Grassroots Launceston - Innovative & Local Community Projects & Organisations

"Progress in this City is Dead"

2010-05-11T15:16:00.000+10:00

nuf said.

Dalai Lama nails the issue yet again

2009-10-13T16:31:00.001+11:00

From today's Calendar page:

"Through money or power you cannot solve all problems. The problem in the human heart must be solved first."

This is the reason that efforts to improve social inclusion and cohesion so frequently stall or are actively opposed in Launceston.

Hearts have been hard for too long. Blaming a person for their circumstances has become the deeply ingrained culture of this city and as a consequence many people who are doing well in Northern Tasmania just don't have deep compassion for their neighbours who may be struggling.

Inevitably this means that the will to solve our problems locally simply doesn't exist.

If it were otherwise, we'd be doing much better than we are.

Thought for the Day

2009-09-04T16:37:00.001+10:00

Follow up Letters to the Editor of The Examiner - 4 to 1 against bigotry

2009-08-31T17:00:00.014+10:00

The Examiner, Friday 31 August

Amelia Viney, saw through the smoke and mirrors about traffic and sewerage, to nail the real issue - bigotry.

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The Examiner, Wednesday 2 September

One for the residents.

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The Examiner, Friday 4 September

Another against - plus as an added bonus some unrelated prejudice.

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The Examiner, Saturday 5 September

The final word? Apparently not........

The Examiner, Thursday 10 September

I think this one is on this vote, so I'm claiming it too!

Has conservative & bigoted Launceston struck again?????

2009-08-28T15:07:00.012+10:00

The most ultra-conservative of Launceston institutions, the Launceston City Council, appears to have sent a message to public housing tenants that they are not welcome in their town, by refusing a planning application for public housing units in Newstead against their own Planning Officer's advice.

The motion to refuse the application was dressed up as concern about traffic flows, sewerage capacity, housing density and resident amenity, but each of these issues was addressed by the Council's own planning and infrastructure experts and found not to be valid reasons to refuse discretionary use. Both the Planner's recommendations and the resident's objections are on the public record in the Agenda for the Council Meeting of 24 August 2009 on the LCC website, so you can be the judge.

If you're a public housing tenant perhaps you'll perceive comments about property values falling and similar "the sky's falling in " hysteria from objectors as code for you're not welcome in my neighbourhood.

If you do, you're probably more disturbed by the Aldermen's reaction to the fear campaign, by apparently giving it life and contributing to the vilification of public housing tenants? Perhaps you'd now be very wary of giving any sitting Alderman your vote (which is as good as the next person's) in October?

The Aldermen may believe this was about planning, but the potential neighbours at Newstead (and the perceptive journalist who reported it)knew better. Consider this quote from The Examiner of Wednesday 26 August - "(we) bought property in the area because there was no low cost housing and (we) fear that our standard of living would be impacted on."

Remember this when some of these same Aldermen come knocking on your door in October and ask them to go on the public record by issuing a media release confirming that they support public housing tenants and welcome planning applications from social housing providers such as Housing Tasmania, anytime and anywhere in the Municipality. If they're not prepared to make this statement on the public record then you'd be entitled to seriously question their motives in the Newstead matter and vote accordingly.

Australia Day.............January 26 just too divisive

2009-01-27T13:38:00.002+11:00

I'm with Mick Dodson and Ron Barrasi....January 26 is the wrong day to celebrate our national day. Why not a date that we can all embrace? There is nothing to be gained in clinging to a date that causes unnecessary suffering to Indigenous Australians PERIOD. (And I say this as someone whose ancestor arrived in Sydney Cove as a convict on the First Fleet; it's not the right date).

Zions Hill "Beyond the Box"

2009-01-05T19:22:00.004+11:00

This innovative project was conceived by Zions Hill in 2008 in response to the incidents of rock throwing by young Ravenswood residents that resulted in Metro cancelling night time services to some areas of that community.

Zions Hill were developing plans to partner with the community of Singaraja in NE Bali to build orphanages and a community radio station, when the Metro crisis came to a head back home in Ravenswood.

Beyond the Box is a way of linking the work in Indonesia with the development of at risk youth from Ravenswood.

The following is from Zions Hill's "Singaraja mission and Beyond the Box Trips" pamphlet:

An Intro to Singaraja..

The Place: Singaraja is in the regency seat of Bali, Indonesia. The name is Indonesian for "Lion King." Along the north coast, east of Lovina, Singaraja has a population of 80,500. Singaraja was the Dutch colonial administration centre for Bali and the Lesser Sunda Islands until 1953, and the port of arrival for most visitors until development of the island further south.

The People: Zions Hill sent a team to Bali in June 2008 and there they caught the vision to partner with Dmaker (PS Paulus) to build orphanages and a Community Christian radio station in Singaraja. Where there are orphans who have lost everything and those which fled from Timor due to the destroying of their homes, it is time for us to move out of our comfort zones in meeting desperate needs.

The Plan: Apart from Zions Hill adopting Singaraja as its overseas Mision field, we are looking for long and short term partners to assist in preparing and sening four to six youths, per year, on short term aid trips to Indonesia to work with an orphanage.

What are Beyond The Box Trips?

"beyond the Box" aims at epowering the young people of Ravenswood involved with Youth Justice and problems within the community, a life changing and defining opportunity that causes them to realise how fortunate they really are, and that they too have something to give. The trips therefore involve living and working with the under-privileged from a developing nation such as Indonesia. The young people will be sent in pairs while in the constant company of a qualified adult team leader from the church who mentors them throughout the trip.

The trip is not a holiday, but will be the culmination of a six month commitment to the mentoring of each individual - during which we also connect them with the right service providers in sourcing employment and/or the various fields necessary (i.e. mentorship, employment assistance, arts programs, drug rehab centre, Adult Ed).

"Beyond the Box is empowering our community to move from a "give me, give me" mentality to a "I've got something to give" idea. It's about a community catching a selfless heart. It's Beyond OUR Box"...PASTOR Chris Billing, Project Director

For more information: Zions Hill Church, 7-21 Warring Street, Ravenswood - Phone 6339 1766, Fax 6339 4998 or email beyondthebox@zionshill.com.au

Or to donate directly by electronic transfer - Zions Hill Community Care Inc, BSB 807009, A/C No. 12254825 & please specify that it is for Beyond the Box.

Charity begins at home

2008-12-30T16:37:00.003+11:00

A wonderful story this week about the hugely successful campaign to raise $55,000 for lifesaving neurosurgery for 4 year old Evandale resident Sophie Hart.

The Examiner reports today the exciting news that Sophie's surgery has been successful.

It also reports that the appeal raised $130,000. Coming as it did a few days before Christmas, this makes the result even more remarkable.

But does it also say something else about what it takes to engage and spark the generosity of the community?

Sophie's need was of course urgent and life threatening. My wife and I heard the story of this beautiful and innocent 4 year old and contributed immediately. Apparently, so did a lot of other people.

However charities have found it harder this Christmas to come by funds.

Obviously Sophie's appeal shows that money was available in the community for discretionary giving, but clearly none of the mainstream charities who work overtime in supporting people through the Christmas period managed to inspire people to give to anything like this extent.

Is that because people view their many clients as less deserving than a sick child or is it simply that they cannot identify with their needs? Is it a case that many people blame those who need to rely on charities for the circumstances they find themselves in? If so, is that really fair?

Interesting........................

2008 - A year in review

2008-12-24T15:26:00.018+11:00

Christmas 2008 seems as good a time as any to return to the Blog for a critical look at social inclusion and community development in Launceston and to express my hopes for the future.

I wouldn't characterise 2008 as a particularly good year in the fight against poverty and exclusion in Tasmania. As always there's been a lot of talk, but very little substantive action - even in the areas where new money has been announced much of it is still to find its way out of the doors of the Treasury. Homelessness, social housing, school attendance, literacy and numeracy, suicide prevention, mental health and family support are all areas of service delivery that remain in need of increased, intensive and genuine community activity.

I'd like to reiterate at the outset of this article that I believe that social exclusion is generated by the actions and inactions of everyone in society and that consequently all elements of that society, including the business sector and individual Tasmanians, as well as Governments, have a responsibility to participate in the fight against it.

Without question, the most pressing problem for many Tasmanians is our relative poverty compared with mainland Australians. Employment is the best protection against poverty and social exclusion. As I've said elsewhere in this Blog, I feel strongly that community development must ultimately be underpinned by sustainable economic development. Consequently, I applaud the strong growth of recent years which has resulted in significant improvements to the welfare of many Tasmanians, particularly the long term unemployed.

However economic growth alone is not enough, and is never likely to be enough, to overcome entrenched disadvantage.

The benefits of a stronger Tasmanian economy haven’t been enjoyed universally across the community, especially for those on low incomes who haven’t been able to access the labour market or improved wages due to disability or lack of educational attainment, and who have been squeezed by decreasing housing affordability and a rising cost of living.

Looking back on my last post made over a year ago, the issues I'd identified then remain just as critical to combating poverty and reducing the levels of human suffering in Launceston today. Significantly though, there's one additional priority that I'd identify. Such is my new found understanding of its importance that I'd elevate it to the top of my list.

That issue is education; at its most basic, literacy and numeracy.

50% of Tasmanians are allegedly functionally illiterate. Assuming that that is true, and there's nothing in my personal experience to suggest it isn't; it's a shocking statistic given that we are living in the Information Age. Ignoring the cost in terms of diminished personal and economic potential for the individual and the Tasmanian community; how hard must it be cope in a society where you are either excluded from, or struggle to participate in, the full range of social, cultural, employment and educational opportunities that are on offer? How can we accept the development of a class system where those who don't have access to information are effectively second class citizens?

So if improved educational attainment is such a crucial protective factor and offers an alternate pathway to a lifetime of poverty, why isn't our existing system producing literate young adults and what can be done to boost the outcomes we are achieving for the many that our current practices fail?

No doubt the AEU would argue that it is all down to teaching resources and that more teachers would drastically improve literacy and numeracy outcomes.

As an outsider I see this as a conveniently simplistic answer to complex issues. I view the issue from a very different perspective.

I'm often shocked and disappointed by the numbers of vulnerable young people that I encounter who are completely disengaged from education, sometimes by upper primary school age.

The majority of these young people come from homes where education is not valued or parents simply don't have the capacity to support their kid's learning skills because they themselves were raised in disadvantaged communities where negative sub cultures prevail and positive role models are hard to find. These students are almost always experiencing conflicts in the school environment (be it with peers, older students, or teachers and the prevailing disciplinary system).

There are no easy answers to changing cultural attitudes towards the value of education but I do believe that it is incumbent on the Government to invest in community education campaign to make more Tasmanians aware of the protective value of literacy and numeracy against poverty.

Fortunately with regard to the second factor, there are existing practice models that offer better ways of handling conflict than the prevailing system which is founded on the principle of exclusion (of both bully and bullied).

My experience is that young people become excluded from school either through their own behaviours or through the actions and/or inactions of others. I cannot stress strongly enough how prevalent bullying is in schools, and how many young people become school refusers and drift away from education when the issue isn’t addressed well in their individual school. Often this disengagement is slow, punctuated by increasingly frequent absences and growing animosity towards the school by parents who feel totally unsupported in a time of crisis.

