Jingi Wala
Hello and welcome to Ngunya Jarjum's November Newsletter. As we are getting closer to end of the year we hope that you are able to connect with mob after the challenges we've had during 2021. Stay safe and look after yourself, your family, friends and the community. Remember that you can contact our team at any time, Monday to Friday on 66263700 during 9am to 4.30pm or after hours on 1800 822 863.
Members please see notice of Annual General Meeting below.
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In this issue...
- NJ News: Notice of Annual General Meeting, NJ TV Commercial, Important COVID-19 Sorry Business Information, Cyberbullying
- From the desk of the Out of Home Care Team: Mandatory reporters - How to make a child protection report
- HR News: HR Manager Update, Meet Dr G (Health Coordinator), Meet Jo (Targeted Early Intervention)
- An Important message for our Carers: Swimming Pool Safety, When to contact us
- Programs: Gumaguy, Balaa
- Upcoming Training: Short course - Responding to Trauma
- Community News and Events: Aboriginal Child and Family Awards, SBS Film on Child Protection System, Lismore Foster Carers Support Group
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Notice of Annual General Meeting of Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation ICN: 2418
We would like to inform all members that Ngunya Jarjum will be holding its Annual General Meeting.
DETAILS FOR THE MEETING
Date and Time: Thursday the 18th of November, 2021 at 5.00pm
Venue: Lismore Workers Club, 231 Keen Street, Lismore NSW (pending any lockdown)
* Please note that proof of COVID double vaccination required upon entry to the venue.
AGENDA
- Welcome & Acknowledgement of Country
- Introduction by the Chairperson of the meeting
- Attendees reviewing the register of members
- Apologies
- Quorum (10 members are required for a quorum)
- Proxy Appointments*
- Minutes of the previous meeting of members
- Confirming the minutes
- Matters arising
- Reports to be presented
- Director’s report
- CEO report
- Operations Manager report
- Programs Manager report
- OOHC Manager report
- Tabling of the audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2020
- Appointment and remuneration of an auditor for the next year
- Board of Directors
- Election of Board Members
- Filling of Vacancies
- Questions from members and any other business
- Close
PROXIES AT GENERAL MEETINGS AND AGM’s
- Proxy forms must be lodged with the corporation at 70 Carrington Street, Lismore no later than 5pm Monday the 15th of November 2021.
- Members can appoint another member as their proxy to attend meetings and vote for them.
- A person appointed by a member as their attorney under a power of attorney may not give a proxy to another member or person to attend meetings and vote for them.
- A proxy appointment must contain the member’s name and address, the corporation’s name, the proxy’s name, the meeting where the proxy is going, and it must be signed by the member.
- The corporation must receive the proxy’s appointment at least 48 hours before the meeting.
NOMINATIONS AT GENERAL MEETINGS AND AGM’s
- Nominations to be elected as a director must be submitted in writing to the corporation no later than 14 days prior to the general meeting and state the reasons for nomination, the skills which will be brought to the corporation and detail the applicant’s relevant qualifications and experience.
- If there are insufficient written nominations to fill the minimum number of director positions, nominations may be taken from persons attending the AGM to make up that minimum number.
Download Application for Membership and Appointment of Proxy form
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NJ TV Commercial
Exciting news! Check out our deadly new TV commercial. Our TV Ad will be going live on Sunday 31st October 2021, between - 5.30pm and 6pm across a number of networks including Prime7, 7Flix, 7Mate and 7Two. It is also available on our Facebook page.
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Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is the use of technology to bully a person or group with the intent to hurt them socially, psychologically or even physically.
Cyberbullying behaviour may include:
- abusive texts and emails
- hurtful messages, images or videos
- imitating others online
- excluding others online
- humiliating others online
- nasty online gossip and chat.
By reporting it, talking about it and supporting each other, we can stop it.
For many children and teenagers, their online life is an important part of their social identity. They can’t just ‘switch it off’. Many young people do not report cyberbullying to their parents as they fear that they might lose access to their devices and the internet.
Young people may also be concerned that parents’ actions will make cyberbullying issues worse, so it is important for you to remain calm and supportive.
Trolling
Trolling is when a user intentionally causes distress by posting inflammatory comments online.
