Everyone has a story

2014 Photojournalism Project

CONTENTSForeword .................................................... 3

Di Bacic ...................................................... 5

Erin McGowan ............................................ 7

Steph Connell ............................................. 9

Erin Cook ................................................... 11

Matt Dennien .............................................. 13

Richard Fraser ............................................ 15

Lisa Kubanameca ....................................... 17Emma Wright .............................................. 19Jacinta Yann ............................................... 21Cale Searston ............................................. 23Gillian Jones ............................................... 25Linda Trawoeger ......................................... 27Andrew Sagorski ........................................ 29Courtney Dunn ........................................... 31Jackson Grice ............................................ 33

Anna Harth ................................................ 35

Lachlan Johnston ....................................... 37

Arianne McNaught ...................................... 39

Harjinder Randhawa .................................. 41

Elise Searson .............................................. 43

Jo Strother ................................................. 45

Tayla Swales ............................................... 47

Kasia Sykus ................................................ 49

Cameron Topping ....................................... 51

Meggie Whitchurch ..................................... 53

Mi Zhang .................................................... 55

Marissa Descovich ..................................... 57

Tiarna Beazleigh ......................................... 59

About Wesley Mission Brisbane ................ 61

Wesley Mission Brisbane & Griffith University Queensland College of Art

present

At Wesley Mission Brisbane we have the privilege of meeting many incredible people and walking with them on their journey. This collection of images highlights

some of the extraordinary stories among our clients, residents, staff and volunteers.

Everyone has a story

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Stories shape us, whether they’re the ones shared around campfires, the made up ones at sleepovers, or the ones of yesteryear; stories represent our past, our shared histories and our personal journey. Being a community service organisation, we have the privilege of meeting many incredible people and walking with them on their journey. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Wesley Mission Brisbane and Griffith University Photojournalism Project; an annual event that provides us with the opportunity to highlight some of the extraordinary stories among our clients, residents, staff and volunteers.

As you will see throughout these pages, these inspiring people epitomise the heart of Wesley Mission Brisbane and what we are all about. The photos capture what words and stories cannot. They show us what overcoming adversity, compassion, hope and selflessness looks like.

One moving story is that of Cheryl Gurnett, who became interested in reflexology after her brother was diagnosed with Spina Bifida. She now volunteers her time to practice reflexology massage on the residents at our supported accommodation units; providing a gentle touch, relief and relaxation to people living with pain.

Then there’s Angelina Autenzio, who at 91 years old, embodies what it means to live life to the fullest. She’s constantly learning new things and meeting new people at our Hyland House respite centre. You wouldn’t know that she worked with munitions in the Second World War in England to support her mother who had been labelled an ‘Alien’ because of her Italian heritage and denied a Widow’s Pension.

These stories are honest, emotional and fascinating and I am humbled to know that all these people are in some way connected to the fabric of Wesley Mission Brisbane.

Through the lens of their cameras these students have given us access to the very private world of many of the people we meet every day. As these students embark upon a career in Photojournalism we wish them all the best as they continue to capture stories and images that will write the pages of our history.

I sincerely thank the staff, clients, residents and volunteers who have been a part of this special commemorative year project and culminating exhibition for so freely sharing their memories and their lives with us.

As you browse through this year’s book and visit the exhibition, I hope you too are taken on a journey back to your history, your story and be reminded of where you came from.

Geoff BatkinExecutive DirectorWesley Mission Brisbane

Geoff Batkin, Wesley Mission Brisbane

FOREWORD

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Griffith University

‘Everyone has a story’ is not only the theme of this year’s QCA Photojournalism/Wesley Mission Brisbane partnership, it is a central tenet of the democratic and humanist ethos that powers photojournalism. This principle is powerful because it undermines the orthodoxy present in mainstream media that prescribes a hierarchy of stories; where varying value is attached to different people in society. By telling the stories of people who might otherwise be overlooked, we can begin to redress this imbalance that is the source of many problems in society.

Now in its 10th year, this project is a practical realisation of these goals. The partnership sees QCA Photojournalism students engaging with parts of their community that they might otherwise not encounter, and collaborating with the people they meet to tell their stories. In so doing, and through exhibiting and publishing these stories, this group of emerging journalists seeks to use visual storytelling to build bridges of understanding and empathy in our community.

It is our hope that the 28 stories presented in this publication not only provide rich insights into the lives of those depicted, and the work

of Wesley Mission Brisbane, but also serve to remind us that everyone really does have a story and that those stories connect us.

The students and I would like to thank Wesley Mission Brisbane and all the participants in the project for the opportunity to tell these stories. I would also like to thank my colleague at QCA Shehab Uddin, renowned photographer Russell Shakespeare for his assistance in judging the awards, and pay tribute to the work Charles Page and Earle Bridger in building this collaboration over the last 10 years.

