UnitingCare Wesley suggests that in the upcoming State Election we need to focus on priorities for our State... ...it is our quality of life that is most important.... (Broadcast 15th March, 2010)

As the state election approaches, Uniting Care Wesley is suggesting that as citizens we should be focussing our attention on the priorities for our state.
They say it is our quality of life that is most important.
UnitingCare Wesley is saying that our State's top priority should be to "Invest in Children". Caring for our kids builds strong communities both now and into the future..
They are also saying that other 'quality of life' issues need prompt attention, including:
Housing affordability. Historically public housing in South Australia has been central to reducing levels of poverty, Affordable housing remains a high priority.
Mental Health. There is no health without mental health and so must be a priority for a strong and inclusive society.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can be a state with a high quality of life for all citizens.

UnitingCare Wesley suggests we ...invest in our children.... (Broadcast 22nd February, 2010)

As the state election approaches, UnitingCare Wesley is suggesting that as citizens we should be focussing our attention on the priorities for our state. They then suggest that it is our quality of life that is most important, even ahead of economic growth and major public works.
UnitingCare Wesley is saying that our State’s top priority should be to “Invest in Children”.
This is easy to say, but what does it mean?
Surely keeping our kids safe is essential.
To achieve this our Government needs to ensure that all reports of potential child abuse are responded to promptly to ensure the safety of our children. This means that additional funding is urgently needed to ensure that Families SA is able to promptly investigate all child protection notifications.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can make children our priority.

UnitingCare Wesley says that last week two signifigant reports were released ...regarding Not-For-profit Community Services.... (Broadcast 15th February, 2010)

The Productivity Commission reported that Australia wide, this sector has over 600,000 separate organisations contributing $43 billion dollars annually to Australia’s GDP.
The report also says that 4.6 million Australians volunteer, providing a wage value of fifteen billion dollars. Lifeline, for example, is a service that saves lives and is mainly provided by volunteers
A second report released by the Australian Council of Social Service says that in South Australia last year about 6,500 people seeking help were not able to be seen because services were at capacity.
Community service organisations need continued volunteer support and increased funding from both government and donations.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can improve community services.

UnitingCare Wesley says that recently the Productivity Commission released a report; ‘Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage’. It reports that in some areas, progress is finally being made.... (Broadcast 14th July, 2009)

The report deals with six indicators agreed by Australia’s governments.
The first of these indicators is: life expectancy at birth, which is a broad indicator of a population’s long term health and well-being.
For indigenous women, life expectancy at birth is 73 years, compared to 83 years for non indigenous women. For indigenous men, life expectancy is 67 years, 12 years less than for non indigenous men. Closing the gap in life expectancy has been chosen as a national priority.
Indigenous death rates were much higher for diabetes, cervical cancer and kidney diseases.
This information provides clear evidence about health priorities.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can ‘close the gap’

UnitingCare Wesley says that last week the Productivity Commission released a report; Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage.... (Broadcast 5th July, 2009)

It contained some welcome news that in some areas, progress is finally being made. More Indigenous young people are completing Year 12 and employment rates are increasing.
In too many areas, however, there has been no improvement. Incarceration rates are increasing. In South Australia, Indigenous people are 13 times more likely to be in prison than non Indigenous people.
This week – across Australia – people from all walks of life have the chance to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the annual NAIDOC week celebrations.
UnitingCare Wesley hopes the stories of Aboriginal success and triumph will inspire our leaders to find a way to close the gap of Indigenous disadvantage once and for all.

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can ‘close the gap’

UnitingCare Wesley says that cold weather means many people desperately need warm clothes.... Goodwill is a great place for anyone to shop for good quality, pre-loved, winter clothes.... (Broadcast 29th June, 2009)

Goodwill always needs donations of used clothing and household goods too, and donations often slow down over winter. So if you are clearing out some of your winter clothes, consider Goodwill
Goodwill was established to provide the dignity of an affordable shopping opportunity for low income people and it continues to be a very popular place to shop, for bargain hunters and for work clothes too.
They have also argued for the continuation of hardship programs, because rising energy bills are going to create financial stress for more households in the future. A key aspect of hardship programs is that no customer should be disconnected due to inability to pay.

