FIRST QUARTER, 2020

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In this issue...

2 A Message from our CEO Lawson Broad3 Robyne Burridge OAM We welcome Pastor Richard Telfer as Somerville

Chaplain.4 Vale Dr Valerie Asche AM6 Laura Shellie

Project Director Asset Management Com’s Nursery - A great Initiative7 Volunteer Recognition Christmas Carols 8 Christmas Gift Wrapping 2019 9 Christmas Hamper Appeal Anonymous donors 10 Jocelyn Cull

Disability Services Practices Manager Bereavement - Theresa Roworth Official Unveiling – Friendships Art Program11 Davina returns home to Katherine Jarod Knowles

Alice Springs Regional Manager12 FoodBank NT 13 Tax Help – End of Season Presentation How can Financial Counsellors help?14 Vale John Edwards16 Staff profile: Vicki Borzi

Photo: Somerville Ambassador Robyne Burridge OAM.

Robyne Burridge OAM

Somerville would like to congratulate Somerville Ambassador Robyne Burridge on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to people with a disability.

Robyne came to the Territory in 1980, to coordinate the International Year for Disabled Persons (IYDP), for the Northern Territory Government. In recognition of her achievements during that year she was named Citizen of the Year by Darwin City Council.

She continued to work in government across a broad range of disability services for 18 years before establishing her own disability brokerage business, Focus-A-Bility, (FAB) working primarily in the areas of case management and advocacy.

In January 2010 until the change of government in 2012, Robyne was appointed a Ministerial Adviser in the area of disability, to the then Minister for Health and Families, Kon Vatskalis.

Continued on page 3.

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A Message from our CEO Lawson Broad

Like hospitals and airports, those great social levellers, our recent experiences with Coronavirus have found us sharing queues and moments with strangers and friends that have caused us to see those around us in a different light and recognise that we are all part of the same community.

We have seen the long queues snaking around our local Centrelink offices with people standing in line that have never-before set foot inside those doors. People having to navigate for the first time the vast network of bureaucracies that make up our Government social support services. For many this has been a life-changing event and for some they have faced circumstances that have been humiliating and caused great stress and anguish.

Somerville responded to this event in a decisive way that showed leadership within our sector and ensured that the participants in our homes have been safe; that our employees have been protected; and that the people we serve have continued to access the much-needed support we provide. This has required some significant changes to the way we ordinarily do business and a great deal of flexibility from everyone concerned.

I have been so pleased and encouraged with the maturity demonstrated by the Executive team and the adaptability and resilience shown by everyone throughout the organisation. It has been a clear affirmation of commitment to the values that make Somerville the organisation that it is.

The event has also brought into focus the types of circumstances facing many people daily, particularly those we seek to serve. Disadvantage comes in many forms and most often it is a combination of different small parts that work together to create a complex web of difficulty that people find impossible to navigate or find their way out of. It might be unemployment, disability, poverty, homelessness, lack of education, or poor health – each of these connected to each other and compounding to create barriers that prevent people from living the life they might desire for themselves.

Our mission is to impact positively on the dignity and quality of life of people who are affected by social and economic disadvantage. As the quality of our lives has been affected in different ways due to this event, it helps us to imagine and understand the types of difficult circumstances facing many each day and hopefully increase our compassion for those who need our support.

While this event has caused significant disruption to the ordinary course of our business, we have kept focused on continuing to deliver services in our community and make progress on the important strategic projects that we have underway. Amongst these we are working in earnest to see the construction of new Specialist Disability Accommodation come to life with our Katherine project and the full refurbishment of two of our Wagaman properties being first cabs off the rank. I look forward to updating you on these exciting projects over the coming months.

Somerville is blessed to have many long-term dedicated supporters who assist us in the delivery of our mission. Sadly, in August 2019 Somerville Patron Dr Valerie Asche AM died. Valarie, along with husband Austin served as a Somerville Patron since 1993. I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution Valerie made to the organisation and to the Northern Territory. She will be greatly missed by many.

Disadvantage comes in many forms and most often it is a combination of different small parts that work

together to create a complex web of difficulty that people find impossible to navigate or find their way out of.

In February we heard the sad news of the passing of long-serving Board member John Edwards which took us all by surprise and is a real loss to the Somerville family. John was a member of the Somerville Board for 26 years and made and gave of himself in an extraordinary way and helped shape who we are today. His enthusiasm for Somerville will be missed greatly, he was a real contributor and a big thinker who saw great potential for Somerville’s impact in the community.