Bullying is in urgent need of address, but I don't support the current policies of suspensions and exclusions simply because it is unproductive and merely adds further names to the education casualty lists.

Like minded colleagues and I have come to the conclusion that the answer lies in a radical shift in the disciplinary policies in public schools towards Restorative Practice (RP). We need to keep people in schools, not exclude them.

There is a growing body of evidence in the literature in support of Restorative Practice in schools. This is complimented by positive anecdotal reports from the forward thinking educators who have implemented Restorative Practice in this State (mainly in Southern Tasmania). It is time for RP to become a formal policy approach of Government and not left to the discretion of individual school leaders.

So my hope for 2009 is that RP becomes a part of school and community life in Launceston, so that we can keep more young people engaged and learning.

If you're interested in learning more about RP and its place in schools please see:

International Institute for Resporative Practices , or

Restorative Practices International, or

www.parliament.act.gov.au/downloads/submissions/RJ%2004.1%20Circle%20Speak%20attachement%201.pdf

As we end 2008 homelessness and the lack of affordable housing throughout the State is another high priority issue for the Tasmanian Government and community. Stable and appropriate housing is the basis for health, well being and participation.

This is a supply driven crisis so the answer is obviously to increase supply.

The Government has committed $60 million dollars to the cause. Rather than continually re announcing that commitment as occurred throughout 2008; 2009 must be characterised by construction activity on the ground.

Aside from actualising this investment in social housing, including public housing, the Tasmanian Government must take a leadership role in planning to ensure that infill development opportunities are maximised in our major cities (such that the corridors of exclusion leading to our poorly located broadacre public housing estates are bridged by mixed housing, prior to further peripheral expansion of our cities). This is not only socially responsible, it is also environmentally responsible policy (i.e. reduced commuting, greater population density for public transport viability etc).

So my hope for 2009 will be genuine leadership in housing, not more of the rhetoric that has stalled progress over the past 3 years.

Breaking the homelessness cycle is contingent on the availability of appropriate support in the community, as implicitly recognised in the endorsement of the Common Ground housing model.

As the current state of play stands, I don’t believe that adequate community resources exist in the areas of mental health, disability services or family support services to ensure the quality of life and participation of some of the most vulnerable Tasmanians. The temptation in 2009 will be to cut services in response to the global financial crisis, but despite the misguided views of the TCCI there is virtually no fat to trim in front line service areas. Cuts in these areas will desperately affect the most vulnerable Tasmanians and must not be allowed to occur.

Undoubtedly Tasmania is a more tolerant community than it was, say just 10 years ago. And yet the published letters to The Examiner in 2008 underscore the fact that intolerance in the form of racism (particularly towards Aboriginals), religious bigotry and homophobia are still rife in Northern Tasmania. I was particularly affected this year by a letter from a young 23 year old gay guy that came at the end of a vicious debate in which homosexuals were characterised as perverted and unwelcome in Tasmanian society. This man said he could never come out to his former class mates or current work mates as he knew their deep prejudices very well having heard them for years. Sad as this is, it was probably a wise decision since I read this week that Rodney Croome has said Tasmanian gays and lesbians were twice as likely to be harassed and bullied in the workplace than their mainland brothers and sisters. Way to go Tassie, no wonder our schools are full of bullies and we continue to have such dreadful suicide rates.

In response to this "Year of Bigotry" I've waged another (unsuccessful) mini-campaign to lobby the Editor of The Examiner, Fiona Reynolds, to either stop printing letters that promote intolerance and hatred or change The Examiner's Mission Statement from the somewhat hypocritical "To produce a quality newspaper that builds its community.". I haven't even had a courtesy letter in reply but I guess I'll take up the fight again in 2009. Will you join me the next time you see an offensive letter published? freynolds@examiner.com.au

Not everything about 2008 has been bad though. One positive example is Zions Hill Church's "Beyond the Box" youth initiative in Ravenswood (which I promise to write more on in the New Year). Another is a very good response by the Gaming Commission to the Social and Economic Impact of Gambling report, which suggested some good strategies for further controls on poker machine gaming. The test for 2009 will be to see if the Treasurer has any desire to act on these recommendations.

So plenty to fight for in social justice in Launceston in 2009. Merry Christmas from a Buddhist and I hope you arrive renewed and ready to rejoin the fray in the New Year.

3 Years in the making but finally released - Tas Parliament Joint Standing Committee Report into Strategies for the Prevention of Suicide

2007-11-17T19:51:00.000+11:00

I know I said I was done BLOGGING, but I wanted to bring some closure to this story that we have been reporting on since the beginning.

The Tasmanian Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Community Development has finally released it's report into Strategies for the Prevention of Suicide.

The report is OK as reports go. But it really only highlights the inadequacies of our current response to having the second highest suicide rate in the nation, and I don't believe it carries us any further forward in dealing with this health crisis.

Like other reports I believe it will ultimately die a death due to lack of commitment and funding. The media is in an enormously influential position to breathe oxygen into the question of an appropriate community response to suicide through the sensible and educational reporting of the issue and by holding public officials to account. Sadly, I'm not certain that that commitment exists to sustain the sort of campaign that would be required to elevate this cause of preventable death to the same prominence given to road safety campaigns.

Readers can rest assured that whilst I may not be posting regularly I will not stop campaigning on the issues that matter to me including:
* Child Protection (including securing the future of NEWPIN in Tasmania);
* Suicide prevention;
* Affordable rental housing;
* Gambling reform (particularly regarding poker machines);
* Quality and properly resourced youth programs;
* Community and economic development to eradicate poverty; and the
* Promotion of private and Corporate philanthropy.

On the latter point, what a wonderful front page story in today (Saturday 17 November)'s Examiner celebrating a $500,000 donation to local charities by the Vos Group. Congratulations and thanks to both the Vos Directors and The Examiner for giving it the prominence it deserves.

Let's continue the struggle to see compassion extended to everyone in our community. Hopefully one day people with show the same passion for their fellow beings as they do now for the forests.

My tribute to the Mirror State

2007-09-26T16:47:00.000+10:00

Tasmania is the Mirror State.

We're always looking into things.

No seriously, you would not believe the number of Reviews underway into all sorts of social issues and service failings. You also wouldn't believe how many very good Reports lie gathering dust on a shelf somewhere for want of the will and the money to implement their recommendations.

It occurred to me that many of the organisations and projects that I've reported on in this Blog are either struggling to find the resources they need to deliver the outcomes they had hoped for, have already collapsed, or are under funding threat despite having demonstrated significant success.

Similarly, many of the social issues we've canvassed haven't progressed far enough to ease suffering. For some, such as suicide prevention, another review/consultation process has commenced before we've even seen the report of the first.

So I've decided as my own (ironic) tribute to the Mirror State, to Review & Report on the status of all of the major issues or programs that I've covered here since 2005.

Northern NEWPIN(6/6/05) - The program itself continues to deliver wonderful outcomes for its members, but it’s future is uncertain as it is yet to secure recurrent funding.
Northern Suburbs Community Centre (6/6/05) - Continuing to meet the needs of many northern suburbs residents.
Ravenswood District & Community News(6/6/05) - Now part of the Ravenswood Neighbourhood House programs. Doesn’t appear to be published with any regularity anymore.
Suicide Prevention(23/8/05) - Still no report from the Tasmanian Parliamentary Inquiry two years on from receiving evidence from Sally and Jane! The current DHHS Community Consultation is continuing, but I imagine we are still some time away from recommendations let alone funded initiatives. Who has, and who will, pass over in the time we wait?
Mayfield Youth Action Group(26/12/05)- No further funding. Specific Mayfield activities have ceased (but the need for them hasn’t).
Corporate Social Responsibility(14/2/06) - A huge disappointment given that a primary ambition of mine (and the original reason for this site) was to grow corporate philanthropy in Launceston. Whilst I’ve personally witnessed some incredibly generous individual donations recently, for all intents and appearances corporate giving in Launceston remains poor compared to mainland standards, and certainly none of the projects I’ve promoted have been fundamentally assisted, let alone delivered, by a business White Knight! Congratulations to those who continue to give quietly and regularly (including the much maligned Gunns), but we really need to create a stronger tradition of giving amongst medium sized businesses (5-25 employees) if we are going to achieve the human and community potential inherent in this City. It's our town; all our responsibility.
Neighbourhood Houses (14/2/06) - The 33 Neighbourhood Houses in Tasmania continue to provide services on a shoe string budget. They meet the needs of some constituents very well, but will never be able to achieve the full range of Strategic Objectives required of them by the Tasmanian Government without the funding for a higher level of service and professionalism. That funding need not, and should not, be solely the responsibility of Government and is just the sort of social program that would lend itself well to business support.
LYNX(12/7/06)- Continuing with the loyal support of LIONS and committed volunteers. Providing a much needed option in the wake of the disappointing pull out by Youth Insearch, but constrained in what they can achieve by both funding and resources.
Launceston City Mission’s Ashley House (20/1/07) - Progressing under the capable management of City Mission and Rotary. A great response to the initial appeal but more financial support needed to cover the capital cost.
Blokes United(30/1/07)- The Blokes are meeting regularly but they still have no funding for meaningful programs and no home base/workshop. The dream of a Men's Centre remains just that.
14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso (13/2/07) - Going beautifully. His teachings are more relevant and meaningful than ever, but of course Tibet is still not free!
Primary Health Reform(5/4/07) - The most controversial issue I've covered on the Blog, it is proving to be a political quagmire eg the anxiety about the closure of Ouse and Rosebery Hospitals. My position remains that the State has to put more money into Acute care and prevention/health promotion activities, and the Commonwealth needs to take responsibility for these mainly aged care rural facilities. Just don’t look forward to a well designed Tasmanian health system anytime soon.
One Care/Phillip Oakden House(5/6/07) Lost. Phillip Oakden House is closed. 3 public palliative beds are being provided at St Lukes Hospital on an interim basis but there’s no guarantee the service will ever return to the building the community lovingly created for the purpose.
Ashley Youth Detention Centre Reform(13/7/07)- No announcements from Government yet about what, if any, recommendations will be adopted.
Pokies Reform(10/9/07) - No progress yet in either Tasmania or mainland Australia, but it’s early days. The current review provides a focus for activity, but whether the ultimate report leads to real reform or more mirror gazing remains to be seen.

Clearly this is a disappointing litany of failure, and these are only those issues that I've been free to canvas on this Blog.

Progress in this city is well and truly dead; and so I suspect is the Grassroots Launceston Blog.

Although I've had some good traffic over the years, one would have to objectively conclude from the total lack of progress on these important issues that continuing this Blog is a waste of time. Even though it's always been secondary to me to actually taking action on issues, I can't justify spending future time Blogging that could be better used helping individuals directly.