Uniting Care Wesley...together we can all have a warm winter

Australian governments are currently developing a National Energy Customer Framework....... Previously, consumer protection for energy was a state level responsibility, managed by the Essential Services Commission in this state... (Broadcast 15th June, 2009)

Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide has responded to the 285 page exposure draft of Laws and Rules, reinforcing the importance of customer protection in energy markets.
They have said that energy is an essential service, so there must be a guarantee of electricity supply to all citizens.
They have also argued for the continuation of hardship programs, because rising energy bills are going to create financial stress for more households in the future. A key aspect of hardship programs is that no customer should be disconnected due to inability to pay.
For more information google “NECF Exposure Draft”

UnitingCare Wesley ..Together we can have an affordable energy future.

A major review of Australia’s Tax System is currently underway...... chaired by Ken Henry, Secretary to the National Treasury.... (Broadcast 10th March, 2009)

UnitingCare Wesley says that our taxation system must meet three essential criteria:

  It must be efficient
  It must be fair
  It must be adequate

Adequacy means that enough tax dollars must be collected to pay for the government services that we need..
The Henry Review is examining the relationship between our social security payments and the tax system, because the tax system must provide an incentive to work.
It is unfair that in our current system, the people facing the highest marginal tax rates are poor people on benefits who can lose seventy cents for every additional dollar earned.
A fair and efficient tax system will remove these ‘poverty traps’.

UnitingCare Wesley ..Together we can develop a fair tax system.

The Australian Parliament has recently accepted a major economic stimulus package ..... to reduce the impacts of the global financial crisis for Australian households.... (Broadcast 23rd February, 2009)

UnitingCare Wesley believes that this package has been the right thing to do. It is a role of government to save when the economy is going well and to spend in times of downturn.
Appropriate economic stimulus provides short term activity and long term benefits. The commitments to improve school facilities and to insulate homes are both good measures.
Supporting the banks has also been important to create trust in the economy.
However, it is crucial that the private sector pays their part too, for example by maintaining employment and keeping prices and charges fair. Banks in particular must be responsible by reducing credit card interest rate and by reducing fees

UnitingCare Wesley ..Together we can cope with global economic problems.

The Volunteers and Staff at UnitingCare Wesley..... have been stunned by the tragedy and sadness of the Victorian Bushfires.... (Broadcast 16th February, 2009)

As with other South Australians they have asked what can be done to help?
Cash payments to individuals will encourage spending and help to maintain employment in hospitality and retail, two of the biggest employing industries in the state.
The Uniting Church has given money to help, and each of us can respond by donating to the appeals that have been set up by organisiaitons like Red Cross. These organizations have expertise in ensuring that help gets to the people who need it as quickly as possible.
Another response that we can make in South Australia is to talk with our friends and colleagues about our thoughts and feelings – sharing the sadness is important.
We can reflect on what really matters. Surely we have been reminded that it’s our humanity and how we care for other people that matters most .

UnitingCare Wesley ..together we can cope with disaster.

UnitingCare Wesley says..... says that the economic stimulus package announced by the Prime Minister last week, is a very significant spending program that is intended to reduce the impacts of the economic downturn.... (Broadcast 9th February, 2009)

It is appropriate for governments to be spending when the economy is performing poorly and saving when the economy is performing well.
Cash payments to individuals will encourage spending and help to maintain employment in hospitality and retail, two of the biggest employing industries in the state.
UnitingCare Wesley also commends the government on investing in schools. Increased education levels and skill development will be essential parts of the economic recovery.
The commitment to insulating homes of lower income households is also a very sensible measure, by helping to maintain employment in the building industry and improving energy efficiency of thousands of homes.

UnitingCare Wesley ..together we can cope with the economic downturn.