I was very fortunate to be able to attend his funeral in Melbourne and privileged to hear his life story, which gave a picture of a man dedicated to family and the service of those around him.

I was left challenged by the way he lived his life and over the past months his passing has given me pause to reflect on what it means to live a full life.

Vale John Edwards.

Lawson Broad

CEO Somerville Community Services

We welcome Pastor Richard Telfer as Somerville Chaplain.

Richard is the Pastor at Palmerston Uniting Church, as well as, the Deputy Chair of the Pilgrim Presbytery of Northern Australia. Richard has recently completed his studies and has been accepted for ordination in the Uniting Church of Australia. 

Richard grew up in Sydney where he completed a Bachelor of Theology and worked for many years with an inter-faith organisation. Before moving to Darwin in 2016, Richard spent time working with the Western Australian Presbytery of the Uniting Church. This work saw him working closely with second generation

Tongan-Australians, journeying with them as they navigated being both Tongan and Australian.

Richard is a member of the Fifteenth National Assembly of the Uniting Church, as well as an active member of the Northern Territory Council of Churches.

Richard previously worked in this role at Somerville some two years ago.

As Chaplain Richard will provide a non-judgemental, listening ear to all staff and works across different faith, traditions and cultures. 

Welcome Richard.

Regarded by both government and non-government organisations as a leader, advocate and activist in the disability sector, Robyne is passionate about the need to empower people who have a disability and strives to ensure that like herself they have every opportunity to equality and quality of life.

Representing the community for 20 years as an Alderman on Darwin City Council, including one year as Deputy Lord Mayor, Robyne believes she has developed a broad understanding of community needs and expectations, not just in the disability field.

In 2015 Robyne and her husband Ron were appointed inaugural Ambassadors for Somerville Community Services.

As one of the founding members of Integrated disAbility Action Inc., (IdA) in 1996, Robyne’s work as an advocate was officially recognised in April 2016, when she was made a Life Member.

In December 2017 Robyne’s strong belief that people with disability have the same rights as anyone else in the community was further recognised when she was announced as a joint winner of the Fitzgerald Social Change Award, as part of the NT Human Rights Awards.

Given that the NDIS is regarded as the biggest social change since the

introduction of Medicare and as from 1 July 2019 has been fully rolled out in the Territory, Robyne believes this Award has a great deal of significance with regards to the work that she does as an advocate and activist on various Community

Groups, Committees and Boards throughout the Territory.

Congratulations Robyne from the Somerville Board, Management Team, participants and staff.

Robyne Burridge OAM Continued from cover.

Photo: Robyne Burridge OAM (Front Centre) pictured here with (L to R) Sinu Thomas Coordinator Disability Services 2019 Margaret Somerville Award winner, Somerville Board members Chris Tudor AM, Ptr. Richard Telfer, Kevin Kennedy, Lawson Broad Somerville CEO), Andrew Caddy (Somerville President) and Somerville Board Life Member Daphne Read AO.

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Cherished wife, mother, grandmother. Accomplished Microbiologist and academic, publisher, writer, researcher. Patron and supporter of our community organisations, and much-loved Territorian. Vice-regal consort. All descriptors of Valerie, which altogether remain unable to sum up a truly remarkable woman.

I first met Dr Asche 26 years ago. I remember being immediately struck by her capability, her courage and, of course, her sense of humour. Val had a unique air about her, of competency and discernment. Unfailingly perceptive, without fuss, she really knew how to deal with what life threw her way. Which shouldn’t be surprising, given her extraordinary life experiences.

Val talked often of her first home, Rupanyup in the Wimmera district of Victoria, – where she grew up. She recognised the importance of roots, the meaning of family, and their support which allowed her to pursue her dream of attending Melbourne University 250 miles away. Yet her life-defining time at university – where she also met the love of her life, His Honour the Honourable Austin Asche – was punctuated by time spent recuperating from Tuberculosis. Before the invention of penicillin as a cure. An experience which greatly influenced the way Val saw – and approached – life.

She wrote a wonderful book, ‘Walking my Baby Back Home’ about this experience. And the energy and humour that shines through the prose is such a brilliant reflection of Val’s character. Her trademark wry acceptance of situations, with the determination, generosity and resilience to cope with them in a sensitive and positive way.