And so for now, I suspect this is my last post. I've taken a good, long, hard look at myself in the great Tasmanian tradition - but unlike Government I've decided that I want to do something more productive with my future !!!!! :-)

Trying to ease Pokie pain - My submission to the Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania

2007-09-26T16:45:00.001+10:00

The Tasmanian Department of Treasury and Finance has engaged a Consultant, the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies, to undertake a Social and Economic Impact Study into Gambling in Tasmania.

Written submissions were invited from the public to inform the study, which is due for completion in March 2008.

The scope and objectives of the study appear to have been strategically set to ensure that the Consultant doesn't actually provide commentary on their findings or specific recommendations. None-the-less a well designed study should expose the suffering caused by this trade, particularly with regard to the poker machine industry, and the hollowness of claims that the industry has a net economic benefit to Tasmanians. It will hopefully provide a strong platform on which to campaign for meaningful reform to the control and administration of gaming in 2008.

National Council of Women Launceston have put in a submission to SACES informed by their successful "Both Sides of the Coin" forum and I've independently submitted the following to add weight to NCW's campaign and encourage SACES to produce a rigorous and well thought out study.

Re: Social and Economic Impact Study into Gambling in Tasmania

I am writing to express my concern about the social impacts of gambling in Tasmania, particularly with respect to problem gambling on poker machines.

As and an interested citizen I have sadly witnessed at first hand the human suffering caused to affected individuals, their families and the wider community by problem gambling.

From empirical observation I believe the prevalence of problem gambling has increased with the decision to extend poker machines into licensed hotels circa 1998, because it essentially engages and enslaves a different demographic of psychologically vulnerable people who would not previously have had ready physical access to poker machines. This is true because in my experience people who become addicted to poker machines are not people who gamble excessively on other forms of gaming, but who have become mesmerised and seduced by these machines after being exposed to them for at critical times in local venues. Obviously I’m not in the position to explain the psychology of such addictions but I have no reason to doubt the testimony of addicts that the machines filled a personal void in their lives by offering them the illusion of participating in socially acceptable and exciting entertainment.

But this is not entertainment and nor is it socially beneficial. What benefit is there in people losing their dinner money, or family rent, or dignity, as I have observed? What social benefit is there in people being driven to commit crime to pursue a form of gambling that the well referenced Productivity Commission report into Australia’s Gambling Industries (1999) has already exposed as attracting 42% of its revenue from problem gambling?

I would argue that the industry and Government are morally culpable and potentially legally liable, for knowingly putting such a dangerously addictive product onto the market and in over supply. Given this background knowledge why has the Tasmanian Government allowed, and why does it continue to allow, this product to be sold in the two most socio-economically disadvantaged suburbs by SEIFA index in my City of Launceston (namely Rocherlea and Ravenswood)?

If it does not know now who is contributing to the turnover in poker machines in these two suburbs and their disposable incomes, I would urge your study to find this out and inform them. I think you’ll find that the money is coming from local people with limited disposable incomes. People who we do know are statistically less advantaged in terms of personal transport and who wouldn’t normally have had ready access to poker machines if the current Tasmanian Government hadn’t extended licences beyond the existing Casinos. Fortunately for those in Rocherlea who cannot afford a car, they now can be encouraged to walk to the Rocherlea Tavern by an advertising balloon that informs them the new gaming room is open from 8 am everyday.

Clearly the addictive nature of poker machines and their obvious social disbenefits aren’t obvious enough to the Tasmanian Treasurer for him to implement a rollback of poker machine licences. The assumed reasons are the alleged economic benefits to the State, operators, hotel licensees and hospitality staff that accrue through poker machine addiction.

With respect to the operators, the Federal Group, the economic benefits would appear to be very real and undiminished by community debate about the morality of their trade.

I think that the net economic benefit to hoteliers and employees is less clear and deserves study within your current commission. Are hotels with gaming rooms really more profitable as a direct result of providing that product or are other factors influencing turnover (such as the shear fact that these venues have had an overdue make over)? Are they losing patrons who are turned off by gaming? Are they also losing potentially skilled employees who are uncomfortable with providing service in venues that knowingly profit from human suffering (in contrast to the ethics involved in the responsible service of alcohol)? I would urge you to rigorously consider these questions in the preparation of your Report.

Finally and most importantly in terms of your work, I look forward to you demonstrating the net economic disbenefit to Tasmania from gambling, particularly from poker machines.

The income to Government from taxation is readily calculated, but the financial costs are equally obvious to people working in the human services in this State.

For every social impact there is a direct and often quantifiable financial cost.

Some of these social consequences and their direct costs to Government include:
· Homelessness (eg crisis accommodation and support, outstanding debt to the State through unpaid public housing rent).
· Crime (to finance the addiction) (eg police, courts, prisons).
· Family breakdown (eg counselling, family court services, restraining orders, additional housing for new households formed as a result).
· Increased Alcohol & Drug use by gamblers and affected family members (eg counselling and treatment services, police, courts and prisons)
· Increased incidence of Family violence (trigger) (eg counselling, police, courts, prison)
· Negative Mental Health effects including Depression/Suicide (eg counselling).
· Negative labour market effects (eg decreased productivity, loss of skilled staff).

Given the finding that every problem gambler directly affects seven people, these costs are potentially multiplied many times throughout society.

This list is by no means exhaustive and I would implore you to be very thorough in your own analysis of the nexus between problem gambling, social impacts, and the direct and indirect financial costs to all levels of Government in Tasmania.

I note with some disappointment that the scope and objectives of this study do not require you to deliver recommendations to Government for the future management and control of gambling in Tasmania.

Despite that I hope that you will feel ethically compelled to make recommendations that follow as a consequence of your findings.

Such recommendations should include enhanced legislative protections of problem gamblers by both the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, including a mandated Code of Conduct that requires Federal Hotels to adhere to best practice in harm minimisation.

Reforms that I would particularly support include, but are not limited to:
· Rolling back the number of poker machines, particularly in socio-economically disadvantaged areas;
· Ensuring venues aren't allowed to employ psychological techniques (eg dim background lighting/absence of clocks) in venue design which are unethically intended to promote the hypnotic, timeless state experienced by many problem gamblers (i.e. "the zone");
· Ensuring that Poker machine manufacturers and venues limit the use of linked jackpots etc that promote excess gambling;
· Limit the cash changing facilities on poker machines to a realistic $200 maximum;
· Ban ATMs from venues or their immediate vicinity (750 m);
· Ban cash advances on credit accounts at venues or their immediate vicinity (750m);
· Ban rewards/loyalty schemes linked to Poker machine use;
· Adequately publicise the virtually unknown Tasmanian Government Exclusion Scheme, particularly the very good provisions for third party and Commissioner of Police exclusions (by mandating a variety of media and public education strategies that Federal Hotels must fund and employ as part of their license conditions).
· Ensure that Third Party exclusions are automatically granted subject to later Review so that relief can be immediate.

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this Study. I look forward to reviewing your findings and trust that they’ll reflect a rigorous and critical examination of the harmful personal, social and economic consequences of this industry.

Yours sincerely

Alan Melton

A call to arms against the suffering caused by Federal's Pokies.....NCW Launceston's Forum on the Impact of Pokies - 19 September 2007

2007-09-10T22:02:00.000+10:00

This issue is one we can't afford to ignore any longer. It causes suffering in this town every minute of every day. If you doubt it, consider the fact that studies show that at least $1 in every $3 that goes into the Pokies comes from a problem gambler. (Watch ABC 4 Corners of 10 September 2007 entitled "Hokey Pokie" online at http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/default.htm)

Time to put the spotlight squarely on Federal by supporting the National Council of Women Launceston's "Both Sides of the Coin" forum on Wednesday 19 September 2007.

Vale' Mervyn John Melton 10/5/29-16/8/07

2007-08-16T12:38:00.000+10:00

In loving memory of my father who passed away this morning. He was a man of enormous love who taught me even more about compassion than the teachings of the Dalai Lama. In keeping with the way I was raised I'd request donations to the Launceston City Mission in lieu of flowers.

Never forgotten.

What's the rush, worth the rush...

2007-07-23T22:12:00.000+10:00

This week saw the launch of a cool new website called what's the RUSH. Put together by the young people of Launceston College with the assistance of their Alcohol & Drug Counsellor, WTR is a well presented site that provides factual information about alcohol and drug issues in language that teenagers and their parents will understand.

Let's face reality. Some young people will use alcohol and other drugs whether we, as adults and parents, agree or not. That's why its important to talk openly and accurately to young people about the harms associated with alcohol and drug use, and for everyone to be aware of where they can go to get help with these issues.

WTR provides that reference source. As a parent I've bookmarked it and I'll use it. I'll also be letting my 13 year old know about it. I'd like to think she'd talk to me openly when she wants to know more about substance use and/or reality test the messages she's getting from her peers, but if she chooses not to I want her to at least know how to access reliable information such as that available at WTR.

Seeing is believing, so why not check it out for yourself?

Do not despise the small work...

2007-07-21T11:55:00.000+10:00

Here's a really good quote that came to me via my children's school newsletter this week (thanks Fay):

“If we just worry about the big picture, we are powerless.
So my secret is to start right away doing whatever little work I can do… If you and your friends do not despise the small work, a million people will remove a lot of suffering. That is the secret. Start right now.”
Sister Chan Khong, author and Buddhist nun.

What a perfect motto for both this Blog and the great grassroots work it hopes to highlight.

New research sheds light on the eternal question: what's in it for me?

2007-07-13T23:56:00.000+10:00

To round off a big week on a more positive note - recent research published by FACSIA indicates that Corporate Social Responsibility is starting to mature into a core business activity for the top 100 national companies. And the reason? (Unsurprisingly) it's because there is a lot in it for them. Now if only more Tasmanian enterprises would follow suit we might really be able to change the world (or our part of it)!To download the Corporate Community Investment in Australia Report: http://www.facsia.gov.au/partnerships/downloads/cci_report_07.pdf.

What is happening or not happening in Suicide Prevention and/or have Tasmanians totally lost sight of the things that matter most?

2007-07-13T23:21:00.000+10:00

Tasmanians, and seemingly Launcestonians, have become an incredibly argumentative lot. Whilst debate is healthy, community feeling lately on issues such as the Pulp Mill and forestry have in my view taken on unnecessarily hysterical, personal and divisive undertones that I think will ultimately be detrimental to us all.

But there are some things that deserve to generate real anger and our apathy to suicide prevention is one of them.

For a start I'm as mad as hell that I live in a society that apparently cares more about the inanimate than its human members. Do we really care more about trees than the fact that we have the second highest suicide rate in this country after the Northern Territory? Surely the prevalence of this epidemic and tragic loss of human potential should get people out into the streets, but much like poverty no one cares unless it affects them personally?

At this point I should say that it is something that has affected me personally through the loss of my brother, so I do care and care deeply. But my brother died in another State and a long time ago now in what is generally assumed to have been less sophisticated and well informed times. It is something that I've always preferred to keep private and deal with in my own way. But in the last few years I've been reawakened to its continued prevalence and the fact that help and education is apparently no better in Tasmania in 2007 than it was in Queensland in 1989.

