ISSUE 10 2015 OCT-DEC SHELTER HOURS 2

WUJAL WUJAL RODEO 3

STAFF PROFILE 5

RAATSICCRAATSICCRAATSICCfocus

RAATSICC is a non for profit community organization delivering

child, youth and family programs in Far North Queensland..

Message to our Members:

“ OUR CHILDREN, OUR YOUTH, OUR FAMILIES AND OUR COMMUNITIES ARE SAFE, RESILIENT AND EMPOWERED”

Hello everyone, our 10th and final edition to the RAATSICC focus for 2015 highlights a very busy quarter for us all. As you will be aware from our previous edition, the RAATSICC AGM was held on Friday 6th November 2015. I am pleased to announce the new RAATSICC

Management Committee which will strategically guide the association into 2016. President—Stuart Marquardt Aurukun Justice Group Vice President—Marlene Bond Nai Beguta Agama Aboriginal Corporation Treasurer—Paula Neal Yarrabah Aboriginal Corporation for Women Member—Matilda Savage Kaurareg Tribal Council of Elders Member—Steve Robson Centacare Cairns. The RAATSICC Management Committee are also seeking Expression of Interest for 2 Ex-Officio’s to complement the expertise of the Management Committee. For applications please email: emmas@raatsicc.org.au.

Our operational focus this quarter has been improving on our data recording to ensure the good work we do is reflected in reportable output targets. We have positively seen a dramatic increase in percentages across all our programs. I sincerely like to commend our dedicated staff for their continued efforts in providing effective services to our children, youth and families within our region. 2015 has been a very full on year for us all. RAATSICC continues to not only get on with our job, but also continues to look at various strategies to assist in improving and strengthening our advocacy and service delivery. I would like to thank our communities and their families for their continued confidence in our ability to assist where needed, all RAATSICC staff for their dedication and hard work, and our funding sponsor Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability services and the Department of Housing and Public works for their ongoing support. We are looking forward for another rewarding year in 2016, and will continue to focus on PRODUCTIVITY and ACHIEVING QUALITY OUTCOMES. On behalf of all of us here at Cape York/Gulf RAATSICC, I wish all our members, community partners, government and non-government stakeholders a very Safe and joyful festive season, and look forward to reconnecting in 2016. Emma Schuh CEO

RAATSICCRAATSICCRAATSICC

White ribbon day—25 NOVEMBER

RAATSICC STAFF PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

RAATSICC Family Support Workers, Family Care W o r k e r s a n d C h i l d Counsellors participated in a

3 day professional development workshop from 13-15 October 2015 at our new training room, 124 Spence Street, Cairns. Participants attended the annual, “Lifting the Lid” seminar, focussed on discussing the topic of sexual violence by those we know and trust. This seminar was confronting and also quite direct in ??? All staff were addressed by Emma Schuh (CEO) on the purpose of the workshop, history of RAATSICC, and general program information. We were lucky enough to have Louise Prince (Senior Social Worker, Early Intervention Parenting-Qld Health) who shared with us a perspective for engaging with families. This involved understanding strengths and struggles of our families as well as ourselves as workers, including barriers to our roles. We touched on the S.C.O.P.E model of working that includes S-Strengths acknowledgement, C– Concerns, O-Options and Opportunities, P-Power sharing, Participatory, respectful Process, E—Enabling capacity, relationships of Equality and Empowerment. Louise also highlighted the issue of vicarious trauma and the importance of self care, sharing the load, and working with others.

Louise presented a very informative and interactive session which was capped off w i t h a u n i q u e performance with Norah Bagiri. Thanks Louise.

Another beneficial session was on day two whereby participants were allocated into groups of 3-4 to research and present information about a RAATSICC program they are not involved in. The purpose was to ensure staff are able to

speak about the variety of services that we provide including referral processes, who the staff are in each program and their roles, and what services are delivered through the specific program. Dimity Adams, Clinical Consultant with Griffith Youth Forensic Service provided training to our staff on the sexual development of children and adolescents. This involved understanding healthy and natural behaviour all the way through to concerning, problematic and offending behaviour (adolescents). We discussed what contributes concerning and problematic sexual behaviour as well as discussed the importance of considering context when trying to understand children's sexual behaviour. We were provided with a simple process to assess children's sexual behaviour and given practical solutions to implement when we witness children's sexualised behaviour– focussing on safety at all times. OBSERVE—ASSESS—RESPOND. Thank you to Rebecca from Department of Child Safety who gave us a briefing on the Child and Family Reforms and the C W D V C h i l d Counsellors who ended our day with self-care activities. The last sessions centred around personal and professional boundaries, confidentiality and duty of care. In the work we do it is essential that staff and our clients understand our boundaries and the ethical framework that we work within.