Discovering she had the disease during her second year at university, a young and rather ground-breaking young woman studying Science at the University of Melbourne in 1946, must have deeply affected her. She writes of the long stretches of time between x-rays and testing, making early discharge a slim possibility. The ban on visitors during the week – the regimented routines, the freezing cold during the winter and, importantly, the isolation during long periods of forced rest. What must, I think, have been a particular adjustment, would have been moving into a sanatorium with the realisation that many patients and roommates would never recover. A fairly early confrontation with mortality, and one she dealt with characteristically pragmatically.

Val celebrated, and really lived life. She succeeded in surviving, and thriving after her experience with Tuberculosis, earning her PhD with aplomb, and bringing two children into the world. She grasped life with both hands. A truly meaningful life, which I saw first-hand.

Not only was she, along with Austin, a committed, wise and endlessly supportive Patron of Somerville during my tenure as CEO, she was an unwavering friend to me for 26 years. As many others have no doubt experienced, if ever I required advice, support, looked for innovation or needed to discuss tricky things, she was constantly available. She was resolute, her instincts were spot on and her courage unwavering.

Territorians related to Val. Her way of approaching people and life and her matter-of-fact approach to living was a sign of courage, tenacity and strength – admirable qualities often setting her apart. She had wisdom in spades, a level head, the courage to stand up and speak and her gift to face challenges

with determination. She was adept in the unique art which is so often lost in humankind – that is to have a long-held, strong opinion, a school of thought, a view without malice but rather a sense of sharing knowledge and experiences. Val’s generosity with her expertise, experience and time will be a valued, lasting recollection for so many.

A particular story which I think perfectly sums up not only Val’s character but also her affection for Government House and famous love of dogs is told in another of her five books – ‘The Pleasure of Dogs from Victoria to the Northern Territory’. She details the adventures of their dog Olaf – described as a ‘typical Territorian’ – who spent many hours on leave from Government House prowling the streets of the CBD. His hobbies included happily chewing on any shoes or reading items which may have been left out on the verandahs at Government House, and I think it is telling that rather than decide to do anything about the dog itself, Val instead observed that in no time at all staff began to store things away much more securely!

Olaf’s particular claim to fame and most memorable escapade was his brazen visit to Brown’s Mart. Val wrote, ‘he sauntered onto the stage during a performance and sniffed the décor.’(!) I think being a dog lover says a lot about a person’s heart and integrity.

And this kindness also shone through in her personal connection with our communities. I know for many – including myself – Val will be warmly remembered as a support and mentor. Her ‘dear friends’

– of which there are many – were truly important to her and brought much joy to her life.

But of course her closest and dearest friend was the love of her life. The Honourable Austin Asche. They say if you don’t follow your heart you might spend the rest of your life wishing you had. Val certainly followed her heart! She became engaged to Austin three days after meeting him, and married him three months later.

On Thursday last week Austin said to me, ‘Just as well Val did have two years with Tuberculosis keeping her away from Melbourne University otherwise some other chap might have snaffled her up before I had the chance.’ He also said to me more poignantly that he would remember the good times and she would always be with him. His “Magnificent Girl” – who stole his heart at a Trinity College

Tutors’ Christmas Party. The rest, they say, is history. True partners, Val and Austin have stepped through life together for more than 60 years, epitomising mutual support, recognition and respect. Their children Wendy and Harry and beautiful grandchildren Thomas, Romaan and Zoe reflecting the commitment, consideration, empathy and love they shared as a family.

Val will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Yet she will be warmly remembered, and I have no doubt that her influence will continue to be felt as we continue to make our way through our lives. I know I continue to be guided by the thought of her strength of character, generous, pragmatic approach and her profound love of, and commitment to, our Northern Territory.

Val, we will miss you. Rest in peace.

Dr Valerie Asche AM served as Somerville Patron for over 27 years, pictured here with husband The Honourable Austin Asche AC, QC.

Photo: Olaf (front and centre) pictured with Government House staff during Austin’s tenure as the Administrator of the Northern Territory.

Photo: Olaf – described as a ‘typical Territorian’ in Valerie’s book ‘The Pleasure of Dogs from Victoria to the Northern Territory’.

Photo: This photo was taken on the occasion of Valerie and Austin’s first date.

Photo: Dr Asche AM received a Distinguished Service Award from the Australian Society of Microbiology for her significant contribution to Microbiology.