That prompted me to post a submission to a Tasmanian Parliamentary enquiry into Suicide Prevention Strategies on this Blog in August 2005. Incredibly, despite a death toll well in excess of the road fatality rate, that Report has still not been completed and released.

I was prompted to post again in December 2006 when the State Government's Suicide Prevention Committee announced an independent and extensive community consultation into suicide and prevention measures. Again, I asked what was the point of the Parliamentary enquiry if we were again to enter another protracted round of consultations.

Now seven months on Assoc Professor Des Graham has announced a consultation schedule and online survey. To be honest they look fine, but when are we going to see action?

I'd really love to see more noise about this and less name calling over Gunns and the Pulp Mill. How about it Launceston? Whilst we argue about whether the sun will rise again if the Pulp Mill is built, for some of our neighbours the sun will genuinely never shine again.

Legislative Council report into Ashley Youth Detention Centre backs need for supported accommodation

2007-07-13T23:01:00.000+10:00

Like most weeks lately, it's been another huge week in Tasmanian politics.

Not to be overshadowed by the release of that other report into the Pulp Mill, the Legislative Council Select Committee report into the Ashley Youth Detention Centre was unveiled this week.

In brief I found it a mature, well informed paper which presented 32 well thought out recommendations.

The most relevant with regard to these pages is Recommendation 4:The Government should actively encourage and resource non government organisations to provide supported accommodation for young people on remand and for young people exiting any period of custodial detention;as it effectively endorses the Launceston City Mission's drive to establish Ashley House for those exiting detention.

Of course this recommendation goes further in that it proposes a supported accommodation model as a remand alternative to Ashley, but the reality is that that may be some way off even if the Recommendation is accepted in full. As of now though it is the Mission who have courageously stepped forward to meet the needs of at least some of the young people and they deserve this community's total support. Once again I urge Launcestonians to contribute generously to the Ashley House campaign.

The full LCSC Ashley, Youth Justice & Detention Report is available from http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/ctee/ashley.htm

Post script - I read in The Examiner of 14 July that LCM have received a grant of $75,000 from the Tasmanian Community Fund for Ashley House. That's great news, but don't think your personal contribution isn't still needed or valed.

EdZone Photographic Exhibition - Pilgrim Church Cloisters

2007-07-08T10:24:00.000+10:00

EdZone is a Department of Education flexible education facility located in the Pilgrim Uniting Church complex in Patterson Street. The results of a recent photographic project featuring the 1942 works of DG Wherrett are currently on exhibition in the Church Cloisters and well worth a look.
The DG Wherrett series from 1942 features black and white images of Launceston streetscapes. EdZone students recently retook those photos from the same angles to provide a fascinating before and after study of the evolution of Launceston. The Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery have kindly lent the original photos for the exhibition and the current EdZone series will be donated to their collection at the end of the display.

Given the number of photos the exhibition will feature 3-4 sets of 20 photos, so keep coming back to see the different series.

The EdZone team would love to see the materials collated into a book and published, so if you're able to assist with sponsorship and/or publising expertise please contact EdZone Project Officer, Shaun Hall, on 0400 693 710.

Memo to OneCare

2007-06-05T10:26:00.000+10:00

In recognition of the Dalai Lama's visit to Australia this week.... I thought I'd publish the following quote from his Holiness as a timely message to the Board of OneCare after their unprincipled decision to pull out of the operation of the Philip Oakden House hospice before another operator for this community funded site could be secured.

"Unfortunately, love and compassion have been omitted from too many spheres of social interaction for too long. Usually confined to family and home, their practice in public life is considered impractical, even naive. This is tragic."

Find a heart, One Care. And if POH isn't to be utlised as a hospice in the future as the community demands, make sure you turn the building over to another worthy community use rather than subsuming it into your aged care provision.

Tasmania puts NEWPIN on the COAG Agenda.....but community support still vital to securing the future

2007-04-24T17:07:00.000+10:00

Some exciting developments have occurred recently in the battle to secure NEWPIN's future in Tasmania, but there's still much to be done and Northern NEWPIN at Mowbray will continue to need broad community support from people like you and I.

Although Northern NEWPIN are still a long way from securing the funding needed to operate into 2008 and beyond, we received some very welcome news on Thursday 12 April when Premier Paul Lennon announced that he would be tabling a paper on Early Childhood and Child Care at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting scheduled for the following day.

That paper contained the following proposal as one of the action items:
Action Item 23 with Commonwealth Support: Fund the intensive parenting program (NEWPIN) for at-risk and vulnerable mothers, on a statewide basis.

If successful, the joint State-Australian Government initiative would provide NEWPIN places for up to 90 families statewide.

This is a wonderful boost to have the Tasmanian Government recognise the value of this fantastic program and place it on the national agenda. However, the outcome is far from certain.

Readers of this Blog can help in the awareness campaign with the Australian Government by:
1) Becoming informed about NEWPIN through sources such as those referred to in earlier posts on grassroots.
2) Writing a letter to Michael Fergusion, Liberal Member for Bass, urging him to support Action Item 23.
3) contacting NEWPIN on 63263948 and offering to buys a t-shirt for approx $15 and then wearing that shirt all until strangers tell you they're sick of it.

Keep up the good fight. :-)

btw - I've recently read a book from the State Library called "no time to lose: the well-being of australia's children" (edited by sue richardson & margot prior) and found it to be an extremely thought provoking account of the welfare of kids in our contemporary society. If the wellbeing of kids is your passion, and particularly if you want to focus your thoughts for activism, I'd recommend you read "no time to lose."

Great editorial, but.......... PLUS what do Lightning Bolts, Cosmetic Surgery and Prayer Towers have in common?

2007-03-14T14:01:00.000+11:00

Monday March 12's editorial in The Examiner entitled "Most vulnerable in need of help" was a good piece, but it only told part of the story.

The thrust of the article was undeniable - State & Federal Governments should do more to help the vulnerable in society.

"Both State and Federal governments should use looming Budgets and even the federal election campaign to take another look at the way we treat some of the most vulnerable members of society"....

...."the simple fact is that thousands of Tasmanians are still struggling to meet their commitments. While political parties at all levels generally talk up their commitment to ensuring the disadvantaged in our communities get the help they need, they rarely seem to be a target audience during elections nor a genuine focus at Budget time. How we spread the benefits of the good times should be a measure of the success of our community. (Italics mine) The cases of people like...show that as a society we often fall short of the mark."

Yes, as a society we do often fall short of the mark. Why then is there no mention of individual and business responsibilities in the editorial? Governments assume the majority of society's responsibility to assist the vulnerable on our behalf (and they should allocate a greater proportion of the funds to that task), but don't we as individuals, as well as businesses that profit from many sources in a community, have our own obligations to share "the benefits of good times?"

If we want a better community; a community where more people want to live; a more diverse community where businesses have a greater range of staff to select from, and consumers to sell to; then everyone has to contribute something to the welfare of others. That's the whole reason for this Blog - to alert people to some of the possibilities.

After all the need is not declining. Just today the following information arrived in my Inbox courtesy of ProBono Australia:

"Community services are struggling to meet the public's demand for help, according to a national survey by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS).

Called Australian Community Sector Survey 2007 the survey found that a lack of funding or resources meant 1 in every 16 people who accessed a service were turned away from community services last year.

ACOSS Director Andrew Johnson says community services are under strain trying to meet the needs of disadvantaged Australians."

Readers can access the full ACOSS report from www.acoss.org.au

Finally, I'd love to know what people felt about the news last week that Launceston has just received a $100,000 48m Lighting Bolt for the Inveresk precinct as a gift from the University of Tasmania and various corporate donors.

At the risk of alienating the artistic community, have we really reached a point as a society where we can justify these extravagant examples of public art? Personally, I'd have rather seen the equivalent amount of steel go into building a home for Blokes United. Surely the art was in the creation of the original concept in the artist's mind and didn't need to take physical form to have validity?

For me, this is up there with elective cosmetic surgery amongst the best ways to waste money and human resources..........but fortunately we live in a democracy where such things are a matter of individual conscience. :-)

Post script

Not long after this post I found another local example of dubious spending. Did you see the story in the Religion column in Friday 16 March's Examiner? Zions Hill Church (located in the second most disavantaged suburb in Launceston, Ravenswood) are planning to construct a Prayer Tower for the use of churches throughout Launceston. Meanwhile, kids in the immediate vicinity will go to be hungry through no fault of their own, either because their parents don't have the economic resources to both feed and shelter them, or because they have prioritised drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and gambling ahead of their kids needs.

Now I've got nothing against prayer, I just thought it could be done anywhere and for free.

Although I got a bit (overly)excited about the story, the irony is in that in a community which opposes EVERYTHING (eg Pulp Mill, Gorge House, Regional Aquatic Centre, Tip Road etc etc) this development will probably proceed without registering a trace on the EEG of community consciousness.

As Mal Garvin says "It makes you think, doesn't it?"

An Insight from the Dalai Lama

2007-02-13T09:50:00.001+11:00

I've actually got 365 of them on my Desk Calender and most of them are worthy of appreciation regardless of one's spiritual views.

However this one in particular reflects the central theme of this Blog. That is, promoting active participation in the local community (& in these projects and organisations in particular) by as many Launcestonians as possible through the sharing of whatever skills, talents or resources they possess, in order to develop a better society.

"As far as your personal interests are concerned, the ideal is to have fewer involvements, fewer obligations, and fewer affairs, business or whatever. However, so far as the interest of the larger community is concerned, you must have as many involvements as possible and as many activities as possible."

Life is simple....don't complicate it.

The BLOKES are back!!!!!

2007-01-30T17:45:00.000+11:00

Blokes United is back!!!!

Blokes United is a core group of men that are working together to establish a Men's Network in Northern Tasmania.

And before you ask: no, we aren't talking about blokes sitting around a campfire reading bad poetry to each other or getting in touch with their primal roots through frantic tribal drumming.

I can assure my loyal reader(or more optimistically, readeeeeers) that Blokes United are about down to earth men working together to support each other in practical ways in everyday life.

In their own words:
"The Blokes United idea had its beginnings in 2003 when a group of Men from the Northern Suburbs of Launceston formed out of "a perceived need for lower income, underprivileged and lonely men to meet other men in a friendly and non aggressive environment..."

Many of the original members were "pensioners, of mature years", who were "socially isolated by their limited resources and circumstances." Regardless of their ages, they all shared the mission: Blokes supporting Blokes and other folk.

From the beginning what the Men wanted to achieve was clear:

1. A communal space for men to meet and socialise;
2. A workspace for men to undertake projects in the company of other men (i.e. a Men's Shed);
3. A program of social outings (eg fishing) and barbecues.

And finally, they wanted these activities to be organised by men for men so that they truly reflected what blokes wanted to do in the company of other blokes.

Over the following "two years there were numerous outings, barbecues and get togethers of men and at times, their partners and families. Men shared their unique stories and life experiences; their achievements and struggles - and their desire to pass on their wisdom to help others. Men also supported each other through crisis times in their lives such as critical health related problems."

Sadly, the search for both a home for the Blokes and a work shed proved elusive.

