://www.gundungurra.org.au 7

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: 4721 6462 1.6 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: 9832 1356 Fax: 9625 4152 http://www.amsws.org.au/ 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 79-81 Jersey Rd Blackett NSW 2770 Ph: 9628 3031 Fax: 9628 8858 http://www.marrinweejali.org.au 1.7 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 28-30 Pringle Rd Hebersham NSW 2770 Ph: 9832 7167 Fax: 9832 7263 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: 9550 5666 Da Murrytoola Local AECG Contact: Field Officer NSW AECG Secretariat Ph: 9550 5666 Gunar Local AECG Contact: Field Officer NSW AECG Secretariat Ph: 95505666 Nurringingy Local AECG Contact: Field Officer NSW AECG Secretariat Ph: 9550 5666 8

Pemulway Local AECG Contact: Field Officer NSW AECG Secretariat Ph: 9550 5666 Willmot Local AECG Contact: Field Officer NSW AECG Secretariat Ph: 9550 5666 Yarramundi Local AECG Contact: Field Officer NSW AECG Secretariat Ph: 9550 5666 1.8 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: 9852 2700 Fax: 9852 2710 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 89-151 Old Castlereagh Rd Castlereagh NSW 2749 Ph: 4729 2377 Fax: 4729 4193 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: 9832 3326 Fax: 9832 4903 http://www.wscac.org.au/index.html 1.9 Family Support Services Emergency Relief [electricity only] Contact: Gloria Mathews Ph: 9835 2976 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) 9564 0594 Fax: (02) 9564 0195 http://www.antar.org.au/nsw/ 1.10 Health Aboriginal Medical Service Western Sydney Role: To provide culturally appropriate, holistic and comprehensive primary health care to the Aboriginal community 9

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: 9835 1356 Fax: 9625 4152 1.11 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 http://www.linkupnsw.org.au/link-up-nsw/ P.O. Box 93 Lawson NSW 2783 Ph: 4759 1911 Fax: 4759 2607 1.12 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) 8836 3444 http://www.alsnswact.org.au/ 10

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: 02 9628 3333 PO Box E21, Emerton NSW 2770 Email: 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: 9835 4994 Fax: 9835 4979 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: 4751 3105 Fax: 4751 5370 2.2 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: 9628 8670 Fax: 9628 8670 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 10-12 Macarthur Way Bidwill NSW 2770 Ph: 9953 3287 Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services. Role: To provide community development Contact: Aboriginal Team Leader PO Box 7599 South Penrith NSW 2750 11

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: 9628 6317 2.4 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 2031 11 Cleeve Close Mount Druitt NSW 2770 Ph: 8886 2809 Fax: 9625 5433 2.5 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: 9677 1699 Fax: 9677 1141 2.6 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: 4587 8877 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: 1300 888 529 (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. 36-38 First Avenue Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: 9672 9288 Fax; 9672 9302 Hebersham Aboriginal Youth Service [ HAYS] Role: Provides support accommodation for young Aboriginal people (15-18) who are at risk of becoming homeless. 12

Contact: Coordinator 26 Pringle Rd Hebersham NSW 2770 Ph: 9832 9330 Fax: 9832 9331 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: 9673 4144 Fax: 9673 4199 http://www.miimali.com.au/ 3. 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: 4734 9422 Fax: 4734 9404 3.2 Children s Services Waru Mudyin, [Aboriginal Inclusive Family Based Service] Contact: Manager, Case worker 5 Mount St Ph: 8887 7419 Fax: 8887 7599 Wingarra Aboriginal Pre-School Contact: Teacher in Charge Kildare Rd Doonside NSW 2767 Ph: 9622 3575 Fax: 9831 8019 3.3 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: 4736 0695 Fax: 4736 0699 Blacktown Campus Contact: Associate Director Administration & 13