SHELTER ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR holidays

The Aurukun shelter staff will be on call from 24 December 2015 to 4 January 2016. The on-call contact for women and children escaping domestic and family violence in

Aurukun is 0457 086 250. DVConnect (Domestic Violence Hotline) is available 24 hours a day on 1800 811 811.

For all emergencies please call 000. We wish everyone a safe festive season with family and friends.

MENTORS IN VIOLENCE PREVENTIONMENTORS IN VIOLENCE PREVENTIONMENTORS IN VIOLENCE PREVENTION RAATSICC was kindly offered four spaces to attend the Griffith University Mentors in Violence Prevention Train the Trainer 3 day session. From the 24th to the 26th November Asta, Norah, Diana and Lela participated in this leadership program that is focused on preventing all forms of violence with both local and regional services participating in this training. The program views all participants as empowered bystanders who can confront, interrupt or prevent violence. It seeks to enlist all people in the fight against violence by equipping them with the skills to be effective bystanders. Dr Shannon Spriggs facilitated discussions on Play book scenario’s (much liking to those of sporting playbooks) ranging from battering, sexual assault, fighting to bullying. This trainings provide the context necessary to empower participants to be proactive bystanders it also teaches concrete bystander intervention skills for use in the most difficult situations. Training is discussion-based educational philosophy to make training sessions dynamic and interactive. The training works with men and women in both mixed and single gender sessions and staff create a "safe space" for participants to learn from one another. If you would like a session run by our trainers please contact the RAATSICC office on 40300900. For information on the Mentors In Violence Prevention Program delivered through Griffith University please contact: Dr Shannon Spriggs at s.spriggs@griffith.edu.au or 07 3735 1104.

RAATSICC staff (Laurel, Zanna,

Lela and Larissa) participated in

the Wujal Wujal Rodeo—the

first in many years in the little rainforest community.

We were the only stall holder with activities for children and

young people and this made us very popular over the 2 days.

RAATSICC Family portraits

were a great success again

with families taking away a

little momento of their time at the Rodeo.

Congratulations to Wujal Wujal Shire council and all

supporters on a fantastic family event.

WUJAL WUJAL RODEO

SISTA’S SUPPORTING SISTA’S—WOMENS GROUP Carol Bligh and Sandra Ambrym attended the Mamu Health Service Innisfail “Sista’s Supporting

Sista’s” Womens Group break up at Beautiful Kurrimine Beach on 4th December 2015. A lovely day was had by all to celebrate attendance and participation in the group throughout the year. All

ladies were presented with “SSS” shirt, small gift and certificate to acknowledge their contribution. Carol and Sandra were also presented with a certificate as a thank you for the child

protection workshop they presented to the group earlier in the year.

Fiona Rassip, Carol Bligh, Sandra Ambrym & Josie Mooka celebrating celebrations.

Wet Day in Napranum On Thursday 5th November 2015, the Napranum Pre-School hosted their annual ‘Wet Day’ as part of Under

8’s week. The grounds of the Pre-School were transformed into a world of bubbles (courtesy of the RAATSICC

Napranum team), combined with all forms of water play, a water slide and lots of laughter.

Under 8’s day was celebrated and shared with Pre-School children in Napranum along with children from

Weipa and the Western Cape College and their families. The activities were accompanied with culinary

delights from the Pre-School kitchen. It is estimated approximately 300 children

attended the day to partake in the many fun activities.

The Napranum RAATSICC team worked tirelessly to engage the children (and parents), in the bubble

activity and also distributed RAATSICC booklets and pamphlets to promote RAATSICC’S many support

services within community. Along with this, the RAATSICC staff also assisted and supported the Pre-

School staff by running last minute errands before the throngs of children and families arrived.

It was a great morning and so good to see such a large number of parents and community members

having so much fun!

