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News from the Association and Industry, useful tips for carers and upcoming events and training to mark in your diary.
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Newsletter September 2015
 
EMPOWERING CARERS THROUGH KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT & ADVOCACY
What a wonderful time of year it is in the Territory and an especially perfect time to visit Alice Springs!

The weather was amazing!  Those MacDonald Ranges get me every time with the stunning sunsets (I’m never up early enough for the sunrises!)

Last weekend you may have heard us on CAAMA and ABC radio talking about the Alice Springs Foster & Kinship Care Expo and the need for new carers in the Territory.   I really appreciated Andrew Koop sharing his experience as a carer on ABC radio.  It was great to hear his story.

On Saturday last, we launched the very first ’Foster & Kinship Carers Expo’ in Alice Springs and had a wonderful day with those who came along to say hello.  A big thanks to all our presenters – The Alice Springs Library, NT Police - Neighbourhood Watch and Community Safety House Program, OT 4 Kids NT,  Relationships Australia NT, Central Australian Community Toy Library, St John Ambulance, Honey Ants Readers, Create, Carers NT and the Alice Springs Desert Park who bought with them a beautiful Barnyard Owl who was clearly the star attraction!

Special thanks to the Rotary Club for an amazing sausage sizzle and not to mention all the outside activities for all the children who came along - the jumping castle, AFL NT and facepainting by the fabulous Lesley!  It was lovely to see so many kids waiting patiently.  Such a talented facepainter!

We were very proud to have Amelia Kunoth-Monks do our ‘Welcome to Country’ and it was lovely to see Mick Campbell once again.

A perfect day really! Thanks to everyone who came along. 

Hope to see you all soon.

Ann Owen
Connect with us!
What's on..
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS
T:8945 3364 or
E: info@fostercarent.org.au
OFFICE HOURS
 Mon - Fri 8.00am-4.00pm
   CHILD PROTECTION HOTLINE                         IN CASE OF EMERGENCY  
          1800 700 250                                      000               
NEWS & INFORMATION
Highlights from the Foster & Kinship Care Expo Alice Springs
A big thank you to our staff and board members who attended the expo to help set up and talk to the visitors and of course to the exhibitors who provided such terrific information and giveaways. We were pleased to have Amelia Kunoth-Monks, pictured above, in attendance to do the ‘Welcome to Country’.
What a fantastic job Lesley Taylor, Foster Carers Association NT Board member and NT Manager NAPCAN, did with her face painting. There were lots of very happy children AND adults. 
The Rotary Club of Stuart did a marvellous job cooking the BBQ and keeping the drinks icy cold. We also had special guests Matt and a magnificent barnyard owl from the Alice Springs Desert Park. The other furry friend pictured above is Booka the mascot for the Alice Springs Public Library. Our lucky door prize of a $100 Coles voucher was won by carer Kathryn Muirhead pictured with our southern region advocate Rosalyn Havard.
The staff from Relationships Australia NT pictured above handing out such useful information to help support individuals and families. Regina Sellars, from St John Ambulance, pictured above right provided visitors to the expo with valuable first aid information.
A gentle reminder that the AGM is coming up in October!
Have you ever considered taking an active role in our Board of Management?  It’s an opportunity to play a strategic role in the direction of this important Association.  Our Board is made up of 10 representatives from  Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Darwin with an appreciation of the needs of each region.   The Association is financially sound and has a great management team.  Board members in the past have enjoyed their role and been valued for their input and are inviting others to have a constructive role in positive change for the sector.

With only 4 meetings a year alternating between Alice Springs and Darwin (for which the Association pays travel and accommodation costs) it’s an opportunity for people to ‘have a say’ in the strategic direction of our Association so that we are able to support Foster and Kinship carers throughout the Northern Territory.

Why not nominate now! Click here to download the nomination form (Nomination form is attached for those receiving this newsletter in printed form)
APPLY Now! Sponsorship to attend the International Foster & Kinship Care Conference 2015 Sydney.  4 places are available. 
 
Foster Carers Association NT has a commitment to the ongoing professional development of foster and kinship carers in the Northern Territory and as such we offer sponsorship to a limited number of carers to attend the National Conference each year. 

Each year we invite carers to submit an application for Sponsorship with an understanding that there is an expectation that the approved carer will share their experience in some way to other carers i.e. a presentation about their learnings or experiences, photo album of the event, or a brief summary of something that inspired them so that we can include it in our Newsletter or on our website. Each application is considered on merit with other applicants. 
 