- Trolling differs from cyberbullying in that trolls aim to gain attention and power through disruption of conversation by encouraging a defensive reaction from those they attack. Cyberbullying usually focuses less on the reaction of the victim, and more on the feelings and authority of the bully. Cyberbullying is usually repeated behaviour, while trolling can be one-off.
What can I do?
As a parent, you can help your child and encourage them to take control of the issue.
Talk to them about cyberbullying before it happens. Together you should work out
strategies to address any potential issues and reassure your child that you will be there to support them.
- Report the cyberbullying material to the social media service where it happened.
Social media services should remove cyberbullying material that has been reported and is in breach of their terms and conditions. Most social media services have a reporting area on their website. The Office website also provides information about how to report material on various services.
- Collect details of the cyberbullying material. You might need to do this before you report it to the site. A simple way to collect this information is by taking a photo or screenshot or copying the URL.
If you submit a complaint to the Office about cyberbullying material, you need to provide
this information.
- Report cyberbullying to the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner.
- Block the person. We recommend that you help your child block or unfriend the person upsetting them, so they cannot continue to upset them whilethe material is being removed.
- Remember that if your child has been involved in cyberbullying, and seems distressed or shows changes in behaviour or mood, it may be advisable to seek professional support through http://www.childsafetyhub.com.au/internet-safety-cyberbullying/
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From the Desk of the Out of Home Care Team
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Mandatory reporters: How to make a child protection report
There are two ways mandatory reporters can make a child protection report:
- By eReport through the ChildStory Reporter website.
- By calling the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111.
Calling the Child Protection Helpline
Mandatory reporters can call the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reading Mandatory reporters: What to report and when may help you to decide whether you should call or not.
If you're a member of the general public, you can also call the Child Protection Helpline. Reading Should I call to report a child at risk? may help you to decide whether you should call or not.
You must make a report to Communities and Justice (DCJ) when you have current concerns about the safety, welfare and wellbeing of a child for any of the following reasons:
- the basic physical or psychological needs of the child or young person are not being met (neglect)
- the parents or caregivers have not arranged necessary medical care for the child or young person (unwilling or unable to do so
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- the parents or caregivers have not arranged for the child or young person to receive an education in accordance with the Education Act 1990 (unwilling or unable to do so)
- risk of physical or sexual abuse or ill-treatmet
- parent or caregiver’s behaviour towards the child causes or risks serious psychological harm (emotional abuse)
- incidents of domestic violence and as a consequence a child or young person is at risk of serious physical or psychological harm (domestic or family violence)
- the child was the subject in a prenatal report and the birth mother did not engage successfully with support services.
It’s mandatory to make a report if the child is 0 to 15 years and at risk of significant harm.
It’s not mandatory to make a report if it is an unborn child, or a young person aged 16 to 17.
If you want to report a child and family you do not have a professional relationship with, do so as an individual and not as a mandatory reporter.
More information can be found at:
Mandatory reporters: How to make a child protection report | Family & Community Services (nsw.gov.au)
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HR Manager Update
Hello to all the NJ Jarjum’s, Carers, Families and Community.
As 2021 is coming to a close take a moment to pause and connect with your mob and reflect on the precious times we have had over the year, whether that may have been over the phone, online, in person, sending a card in the mail or on social media. We can all say 2021 has been one of those years that has made us appreciate the small things. Make November your chance to catch-up with mob before the festive season is upon us. Talk with your caseworker if you need assistance connecting with your mob. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for upcoming employment and training opportunities https://ngunyajarjum.com/current-vacancies/
STAFFING
During October we have seen Jeff and Amelia Caseworkers, and Markie Compliance Officer decide to pursue other opportunities, I would like to thank them for their contribution to NJ and wish them much success in their future careers.
We have also WELCOMED TWO NEW NJ Team members, Tenisha Kapeen taking on the role of Front Office Admin Support, Tenisha will be answering your calls if you contact our main office number 6626 3700. Joanne Lord has joined NJ as our Project Worker with the TEI Program.
I would like to congratulate Tenisha Kapeen and Joanne Lord on their new positions and wish them all the success and many good years at Ngunya Jarjum.
Watch this space in our December Newsletter for more announcements on New NJ Team members!!! Stay Safe you Mob
Michelle Hicks
HR Manager
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Meet Dr. G
(Health Coordintor)
Jingi’wahla !