Vale Dr Valerie Asche AM

Eulogy by The Honourable

Vicki O’Halloran AOAdministrator of the

Northern Territory

On the occasion of the Funeral Service for

Dr Valerie Asche AMMonday 2 September 2019

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Laura Shellie Project Director Asset Management

Laura Shellie recently joined Somerville as the Project Director Asset Management and is responsible for the management of staff and the performance of Asset Management.

The team is responsible for the maintenance, ongoing upgrades and renovations to all Somerville owned and managed assets, including the delivery of high quality and appropriate accommodation for Somerville participants. 

Laura’s background is in property development and she has worked as a development manager acquiring and delivering projects all over Melbourne. This included subdivisions, townhouses, apartments, schools, mixed use sites and commercial centres, as well as affordable housing and other philanthropic housing/crisis accommodation projects with the Salvation Army.

Laura has recently relocated to the NT and has been enjoying the easy-going lifestyle, fishing, visiting family and old friends and is looking forward to exploring in the dry.

Welcome Laura.

Com’s Nursery - A great Initiative

Somerville’s Asset Management team is responsible for the maintenance, ongoing upgrades and renovations to all Somerville owned and managed assets.

The team work tirelessly to ensure that our offices and supported accommodation properties are well presented with particular attention paid to the gardens.

The team have a focus on providing accessible outdoor spaces for the clients we support. To achieve this, garden maintenance is ongoing with regular mowing and trimming of garden shrubbery a priority.

Maintenance Assistant, Com Mu joined Somerville over five years ago and with a passion for gardening loves his job. Com noticed that the organisation was regularly buying plants as part of annual garden upgrades. With some recycled pots and some potting mix Com started a small plant nursery from the cuttings he took when he did his regular trimming.

Initially it was a trial to see if the plantings were successful and new cuttings were added when time permitted. Over time Com’s small nursery of cuttings grew.

Now when garden upgrades are due the plants are accessed from “Com’s nursery”.

Somerville would like to acknowledge Com for this great initiative and for his passion for gardening.

Thank you Com.

Photo: The Asset Management team perform regular upgrades and maintenance to all of Somerville’s gardens .

Photo: Somerville’s Asset Management team (L to R) Laura Shellie, Vince Yuen, Joanne Makrylos, Daryl Kempster, Joanne Flanagan, Com Mu, Callum Bateman and Phyllis Mitchell.

Photo: Palmerston Uniting Church volunteers (Front Row) pictured here with Somerville staff, have managed Somerville’s gift-wrapping Stall at Palmerston Shopping Centre for many years. Kathleen Sharp (Front Centre) was recognised for 23 years of volunteering service.

Volunteer Recognition

Somerville recently held a morning tea in recognition of the contribution made by the Palmerston Uniting Church volunteers.

This dedicated group of volunteers have been managing Somerville’s Christmas Gift-wrapping Stall at the Palmerston Shopping Centre for many years. Their ongoing contribution has ensured that the stall is manned in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

We also took the opportunity to acknowledge Kathleen Sharp who has been volunteering at our Palmerston Shopping Centre gift-wrapping stall for over 23 years. Kathleen relocated from Katherine to Darwin in 1996 and started volunteering with Somerville as a part of the Palmerston Uniting Church group that same year.

Kathleen said that she enjoyed volunteering and talking to all the people who visited the stall to have their Christmas gifts wrapped. She said that everyone has a story to tell and she loved interacting with the Palmerston community.

In recognition of and appreciation for her many years of volunteering Kathleen was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and a bouquet of flowers.

Many Somerville staff attended the morning tea to thank all the volunteers for their ongoing contribution to our gift-wrapping.

Whilst Kathleen may be considering retiring from gift-wrapping duties, she is welcome to come back again this year if she changes her mind.

Christmas Carols

Somerville’s Christmas Carols 2019 was so successful that planning is already underway for the 2020 Carols with all performers locked in for yet another year.

We were again welcomed back to the Casuarina Uniting Church and were made very welcome by the congregation.

The family event was well supported by Somerville staff, people from our Disability Services program and members of the community. Oh, and Santa arrived towards the end of the night with lollies for the children.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Reverend Dr Helen Richmond and the Casuarina Congregation for inviting us to hold the carols at the church again.

Special thanks to Paolo Fabris and the Vox Crox choir, Rachael Kroes and the Sing Song Signers and Ron Roberts and the Darwin City Brass Band who performed on the evening.