Student Services Goolangullia Room [Bldg 11] Room: U1. G. 10 Ph: 9772 6389 Fax: 9792 7539 Hawkesbury Campus Contact: Student Liaison Officer Building K8 Ph: 4570 1658 Fax: 4570 1666 Parramatta Campus Contact: Student Liaison Officer PAUWS Building Room: EY. G. 03 Ph: 9685 9255 Fax: 9792 7339 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: 9208 6369 Fax: 9208 6299 Western Sydney TAFE Contact: Aboriginal Student Support Officer Ph: 9208 6247 Institute Aboriginal Coordinators Contact: Aboriginal Training Officer Ph: 9208 6243 3.4 Employment Centrelink West Aboriginal Service Unit Mt Druitt Office Contact: Indigenous Service Unit Manager P.O. Box 234 Ph: 9208 6645 Fax: 9208 6599 Contact: Youth Services Officer P.O. Box 234 Ph: 9208 6645 Fax: 9208 6599 Blacktown Office Contact: Indigenous Service Officer P.O. Box 6402 Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: 9208 6645 Fax: 9208 6599 Penrith Office Contact: Indigenous Service Officer [most Thursdays] P.O. Box 4275 Penrith Plaza Ph: 9208 6645 Fax: 4208 6599 Nepean Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Employment Coordinator P.O. Box 63 Nepean NSW 2750 Ph: 4734 2692 Fax: 4734 2503 3.5 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

Mt Druitt Hospital, Luxford Rd Ph: 9881 1670 Fax: 9881 1544 Director: 9881 1670 Manager: 9881 1984 Maternal Health Worker: 9881 1973 Midwife: 9881 1932 3.6 Religion Aboriginal Catholic Services Role: To encourage the enrichment of Aboriginal people in order to bridge the gap between indigenous and nonindigenous people. Contact: 252-254 Luxford Rd Emerton NSW 2770 Ph: 9628 7272 Mt Druitt Indigenous Church Contact: The Pastor 103-105 Ellsworth Dr Tregear NSW 2770 Mob: 0458 725 432 4. 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: 9852 3200 Fax: 9852 3283 www.community.nsw.gov.au Hawkesbury Community Services Centre Derrubbin Centre Level 1, 300 George St P.O. Box 466 Windsor NSW 2756 Ph: 4574 6666 Fax: 4574 6699 Katoomba Community Services Centre 180 Katoomba St P.O. Box 337 Katoomba NSW 2780 Ph: 4782 3066 Fax: 4782 2905 Mt Druitt Community Services Centre 5 Mount St P.O. Box 111 Ph: 8887 7400 Fax: 8887 7599 Parramatta Community Services Centre Level 7, 31-39 Macquarie St P.O. Box 34 Parramatta NSW 2124 Ph: 9354 1888 Fax: 9354 1889 Penrith Community Services Centre 2-6 Station St Penrith NSW 2750 P.O. Box 4157 15

Penrith Westfield NSW 2750 Ph: 4722 7300 Fax: 4722 7399 St Marys Community Services Centre 225-227 Queens St St Marys NSW 2760 P.O. Box 806 St Marys NSW 1970 Ph: 9851 4100 Fax: 9851 4199 4.2 Fair Trading Office of Fair Trading Parramatta Office Trading Centre Contact: Aboriginal Customer Service Officer Ground Floor, 1 Fitzwilliam St Parramatta NSW 2150 Ph: 9895 0324 Fax: 9895 0400 4.3 Health Sydney West Area Health Service Blacktown Community Health Centre Contact: Aboriginal Health Worker Ph: 9881 8718 Fax: 9671 6360 Contact: Clinical Nurse Specialist [Outreach] Ph: 9881 8718/8727 Fax: 9671 6360 Mt Druitt Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Cardiac Rehab Worker Ph: 9881 1120 Fax: 9881 1828 Blacktown Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Care Navigation Officer M: 0410 017 642 Contact: Aboriginal Chronic Care Coordinator Ph: 8887 4448 Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer Ph: 9881 8044 Fax: 9881 8934 M: 0414 967 562 Contact: Aboriginal Mental Health Trainee Ph: 9881 8888 Fax: 9881 8934 M: 0415 494 078 Contact: Aboriginal Mental Health Worker M: 0408 445 864 Cranebrook Community Health Centre Contact: Aboriginal Health Worker Ph: 4730 5100 Fax: 4730 5155 M: 0414 967 562 Contact: Child & Family Health Worker Team Coordinator Ph: 4730 5100 M: 0407 144 440 Contact: Child & Family Health Nurse M: 0418 155 420 Contact: Aboriginal Health Education Officer M: 0401 306 803 Cumberland Campus Contact: Aboriginal Health Population Trainees 16