Hi, my name is Grant, aka “Dr G”. I was born in Sydney, although my family connections are from south-east Queensland and north-east NSW (Dalla, Yugarabul & Yugumbeh-Bundjalung peoples). My grandmother (Gami) was born in Lismore in 1908 and worked as a domestic servant on Coochin Coochin Station, south of Boonah on the Border Ranges.
In 1993, as a mature aged student, I completed a Welfare Workers Certificate at Ultimo TAFE in Sydney. Two years later I gained entry to a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (BA), via Jumbunna, the Aboriginal centre at the University of Technology Sydney. I went on to do a Master of Arts (MA) at Griffith University where I studied among other subjects both Art and traditional Australian Rock Art. As a visual artist I held an exhibition of my paintings at Griffith University as part of my MA studies.
My second post-graduate degree at Griffith University was a Master of Social Work (MSW), where my focus was on Australian Aboriginal Health and International Critical Disability Studies. During the MSW program I was invited to become a staff member in the School of Medicine at Griffith University to teach First Australian Social and Emotional Wellbeing. I was later employed by Griffith University as a Senior Research Assistant for an ongoing disability research project and later gained entry to the PhD program.
During my PhD research I was also fortunate to be a staff member teaching First Australians and Social Justice in the School of Human Services and Social Work at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels. My PhD research was on autism strengths-based practice where I developed a new model of support and understanding. I currently hold an Adjunct Lecturer’s role in the School of Health Sciences and Social Work at Griffith University in the Health Element.
I am excited to be with Ngunya Jarjum and look forward to learning more from everyone as we continue to build the Health project further and sincerely thank the Ngunya Jarjum management team for the opportunity to do so.
Outside of work, I like to spend time with family, swim, catch up with friends, and paint when I have the time. I like to bring to life some of the stories and insights in my paintings that I have been fortunate to receive. I also like to play slide guitar, practice meditation, and teach Aikido.
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Meet Jo
(Targeted Early Intervention)
Hi, my name is Joanne Lord-Torrens and I live in Casino NSW. I am a proud Aboriginal woman from the Bundjalung & Kamilaroi mob, I grew up at Tabulam and left the area when I was 19 and moved and lived up and down the coast for the past 30 years but now settled back in Casino. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work in different Aboriginal Organisations and Non-Aboriginal sectors in this time.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to work as Project Worker for the Targeted Early Intervention Program with Ngunya Jarjum. I hope to bring learnt and lived experiences to this role and I am excited about working in my own community.
I have 3 beautiful children that I am proud of, and family and community is important to me.
The staff at Ngunya Jarjum are very welcoming and I am excited about being apart of the team.
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An important message for our Carers
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Swimming Pool Safety
Portable and Inflatable Swimming Pool
While fun for small children, serious hazards are associated with portable swimming pools, including inflatable pools:
• Toddlers can drown silently in very shallow water
• Children can become ill when pool water is left un-sanitised for long periods of time
• Electrocution is a very real threat when portable electrical pumps and filter systems are not used properly.
Follow the safety information on labels warning of drowning risks, the need for water purification and the possible requirement for a child-resistant safety barrier. You should also check requirements with your local Council.
Pool owners, parents and carers must make sure their pools comply with fencing laws. Pools that can be filled to a depth of 300mm or more must be surrounded by a safety barrier separating the swimming pool from any residential building or place adjoining the premises. Fences surrounding pools must be designed, constructed, installed and maintained to meet Australian standards for swimming pools.
Near your inflatable pool, you should have a cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sign in good condition readable from a distance of three metres. You can buy a CPR sign from your local pool shop, Council or community organisations such as St John Ambulance, the Australian Red Cross or The Royal Life Saving Society.
Swimming Pool Self-assessment of Safety
All pool owners are required to conduct a self-assessment of the safety of their pool and to register their pool with the NSW Swimming Pool Register. In addition, a pool compliance certificate must be obtained from the local council. This is valid for 3 years.
Safety Checklist Pool inspection self-assessment checklists — NSW Swimming Pool Register (Choose pool type from left column)
Register your pool Register your NSW Pool Now — NSW Swimming Pool Register
Please contact your caseworker or visit the NSW government website for more information.
