Centacare Brisbane

On Monday, 25th November, our Centacare Post Release Service proudly received the inaugural Prevention Excellence Award at the 2024 QCOSS Queensland Council of Social Service Queensland Community Impact Awards — a newly developed award category this year. The Post Release Services team supports some of Southeast Queensland’s most marginalised individuals transitioning from prison to community life. Over 12 months, they provide one-on-one advocacy for housing, employment, and rehabilitation. The service also offers counselling with a qualified social worker to help clients navigate the challenges of incarceration and re-entry, alongside practical support to rebuild their lives, including securing identity documents, transport, food, and clothing. Between March 2023 and March 2024, the team supported 175 clients, with only four individuals returning to prison, reflecting the incredible impact of their work.    QCOSS, Queensland’s peak body for the community services sector, hosted the awards at Brisbane City Hall, celebrating community heroes. The event was graced by Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland.    A heartfelt congratulations to all finalists and recipients. Together, we are making a meaningful difference for Queensland’s most vulnerable communities. 

The work of our teams at Centacare is far reaching. In celebration of being named a finalist in this year’s QCOSS Queensland Community Impact Awards, we created a little video to highlight the critical work of our hard working Post Release Service team. Enjoy. https://bit.ly/4f3U17H

A big congratulations to our Post Release Service, who has been named a finalist in this year’s QCOSS Queensland Community Impact Awards. Cherelle Evans and Rom Sayon, in the Spirit of the Gospel, support the human rights of one of the most disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable groups in the community – men and women released from prison. Recognising the inherent dignity of each person, they greet every client with an attitude of kindness and unconditional positive regard. In a respectful and highly professional space, the team works with former prisoners to explore their hopes and determine their goals, to advocate for them, to ensure their entitlements, and to support them to restore a meaningful and productive place in the wider community. This is incredibly important work and we wish you all the best for the awards on 25 November!

Last Friday we came together to honour our highest achieving teams and individuals, alongside 98 of our longest serving team members. A holistic care team that supports a group of ladies to live independently in the community received Centacare’s highest accolade – recognition for delivering on the organisation’s promise ‘It’s more than care, it’s a calling’. Speaking at the event, Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said that Centacare worked in the most critical areas of need in the community. Read more: https://bit.ly/3UhUGdt

This National Carers Week (13-19 October) Centacare is raising awareness about the services and support available to carers, encouraging them to reach out for help. Like many of Australia’s 3 million carers, Kimberley found it challenging to navigate the delicate balance of caring for her loved one and maintaining a sense of normalcy in her own life. With Queensland Government dementia funding and support from Centacare, the small business owner was able to access quality care for her mum and save her business. “I was reluctant to ask for help at first but accessing support has been life-changing for both of us,” said Kimberley. “Centacare developed a care plan for us that’s flexible and tailored to our needs and circumstances. Read more: https://bit.ly/3U6fW5L Carers Queensland

Centacare’s disability care programs continue to thrive, thanks in part to the expertise of our specialist team members. Each week Artistic Director Clark Crystal and his team of support workers, walk alongside the members of our drama ensembles to provide the specialist support and encouragement that people need to develop and share their individual talents. Clark trained in Paris with Philippe Gaulier, where he developed a passion for inclusive theatre. “We celebrate people’s unique abilities. Some people love to dance and move, some people like to talk,” said Clark. He recently spoke with ABC Radio’s Craig Zonca about how the Real and Diverse Theatre (RAD) ensemble is preparing for their upcoming QPAC production, Quavers. Tune in to hear how Clark and our team are supporting participants in achieving their goals: https://ab.co/3XVxzq2 Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Queensland Conservatorium of Music Suncorp Stadium

What is affirmative consent? October is Sexual Violence Awareness Month and every year, Centacare works with local communities to support sexual assault prevention and those impacted by sexual violence. With almost one in four women in Queensland having experienced sexual violence since the age of 15, the State Government has passed new laws, which require people to expressly say or do something to confirm their partner consents to a sexual activity. Centacare Area Manager Patricia Gorman leads Centacare’s sexual assault service in Kingaroy, west of Brisbane. The service provides a safe and supportive space for those impacted by sexual violence. Ms Gorman said that the reforms will support the prevention of sexual violence by clarifying misunderstood sexual behaviours and drive change in the way offences are prosecuted and defended in the justice system. Read more about affirmative consent: https://bit.ly/4elZxlN

It’s Dementia Action Week and at Centacare, we understand that caring for someone living with dementia or neurodegenerative condition can be challenging. Queensland Health Dementia Respite (QHDR) funding helps carers maintain a healthy balance between their caring responsibilities and personal commitments, confident that their loved one feels comfortable, supported and connected to their community. Christine, our dedicated QHDR Service Leader, has been passionately supporting clients since 2016, working to ensure people living with dementia feel heard and valued. When it comes to tips for carers she says: Remember you are going through this together, it is never just about the person who has dementia, it’s about the whole family. Christine and our team can help you get the right funding and support in place. Visit https://bit.ly/3MNAQ5H or phone 1300 236 822.

Clients from our Waminda Social and Community Hub at Bribie Island welcomed a visit from aged care advocacy group, Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia. At Centacare we work closely with industry and community partners to ensure our clients understand their rights and feel empowered to make informed choices about their own care and support. Certainly, our clients enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalised advice and supports. Thanks ADA!

We are very pleased to announce that our cottage respite service at Albany Creek is open for business! The four-bedroom cottage has received a beautiful renovation and will offer a comfortable, inviting and safe environment for older people who are looking for a change of scenery or extra support following a stay in hospital. Members of our leadership team were delighted to tour the new premises last week. Find out more about this unique service offering here: https://bit.ly/4e0UWox