Alan HillAssociate Lecturer Queensland College of ArtGriffith University

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THE STEVENSON FAMILY BY DI BACIC

The Stevenson Family take part in Bestlife Sleepovers, the winning community program from Wesley Mission Brisbane’s 2012 Campaign for Change initiative.

I had a great time jumping on the trampoline with Alice and George. They love to jump, play games and laugh a lot!

It has been an honour to meet amazing eight-year-old twins George and Alice and their parents Sue and David. The family enjoys spending time together doing activities that most families enjoy: camping, gardening, watching TV and going to the park.

Alice and George go to school, catch a school bus, participate in group camps and attend a thea-tre group, despite living with Down syndrome. They are currently working on an end of year concert based around a ‘Disney’ theme. They share the same kind of sibling relationship as most kids and of course they are quite in sync just like many twins are. They have some special needs but after spending time with them I would not describe them as ‘disabled’.

One Saturday I was with the family, George was very excited because he was going for a sleepover at BestLife; a program made possible by Wesley Mission’s Campaign for Change initiative. BestLife gives kids living with a disability the chance to enjoy an everyday sleepover. Both George and Alice enjoy BestLife where they play with their friends, watch movies, cook and eat their tasty creations. They go on different weekends which allows them to make their own friends and have their own independent experiences. It also gives David and Sue valuable one-on-one time with whoever stays at home.

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this amazing family. Thank you Wesley Mission Brisbane for the opportunity to share their story.

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Moo is an artist who is involved in the Wesley Mission Brisbane Art from the Margins program and exhibited in the 2014 AFTM Brisbane Festival Exhibition at Brisbane City Hall.

We all have expectations and as I made my way to meet Moo for the first time, I had my own. The little information I had made me curious about who he was and I imagined several types of people meeting me that day. He surpassed all of them with his welcoming smile and easy nature. I discovered a new side to the world when I shook his hand and he told me about himself.

Moo grew up in a Thai refugee camp after escaping civil unrest in Burma. In 2007 he was resettled in Australia under the United Nations Refugee program and has grown new roots in his time here. He has spent four years in the Australian Army, including a six month deployment to Afghanistan. Since being discharged Moo’s artistry has resumed and I had the pleasure of getting to know his story and skills.

To be cliché - art is indefinite and talent knows no bounds. I discovered the truth of this when I met Moo and saw his charcoal drawings. Each one, most commissioned, is unique and exquisite and the long years he spent teaching himself shows brilliantly in the quality of each stroke and line. I feel privileged to have become acquainted with such an artist.

MOO MUE LAH HTAWBY ERIN MCGOWAN

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Tina Adams is the Coordinator of Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Youth Hubs.

Tina moved from England eight years ago, bringing with her a wealth of experience, having worked with youth in lower socioeconomic areas on a

large scale. Here on the Gold Coast, Tina now coordinates the Wesley Mission Youth Hubs that could be best described as ‘go to places’ for young people.

Jobs like these take an enormous amount of administration, training, hiring staff and liaising with local council and schools, all to keep the hubs running smoothly.

Having spent several weeks with Tina, it didn’t take long to see where her heart was. Her days were orchestrated in such a way that administration didn’t take away from what was most important; the young people themselves.

I was moved by her ability to balance the enormity of her job with such ease, never compromising on quality time given to young people like Mikaela. I had discovered a place that was built on affirming values, a place where acceptance is key.

These hubs are a vital part of Wesley Mission’s importance in the community. They provide a constant presence that brings support in all facets of a young person’s life.

Tina’s heart for youth sees young people like Mikaela given opportunities that might not otherwise be found.

My heartfelt thanks to Tina for allowing me into your world and to Mikaela for your open heart and welcoming spirit.

TINA ADAMS BY STEPH CONNELL

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Jennifer Clark is a volunteer at the Balmoral Uniting Community Centre.

“I’m really not that exciting,” Jennifer told me the first time we met. I think she meant that she isn’t too dissimilar to most 19-year-olds; she goes to

university and has a part time job to help her get by. Unlike most students her age, however, Jennifer is a volunteer, spending several hours a week at the Wesley Mission Balmoral Community Centre. With a noticeable age gap between Jennifer and many of the people she’s grown close to at the centre; her youthful presence is welcomed.

Jennifer is a kind and caring soul whose selflessness has a direct and positive impact on the lives of others. The more I got to know Jenny, the more I thought about what she said on the very first day and how much I disagree with her self-assessment. Wesley’s clients and I agree – this young woman is indeed “exciting”!

JENNIFER CLARK BY ERIN COOK

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The Walkers were the 2014 Campaign for Change winners.

