Affordable housing.... Where do you elect to live?.... (Broadcast 23rd October, 2007)

The cost of buying a house has dramatically increased in the last decade.
Two decades ago a family on an average wage paid three times average annual income for a house, now it is nearer eight times annual income and rising.
Affordable housing reduces poverty, improves health and mental well being and creates a fairer society
The availability of affordable housing is vital for a community that values it’s citizens. It is worrying that UnitingCare Wesley is seeing an increased number of people struggling to pay their rent or mortgage.
There needs to be a concerted national cooperative approach to affordable housing in Australia. All political parties need to commit to an Affordable Housing Agreement with the States, no matter who is in government.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can make housing affordable.

Anti-Poverty Week... what can we do?.. (Broadcast 15th October, 2007)

UnitingCare Wesley reminds us that this week is Anti Poverty Week.
The sad reality is that a significant number of citizens live in extreme disadvantage, compared to the rest of us - this is poverty.
The reality is that poverty can be eliminated in Australia and we all need to play our part. UnitingCare Wesley has identified four areas for action in Australia:

1. Establish anti poverty targets for Australia
2. Extend employment skills training for under-employed people
3. Increase community based mental health programs
4. Increase the supply of affordable housing

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can eradicate poverty.

Mental Health.... everyones responsibility.. (Broadcast 8th October, 2007)

There are two actions that we are all encouraged to be involved with, particularly during Mental Health week.
The first is to give some attention to our own mental well being, things like thinking about the things that really matter to us, including our hopes and dreams. We can also spend a little time with some of the people that are most important to us is .
The second action is to recognise that most people recover from mental illness. Recovery may not be quick or easy, but providing encouragement, support and talking about dreams and aspirations are parts of recovery that we can all help with.
For more information, just Google “Mental Health week”

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can encourage mental well being.

Child Protection.. encouraging child safe practices.. (Broadcast 6th Sept, 2007)

As a society we have come a long way over the last couple of decades and are increasingly concerned about the abuse of children.
However, it is clear that we still have some way to go.
When an abuse case collapses in court, in part because of the ongoing legal intimidation of the alleged victim, there is a clear need for reform of the legal system to ensure fairness for the victim.
Last week, a judge told a pastor that his misrepresentation of scripture to justify abuse of his own daughters ‘defied belief’. It is clear that churches need to be much more vigilant in repudiating abuse.
UnitingCare Wesley is actively Child Safe, because child abuse is never acceptable.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can protect our children.

Baby bonus... supporting adolescent choices.. (Broadcast 23rd July, 2007)

Our community continues to be concerned about reported lifestyle choices by young people, including concern that some young women may be getting pregnant to receive the $5,000 baby bonus.
In working with families and young people at risk, UnitingCare Wesley notes that adolescence is a time for all of us of living for the moment and experimenting with adulthood. In terms of human development, longer term planning usually develops in the mid-twenties.
So it is exceedingly uncommon for a young woman to consciously get pregnant for income in the distant future - nine months time.
It is important that government policymakers and parents remember that adolescence is a stage of growing up, not being grown up.
The supports that adolescents need include, accurate information about lifestyle choices and consequences with opportunities to develop identity supported by love and affection.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can support adolescents.

Celebrating NAIDOC week... affirming Aboriginal culture.. (Broadcast 16th July, 2007)

Last week UnitingCare Wesley joined South Australia’s Aboriginal community in celebrating NAIDOC week. The week affirmed the proud history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Recently, the Federal Government has focused considerable energy on the need to protect Aboriginal children. UnitingCare Wesley is encouraged that this and other long-standing issues are finally getting the attention they deserve.
However as part of this push the Federal Government wants to make some far-reaching and unrelated changes.
UnitingCare Wesley is concerned at the Government’s refusal to release $25 million for desperately needed housing in South Australia’s APY lands, unless those communities agree to remove key aspects of their permit system.
Removing the permit system will make it easier for drug smugglers, paedophiles and loan sharks to exploit these vulnerable communities.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can help build safe Indigenous communities

Energy regulation... keeping energy affordable? (Broadcast 11th July, 2007)

UnitingCare Wesley tells us that there are major changes to energy regulation underway. The Retail Policy Working Group has just released a major discussion paper for comment.
This paper deals with critical issues associated with the move to national energy regulation.
The issues being considered include: Should there be customer protections specific to energy, or are general consumer protection laws adequate?
Should price regulation be removed?
When can households be disconnected from electricity or gas supply?
Then there are more detailed questions about the amount of information on energy bills, payment options and marketing rules,
UnitingCare Wesely is preparing a detailed response, arguing for consumer protection to be strengthened.
Google: “Ministerial Council of Energy” and follow the links.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can keep energy affordable.

