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A monthly publication that informs the community about the good work done by CatholicCare NT

DECEMBER 2021  |  Newsletter
 
Message from the Director

One thing for sure is that things don’t slow down at CatholicCare in the lead up to Christmas. We were busy during the 16 days of activism for ending violence, with events of our own as well as supporting other events, and really trying to get out the important message that family and domestic violence has to stop.
As we celebrate Christmas it is a timely reminder for some people to consider how they manage their alcohol use during this time and for some greats tips about controlling the costs of Christmas. We were thrilled to see long time NO MORE worker Adrian Lantjin feature as the subject for second place winner in Portrait of a Senior Territorian competition.

Merry Christmas everyone!
Jayne Lloyd
Director
Christmas Happy Families at Malak
On Friday 26th November, the Malak Hub hosted their final Happy Families event of the year, with a Christmas theme! With 120 people attending, this is the biggest Happy Families Christmas party that has ever been seen. 

CatholicCare NT joined forces with the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory to cook up delicious food from all over the globe, including Japanese, Middle Eastern, Indian, New Zealand, Australian and African dishes. We then shared these dishes with the community. 

Families came from all over, including current clients, their families, and community members, as well as other agencies and their clients. Jayne Lloyd and Sister Leone attended, as well as the Hon Ngaree Ah Kit, member for Karama. 

We were treated to lovely music with beautiful live Christmas carols from the tarnished brass band. Attending families also sung songs. Children also entertained themselves playing football. 

Santa also attended! He and his elves from CAAPS Aboriginal Corporation came along with a beautiful gift basket, which was then given to a family. Santa also gave out gifts, supplied by the Malak Family Hub, to the children. 

The night was full of fun and the children all enjoyed themselves!
Top: Children serving multicultural food. Above left: Santa coming to visit. Above right: Families enjoying the live music.
International Men’s Day Breakfast Stall
On Friday, November 19th, the Men’s Behaviour Change Program staffed a stall at Palmerston City’s Goyder Square in celebration of International Men’s Day. 

Breakfast and coffee were provided to anyone who came past, and this aspect of the celebration was well patronised. The Men’s Behaviour Change Program had a stall advertising the CatholicCare NT programs; it especially highlighted the work of the No More Campaign and the Men’s Behaviour Change Program.

The event commenced at 7.00am and continued through to 9.00am. The slight amount of rain did not deter any of the passing locals from picking up relevant merchandise and coffee. Also available were Express Health Checks provided by Danila Dilba and ready advice from Mates for Mates. 

While the Men’s Behaviour Change Program Staff of Nina, Sharon and Peter were the major CCNT representatives there, staff on their way to work at the Palmerston office stopped by to have a chat and talk with the passing throng.

While this was a small event, it is worth the effort to highlight the positive work and presence in the community of MEN in general. It is important to recognise the positive impact of many of the men in the community and the many positive role models that are out there. We need to not only recognise them but to celebrate these things too. 
Above: The Men's Behaviour Change Program stall on International Men's Day.
Responsible Alcohol use over the Christmas Period
Christmas and the festive season is seen as time for celebration where people come together to create happy memories and start the new year fresh. In 2021, families have been separated and stressed by covid restrictions, and as borders reopen and travel has become possible, we have so much more to celebrate.  

The festive season is associated with higher levels of drinking, relating to the number of gatherings leading up to Christmas and New Year’s. For many Australians, celebrating is identified by the consumption of alcohol. For others, Christmas is associated with increased stress, increased feelings of isolation, and can trigger painful emotions and trauma. This may lead to drinking and drug use as ways of numbing these emotions.  

Increase in alcohol and substance use leads to harm to physical and emotional wellbeing, not only for individuals using but those around them. Demand on police and hospital services increases over the festive season and there can be lasting consequences.

Over the Christmas period it is good to remember the Recommended Alcohol Guidelines to reduce harm to yourself and family:

•    To reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury for healthy men and women, drink no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day
•    Anyone under 18 should not drink alcohol to reduce the risk of injury and harm to the developing brain
•    Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not drink alcohol to prevent harm to their baby. (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2020)

Some tips to increase safety include:

•    Plan some alcohol-free days – grab flavoured non-alcoholic drinks, like juice.
•    When drinking, keep count of your standard drinks by pouring your own drinks, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks, drink slowly and try beverages with lower alcohol content.
•    Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
•    Look out for your family and friends.
•    Avoid combining alcohol with energy drinks and other drugs.
•    Think about how much money you're prepared to spend and stick to a budget.
•    If you consume high levels of alcohol, don’t drive the next day. You may still have alcohol in your system. 
•    Organise activities that don't involve alcohol. Show others that alcohol doesn't have to be part of every social situation to have a good time. Even responsible alcohol use can send the message to your children that alcohol is a necessary part of everyday life.