The late afternoon begins to drag itself across Ipswich city; a warm glow infiltrates even the shadows it stretches in its wake. The wallop of a kicked footy—a familiar sound in these parts—echoes through the spring air,

initiating a game of touch-football. A young man bobs to the ground under the weight of the high ball. To the unknowing eye it is an ordinary scene. Though what is being achieved with this particular game is far from it. Andrew and Leona Walker run Rise Above, a charity aimed at helping disadvantaged young people break from the cycles of learned behaviour that can influence decision-making throughout their life; giving them the tools and the environment to shape their own paths for the better.

Andrew knows a little about football; he has represented Australia in both Rugby League and Union, a dual national, and the first indigenous man to do so. He and Leona know a little about this cycle too; it’s through lessons learned in life, and now also through study, that they seek to help others.

Until now, their work has been focused on touch football games for Ipswich’s underprivileged youth, though it is set to expand further into life coaching and mentoring with the well deserved winnings of the Wesley Mission Campaign for Change competition.

ANDREW & LEONA WALKERBY MATT DENNIEN

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Andy is an employee at Wesley Mission Brisbane’s social enterprise, wmbMailpaQ.

Almost 19 years of service at Wesley Mission Brisbane’s MailpaQ operation have earned Andy tremendous respect from his colleagues and managers,

who are quick to praise his strong work ethic and sense of camaraderie that he contributes to the workplace. I experienced this first-hand while working alongside Andy during one of our meetings. He quietly but firmly impressed upon me the importance of us getting it right.

But that is not all there is to Andy.

A well-developed sense of mischief is centred around the contents of a purple bag that accompanies him to work, bowling and other events. In fact there are two identical bags – one for work and another for other occasions. On any given day one of the bags might contain a red wig, a rubber snake, a plastic eye, a whoopee cushion or a Superman cape.

I was introduced to the tools of Andy’s humorous trade at one of his regular Saturday morning bowling sessions, where Andy captains the A Stars team. Andy takes his bowling seriously but the contents of the purple bag are always on hand to entertain his teammates and the opposition.

While Andy’s workmates and fellow bowlers are already familiar with – and wary of – the purple bag, I was keen for Andy to share this collection with the wider world.

ANDREW CARDIFF BY RICHARD FRASER

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Monique is a Chaplain with Wesley Mission Brisbane.

The first question I asked Monique Mawbey, as we sat down for a relaxing cup of coffee, was, “Why a minister? I mean it’s not everyday you come across a young female minister?”

Monique’s response after that was one that left me a little teary and made me think about my own contribution to today’s community. After losing her father at the age of 11, Monique witnessed many members of her family and friends struggle with the harsh reality of loss. It was then that Monique questioned herself, “How do you help people deal with death?”

Monique saw the opportunity to do this through ministering, and at a young age began studying her degree in theology. She has now found herself serving the aged care community within Wesley Mission Brisbane.

Over the past few weeks I have been blessed to witness someone as young as Monique minister, comfort and bring laughter and joy to the many local residents within the Wesley Mission Brisbane Sinnamon Village. From conducting chapel and memorial and funeral services to the everyday activities of playing lawn bowls with the ladies and enjoying snags and beers with the men, Monique does it all.

I have never seen someone give so much of themselves for the benefit of others, all the while still managing to plan a wedding and co-organise a state-wide summer camp for youth.

MONIQUE MAWBEYBY LISA KUBUNAMECA

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Patrick is a resident at Jacobs Court Aged Care Community.

The morning I met Patrick Passfield, he had just arrived in Brisbane after a long journey walking to Melbourne and back.

Over the following weeks, I had the opportunity to get to know Pat as I joined him on a walk to Toowoomba.

Pat has clocked over 8,000km through his walks, yet has achieved this without venturing beyond Sinnamon Village and its surrounds. Pat’s walks are ‘virtual’.

Following brain surgery, Pat arrived at Jacobs Court residential aged care community in a wheelchair on 1 July 2012. Frustrated by his lack of independence, and with the support of Wesley Mission Brisbane staff, the 74 year old former national squash player was back on his feet by December that year.

Pat’s sheer determination is evident in his daily commitment to walking. Rising at 4am he paces darkened corridors, clocking 5km before breakfast. His average distance of 18km to 20km per day is achieved by running errands around Sinnamon Village and to the local shops for other, less independent, residents.

The virtual journeys provide Pat with the motivation he needs to stay on his feet. Walking routes are planned using Google maps and daily progress is tracked. As he walks, Pat draws on his personal memories to visualize the journey and has plenty of stories to share from his virtual adventures.

As we walked from Brisbane to Toowoomba and back, Pat was able to visit the school he boarded at in Gatton, the church where he was an altar boy, the dance hall in Marburg, and stop for lunch at the Weiss restaurant in Toowoomba.

It’s hard not to be inspired by Pat. Known around Sinnamon Village as ‘Positive Pat’ he sets a great example to other residents, staff and the community by demonstrating how taking just one step at a time, can create positive change.