UnitingCare Wesley says that..... they are still desperately short of donations for Christmas gifts for children, the level of donations is about 75% lower than last year.... (Broadcast 15 December, 2008)

For many of the children in the 1500 families, assisted by UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide, the only gift they are likely to receive is the one donated by people like you.
No contribution is too small, for example individual cosmetics items can be packed together by volunteers to make great gifts for teenage girls.
To help, just leave unwrapped gifts under the Christmas Tree at Target stores, drop them in to 10 Pitt St, just by the Central Market or phone 8202 5112 to donate, that number again – 8202 5112

Uniting Care Wesley ..Together we can all have a Merry Christmas.

UnitingCare Wesley says that.... they are still desperate for donations for Christmas gifts for children.... (Broadcast 8th December, 2008)

They are currently packing 1500 Christmas hampers for families who will be ‘doing it tough’ this Christmas.
For many of the children in these families, the only gift they receive is likely to be the one passed on by community service agencies like UnitingCare Wesley.
Currently donations of gifts are 75% less than at the same time last year, so the need is urgent.
No contribution is too small, for example individual cosmetics items can be packed together by the volunteers to make great gifts for teenage girls.
To help, just leave unwrapped gifts under the Christmas Tree at Target stores, or drop them in to 10 Pitt St, just by the Central Market.


UnitingCare Wesley ..Together we can all have a Merry Christmas.

UnitingCare Wesley reminds us that .... today is white ribbon day.... (Broadcast 25th November, 2008)

In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared November 25 the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the White Ribbon has become the symbol for the day.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has said :
Violence against women and girls continues unabated in every continent, country and culture. It takes a devastating toll on women’s lives, on their families, and on society as a whole. Most societies prohibit such violence — yet the reality is that too often, it is covered up or tacitly condoned.
Men, in particular, are encouraged to wear a white ribbon to show that they will say something when violence against women occurs or is discussed.

Uniting Care Wesley ..Together we can end violence against women.

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to... make time to appreciate the little things in life.... (Broadcast 21st October, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley reminds you that that Mental Health Week was recently observed.
This year, the question that we were asked to think about was "What are you doing to maintain your wellbeing?"
Building resilience is crucial to maintaining our wellbeing. We know that for physical wellness, prevention is better than cure, similarly resilience helps us to better cope with life’s various stresses.
One way to build personal resilience is to appreciate the little things in life. This helps us to develop positive thinking and an optimistic outlook on life. Focusing on the positives and dwelling less on the negatives is one way we can build our emotional resilience, this then reduces stress and enhances our mental wellbeing..
Caring for our mental wellbeing is as important as maintaining our physical health.

Uniting Care Wesley ..Together we appreciate the little things in life.

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to... make children our priority... (Broadcast 10th October, 2008)

Uniting Care Wesley says that nurturing children is probably the most import task that any parent will ever undertake.
Last week the Productivity Commission released its report on Paid Parental Leave.
They said that paid maternity leave must be generous enough to allow new mothers, who are working, to be able to stay home for the first 6 months of their baby’s life. The recommendation is that Government fund 20 weeks paid parental leave, paid at the minimum wage, for new mothers.
The estimated total cost is $450 million per year. This is a small price to pay for the benefits that our society gains.
Nobel prize winning economist, Robert Heckmant says that the best possible use of public funds is to "invest in the very young".
Paid maternity leave is a great investment.

Uniting Care Wesley ..Together we can make children our priority.

UnitingCare Wesley reminds us this week is "Anti Poverty Week" (Broadcast 14th October, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley reminds us that this week is ‘Anti Poverty Week’, a time to consider ways of overcoming poverty, both in Australia and through the rest of the world.
One in eight South Australians is currently living in poverty. Using the Poverty Line measure of ‘half of the middle income for each household type’, 47% of single people over 65 years and 17 % of sole parents are living below this poverty line
Incredibly, using this measure, poverty rates have increased by fifty percent over the last decade, a period of high and continuous economic growth. Poverty in Australia can be eliminated with appropriate action, particularly from government. Priorities include:

• Increasing the supply of affordable housing.
• Increased support for public hospitals and disease prevention.
• Improved assistance for new parents.