Thank you also to Master of Ceremonies, Richard Margetson who kept the event running smoothly.

We look forward to seeing you again this year for Carols 2020

Photo: The 2019 Somerville Christmas Carols were a great success and we look forward to seeing everyone back for our 2020 Carols.

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Christmas Hamper Appeal

Somerville would like to thank the many individuals, schools, businesses and corporations for their generous donations of food and gifts in support of the Somerville Christmas Hamper Appeal.

Due to the generosity of so many we were able to provide gifts to 455 children and over 220 food hampers to families, the elderly and people staying in shelters over Christmas in the Darwin & Katherine communities.

This year we were able to support women’s shelters in both Darwin and Katherine and were able to bring a smile to the faces of many families escaping domestic violence.

We extend a warm thank you to the following people and organisations:

• The Essington School

• Palmerston Christian School

• Kate Worden Electoral office and Sanderson residents

• Paspaley Pearling Company Staff

• NORBUILT

• Palmerston Uniting Church congregation

• Darwin Memorial Uniting Church congregation

• Territory Child Care Group

• Darwin Sunrise Rotary Club

Anonymous donors

We again received many donations from individuals and families who gave generously to our appeal and wished to remain anonymous.

Collectively you all made a significant difference to many children and families.

Your contribution and generosity have positively impacted the life of someone in need.

Thank you from the Somerville TeamPhoto: Thankyou to Kate Worden MLA for donations collected at her Sanderson electoral office.

Photo: Darwin Sunrise Rotary Club donated to Somerville’s Christmas Hamper Appeal.

Photo: Some of the food hampers ready for collection.

Photo:The Territory Childcare Group once again supported our appeal with the donation of three “Super” Hampers.

Christmas Gift Wrapping 2019

Once again, our annual Gift-Wrapping service at Casuarina Square, Palmerston Shopping Centre and the Gateway Shopping Centre was a great success.

This year we were supported by over 100 volunteers who, along with Somerville staff wrapped thousands of Christmas gifts in the lead up to Christmas.

We would like to thank our volunteers who come back year after year to support this fundraising event.

Funds raised from the event are used in support of Somerville’s Emergency Relief Program which provides food and fuel

vouchers and support with crisis accommodation to those in need in our community.

We would also like to thank Centre Management at each of the shopping centres who invite us back year after year to hold this event. Your ongoing support is vital.

A final thank you goes to the community who generously support our Gift-Wrapping stalls. We look forward to seeing you all again in December 2020.

Thank you.

Photo: Volunteers for Power and Water supported our Gift-Wrapping Stalls.

Photo: Chief Minister Michael Gunner dropped in to lend a hand. Photo: MLA Eva Lawler volunteered her time at the Gateway Shopping Centre stall.

Photo: Board members Daphne Read AO and Ptr Richard Telfer were regular volunteers at our Palmerston Shopping Centre stall.

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Jocelyn Cull Disability Services Practices Manager

Somerville would like to welcome Jocelyn Cull who has taken on the role of Manager Disability Services Practices.

Jocelyn is responsible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Project, Coordination of Support and the Life Skills Development Program teams. 

She has extensive experience working with government, the private sector, the community and not-for-profit organisations.  Jocelyn’s background is in law and commerce and she has worked in both the public and private sectors nationally and internationally. 

She is passionate about the importance of outstanding service delivery and stakeholder relations. 

When Jocelyn is not working, she can often be found out and about in Darwin at one of our excellent local markets or off camping with her family in a remote section of the Territory.

Welcome Jocelyn.

Jarod Knowles Alice Springs Regional Manager

Jarod Knowles was appointed to the role of Alice Springs Regional Manager in 2019 with responsibility for both Support Coordination and the Supported Independent Living program.

Jarod Joined Somerville in 2018 with responsibility for Support Coordination and growing Somerville’s Disability Service programs in Alice Springs.

Between November 2019 and March 2020 Jarod has been responsible for the two inaugural Somerville Supported Independent Living services in Alice Springs.

The Alice Springs team has grown to 17 staff members including Support Coordinators and Disability Support Workers. As a result of the growth of the services the Alice Springs team relocated to new offices in Todd Street.

As the reputation of quality services continues to grow, so too do the referrals and requests for all Somerville services in Alice Springs.

Jarod has lived in Alice Springs for over five years, working predominately within the disability services sector. He has extensive experience in disability services managing programs in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Darwin. Prior to working in the disability sector, Jarod managed programs for unaccompanied minor children in detention in Lenora, Darwin and Christmas Island.