Ph: 9840 3708 Fax: 9840 3608 Hawkesbury Community Health Centre Contact: Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Ph: 4560 5776 M: 0417 248 503 Lawson Community Health Centre Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer Ph: 4759 8700 Fax: 4759 8740 M: 0413 005 324 Lemon Grove Contact: Aboriginal Sexual Health Worker HIV/HEP Prevention Ph: 4734 3974 Fax: 4734 3865 Contact: HEPC Access Coordinator Ph: 4743 3853 Fax: 4734 3856 Lithgow Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Mental Health Trainee Ph: 6354 0600 Fax: 6351 3516 Mt Druitt Community Health Centre Contact: Otitis Media Coordinator Ph: 9881 1214 Mt Druitt Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Cardiac Rehab Worker Ph: 9881 1120 Fax: 9881 8280 Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer Ph: 9881 1542 Fax: 98811538 M: 0408 272 980 Nepean Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer Ph: 4734 2670 Fax: 4734 2503 Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer [D&A] Ph: 4734 1925 Contact: Aboriginal Mental Health Worker M: 0414 915 674 Penrith Community Health Centre Contact: Aboriginal Mental Health Trainee Ph: 9833 4307 Fax: 9833 4376 Penrith Community & Child Health Nurse Contact: Aboriginal Social Worker Ph: 4732 9400 M: 0419 572 075 Westmead & Auburn Hospitals Contact: Quality Improvement Officer Ph: 9845 7587 Fax: 9689 2041 Westmead Hospital Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer Ph: 9845 6699 Fax: 9845 7866 M: 0407 949 670 Contact: Aboriginal Manager Workforce Development Ph: 9845 3630 Fax: 9845 7866 17

4.4 Housing NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Referral Service Contact: Reception 33 Argyle St P.O. Box W5 Westfield Parramatta NSW 2150 Free Call: 1800 727 555 Ph: 8836 9444 Fax: 9635 7695 Aboriginal Housing Information Free call: 1800 727 555 Housing NSW Aboriginal Inquiry Line 1300 468 746 Blacktown Office Contact: Coordinator. Aboriginal Support Services 81 Flushcombe Rd Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: 9831 0851 Fax: 9831 6874 Mt Druitt Office Contact: Aboriginal Support Services 6 Dawson Mall Ph: 9675 8969 Fax: 9832 1772 Penrith Office Contact: Aboriginal Support Services 362 High St Penrith NSW 2750 Ph: 4721 6460 Tenancy: 4721 6422 Applicants: 4721 6466 4.5 Justice Probation & Parole Mt Druitt Contact: Aboriginal Client Service Officer 5 Mount St Mount St Ph: 9421 3000 Fax: 9421 3099 Blacktown Contact: Aboriginal Client Service Officer 9 Second Ave Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: 9671 4266 Fax: 9831 7189 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: 9833 6595 Fax: 9673 3233 Blacktown Juvenile Justice Community Services Contact: Aboriginal Juvenile Justice Officer P.O. Box 985 Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: 8882 4300 Fax: 8882 4361 Penrith Juvenile Justice Community Services 18