Uniting Care Wesley …..Together we can eradicate poverty.

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to... make children our priority... (Broadcast 30th September, 2008)

Uniting Care Wesley says that nurturing children is probably the most import task that any parent will ever undertake.
They emphasise that parents need support with parenting.
Former Australian of the Year, Fiona Stanley, is reported as saying that “there is an increasing group of parents who are just not making ends meet.”
Probably one in five parents struggle with parenting because of low incomes, work pressures and undeveloped parenting skills.
This week the Productivity Commission has released a major report considering Paid Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave.
Uniting Care Wesley believes the Commonwealth Government must respond promptly to the recommendations from this report…
And the State Government must also help by increasing supports for families with young children under 5 who are struggling with parenting.

Uniting Care Wesley …..Together we can make children our priority.

UnitingCare Wesley highlights... The Importance of keeping regulation. .... (Broadcast 22nd September, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley says that last weeks global economic crisis provides some very important lessons for our community.
The first lesson is that regulation of essential services and products, and independent regulators to enforce regulation is a significant part of the fabric of our society. Regulation sets appropriate standards, enables transparency and protects citizens.
While some business groups regularly lobby for removal of regulation, for example calling for removal of red tape and more flexibility, the reality is that it is each of us as taxpayers who end up paying when things go wrong as has happened with international financial markets.
The second lesson is the value of acknowledging good regulators, and in South Australia we are particularly well served with an outstanding regulator, the Essential Services Commission, a team of highly competent, professional and independent regulators..

UnitingCare Wesley…Encouraging sound regulation.

UnitingCare Wesley... Targets to reduce Greenhouse gas emmisions. .... (Broadcast 16th September, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley reports that a bit over a week ago, Professor Ross Garnaut released the latest report from the Climate Change Review. This report deals with “Targets and Trajectories” for reducing carbon emissions in Australia.
Ross Garnaut proposes that Australia should reduce carbon pollution by 20% of year 2000 levels by the year 2020 and then reduce emissions by 80% from year 2000 levels by the year 2050.
While there is argument that these targets are either too harsh for industry or too weak for the environment, they are modest but helpful targets and the focus now should be for each of us to be doing what we can.
Australians have one of the highest levels of carbon emission per person, so it shouldn’t be too hard to use energy more wisely.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can reduce carbon pollution.

UnitingCare Wesley is ... urgently needing donations of used clothing and household goods. .... (Broadcast 8th September, 2008)

Demand for affordable clothing and household items continues to grow, but donations to Goodwill have slowed during the Winter months.
So now it’s officially Spring, it’s a great time to take the clothing that you don’t wear much anymore, to a Goodwill donation bin.
Over 50 years ago Goodwill was established to provide the dignity of an affordable shopping opportunity for low income people.
Goodwill continues to be a very popular place to shop, for, bargain hunters, people looking for something a bit different and lower income people .
Goodwill is also one of the state’s largest recycling businesses too.
Goodwill is operated by UnitingCare Wesley, so every cent earned helps to fund vital services like Lifeline.

What can you put in a Goodwill donation bin this week?

UnitingCare Wesley looks at ... the importance of keeping electricity price regulation. .... (Broadcast 25th August, 2008)

A recently released draft report from the AEMC, the Australian Energy Market Commission, found that electricity and gas markets in South Australia are competitive.
The really important issue behind this review and its findings is about the best ways to protect energy consumers from excessively high energy prices. The approach favoured by the AEMC is that a competitive market without any price regulation is the best protection.
UntingCare Wesley has argued, in it’s submissions, that keeping a regulated price cap is crucial for ongoing protection for households. It is significant that the South Australian Government has also shared this opinion and maintains a strong commitment to energy consumer protection.
Ongoing energy customer protection is crucial for affordability of essential services.
For more information, google AEMC or MCE (that’s the Ministerial Council on Energy).