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When to contact us...
You should notify us about any changes effecting you, your partner or any household member.
- Moved to a new address?
- Changed or have a new contact number?
- Changed or have a new email address?
- Change in personal circumstances and household movements?
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Gumaguy
Gumaguy is a service aimed at reducing the risk to families, where children and young people have been identified by Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) assessment as being at risk of being removed from the family home. Families can only be referred to the program through DCJ.
Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm our Gumaguy team can be contacted through the Ngunya Jarjum switch. After hours, weekends and public holidays use the FREECALL 1800 325 081 or mobile 0438497743.
SOME FAMILY FEEDBACK FROM FAMILIES WITH IN THE GUMAGUY PROGRAM –
"Staff are approachable and speak to you as an equal in terms you understand" - From a family that have been working with Gumaguy since 14/01/2020
"The Gumaguy program is an excellent service that I would recommend for any Aboriginal family " - From a family that have been involved in the Gumaguy Program since 14/04/2021
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Balaa
In the local Widjabul dialect, ‘Balaa’ means to ‘help’. We consider the name appropriate, as the services offered through Balaa are provided to compliment quality case planning for children and families and wrap-around the child and family to improve outcomes for Aboriginal families in Northern NSW across the whole of sector. Through referral to the Balaa services, you can access casework support services such as:
- Mapping Mob (helping you find links through families and kinship networks)
- Youth Mentoring
- Family Group Conferencing
- Cultural case and/or Care planning
- Transport services
- Aboriginal consultation
- Family time supervision
- Adolescent / Caregiver mediation services
- Individual / Specific services as requested
Simply call to ask for more detail about the services and/or request a referral form. (02) 6626 3700 or email intake@ngunyajarjum.com |
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Short course - Responding to Trauma
This interactive short course aims to equip workers with basic skills, knowledge, understanding, approaches and strategies to work effectively with survivors of past and current/ongoing trauma. In particular, this course will explore the way that complex trauma, caused by early childhood abuse and neglect, impacts survivors and outlines a number of principles and approaches for working in a trauma-informed way with children and families.
Sessions:
Monday 22 November 2021 9:30 AM - Tuesday 23 November 2021 4:30 PM
Monday 6 December 2021 9:30 AM - Tuesday 7 December 2021 4:30 PM
Delivery mode:
Course delivered via Zoom over 2 days (9.30am–4.30pm each day)
FIND OUT MORE
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Community News and Events
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ABSEC Aboriginal Child and Family Awards
The NSW Aboriginal Child and Family Awards 2021 have been launched to recognise those working to support Aboriginal families. There a six awards to celebrate outstanding individuals and organisations, and the winner of each award will receive a $200 gift voucher to be spent anywhere. Nominate today
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SBS Film on Child Protection System
In a new landmark documentary, SBS takes a look inside the never-before-seen NSW child protection system, following caseworkers across the state. The Department premiered on SBS on Sunday, 10 October and is available to stream online through SBS On Demand. Watch now.
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Lismore Foster Carers Support Group
Location: Lismore
Time: 10-12pm
Frequency or dates: Last Friday of the month during school term
Who is it for: Open to all carers, from all agencies. Sorry no childcare facilities
Contact Peron: Lesley Plim | 0437 260 475 | cranky1-@hotmail.com
This is a monthly support group to catch up, share a cup of tea, gain support from other carers in similar situations and learn about relevant support services.
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Become a Member
It is important for people interested in the future of the corporation to be members and to attend the general meetings. A membership application form is available here.
If you are already a member and need to update your homes address, phone number or email address you can contact us by phoning 6626 3700 or emailing us at info@ngunyajarjum.com.
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Join our team of Foster Carers
Ngunya Jarjum is always looking for new carers to join the organisation and help ensure the wellbeing of all our jarjums. We need quality carers with a commitment to community, family and culture. If you, or someone you know, is considering the important role of becoming a foster visit our website for more information and to apply. https://ngunyajarjum.com/becoming-a-carer/
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Donate
We are a registered charity and rely on government grants and donations to keep operating. If you would like to make a donation you can donate via Paypal.
Visit our website to complete the form and you will be taken to our secure PayPal donation portal.
Make a donation
We do appreciate your support!
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