Contact: Aboriginal Juvenile Justice Officer Level 3, 2-6 Station St P.O. Box 4087 Penrith Plaza 2750 Ph: 4720 3600 Fax: 4720 3690 Mt Druitt Court House Department of Justice and Attorney General Contact: Reception 59 North Pde P.O. Box 99 Mt Druitt NSW Ph: 9881 9100 Fax: 9881 9188 Contact: Aboriginal Client Service Specialist Ph: 9881 9125 Contact: Circle Sentencing Project Officer Ph: 9881 9128 Contact: Coordinator Aboriginal Justice Group Ph: 9881 9176 Fax: 9881 9188 Mt Druitt Police Station Contact: Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers Luxford Rd Ph: 9675 0699 Fax: 9675 0611 4.6 Local Government Blacktown City Council Contact: Aboriginal Community Development Worker P.O. Box 63 Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: 9839 6167 Fax: 9839 6578 Civic Events Unit Contact: Events Officer P.O. Box 63 Blacktown NSW 2148 Ph: 9839 6075 Fax: 9839 6389 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: 9806 5137 Fax: 9806 5914 Penrith City Council Contact: Supporting Aboriginal Access to Children Services P.O. Box 60 Penrith NSW 2751 Ph: 4732 7935 Fax: 4732 7958 Contact: Aboriginal Liaison Officer 601 High St Penrith NSW 2751 Ph: 4732 7853 Fax: 4732 7958 4.7 Roads & Traffic Authority Roads & Traffic Authority Contact: Aboriginal Program Consultant Manager P.O. Box 200 Parramatta NSW 2124 Ph: 8849 2426 19

Fax: 8849 2886 4.8 School Education Department of Education & Communities- Western Sydney Region Senior Education Officer Contact: Team Leader Aboriginal Education Ph: 8808 4943 Fax: 8808 4944 Contact: Aboriginal Education Consultant Ph: 8808 4937 Fax: 8808 4944 Chifley College Bidwill Campus Bunya Rd Bidwill NSW 2770 Ph: 9628 2222 Fax: 9628 0359 Chifley College Dunheved Campus Maple Rd North St Marys NSW 2760 Ph: 9623 6600 Fax: 9833 1265 Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus Stuart Rd Ph: 9625 9750 Fax: 9832 1463 4.9 Aboriginal Education Officer Bennett Road Public School Bennett Rd Colyton NSW 2760 Ph: 9623 2018 Fax: 9833 1037 Bidwill Public School Bunya Rd Bidwill NSW 2770 Ph: 9628 2444 Fax: 9628 0480 Blackett Public School 47-59 Bolderwood Rd Blackett NSW 2770 Ph: 9628 7760 Fax: 9628 0985 Braddock Public School Laycock St Cranebrook NSW 2749 Ph: 4729 0392 Fax: 4729 1343 Chifley College Senior Campus Mimika Rd Whalan NSW 2770 Ph: 9625 9920 Fax: 9832 2413 Chifley College Shalvey Campus Noumea St Shalvey NSW 2770 Ph: 9628 9161 Fax: 9628 1506 Cranebrook High School Hosking St Cranebrook NSW 2749 Ph: 4729 0777 Fax: 4729 1384 Crawford Public School Power St Doonside NSW 2767 Ph: 9621 7233 Fax: 9831 1520 Doonside Technology High School Power St 20

Doonside NSW 2767 Ph: 9622 2463 Fax: 9831 5951 Doonside Public School Kildare Rd Doonside NSW 2767 Ph: 9622 3575 Fax: 9831 8019 Hebersham Public School Andover Cres Hebersham NSW 2770 Ph: 9625 9133 Fax: 9832 1456 Kingswood Park Public School Caloola Ave Kingswood Park NS W 2750 Ph: 4721 4414 Fax: 4721 0904 Lethbridge Park Public School Copeland Rd Lethbridge Park NSW 2770 Ph: 9628 7777 Fax: 9628 0651 Noumea Public School Noumea St Shalvey NSW 2770 Ph: 9628 7777 Fax: 9628 1572 Plumpton High School Hyatts Rd Plumpton NSW 2761 Ph: 9635 7020 Fax: 9832 1582 Putland School for Specific Purposes P.O. Box 429 Kingswood NSW 2747 Ph: 9623 8322 Fax: 9623 3576 Riverstone Public School Elizabeth St Riverstone NSW 2765 Ph: 9627 1517 Fax: 9838 1131 St Marys North Public School Willow St St Marys North NSW 2760 Ph: 9623 1443 Fax: 9833 1283 Shalvey Public School Laver St Shalvey NSW 2770 Ph: 9628 0322 Fax: 9628 3545 The Meadows Public School Fuller St Seven Hill NSW 2147 Ph: 9631 3737 Fax: 9896 3281 Tregear Public School Wilkes Cres Tregear NSW 2770 Ph: 9628 6301 Fax: 96283692 Whalan Public School Karangi Rd Whalan NSW 2770 Ph: 9625 9437 Fax: 9832 2452 Willmot Public School Discovery Ave Willmot NSW 2770 Ph: 9628 0222 Fax: 96281451 21