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can protect energy consumers.

UnitingCare Wesley ... looks at principles for a fair tax system. .... (Broadcast 11th August, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley says that last week another very important government report was released, - the review of Australia’s tax system by Treasury Secretary, Ken Henry.
Australians pay less tax than citizens in many comparable countries, but we are rightly concerned about how much we pay. An equally important question is “What is Tax used for?”
Taxes are used for the whole range of services that all citizens benefit from. So future tax reform measures should be required to pass three tests.
One Adequacy – is enough tax raised to pay for the services we need?
Two Fairness – do we all pay tax according to our ability to pay?
Three Efficiency – do tax measures lead to unintended consequences?
These three principles; adequacy, fairness and efficiency must be central to any changes of our tax system

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can develop a fair tax system.

UnitingCare Wesley highlights... the importance of looking out for each other..... (Broadcast 4th August, 2008)

In many rural communities this pressure is being exacerbated by uncertainty about water for crops, creating uncertain futures.
These financial pressures often result in relationship stress and can also lead to people withdrawing from their communities.
People who withdraw from everyday life can become depressed and even have suicidal thoughts.
UnitingCare Wesley says that we can all keep a lookout for people from our normal routines who we haven’t seen lately. If you notice this happening, give the person a phone call to say ‘hello’. They’re probably busy, but may appreciate someone who will listen for a few minutes.
And don’t’ forget Lifeline is always available, twenty four seven on 13 11 14

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can cope with the tough times.

UnitingCare Wesley ... looks at water pricing proposals.... (Broadcast 28th July, 2008)

The issue of water pricing received considerable attention in South Australia last week.
UnitingCare Wesley says that the overcharging issue involving SA water was a mistake that has been turned into a bigger issue than it is, however, there are three major issues at play.
First many households are financially stressed and simply cannot cope with the ongoing price rises across basic household costs.
Secondly the water pricing system is no longer appropriate. A water price path should be set, in advance of any rises, every 3 years, by the Essential Services Commission of SA – this is how electricity prices have been managed after major increases 5 years ago.
Thirdly water consumers need to have their complaints dealt with independently, the Energy Ombudsman would be the obvious person to also deal with water pricing problems.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can keep water prices fair.

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to... remember reconciliation week.... (Broadcast 2nd June, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley notes that last week was reconciliation week, intended to reflect on achievements so far and on what must still be done for reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians One event was the Don Dunstan Foundations Lowitja O’Donahue lecture that was presented by Rev Tim Costello.
His key themes deserve to be repeated

Tim spoke about investing in Aboriginal leadership rather than just in programs or services.
Secondly he reflected on Aboriginal people who have said “That times were better under the missions”. It is sad that after 30 years government services have not significantly improved the lifestyle and welfare of aboriginal people.
The missions made plenty of mistakes, but they did build long term, well meaning relationships, this is a lesson for today
Rev Costello’s third reflection was on the need for a Treaty

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can reconcile Australian communities

UnitingCare Wesley has been closely following the outcomes of the 2020 summit.... read more... (Broadcast 28th April, 2008)

The event was significant for a number of reasons, including that it was a rare opportunity for us all to think about the sort of nation that we want. The summit also provided a stimulus for ongoing action.
An ongoing action that UnitingCare Wesley is hoping evolves from the various summit ideas is a commitment to eradicate child poverty, in Australia, by 2020.
Unfortunately there was some cynicism about this idea when Prime Minister Hawke said that "no child need live in poverty"
However, the reality is that we can at least go very close to eliminating child poverty by 2020. It is achievable and it is a challenge that deserves to be embraced.


