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National Reconciliation Week: 27 May - 3 June 2012 |
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 National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated Australia-wide each year from 27 May to 3 June. May 26 is National Sorry Day, May 27 marks the anniversary of the successful 1967 referendum and June 3 commemorates the High Court Mabo decision. These dates are significant milestones in the reconciliation journey. This year, 2012, is a significant year as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Indigenous right to vote, 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy creation and the 20th anniversary of Mabo day.
This year the theme is Let’s Talk Recognition - with a focus on how Australians can better recognise each other, and recognise the contributions, cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. UnitingCare Queensland will be celebrating NRW again this year on 31 May, 1-2pm at the group office, 193 Herschel St (5th floor), in Brisbane City. It is an ideal time for UnitingCare Queensland to join this conversation and to reflect on our commitment to our Reconciliation Action Plan for 2012 and 2013, to achieve recognition and social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Want more info about the NRW or ideas for events? The 2012 National Reconciliation Week kit is available to download. |
 | Welcome to Anna Moynihan who joined UnitingCare Queensland as Director Service Strategy, Social Policy and Research, on 27 February 2012.
Prior to this new executive role, Anna was Assistant Director General, Strategy Policy and Performance at the Department of Communities with the Queensland Government. Anna is well known across the NGO sector because she has led whole of government initiatives relating to the community services sector including funding legislation, the Queensland Compact and the response to the community sector wages case. She has also led the Department’s Community Recovery policy and work program. Prior to her work with the Department of Communities, Anna was the Executive Director of Social Policy within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Anna has a track record in driving reform in complex areas including homelessness, Indigenous policy, child protection, population and primary health, service system integration and measuring human service delivery outcomes. Service Strategy, Social Policy & Research, will now incorporate what was UnitingCare Social Justice, led by Greg Mackay and will also include Social Policy and Research, with UnitingCare Chair Professor Jill Wilson. In her new role Anna and her team will be working closely with our CEO, the service group Executive Directors and UnitingCare Australia on key strategic projects in the areas of: - integrated person-centred service delivery and community-based partnerships that make a difference
- social policy and advocacy that help tackle disadvantage; and
- research that improves our knowledge about good policy and practice, now and into the future
| | | To reflect these changes, this web page is undergoing re-design. |
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National Close the Gap Day: 22 March 2012 |
 UnitingCare Queensland celebrated National Close the Gap Day on 22 March at the group office, 193 Herschel St, in Brisbane City. Close the Gap Day reminds us of the 17-year life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians and unites us through commitment to closing the gap. The nationwide campaign's focus for 2012 is on the need for genuine, meaningful partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at all stages of health planning and delivery. The Australian Government recognises that is essential to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to close the gap in Indigenous health equality within a generation. The Prime Minister has released the annual report for 2012 on the progress of closing the gap. Read the Shadow Report published by the Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee which provides an independent assessment on the Australian Government's progress towards closing the gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. Learn more about the Close the Gap campaign at the Oxfam Australia website Show your SUPPORT and Sign the Close the Gap pledge. |
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Launch of UnitingCare Queensland's Reconciliation Action Plan for 2012 and 2013 |
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Unified, positive and healthy! At the beginning of 2011, UnitingCare Queensland celebrated its commitment to developing a reconciliation action plan (RAP). On the 9 February 2012, UnitingCare Queensland launched the Reconciliation Action Plan for 2012 and 2013 at kuril dhagun at the Queensland State Library. View the photos and comments from the RAP launch 2012. We celebrated the RAP with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers sharing a traditional dance and song along with the viewing of a short film on the reconciliation experience of UnitingCare Queensland's staff and stakeholders. The UnitingCare Queensland's Reconciliation Action Plan is a two year plan intended as an overarching document for UnitingCare Queensland and its service groups. It provides a framework for developing relationships, respect and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the organisation, including identifying employment opportunities and leadership development. Download the UCQ RAP 2012 and 2013 document here (1.05 MB) Please email
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if you're interested in receiving a copy of UnitingCare Queensland's RAP for 2012 and 2013. |
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Launch of the Stolen Generations’ testimonies website |
 The Stolen Generations' testimonies website was launched at a morning tea by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin. The website, funded in part by the Australian Goverment, has recorded the lives and experiences of more than 30 Stolen Generation members to mark the fourth anniversary of the National Apology to Indigenous Australians. Jenny Macklin has also been presented with seven historically significant documents showing the ongoing process of healing and reconciliation by the National Sorry Day Committee. These documents will be on display in the Parliamentry library on the Anniversary of the Apology (Feb 13) and National Sorry Day (May 26). The Australian Goverment recognises that ongoing suppport and understanding is needed and has provided the National Stolen Generations Alliance with $150,000 to undertake a range of activities to build understanding of the needs and history of Stolen Generation members. Grants of up to $500 from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation, funded by the Government, have also been awarded to more than 100 community groups across Australia. Read the testimonies that have been generously shared on The Stolen Generations' testimonies website. Image above: The Stolen Generations' Testimonies websites homepage (Does not include all members in image) |
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A toolkit for developing place-based responses to disadvantage |
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UnitingCare Social Justice has produced a toolkit for developing place-based responses to disadvantage. The purpose of this toolkit is to assist in planning, organising, implementing and evaluating place-based projects. It includes guidelines for developing regional action plans as well as a section on creating and fostering a community of practice. Information in this report can be used to further knowledge and services for people experiencing locational disadvantage. The toolkit emerged from the Action Plan and A Framework for Responding to Place-Based Disadvantage (1.29 MB), focussing on assisting UnitingCare Queensland to develop programs and services in response to the issues raised in the Scan of Disadvantage in Queensland 2010. Download the toolkit here (1.14 MB). Will be sent soon to those requesting copies. Please email
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if you're interested in receiving a copy of the toolkit. |
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 socialJUSTICE 8 Solitary Confinement and Seclusion is a special edition created for Social Justice Sunday. This is a confronting and powerful edition focusing on the issues of confinement.
To view or download socialJUSTICE click here To receive the FREE socialJUSTICE e-newsletter click the subscribe tab at the left on the menu bar or email
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with your postal address for a free hard copy. socialJUSTICE is released twice a year or when a prominent issue arises. |
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