Most recently a number of fathers and fathers support workers have become part of Blokes United, bringing renewed strength, ideas and activism. The goals have broadened to include the formation of a Northern Men's Network and Men's Centre; as well as lobbying for the formation of a Men's Shed Workshop.

In short; if you're a bloke; Blokes United needs YOU!!!!! And quite possibly, YOU need the Blokes.

For more information, please contact:
Mick Goss - 63954129
John Edwards - 63367000
Garry Rafferty - 63365155

And if you have a shed available at a discounted rent or better that's located close to the City , then these Blokes definitely need to hear from you.

Go the Blokes!!!!!

Great news, but they need YOUR money! City Mission Halfway House for young people coming out of Ashley Youth Detention Centre

2007-01-20T12:54:00.000+11:00

Launceston City Mission announced this week that they had purchased a property in Launceston to provide accommodation to young people being released from Ashley Youth Detention Centre and who have no home to go to. They have established an appeal to raise $200,000 towards the purchase cost so that they don't have to take out a commercial loan.

The house will accommodate up to five young people and be supervised by house parents. The clients will also have access to Launceston City Mission Youth Workers and other specialist support services as required.

This is an important initiative which promises to fill a service need in Launceston for secure medium to long term housing and support for kids for whom other types of placements either haven't worked or are inappropriate.

We've contributed. I hope all our friends and readers will as well. Details of how to make a donation can be found at the City Mission website; remember to specify that you want your donation to go towards the Halfway House project.

Postscript: Sadly since the announcement there have been the usual doomsayers amongst the Letters to the Editor in The Examiner, predicting that property prices will crash and the neighbourhood will be plunged into an endless winter. Experience shows that the sun will continue to rise and that property prices will do likewise provided that the accommodation is well managed. I have every faith in City Mission to ensure that it is. And as an Examiner editorial pointed out this week, this is somewhere that young people will choose to opt into, rather than a State placement that could be viewed as an extension of institutional care.

Suicide: Less talk, more action needed from Government

2006-12-16T13:08:00.000+11:00

One of my first posts on Grassroots in August 2005 was of a submission that local youth workers had recently made to the Tasmanian Parliament Standing Committee on Community Development's enquiry into Suicide Prevention Strategies. 15 months on and the report of that reasonably extensive consultation has not yet been released.

Yesterday the Mercury published an article titled "Tassie suicide shock" which disclosed the fact that Tassie now has the 2nd highest suicide rate in the country after the Northern Territory and that our suicide rates have been 65% higher than the Australian average in both 2004 and 2005. The response from the State Government's Suicide Prevention Steering Committee: more talk. The Committee has announced an extensive round of community consultation for 2007, which will presumably be followed by a report.

My question is: why this has been commissioned when we haven't even seen the result of the Parliamentary enquiry? It seems that as with the Child Protection we are to have endless reports and minimal action (ie spending on specific suicide prevention programs and generally on strengthening the community sector's ability to provide basic services and intervention).

To borrow an expression from a good mate; this State operates on the Mirror Principle;................... "we'll look into it"

Whilst this may suit the Treasury officials who run this State I don't believe it's what we as a community want. If you agree, why not write to a Parliamentarian asking them to speed the release of the Parliamentary enquiry's report and to get on with the job of funding its recommendations?

The full Mercury article by Luke Sayer is reproduced below.

Tassie suicide shock
LUKE SAYER

December 15, 2006 12:00am

Article from: Font size: + -
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TASMANIA is failing to combat a major suicide problem, with the state 65 per cent above the national rate.

A shocking 82 Tasmanians killed themselves last year, just one less than 2004.

And instead of falling, Tasmania's death rate is climbing compared with the national average.

Tasmania's Suicide Prevention Steering Committee yesterday announced an intensive community consultation program for next year.

Committee chair Associate Professor Des Graham said the state must find more effective ways of addressing the suicide rate.

"We have managed to hold the rate but given we haven't got it down, then we need to do something differently," Prof Graham said.

The figures show the state has been getting worse compared with nationally.

"In 2001 the suicide rate in Tasmania was 14 per cent higher than the national rate," he said.

"In 2002 the Tasmanian rate was 13 per cent above the national average, in 2003 the gap widened to 34 per cent and in 2004 it rose again to 65 per cent above the Australian rate. (The difference in 2005 is believed to be about the same.)

"These figures are troubling and it's clear that as a community we need to find better ways to address the issue.

"Tasmania has the second highest rate of suicide in the country, behind only the Northern Territory."

Prof Graham said the problem needed tackling locally.

"And the key in Hobart may not be the same as it is in St Marys or somewhere else," he said.

Being creative and innovative was a priority.

"If we held a forum in Launceston, most young blokes wouldn't come along.

"But if we went to the local footy clubs and asked them for 15 minutes one night at training to talk to them, we could reach a lot more."

Prof Graham said the committee was reviewing the state's suicide prevention strategy and was keen to extend local plans.

"Suicide is a tragic and complex issue which results most often from an accumulation of risk factors extending into every aspect of society.

"This is a whole of community issue and the steering committee is keen to consult with as many people as possible while we review the suicide prevention strategy and develop an operational action plan."

He said warning signs should not be brushed aside.

"Preoccupation with death and talk of suicide should always be taken seriously," he said.

"An appropriate response when speaking to someone about suicide or self-harm is to listen, offer support and seek advice from health professionals.

"It is vital people seek help when they feel they are not coping. A range of services are available to assist."

Anyone needing help, or who knows someone who does, should contact their GP or a support service such as Lifeline on 13 11 14 -- or Kids Help Line on 1800 551 800 or the Mental Health Help Line on 1800 332 388.

Good Community Development must include Economic Development.....One practical way: the Women in Business Micro-credit Program

2006-10-27T15:21:00.000+11:00

If you've had the misfortune to converse with me lately on what makes good community development and I've bored you with the observation that effective community development must include economic development (through community-business partnerships, social enterprises and microbusinesses), I apologise. It's not an original thought, but one I endorse through experience. Only additional income through real jobs or profitable self employment can alleviate poverty and its debilitating consequences [Full Stop]

Knowing it, and achieving it in a practical sense on any meaningful scale, are two completely different things of course. Especially in a regional market the size of Launceston with our relative lack of social entrepreneurial skills and start up resources. Even then, I've yet to find too many examples of so called successful social enterprises in major cities that really generate that much employment without some level of grant input or cross subsidisation from other activities.

So I'm excited to have found out about DED & DPAC's Women in Business Micro-Credit Programbecause it's has real promise to improve people's lives. Extending micro-credit to women has proven to have been extremely beneficial to whole communities in the majority world, so there's no reason why it shouldn't be equally beneficial here. Whatsmore I know that there is no shortage of creativity, artistry and skills in the community which could be funnelled into worthwhile microbusiness endeavours.

For all I know I'm the last person of either gender in creation to discover the existence of this program. If not, check please check it out and send the information on to women whom you believe can benefit from this scheme.

Northern NEWPIN - 2 years old & just going along beautifully

2006-10-26T22:08:00.000+11:00

On Tuesday 24 October Northern NEWPIN celebrated its second anniversary with an at times emotional Open Day.

Existing and former members who have completed the program, spoke powerfully about the way the NEWPIN program and its amazing staff have helped change their, and their childrens lives, for the better over these first two years.

NEWPIN is clearly something special.

With the end of the first funding period approaching the wider commmunity needs to stand with members to ensure the program receives the recurrent funding that its success warrants.

Congratulations & happy birthday Northern NEWPIN & may there be many more to come.

Tree of Hope

2006-10-24T14:49:00.000+11:00

I feel the need for something upbeat & motivational & this is certainly that!

The Tree of Hope project was a collaboration between the University of Tasmania and the Launceston City Council to give primary school children in Launceston the opportunity to celebrate their hopes and dreams for the future.

Approximately 1070 Launceston students from grades 1 to 6 in 45 classes and 15 schools participated in the project. Researchers facilitated class discussions during which students explored ideas of hope and the future. Students discussed the extent to which their hopes and wishes represent personal, local, national or global wishes (or a combination of these).

They then individually wrote about their hope for the future on the "leaf" and decorated their leaf ready for display on the Tree of Hope. The completed leaves were then displayed on the Tree of Hope at an exhibition at the QVMAG between June & July this year.

The content was so inspiring that it's prompted the compilation of a book which is available for free download from the Tree of Hope website. I guarantee that it'll cheer up the saddest sack and soften the most cynical heart.

Here's the briefest of tasters from the section entitled Social Justice:

* That poverty will end so everyone can be happy. Ray (5/6 Norwood)

* My hope for the future is that people can afford to live well. Gabriel (3/4 West Launceston)

* In the future I wish no one is poor. Sam (3/4 Youngtown)

* I wish in the future that in other countries that they get more money. That there are more jobs. Ezra (3/4 Youngtown)

* So we all have jobs. Eddie (2/3 Glen Dhu)

* For poor countries and people to be happy and eat a good meal every night and day. Elsa (5/6 Youngtown)

* For everyone to have food and water. Abbey (3/4 Norwood)

* Food and water for the world. Alana (1 St Anthonys)

* That everyone has food and water. Make poverty history. That I always have friends and family. World peace. Jack (5/6 Norwood)

* Raise money for clean water for poor people and animals. Hannah (4 Summerdale)

* Everyone in the world has money. Harry (1 St Anthonys)

* That everyone will have enough money to buy food. Anna (1 St Anthonys)

* I want the world’s petrol price to go down. Kayla (4 Summerdale)

* I want to be rich and give money to the poor and victims of tsunamis, cyclones, etc. So they are happy. Jackson (6 Trevallyn)

* That people will go to Uganda to build some houses for poor people. Zak (4 Summerdale)

* To have more happy faces in the community. And to have more schools in other countries that need them. Zac Sh (3/4 Riverside)

Enjoy.

Nil desperandum (or am I chronically deluded)? Is there any hope for civil society in Australia?

2006-10-23T14:32:00.000+11:00

Australia is dead.
Apathy and envy killed it.
No, not the land itself, nor the Commonwealth,
just its once generous heart!

I recently arrived home from an overseas vacation. While I'm not unhappy to be home, I certainly didn't experience any sort of seminal moment or epiphany that would lead me to conclude that I lived in the best country on earth. In fact I was struck by how little discernible advantage there is in living in Australia, even in Tasmania, over Europe.

The events of the last few weeks have led me to conclude that we're either on a par with Europe, or in some ways inferior to it, with respect to both lifestyle and social policy. Perhaps not as crowded; but then again more disconnected from each other and a common identity. Certainly no longer an egalitatrian cradle of social democracy; just another modern economy where possessions predominate over people and class is equated with wealth and ostentatious consumption rather than personal values and character. No midday slowdowns and leisurely lunch with family here in the Lucky Country; just over work and unpaid overtime for those in work, and increasing poverty for those without it.