We wish you a safe and happy Christmas where you can connect with your family and community to remember the things we have to be grateful for. 
Domestic Violence over the Festive Period
For many, the typical idea of Christmas is a time of celebration, surrounded by family, friends and happiness. However, for many others, Christmas is a time of stress, pressure and fear. Domestic violence rates, already higher than normal as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, always spike over the Christmas period. There is not one specific reason for this; it is likely a mix of financial pressure, increased contact time with family members, and an abundance of alcohol. 

These reasons are often used as excuses by the perpetrator to cause harm. The isolation of the period impacts victims of domestic violence in two ways: they are often isolated with the perpetrator for the holidays, and there is reduced support available with organisations running on reduced staff numbers over the break. Abuse is also harder to report by children over this period as schools are closed. 

Christmas time is not easy for single parents that have already walked away from a domestically violent relationship either. Organising Christmas visits with the other parent leaves the victim vulnerable due to the increased contact involved. A closure of schools and daycares may cause the victim to turn to their ex-partner for support with looking after the children. Also, ex-partners may use the festive season as a way to guilt the child and/or victim into seeing them when they otherwise wouldn’t. 

While this is a complicated issue – there are some easy actions we all can take: 

1.    Report it if you see or hear something of concern - you might save someone’s life.
2.    Call out disrespectful, racist or sexist behaviour - don’t laugh, tell them it’s not OK, or walk away.
3.    Be there for someone if you think they are affected by family violence. Just telling them they have your support and knowing someone cares might get them through that day.

Support: 

•    In an emergency call 000
•    If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (24 hours) or visit www.1800respect.org.au 
•    For 24 hour counselling, advice and support for men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or www.mrs.org.au 
•    For local support call CatholicCare NT on 1800 899 855 or visit catholiccarent.org.au
Control the Cost of Christmas
Caught up in the whirlwind of Christmas, people often spend a lot more than they can afford to. February is one of the busiest months of the year for our Financial Wellbeing and Capability team as this is when the debt from Christmas spending catches up with participants. The tips below will help you take back control over your seasonal spending. 

Create a budget – and stick to it! 
o    Reflect on spending from Christmases past and identify the mistakes you don’t want to make again. 
o    Allocate specific costs, for example a maximum value for each person’s gift. 
o    Be mindful when spending with credit cards – remember that debt needs to be repaid in the new year!
o    Track your spending by either physically noting down all expenses or using a budget tracking app.  

Start preparing early
o    Research gifts before heading to the shops to check for specials and compare online prices.
o    Utilise lay-by for larger gifts from early on – a less risky option than ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes, this also keeps the gift safe from peeking eyes!
o    Start looking for and purchasing gifts from July each year to reduce expenses in December. 
o    Create a savings plan in the new year to save enough for Christmas expenses throughout the year. 

Other helpful hacks
o    Having a family Kris Kringle/Secret Santa means each person only needs to purchase one gift. 
o    Gifts of time or experiences are often appreciated more than material gifts, saving you money at the same time.
o    Create a shared Christmas meal by organising for attendees to each bring a plate, allocating sides and desserts. 
o    Keep an eye on local supermarkets for specials in the months leading up to Christmas and spread out food purchases based on these. 
The challenge is for all Australians to stand up and say NO MORE to domestic and family violence.  We need everyone to get involved.  That's why we link arms to show a united stand against domestic and family violence and that together, we can make a difference.       Charlie King AM, NO MORE Founder
Adrian Lantjin Honoured in Portrait
Strong Men Program Worker Adrian ‘Wildhorse’ Lantjin was last month the subject of an entry into the Portrait of a Senior Territorian Art Award 2021. The large oil on canvas portrait was painted by Jose Victor Patalinghug and won 2nd place in the competition. 

Adrian has worked for 11 years at CatholicCare NT in Wadeye. As part of the Strong Men Program, he helps to strengthen, empower and support the men of Wadeye through culture, tradition and educational and healing activities.  
“The artist said he painted Wildhorse so as not to forget the stories Wildhorse shared with him during his time living in Wadeye,” said Chansey Paech, Member for Gwoja. 
Above: ‘Wildhorse’ by Jose Victor Patalinghug during the exhibition at Parliament House.
Careers Day at Xavier College
On Tuesday the 9th of November, Bathurst Island’s Xavier College hosted their annual Careers Day. CatholicCare NT was proudly represented by Tiwi Islands Sports Program Co-ordinator, James Anderson, and NO MORE community worker and local Tiwi Aussie rules legend, Shane Kerinaiua.