Focus on homelessness... overcoming homelessness.. (Broadcast 2nd July, 2007)

Cold weather often prompts us to focus on homeless people, we realise that people would not choose to be homeless on near freezing nights.
UnitingCare Wesley says that homelessness is an avoidable condition of modern society, but it is a problem that can be solved.
Of course there are no easy answers as people can be homeless for a wide range of reasons; mental health, sexual or physical abuse and poverty are all factors.
Governments, developers and community organisations need to be cooperating to build houses that are affordable, providing opportunities for people who go to crisis services.
In the short term, we can all assist by donating jackets, sleeping bags etc to UnitingCare Wesley at 10 Pitt St, just by the Central Market.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can overcome homelessness

Protecting Aboriginal children... taking steps to make a difference.. (Broadcast 25th June, 2007)

The Federal government has declared a National Emergency response to protect Aboriginal children from abuse. UnitingCare Wesley commends the Government for its concern for keeping children safe.
However there are no quick fixes for complex problems. Both short and long term plans will be needed to overcome Indigenous disadvantage.
Those plans must provide safety for children as well as address basic needs like housing, education and health.
Recognition and support must also be provided to the Aboriginal communities that are strong and working well, places like Umoona community at Coober Pedy.
Separating children from harm is an important first step in providing safety. Providing them with a secure and great place to live will take a lot more than is being offered at the moment, both in the short and longer term.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can help build safe Indigenous communities.

Adelaide Indigenous Business Centre.. encouraging Indigenous Business.. (Broadcast 8th May, 2007)

Last week, Aboriginal leader, Professor Lowitja O’Donoghue opened the Adelaide Indigenous Business Centre that’s managed by UnitingCare Wesley, to incubate small indigenous businesses.
What this means is that the centre provides significant amounts of assistance and shared facilities to help small businesses through the many early hurdles that can stop an emerging business from growing.
By minimising set up costs and providing mentoring and advice, the centre intends to assist 70 new aboriginal businesses to become established over the next couple of years.
Professor O’Donohue said that is was encouraging that Aboriginal people are starting to be seen as entrepreneurs, risk takers and business leaders.
The early signs are very promising, with energetic young aboriginal entrepreneurs working to establish a wide range of new businesses.
To find out more ring 8413 1801.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can encourage Indigenous Business

Power for the people.. protection for domestic energy consumers.. (Broadcast 30th April, 2007)

UnitingCare Wesley is concerned by current proposals to reduce protections for domestic energy consumers.
The debate comes from the Federal Government’s taking over of energy regulation, this has traditionally been a State responsibility where South Australia has been very well served by ESCoSA.
The Federal Government and electricity industry wants to remove price caps in electricity and gas prices and also wants to minimise energy specific consumer protections, including disconnection and hardship provisions.
UnitingCare Wesley is advocating for both price caps and consumer protections because electricy and gas are essential services and so cannot be treated like goods on a supermarket shelf.
If you are interested in the current energy debates, and have some time, check out the Ministerial Council of Energy website: www.mce.gov.au

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can protect essential services

Pancake day with UnitingCare - have a pancake..lend a hand! (Broadcast 20th Februrary, 2007)

UnitingCare reminds us that today is Shrove Tuesday, better known as Pancake Day.
UnitingCare’s Pancake Day is an annual event that raises awareness of the impact of poverty in Australia. Funds are raised for UnitingCare’s work with disadvantaged and vulnerable people.
The theme is “Share it around”, meaning that we can all contribute to help people who are disadvantaged.
UnitingCare Wesley in South Australia provides over 150 different services to assist people who are homeless, facing poverty, dealing with relationship stress or simply need a hand.
So UnitingCare is urging you to support local groups that are selling pancakes this week to raise money for services to alleviate poverty and disadvantage.
There is enough for everyone if we “share it round”, so buy a pancake this week.

UnitingCare Wesley…together we can share it around – with pancakes!

Uniting Care Wesley reflects on the meaning of Citizenship - how can we celebrate our citizenship?.... (Broadcast 8th February, 2007)

UnitingCare Wesley is asking us to reflect on Australia Day that we celebrated last month. In particular, they are encouraging us to think about “Citizenship.”
Citizenship ceremonies are a feature of Australia Day.
Citizenship is much more than oaths of allegiance or waving a flag that form the formal part of citizenship ceremonies. Citizenship needs to be about enjoying the contributions that each person makes to our community and sharing the many different skills and experiences that each of us has to offer.
Citizenship is also about embracing shared national values which need to about valuing the many language and cultural communities who have always been a part of Australian society.

UnitingCare Wesley…together we can celebrate citizenship

Uniting Care Wesley appreciates the consideration of cultural diversity .... how can we enjoy our cultural diversity?....

UnitingCare Wesley has commended the SA Government on the Australia Day release of the next version of the SA Strategic Plan.
On its release the Premier said that the plan had been updated “to take account of the views and priorities of the thousands of South Australians”
Unitingcare Wesley is particularly heartened that the plan recognises that South Australia has a rich cultural mix of citizens with about 25% of South Australians being born outside Australia and coming from over 150 countries.
A goal of the plan is increase the percentage of South Australians who accept cultural diversity as a positive influence in our community.
It’s worth finding out more about the SA Strategic Plan, visit the website, "Stateplan"

UnitingCare Wesley, Together we can enjoy our cultural diversity

Uniting Care Wesley is asking how we can best improve our society? ....how do we develop good social attitudes?(Broadcast 23rd January, 2007)

Thinker in residence, Fraser Mustard, has been talking about the importance of early childhood development. He demonstrates that children who get the best care and support in early years, have the best ability to learn and are least likely to develop anti-social behaviours as they grow up.
The first 18 months of life are critical for brain development and therefore future life opportunities.
The current debate about parenting leave is therefore one of the most important debates our community can have; supporting new parents to spend quality time with their children is a very cost effective way to improve our community.
Let ’s encourage our political parties to focus on the best policies for our children, particularly as the federal election approaches.