Jarod enjoys working with and supporting participants as the NDIS rolls out across Central Australia. Somerville’s Support Coordination Program operates separately and independently of all other services provided by Somerville’s Disability Services.

Somerville’s Alice Springs office is located at 1/82 Todd Street Alice Springs. Jarod can be contacted on 0439 645 582

Official Unveiling – Friendships Art Program

Somerville recently officially unveiled a mosaic art piece created by five of our participants under the direction of Artist Janie Andrews.

Chelsea, Greg, Monti, Johnson and Glen, our guests of honour, were thrilled to finally see the finished mosaic installed at our Wagaman office.

Over several weeks Janie worked with the group to develop small scale art works which were then combined to create the larger mosaic.

The result was an amazing colourful piece titled “Friendship Circle”.

We wish to thank the City of Darwin for the grant that made the project possible and for promoting inclusion for people with disability.

Photo: Participating artists at the official unveiling of the mosaic.

Photo: Artist Janie Andrews and Somerville’s Director of Disability Services Tahlia Joy.

Davina returns home to Katherine

It is not uncommon that people with disability living in remote and regional areas move to larger centres to access care and support not provided in their home communities.

These moves are done out of necessity not out of choice and result in many people with disability being separated from their families and the communities they love.

This is such a story. A story of Davina, a young girl relocated from Katherine to Alice Springs in 2000 to access the support she needed.

From the time Davina left Katherine her father sought options to have Davina return to Katherine so the family could be reunited.

Davina returned to Katherine for short visits to see her family but due to there being no Supported Independent Living vacancies in Katherine, Davina would return to Alice Springs after each of these visits.

Being aware of Davina’s wish to return to Katherine and her family, the team at Life Without Barriers who were supporting Davina in Alice Springs, worked closely with Somerville’s Katherine team to make Davina’s return home a reality.

This was no easy task, as a suitable vacancy had to be found ensuring that Davina would fit in well with the existing people in the house. A vacancy was found in one of Somerville’s Supported Accommodation homes

and then planning for the journey home began. The logistics of preparing Davina to fly from Alice Springs to Katherine had to be arranged with the date of the flight adjusted several times. This was done to ensure that the flight was safe and that the service exchange between Life Without Barriers and Somerville was of the highest quality.

The day finally arrived, and Davina flew from Alice Springs on the 5th June 2019 to her new home in Katherine.

Returning home to Katherine has meant that Davina has been able to reconnect with her father, her step mother and her brothers and sisters. She can have her family visit her regularly and she can also visit with them at church and in the community.

Davina still regularly connects with her friends in Alice Springs through facetime and skype and now has the best of both worlds.

Davina is very well supported at Somerville’s Supported Independent Living house in Katherine and is continuing her journey in further developing her assisted walking.

Davina recently celebrated her Birthday with a family party held in her honour something she had not been able to enjoy for many years.

Somerville would like to acknowledge the support of the staff from Life Without Barriers as without this collaboration Davina’s return home would not have been possible.

Photo: Davina (Pictured centre) surrounded by her family at her Birthday celebration.

Bereavement - Theresa Roworth

Somerville is deeply saddened by the passing of Theresa Roworth on 28 February 2020. In the short 9 months Theresa was in our service she reminded us that the people we support have a voice, have choice and it is their role to challenge us when these things are compromised. 

Theresa gave us so much more than we could give her.  With Theresa’s presence in the house we enjoyed her witty sense of humour, her impeccable fashion sense and of course getting to know her adoring husband, Don and their children and grandchildren.

The Somerville team wishes to pass on our deepest sympathy to Don and all the family.

We will miss Theresa greatly. 

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FoodBank NT

Recently Somerville’s Housing and Homelessness and Financial Counselling Services teams visited Foodbank NT.

Somerville refer many of our clients to Foodbank and took the opportunity to get some firsthand experience on how the organisation operates.

Foodbank refers to itself as ‘the pantry to the charity sector’ and is Australia’s largest food relief organisation.

In the NT alone Foodbank provides over 30,000 meals a month!

Through our programs at Somerville we support our clients with foodbank vouchers and are at times overwhelmed with requests for this service.

During our visit we were given a guided tour of the warehouse and how they process and package the food.