PATRICK PASSFIELDBY EMMA WRIGHT

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Rebecca is an accountant with Wesley Mission Brisbane and her two children attend WMB’s Little Marchant’s Child Care Centre.

Rebecca Madey and her two children, Hugh (4) and Ella (1) have been a part of the Wesley Mission Brisbane community for a number of years now.

Returning from maternity leave, Rebecca is back in action as a working mother for WMB. During her working week from Monday-Thursday, she organises her young family to attend the on-site child care centre at Wheller Gardens, Little Marchant’s.

Little Marchant’s provides a unique and cultural experience for the children to interact with the on-site aged care residents, through their unique intergenerational program or a quick hello at the fence. I was able to be a part of their monthly outing to see first-hand and capture on camera the mingling between the young and old. Even though many of the seniors could only sit and watch the young children go about their game playing and ice cream eating, you could see the joy and happiness in their eyes, facial expressions and welcoming gestures.

Throughout the day, I realised these sessions were both beneficial to the children and the residents. The seniors were reminded of their own youth, of their grandchildren and of the simple joys of childhood. Whereas the interactions sparked curiosity in the young children and created a more sensitive side within them all, especially Hugh.

It is truly great to see the sense of family within the Wesley Mission Brisbane community and how much they all care for each other. Even having a wall of pictures in the centre office dedicated to each family is a touching sentiment and a reminder that each family has a story.

I’d like to give my thanks to Wesley Mission Brisbane for their assistance, Little Marchants Child Care Centre for their smiles and to the Madey family for their generosity and support.

REBECCA MADEY BY JACINTA YANN

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Lee is the Manager of OzHarvest Gold Coast and Pasquale is a volunteer.

OzHarvest has been on Gold Coast for less than one year, and both Lee Danahay and Pasquale Maglione have come together to connect community

and charities through food rescue. Lee has travelled internationally and draws on the experience of a corporate background to enrich a cause focused on helping others. Captured by the work of OzHarvest, Lee took it upon herself to join the team and has been instrumental in bringing it to the Gold Coast. This same love is evident in Pasquale’s daily run that often finds the OzHarvest van at full capacity and sharing not only in fresh produce but generosity and compassion.

OzHarvest Australia wide is approaching its ten year anniversary and is largely fuelled by the power of volunteers, all motivated individuals who empower others. Experiencing an OzHarvest food run with Pasquale, has given me a greater appreciation for the extensive network of people who live their day-to‐day life with such empathy through their respective community endeavours. This community service would not have eventuated without the commitment behind the scenes and a formidable work ethic. A big yellow van and bright yellow t-shirts are just a small part of a wholehearted cause.

LEE DANAHAY AND PASQUALE MAGLIONE BY CALE SEARSTON

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Angelina is a client at the Hyland House Respite Centre.

Angelina has been called ‘The Delicate One’ throughout her life. She was born premature in Hull, England in 1923 to Italian immigrants, the second child in their much loved family of seven. Angelina shared how this term of

endearment came about when we first met and whilst I have witnessed firsthand her gentle nature I have also learnt of her unwavering strength and determination to truly live her life.

Her commitment to family saw her work with munitions in the Second World War to support her mother who had been labeled an ‘Alien’ because of her Italian heritage and denied a Widow’s Pension. When English authorities tried to label Angelina the same way she challenged them, asking how could she be an alien when she had been born in England? She then set about proving her worth and her loyalty to her country of birth and to be all that her parents had taught her, to make the most of every opportunity and to enjoy what it is you do.

Doubtless her parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have all added to the colour and richness of Angelina’s life as did her beloved husband Tony, but I think deep down this delightful lady was always going to be someone special. Her youthful 91 year old soul is simply a joy to be around.

ANGELINA AUTENZIOBY GILLIAN JONES

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John is a volunteer at the Wesley Mission Brisbane Community Meal.

John is an extremely committed volunteer who works at the Wesley Community Meal in the Fortitude Valley, providing disadvantaged people with

freshly cooked meals every Wednesday evening. “The free meal is not just for homeless people, everyone is welcome,” John explains. He can attest to this as he was once homeless himself and the beneficiary of the goodwill of a volunteer who introduced him to this important community.

Everyone knows him as the open-minded, funny and cake loving British man who dedicates his whole heart to this work and has celebrated his 60th birthday for the 13th time.

Every Tuesday morning John goes to Foodbank to pick up food, donated by companies such as Coles and Woolworths, and also toiletries and medication. On Wednesdays from early morning until 9pm at night he transforms the Community Meal church hall into a dining room by setting the tables and embellishing them with donated flower bouquets, giving it a personal touch and a special flair. If he is not cooking you will find him sitting outside enjoying conversations and a cigarette or two with some of the other volunteers or whoever comes along for dinner. The meal has become so popular that people have to eat outside because the hall is packed to the rafters.