Senior school students from Xavier College, Bathurst Island and Tiwi College, Melville Island were in attendance to gain an understanding of the many career opportunities that are available across the Tiwi Islands and to introduce themselves to over 30 potential employers.

CatholicCare NT is one of the largest employers on the Tiwi Islands, providing services across all elements of Tiwi society including:

•    Childcare
•    Early Parenting
•    Sport and Recreation
•    Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselling
•    Disability support services (NDIS)
•    NO MORE 
•    Financial Wellbeing
•    Family Support
•    Men’s and Women’s support  

Every student was able to give examples of a family member or members who had utilised the services of CatholicCare NT, further demonstrating the reach and wonderful work that has been achieved across the Tiwi Islands.
Sports Program Co-Ordinator James Anderson said, “It was a fantastic opportunity for the next generation of up-and-coming Tiwi role models and leaders to introduce themselves and network with the various employers across the Islands.”

Students were given a CatholicCare NT carry bag, water bottle, and stationary kit as a memento of the day.
Above: Shane Kerinaiua (left) and James Anderson (right) speaking with two students from Xavier College, Bathurst Island.
Panel to Prevent Violence
Thursday, December 9th saw the arrival of Charlie King at Alice Springs, who was invited to represent NO MORE and to be a speaker at the panel discussion for preventing violence against Aboriginal Women and Children Produced by CAAFLU (Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit) and DKA (Desert Knowledge Australia).

The event consisted of three panels:

Panel 1 Sharing Stories: ‘Resistance and Resilience’ - Celebrating Arrernte women who are taking a stand against domestic and family violence in our communities.
Panel 2 Practical Information: ‘Preventing Violence – What Works?’ - Sharing lessons and evidence-based learnings in preventing violence against Aboriginal Women and their Children. 
Panel 3 Male Leadership and Roles: ‘Men are Part of the Solution’ – Insight into the importance of male leadership in ending domestic and family violence in our communities.

The event had powerful speakers with a wealth of knowledge about DFV against Aboriginal Women and Children and how we can prevent it. Listeners during panel 1 heard stories of lived experience and resilience, what had worked for the speakers and what they could do to help Arrernte women while they lead to make change. 

Panel 2 discussed evidence regarding DFV towards Aboriginal Women and Children, the statistics and what has worked to prevent it, from an evidence-based approach. The topic of dadirri (Deep Listening) was discussed as a deep listening tool by the panel. 

Panel 3, which Charlie was a part of, discussed how men need to make a change and how they can be empowered to be strong leaders in the community in combating DFV against Aboriginal Women and Children. Charlie spoke about the NO MORE program and how we work with communities and men in the DFV space. He also proposed to attendees and Stakeholders the idea of all organizations coming together to form a Coalition of Violence Organisations (COVO) which aims to link up all organizations working in the DFV space. This proposal was well-received.
Above: Panel 3 speakers, including Charlie King. 
Gathering with Islamic Society NT 
This month, the Islamic Society NT gathered to discuss Domestic Violence and to meet the new Imam, Dr Mohammed Aamil Abdul Mameed. No More was also invited to do a presentation.

The Imam spoke to the gathering about the main reason he sees for dispute between men and women, which is the battle for power. He asked the men to control their anger and encouraged them to sit down when they felt angry, saying, “The strong one is not the one who defeats the other one, it is the one who has the strength to control their anger.” He urged children to listen to their parents, saying that his message was about forbidding hitting at any age and that good communities are built on good men and women, good people, good role models, who are busy serving their families.

The welcoming ceremony coincided with a meeting to discuss domestic violence. Charlie King and Fayaaz Ferozkhan from the Islamic Centre also talked about arranging a soccer/football game between Muslims and Indigenous people to be played on Australia Day, 2022.
Top: No More Founder Charlie King (second from left), and Alyce Boemia, Solicitor from the Top End Women’s Legal Service (far right), greeted the new Imam at the Islamic Centre in Casuarina. Above: Left-Right: Charlie King, Alyce Boemia, Imam Mohammad Aamil and Erica Gibson, Sgt NT Police.
Other NO MORE Updates
Above: Champion AFL footballer Adam Goodes, Marathon gold medal winner Rob de Castella, with NT running machine Charlie Maher, joined Charlie King in saying No More to family violence.
Above: Men from Ramingining, meeting with Charlie King, want the family violence in their community to stop.
CatholicCare NT are dedicated to the growth and enrichment of all people in a non judgmental and professional manner and offer a diverse range of personal, social, community and organisational services across a number of locations.
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CatholicCare NT acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the many lands and waters on which we meet and conduct our services, respecting language and culture.


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CatholicCare NT
PO Box 132
Berrimah, NT 0828
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