UnitingCare Wesley....together we can put our children first.

As a new year commences, Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide is encouraging us to think about the issues that we could work on this year, as a community, that would most improve our society.......how can I help?(Broadcast 16th January 2007)

Housing affordability has been in the news lately and is a strong contender as an area where major progress is needed, this year.
There is debate about whether housing for lower income people is best provided by private investors or through government backed bodies like the SA Housing Trust has historically provided.
What chance do our children have of owning a home when housing prices are at record high levels?
As a community we need to be telling our federal and state politicians that governments have a role to build houses and to support community housing, to ensure that everyone is able to afford adequate housing.

UnitingCare Wesley…together we can reduce social isolation.

As a new year commences, Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide is encouraging us to think about the issues that we could work on this year, as a community, that would most improve our society.…a good question to toss around during a BBQ?(Broadcast 9th January 2007)

A modern irony is that while communication technologies have lead to more communication, levels of isolation and loneliness are probably greater than at any time in history. For example, loneliness is a major reason for people ringing Lifeline.
Overcoming social isolation is not something that is appropriately left for governments to fix, we all need to play our part in reducing isolation.
As a simple new year resolution, how about making an effort to speak with someone from your neighbourhood who you do not often catch up with.

UnitingCare Wesley…together we can reduce social isolation.

UnitingCare Wesley is inviting you to rediscover the spirit of Christmas this year, part of this might be to help with donations for Christmas toys and hampers. To find out how you can help with donations for Christmas toys and hampers - Click here (Broadcast 15th November 2006)

UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide is still needing to raise funds that will provide hampers for disadvantaged families and about 1500 gifts for children who would otherwise go without a Christmas present.
Hamper packing is in full swing, but UnitingCare Wesley still needs to fund 500 hampers for this Christmas. Gifts for teenagers are also needed. Their goal is that no-one will go without the opportunity to join in with Christmas celebrations.
The great news is that corporate supporters AMP, ETSA Utilities, Portfolio Partners, ING and Yellow Couriers have already contributed.
You can help too by ringing 8202 5111 that’s 8202 5 111 or go to the website click here

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can rediscover Christmas

UnitingCare Wesley is inviting you to rediscover the spirit of Christmas this year To find out how you can help with donations for Christmas toys and hampers - Click here (Broadcast 13th November 2006)

UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide is needing to raise funds that will provide Hampers for 1300 disadvantaged families and about 1500 gifts for children who would otherwise go without a Christmas present. UnitingCare Wesley needs $50,000 before Christmas, to meet the anticipated demand. Their goal is that no one will go without the opportunity to join in with Christmas celebrations.
The great news is that Corporate supporters AMP, ETSA Utilities, Portfolio Partners, ING and Yellow Couriers have already contributed. You can help too by ringing 8202 5111 that’s 8202 5111 or "click here"

UnitingCare Wesley.... Together we can rediscover Christmas.

UnitingCare Wesley endorses awareness of systematic problems: UnitingCare Wesley thinks it is worth recapping some of the main points from a speech last week by Dr Ken Henry, the Secretary of the Australian Treasury. - Click here for more (Broadcast 6th November 2006)

He talked about our economic boom that has generated record levels of profits and taxes. Dr Henry suggested that this is an ideal time for Australia to address ‘a host of systematic problems.’ In particular he talked about indigenous deprivation and failing to measure the true costs of water, timber and other environmental assets
UnitingCare Wesley endorses this approach. It is appropriate that during the good times in the economic cycle, opportunities are taken to deal with the systemic problems our nation confronts. It is difficult to think of higher priorities than building indigenous communities and valuing our environment

UnitingCare Wesley.... Together we can solve systematic problems

UnitingCare Wesley reminds us that this week is Anti-Poverty week: How can poverty be eased? - Click here for more.... (Broadcast 16th October 2006)

The sad reality is that some Australian citizens live in extreme disadvantage, compared to the rest of us, this is poverty.
The groups in our community most likely to experience poverty are single young people working casual jobs with low wages, sole parents, indigenous peoples and people with mental illness
The reality is that poverty can be eliminated in Australia and we all need to play our part. UnitingCare Wesley has identified four areas where our governments can make a difference:

1. Establish anti poverty targets for Australia
2. Improve the focus of employment skills training for under-employed people
3. Increased commitment to community based mental health programs
4. return to 1980’s levels of funding for public housing
   
   

UnitingCare Wesley......Together we can eradicate poverty