John has been very influential in making Wesley’s Wednesday meals a place for people to come together and enjoy a warm and healthy dinner.

JOHN RYANBY LINDA TRAWOEGER

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Brian is a volunteer with Wesley Mission Brisbane.

When I met Brian, the first thing I noticed was his seemingly never-ending energy. Here was a man in his 80s, yet made me feel like the older of us two. Throughout my work with him, he never failed to mention or joke about

how his age is catching up to him. One afternoon when Brian was finished with his volunteer work at Wesley, we had gone to Bunning’s Warehouse to pick up new wooden posts for some maintenance at his home. That day I told him numerous times that he made me feel so old, to which he replied that he was simply doing what he could ‘before the next year came around.’

Yet, from what I was seeing, be it his dancing or help and genuine care for the elderly through volunteering, Brian showed me that he could go on for many years to come.

Brian has volunteered with Wesley Mission Brisbane in numerous ways from ballroom dancing to the Wheller Gardens Auxiliary for more than 20 years.

BRIAN HOPEWELLBY ANDREW SAGORSKI

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Cheryl is a volunteer with Wesley Mission Brisbane’s supported accommodation communities.

“Every family should have someone who practices reflexology,” says Cheryl Gurnett, surrounded by pictures of her mother and brother. “Nothing builds

relationships more and it is so good for the body, particularly those who are in wheelchairs.”

Reflexology is an alternative medicine that involves massaging the foot to relax the body and, as a retired reflexologist, Cheryl knows what she is talking about. Before retiring, Cheryl practiced aromatherapy and eventually opened a reflexology clinic after she noticed the health benefits when the oils were massaged into patients’ feet.

Cheryl became interested in this work because her brother was the first Australian to survive Spina Bifida, hence the photos. Growing up with a brother who needed extra care enabled Cheryl to develop kindness in her heart and an inherent desire to help others.

After her brother’s passing, more responsibility fell on Cheryl’s shoulders when her mother had a serious stroke. Without a second thought she closed her clinic to become her full-time carer. However, still wanting to share her skills with those in need, Cheryl began to volunteer once a week at Wesley Mission Brisbane/Youngcare Apartments at Sinnamon Park. She continued to volunteer after her mother passed away.

Residents light up when Cheryl enters the room. You can even see those she is working on visibly relax during her massage. As someone with chronically blocked ears, I can testify to the wonders of her work when she spent five minutes giving me a massage, which enabled me to clear my ears properly for the first time in years.

With compassion comes change. This is the Wesley Mission’s motto, and Cheryl embodies this. There is no other way she would rather spend her time, and the results speak volumes.

CHERYL GURNETTBY COURTNEY DUNN

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Anita is an employee at Wesley Mission Brisbane’s social enterprise, wmbMailpaQ.

When I first met Anita at wmbMailpaQ, a printing service operated by Wesley Mission Brisbane in Rocklea, I noticed what a hard worker she was. It was

also in my first day of photographing Anita that I discovered her love for bowling. Even while at work she managed to slip a few games in on her iPad during lunch.

Anita’s true colours come out on a Saturday morning when she’s at the Logan Bowling Alley where she is a lifetime member of the Funtime League. She is never shy of a smile and it’s when she is bowling that it truly stands out.

In my time with Anita I saw her dedication towards her work, her passion for bowling and the love she has for her family. Many thanks to Wesley Mission Brisbane for this opportunity and to the McKenna family for their generosity and support.

ANITA MCKENNABY JACKSON GRICE

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John is a Wesley Mission Brisbane In-Home Care client.

John has an obvious impact on everyone he meets because no matter where he goes people know him by name. His Wesley carer, Win, has been visiting John for three years, and you can see they have a very special

relationship. Every week they go to the same café for a coffee, supermarket to shop, pharmacy, and newsagent, and wherever they go people always remember John and are happy to see him. This may be a reflection of the positive attitude he always has. When I first met John he made me feel comfortable immediately.

His stories about his very interesting past never stop. When he was sixteen, John’s father died and his sister was living in America. This meant John was left to look after his mother alone, a labour of love, he did for most of his adult life. In his time he was an accomplished and respected accountant, ranking in the top range of his graduating class in Queensland. Evidence of his many travels around the world are represented tangibly by the many souvenirs on display all around his apartment.

I will never forget the few weeks I spent photographing John. He is interesting, funny and very caring. He let me into his life and into his home and made me delicious coffees. I can see why everybody loves John.

JOHN SMITHBY ANNA HARTH

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Andrew is the Site Supervisor at Wesley Mission Brisbane’s social enterprise, Rewired IT.

Andrew’s story of how he came to be working with Wesley Mission Brisbane is a little different to others. Three and a half years ago Andrew’s life as a

skilled printer changed completely in an instant.