Priority will be given to carers who’ve not previously been sponsored by Foster Carers Association NT to attend a National Conference. 
Foster Carers Association NT will pay for:
  • Conference fees
  • Return Air fares from your home town to Sydney
  • Standard Room Accommodation
  • Gala Dinner
You will be responsible for:
  • All breakfasts
  • Dinner (Gala Dinner is included)
  • Other hotel expenses such as telephone, parking, newspapers and mini bar
  • All taxi fares and airport transfers
Partners are welcome to attend with the approved carer; however they will be responsible for their own travel costs and conference fees. 

A conference booking sheet with our terms and conditions will be sent to those who have been sponsored to attend the Conference for completion. Your signature on the booking form will be regarded as your final acceptance of our terms and conditions.

Sponsorship is only available to members of Foster Carers Association NT Incorporated.
Click here to download the application form (Application form is attached for those receiving this newsletter in printed form). 

Applications close at 4.00pm on 30 September 2015
Further information on the Conference program can be found at www.ifco2015.com
2015 Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards and will close 30 September 2015.
Please help us acknowledge the significant contribution carers make by nominating a foster or kinship carer who is making an outstanding contribution to enriching the lives of some of the Territory’s most vulnerable children.
The Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards provide an opportunity to publically recognise the outstanding dedication and quality care that foster and kinship carers contribute to the Northern Territory’s child protection system.

Foster and kinship carers in the Northern Territory offer exemplary care and provide a vital and valued service to the community of the Northern Territory through providing safe and supportive homes to children in need, from emergency accommodation to long term care.

Nominations can be made by anyone who has contact with a foster or kinship carer. To nominate:
Please contact the Department of Children and Families on (08) 8999 2737 or Click on the nomination form here
TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Attention Alice Springs Carers! Alice Springs Information Session - First Aid Update
 
Due to unforeseen circumstances the First Aid Update Information Session scheduled for 2 September at 10.00am has been CANCELLED and will be rescheduled to a later date. 
DCF Foster & Kinship Carers - Morning Teas
A great opportunity for carers to discuss issues and raise concerns with DCF staff.
Katherine  -  8 September from 10.00am                 Darwin  -  11 September from 11.00am
Alice Springs  -  18 September from 10.30am         Tennant Creek  -  TBA

Contact: For more information please call the Carer Assessment and Support team on 8922 7077 for more details
DCF Specialist Training
As a registered carer, Department of Children and Families training is free to access. 

Aboriginal Cultural Practice in the Context of Child Protection
Darwin                 10-11 September           
 
For any queries please email ProfessionalDevelopment.DCF@nt.gov.au or phone 894 48655. To register go to www.mylearninghealth.nt.gov.au. Carers are required to complete an Application Form for Non-Departmental Staff online. Click here to access the 'How to Register' pamphlet.
National Child Protection Week -  September 6-12
 
White Balloon Day brings communities across Australia together to fundraise money while heightening awareness around the importance of protecting children and giving them a voice to break the silence. 

In support of this important cause Foster Carers Association NT will be hosting a White Balloon Day stall at the Palmerston Markets. We will have balloons, giveaways and information about our services and becoming a foster & kinship carer.
Come along and visit us at the stall and show your support for White Balloon Day.

When:    Friday 11 September 2015 from 4.00 pm
Where:   Palmerston Markets, adjacent to the Recreation Centre, Palmerston
Contact: For more information Cath T: 8945 3364 E: catherine.collier@fostercarersnt.org.au
Join Ann for a Coffee - Katherine Region Foster & Kinship Carers Get Together
When: Saturday, 5 September 2015 @ 10.00am-12.00 noon
Where: Silver Screen Café, 20 First Street, Katherine 
Contact: For more information or to let us know you are coming contact Lucja - T: 8945 3364  E: lucja.wajs@fostercarersnt.org.au


 
Foster & Kinship Care Information Sessions
Our Advocates, Cath and Lucja, will make themselves available on the last Tuesday of every month from 4.00-6.00 pm, to answer questions and assist potential carers start the process of becoming a carer. 