Windsor South Public School 77 A Church St South Windsor NSW 2756 Ph: 4577 3559 Fax: 4577 6749 4.10 NSW Sport & Recreation Contact: Central Region Aboriginal Sport Development Officer Locked Bag 14422 Silverwater NSW 2128 Ph: 9006 3700 Fax: 9006 3883 Locker Bag 7118 Parramatta BC NSW 2150 Ph: 9840 3752 Fax: 9840 3754 Mt Druitt Family Violence Service Contact: Case Worker P.O. Box 344 Ph: 9677 9628 Fax: 9677 9752 4.11 Violence & Abuse Prevention Education Against Violence Centre Contact: Senior Health Educator Locked Bag 7118 Parramatta BC NSW 2150 Ph: 9840 3736 / 9840 3735 Fax: 9840 3754 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: 1800 234 566 Ph: 9265 9081 Fax: 9265 9636 Youth Emergency u/17 Accommodation Line [YEAL] P.O. Box 3115 Redfern NSW 2016 Ph: 9318 1531 Free Call: 1800 424 830 www.yaa.com.au 5.2 Capacity Building Aboriginal Capacity Building Advisory Group Contact: Aboriginal Community Programs Officer P.O. Box 6085 Blacktown NSW 2148 22

Ph: 9852 3303 Fax: 9208 4535 5.3 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: 8887 7419 Fax: 8887 7599 Children and Family Services Officer Parramatta City Council Ph: 9806 5117 Fax: 9806 5914 5.4 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: 9244 5640 Fax: 9289 5365 Hay Market NSW 1240 Ph: 8255 7600 Fax: 8255 7660 5.5 Education NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group [AECG] Contact: AECG Secretariat 37 Cavendish St Stanmore NSW2048 P.O. Box 375 Enmore NSW 2048 Ph: 9550 5666 Fax: 9550 3361 Contact: Indigenous Change Manager 126 Greville Street Chatswood NSW 2067 Ph: 9412 6800 Fax: 9413 3362 AIATSIS [Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies] Contact: Librarian G.P.O. Box 553 Acton, ACT 2601 Ph: 6246 1111 Fax: 6261 4285 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: 9832 2346 23

Fax: 9832 4903 5.6 Health Hearing Australia Role: Provides hearing services, information and products. Contact: Australian Hearing Head Office: 126 Greville Street Chatswood NSW 2067 Tel: (02) 9412 6800 TTY: (02) 9412 6802 Fax: (02) 9413 3362 5.7 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: 1800 686 587 Ph: 9569 3847 Fax: 9569 4210 Aboriginal Prisoner and Family Support Unit Ph: (02) 9673 6400 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

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

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

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 2001. 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

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

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

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Blacktown City Council, Blacktown City Council Social Plan, November 2000 2. Blue Mountains City Council, Looking After People: 2004 Blue Mountains State of Community Profile, June 2004 3. Beale, P & Beale, J [2011] Darug Area Aboriginal Network Directory, [18 th Ed]. Butucarbin Aboriginal Corporation 4. Hawkesbury City Council, The Hawkesbury Social Plan 2003-2004 5. Holroyd City Council, Holroyd Social Plan 2005-2009 6. 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], 915-925 7. NSW Department of Education [2006] Two Ways Together: Western and South- Western Sydney- Public Report 8. Parramatta City Council, Parramatta Social Plan: 2001/02-2004/05, March 2001 9. Penrith City Council, Penrith City Strategy Plan: 2005-2009 30