Involved in a car accident that put him out of work for two years, Andrew struggled with his recovery as well as keeping up with everyday expenses, resulting in him having to couch-surf at friend’s houses and ultimately live out of his car for a period of time. When Andrew was able, he was put into a work-for-the-dole program to assist him back into the workforce.

Andrew found himself at Rewired-IT, a Wesley Mission Brisbane social enterprise that assists people on the work-for-the-dole scheme and those living with a disability. The program focuses on the recycling of e-waste in the form of refurbishing old computer equipment for sale at a reduced cost to low income households. At first he had reservations about the work-for-the-dole program because of the stigma surrounding it. Turning up late and having poor attendance due to lack of motivation, it took the supervisor of the program at the time, Dave Stern, to take him aside and give him the pep talk he needed to turn his attitude towards the program around.

Andrew is now Site Supervisor for the Rocklea Rewired-IT site helping other participants gain IT skills along with important workplace knowledge. The program has had huge success with finding permanent job placements for many of the participants, not exclusively in IT, as Andrew tailors the training and experience to assist each participant best for what job prospects they are interested in.

Even in his free time Andrew busies himself with work, genuinely enjoying seeing participants’ lives turn around and find a place for themselves back into the workforce just as Andrew himself did just over one year ago.

ANDREW COLEMANBY LACHLAN JOHNSTON

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Leddy is a registered nurse at Parkview Aged Care Community.

In Tagalog there is a saying bagong bayani, which directly translates into ‘New Hero’. I often heard this in the Philippines when people would talk about their relatives that had gone ‘Abroad’. This is a huge issue in the Philippines.

Out of necessity and desire for better life many people opt to leave their families, country and culture. Many find themselves in faraway lands working to support the relatives that they have left behind in the Philippines. Families are left without sisters, brothers, husbands and wives for years at a time. Often these migrants never return or only return for brief vacations.

I first met Leddy at the Parkview aged care community in Chermside. She migrated from Cebu City in the Philippines and has spent the past 20 years working as a nurse in Australia. I met many other Filipino migrants in the same or similar circumstances and all had a unique story, however, I was fascinated with Leddy and she explained that she has been supporting her family for many years and even helped one of her relatives move to Canada in order to study.

This selfless service she has exhibited for her family transcends into her work as a nurse. She is incredibly kind and gentle to all she cares for. She has no immediate family here in Australia and lives with close friends who are also from Cebu city with her companion and pet dog Charlie. At 62 years old it has not been easy for Leddy, especially to leave her homeland and adapt to a new country, people and culture but this is exactly what Leddy has done.

LEDDY MATLINBY ARIANNE MCNAUGHT

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Mahmuda is a Wesley Mission Brisbane family day carer.

Mahmuda works as a family day educator for Wesley Mission Brisbane; every day she looks after children in her home while their parents go to work.

“I have been working in day care for four years and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I have the best job,” she said.

Mahmuda was drawn to this work through having her own children and wanting to be able to spend time with them, as well as her love for children more generally. She is a kind and nurturing person and is teaching these kids right from wrong.

Mahmuda is originally from Bangladesh and on special occasions relating to her culture she loves dressing the children up in traditional clothing and teaching them about the occasion.

MAHMUDA CHOWDHURYBY HARJINDER RANDHAWA

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Joan and Jean are clients at the Balmoral Uniting Community Centre.

When I met Joan at the Balmoral Community Centre, she greeted me with a short written story of her 90 plus years of life, including the, “happy

carefree days in spite of the years of depression during the 1930s,” and her time working as a nurse during the war. At the regular Monday morning Friendship Circle we spent time chatting, singing and playing bingo; we talked about our home state of New South Wales.

It wasn’t until we went for coffee the next day that I met another lady, Jean who was also in her 90s and in the past lived in the same town as Joan - Albury NSW. For all those years they were in the same postcode but never crossed paths until meeting at the Friendship Circle.

The centre offers Joan and Jean, and many other seniors and people living with a disability, a place to maintain their social connections through weekly activities and an opportunity to grow friendships that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.

JOAN CAUSER & JEAN NOONANBY ELISE SEARSON

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Dave is the NEST & Cooking for a Cause Program Coordinator for OzHarvest Brisbane.

In 2012 David Taylor decided it was time for a change. He moved to Australia from England, gave up a successful career in sales and impressively

started volunteering for the national food rescue charity, OzHarvest. In his words, “it was time to give back” to society. He had been helping consumers spend their money and now it was time to do the complete opposite and reduce food waste and over spending. With his previous roles in sales and hospitality he was a natural fit to the OzHarvest team. However, his real skills lie in his ability to talk! Through his natural English banter he is educating and informing people about food waste through OzHarvest’s Cooking for a Cause and NEST programs.