Please share this information with any friends, family or colleagues interested in becoming a carer.
When:       Last Tuesday of the month 4.00-6.00pm. Next session will be held on 29 September 2015.
Where:      Foster Carers Association NT, Darwin Office, 25 Damabila Drive, Lyons.
Contact:   Cath or Lucja - T: 8945 3364 E: info@fostercarersnt.org.au

 
USEFUL LINKS
The Learning Potential APP is full of tips and ideas, with specific suggestions depending on whether your child is under five, in primary school, or in high school. The aim of this APP is to help parents to be more involved in their child's learning, from the highchair to high school

Being positively involved in your child’s learning can help them to do better at school, be more engaged with their school work, go to school more regularly, and have better behaviour and social skills. 

There are simple things you can do to support your child’s education. It doesn’t take much to make a big difference! Research has identified five ways that you can make a big difference to your child’s learning: Set positive expectations, have regular conversations, support good study habits, encourage reading and build a partnership with your child’s teachers 

 
WHAT'S ON IN SEPTEMBER!
National Child Protection Week provides an opportunity for all Australians to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) provides information about how you can play your part this year, including sections for teachers, carers, community workers and even parents, grandparents, uncles, aunties and friends. Read more 
The Annual Breakfast Launch of National Child Protection Week (NCPW)
NAPCAN in partnership with the Department of Children and Families will host this very popular event for service providers, volunteers and interested community members. We hope to leave you inspired, challenged and prepared to make a difference in the lives of children and young people. This year will be a particularly special event, being co-hosted by our new Children's Commissioner Colleen Gwynn and a very special young person from Create Foundation.

There will be entertainment, great food and an inspiring guest speaker to share knowledge about her evidence based prevention work that has experts across Australia and the rest of the world looking on with interest. 

When:    Wednesday 9 September 2015: 7:30am - 9:30am
Where:   The Grand Ballroom Double Tree by Hilton The Esplanade, Darwin $35 per person.
Contact:  For queries about any difficulties with bookings please contact Trista Cocker on 0438 855 607. Tables of 8 are available. Register here
For the whole month of September CREATE is celebrating Child Protection Week with heaps of giveaways and fun events.

Go into the draw to win 1 of 4 $50 Coles/Kmart vouchers (1 for each region) and 1 lucky person will win a $150 Coles/Kmart voucher! Click here for details on how to enter.
Connection Events
Darwin - Come join us for an awesome day out at the Territory Wildlife Park, meet the crocs and all the animals native to our beautiful place. As always with CREATE, entry is FREE and we will provide a Yummy BBQ!

When: 5 September 2015
Where: Territory Wildlife Park, Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs. Bus transport available but numbers are strictly limited so book now.
Contact: T: 8945 9993 E: nt@create.org.au

Alice Springs -Come on down to the Aquatic Centre for a swim and to catch up with other young people in care. CREATE will provide food and drinks and you can tell us what other fun activities you would like us to run for you. 

When: 12 September 2015
Where: Alice Springs Aquatic Centre
Contact: T: 8953 8358 E: tania.warren@create.org.au
CREATE Bank Grants
Dare to Dream! CREATEbank is a grant scheme that helps you achieve your dreams and goals. You can apply for a grant of up to $150! Applications are open until 5.00pm on 30 September 2015. Conditions apply. Click here to find out how to apply or for more information contact CREATE Darwin T: 8945 9993 or Alice Springs T: 8953 8358 
School Holidays - Monday 28 September – Friday 2 October
The NT theme for Children's Week 2015 is "Making NT Community's Child Friendly".
 
The central activity is based around asking children "What makes a child friendly community". A part of this is an understanding that community refers to family, school, suburbs, towns. This is an invitation for children to express their thoughts through art, written word, music. It is also a chance for parents, teachers, service workers to start conversations listening to the voice of children, and how they see their community.

Both Darwin City Council, and Palmerston City Council will host respective family fun days in their communities, supported by many community organisations. There will also be many smaller events hosted by local organisations throughout the week. As time draws closer a more complete list of events will be available.

So mark the dates down in your calendar, and ask your children how they feel about their community's family, school and towns. We look forward to great conversations.
To register your event or be involved, contact Adrian at NAPCAN on: adrian.williams@napcan.org.au 
Copyright © 2015 Foster Carers Association NT, All rights reserved. 

Our mailing address is: PO Box 42716, Casuarina NT 0811

Darwin Office: 25 Damabila Drive, Lyons NT 0810. Ph: 8945 3364
Alice Springs Office: 10/82 Todd Street, Alice Springs NT 0870. Ph:8952 9202

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