We also had a walk through the ‘Food for Life’ Mobile Pantry Bus. This outreach program is essentially a food pantry on wheels traveling as far as Bachelor, Humpty Doo, Howard Springs, Palmerston and Darwin each week.

Foodbank NT rely heavily on volunteers to help get the food to the people who need it and provide a range of volunteering opportunities.

Tax Help – End of Season Presentation

Somerville recently hosted the 2019 Tax Help end of season presentation for Tax Help volunteers across Darwin.

Tax Help is a network of ATO-trained and accredited community volunteers who provide a free and confidential service to help people complete their tax returns online using myTax.

Tax Help is available from July to October in all capital cities and many regional areas across Australia.

Alan Harrison, Community Liaison Officer from the Australian Taxation Office in Brisbane presented Certificates of Appreciation to the volunteers and thanked them for the contribution they make to this valuable service.

To find out if you are eligible for Tax Help 2020 visit:

www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Lodging-your-tax-return/Tax-Help-program/#AreyoueligibleforTaxHelp

How can Financial Counsellors help?Financial counsellors are skilled professionals who will guide you through your options and help you plan your way out of debt. If you or someone you know is in financial difficulty call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for free independent advice. Alternatively you can visit www.ndh.org.au

Photo: Tax Help volunteers with certificates of appreciation, presented by ATO Community Liason Officer Alan Harrison (Far R).

Photo: Somerville’s Housing and Homelessness and Financial Counselling Services teams visiting Foodbank NT.

Photo: Somerville refer many clients to Foodbank NT for food relief.

To find out more on how you could volunteer your time visit

www.foodbank.org.au/

support-us/volunteer-with-us

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Vale John Edwards

How fortunate has Somerville been to have the profound benefit of John’s expansive mind, stimulating critical thinking and deep analysis, principally at board meetings though also in the wider landscape of Somerville as an organisation.

John joined the Somerville Board in 1993 and through those 27 years of service, though his hair became whiter, the storms of open-heart surgery were navigated and perhaps his gait a little slower, his mind remained “razor” sharp and his capacity to think and analyse remained in top form.

Good decisions are made when matters are considered, dissected and the multi-faceted prism of good constructive debate is held to the light so all the colours can be seen and fully appreciated. John was a champion of moving the prism of debate to the light. Somerville Board members enjoyed John’s deliberate, often persistent, but always calm manner of speech, with its moderate New York modulations heralding his birth place.

Apart from Board debate, John undertook the immense task of rewriting the Somerville Constitution in 1998 adding to

it the Constitution of the new Somerville Foundation in 2006. This was an immense project that required knowledge and research and a steady mind to tease out the many threads and to ensure that what was produced not only met the stringent requirements of the authorities but also served Somerville in the best possible way. As testimony to his hard work and skill these constitutions continue to serve Somerville today. As a hallmark of John, we of course don’t have a “Chair” but a “President” maybe a link to his American antecedents. But what we all know is that the reason would be well considered.

The tentacles of life and its associations are far reaching and are often referred to as degrees of separation. However, how they reach where they do is indeed a continual mystery.

My mother met John first when she was working with a community service organisation in Melbourne and he was CEO of such an organisation. He clearly enjoyed the challenge of being CEO but when circumstances changed, he continued to seek such a position again. What was of great benefit to Somerville and indeed to other organisations which he served over time was that he could understand issues from a CEO’s point of view. A “CEO” apprenticeship must be served if one is to become successful in that role and then to fully appreciate the world of a good CEO.

Photo: John regularly attended Somerville events, pictured here at the Somerville Christmas Carols with (L to R) Somerville Board Life Member Daphne Read AO, The Administrator of the Northern Territory her Honour the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO and Somerville CEO Lawson Broad.

My connection goes further. John’s son Tarrant became a student at the school where my brother was Headmaster. Tarrant became a chorister in the Cathedral choir, and I know how devoted John was to his son, attending more than frequently the services to hear him sing. As I was a Headmaster myself John enjoyed discussing with me the education of his two children, discussions that had clearly arisen out of days and nights of thought, family conversations all with the intention that the best should be provided for his children. In my conversations John was not satisfied with the superficial.

John’s life was about service, and the word was frequently in his conversation and was always present at Board meetings. He understood service, what it meant to those in need and the administrative imperatives in making it possible. It is thoroughly understandable that he decided to study Social Work at university and of course later Master’s studies were in the same vein. Early employment was with the Brotherhood of St Laurence in cutting-edge, tough youth work which indeed was where he worked with Graham Bull, past Somerville CEO.