He is well versed in all areas of OzHarvest as he began as casual driver collecting around 10 tonnes of unwanted food from supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries and delis around Brisbane each week.

In his current role he organises and runs the Cooking for a Cause program, which is a team building cooking opportunity for businesses, delivered in a relaxed fun environment in their Fortitude Valley purpose-built kitchen. Participants cook a three course meal for up to 200 people that will be shared with community organisations, feeding those in need.

However, Dave’s passion lies in the NEST program, a six-week course educating disadvantaged people in the community about healthy food choices and how to prepare quick, easy and cost effective meals. The NEST initiative is unique in that it is free and open to anyone.

With Dave’s passion and drive to ‘give back’ and make positive changes in food waste and redistribution of discarded food, changes will filter through and his efforts are making a difference to those in need.

DAVE TAYLORBY JO STROTHER

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Linda is a resident of the Wesley Mission Brisbane and Youngcare Apartments at Sinnamon Park.

As soon as I arrived at the apartments, I was warmly greeted by the staff and residents, who are all very close to one another.

Linda is an amazing independent woman, who immediately welcomed me into her home. Her daughter, Leiston Pickett, is a Commonwealth Gold Medallist swimmer and Linda’s home is filled with newspaper clippings and photographs of her daughter. Whenever someone approached Linda, her daughter almost always came up in the conversation. Linda couldn’t be more proud of her daughter.

I found Linda to be very inspiring. Although she uses a wheelchair, she is able to stand by herself as well as walk. She attends physiotherapy multiple times a week where she practices walking by herself. It was amazing to see how much courage Linda has to overcome her disability. She doesn’t let her disability hinder her day to day life at all and completes all her tasks and activities without a second thought. Watching her in her everyday life has been an incredible experience that I will never forget.

LINDA PICKETTBY TAYLA SWALES

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Judith is a resident at Kentish Court Aged Care Community.

Judith Simms is a lady of fine taste. Residing in the Wesley Mission Brisbane Sinnamon Village, Judith spends her days creating artwork that lifts the moods of her fellow residents and the staff. Her gorgeous paintings hang

in the hallways and in the village café for all to see and though they are lovely on the eyes, for Judith they are so much more.

During my time spent with Judith she opened up her world so humbly to me. Judith finds inspiration in still images, often painting pictures that her son takes as he travels the world. Judith has long suffered with chronic back pain and cannot walk far, so she enjoys the escapism of painting and seeing the world through her son’s photos.

As her pain progressed Judith, found she was associating the pain with her art and she put her brushes aside for a while. It wasn’t long before she realised how much she missed the happiness art brought to her life. She decided to paint something positive so she could revive her love for it again, Sunflowers. This beautiful painting now hangs in the new Sinnamon Village café and every time I went there with her she would smile as she passed it.

Despite living with chronic pain, Judith is always smiling.

JUDITH SIMMSBY KASIA SYKUS

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Jan is a Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator at Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Parkview Aged Care Community.

Buddha once said, ‘Happiness never decreases from being shared.’ I’m certain he was correct. It was six weeks ago that I had the privilege of

meeting Jan Manning, and immediately I was struck by her attitude and energy towards life. With over 27 years of working in aged care, her devotion to others is always evident. Jan is also an avid ballroom dancer and often performs for the residents. With this simple act, the residents are drawn back to days of old, and come to life with smiles and singing. They become young inside once again.

JAN MANNINGBY CAMERON TOPPING

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Sangeeta is a nurse at Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Parkview Aged Care Community.

Sangeeta came to work for Wesley Mission Brisbane 15 years ago and has a real passion for working with the elderly residents of Parkview Aged Care

Community. I was delighted to get an insight into her story.

While working at Parkview, Sangeeta has been able to further her studies in nursing at Caboolture TAFE. As well as studying part-time she is an active member of her community and attends the temple that her brother-in-law runs. She is very proud of her heritage and culture, and is delighted when she is given the opportunity to share this with her co-workers and the residents on their multicultural days.

I felt privileged to have been invited to the temple with Sangeeta and to meet her family. After meeting the people she spends her time with, at work and at home, I realised that Sangeeta is someone who strives to make life better for the people she cares for.

I’d like to thank Wesley Mission Brisbane for their assistance and Sangeeta for sharing her story.

SANGEETA CHANDBY MEGGIE WHITCHURCH

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Mellenie is the manager of the Beenleigh Family Child Care Centre.

Mellenie Mathieson has been managing the Beenleigh Family Child Care Centre for the past three years. Having been in the child care business for 23 years, Mell knows that the time from birth to five years of age is the most

important for laying the foundation in a child’s education.

Mell’s passion for children was what prompted her to start working in child care. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Children’s Services and uses her academic knowledge to guide the education and care of children in a practical way.