And I haven't had to look far to find evidence of our social decline, our transition to what Latham describes as an intellectual backwater. For example in the couple of weeks I’ve been home I’ve learned that:

1. The ascendency of "downwards envy" continues unabated. ABC radio's AM (Thursday 19th October) reported a survey by research firm The Hanover Group which found that people are now apparently hardened to homelessness and believe that the homeless only have themselves to blame… http://www.abc.net.au/am/indexes/2006/am_20061019.htm

2. Australians are now worth $348,493 per head with Costello crowing that "over the last eight years in Australia the rich have got richer and the poor have got richer." (The Examiner Thursday 19 October). Is this man in a parallel universe?Ironically this statement came in Anti-Poverty Week! I'm sure it'll be of comfort to the many people who aren't holding their share of the wealth! Perhaps he can tell it to the people interviewed by the Social Policy Research Centre for their March 2006 report "Experiencing Poverty: The Voices of Low-Income Australians" or Anglicare for their "Life on a Low Income: 2006 State of the Family"?

3. (Also in Anti-Poverty week) – the changes to Superannuation legislation proposed for July 2007 will make Super an even more "fantastic vehicle for wealth creation." Well yeah, but only if you have a job!

4. The housing crisis continues to deepen in Tasmania in the absence of a multi-faceted, whole-of-system response from State or Federal governments. This has prompted Anglicare Tasmania to lobby the Lennon Government for $100m for new public housing construction over four years in their "Submission to State Budget Consultative Process 2007-2008".

5. Iconic social entrepreneur Project Hahn has gone into administration and will be wound up leaving socially disadvantaged trainees jobless (Mercury Wednesday 18 October).

6. Other effective community organisations that are achieving tangible outcomes are threatened by short grant periods (3 years) and disinterest in social policy issues by a State government that prefers to sponsor football teams.

I don't know whether or not there is hope for civil society in Australia, or even Northern Tasmania? A decade of Howard and his normalisation of wedge politics and governing for the powerful at the expense of the powerless has given life to the phenomenon of "downward envy" and a focus on individual rather than collective wellbeing. Worse still State governments have copied the style where spin is pre-eminent over substance and there is no personal responsibility (unless it's for those at the bottom of the ladder).

The truly relevant question is then, what do I do? Do I give up the struggle as unwinnable or do I continue to devote my energies to a better world? Adopt the attitude of nil desperandum and soldier on; or immerse myself in the politics of self, focussing only on my and my family's own needs?

Psychologically, it'd probably be best to do a Latham. Certainly I wouldn't waste time contributing to formal politics at the expense of my family ever again.

But ultimately I know too many people out in the community who are working hard for others to ever rat on them. They deserve support even if it's tiring; even if its frustrating; even if we take one step forward and two steps back. It'd be a lot easier going though if there were a few more shoulders to the wheel...........

A LYNX is born

2006-07-12T16:27:00.000+10:00

lynx, name given to several related small, ferocious members of the cat family. Alternatively, an acronym for Lions Youth Network Xpress.

LYNX has arrived!

Following the hard work of Lions club members, youth leaders, workers and supporters and some dedicated young people themselves, LYNX (Lions Youth Network Xpress) has commenced operations.

LYNX seeks to fill the void left by the departure of Youth Insearch, but will offer its own brand of peer counselling and support with a strong Tasmanian flavour.

This is a very positive step forward for youth following the disappointment of Youth Insearch's abandonment of Tassie last year and everyone involved in the project is confident it will result in an even better product and outcomes.

For further information contact Mark Brown at markbrown59@hotmail.com

Congratulations Baby George

2006-07-12T16:26:00.000+10:00

The Examiner newspaper of 6 July 2006 reported on an act of corporate philanthropy that deserves celebration.

Launceston Benevolent Society had applied for a State Government grant of $3,000 to purchase disposable nappies to provide to their struggling clients. Ultimately this grant application was unsuccessful as reported by The Examiner.

Alison & Zach Taylor, owners of baby needs retailer Baby George, read about the unmet needs of the Society and its clients and decided to donate 1200 nappies to the organisation.

Thank you to the Taylors. I hope their contribution to the community of Launceston will inspire others. And I also hope that people in their demographic decide to check out their store.

Stand up, reach out and take (bold) action

2006-07-07T15:00:00.000+10:00

I found myself looking at a great book for youth (or old blokes like me for that matter) the other day; heroes (a guide to realising your dreams) by former AFL star Jim Stynes, Paul Currie and Jon Carnegie.

In it, amongst a whole heap of excellent quotes and inspiring stories, I found an old favourite. I hope it inspires you to get off your arse and take meaningful action today.

It is not the critic who counts,
not the one who points out how the strong one stumbles
or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the one who is actually in the arena,
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood,
who strives valiantly,
who errs and comes up short again and again
because there is no effort without error or shortcomings,
who knows great devotion,
who spends themselves in a worthy cause,
who at best knows in the end
knows the high achievement of triumph
and who at worst, if they fail while daring greatly,
knows their place shall never be with those timid and cold souls
who know neither victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt Twenty-Sixth President of the USA

For more information on Jim Stynes' youth work through the Reach Foundation check out this link.

Neighbourhood Houses? Do they add value to communities?

2006-02-14T17:01:00.000+11:00

If you've ever wondered about, or maybe doubted, the benefits to local communities of Neighbourhood Houses such as the Ravenswood Neighbourhood House or the Northern Suburbs Community Centre, perhaps you should read Strengthening Local Communities: An overview of research examining the benefits of Neighbourhood Houses (2005) - a report prepared for the Department of Victorian Communities and available from their Research and Publications webpage.

To quote from the Executive Summary: "The importance of the Neighbourhood Houses to disadvantaged and socially isolated groups cannot be understated."

The Executive Summary of this report authored by Jeanette Pope and Dr Deborah Warr is reproduced below.

Executive Summary
In late 2004 a group of Neighbourhood Houses in the City of Whitehorse approached DVC for advice about evaluating whether their services improved social outcomes for participants. The request from the Whitehorse group highlighted the similarities between the objectives of DVC and Neighbourhood Houses, in that they both focus on the idea that the community connectedness that results from social participation can improve outcomes for individuals and communities.

Neighbourhood Houses, of which there are approximately 360 across Victoria, are local
organisations that provide a broad range of community events and social, educational
and recreational programs at low cost. They aim to enhance the social and
economic development of communities and run on principles of inclusive
participation, community empowerment, life-long learning and active citizenship.

The study that is the focus of this report shows that Neighbourhood Houses have a
significant impact on the social and human capital of their participants. At their most simple they build networks that provide people with social support, personal
assistance and self-confidence. They also provide a range of learning programs that
build skills, most notably English language, computer and information technology,
parenting and work skills. These help participants manage daily life, deal with
difficult situations and transition into work, study or other activities.

Participation in Neighbourhood Houses also generates broader community benefits
related to broader connections developed. ‘Looser’ associational networks between
participants, workers and other institutions help people feel part of a community and
become more tolerant of difference. More importantly, for some participants the
positive experiences in the Houses lead them to want to give back to the
community and some become involved in volunteering, House committees, or
decision-making activities in the broader neighbourhood. This further develops
leadership and advocacy skills.

Participants’ reasons for coming to the Houses largely related to their need to
reduce social isolation or social disadvantage. Many made contact because they felt socially isolated as a result of being new to the area, or because their life circumstances had changed through events such as having children, the
death of a spouse or retirement. Others came to try and overcome disadvantage by
changing their life trajectories through skills development (to learn English, to learn to write, to develop work skills) or to find activities to give their life more enjoyment or meaning.

The importance of the Neighbourhood Houses to disadvantaged and socially
isolated groups can not be understated. Although Neighbourhood Houses offer
courses to all members of the community, it is significant that many of their
participants are from population groups that have limited opportunities to
participate in education elsewhere because of cost or entry requirements. The Houses
removed barriers, including cost, to participation by these groups and in some
cases this resulted in these groups having a voice in decision-making processes in
their local area.

Corporate Social Responsibility - a truly hard sell in Tasmania

2006-02-14T12:17:00.000+11:00

In my experience there are some very generous, contemporary thinking businesses in Launceston who genuinely want to contribute to the community, live their values and enjoy the commercial benefits of corporate philanthropy (or corporate social responsibility).

I personally thank cb&m design solutions; Hinman, Wright & Manser; Peter Lees Real Estate and entrepreneur Errol Stewart (through his patronage of the St Michaels Association) very much for helping to make Launceston a better community in which to live and work.

On the downside there are a lot of organisations who haven't caught up with either the substantial academic research or commercial experience which shows that corporate giving has positive effects on the bottom line. The benefits of Community Business Partnerships are well documented in Fact Sheet 3 on the PM's Community Business Partnership website. Some of these aren't immediately obvious but are really important for regional Australia. (eg helping to create a stronger community where people choose to live and work translates to a stronger customer and employee base).

If you're in business and doubtful about the benefits of giving (or if you're intending to pitch to business on behalf of your not for profit) I recommend that you also take advantage of a free webcast available on the CSR Summit website. Follow the prompts to listen to a presentation on Marketing Driven CSR by Martin McKinnon (formerly of QANTAS) at the CSR Summit 2005. I'm sure it'll go a long way towards convincing you to take another look at philanthropy.

Mayfield Youth Action Group wins major award

2005-12-26T09:15:00.000+11:00

In another compelling vote of confidence in Northern youth, the Mayfield Youth Action Group were joint winners of the Group Innovation Award in the 2005 Tasmanian Crime Prevention and Community Safety Awards.

This prestigous award was presented to MYAG members by the Deputy Premier at Parliament House in November and was made even more meritorious in that it was shared with the excellent Chance on Main youth project at Moonah.

See theTasmania Police website for further details.

MYAG is made up of local Mayfield youth, youth workers and interested members of the general community and aims to break down barriers between the generations through recreational and educational activities that motivate and equip community leaders, individuals and the community as a collective to join together in nurturing competent, caring and responsible young people.

The Crime Prevention and Community Safety award was presented to the group specifically for their work on the Active Communities-Health Youth Project. Funded under the Department of Health and Human Services Affordable Housing Strategy, the activities based program included a diverse range of activitis for young people and their families.

Examples included:
• ‘Get out of the Suburbs’ – a program designed to encourage youth to ‘get out of the suburbs’ on a monthly basis to enjoy outdoor ventures and activities; and
• ‘Eating with Families’ – this program enabled 70 people to sit down and share a healthy meal with their families.

The outcomes achieved were equally numerous and included:
• several young people gaining sufficient self confidence to go on to secure sustainable employment.
• a marked reduction in crime rates.
• the development of social support networks for young people where they previously didn't exist.

This well regarded project also won an award in the Launceston Children's Week awards in October.

The challenge now for MYAG and the Active Communities-Healthy Youth project is to secure ongoing funding to continue to assist the youth of Mayfield and to translate the many successes of this project into other key areas of need such as Ravenswood on a continuing basis.

This is only likely to occur if sufficient political pressure is brought to bear. I urge you to write to your State MHAs for Bass and/or the Federal MHR for Bass.

Youth Insearch give their reasons for quitting Tassie

2005-09-10T12:37:00.000+10:00

The following is the text of an open letter dated 3 September 2005 from Youth Insearch founder Ron Barr OAM to Tasmanian Youth Insearch Supporters explaining their decision to cease operations in Tasmania.