UnitingCare Wesley......Together we can eliminate child poverty

UnitingCare Wesley tells us that a significant review of the South Australian retail energy markets is underway..... read more... (Broadcast 21st April, 2008)

This review is being undertaken by a new national regulatory body called the AEMC, this is the Australian Energy Market Commission.
The real issue here is about price caps: price caps for residential electricity customers – people like you and me.
More specifically, if the South Australian electricity and gas markets are found to be competitive, then there is grounds for the AEMC to recommend the removal of price regulation for standing contracts for residential customers.
UnitingCare Wesley is committed to maintaining electricity price protection for low and modest income households.
If you want to know more about this review, Google ”AEMC” and go to their home page, then follow links to "Review of Effectiveness of Competition "

UnitingCare Wesley......Together we can keep electricity affordable

UnitingCare Wesley reminds us that the 2020 summit will be held in Canberra this coming weekend.... read more... (Broadcast 14th April, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley believes that the summit provides a fantastic opportunity for government and public servants to focus on the long term aspirations of Australian citizens, and most importantly, to hear public opinion.
For those of us not at the summit, it is still a great opportunity to ask; "what really matters?"Is it climate change, affordable housing, water, hospitals, public transport, jobs or something else?
You can find out what other people think, just Google 2020 summit.
And you can still express your ideas by ringing your local member of parliament, writing to the Advertiser or being interactive with 5AA.
Go on, think about what really matters for Australia,

UnitingCare Wesley......Together we can create the Australia that we want

Goodwill is urgently needing donations of used clothing and household goods..... read more... (Broadcast 7th April, 2008)

Demand for affordable clothing and household items continues to grow, but donations to Goodwill have slowed over the last couple of months.
Now that the weather is cooler, it’s a great time to take the clothing that you don’t wear much anymore, to a Goodwill donation bin.
Over 70 years Goodwill was established to provide the dignity of an affordable shopping opportunity for low income people. Goodwill continues to be a very popular place to shop, for low income people, bargain hunters and people looking for something a bit different.
Goodwill is also one of the state’s largest recyling businesses too.
Goodwill is operated by UnitingCare Wesley , so every cent earned helps to fund vital services like Lifeline.

What can you put in a Goodwill donation bin this week??

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to... consider holding a "Pancake Day" fundraising event during February.... (Broadcast 14th January, 2008)

Since Easter is so early this year, Shrove Tuesday better known as Pancake Day, is on 5th February, and this date is approaching quickly.

UnitingCare Wesley is asking us to get behind UnitingCare Pancake Day, and register to hold an event at home, school, in the office or a community location.
Funds raised from ‘pancake day’ will go to services for people facing housing stress. For example, the high cost of housing is forcing rents up and some low income people are forced to spend up to 50% of their after tax wage on rent.

For information on how to register your pancake event go to www.pancakeday.com.au, or freecall 1800 060 543... that’s 1800 060 543.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we we can support Pancake Day!

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to... help spread some Christmas Cheer.... (Broadcast 29th November, 2007)

They have just finished taking registrations for Christmas hampers and gifts for children for Christmas this year.
The number of requests received means that a record number of hampers and gifts need to be found.
You can help in a couple of ways…
Firstly, gifts for children can be left under a Christmas tree in Target stores, please think about teenagers when purchasing a gift, sporting goods make great teenager gifts.
From next Monday, you can also help with hampers by making a financial donation at any Commonwealth Bank branch.
Or you could drop in to 10 Pitt St Adelaide, just by Her Majesty’s Theatre with your donation.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can share a Happy Christmas!

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to ... help spread some Goodwill.... (Broadcast 6th November, 2007)

Goodwill is just about the original recycling business, offering affordable clothing and household goods, while generating income for services like Lifeline.
Last year Goodwill recycled 35,000 tonnes of goods that would otherwise have gone to landfill.
Goodwill is currently desperately short of clothing for their shops, so they are asking you to donate any clothing or household items that you no longer need, but which are still in good condition.
Donations can be placed in the green Goodwill bins that are located around Adelaide, or for larger quantities, Goodwill can collect from your home.
To contact Goodwill, ring Sharon on 8262 4437, that’s 8262 4437.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can help Goodwill raise funds.