On the day that I visited the centre, Mell and her colleagues were not only teaching and playing with the children, but allowing them to explore their own world and interact with their peers at their own pace. While talking to Mell throughout the day, I discovered her passion for working with the children. In my images, I captured her process of working with the children. What struck me over the course of the day was how relaxed and natural Mell and her staff were with the children. When I was in her office I noticed a strong image on the wall that I needed to capture. A previous student of the centre, who was now in primary school, had given Mell a Christmas card. The first line of the card read, ‘I will never forget you’. Mell said she receives many cards and small gifts like this one from previous students every year and this is one of her biggest motivators to continue what she is doing.

Mell and her team have worked towards receiving an Exceeding rating under the National Standards and have plans to apply for an Excellence rating. This will be a challenge for Mell, but one she has confidence in and is prepared to take.

MELLENIE MATHIESONBY MI ZHANG

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Merv Ferricks is a resident at Emmaus Village Aged Care Community.

When I arrived at Emmaus Village Aged Care Community I noticed that a resident was standing at the door, peering out with beaming eyes full of

knowledge and thoughts. I opened the door to this beautiful 92-year-old man. His skin was gleaming but withered, his voice frail but soft, his hearing was distant but he listened to every word spoken. He shook my hand with strength and gave a huge smile.

For a teenager like me I wondered how it would feel to be a widower with few family members around me. This thought struck me as quite daunting. But the more time I spent with Merv I soon realised the staff and his fellow residents are now his family and friends, and that the village is a vibrant and happy place to be.

MERV FERRICKSBY MARISSA DESCOVICH

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Faith is a resident at Anam Cara Aged Care Community.

Faith is a soon-to-be 75-year-old woman living at Anam Cara. The aged care community is spacious and welcoming with kind staff and happy residents.

Each resident has their own room decorated to suit their various tastes and passions, giving them the extra touch of a home-like feel. Although I only knew her for a short time, Faith is a wonderful, independent woman with a love for the colour pink and re-runs of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. I wanted my photographs to reflect her decorated room and kind persona.

The times I met her, I had a blast and would do it again in a heartbeat. I have felt very privileged to meet such a lovely woman and I know she has left me with a greater sense of happiness.

FAITH MCALLISTERBY TIARNA BEAZLEIGH

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With thanks to

Find us on www.wmb.org.au

For more than 100 years Wesley Mission Brisbane has been supporting Queenslanders in need.

Since our inception in 1906 in the roots of the Albert Street Methodist Church, we have maintained our commitment to furthering social justice by improving the lives of those on the margins of society by assisting them to regain independence, dignity and self sufficiency.

As the first provider of aged care in Queensland we have a long and proud history of providing high quality and innovative services. Our work across aged care, community support programs, child care and retirement living touches the lives of more than 100,000 Queenslanders every year.

GET INVOLVED

DonateOur work reaches across all sections of the community, creating a compassionate, just and inclusive society for all. In order to continue our programs and services we rely heavily on private donations from people like you. For more information on how your donation can help call (07) 3621 4677 or visit www.wmb.org.au

VolunteerAs a large and diverse organisation volunteers play a vital role in helping us do the work we do. As a volunteer with us you have a chance to help improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our community. From supporting people with disabilities, helping the elderly, providing transport or mentoring young people, contact us today to discuss how you can start your volunteering journey. Call (07) 3621 4669 or www.wmb.org.au

Corporate EngagementWe are committed to partnering with like-minded organisations who share our passion to make positive and lasting differences in the community. We are dedicated to providing a partnership journey that reflects your commitment to helping others and one that meets your organisation’s objectives. Whether it be by supporting your corporate social responsibility strategy or engaging in marketing-led brand building activities, we seek to create mutually beneficial partnerships that deliver tangible results. Call (07) 3621 4679 to discuss how you can get involved with Wesley Mission Brisbane.

ABOUT WESLEY MISSION BRISBANE

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OUR VISIONA compassionate, just and inclusivesociety for all.

OUR MISSION

To walk alongside people in need to enhance capacity, choice and independence, to strengthen relationships and build community wellbeing.

OUR VALUES

Compassion

InnovationEmpowerment

Respect

Integrity

Hope

Justice

Approach our work with optimism and encourage people to celebrate life and pursue their dreams

Value the uniqueness of each person and the life choices

they make

Nurture a culture of inclusion, empathy and generosity in ourrelationships

Pursue creativity, learning, and measured risk-taking to improve outcomes

Promoting relationships and decision making based on openness and honesty

Demonstrate the social justice principles of access and equity focussing on caring for

and supporting those who are most in need

Enhance each person’s capacity, resourcefulness and control when making decisions about their lives

Central Office 930 Gympie Road Chermside QLD 4032

Locked Bag 7005 Chermside Centre QLD 4032 P 07 3621 4500 E info@wmb.org.au

www.wmb.org.au

ABN 28 746 881 862