Dear Youth Insearch Supporters,

Unfortunately I must advise you that Youth Insearch is no longer operating in Tasmania.

As you are all probably aware this is our second attempt to establish the program in Tasmania and regretfully Youth Insearch in Tasmania has not achieved our expected outcomes.

There are a number of factors which have influenced this decision, the most recent being the number of support people from the last camp who indicated that they would not support the program in its current form. The changes requested would completely destroy the "essence" and simplicity of the program. This has been the reason for Youth Insearch's success and enthusiastic support over more than 20 years and twenty six thousand participants throughout Australia.

This decision in no way reflects on the energies and enthusiasm of Mark Brown, our Youth Liaison, whose position has now unfortunately become redundant.

Our young Leaders in Tasmania will not be disadvantaged by this decision as they will be facilitating camps as part of the National Team. They are excited to continue to be involved at this level.

On behalf of Youth Insearch I would like to thank Toby Crawford, who was instrumental in reintroducing the program to Tasmania, The Lions Clubs of Tasmania for their generous support and the loyal individual people who have supported us throughout the second period.

In conclusion this is a very sad time for Youth Insearch and I would like to wish everyone who has supported us every success in the future.

Kind Personal Regards

Ron Barr
Founder/CEO

x-ref Post titled "Northern Youth need your help"

Whilst we all know that doing business in Tasmania can seem harder than in any other State, it'd be fair to wonder how committed Youth Insearch really were to Tassie (despite the fact they received federal funding to operate here).

If you don't like their decision and/or their approach to Tassie please let them know by contacting them at enquiries@youthinsearch.org.au

Northern Youth need your help

2005-08-25T10:16:00.000+10:00

Recently a group of local paid and volunteer workers put in a submission to the Tasmanian Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Community Development's enquiry into Strategies for the Prevention of Suicide.

Two of these workers (Sally Coker, who volunteers with the Youth Insearch program, and Jane Chapman, a Youth Worker/Family Liasion officer from the Northern Suburbs Community Centre) subsequently addressed the Committee in Launceston on 4 August 2005. At the hearing Sally and Jane were able to voice their concerns about the lack of youth services and support workers available to disadvantaged, disheartened and suicidal youths in their local communities. For example there is no professional youth worker and/or youth activities program in Ravenswood despite there being a relatively high proportion of the population who are aged 15 years or under. (To read a transcipt of their evidence please go to the Parliament of Tasmania's
Joint Standing Committee on Community Development's webpage, select the link for 4 August 2005 and refer to Pages 92-98).

Since the hearings the workers and their supporters have been lobbying both State and Federal politicians for support in getting the required resources into the community, but they need the public's support too. If you'd like to assist with lobbying or make comment on what's going on please see the Ravenswood and District Community Portal.

We've also discovered in the last week that Youth Insearch have closed their Tasmanian operations. This is a further blow to some 16 or so Northern kids who have been involved with the Insearch program in 2005.

x-ref Posts titled "Submission to Tas Parliamentary Committee - Suicide Prevention Strategies" and "Youth Insearch give their reasons for quitting Tassie"

Submission To Tas Parliamentary Committee - Suicide Prevention Strategies

2005-08-23T18:54:00.000+10:00

The following text is from a Submission to the Parliament of Tasmania's Joint Standing Committee on Community Development - Inquiry into Strategies for the Prevention of Suicide by Jane Chapman, Sally Coker and Mark Brown.

Incidence and Community Effects of Suicide in Socially Disadvantaged Communities in Launceston
Community Feedback on Prevention Strategies
Jane Chapman, Sally Coker, Mark Brown

INTRODUCTION
The authors work extensively with young people in the Rocherlea, Mayfield, and Ravenswood communities through the Northern Suburbs Community Centre, Ravenswood Neighbourhood House and Youth Insearch.

These communities rank as the three most socially disadvantaged communities in Launceston as measured by the SEIFA Index. (13 of 25 Launceston suburbs rank below the average Australian suburb rating of 1,000 points. As a point of comparison the least disadvantaged communities are Blackstone Heights 1086.3; East Launceston 1080.0; Legana 1061.8)

Rank by most disadvantaged
1. Rocherlea 628.7
2. Ravenswood 713.6
3. Mayfield 721.6
4. Waverley 789.7
5. Invermay/Inveresk 875.8
6. Mowbray 887.3
7. Punchbowl 897.7

These disadvantaged areas are characterised by:
1. Greater proportions of public housing ownership;
2. Greater proportions of single parent families;
3. Greater proportions of young people under the age of 15 years;
4. Greater proportions of households without access to private transport and therefore educational and employment opportunities; and consequently,
5. Lower workforce participation rates,
than other Tasmanian communities.

SUICIDE AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH THROUGH RISK TAKING BEHAVIOURS

It is our experience that suicide (and deaths through risk taking behaviours such as speeding and drug/alcohol abuse) are at extremely high levels within our communities. Suicide affects all age groups of residents, but is particularly noticeable amongst young people where it is at risk of becoming an entrenched part of the culture. The causes of suicide are individual and numerous, but it is probably not surprising that suicide is endemic in our communities in which antecedents such as poverty, unemployment, physical and sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse and social isolation affect so many people. At the same time a lack of resources directly on the ground in these communities (workers, older mentors etc) limit the opportunities for community engagement with vulnerable individuals and the relationship and trust building that is vital before disclosure and referral to specialist services (eg mental health; sexual abuse counselling etc) can take place.

DEFINING THE PROBLEM

The trend in service provision is towards specialised services operating out of a central hub, in our case Launceston City. Whilst this has obvious benefits for the quality of services that are provided for particular needs, it doesn’t necessarily serve the needs of local communities in itself. We believe that the relative isolation of our communities has led to a culture in which outside services are not readily known about, sort or accessed, and that our community therefore would be best served by having fulltime workers, particularly for young people, who can refer on to specialist counsellors when required.

It is also our experience and that of our community that suicide is the end product of people not knowing how or where to get help to deal with their primary problems (refer Appendix 1 “Had problems all their lives and never had any help (said about a victim of suicide)”)

In order to mount a strong argument for these resources we need to be able to verify our belief that people in broadacre public housing communities are faring worse with respect to social problems such as suicide than residents in other suburbs of Launceston.

Unfortunately this is virtually impossible to do with respect to suicide due to the fact that the lay community cannot access comprehensive statistics that would either confirm or disprove our beliefs.

The National Coroners Information System (NCIS) which collates extensive information on suicides, including usual place of residence, is only available to coronial investigators or medical researchers. The information that is published by the Department of Health and Human Services is out of date and only broken down by region (e.g. 63 telephone district)

Sadly we need to rely on this Standing Committee to access the data that will confirm our daily experiences as workers and community members.

THE EFFECTS OF SUICIDE ON SURVIVORS

Many people in the Rocherlea, Mayfield, Ravenswood and Waverley communities are deeply affected by grief stemming directly from the suicide of a person known to them within their local communities. It affects parents, friends, neighbours and workers in ever expanding circles with severe social, emotional and economic consequences.

Older residents in the more long standing suburbs such as Mayfield report that suicide has been a part of the life of their communities for many years.

Amongst the current generation of young people there is a real danger that it is being normalised as an appropriate way of dealing with chronic emotional pain that has gone untreated for too long.

PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR OUR COMMUNITIES

We believe the following prevention strategies are needed in our communities. Our emphasis is on early intervention.

1. Increased funding for community development and youth workers who will work directly in the local community. (This means providing or securing additional funding from FaCS to NSCC to employ a dedicated youth worker for Mayfield to supplement its service to Rocherlea; and a dedicated youth worker for Ravenswood).
2. Guaranteed funding for these positions and program development for a period of not less than 5 years.
3. Community based education programs on suicide facilitated by specialist workers.
4. Funding and organisation support (through DHHS) for regular development programs for local youth workers so they have a forum to network and undergo personal and professional development for the benefit of their clients. This forum would also provide a venue for specialist services (eg Laurel House Sexual Assault Support) to build rapport and educate locally based workers about what mutual clients can expect when they access that service.
5. Improved and expanded alternative education programs (particularly those that focus on vocational skills) targeting 12-15 year olds who have become disengaged from the formal education system. (eg Dept of Education/Housing Tasmania partnership to provide horticultural, fencing, paving training etc in local public housing properties).
6. Improved timeliness and greater transparency in the reporting of suicide trends so that assistance can be better tailored to local communities and population groups.

Appendix 1 – Consultation with Northern Suburbs Community
Appendix 2 – Identified issues in the Ravenswood Community
Appendix 3 – Supporting Information from Mark Brown

Appendix 1

STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION OF SUICIDE
“Most people don’t want to die but they need help to live”

FACTS:
 There is a noticeable lack of knowledge on: where to go for help, what do you do if you think someone is at risk.
 Nowhere in the Northern Suburbs to go for help. Nothing local or in the community.
 High rate of youth suicide in the Northern Suburbs. Approx. 12 in the past 12 months that we know of.
 There is a lack of resources and workers that deal with mental health in the Northern Suburbs. The known workers/faces are dealing with this issue more and more but are under funded and resourced
 There is a need for community awareness
 There is a need for community education
 The attitude of suicide by some community members needs to be addressed
 It is a Mental Health issue
 It is a Social Justice issue
 The need to change the way deaths and treatment of mental illness is addressed by the police.
OPINIONS:
 The community believes that the issue should be dealt with in the local community
 Needs workers at ground level, who actually work in the community
 We see the results but don’t have any backup – Ward 1E is the only facility to deal with this issue.
 Northern Family Support Guide 2005 has 2 points of contacts listed and are crisis services only.
 We believe that self-esteem of communities in general needs to be lifted to address this issue. Employment and education can empower individuals.
 The community needs to know what to do when faced with a suicidal individual.
 Relationship training is needed amongst young people.
 Drug and alcohol are contributing factors.
 There is a high level of school non attendance in the Northern Suburbs.
ARGUMENTS:
 Due to the high number of youth suicides a worker is needed.
 There is a distinct lack of resources and workers in the Northern Suburbs with full time work or ongoing funding.
 People are finding it difficult to cope with everyday living.
 The Northern Suburbs communities are low-income areas.
 As police are the first point of contact what training do they have. What do they have in place.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION:
 More money into the Northern Suburbs not token amounts that are currently received.
 Continual support with ongoing funding
 Community based programs and education.
 Development of social networks for disadvantaged communities

ACTION RESEARCH
By Jane Chapman – Youth Worker/Family Liaison Worker

Northern Suburbs Community Members consultation

What do you think could be strategies for prevention of suicide in your community?

 More services for youth to go to
 Awareness on how to cope with people who are about to commit suicide
 Coping with work stress
 Try to define underline problem
 Had problems all their lives and never had any help (said about a victim of suicide)
 Need to talk about suicide more openly
 More out in the open, in the community, awareness campaign
 Mental illness problem dealt with
 Have a community based program
 Nowhere to turn to in Launceston. Only LGH Ward 1E.
 I tried to find help for a young person and all that was available was ward 1E and the youth was instantly given medication that they had a bad reaction to. That added to their issues.
 Drugs and Alcohol need to be addressed as this can be an underlying issue
 Psych ward takes too long to get an appointment and is only short term
 Need a community support person that we all know
 Local level support person
 The community needs something to do
 Community needs to be more acceptable of people with problems
 Use a pre war idea of community values, where people actually care about each other.