Enjoying working with people it was not surprising that he later took a job as a lecturer at Latrobe University working with students studying aspects of Community Service work.

John also undertook a leadership role in helping Katherine “back onto its feet” after the disastrous floods which devastated the town in 2006. Not only did he have the heart for this, he had the empathetic and administrative capacity to manage the role successfully.

This was followed by a role at Royal Darwin Hospital, a position demanding advocacy and empathy. His work was greatly appreciated not only by those he sought to serve but also the staff whom he managed and who spoke so highly and appreciatively of him.

His contribution to life was made with a good measure of humour which we all appreciated, however John was not flippant but had an impressive backbone of determination. This showed itself firmly as he tackled various aspects of ill health. He embraced what was needed to recover from his open-heart surgery, exercising, including a rigorous swimming schedule and disciplined diet. His heart attack was more than a surprise and took place in Epworth Hospital as

he visited his good friend the Rev Ron Brandt (Life Member Somerville Board) who was there also having heart surgery. It was probably the best place for such an incident to occur. Of recent times he beat Type 2 diabetes by undertaking the challenging intermittent fasting diet. So many people don’t have the resolve to do more than talk about their intentions - John did it.

A good Somerville Board member must have a heart for people, particularly those who need a “hand up.” John loved Somerville and all its aspects. His contribution over the years has been “mountainous” and we are all feeling his loss deeply.

Our love is sent with all our sympathy to his family, Sue, Amelia and Tarrant and as the sun sets over Darwin and the shadows lengthen, bringing peace and reflection, let us remember his legacy particularly his immortal words, “maybe we should consider it in another way”.

John may you rest in a well-deserved peace.

Chris Tudor AM

Somerville Board MemberPhoto: John pictured at a Board meeting with Somerville President Andrew Caddy (L).

John Edwards joined the Somerville Board in 1993 and made a significant contribution over a 26-year term.

“Maybe we should consider it in another way”?

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Staff profile: Vicki Borzi

Hi, my name is Vicki Borzi. I have been working for Somerville for over 7 years. I began in 2012 as a fledgling Financial Counsellor with much to learn and many hours of study to undertake.

I initially completed my Diploma in Financial Counselling and went on to complete my Diploma in Counselling. I have also completed my Rural Financial Counselling and Problem Gambling qualifications. I was appointed Financial Counselling Coordinator in 2017 and then was appointed Manager Financial Counselling Services in 2019.

I am originally from New Zealand and was born in a little place called Hokitika which is located on the West Coast of the South Island. My Fathers family are all “coasters” but sadly most have passed on now. Hokitika is known for its wild and woolly coastline, white bait, coal and gold mining and green stone (New Zealand jade).

We lived in a smaller town called Ross south of “Hoki”, with a population of round 500 if you included all the local dogs. Ross in its heyday in the 1800’s had a population of around 30,000. Everyone was chasing the local gold. Ross is rich in history with many places to explore. As kids we picked the wild black berries and sold them to the local shop (only one in town) for a shilling a pound.

I moved to Brisbane, Queensland in the 1980s and never returned to New Zealand,

other than for a family holiday. From Brisbane I moved further and further north until I ended up in Darwin.

I have lived in Darwin over 30 years with my wonderful husband Mike (I call him Borzi) and two (now adult) sons. Borzi and I loved the place when we first arrived. The boys were schooled here and the friends they made will be friends for life.

We have one son still living in Darwin with us the other now living in Queensland who returns regularly for weddings and other celebrations with friends.

We are soon to become grandparents for the first time and are so excited. In keeping with some of Borzi’s Italian traditions we will be known as Nonna and Nonno.

When I’m not at work I enjoy catching up with friends and going to the movies and a couple of times a week you will find me at the local pool swimming lengths.

I thoroughly enjoy my job and working for Somerville. I have been given opportunities to study and expand my knowledge. Somerville has encouraged me to move out of my comfort zone on a few occasions which has been great for me. I am enjoying my position as Manager of Financial Counselling Services and the challenges the role brings. I look forward to working with the team, supporting, building resilience, enthusiasm and strength.

Vicki Borzi Manager Financial Counselling Services

Photo: Mike and Vicki Borzi. Photo: Vicki was awarded the Margaret Somerville Award in 2016. Pictured here with Somerville Board Life Member Daphne Read AO.