A huge thanks and mark of recognition to the

Napranum Pre-School staff for hosting a great day

and for the massive effort that went into making

Under 8’s day a success. I don’t know about the

kids, but I was exhausted by the end of the day and

I’m sure many children had a sound sleep that night

– not to mention the parents, phew !!!! Yvette

This year Grandparents Day was held on Sunday October 25. Each year Grandparents Day gives us a chance to celebrate the love and guidance our grandparents give us. This year we want grandparents, grandchildren, and communities across generations to

connect with one another and create shared memories.

GRANDPARENTS DAY 2015GRANDPARENTS DAY 2015GRANDPARENTS DAY 2015

Family events organised (Anniversary events) in the NPA and Torres Straits:

Thursday Island Family event– Saturday 6 Dec

Yorke Island Family event – Friday 11 Dec

Murray Island Family Event – Saturday 12 Dec

NPA – Saturday 12 Dec

Darnley Island was postponed to the

new year due to sorry business.

Murray Street Remembrance Service

Sunday, 20th December 2015

Green Park, Murray St Manoora 11:00am – 1:00pm

The In Her Shoes relay race is a fun opportunity for men and

boys to raise attention to the serious cases and effects of domestic

and family violence within Cairns.

This event is part of the White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Activism

Against Gendered Violence campaigns. With at least one woman

killed every week in Australia by their former or current partners,

raising awareness of domestic and family violence is vital.

This event aims to foster and encourage male leadership in the

prevention of violence against women, based on the understanding

that most men are not violent.

The RAATSICC Deadly Diva’s team was made up of two

RAATSICC male staff members, Joshua Flaherty and Richard Bignell,

both Family Support Workers, and volunteer supporter, Anthony.

RAATSICC WON 2ND PRIZE out of 20 teams for the fastest in the

relay and Anthony won “Best dressed”. Well done guys for taking

part in this important event and doing so well.

WORKER PROFILE WORKER PROFILE

CLARACLARA

DAYDAY

In Her Shoes Relay race and fundraiser

My name is Clara Day, RE Advisor, NPA. I started work when I was 18 years old after grade 10 at

Atherton High School. In 1975 I then returned to study at Cairns Business College after that I came back to

New Mapoon and worked for the MAP (Primary Health). In 1979 I started at the Department of Native Affairs

where I worked for 19 years. I worked with Nai-Beguta Agama Corporation for over 12 years and have been a NPA womens group foundation member

since 1990. I am married and have 6 children, 14 grand children and 1 great grand son. My husband is a

Pastor and we have home fellowship. In my spare time I go fishing or read.

I was one of the first indigenous woman founding

members of RAATSICC and was the first President in 1990 and was in that position for 8 years. I am still involved with RAATSICC now as a Recognised Entity Advisor and I enjoy the job. I have great passion for our indigenous families and children and this position

help me to do my bit to keep children safe.

As a founding member of RAATSICC, NPA Womens Group and Nai-Beguta Agama I have worked tirelessly talking

to different Ministers about funding resources and support to meet our families, children and communities

needs, and I will continue to do that.

I enjoy the compassion of our Elders and listening to their dream time stories when we have our gatherings and meetings. That has inspired me to do something positive for my people and communities.

January 7th June

13th Allira

15th Norah

16th Daphney

24th Yvette

February

6th Julie

14th Ani

17th Cynthia

25th Vera

March 19th Joe

23rd Emma

Cape York / Gulf Remote Area Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Child Care Advisory Association Inc.

120 Spence Street, PO Box 6242, Cairns Qld 4870

Phone: (07) 4030 0900 Fax: (07) 4041 5082 Free Call: 1300 663 411

“Our Children, Our Youth, Our Families and Our Communities are safe, resilient and empowered”

UPCOMING EVENTS January

1: New Years Day 26: Australia Day / Survival Day

February

13: Anniversary of the National Apology

March 8: International Womens Day

17: National Close the Gap Day 18: National Day of Action Against Bullying and

Violence 21: Harmony Day

Welcome

to new

staff

RitaRitaRita FionaFionaFiona JoshuaJoshuaJoshua

RobertaRobertaRoberta LelaLelaLela

Napranum staff prepared and shared a lovely feast to celebrate a

busy and productive year with families and friends. Thank you for

the tasty home-made food and the very pleasant company.

END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONEND OF YEAR CELEBRATIONEND OF YEAR CELEBRATION