Youth Suicide Notes – Ravenswood
Sally Coker – Ravenswood Neighbourhood House

• Lack of knowledge as to where to go to get support or advice
• Lack of transport, to limited services in the city-need seems to arise more at night and weekends
• Lack of support services in local suburbs
• Not sure of youth suicide in Ravenswood but personally have known 10 in the last 12 months in the north which doesn’t include any of Mayfield’s. 3 members from r.n.h. have lost children to suicide in the last 12 months
• Many Ravenswood youth affected by suicide in other northern suburbs as they go to school or have gone to school with these youth
• No trained workers in Ravenswood to work with youth under 18
• Services like Laurel House stretched to breaking point
• Drug use a big issue and only service available at The Corner half day once a week with a waiting list
• Lack of support by some community members (attitude to problem, don’t address it and hopefully it’ll go away)
• Lack of community education
• Low self esteem in the community (lack of jobs, education)
• I see peer pressure as a big part of this-relationship issues and how to handle relationships that they may not be ready for or mature enough to deal with
• Lack of knowledge of how to support someone who is suicidal
• More long term youth workers in schools or neighbourhood houses that youths can build a rapport and trust with and trust with disclosures etc.
• More support from Education in supporting students with issues and non participation at school (looking at ground roots of the issues and believing what they’re told, not making an opinion and ignoring some or all the issues)
• More education around suicide in an open non threatening way including compulsory education forums for parents.
• Self esteem building at primary school level to minimise peer pressure, drug, alcohol issues (this might mean just having someone who will listen to you in a non-judgemental way)
• To maybe follow by self esteem building for the whole community somehow
• Youth workers need to be out there doing things with youth not sitting behind desks looking at paperwork
• Youths that have friends that have or are talking about suicide have no one in their local communities trained to discuss how they’re feeling or how to cope in their day to day anger and grief
• Lack of things to do in Ravenswood big issue

Boredom, depressed = drugs, alcohol = more depression

Parliamentary submission into Strategies For The Prevention Of Suicide
Supporting information by Mark Brown – Youth Insearch Liaison Officer

• The Northern Suburbs appear to be disadvantaged by access to (and from) a multitude of centrally (CBD) located health and associated services.
• It is acknowledged that much of the Northern Suburbs population and in particular, its young people don’t have the finances, motivation or knowledge to access these services.
• The lack of opportunity to access “local” or “outreach” services means that many people in this area can’t (lack of finances), won’t (lack of motivation) or don’t (lack of knowledge) access them elsewhere.
• People who can access these services in the CBD are usually confronted by “waiting lists”, leading to frustration and disconnection with the service.
• A community which suffers from the opportunity or ability to develop a healthy “social fabric” suffers from the broad range of symptoms that arise from that loss of opportunity or lack of ability.
• It is recognised that the lack of a broader range of community development opportunities, range of local recreational, employment, professional and health services available, and heightened level of community apathy has had a significant and detrimental affect on what underpins and is supposed to support the Northern Suburbs community as a whole (the social fabric).
• The incidence of suicide by (especially by young people) in the Northern Suburbs appears to be alarmingly high, especially in the last 12 months.
• A wide range of negative issues contribute to and result from the incidence of suicide, and have a further detrimental affect on the social fabric of the community.
• It should be recognised that everyone in the community suffers in some way from the effects of suicide.
• A broad population within the community appear to have lived with a culture of suicide and feel that is part of their community.
• There appears to be a community wide (and broad based) need for awareness and education into the whole picture of suicide and associated issues.
• Positive (and locally based) initiatives and opportunities, which add value to a community need to be offered, embraced and celebrated by the community.
• It has to be respected that the social fabric of the community will only get stronger and improve if (and when) the community as a whole can start to appreciate, understand, take ownership and perhaps most importantly, be equipped with the resources to address the underlying problems and issues which affect it.

Since this submission The Australian Democrats have published their annual Youth Poll.

The national poll canvases young people's opinions on a broad range of subjects. Once again the issue of suicide is highlighted with some 57% of respondents knowing a young person who has either attempted or committed suicide.

Whilst the size of this sample and the methodology used are unclear, it does add to the body of anecdotal and scientific evidence confirming that more work needs to go into suicide prevention. For a copy of the survey please see http://www.democrats.org.au/campaigns/youth_poll_2005/

x-ref Post titled "Northern Youth need your help"

Ravenswood and District Community News

2005-06-06T16:54:00.000+10:00

The Ravenswood and District Community Newspaper is a genuine "community newpaper" that is distributed for free in its community of interest.

Based at the Ravenswood Neighbourhood House, the paper is becoming increasingly popular with each monthly edition. It receives regular contributions from community members, organisations that service the community and local schools. Now circulating from Rocherlea in the north to St Leonards in the south, it is the voice of the Northern and Eastern Suburbs. Regular features include:

Contributions from Ravenswood, Waverley and St Leonards Primary Schools
Articles on topical subjects including community and personal safety, health and services
Quick and healthy recipes, and,
A Community Business Directory that provides the best value advertising in Launceston

To contribute an article or discuss your advertising enquiries please contact John Symmonds C/- the Ravenswood Neighbourhood House on 63391543.

Northern Suburbs Community Centre

2005-06-06T16:52:00.000+10:00

Northern Suburbs Community Centre Inc. is a not for profit organisation that operates vital services in the Northern Suburbs of Launceston including:

A Community Centre at 1 Archer Street, Rochelea, Ph 63265506
Community Centres at Joffre Street, Mowbray (Mon-Wed) and Dover Street, Mowbray (Thu-Fri) Ph 63266776
The Li-Lea-Pad Childcare Centre at 11 Blackwood Drive, Rocherlea Ph 63266786
Northern NEWPIN at Dover Street, Mowbray (Mon-Wed) Ph 63263948 - see separate Post

As part of DHHS's Neighbourhood House program NSCC's aims are to:

Build Community (build and support community networks of inclusiveness, involvement, trust and mutual co-operation and develop community spirit)
Support people and their families (build personal knowledge, skills and resilience and develop the health and wellbeing of individuals and their families)
Enhance Choices (extend training and employment readiness to help individuals achieve economic independence)

Some of the more significant programs include:

Family Links (Family Support)
Extreme Team (Youth Service)
Take-a-Break Childcare
Vacation Care
Northern NEWPIN
The Goldies (Women's Group for the mature aged)
Blokes United (Men's Group)
Active Communities-Healthy Youth (Mayfield)
Communities for Children
Op Shops
Numerous adult education courses

The Northern Suburbs include areas of significant social disadvantage and relative poverty including Rocherlea, Mayfield and parts of Mowbray. Disadvantage is linked to high concentrations of public housing, with Rocherlea having the highest density of public housing in Tasmania. People in these communities are isolated by poor transport links, lower rates of access to private vehicles, lack of comparable community resources and unfair social stigma.

Despite these barriers the Northern Suburbs community and the staff and volunteers of NSCC in particular, are rich in talented people with unbounded enthusiasm and a desire to work collaboratively for the benefit of the wider community.

Existing funding is largely provided by the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services, with supplemental income from special purpose grants from all levels of government and occasional corporate philanthropy and private donations.

Whilst this funding delivers some great services (including those mentioned above) that improve people's health, skills, and ability to access employment and other opportunities for social inclusion; the extent of need is much deeper than the current funding level provides for. Consequently NSCC would always welcome more volunteers and more donors.

I'd encourage all Launcestonians to become familiar with NSCC and its works.

Cash donations will be split equally between Family Support; Youth Services; Men's Health; Child Development and Special Projects including developing better transport options.

Transport has been identified as a key unmet need and priority for fundraising. This is because poor transport links are a huge barrier to effective participation in society for the people of the Northern Suburbs (and similar communities such as Ravenswood) where household car ownership rates are much lower than in affluent suburbs; significant numbers of residents are experiencing poverty and cannot afford the fares for the irregular Metro services (often forcing people to walk long distances to the City for services such as Centrelink); and there are large numbers of single parent families with young children for whom Metro bus travel is either very difficult or impractical at best.

Northern NEWPIN "Courage to Change Together"

2005-06-06T12:29:00.000+10:00

Northern NEWPIN is a befriending and therapeutic network providing support for parents and young children. Northern NEWPIN is a service of the Northern Suburbs Community Centre and is based at the Neighbourhood House at Dover Street, Mowbray. Ph 63263948/63266776 Fax 63267310

NEWPIN (New Parent and Infant Network) originated in the United Kingdom in 1982 as a national voluntary organisation. The organisation was created in response to the needs of new mothers experiencing issues such as isolation, mental illness, family violence, social disadvantage, low self-esteem and those at risk of physically or emotionally abusing their children. Today there are 18 NEWPIN Centres in the UK.

The primary advantage of the NEWPIN program is the fact that it is founded on strengths based practice. This means that trained staff work collaboratively with members to identify their individual strengths and assist them to use these strengths to bring about positive changes in their lives. The program itself is underpinned by four key values that guide all interactions between participants:

Support
Equality
Empathy
Respect

UnitingCare Burnside purchased the Australian licence for NEWPIN and opened the first Australian NEWPIN centre focusing on the needs of parents or carers with kids under the age of five years, at Bidwill in western Sydney in 1998.

Northern Suburbs Community Centre were successful in obtaining three year funding to run the program in the Northern Suburbs of Launceston through the Tasmanian Community Fund. This franchise is fully supported with the expertise of UnitingCare Burnside.

This first Tasmanian NEWPIN Centre opened in October 2004 at Dover Street, Mowbray, and already has a strong and growing membership .

If you are the parent of a child under five; live in the Northern Suburbs of Launceston; are feeling lonely and in need of support; and want to make changes in your life, I encourage you to call the NEWPIN Co-ordinator on 63263948 to discuss whether NEWPIN is for you.

If you're in a position to assist the service through cash or in kind donations of goods or professional services please contact NEWPIN on the numbers listed above.

I'm an honorary member of the Northern NEWPIN Steering Committee. For a more independent assessment & perspective (including feedback from the Mums themselves) please feel free to visit:

The Ravenswood and District Community Portal article Meet the Mums at NEWPIN which orininally appeared in the August 2005 edition of the Ravenswood and District Community News.

Women Tasmania's article on NEWPIN's category win in the Women and Safety in the Community Awards 2005.http://www.women.tas.gov.au/news/wscawards.html

Tasmanian Community Fund http://www.tascomfund.org/newpin.html

National NEWPIN (UK) http://www.newpin.org.uk/

UK Childcare Practices website http://www.ukchildcare.ca/practices/astart2.shtml

Illicit drugs in Launceston - be informed

2005-06-04T09:20:00.000+10:00

Get the facts - see the Launceston Drug Action Plan at the Drug Education Network website and get educated for your family's sake